Tuesday, March 26, 2013

11 Things You'll Never Hear Me Say

This is the cutest idea for a post ever. I loved reading BHB’s version last week so much that I had to do my own!

So without further ado... 11 things you’ll NEVER, EVER hear me say!



1. “I know it comes in leopard, but I think I’m gonna go with plain black instead.”

2. “This is my last $20... I probably shouldn’t put it into this penny slot machine.”


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3. “Air conditioning is an unnecessary expense.”

4. “What's the appeal of Home Goods? I don't get it."

5. “ASU is definitely the better school over U of A.”

6. “I’m not really in the mood to go out for a fancy dinner.”

7. “Who cares if there’s crumbs all over the couch and coffee table?”

8. “Sushi? No way. That is so gross."




9. “I’m gonna skip the mall. I don’t really need anything so why go in the first place?”

“10. A hike in the 90 degree heat? Great idea!”

11. “Get that French bulldog away from me!”


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Maybe one of my favorite posts I’ve ever written. Go do yours and leave me the link, I want to read more of these! Such a fun way to learn more about people! 

Monday, March 25, 2013

Had To Have It: A Pretty Flared Dress

Get excited ya'll! It's time for another edition of Had To Have It :)

Over the weekend I headed to the mall for a couple of hours of alone time. It's been a while since I've shopped by myself - online shopping not included, of course - and I forgot how efficient I can be when I'm alone! 

I returned a dress at Nordstrom and stopped by J.Crew to check out their sale and then decided to stop by Gap before I left to see what was new over there. I was browsing through the store, admiring their cute new striped tanks and little leather pouches - when I came across a rack full of pretty colorful dresses. I pulled one out to take a look and immediately fell in love. Off to the dressing room I went!

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I am seriously obsessed with the beautiful bright patterns and colors - each one was prettier than the next! They're also incredibly silky and soft, and super comfortable. They would work well for the office with a cute pair of flats and a cardigan, and can easily be dressed up with a big pair of colorful earrings and some cute wedge heels. I am already planning on wearing mine to the first Passover seder tonight, and one to a bridal shower later this month!

Okay - I know you're dying to know which one I ended up with :) Well, in typical Jordan fashion, I left with two! I couldn't decide between the rainbow polka dots and the navy ombre pattern, so I bought both! Yup, I Had To Have It Them! Luckily, they were both on sale :) 

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(FYI, they look much shorter online than they really are - mine goes to my knees!)

The navy ombre is sadly sold out online, but the rainbow design is still available - and I also love the bright green dots, the yellow and navy floral, and the hot pink stripes! Go get your own now!

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

A Fancy Luncheon

It's always a fun thing when I get to get all dressed up in snazzy clothes and join my mama at her fancy luncheon!

Yesterday I took the day off work to attend The Jewish Federation's big spring luncheon, It Takes A Woman. I go every year to support my mom and look forward to it all year long. 

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Every year, the Federation features a cool keynote speaker at the event - in the past, we've heard from Jennifer Weiner, Lauren Weisberger, Marlee Matlin, Suzanne Somers, and yesterday... Camryn Manheim! 

Before the event actually started I arrived to take pictures with my mom - and right away she introduced me to Camryn. I am not one to get starstruck so it was just nice chatting with her - she was SO friendly and outgoing! She immediately wanted to know all about me and asked about my boyfriend and what I do - she also couldn't believe I was 27 and insisted I had to be a 17 year old high school senior. I assured her I was not. She still called me "a young puppy." I was pleased :)

The actual luncheon was very nice. We sat at a table with all my mom's pals and all cheered when my mom made her big speech. I was VERY PROUD!

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Oh, I wore a black lace Banana Republic dress (actually part of their old Mad Men collection), my insane new gold glitter J.Crew heels, and my fabulous new statement necklace, which, not to brag, I got a MILLION compliments on. I wish I could link to it again so you could go get yourselves one but it SOLD OUT! I like to think I had something to do with that :)

RF was there. We took a selfie pic - you can see my necklace peeking out!

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When it was finally time for Camryn to speak, she was PHENOMENAL. The whole room of 400+ women were laughing hysterically as she talked about growing up as the child of Jewish educators, how she got her start in acting, her first day at The Practice, and why she chooses to give back to the community. She was really a wonderful speaker and as soon as the program ended, I insisted my mom come with me to congratulate her... and ask her for a picture :) I'm so cheesy. 

Here we are! New besties :)

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And of course, as all good events do, the day ended with a dessert plate.

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All in all, a fabulous day. I am so glad I got to be there to support the Federation - AND my beautiful mama!!! 

Friday, March 15, 2013

Random Thoughts On A Sunny Friday Afternoon


Some random thoughts for you today on this gorgeous sunny LA Friday....

My sister, the darling Bailey J, is in town. We have been very busy  having a grand old time together with Martha Jewart - we went to the Rose Bowl Flea Market, had delicious dinners at Akasha and Baco Mercat, and have been doing a lot of couch snuggling. I miss her when she is not here :(


I am really excited to cross another "27 For 27"goal off my list - I booked a trip to Seattle! R and I are going in a few weeks and the day after we get there, my mom and grandma will be joining us. If you have any good recommendations - restaurants, must-sees, touristy things - I would seriously LOVE to hear them! We are staying a couple blocks away from Pike Place Market at the Alexis Hotel so if you know of anything in the area, please let me know!

After months of waiting, the Kate Spade for Keds collection came out and I, lover of ballet flats/ owner of zero sneakers, promptly snapped up a pair of the polka dot lace-ups. They are currently on their way to me as we speak and my fingers are crossed that they look as cute in real life as they do in my head because you know I've already dreamed up a million little ensembles.


I have six weddings, three showers, two bachelorette parties, and at least four other events coming up this spring/summer. To me that means two things: 1) my friends are all getting married and 2) I need to buy some new awesome dresses. I am the type of person who HATES re-wearing something twice if I'm going to be photographed a lot in it (who do I think I am? Mariah Carey?) but in case you're new around these parts I ALSO like buying expensive dresses. HMMM. That causes some problems because no way can I afford 15 new dresses despite how much I want them. The search begins now... more on that soon!

Some of you may have seen on Instagram that I met New York Times bestselling author Jodi Picoult this week! She was at my work for a special event and I was on hand to take pictures. She was adorable in her little flowered dress! She read from her new book, The Storyteller, which I promptly bought and had her sign :) This was really very special for me because she is one of my favorite authors - I've read every single one of her books and love how intricately she weaves each layer of her stories. I highly recommend trying one - my favorites are The Pact, Plain Truth, Nineteen Minutes, Second Glances, and of course, now The Storyteller, which I am 95% done with already!


I finally hit 200 "official" Google Friend Connect followers over the weekend and I am freaking THRILLED. I've been blogging for almost 3.5 years - that's a long time. I love and appreciate each and every one of you who come read the nonsense that comes out of my mouth! If you haven't become an official follower yet - now is the time… I feel a special celebration GIVEAWAY coming on!!!!

Have a great weekend ya'll! XOXO

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Style File

A couple months ago I read this fun little Style Q&A on a blog and thought the questions seemed so fun and interesting - I bookmarked it to post on here and just recently got around to filling it out. Some of these questions really made me think!

Describe your personal style in five words or less:  
Girly, colorful, patterned, accessorized, and sparkly!


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Who/what inspires your personal style, influencing what you're drawn to and what you end up wearing?
I find inspiration in tons of places - blogs, magazines, catalogues, boutiques, even people on the street! I try and remember that not everything will look good on everyone, but there’s always a way to pull off a trend if you’re determined. Every morning when I get dressed I think about what I have to do that day - important meeting? Fun dinner with friends? Hanging out with a baby? - and then I choose clothes that will allow me to be comfortable and confident all day long.


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Anyone who looks into my closet can instantly tell you what I like: lots of dresses, colorful silk blouses, glitter and sequins on everything, ballet flats in every color, stripes, polka dots, and a SHITLOAD of leopard print. I like being comfortable (who doesn’t) but I live in LA... I have to step it up! Most days you can find me wearing a dress with ballet flats and an open cardigan, and when I go out at night you can usually find me in skinny jeans, colorful wedge heels, a black tank top, and either a patterned blazer or blouse on top with some sick earrings or a huge necklace.

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Where have you found some of your most treasured style items? 
As I always like to say, I’m a digger - that means I’ll always put in the time to unearth that unlikely treasure from a deep pile or crowded rack that most people don’t have the time or patience or energy to tackle. I am my mother’s daughter, and digging is in our blood - so no matter where we are, be it Bloomingdales or Forever21 or Loehmann’s, we’ll find that amazing discounted blouse or sparkly belt or awesome dress. My advice to everyone: dig!

What is an item you cannot live without or what are some of your wardrobe essentials?  
Tory Burch Eddie flats (preferable the ones with the rhinestoned bow!), Gap boyfriend jeans, Target tanks in every color, and my beloved black patent leather quilted Chanel!




What is your most recent purchase?  
I've been doing damage at Nordstrom lately... that necklace I keep raving about and a couple of dresses for upcoming summer weddings have topped the list! I also couldn't stop thinking about the bright pink scalloped suede ballet flats from J.Crew so I had to snap them up!

What is your go-to jewelry routine? 
I wear the same earrings (tiny diamond huggies), ring (rose gold heart Rami got me for my birthday) and bracelets (a mix of gold and silver: a few from Israel, some vintage, some stolen from friends, and a limited-edition Tiffany bracelet that I never take off) every single day. The necklace changes based on what I’m wearing - sometimes its a simple pendant, sometimes an awesome chunky statement necklace. And when I go out at night, I like wearing awesome colorful earrings, but never for day. 


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If you could meet any designer who would it be and why? 
I love everything J.Crew so my first instinct is to say Jenna Lyons - but I HAVE met her! She was lovely and so patient when I was nerding out over her on Fashion's Night Out in Manhattan a few years ago.



What are some of your make-up must haves?  
Some of my go-tos: Benefit Dallas bronzer, Chanel kohl eyeliner, Smashbox liquid eyeliner, Essie nail polish (my favorites are Movers & Shakers, Chinchilly, and Splash of Grenadine), Shu Uemura eyelash curler, MAC concealer, and Almay One Coat Dial Up mascara

What's the best style advice you've ever given or received? 
"Leggings are not pants!" 

I'd love to read your answers if you fill it out - leave me a comment with the link!

Monday, March 11, 2013

Two Years of Love

Two years ago tonight I put on a snazzy pair of  leopard flats and headed out to what looks like the last first date of my life :) R and I became "official" a few weeks later after many more dates on April 1st, but he has always considered March 11th to be our anniversary since "that's when it all began."

So... Happy Two Year Anniversary, babe!!!


In honor of the momentous occasion, I thought it would be fun to fill out this little questionnaire I saw floating around the blogosphere. I emailed Ram these questions and filled out my answers by myself, and then compared the two when he sent them back. The answers are kind of amazing!!!
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How long have you been together?
R: Nearly two years.
J: Two years!

Where was your first date?
R: I wanted to go to a much nicer restaurant that she claimed was "for old people" so we went to Hummus Bar and then saw Happy Thank You More Please at the Encino Laemmle. 
J: Some of you may not know this, but Ram and I actually briefly dated in 2009! Our first date then was at our favorite sushi place in the valley, Kushiyu. But our REAL first date was in 2011 - I vetoed his suggestion of CafĂ© Cordiale and instead insisted he take me to Hummus Bar (so classy). We also went to see an independent movie. 

Where was your first kiss?
R: That night, she was...not happy about it (but she was wrong).
J: Ram went for it on the first date!

Who first said, "I love you"?
R: She did.

What is her most commonly used phrase?
R: "You fool!" or "Why are there crumbs all over this?"
J: I really like frequently talking about "a little dog with a little hat." Don't ask

What is her favorite color?
R: Pink, followed by leopard print.
J: Pink, obviously.

Who is her celebrity crush?
R: Channing Tatum, Max Greenfield, Jonah Hill, Seth Rogen and many more.
J: Max Greenfield or Jonah Hill #jews 

What is the best meal she has ever cooked you?
R: The first time she made pesto chicken was very special.  I also like her stew.
J: Anything involving pesto chicken or maybe homemade shrimp tacos?

What is the worst meal she has ever cooked you?
R: No such thing.
J: I'm sure there have been plenty but I can't remember a specific one.

What would she say is your most annoying habit?
R: See the aforementioned crumbs complaint.
J: Ram likes to eat in front of the TV so there are ALWAYS crumbs on the couch. Not okay. 

What is the last thing she does before she goes to bed?
R: Turns sideways.
J: I take my glasses off and request a goodnight snug before rolling onto my right side.

If you could throw out one item of her clothing what would it be?
R: That grey shirt.  She knows the one.
J: He hates this baggy beigey-grey tank top from Target that of course, I LOVE and refuse to throw out.

What would you say is your favorite thing about her?
R: Everything.  But if I had to pick five I'd say when we laugh together, her smile, dancing with her, her friendliness to everyone (who isn't doing anything to piss her off) and her courage.
J: I think Ram will say that I am always thinking about him and trying to make our life as nice as possible by taking care of him, making the apartment look nice, planning fun things with friends… That one is hard!

What's her go-to drink at Starbucks?
R: Easy one.  Venti non-fat iced chai.
J: I know he will get this right because he always goes and gets one for me :) Venti iced nonfat chai with light ice.

What's her blog's name?! 
R: Queenofla.blogspot.com 
J: Queen of LA!

I am SERIOUSLY impressed by how many answers match up!!! Nicely done Ram! Please note: while I DO occasionally let the phrase "YOU FOOL!" slip out of my lips, the real issue I have here is with the "I love you." I did NOT say it first! He was so, so nervous when he finally spilled it he probably blocked the whole thing out of his mind. 

Since our anniversary falls so close to Valentine's Day, we haven't ever really done gifts. Instead, we like to do a fun activity just the two of us - hence, last year's cooking class and this year's trip to Disneyland :) We will be celebrating tonight by a delicious and fancy dinner at Osteria Mozza... mmm, I can't wait.

I am the luckiest girl in the world to have such a sweet, handsome, hilarious, loving boyfriend who showers me with love and affection and snuggles and buys me flowers and jumps off the couch to greet me at the door when I come home and doesn't complain too much when I run the air conditioning all night :) 

I love you Ram! Thanks for the best two years EVER!!!

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Had To Have It: The Comfiest Anthropologie Cardigan

Friends, I Had To Have It again. This time it was not a necklace and it was not a t-shirt. This time, it was a cardigan!

A few months ago, as I am wont to do, I was scrolling around on the Anthropologie website when I came across the cardigan - my eye went to it immediately because of its beautiful deep turquoise/green color. I pinned the sweater to my "Wanty McWanterson" board (#dork) and promptly forgot about it.


Until a couple weeks ago when I saw it in the store and absolutely fell in love. The color is even more beautiful in person and the material is just right - delicate, but sturdy enough so it won't snag on every little thing. I tried it on and fell in love with how long it was (props to anything that covers my butt so I can wear it with leggings!) and bought it on the spot.  

I wore it for the first time while we were in Tucson - it was comfortable and kept me warm without overheating me, plus it looked adorable in all my pictures! I posted one on Instagram and immediately got several texts from friends asking who made it and where they could find it.



$100 for a cardigan ain't cheap, but that's why God invented birthdays - so people can give you giftcards to the stores they know you love. Of course, now I want it in the two OTHER colors - I can't help it, it's just too cute.

You can buy it here and it comes in turquoise, white, or pink - go on and get you one! 

Monday, March 4, 2013

Celebrating Two Years - At Disneyland!


Here is an important question: Is there anything better than having a whole day ahead of you with nothing to do and nowhere to be… and deciding to spend it at Disneyland?!

No friends, there is nothing better. And that is why Ram and I decided to spend Saturday at the happiest place on earth, celebrating our two-year anniversary!

The big day is actually a week from today, but this past Saturday was wide open for both of us - no obligations or appointments - and so we woke up bright and early, grabbed a Starbucks for the road, and headed out to Anaheim for some fun in the sun!

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And I do mean sun - it was 80 degrees! We brought sweaters and never put them on once. It was a gorgeous, sunny day - which also meant that approximately every single person with children under the age of four had the same brilliant idea as we did. No matter, we still had fun despite the crowds :)

Between running around grabbing Fast Passes and R's great idea to download an app that tells you how long ride lines are, in real time, we managed to hit up all the best rides with minimal waiting in line - we went on Indiana Jones, the Jungle Cruise, Space Mountain (my favorite!), Pirates of the Caribbean, It's A Small World, the Matterhorn, and Star Tours. The longest we waited was 45 minutes for Star Tours - here we are posing in line with our special 3D glasses. (Sidenote: R spent the entire time in line "helpfully" providing me with Star Wars facts and nerdery. I was not pleased.)

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My other favorite ride, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, is closed until Fall 2013! I pouted for a little bit until Ram distracted me with a piece of Disney fudge and got us on line for Small World. I cheered up when I saw the sign saying "Shalom!" in Hebrew:

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For lunch, we enjoyed some delicious fried pickles…

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While listening to the dulcet tones of a Barbershop Quartet - I'm sure you can imagine which one of us was enthralled (hint: it was not me):

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I also convinced my darling boyfriend to pose for several photos while modeling Mickey and Minnie Mouse ears. What a darling he is.

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By 6:30 we were totally wiped - I don't know how people can stay until the park closes! We headed out… but not before stopping into the "Steamboat Willie" movie theater on Main Street (the perks of dating a film geek!). To our horror, the little movie theater was showing several black and white Mickey cartoons from the 1920s and 30s… each, dare I say, more racist and un-PC than the next! We both GASPED out loud when we saw this clip of Mickey wielding a rifle around… only to accidentally SHOOT Pluto!

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On that note, we knew it was time to leave :) We waved goodbye to all the princesses and small children on leashes and headed home.

They don't call it the happiest place on earth for nothing - it was a beautiful day and such a fun way to spend our anniversary!

Friday, March 1, 2013

27 For 27 Update!


Here's a fun fact about me - I don't have a half birthday! My birthday is August 31st, and there is no February 31st. So, sometime between last night and this morning, I turned 27 and a half! Haha. 

Many of you may remember that last year on my birthday I set 27 goals to accomplish during my 27th year. In honor of this momentous half birthday occasion, I thought I'd update you all on how my little "27 For 27" project is going!

1. Travel to a state I've never visited before. Haven't done it yet, but plans for a trip to Seattle or Charleston are currently underway!


2. Attend a concert for a band I'm not familiar with.
3. Try 5 new foods I've never eaten before.
4. Make my boyfriend happy by selecting one movie per month that I've never seen before from his massive film collection and watch it together (12 movies total!) Oy… Ram is going to KILL me if I don't accomplish this one. 
5. Make something in the kitchen from scratch - bread, cheese, cake, or pie? Check! I made an apple pie from scratch with the help of my friend Cary. It took a long time but it was ridiculously good.


6. Try a new exercise or workout class. I got a postcard offering me a free Soulcycle class and I want to try it, but I am TERRIFIED. 
7. Completely redecorate my mom's office! 
8. Do something different with my hair (temporary OR permanent). Check! I went redder! 
9. Go on a food tour in my own city - I've always wanted to do one of these!
10. Make something in my crockpot (got it as a gift 2 years ago, have never opened it) Check! When Gerrick was in town in October she helped me make beef stew. Ram went nuts for it. 


11. Find the perfect red lipstick and wear it out on the town at least once!
12. Refurbish or update a piece of furniture I've thrifted or bought from a vintage shop.
13. Host a "bruncheon" - I have people over for dinner parties all the time but for some reason brunch scares me! Check! I've actually hosted three or four brunches, including my last Post-Holiday White Elephant Party!


14. Take a dance class with Ram (and let him lead) :)
15. Spend an afternoon volunteering. 
16. Perform in public (did yall know I used to sing?) Check! I performed at a benefit for my synagogue back in November. I was terrified - hadn't sung in public in years - but I did it!
17. Do a DIY fashion project.
18. Guest blog on another site for another blogger (pssst, will need help with this one!) 
19. Do omakase at a sushi bar - I've always wanted to!
20. Watch an old TV series from beginning to end/catch up on a current series. Currently halfway through Arrested Development and it is HILARIOUS. Maybe I'll watch some more episodes this weekend. 
21. Make a piece of art and hang it in our new apartment!
22. Cook and eat dinner at home every night for a week straight (Monday-Friday).
23. Surprise my sister and my mom with something special. Halfway check! When my mom took me to Hawaii I surprised her with a painting class on the beach. I need to figure something out for Bay ASAP…
24. Read at least 12 new books (I'm actually low-balling it here... did yall know I'm a speedreader? I could easily go through 12 books in a single month!) Check (in progress, of course)! I'm actually ahead of the game right now - I've read nine in the past few months. My favorite by far was World War Z - if you're a historical fiction fan, go pick it up! 
25. Successfully accomplish another NO SHOPPING MAY. 
26. Send out a holiday card in December (I've always wanted to! If R refuses I think I will send them out by myself!) Check! We didn't get our shit together in time to send out a real card but on New Years Eve last year we sent out this cute little card via Paperless Post. 


27. Send a secret to Postsecret.

Okay. So as you can see, I really need to get on it! Some of these I can't accomplish til a certain date (NO SHOPPING MAY, for example), some I'm in the middle of, moving right along (books, TV show, planning a trip to a state I've never been to), and some depend on the kindness of others (guest blogger - i'm available! - and my mom making a decision about her office - get on that, mother). 

I am MOSTLY confident in my ability to do this thing like a boss. So cross your fingers for me and if you have any ideas for some of these, I want to hear them!!! 

Happy weekend friends! XO