Tumblr!

After an inspiring dinner with the wonderful Mackenzie from Design Darling, I've decided to start a Tumblr!  It's rather bare bones for now, but I'll be updating it all day, so feel free to check it out throughout the day for a pick me up!  Check out the About page on the site if you are curious why I am trying out this "new" form of blogging.  I'm still working on the LA Hotspot segment and will hopefully have it up and running soon.  For now, expect Thrifty Gal posts a little less frequently, but full of amazing content.  Isn't growing and changing exciting? Let me know what you think of the tumblr!

LA Hotspots

I'm back from an awesome trip to LA, and totally inspired about checking out new and exciting things to do in the City of Angels.  (If you are curious where we went and what we did, check my twitter for some ridiculous pics.)  All morning I've been compiling lists and lists of the best places to shop, eat, and chill in the LA area from my favorite LA based bloggers: Emily, Bri, Joy, and Jessie.  Sometime on Friday I'll be launching the new page with all kinds of exciting links and maps, so you can find just what you want to do in just the right 'hood.  Fill me in on your favorite LA places to be in included as well!

Image via My Cup of Te

Road Trip

Found on: Patterson Maker
Kelley and I are leaving LA and driving back to the Bay Area tonight.  Sorry for the lack of posting, but I was completely preoccupied last night watching this.  If you haven't read the book, walk, don't run, to your nearest bookstore.  Seriously, it's my favorite book ever, and the mini series was pretty close to pitch perfect

summer lovin

After reading Emily's post here about her list of things to do this summer, I knew I had to make my own.  Already this summer seems to be zooming by, and I want to make sure that I live it up before school starts in the fall.

1.  Take a road trip to LA
2.  Climb Half Dome
3.  Summer reading list: Enchantment by Guy Kawasaki, Just Kids by Patti Smith, An Object of Beauty by Steve Martin, The Paris Wife by Paula McLain
4.  Trips to Portland, Chicago, Hawaii
5.  Go to House of Air
6.  Take golf lessons
7.  Run a 10k
8.  Learn better Photoshop skills

What's on your summer to do list??

Indeeyo

Last night I had the pleasure of attending the launch party at ZAZA nail spa for Indeeyo, a new online clothing boutique featuring independent designers of clothing and accessories.  The site takes the endless searching out of more overwhelming sites like Etsy, as the founders take careful consideration in curating their merchandise, while still providing unique pieces.  The lovely Jeanne of Shop Sweet Things invited me to the event, and to be quite honest, I didn't really know what to expect.  My usual partner in crime, Kelley L Cox, attended the event with me (and took all the photos you see above), and we had a blast.  I mean, who could say no to a goodie bag, discounted designer duds, a free manicure, and free cakepops and champers?  I'd say a job well done, and after meeting the sweet and humble founder, Jasmin (on the right in the top photo), I have high hopes for this new site.  I was also fortunate enough to meet Bryna Nicole (on the left in the top photo)who was there  promoting her line of handbags which are also featured on Indeeyo.  Not only is she a UCLA alum (go Bruins!) but also started her successful label from scratch and was super inspiring to talk to about starting a fashion brand.  All in all, it was a successful night, and I totally encourage you to check out Indeeyo!

Don't Worry Be Happy

This post is a little more personal than normal, but it's for a great cause.  One of my former volleyball teammates at the University of Portland received the scariest news imaginable on April 1st this year.  She was told she had a cancerous Glioblastoma stage 4 brain tumor.  Inoperable and incurable.  Some April Fool's joke, right? Wrong.  (You can read Liz's full story here).  After months of feeling ill, with no diagnosis, Liz unexpectedly went into a coma for about a week.  At this time Liz received her diagnosis and subsequently made her decision to fight.  I can attest to Liz's competitive drive first hand, having had the privilege of being her teammate and experiencing her drive to win and selfless manner.  Liz is now undergoing chemo and radiation to try to prolong her life and spend those last precious moments with the ones she loves.  While Liz does have health insurance, there are treatments that are not covered by her insurance plus numerous other costs that add up quickly.  If you want to help Liz in the biggest fight of her life, you can purchase one of these "Don't Worry Be Happy" sweatshirts or shirts.  

Update from the open road

Thought I would do a more personal post today and share a couple of photos from our trip! I'm writing from lovely Tucson, AZ where my bf and I are staying with friends from college.  That first photo is of the Capitol building in Austin, TX.  The second photo is just a rad cactus we came across today in AZ.  The trip so far has been amazing with stops in FL, New Orleans, Austin, and Tucson.  Tomorrow we head to LA and get ready to unpack!  For more updates and photos from our trip, check my twitter (@kristencarole).  All photos were taken by me and spiced up with the help of instagram.

ROAD TRIP

Well kiddos, I'm hittin' the road as this thrifty gal will be driving from Ohio to California this next week!  (Technically I flew out to Ohio last night, but by the time you are reading this post, I'll be driving somewhere between Ohio and Florida.)  It's finally time for my bf to join me on the west coast and I'm helping him drive his car out to his new place in Venice Beach.  I couldn't be more excited to spend some quality time with him, and quality time away from work!  Be sure to check my twitter (@kristencarole) for updates on the trip, and stay tuned for an awesome guest post come Monday!  Any recommendations on where to shop/eat/drink in New Orleans, Austin, or Tucson?

Image 1 via Everything Fabulous 2 via Cup of Te