tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21212913191545105502024-03-05T05:38:01.656-08:00Mon Amya sweet and unexpected blog that shares a few of my favorite things - the things that make every day life seem more special.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10712838675898061995noreply@blogger.comBlogger124125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2121291319154510550.post-26118778666304885772013-01-02T08:00:00.000-08:002013-01-02T08:00:02.136-08:00Fresh Start, Fresh Resolutions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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{Happy New Year from the Hermosa Beach Pier}</div>
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2012 was a <i>whirlwind</i>... And it's been awhile.<br />
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In terms of huge milestones this year, I got a brand new job in the beauty industry with incredible freedom managing social media channels, bought my first car and saw my closest friends go through breakups, tough times, job relocation and engagements.<br />
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I also switched from coffee to iced tea, fell in love with spin class, spent way too much money on candles and completely revitalized my skincare and beauty routine.<br />
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In terms of 2013, I've made a resolution to make <i>my New Year's resolutions</i> more about <i>additions</i> rather than <i>subtractions</i>... going with a theme of positivity and personal growth rather than self-loathing and unrealistic goals.<br />
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<b>Read at least one book per month. </b>My boyfriend constantly makes fun of me that I don't read enough. On top of that, reading is a great way to wind down before bed and relax the mind (avoiding those late-night panic attacks that happen when the mind is too hyperactive). Up on the list: <i>Oryx and Crake</i> by Margaret Atwood and <i>Even Cowgirls Get the Blues</i> by Tom Robbins.<br />
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<b>Re-learn French. </b>I was a French major in college, lived abroad for 6 months taking university classes in French, yet I feel like the ability to think in that language has left me. Perhaps reading in French, listening to French radio, watching movies in French... <i>je ne sais quoi</i>...<br />
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<b>Indulge in creative activities.</b> Take that however you please: this year it's time to paint, blog, ride my bike through the meadow; whatever I feel like doing to help me relax and get out of my own head.<br />
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<b>Travel more</b>. At dinner on New Year's Eve, my boyfriend and I were trying to think of the places we traveled last year: <i>the list included Orange County and Palm Springs... slightly pathetic.</i> This year it's time to take advantage my freedoms and opportunities to travel. We've <i>actually </i>already booked a trip to Seattle the second weekend in January, and on deck I plan to visit at least Washington DC and Northern California this year and maybe even London.<br />
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<b>Spend more time with friends and family.</b> Towards the end of 2012, I caught myself allowing work to consume all and being less social than usual. It's time to enjoy time with friends and family because as 2012 showed: you never know when they'll move away.<br />
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What are your New Year's resolutions? Are you welcoming the clean break and opportunity to start fresh or <i>resting on your laurels</i>?<br />
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{Resolutions: relatively set in stone}</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10712838675898061995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2121291319154510550.post-50234333353944805342012-09-04T08:00:00.000-07:002012-09-04T08:00:06.911-07:00A [Spanish] Fly on the Wall<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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{Too much yum in one place at Spanish Fly Gastropub}</div>
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I always want to pat myself on the back when I try a new restaurant and it is a <i>great </i>success. My boyfriend and I had been looking for a place in Koreatown (<i>yes, where he lives</i>) that fit our unique taste. Don't get me wrong, I love Taylor's Steakhouse (where <i>ol' blue eyes</i> used to get his martinis) and all of the Korean Barbecues scattered around, but I was really in the mood for something that was eclectic and fusion - something that was incredibly unique, and not too expensive.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>Bring in <a href="http://spanishflygastropub.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spanish Fly Gastropub</a>, a swanky little hole in the wall tucked away on Wilshire. If I wasn't looking for it, I would have walked right past it and never paid attention.<br />
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However, this place was <i>unreal</i>. Not only can you get a pitcher of beer for under $20, but also you can dine on unique dishes like shrimp gambas and duck confit grilled cheese. And we did.<br />
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The flavors were so unique as the chef, who came out to our table to socialize with the nightly patrons, mixed tastes from North Africa (the Harissa-based sauce that came with our grilled cheese was unreal - Kevin smothered everything in the sauce), Asia, and classic French and Italian methods.<br />
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Unique and delicious. We are <i>definitely</i> going back. Let's just say that if this had been our first date, I would be incredibly impressed.<br />
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{We split the shrimp gambas and the duck confit grilled cheese - perfect meal size for two hungry Angelinos}</div>
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{The fantastic chilled sauce that came with the grilled cheese: a mix of Harissa, tomatoes, bell peppers, and other spices and textures which was slightly coarse like fresh hummus}</div>
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{Shrimp gambas served with toast - plump tomatoes, succulent shrimp and a melange of spices}</div>
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{Want a bite? One of the best grilled cheese I've had in awhile.}</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10712838675898061995noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2121291319154510550.post-60234987568532203252012-08-31T08:00:00.000-07:002012-08-31T08:00:06.735-07:00Palm Springs Weekender<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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{Sunscreen and mojitos - the essentials}</div>
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Suffice to say the new job has taken a lot of time, like any change would. I'm not stressed, but my time is definitely more valuable than it used to be just because I have to really prioritize who I see and trim the fat when it comes to social situations that I'd rather avoid (especially when my health is in question!).</div>
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A few weeks ago, a handful of us went to Palm Springs for a relaxing weekend in the sun to get out of the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles. We stocked up on crudités, an assortment of cheese and meets, homemade pizza, and the brunch essentials, not to mention lots of rum, tequila and white wine which we mixed with an abundance of sweet watermelon and mint.</div>
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It was so relaxing to sip on cocktails all day by the pool, get some well-earned vitamin-D, and relax in a fully furnished home on the golf course. It was exactly what I needed to set me on track for the busy, <i>yet exciting</i> upcoming months.</div>
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{Brunch of banana pancakes, eggs and watermelon}</div>
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{<i>Babes</i>}</div>
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{A glass of Chardonnay from the reserve in the house}</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10712838675898061995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2121291319154510550.post-87756251292683168082012-08-22T08:00:00.000-07:002012-08-22T08:00:10.898-07:00Finding Balance<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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{Life is just one big balancing act}</div>
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My whole life I have always prided myself on being able to balance it all: a budding career, a wonderful boyfriend, a handful of fantastic social circles, and a loving family. But more often than not, I forget about one important element of my balancing act: <i>myself</i>.<br />
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Every now and then, my body gets incredibly tired and tells me that enough is enough: <i>throw in the towel and take a few days to yourself</i> - it says.<br />
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In all reality, I can't take time off of work, but I can clear the social schedule, tell the loved ones to leave me be for a few days, and take time to relax. This week I got oddly sick with a fever, dizziness and nausea (so bad that I had to go home from work a few hours early and rest) which can only be my body telling me to lay off the caffeine, start eating more natural foods, exercise more regularly, and most importantly <i>sleep</i>.<br />
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I hope that after a few more days of woozy, I will be back on my <i>a-game</i>. But until then, I have to <i>re-find</i> my balance on this tightrope.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10712838675898061995noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2121291319154510550.post-78164103549968331442012-08-09T08:00:00.000-07:002012-08-09T08:00:03.013-07:00Gin et Jus<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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{Fancy Gin and Juice}</div>
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Okay, okay, you caught me. I have just snazzed up a regular Gin and Juice a la Snoop Dogg with some European ingredients and translated it into French, but that doesn't make it any less special.<br />
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Ever since seeing Snoop Dogg (Snoop Lion?) at Coachella in spring 2012, I have been semi-obsessed. Swaying along, not being able to see through the cloud of smoke growing over the massive audience, and wishing I had a nice, cold gin and juice with me.<br />
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I'm sure Snoop doesn't make his gin and juice like I do, but since I've <i>lately</i> been really into gin (preferably Hendrick's). I've always loved Orangina (since traveling to France with my dad when I was 12), and recently picked some up at my local Trader Joe's.<br />
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Upon cracking open the slightly fizzy, pulpy orange carbonated beverage, I thought to myself, "<i>There is only one thing that could make this better: gin.</i>" Thus <i>Gin et Jus</i> was brought to life.<br />
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<i>Ingredients:</i><br />
2 oz Orangina<br />
2 oz good gin (Hendrick's if you have it)<br />
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Mix together and serve over ice. Better if stirred, not shaken.<br />
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<i>Avec ma tête sur mon fric, et mon fric sur mon esprit</i><i>...</i><br />
(With my mind on my money, and my money on my mind...)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10712838675898061995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2121291319154510550.post-70615763554722312302012-08-08T08:00:00.000-07:002012-08-08T08:00:09.201-07:00The Cutest Way to Give Someone Money<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1dYBwCmK0cNaNHHMa9QKGAlIEzCkqmC7XDwf-U7-RFtFnVIBIZWE_waBMwY2Ic2qG8eXjpqkac6brvS87u1enmalwnqLbunB1_XPLCI3hlYJIx9W3Yqoqo1-yRhDuYXckk1pId2K6YPU/s1600/IMG_20120729_215443.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1dYBwCmK0cNaNHHMa9QKGAlIEzCkqmC7XDwf-U7-RFtFnVIBIZWE_waBMwY2Ic2qG8eXjpqkac6brvS87u1enmalwnqLbunB1_XPLCI3hlYJIx9W3Yqoqo1-yRhDuYXckk1pId2K6YPU/s640/IMG_20120729_215443.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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{Bouquet of $15 roses}</div>
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Can we just agree that this is the cutest way to give someone money for their birthday? My loving mother decided to step outside of the box this birthday when I asked for money by giving me a bouquet of $15 dollar roses, an idea that she found on Pinterest - <i>thank you social media</i>.<br />
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Want to know how she did it? Here's a <a href="http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf67951187.tip.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">tutorial</a> that can help you.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10712838675898061995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2121291319154510550.post-35464429300386099922012-08-07T08:00:00.000-07:002012-08-07T08:00:00.824-07:00Pacifco Birthday Weekend at the Surf Open<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqVhz76Cr2fCA-DghLbcumdfdc578ev6KO6vKoeVhyPAoE4QEIX1H8d4a4guR0Rp0c3sOlNhgvRAaWbAGP_lAKFsj21LWybTAEJ2kbYAM4WfE4ziGP9dicqAr1qCpt-DvRK0Cxxg_qK5Y/s1600/IMG_20120804_144000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqVhz76Cr2fCA-DghLbcumdfdc578ev6KO6vKoeVhyPAoE4QEIX1H8d4a4guR0Rp0c3sOlNhgvRAaWbAGP_lAKFsj21LWybTAEJ2kbYAM4WfE4ziGP9dicqAr1qCpt-DvRK0Cxxg_qK5Y/s640/IMG_20120804_144000.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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{VIP Deck Passes at the 2012 U.S. Surf Open}</div>
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A birthday weekend of fun hit us and it hit us hard... unlimited beer, half naked beach-goers, sand, sun, Mexican food - all brought to you by Pacifico.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>One of my friends from college works at Crown Imports, the company that brings the magic of Corona and Pacifico to the United States. The U.S. Surf Open takes place the first weekend of August every year in Huntington Beach, so naturally Pacifico was there to make it more fun for everyone.<br />
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We had a great day hopping through bars, eating greasy food, and laying in the sand. It was a very laid-back way to celebrate my birthday with a lot of really fun people. Here are some photos from the weekend:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg32m059tMUReEJOnzpJvsl31jEwaQQ_s9Nq-RQpuhb3D0lfPdOsLRtg3vs2MHpLCZb4G28qLdIc_94FkxE-cw5ZN-UtAW-GEnioGMzC8XvIV8liZe1uNUv2pT3jvS2OJxTpWs-kS0nH18/s1600/IMG_20120804_170018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg32m059tMUReEJOnzpJvsl31jEwaQQ_s9Nq-RQpuhb3D0lfPdOsLRtg3vs2MHpLCZb4G28qLdIc_94FkxE-cw5ZN-UtAW-GEnioGMzC8XvIV8liZe1uNUv2pT3jvS2OJxTpWs-kS0nH18/s640/IMG_20120804_170018.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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{U.S. Open of Surfing at Huntington Beach}</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQb6Jv41Tn95xV1oQnusgeEer2k9dVRQFuz38ickhYqFhcTb8mwUc5zR42u7HnFKvJiHuhrQBa3mdKtxOYI8T-SblcVK4Xv4We94DQe53FSEXd4qbVPR_DpoV8nNZzunjmFrDJvNMOSlE/s1600/IMG_20120804_180444.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQb6Jv41Tn95xV1oQnusgeEer2k9dVRQFuz38ickhYqFhcTb8mwUc5zR42u7HnFKvJiHuhrQBa3mdKtxOYI8T-SblcVK4Xv4We94DQe53FSEXd4qbVPR_DpoV8nNZzunjmFrDJvNMOSlE/s640/IMG_20120804_180444.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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{Pacifico Beach Cruisers}</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVs8q9F6Ciz_faipcBVdXZt0Xl4cXukkBjm-8au-tPJtcUcHZL_77fQzRXMYT1A1EdZgk4q3H5f_q-mypxGEbeIo8DUFqj66lUGCYvgq_mtIztvH3kUvbQKi76uR08e3SAKYUPn-ouuUw/s1600/IMG_20120804_183245.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVs8q9F6Ciz_faipcBVdXZt0Xl4cXukkBjm-8au-tPJtcUcHZL_77fQzRXMYT1A1EdZgk4q3H5f_q-mypxGEbeIo8DUFqj66lUGCYvgq_mtIztvH3kUvbQKi76uR08e3SAKYUPn-ouuUw/s640/IMG_20120804_183245.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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{Pacifico swag}</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1jCP15fYYmJuK-iVDXvMHJs0WPHjMKb6NOKW013VFNodhLooE8Ti5AlEKL20lMplI8ubYBfGtfR6Jxhd3WDGB3l6v9BG4mzA54f6c6CNy2QvzuDbkCA6sVU9BY-JqLMVdLljBdfjCBfs/s1600/kevin+and+amy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1jCP15fYYmJuK-iVDXvMHJs0WPHjMKb6NOKW013VFNodhLooE8Ti5AlEKL20lMplI8ubYBfGtfR6Jxhd3WDGB3l6v9BG4mzA54f6c6CNy2QvzuDbkCA6sVU9BY-JqLMVdLljBdfjCBfs/s640/kevin+and+amy.png" width="600" /></a></div>
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{The boy and I - he looks adorbs, I look thirsty}</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeQ6K2w7yr2z1QuoJL-x1tzbioBYo15uSKXkXaFR-9BQIWJnQJDqXjNYmsWY8FCgDejDo6DCCO_Wq2u-KPczi3U9K_v6tNz9Yo5FSdEFdsr_VAyEpqr8qBq5WXWHvgiMPCih1h1aWtx-A/s1600/group+shot+inside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeQ6K2w7yr2z1QuoJL-x1tzbioBYo15uSKXkXaFR-9BQIWJnQJDqXjNYmsWY8FCgDejDo6DCCO_Wq2u-KPczi3U9K_v6tNz9Yo5FSdEFdsr_VAyEpqr8qBq5WXWHvgiMPCih1h1aWtx-A/s640/group+shot+inside.jpg" width="600" /></a><br />
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{Our little crew of fun-loving beer drinkers}</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10712838675898061995noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2121291319154510550.post-42073316958330574342012-08-06T08:00:00.000-07:002012-08-06T08:00:00.491-07:00A Few of My Favorite Things<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIbExDKoETyrbZkk_50KLXPGYhHGCXJCR3KJEPoQA2LlTMkh964amNuNb8GDjPpQBUryd7s9Z5obLt9tP5ykm9BVHO_4jywT2OXXgCKXJliDngUYNfTEsvRSXOaU0nPMW5Gg4Xs-yVM2Q/s1600/IMG_20120728_170019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIbExDKoETyrbZkk_50KLXPGYhHGCXJCR3KJEPoQA2LlTMkh964amNuNb8GDjPpQBUryd7s9Z5obLt9tP5ykm9BVHO_4jywT2OXXgCKXJliDngUYNfTEsvRSXOaU0nPMW5Gg4Xs-yVM2Q/s640/IMG_20120728_170019.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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{My mom's new Bichoneranian -Bichon Frise + Pomeranian- Gabby}</div>
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This last week and a half has been filled with great moments because, of course, it was <i>my 24th birthday</i>! I am so grateful to have so many fantastic people in my life. I got to go to many-a-birthday-meal and was able to fully enjoy my youth.<br />
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Here are some of my favorite parts of my birthday week, and <i>stay tuned</i> for the recap of my birthday weekend.<br />
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{My "booty" on my desk on my birthday}</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPMagoTXu50CtFWqbkJTT7jQi9n532cf3-03RNsEZSzlMFmAjaGq9OZNjemu0cY6NHmqywJGIxIwcaRsQJohcZ6lPvKPE55zEXMW3FLiXKt1Aurcmqb7CWDKthh8m98TBKIgC8Yj7Z6x8/s1600/IMG_20120801_222341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPMagoTXu50CtFWqbkJTT7jQi9n532cf3-03RNsEZSzlMFmAjaGq9OZNjemu0cY6NHmqywJGIxIwcaRsQJohcZ6lPvKPE55zEXMW3FLiXKt1Aurcmqb7CWDKthh8m98TBKIgC8Yj7Z6x8/s640/IMG_20120801_222341.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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{The new mint green cruiser! I need to name her - any ideas?}</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUBKKpODgEYpkNUfTMdni9bwmIBw4ZoFNJ4OV3Z2uRYIO4lfXZOWSOl78FalzrrOKsrfZsf5gbfgv9DQM6wkEmrWRBsVJ4XcmrSm4maIwXKTVm-YqdJyB6r9_w3bQEcNN_Uc9kFy0hDzg/s1600/IMG_20120803_161414.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUBKKpODgEYpkNUfTMdni9bwmIBw4ZoFNJ4OV3Z2uRYIO4lfXZOWSOl78FalzrrOKsrfZsf5gbfgv9DQM6wkEmrWRBsVJ4XcmrSm4maIwXKTVm-YqdJyB6r9_w3bQEcNN_Uc9kFy0hDzg/s640/IMG_20120803_161414.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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{Beautiful birthday bouquet from the boy}</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTNJE_8GzIxz3hHRISe0JM6s3NmFYXzOTRP5RUMOfaQpmMS9rF0HW0p6GcM5IEe3NkYfSmaPMpC7d1NuJnxOO665Nl_dTRtz5xpWY4KaC_IasAnmp4U8I2QVLMeYKZ6KhAPz08kVYC89I/s1600/IMG_20120803_220236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTNJE_8GzIxz3hHRISe0JM6s3NmFYXzOTRP5RUMOfaQpmMS9rF0HW0p6GcM5IEe3NkYfSmaPMpC7d1NuJnxOO665Nl_dTRtz5xpWY4KaC_IasAnmp4U8I2QVLMeYKZ6KhAPz08kVYC89I/s640/IMG_20120803_220236.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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{Wine by candlelight with friends}</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif7-EphdNjzDdoe5AbOlqGZJnWNVz02lVSktycf7UnC85Du8I1SzYR5xprfU6nFSmGYYhtiLmJm_T1yRO_g39nYNQ5kSFAGoVlAc-PmAjEmOF8qGUM5vM1HYJiZfBfIu1HCj0DbUqSWYw/s1600/IMG_20120804_163552.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif7-EphdNjzDdoe5AbOlqGZJnWNVz02lVSktycf7UnC85Du8I1SzYR5xprfU6nFSmGYYhtiLmJm_T1yRO_g39nYNQ5kSFAGoVlAc-PmAjEmOF8qGUM5vM1HYJiZfBfIu1HCj0DbUqSWYw/s640/IMG_20120804_163552.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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{Sparkle nails for my birthday weekend}</div>
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{A very decadent birthday brownie with the co-workers at <i>Houston's</i>}</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10712838675898061995noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2121291319154510550.post-40216267230128807652012-07-24T08:00:00.000-07:002012-07-24T08:00:08.430-07:00Weekend Wars<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj8MBTLuHv9CNtccYESDNT5-uBTOToH19xBsDUPbS4OwIdUzt7lq2rU3J0SWZaA1qCHfdZHRoGibNWPUviX_MMTg-QjBRobHMOvl9ng3QX3M74oFEg5NcfyYn-nelR6GDkKjBuxzA1BmU/s1600/6222012205329_Anne_Beep.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj8MBTLuHv9CNtccYESDNT5-uBTOToH19xBsDUPbS4OwIdUzt7lq2rU3J0SWZaA1qCHfdZHRoGibNWPUviX_MMTg-QjBRobHMOvl9ng3QX3M74oFEg5NcfyYn-nelR6GDkKjBuxzA1BmU/s640/6222012205329_Anne_Beep.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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{So very SoCal}</div>
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Remember that amazing MGMT song "Weekend Wars"? It's so utterly summer and the perfect song to play while driving down the PCH without being too cliche.<br />
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This weekend was all about laid back fun. From a drive up the PCH and a failed attempt to find the Malibu Creek trail, to a very <i>hipster</i> birthday party hosted by Podshare (this revolutionarily awesome youth hostel), to a barbecue in San Clemente with the best fish tacos I've ever tasted in my life, my weekend was completely satisfying - the <i>perfect</i> recharge before going back to the grind.<br />
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{My favorite breakfast: avocado on toast with sea salt}</div>
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{Kevin the beach bunny}</div>
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{The view from the top, Malibu}</div>
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{Podshare birthday party}</div>
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{The best fish taco I've ever tasted - exploding with avocado, lime, and freshly speared fish from that morning}</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10712838675898061995noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2121291319154510550.post-48369271843738456552012-07-20T08:00:00.000-07:002012-07-20T08:00:14.068-07:00Crispy Salmon with Mango and Avocado Salsa<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZpctVr0P4hvaR4UfiBg5fpCS7kvEvHP5U3JMziJkRY5x500o8G2JqL0mtUoJijH6QCPsKa0HjqWwNzxyAtolVvL6w1sKZdA43owmN7WIhp6eFu-pnUGkbbumRldMDZWiuim2Alx8yJ40/s1600/2012-07-19_19-56-10_820.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZpctVr0P4hvaR4UfiBg5fpCS7kvEvHP5U3JMziJkRY5x500o8G2JqL0mtUoJijH6QCPsKa0HjqWwNzxyAtolVvL6w1sKZdA43owmN7WIhp6eFu-pnUGkbbumRldMDZWiuim2Alx8yJ40/s640/2012-07-19_19-56-10_820.jpg" width="600" /></a>
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{Crispy Salmon with Mango and Avocado Salsa}</div>
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Eureka! This may be the most luscious, delicious salmon dish you've ever tried. I promise.</div>
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<a name='more'></a>Okay, I do exaggerate a lot, but this all in one delicious and healthy summer dish may tickle your tastebuds so hard that you squeal like a little girl (or grunt like a boar).<br />
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The mango is tart and sweet, the avocado is rich and buttery, the onion is crispy and slightly spicy, the lime juice is tangy, and the salmon is slightly spicy. I think they call that <i>unagi, right</i>? All in all, it's a recipe that you must try this summer. It's tropical and healthy, with a hearty dose of Vitamin C and omega 3s. Please try my recipe. Amazing.<br />
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<b>Ingredients</b><br />
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<i>Salsa</i><br />
1 mango<br />
1/2 avocado<br />
1/4 red onion<br />
1 medium sized lime<br />
1 tsp honey<br />
Sprinkle of salt<br />
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<i>Salmon</i><br />
1 fillet of salmon<br />
1 TBSP cumin<br />
1 TBSP salt<br />
1 TBSP garlic powder<br />
1 tsp pepper<br />
1 tsp cayenne pepper<br />
Olive oil for cooking<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB38I4OMK0_SuMy21b1OKMmoVMX_lsB-ri4BlbU1XOB2e1gmVKGKtClh3Yk6p-0iPpYxizT-35HhciW7tfdkL8fWvSa4kL0B7N1LMdSXeTFcDPQWVNTYBo6XY9GXtkYf1I9zOZF2sm9TE/s1600/2012-07-19_19-18-16_719.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB38I4OMK0_SuMy21b1OKMmoVMX_lsB-ri4BlbU1XOB2e1gmVKGKtClh3Yk6p-0iPpYxizT-35HhciW7tfdkL8fWvSa4kL0B7N1LMdSXeTFcDPQWVNTYBo6XY9GXtkYf1I9zOZF2sm9TE/s640/2012-07-19_19-18-16_719.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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{Fresh ingredients make for the best dishes: preparing the avocado, mango, and onion}</div>
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Begin by preparing your fruits and vegetables for the salsa, Cut each end off of the mango to create a steady base for cutting around the core, and run your knife along the core to get the meat of the mango. You want to carefully peel off the outer peel as well (either with your knife or fingers) because it is too tough to eat in the salsa. Cube your mango, avocado and red onion and throw into a bowl.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKhTd1JGjioncFu9UlfSQhqTYvU9pBp9eqcqAam1ViKlJ-S-RVKqfCxbXM0laVVjdYfjRlSaA93HdubHiFm1LP1vKZnKKlXNaoQJ8jo0Rkt8DnDwXTKU58vYmUag2Ek_LmrE54ao3noWI/s1600/2012-07-19_19-31-19_63.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKhTd1JGjioncFu9UlfSQhqTYvU9pBp9eqcqAam1ViKlJ-S-RVKqfCxbXM0laVVjdYfjRlSaA93HdubHiFm1LP1vKZnKKlXNaoQJ8jo0Rkt8DnDwXTKU58vYmUag2Ek_LmrE54ao3noWI/s640/2012-07-19_19-31-19_63.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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{Voila, mango and avocado salsa}</div>
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Squeeze a whole lime, drizzle your honey and sprinkle with salt. Gently toss altogether until combined. You can taste it to make sure it is seasoned to your liking. It is supposed to be slightly liquid so that your salmon can absorb the lime and honey flavors.<br />
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{The spices for the salmon}</div>
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Put your salmon spices into a bowl and mix together. Rub on each side of your salmon so that it creates a slight crust. In a small pan heat up some oil for your salmon.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEziwZ8slsaUoV2pqfuoh16GYIVMROg57g04Qya_XBnGRqGjVmHhADGfj3q6L-8lftp7qDTXCbRZ_gTtAd8vV2-wAEUiwcA-ITYG0iIN-VtavY7scZvKZv48XEjHaOOePobMBL-ZL0Boo/s1600/2012-07-19_19-41-58_536.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEziwZ8slsaUoV2pqfuoh16GYIVMROg57g04Qya_XBnGRqGjVmHhADGfj3q6L-8lftp7qDTXCbRZ_gTtAd8vV2-wAEUiwcA-ITYG0iIN-VtavY7scZvKZv48XEjHaOOePobMBL-ZL0Boo/s640/2012-07-19_19-41-58_536.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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{Spicy, crispy salmon}</div>
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In a heated pan, cook your salmon on high heat on each side for 2 minutes each and then for 4 minutes each on low heat depending on the thickness of your fillet. Make sure the drain the oil before putting it on your dish or else you fish will appear oily.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS6O4vHKU09Dnm9lvYDOWyFMzqvE2Ad4LhlPMAJZURCmTDgKHt7LVrQ9PWcYmFH67pira6tdjV7w060jQdmM7PgSCS9MrX36XTmgvF3uMaMozqdhhxK42MmMMFurWqgthKVVDEk7EnLU8/s1600/2012-07-19_19-49-43_244.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS6O4vHKU09Dnm9lvYDOWyFMzqvE2Ad4LhlPMAJZURCmTDgKHt7LVrQ9PWcYmFH67pira6tdjV7w060jQdmM7PgSCS9MrX36XTmgvF3uMaMozqdhhxK42MmMMFurWqgthKVVDEk7EnLU8/s640/2012-07-19_19-49-43_244.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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{La piece de resistance: crispy salmon with mango salsa}</div>
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On your plate, pile the salsa on top of your hot salmon (liquid and all). Enjoy a heaping bite of salsa with each bite of salmon and indulge in the delicious flavors. If it's not spicy enough for you, drizzle with sriracha.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10712838675898061995noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2121291319154510550.post-76036471868185460122012-07-18T08:00:00.000-07:002012-07-18T08:00:01.544-07:00Grease is the Word<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxkD61v4gofrDpdPiFLrKNnwK1GZw_TK47kzpf3zjvD6EZ9PZJryg9SRo3eSLDqP1YWRoZq-RNd4SEr1QlQCeZxmSSZHeqmhYk0Oi5MFUIBbqO_Bc2Ql3izw8JogkzBP8B9IkBDgqZmzg/s1600/IMG_20120714_201840.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxkD61v4gofrDpdPiFLrKNnwK1GZw_TK47kzpf3zjvD6EZ9PZJryg9SRo3eSLDqP1YWRoZq-RNd4SEr1QlQCeZxmSSZHeqmhYk0Oi5MFUIBbqO_Bc2Ql3izw8JogkzBP8B9IkBDgqZmzg/s640/IMG_20120714_201840.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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{Grease sing-a-long at the Hollywood Bowl - check out the Hollywood sign}</div>
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Who plans for months to go to the Grease sing-a-long at the Hollywood Bowl? We do. Ever since seeing Coldplay back in May, three of us bought our tickets immediately for the Grease sing-a-long, and finally the day came.<br />
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Dressing up in our best Pink Ladies/ T-Birds gear, we packed up with bread, cheese, crackers, snacks, and the delicious California Chicken Cafe, hopped on the bus, and prepared ourselves for a night at the Hollywood Bowl.<br />
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If you haven't been to the Hollywood Bowl, the best way to do it is to catch the Park 'n' Ride. You park your car at a given location and hop on a bus so that you can drink and eat happily (which we surely did).<br />
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After picnicking on a grassy area and drinking oh-so-much wine, we made our way in to a pre-show which included the actress who played Frenchie, and the entire Grease movie complete with sing-a-long lyrics, bubbles, and drunken fans who knew every word to every song. Overall, it was one of the most interesting Saturday nights I have had in awhile.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgun9j2aMDOBG_mwHfLH3BgZc-Z1wAMJq4JTH50K5kSo0bJcLr9qWkLKIju04zzJKhHG7X8fOUWPt5SImmwe0dfVT2WlR66ub-uuDWZMHV4hWPOJuaO7DU-Ea-V4whp5-Vg22j_H8bPqyI/s1600/553069_10101573567185566_162716251_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgun9j2aMDOBG_mwHfLH3BgZc-Z1wAMJq4JTH50K5kSo0bJcLr9qWkLKIju04zzJKhHG7X8fOUWPt5SImmwe0dfVT2WlR66ub-uuDWZMHV4hWPOJuaO7DU-Ea-V4whp5-Vg22j_H8bPqyI/s640/553069_10101573567185566_162716251_n.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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{Wine + Grease sing-a-long}</div>
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10712838675898061995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2121291319154510550.post-43296732878153771182012-07-17T08:00:00.000-07:002012-07-17T08:00:04.988-07:00Friday Night at Dodgers Stadium<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsMApzQJP_CBlMbOokVmcYdaM7k9o19P9-TcFtPwXHjrYzAGrIh2wFVnXAgsGMe8v341ukMkcJBCcH44TA9baw6fownliUDv09luf0VFbpUh1ZPI0klb0_X_-BWsGcLOQOluSQxNbnQBc/s1600/IMG_20120713_194706.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsMApzQJP_CBlMbOokVmcYdaM7k9o19P9-TcFtPwXHjrYzAGrIh2wFVnXAgsGMe8v341ukMkcJBCcH44TA9baw6fownliUDv09luf0VFbpUh1ZPI0klb0_X_-BWsGcLOQOluSQxNbnQBc/s640/IMG_20120713_194706.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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{Dodgers Stadium at sunset on a Friday night}</div>
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Lucky lucky girls. One of my friend's neighbors works in sales for the Dodgers so we were hooked up with free Loge-level tickets for the Padres vs. Dodgers game. I had been to many Padres games (since I am a San Diego native and a <i>sad sad</i> Padres fan), but I had never been to Dodgers Stadium, so this was definitely a check off of the LA bucket list.<br />
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The traffic was terrible, but I did love that the stadium was secluded from the rest of the Los Angeles hustle-and-bustle. I tried my first Dodger Dog, and I even was allowed onto the field for the fireworks! It was a great to end the first week at the new job with another new adventure. <i>Plus, beer and a good hot dog is always welcome.</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOGmrDY5rR9MNF46np7qMArZYhl3LQLGB6V7CRebNusu4LLE2x64y9GNZ5sXErGtLE4KVO0_z1QedzjnD2HCsGxAMA4OQyzwlKy5UrJ-rX72yCbh94XPgAAEIhVDDmr62O9LhGMMwPFm4/s1600/IMG_20120713_210900.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOGmrDY5rR9MNF46np7qMArZYhl3LQLGB6V7CRebNusu4LLE2x64y9GNZ5sXErGtLE4KVO0_z1QedzjnD2HCsGxAMA4OQyzwlKy5UrJ-rX72yCbh94XPgAAEIhVDDmr62O9LhGMMwPFm4/s640/IMG_20120713_210900.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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{A cold Bud Lite and a Dodger Dog with the works}</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG86xM29wA-v5SlEwDB3X970IbgcK6OwF8Ws8Usu7tQxWq61gCPyhnVOYaap2KCqt1wxcF3xh1kK8xeEIxxoP7G9qzQRGNrcmmScVQt7g7ZWSbz4nENneB-MyG1l1y6wY4iFkrpEggpMY/s1600/IMG_20120713_224635.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG86xM29wA-v5SlEwDB3X970IbgcK6OwF8Ws8Usu7tQxWq61gCPyhnVOYaap2KCqt1wxcF3xh1kK8xeEIxxoP7G9qzQRGNrcmmScVQt7g7ZWSbz4nENneB-MyG1l1y6wY4iFkrpEggpMY/s640/IMG_20120713_224635.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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{Kevin and I on the field for summer fireworks}</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10712838675898061995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2121291319154510550.post-70888711869052533882012-07-16T08:00:00.000-07:002012-07-16T08:00:02.182-07:00Weekend Wrap-Up via Instagram<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEJSg1QqWCkFfEDG0AZCthlC6CAIQcQhTgjJu1oHt_B94tapyCVZgiFoJukCH83IzK15bFY9kkEPDcsEuCjTV-LOvcusVDGo4U_HxgwZXwtuwbR1CpeyQYD9v0BCoPypYoMFylJeRZd0Q/s1600/IMG_20120710_170445.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEJSg1QqWCkFfEDG0AZCthlC6CAIQcQhTgjJu1oHt_B94tapyCVZgiFoJukCH83IzK15bFY9kkEPDcsEuCjTV-LOvcusVDGo4U_HxgwZXwtuwbR1CpeyQYD9v0BCoPypYoMFylJeRZd0Q/s640/IMG_20120710_170445.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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{My goodies from the Murad Spa}</div>
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This week and weekend were full of surprises. I started my new job at Murad as their social media associate, and on the first day I was sent down to the spa at the end of the day for a facial and a line of tailored skincare products (and my skin has never looked better!). It was one of the easiest of transitions I have ever experienced.<br />
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So, this weekend was full of celebration from my first Dodger's game to going to the Grease sing-a-long at the Hollywood Bowl. Lots of fun and lots more to come this week! Here are some of my favorite Instagrams from the weekend:<br />
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{Chicken Paillard on my date night at Nook}</div>
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{Employee sale on O.P.I. nail polish}</div>
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{My friend's choice of wine for our Hollywood Bowl adventure}</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10712838675898061995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2121291319154510550.post-83551936982558461552012-07-12T08:00:00.000-07:002012-07-12T08:00:07.448-07:00Easy Bruschetta Balsamic Tomato Salad<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYCRq3-C6GGp-wKHQsi7BMk-_xTvLmZ2kW09mZi_pnFWyaYcnyvWKwLSqb-NBKct77owXSp2MPb8Fj8RRFoKihIJIQN7CpBbbYIrMVN9KTwjGaowFBDIOkLKBQDkrur7rk10EPQFz7UTQ/s1600/balsamic+tomatoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYCRq3-C6GGp-wKHQsi7BMk-_xTvLmZ2kW09mZi_pnFWyaYcnyvWKwLSqb-NBKct77owXSp2MPb8Fj8RRFoKihIJIQN7CpBbbYIrMVN9KTwjGaowFBDIOkLKBQDkrur7rk10EPQFz7UTQ/s640/balsamic+tomatoes.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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{Easy Bruschetta Balsamic Tomato Salad}</div>
<br />
You can call it a sauce, you call call it an Italian salsa, but I like to refer to it as a balsamic tomato salad.<br />
<br />
During the summer, nothing is better than tomatoes and balsamic vinegar. Yes you can roast them or sautee them, but who wants to eat something warm when it's hot out. <i>Not I </i>(especially in this hot SoCal weather). Here's a perfect dish that goes fantastically on a crusty baguette on a hot summer night especially with a glass of Pinot Noir.<br />
<br />
<i>Ingredients</i>:<br />
2 tomatoes<br />
4 garlic cloves<br />
4 TBSP balsamic vinegar<br />
1 TBSP olive oil<br />
Dash of salt<br />
Dash of pepper<br />
Dash of dried oregano<br />
Dash of dried basil<br />
<br />
Chop up the tomatoes in cubes. The smaller you dice the tomato the more it will soak up the vinegar. If you prefer a more subtle vinegar taste, you should chop the tomatoes in larger cubes. Mince the garlic cloves. Throw tomatoes and garlic into a bowl.<br />
<br />
Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and herbs. Drizzle with vinegar and oil. Toss all together and pile on top of a crusty baguette or eat with a spoon - I enjoy it either way.<br />
<br />
It's the perfect dish for summer. It's filling, satisfying, and refreshing. Enjoy!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10712838675898061995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2121291319154510550.post-549343615310570082012-07-11T08:00:00.000-07:002012-07-11T08:00:10.250-07:00The Best Man Olympics<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh05ciZ3zuY9tQqvf7-Q3Shzq-PuJ6aSA025xrh4p4hdwJhd0Ks6JnWLb9prpXFwW10XcR5bod6uA-tZjteJ9Txm0K64iCFLwUYzM2Ky8K08hTGqdbTgq-F9DhJ24k1HXZ0SGxCVAoZYeI/s1600/IMG_1719.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh05ciZ3zuY9tQqvf7-Q3Shzq-PuJ6aSA025xrh4p4hdwJhd0Ks6JnWLb9prpXFwW10XcR5bod6uA-tZjteJ9Txm0K64iCFLwUYzM2Ky8K08hTGqdbTgq-F9DhJ24k1HXZ0SGxCVAoZYeI/s640/IMG_1719.JPG" width="600" /></a></div>
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{Get serious, or get out. These are the Best Man Olympics}</div>
<br />
This weekend was the Best Man Olympics. A combination of talent, creativity and shame as 5 best friends fought to win over the affection of their best friend.<br />
<br />
Hilarity ensues.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>Now this wasn't just any stupid competition: this was the competition to become the best man for the first person out of my high school group of friends to get married: <i>an honor above all honors</i>.<br />
<br />
<b>5 competitors. 7 events.</b> The interview, the Best Man speech, the bachelor party presentation, the trivia, the drinking game, the Single Ladies' dance, and the scenarios... <i>in that order</i>. It was truly an event to remember and will go down in the history books of our little close-knit group.<br />
<br />
The guys really took it seriously: the best man speeches were extremely heartfelt, and those of us in the <i>peanut gallery</i> were thoroughly impressed with each of their efforts to be heartfelt yet funny at the same time.<br />
<br />
Suffice to say, Kevin (the other half) won the competition, and I couldn't be happier. The <i>worst part</i> about having a big group of guy friends is that unless they're marrying one of my friends, I don't get to be in their wedding. However, having your boyfriend be the best man <i>almost</i> makes up for it!<br />
<br />
Check out this wonderful collection of photos from the event:<br />
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{The interview}</div>
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{The bachelor party presentation: "Get hit in the face with awesome."}</div>
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{The drinking game - a combination of beer pong, a scavenger hunt, and binge drinking}</div>
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{Mitch's choice of costume: The Abe Lincoln}</div>
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{During the scavenger hunt, Bobby had to propose to a Helzenberg employee}</div>
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{Never looked better: Kevin and Sam before the Single Ladies' dance}</div>
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{The "dancers"}</div>
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{Check out these coordinated guys}</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10712838675898061995noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2121291319154510550.post-15779131605100502332012-07-06T08:00:00.000-07:002012-07-06T08:00:05.129-07:00In With the New<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj18tyhUfK4_LOVO6k2dlvKlzxvhzcIc7Y_qCKz2ZJ9ZiHN_gGBTgWcItHnyd3-gb6NbS2o6ZpR1OTVe88o1A40U-G58k4giNmH8CJHotPiO4xG0oQ5rMblkbane912OGBzvTKhM1w635s/s1600/adventure.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="797" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj18tyhUfK4_LOVO6k2dlvKlzxvhzcIc7Y_qCKz2ZJ9ZiHN_gGBTgWcItHnyd3-gb6NbS2o6ZpR1OTVe88o1A40U-G58k4giNmH8CJHotPiO4xG0oQ5rMblkbane912OGBzvTKhM1w635s/s640/adventure.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
<br />
This weekend marks a <i>grand transition</i> in my life. Although it is the first time in six years that I am actually staying put in my apartment, I feel like my whole world is changing - <i>but for the better</i>. Recently, I bought a new car, <i>a lovely Prius C which I adore</i>, and next week I am leaving my job that I have had for the past two years to start a corporate social media job with the huge beauty and skincare company, <a href="http://gan.doubleclick.net/gan_click?lid=41000000028007181&pid=UBM9780312331061&adurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdsbooksdvds.com%2Fproduct.jhtm%3Fsku%3DUBM9780312331061&usg=AFHzDLszVKJj1lwCpWy4o6RKjN27MuWb1A&pubid=543377" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Murad</a>. I will be designing and running all of their social media efforts and am <i>so excited</i> to have a job with such exposure and opportunity.<br />
<br />
This is the big break that any 23 year old social media junkie would <i>dream of</i>. New car, new job: things are really looking up. It is going to be such a challenge to shake out of my comfort zone and embark on these new adventures, but I am so anxious to get going. This year has been a hard one thus far with many curve balls, and I'm excited to be handed a bit of good fortune with some great new opportunities.<br />
<br />
Enjoy your weekend (I know I will be savoring mine before the craziness of switching jobs starts)! I will be venturing down to San Diego to watch the "Best Man Olympics" - where one of my close friends is making his groomsmen compete to see who is the <i>most worthy</i> to be Best Man at his wedding. <i>Updates and embarrassing photos to come.</i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10712838675898061995noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2121291319154510550.post-81650230699838768592012-07-05T08:00:00.000-07:002012-07-05T08:00:07.843-07:00Blackberry, Feta and Arugula Summer Salad<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN0Ll5xP1yYdfspi28f05oST552cmYsmpuhp3Mo4ARWHzrVl5a5hVl-6E2zFm1WHgHIK4W-tIc7G8F22c2DS_N6I4pUTz7TShzDyRXuKbh9rQB_CwpvVodts03CpXb8MyT1CtZvA85C-g/s1600/IMG_1707.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN0Ll5xP1yYdfspi28f05oST552cmYsmpuhp3Mo4ARWHzrVl5a5hVl-6E2zFm1WHgHIK4W-tIc7G8F22c2DS_N6I4pUTz7TShzDyRXuKbh9rQB_CwpvVodts03CpXb8MyT1CtZvA85C-g/s640/IMG_1707.JPG" width="600" /></a></div>
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{Blackberries, feta and arugula}</div>
<br />
<i>I was recently inspired...</i> by a trip to the market.<br />
<br />
Whilst innocently perusing the produce section of my local market, I stumbled upon the holy grail of fruit: blackberries and blueberries <i>on sale</i> for $1.50 a carton. Naturally I grabbed two cartons of blueberries and two cartons of blackberries, intending to use them as an afternoon snack.<br />
<br />
However, one of my favorite <i>favorite</i> things to do during the summer is to incorporate fruit into salads. I have had a block of feta cheese hanging out in my fridge for far too long to continue being ignored - <i>I had originally wanted to pair it with beets</i>, and recently bought a head of peppery arugula <i>which to be honest, always goes bad before I can use all of it</i>. Alors, <i>I was inspired.</i><br />
<i><br /></i><br />
This salad is the perfect balance of sweet from the berries, salty from the feta, peppery from the arugula, and tangy from the dressing. It's something that you definitely need to try because the subtle sweetness of the blackberries is almost highlighted by all of the other ingredients. I was worried that it would get lost, <i>but it doesn't</i>.<br />
<br />
<b>Recipe</b><br />
<br />
<i>Ingredients</i><br />
1/2 carton of blackberries<br />
2 TBSP crumbled feta cheese<br />
2 handfuls of arugula<br />
2 TBSP red wine vinegar<br />
1 TBSP extra virgin olive oil<br />
1 tsp salt<br />
1 tsp pepper<br />
1 tsp garlic powder<br />
<br />
In a small bowl whisk together the oil, vinegar, salt, pepper and garlic powder and set aside.<br />
<br />
Toss in a medium sized bowl with the arugula, blackberries and feta. Serve immediately or the greens will wilt.<br />
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*You can substitute the blackberries with any other berry and the feta cheese for goat cheese.<br />
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{A perfect complement of flavors}</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhseEVG_XkxnT2CdLWdNS4VoTlZzfvb8rdZjLHEltF2zf_uIdEY0sUk-5XdajrVDfe8CkFClc-ZN3NVvWhhV_kNWg9tXFvax491XLKGAPkOKcSM5nKtJeFwH2EPauCuVIj0zN1fEa9ltjU/s1600/IMG_1709.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhseEVG_XkxnT2CdLWdNS4VoTlZzfvb8rdZjLHEltF2zf_uIdEY0sUk-5XdajrVDfe8CkFClc-ZN3NVvWhhV_kNWg9tXFvax491XLKGAPkOKcSM5nKtJeFwH2EPauCuVIj0zN1fEa9ltjU/s640/IMG_1709.JPG" width="600" /></a></div>
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{The perfect bite}</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10712838675898061995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2121291319154510550.post-31918283522039573842012-07-04T08:00:00.000-07:002012-07-04T08:00:00.080-07:00Happy Fourth of July<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIVjcHD8_E09wysTLwZo6kDN7eeziUe4Q0YzdBvoryV7Rfhr3G30VDT7iiyiuwLu6O4NZYwFyaOV5eghS_Y-fFEU3ILnkXLaPehBqsB1uSFcLe5ISsq6dhVr9iXaD5kvRK2B8iLGg6twk/s1600/4th+of+july.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIVjcHD8_E09wysTLwZo6kDN7eeziUe4Q0YzdBvoryV7Rfhr3G30VDT7iiyiuwLu6O4NZYwFyaOV5eghS_Y-fFEU3ILnkXLaPehBqsB1uSFcLe5ISsq6dhVr9iXaD5kvRK2B8iLGg6twk/s640/4th+of+july.png" width="600" /></a></div>
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{Fourth of July Flags}</div>
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Happy Fourth of July! What are you up to this holiday? Since the holiday is on a Wednesday this year (which looks way too suspicious if you call in "sick" on Thursday), I am taking it easy and spending time with friends, barbecued meats, and lots of cocktails.<br />
<br />
Last night as an <i>Independence Day pre-game</i>, I went to the <a href="http://www.amyturman.com/2012/05/lovers-in-japan-coldplay-at-hollywood.html" target="_blank">Hollywood Bowl</a> with my roomie and her family to watch Barry Manilow in concert with fireworks - <i>I can't even make that up, and it was awesome</i>. It wasn't even the first time I had seen him in concert...<br />
<br />
I hope that your Fourth of July is relaxing and filled with lots of fireworks! <i>Tell me</i>, what are you up to?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10712838675898061995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2121291319154510550.post-30691256217856419672012-07-03T08:00:00.000-07:002012-07-03T08:00:06.972-07:00Favorite Summer Snack: Balsamic Avocados<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuOy7znZeqMF-Gv3ycOFbHIUhZ2GKwP9G0N02h1G_fA0rddlb0RLjYxD5QnQigFbGe_6tRg_di2D-XNzwMTr1YTRZ-U0Cy4XRCMhxTG2stVhTS33QlsAvE-EuvLWs8EMC4BcpQVBNU8EQ/s1600/IMG_1702.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuOy7znZeqMF-Gv3ycOFbHIUhZ2GKwP9G0N02h1G_fA0rddlb0RLjYxD5QnQigFbGe_6tRg_di2D-XNzwMTr1YTRZ-U0Cy4XRCMhxTG2stVhTS33QlsAvE-EuvLWs8EMC4BcpQVBNU8EQ/s640/IMG_1702.JPG" width="600" /></a></div>
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{Balsamic Avocados}</div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">My personal love for avocados started growing up taking summer vacations in Baja California, Mexico. A man drove a fruit truck and delivered fresh avocados to us every day. Although I have a slight allergy to them (cured with an allergy pill), I can't get enough. Since starting to cut complex carbohydrates, I have been looking for ways to make avocados the star, rather than just a condiment or compliment.</span><br />
<br />
It's officially avocado season in southern California, which means it's time to reinvent the fruit with extremely bold flavor profiles that can stand up to the soft, buttery texture of the avocado.<br />
<br />
My favorite way to eat avocados (other than smearing it on a toasted slice of sourdough bread) is to drizzle it with balsamic vinegar, salt, lemon pepper, and garlic powder. This dish is a very light and healthy way to get those healthy oils, and a great way dish for you to serve at a dinner party as an appetizer.<br />
<br />
<b>Balsamic Avocados</b><br />
<br />
<i>Ingredients</i><br />
1 avocado<br />
2 TBSP balsamic vinegar (amount will vary based on avocado size)<br />
Pinch of salt<br />
Pinch of lemon pepper<br />
Pinch of garlic powder<br />
<br />
Halve the avocado and remove the seed. You can use your knife to cut into the seed and twist to remove. Using a large spoon (or a butter knife if you're avocado-savvy) pull the entire half of the avocado out of the skin.<br />
<br />
Place the avocado facing upwards on your dish so that it looks like an avocado bowl. Drizzle with your vinegar, and sprinkle with salt, lemon pepper, and garlic powder. If you're looking for a twist, chop up some shallots or roasted garlic for an extra crunch.<br />
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Enjoy at room temperature immediately.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10712838675898061995noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2121291319154510550.post-15385692505812765882012-07-02T08:00:00.001-07:002012-07-02T08:00:00.083-07:00Weekend Wrap-Up: Happy July!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_eF1y372RBJiLJ7n57urOyaydg8CPw8PKoawbp7J-rCs45VoujqPy928EjnCN7EqtGR7PmulELHjWWHl9yP2u8p_6jKySYjV58wxQa3rQ1LQcBXmP3vHrXcbU9_AdCoSDPc_dQ7DR5J0/s1600/magic+mike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_eF1y372RBJiLJ7n57urOyaydg8CPw8PKoawbp7J-rCs45VoujqPy928EjnCN7EqtGR7PmulELHjWWHl9yP2u8p_6jKySYjV58wxQa3rQ1LQcBXmP3vHrXcbU9_AdCoSDPc_dQ7DR5J0/s640/magic+mike.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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{Channing Tatum and Joe Manganiello}</div>
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This weekend was a <i>blur</i>. As you know one of my best friends left for vet school this weekend, and her final request was -<i>wait for it</i>- to go see Magic Mike. So we did her bidding. We bought tickets for the 11pm showing on opening night and snuck in bottles of wine to keep us occupied during the uninteresting plot that they attempted to shove down our throats. <i>We thought we were being original when in reality, the half-full theater of hormonal women all had the same idea</i>. The movie was only good when the cast was dancing and shaking it -<i>oh boy, was that dancing amazing</i>- and I probably enjoyed it a little bit more than I would otherwise thanks to the wine. But like I said, the plot is horrible. They should have stuck to dancing the whole time.<br />
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I also visited 800 Degrees this weekend in Westwood. This pizza is all the craze among college students so my sister and I did a little double date to the pizzeria. You select a pizza base (Margherita, red sauce, or sauce-less) and then you pick the toppings that they generously pile on. The pizza is cooked in an 800 degree oven to perfection. It is thin and light, and you can eat every last bite (you'll want to too). I chose tomatoes, chicken and artichokes as my toppings and the boy chose pepperoni, spicy Italian peppers and tomatoes. <i>Delicioso</i>!<br />
<br />
This week I am focusing on taking care of myself (with the exception to the Fourth of July celebration to come) because I am leaving my job at the end of this week to start working managing social media efforts for a huge beauty brand (I'll leave you with the suspense and tell you at a later point where I'll be working). I'm so excited, but through all of the excitement, I'm bound to get sick due to sheer sensory overload. That's why this week I'll be posting healthy summer recipes in order to inspire myself <i>and maybe even inspire you</i>.<br />
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{800 Degrees Pizzeria}</div>
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{A healthy seasonal snack packed with antibiotics}</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10712838675898061995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2121291319154510550.post-14296047474735430182012-06-29T07:42:00.000-07:002012-06-29T12:37:48.606-07:00Wet Bar Essentials for Twenty-Somethings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbniCPTEwOpVU9z3ncPMi02CJP3oUYyFVmWdhjni9T8tgToZzFB7PEeyHM9XThfQL31H8oH-3nhYtzSbl6DoJmoDdgJlmFbzvt6u7gM6eglfR4RxjbyN7uML2tloomsDpEe6E1uvotmgM/s1600/IMG_1701.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbniCPTEwOpVU9z3ncPMi02CJP3oUYyFVmWdhjni9T8tgToZzFB7PEeyHM9XThfQL31H8oH-3nhYtzSbl6DoJmoDdgJlmFbzvt6u7gM6eglfR4RxjbyN7uML2tloomsDpEe6E1uvotmgM/s640/IMG_1701.JPG" width="600" /></a></div>
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{Our fully stocked wet bar circa 1960s}</div>
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You're twenty-something and you like to entertain, but you don't want to tip your budget by filling a wet bar full of expensive alcohol that your friends will end up drinking during one of your many pre-parties. Here's how to keep enough alcohol on hand for entertaining, while also not breaking the bank investing in extravagant single malt scotches and over the top vodkas.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><b>Maintain a Supply of the Essentials</b><br />
<br />
I generally only drink <a href="http://www.amyturman.com/2012/05/whiskey-business.html" target="_blank">whiskey</a> sodas or <a href="http://www.amyturman.com/2012/05/perfect-martini-shaken-not-stirred.html" target="_blank">gin martinis</a> (<i>I know, I'm such an old person</i>), and my friends tend to prefer whiskey tonics or vodka tonics <i>for sipping</i>. If we're looking to go hard -<i>which generally doesn't happen since we left college</i>- we look at shots of Jägermeister or vodka and Red Bull.<br />
<br />
Here are the essentials I keep on hand:<br />
<ul>
<li><i>Vodka:</i> Grey Goose, <a href="http://www.amyturman.com/2012/06/happy-hour-hot-and-sticky-vodka.html" target="_blank">Stolichnaya</a>, and Svedka - varied qualities for different beverages.</li>
<li><i>Gin:</i> I generally keep Beefeaters on hand because it is perfect with tonic or in a martini. However, due to a recent trip to the supermarket (and a very helpful coupon), I bought a bottle of Hendrick's <i>not for sharing</i>.</li>
<li><i>Whiskey:</i> I am a huge whiskey drinker and luckily so are my friends. My whiskey of choice is Jameson, but I also enjoy Southern Comfort with some tonic and a slice of orange. Whiskey is one of those beverages that can adapt and suit anyone.</li>
<li><i>Liquors</i>: Anything else tends to be a gift or something that I bought on a whim. From coconut rum, to coffee liquor, to both sweet and dry vermouth (gifts from my roommate's old job), these occasionally come in handy, but I would not say that they are essentials.</li>
<li><i>Wine and Champagne</i>: I always have a few bottles of inexpensive Pinot Noir or Cabernet Sauvignon on hand for a impromptu dinner party. We also keep a bottle of cheap champagne on deck for some bubble to mix into a cocktail or serve to unsuspecting guests.</li>
<li><i>Mixers</i>: You don't need anything more than bitters, sparkling water and tonic. I always keep a bottle of Pellegrino chilled in the fridge.</li>
</ul>
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<b>Wet Bar Organization</b></div>
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<br />
When organizing your wet bar, make sure that you have all options that you are willing to share with your guests on display. Put them with an array of shot glasses and other glasses that can take the wear (<i>I don't put my green vintage stemware out yet simply because I'm terrified someone will break them</i>). If you don't have a wet bar in your apartment, you can always get a cart or organize your bar on a table. Remember to have fun with it and let it express your personal style - wet bars are for entertaining and having fun with your friends!</div>
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{Classic wet bar - <a href="http://herblog.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">via</a>}</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivZ1r3N3Do6-J0x1lD9VKWDpZkVMhnUe1LpMiTKZjLBb3NLRSze7AiowzfNDCKu7GRgN5QIXShWvZXvX7WE3VUO_EZR8fg2x8pXBzym6a1arQsr7x1pUtXzQalw1fxRjtBVKTOZibfOxw/s1600/girly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="905" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivZ1r3N3Do6-J0x1lD9VKWDpZkVMhnUe1LpMiTKZjLBb3NLRSze7AiowzfNDCKu7GRgN5QIXShWvZXvX7WE3VUO_EZR8fg2x8pXBzym6a1arQsr7x1pUtXzQalw1fxRjtBVKTOZibfOxw/s640/girly.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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{Girly wet bar - <a href="http://citified.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">via</a>}</div>
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{Retro wet bar - <a href="http://www.elementsofstyleblog.com/2010/05/4347.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">via</a>}</div>
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{Tropical wet bar - <a href="http://turquoisetulipsandbliss.tumblr.com/page/3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">via</a>}</div>
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{My favorite DIY wet bar - via <a href="http://www.cupcakesandcashmere.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cupcakes and Cashmere</a>}</div>
<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10712838675898061995noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2121291319154510550.post-51609161026518148372012-06-27T10:52:00.000-07:002012-06-27T10:52:38.679-07:00Taking the Subway<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilngx5Bw8B9cS741JPI-uqfk-Bkwov6bP8bWJh0P8p3ATqCtd-wHbpdDyV9VFn9L5f0wYZBA4VqcdP1veV0GlJtdDchf4ps8UL19_qV0AFAViJBTGFts4GjnmbFrlT9MAcQW9m2cbTaTQ/s1600/subway2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="441" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilngx5Bw8B9cS741JPI-uqfk-Bkwov6bP8bWJh0P8p3ATqCtd-wHbpdDyV9VFn9L5f0wYZBA4VqcdP1veV0GlJtdDchf4ps8UL19_qV0AFAViJBTGFts4GjnmbFrlT9MAcQW9m2cbTaTQ/s400/subway2.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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Last night, whilst working on checking things off of the <a href="http://www.amyturman.com/2012/06/whats-on-your-los-angeles-bucket-list.html" target="_blank">Los Angeles bucket list</a>, we decided to take the Subway downtown to <a href="http://www.amyturman.com/2012/04/los-angeles-spotlight-orochon-ramen.html" target="_blank">Orochon</a>. Not only did this check three things off of my friend's bucket list before she leaves (<i>1 - go downtown, 2 - ride the subway, and 3 - eat at Orochon</i>), but riding the subway was extremely convenient to get to our destination. </div>
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Although we had to wait for the train times, taking the subway helped us avoid traffic and paying for parking. The tickets are $1.50 each way, and were extremely convenient for us to take from my boyfriend's high rise apartment in Korea town. </div>
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By 2015, LA officials say that the purple line on <a href="http://www.metro.net/projects/westside/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">the subway will extend all the way to Santa Monica</a>, and it will be a quick 45 minute ride to downtown from the Westside. So here's the question: <i>would you take the subway in Los Angeles?</i> </div>
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A lot of my friends think taking the subway is unfathomable, dirty, and disgusting - but to them I say, <i>as I laugh in their faces</i>, that it is better for the environment and reduces traffic on the streets of Los Angeles, <i>much less reduces your stress since you don't have to sit in traffic</i>. Other large cities (Paris, New York, Rome, etc.) have a fantastic subway system that no one regards as "dirty." If LA just had a better mode of public transportation (and locals changed their perception of the subway), a lot of our problems on surface streets would go away!</div>
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<i>How do you feel about public transportation in Los Angeles?</i></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10712838675898061995noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2121291319154510550.post-47990102366403866982012-06-26T14:04:00.000-07:002012-06-26T14:05:59.740-07:00Happy Hour: Hot and Sticky Vodka<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitC_6L09IbabbEv6lWyOM6-hTdeWC1vnHOyxT-47UnsnVG2LPjaoS0Tx7dkW_lm_G1iB7FAEUcCBdhgF3bmEuSQsFeNkk_SpcvVLm7STXoQxkN0Ty16tZZ0L8cHWoYNdBcKunUv4AkHqU/s1600/stoli-jalapeno-vodka.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitC_6L09IbabbEv6lWyOM6-hTdeWC1vnHOyxT-47UnsnVG2LPjaoS0Tx7dkW_lm_G1iB7FAEUcCBdhgF3bmEuSQsFeNkk_SpcvVLm7STXoQxkN0Ty16tZZ0L8cHWoYNdBcKunUv4AkHqU/s640/stoli-jalapeno-vodka.jpeg" width="600" /></a></div>
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{Stoli Jalapeno flavored vodka}</div>
<i>Freaking out here...</i> I have a love for all things spicy, and now that Stolichnaya vodka has come out with their hot and sticky vodka flavors, I think I know <i>exactly </i>what I will be drinking all summer. Originally released in the 1960s, the two re-released flavors are a hot pepper flavored vodka, and a sticky honey and herb vodka.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>"The brand is thrilled to reintroduce pepper and honey flavored vodkas, Hot and Sticki™. These spirited and timeless remixes are the perfect complement to our existing premium flavored vodka portfolio,"</i> said Val Mendeleev, CEO of SPI Group. <i>"We hope our fans will enjoy these delicious and versatile offerings in a variety of mixed drinks."</i></blockquote>
Here are a few recipes for the new vodkas (that I borrowed from <a href="http://lushworthy.com/2012/04/24/stoli-tribeca-film-festival-recipes/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lushworthy</a>):<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><b style="background-color: white;">Stoli Sticki Bees Knees</b><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white;">2 parts Stoli® Sticki™</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">3/4 part fresh lemon juice</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">3/4 part honey syrup (equal parts honey and hot water)</span><br />
<br />
Pour into a shaker with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into a martini glass.<br />
<br />
Garnish with a curl of lemon peel.<br />
<br />
<b>Stoli Sticki Mojito</b><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white;">2 parts Stoli® Sticki™</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">1/2 part simple syrup (or BOLS Triple Sec)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">1/2 part fresh lemon juice</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">8 muddles mint leaves</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">Soda water</span><br />
<br />
Build in an ice-filled highball glass and stir. Garnish with a mint sprig.<br />
<br />
<b>Stoli Hot N’ Juicy</b><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white;">2 parts Stoli® Hot™</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">¾ parts pineapple juice</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">½ parts lime juice</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">½ parts simple syrup</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">Jalapeno slice</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white;">Shake and serve over ice in a rocks glass. Garnish with a jalapeno slice.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10712838675898061995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2121291319154510550.post-84069229608842999062012-06-26T10:17:00.000-07:002012-06-26T10:17:37.167-07:00What's on Your Los Angeles Bucket List?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguYWs5FQzmMUJNNEqO9LNpbRul-Ypm6ScaokEeWmIXBYfD65cWYOTClfz-EiZg3yiY2loRuYsN0GfxLc1_74Fo9y0ZQEKXxLU1CJRbjpNChQ2s73RO52DBx3QIa_r25tnKH_XoaNr9OfM/s1600/hollywood+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguYWs5FQzmMUJNNEqO9LNpbRul-Ypm6ScaokEeWmIXBYfD65cWYOTClfz-EiZg3yiY2loRuYsN0GfxLc1_74Fo9y0ZQEKXxLU1CJRbjpNChQ2s73RO52DBx3QIa_r25tnKH_XoaNr9OfM/s640/hollywood+sign.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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{Hiking the Hollywood sign}</div>
<br />
One of my best friends is leaving for vet school at UC Davis, and despite all of us living in LA for the past six years, there are so many things that we have yet to experience! Of course, we're trying to cram all of these into her last week (despite working full time and packing up her entire apartment). A lot of these things on our list I have already done, but I feel like you can't live in Los Angeles and <i>not do these things</i>.<br />
<br />
<b>Los Angelenos, what are the activities on your bucket list? </b>Here are a few that are on mine:<br />
<ol>
<li>Hike to the Hollywood sign</li>
<li>Take the <a href="http://www.amyturman.com/2012/04/los-angeles-spotlight-orochon-ramen.html" target="_blank">Orochon challenge</a></li>
<li>Visit the Santa Monica Pier and ride the Ferris wheel</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amyturman.com/2012/05/weekend-wrap-up-ring-of-fire-solar.html" target="_blank">Drive up the PCH</a> all the way through Malibu to Santa Barbara (like we did here)</li>
<li>Eat fish tacos at James Beach</li>
<li>Visit the Griffith Observatory at night, <i>stargaze</i></li>
<li>Walk through Rodeo drive, <i>celeb stalk</i></li>
<li>Buy a six pack of Sprinkles cupcakes, eat them all</li>
<li>Walk the <a href="http://www.amyturman.com/2012/04/weekend-wrap-up-sweet-sundays-with.html" target="_blank">Venice boardwalk</a> after pitchers of Sangria</li>
<li>Go to a <a href="http://www.amyturman.com/2012/05/lovers-in-japan-coldplay-at-hollywood.html" target="_blank">summer concert at the Hollywood Bowl</a>, drink <i>lots of wine</i></li>
<li>Visit the Getty Museum, Getty Gardens, and Getty Villa</li>
</ol>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-y125wFSrk2JHAQO-wHATa2JCm5AeJfv0HaXDvH4ACf6HXF-QFphi1AtsIBG-AUuxzAZXFPa3S71GPjh8UBC01217x9D8S-YB_oks23QwSwHoW7VO4T9NijmKpxFGOmUltAs1RrDR22k/s1600/griffith.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-y125wFSrk2JHAQO-wHATa2JCm5AeJfv0HaXDvH4ACf6HXF-QFphi1AtsIBG-AUuxzAZXFPa3S71GPjh8UBC01217x9D8S-YB_oks23QwSwHoW7VO4T9NijmKpxFGOmUltAs1RrDR22k/s640/griffith.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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{Griffith Observatory}</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlOM633a5M_9BYXg0cBvAdx57O1UWWZ25ewQSY3rQ6ZPQ-p7nHFSG2yLvN6riHcMhCzbV1C-POII_2C0gGXyQJUn-DeqEwJPQiaMOIdzgVmfjYBXeb22V0zIVBT3vso0dM0UQr_7eKFQo/s1600/santa+monica+pier.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlOM633a5M_9BYXg0cBvAdx57O1UWWZ25ewQSY3rQ6ZPQ-p7nHFSG2yLvN6riHcMhCzbV1C-POII_2C0gGXyQJUn-DeqEwJPQiaMOIdzgVmfjYBXeb22V0zIVBT3vso0dM0UQr_7eKFQo/s640/santa+monica+pier.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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{Santa Monica Ferris wheel at the Santa Monica Pier}</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq6dSYhJeT-jPMixY1qD05z7giUOXEpCtdbY2LALfudgVr57eJep4DrlyqSfcDhsuLrwqINFV4qXZutAYqpVDu_j9kRP1MZLAemhd_O6hjk4_CbVatoRgzagfh_JKWHYYHx5cxS9v5j5k/s1600/getty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq6dSYhJeT-jPMixY1qD05z7giUOXEpCtdbY2LALfudgVr57eJep4DrlyqSfcDhsuLrwqINFV4qXZutAYqpVDu_j9kRP1MZLAemhd_O6hjk4_CbVatoRgzagfh_JKWHYYHx5cxS9v5j5k/s640/getty.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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{The Getty gardens at the Getty Museum}</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10712838675898061995noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2121291319154510550.post-67869712981697737472012-06-25T08:00:00.000-07:002012-06-25T08:00:08.550-07:00Weekend Wrap-Up: Cars, Carnitas, Chocolate Mousse<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9qL5OBhkuKt0DjrQoLa-x1_gpVIeqxDbjES8dffSLh5FY26Q78bsRdXoER23HjmlOnhRqYzlyCBC0BiMjxhlywOPp3hLaqY-5b5y0jyNsddiTSVQwXBT62nkAlUelpIWy-wXSSe-YCFo/s1600/9d9f6cc0be8011e181bd12313817987b_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9qL5OBhkuKt0DjrQoLa-x1_gpVIeqxDbjES8dffSLh5FY26Q78bsRdXoER23HjmlOnhRqYzlyCBC0BiMjxhlywOPp3hLaqY-5b5y0jyNsddiTSVQwXBT62nkAlUelpIWy-wXSSe-YCFo/s400/9d9f6cc0be8011e181bd12313817987b_7.jpg" width="600" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
{Homemade Chocolate Mousse}</div>
<br />
This weekend was a hectic weekend at that. The highlight of my weekends definitely centered around food and shopping, but in an unexpected and surprisingly delightful way.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><i style="background-color: white;"><b>Cars...</b></i><br />
<br />
This weekend I bit the bullet and <a href="http://www.amyturman.com/2012/05/auto-trading-lets-talk-cars.html" target="_blank">decided to buy a new car</a>. My old car, glorious Betty the 2002 BMW 3-series, had more repairs than she was worth, so I decided to trade in. My modest salary does not allow for me to buy another BMW, so I went for the chic, eco-friendly Prius C. I was incredibly nervous to buy a new car, but the more I think about it, the more I believe that I made the right decision. Although the weekend was very exhausting emotionally, and it's hard to let go of your childhood car, I knew it was time, and I have to admit I was very excited to cut the umbilical chord and buy my very first car in my name.<br />
<br />
My family gets <i>very</i> attached to cars - so this was like losing a family member. <i>Do you feel the same way about your car?</i><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2M8uM-eR9rw_xbLU3oT-5slZvChovgTZzWjCQb7ApPabeIybHwcnzfMBJzHo5TPgeOEMHw3ozKvoapL19_AhRWAf61JB8akA22t6Eps2JzaHVioAext1js0xcw4dE6pjpa_7LUVnz3fk/s1600/1f39beb0bda111e1989612313815112c_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2M8uM-eR9rw_xbLU3oT-5slZvChovgTZzWjCQb7ApPabeIybHwcnzfMBJzHo5TPgeOEMHw3ozKvoapL19_AhRWAf61JB8akA22t6Eps2JzaHVioAext1js0xcw4dE6pjpa_7LUVnz3fk/s400/1f39beb0bda111e1989612313815112c_7.jpg" width="600" /></a>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
{My new black Prius C whom I have yet to name... <i>suggestions?</i>}<br />
<br /></div>
<i><b>Carnitas...</b></i><br />
<i><br /></i><br />
My good friend is leaving in a week to go to vet school, so this weekend we really had to make it count. We went to cocktails and dinner on Main Street, Santa Monica and later at the Charleston on Wilshire on Saturday night, and on Sunday I invited her over to my boyfriend's apartment for a dinner party with him and a bunch of guys.<br />
<br />
I know, cue any sort of music that preludes to food poisoning...<br />
<br />
Disastrous you may think, but no, it was <i>delicious.</i> We sipped on Mexican beer and ate homemade carnitas complete with guacamole, slaw, and a cilantro-lime rice. It was unlike any pork I have ever tasted. I really didn't expect more than a pork chop sliced into fajita sized strips, but these boys really know <a href="http://www.amyturman.com/2012/06/dinner-parties-for-unmarried-twenty.html" target="_blank">how to throw a dinner party</a>. Color me <i>impressed</i>.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh291lq711iaxQd71lV37kVdgSahREu0Rv7xagDxwBQ02cnfqu6oJ6n1U5sng_3fNAO9ZzrjZvbz8LBsgBzj40JgN0E95fM3LBidBZhXBkTppZCTy_l92C6LRzZSWGVJtzwu5c5REcsP7I/s1600/carnitas+night+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh291lq711iaxQd71lV37kVdgSahREu0Rv7xagDxwBQ02cnfqu6oJ6n1U5sng_3fNAO9ZzrjZvbz8LBsgBzj40JgN0E95fM3LBidBZhXBkTppZCTy_l92C6LRzZSWGVJtzwu5c5REcsP7I/s400/carnitas+night+1.jpg" width="600" /></a>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
{Homemade carnitas - beginning stages}</div>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl02xjQEjhcQJU1rNCKXBsi2Db_Qiu0_8DU0iBNtz9Xl4HJK-6VESiZXe0IAhbzRaYzHDDstPg-simQSOmlr7ETV0dACyd8i-UBtshqylmC1fkm7036WPutyD2dg4pTcy5wK-jXV4Iyjo/s1600/ecd600aabe9011e18bb812313804a181_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl02xjQEjhcQJU1rNCKXBsi2Db_Qiu0_8DU0iBNtz9Xl4HJK-6VESiZXe0IAhbzRaYzHDDstPg-simQSOmlr7ETV0dACyd8i-UBtshqylmC1fkm7036WPutyD2dg4pTcy5wK-jXV4Iyjo/s400/ecd600aabe9011e18bb812313804a181_7.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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{The table spread: rice, carnitas, slaw, guacamole, beers, Jack+coke}</div>
<br />
<i><b>Chocolate Mousse...</b></i><br />
<i><br /></i><br />
Now when I say chocolate mousse, I cannot emphasize enough how <i>decadent, creamy, rich, </i>and<i> airy </i>this chocolate mousse truly was. My boyfriend's roomate's friend is a chemist who enjoys cooking in his spare time -<i>ladies, he's single</i>- and decided to whip up a batch of chocolate mousse for dessert. It's safe to say that we indulged in multiple shot glasses of chocolate mousse, some partaking in three or more - <i>thank goodness he made extras right?</i> It was the cherry on top to a stressful weekend (and it cured my craving for <a href="http://www.amyturman.com/2012/05/slutty-brownies.html" target="_blank">slutty brownies</a>).<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4d3LRExzuEQR7o8VfOhyphenhyphenDG4ccz20Cud-5h6G6MdNnu1nONvwDLYcj-509oaupAnrinnjKOEvxSm7K3AYq5XbL4tZ6PJsbTswL53XeHQ0tOmrWATPFy0tMcv5nNkYvI4GQEnBjiygIeGA/s1600/72ce98fcbe8211e181bd12313817987b_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4d3LRExzuEQR7o8VfOhyphenhyphenDG4ccz20Cud-5h6G6MdNnu1nONvwDLYcj-509oaupAnrinnjKOEvxSm7K3AYq5XbL4tZ6PJsbTswL53XeHQ0tOmrWATPFy0tMcv5nNkYvI4GQEnBjiygIeGA/s400/72ce98fcbe8211e181bd12313817987b_7.jpg" width="600" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
{All gone - chocolate mousse madness}</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10712838675898061995noreply@blogger.com2