Fresh Start, Fresh Resolutions

{Happy New Year from the Hermosa Beach Pier}

2012 was a whirlwind... And it's been awhile.

A [Spanish] Fly on the Wall

{Too much yum in one place at Spanish Fly Gastropub}

I always want to pat myself on the back when I try a new restaurant and it is a great success. My boyfriend and I had been looking for a place in Koreatown (yes, where he lives) that fit our unique taste. Don't get me wrong, I love Taylor's Steakhouse (where ol' blue eyes 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.

Palm Springs Weekender

{Sunscreen and mojitos - the essentials}

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!).

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.

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, yet exciting upcoming months.

{Brunch of banana pancakes, eggs and watermelon}

{Babes}

{A glass of Chardonnay from the reserve in the house}

Finding Balance

{Life is just one big balancing act}

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: myself.

Every now and then, my body gets incredibly tired and tells me that enough is enough: throw in the towel and take a few days to yourself - it says.

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 sleep.

I hope that after a few more days of woozy, I will be back on my a-game. But until then, I have to re-find my balance on this tightrope.

Gin et Jus

{Fancy Gin and Juice}

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.

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.

I'm sure Snoop doesn't make his gin and juice like I do, but since I've lately 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.

Upon cracking open the slightly fizzy, pulpy orange carbonated beverage, I thought to myself, "There is only one thing that could make this better: gin." Thus Gin et Jus was brought to life.

Ingredients:
2 oz Orangina
2 oz good gin (Hendrick's if you have it)

Mix together and serve over ice. Better if stirred, not shaken.

Avec ma tête sur mon fric, et mon fric sur mon esprit...
(With my mind on my money, and my money on my mind...)

The Cutest Way to Give Someone Money

{Bouquet of $15 roses}

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 - thank you social media.

Want to know how she did it? Here's a tutorial that can help you.