A Quick Trip to CB2

Last night we took a drive to West Hollywood to get something at CB2 for our place.  I had just come home from the gym, showered and the husband sprang the idea on me.  So I quickly threw something on and he decided to take a few pictures--I didn't have time for any makeup or extra accessories so this is a simple post, in the elevator, with my basics, on our quick trip to CB2.

{Pants: Zara, Shirt: J. Crew, Sweater: BDG,
Oxfords: Steve Madden Tuxedo (old),
Bag: Urban Renewal}

Girl Crush: Rachael Leigh Cook

Happy Monday everyone! I know, Rachael Leigh Cook seems like a random choice for this week's girl crush.  She really has not starred in anything big recently and has not been seen blasted on the pages of magazines.  However, I saw and met her this weekend and was reminded of how beautiful she is (I served the table for her and some of her girlfriends for brunch--she was one of the nicest people I have ever served)! I first remember seeing her in The Babysitter's Club when I was 10 (read every single book in Elementary School and watched the movie like 15 times) and as Becky in Tom and Huck (had the biggest crush on JTT)! Then, in Carpool and the "Your Brain on Drugs" commercials in the anti-heroin campaign in the late 90s. Then, of course, she starred as Laney Boggs in She's All That (an all-time fav) and Josie in Josie and the Pussycats.  Since then, she slowly fell out of the limelight--although she does have a few up-coming projects in the works including a TV show and some movie roles.  In 2011, she was awarded the Champion of Change for Arts Education by President Obama.  Keep an eye out for her as she is as gorgeous as ever, completely personable, sweet and has great style! She is a pure class-act and this week's girl crush!

Warm January Weekend

 On Monday it was chilly and raining here in LA and by Wed/Thurs it was in the low 80s and perfect pool weather.  I had Thursday off work so that meant mani/pedi, iced blackberry jasmine green tea and reading poolside!  My weekend started a little early since I work today and Saturday. =) 

{Veggie} Enchiladas

Mexican food is my absolute favorite!!!  I like it if is Authentic, Tex-Mex, Americanized, I like it all.  When I'm in Orange County, I always go to El Torito with my family-it is good, consistent and the servers know us by name.  I recreated their Spinach Enchiladas at home and made it my own and it turned out sooooo good...and healthy.  I used 100% whole wheat tortillas and served it with shredded kale, pico de gallo and quinoa. Delish!!!

Everything I used

I sautéed the veggies in olive oil with cumin and cayenne pepper.
Then added the black beans  

Rolled the mix in tortillas with sauce and cheese.
Then baked for 25 min! So easy =)

Marc Koska at Apolis

On Monday night, I attended an event at the Apolis Common Gallery featuring a photo exhibit, talk, and Q&A with Marc Koska, the inventor of the K1 Auto-Disable syringe.  Apolis hosted the talk while Handsome Coffee Roasters and The Pie Hole provided the espresso drinks the delicious dessert (respectively)!  There was a good turnout of about 40 people who were interested in learning more about Marc, what inspired him, how his invention works and why we should care.  The reuse of syringes is a huge problem and is the main contributor to the spread of HIV, Hepatitis and other blood born diseases, particularly in third world countries where there are fewer resources and little education.  To watch his Ted talk and find out more about his invention, click here.  He also started Safepoint Trust, a charity which aims at spreading awareness of this issue and how it can be resolved-click on the link to find out more.

Happy Lunar New Year!

Today begins the lunar new year which is celebrated in Asia and communities across the world. I was raised by Little Saigon in Westminster and am very familiar with the feasts and celebrations...and little red envelopes (as a child I was always so jealous of my friends). This year is the year of the dragon, which represents Ancient Emperors--and reminds me of Mulan :) I celebrated by working out at Pop Physique, having Cafe Sua Da, Imperial Rolls and Pho at Gingergrass and having a great friend filled morning!

Operation Get Back in Shape...

....is now in full effect! Since my wedding last May, I have gained 10 lbs and a couple inches on my waist and I am not happy about it. Now that we are getting back into a routine with having a set place to live, no more 3 hours of commuting and the holidays being over, we have decided it is time to take action and get back in shape. We started last week by grocery shopping more and cutting back on eating out. I also make sure I drink plenty of water and have stopped drinking so many cappuccinos and sweet holiday drinks-only black coffee and tea for me (which I enjoy anyway). I am also cutting back on my craft beer intake (so hard)! I am eating more fruit, veggies and eating vegetarian at home again. Also, I started the Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred and do Zumba and Spin. It feels so good to get back in the swing of things...but I am sore! You know what they say: no pain, no gain.

Pinterest Wednesday

Happy Mid-week!  We still do not have internet at home so please forgive me, but my posts will be few and far between until next week.  Some fun inspiration via my Pinterest (click here for more).

Wharf 

Rain

Giraffe's are my favorite!

Love

Beauty

Wishes

Comfort

Cozy Love

Emotion

Never too old for a teepee or a fort ;)

Bag, dress, braid, glasses=PERFECT STYLE

Downtown Navy&Brown

Happy Monday!  We still are not completely settled in our place, including having no internet yet which means no browsing or Netflix.  However, we have found other ways to stay entertained, including going on the roof every chance we get to relax, read, enjoy a drink or take some pictures. We had quite a few friends over this weekend which made it extra fun!  The weather also started cooling down a bit so it is somewhat starting to feel like winter in LA. ;)

{Button-down: Forever 21, Cardigan: Forever 21,
Trousers: Zara, Oxfords: Aldo, Sunglasses: Ray Bans,
Lipstick: MAC 'So Chaud'}