New Year, New You

2013 is finally here! As we make our list of resolutions and prepare to take on the new year, remember that things can change if you truly want them to. 

Diving in St. Thomas

I can finally take scuba diving off my bucket list!  My whole family is certified, so it was only fitting that I got scuba certified before my trip to the Caribbean. You wouldn't think it would be difficult, but the process to get your certification was a lot more work than I had anticipated.  With hours of studying, attending classes, 6 hours in a pool, and 2 ocean boat dives, I am officially an open water scuba diver!  Trust me, it was definitely not easy and my traumatic experience underwater left me with one red eye for 6 weeks (I'll spare you the details!)

St. Thomas beauty

After scuba diving in St. Thomas, I realized that it was all completely worth it.  It was my first dive ever, and I couldn't have asked for a more perfect experience. 

Holiday in the Sun

When I first heard that our cruise was going to the Bahamas, I automatically thought of my favorite Olsen twins in their movie, Holiday in the Sun.  I'm really not kidding.  Growing up, I loved and owned all of Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen's movies, so I was clearly excited to follow in their footsteps.  Just like their characters, I was spending my winter vacation in the Bahamas and exploring the Atlantis Hotel on Paradise Island.

The Atlantis Hotel

Nassau, Bahamas was first on our cruise itinerary.  Due to some late-night partying, we stepped off the ship much later than we had hoped.  I knew right away I was no longer in Sunny California, but stepping into paradise. 

Live. Laugh. Love

the caribbean islands

Just last week, I was exploring the Bahamas, diving in St. Thomas, and swimming in St. Marteen.  My family and I decided to take another trip to the Caribbean, but this time, we were about to embark on the biggest cruise ship in the world, Allure of the Seas!  I think, we can all agree that vacations are absolutely necessary in everyone's life, and I couldn't have been more excited to finally relax, tan, and enjoy the princess treatment on the ship.

Abbot Kinney

Life is simply too short to not enjoy a wonderful meal and a glass of wine with great friends.  Trust me, I absolutely love a great work out, but I realized that you’re not fully living until you allow yourself to fully enjoy an amazing meal, and by this, I mean…not worrying about the calories.  I love finding new restaurants to try, and I especially, love sharing this passion with my friends.

This past week, I had dinner plans with a great friend of mine in Los Angeles.  I love catching up with friends over a delicious meal, and when alcohol is involved, it’s even better!  You are never too busy to spend time with the people you love…remember that :D

Gjelina in Venice is beyond amazing! Ok, but really…it’s so good that I want to go back every night to try the whole menu.  My foodie of a best friend and I both loved everything that we ordered that night.  The ambiance is great for a date or a night out with friends.  The people are attractive. The food is delicious. The music is good. What more can you ask for?  It is easily one of my new favorite restaurants in West LA.

lamb sausage pizza

maitake mushroom toast with creme fraiche & truffle oil

roasted cauliflower with garlic, chili & vinegar

butterscotch pot de creme with salted caramel

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Cozy Up!

Now that it's officially Fall, the sun sets earlier and the night gets cooler - cozy nights in are the perfect way to end a long day.  We all have a crazy schedule and a never-ending-to-do list, but sometimes you just need a relaxing night at home to enjoy the fall season. 

Baby Shower Fun

I'm going to be an auntie!  Over the weekend, I attended my first baby shower - what's even more exciting was that it was my brother's baby shower.  I'm the only girl of three boys and the thought of shopping and spoiling my new baby nephew is so exciting!

I was looking forward to this for weeks, but soon realized, I didn't have a gift.  With some inspiration and last minute shopping, I was inspired to make a 'Baby Diaper Cake' to help the happy couple welcome a new addition to our family. Baby clothes are seriously the cutest!

the gifts.

of course, you will be handsome!

step 1: roll up all diapers and clothes

TA-DA!

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Twenty-Four Things...

my beautiful & loving friends.

This past weekend was my 24th birthday CLEbrations!  I am forever thankful to be surrounded by family and friends that love me for who I am and for all the birthday love and wishes.

Summer Memories

Summer time is the best and possibly my favorite season of the year.  But it's officially fall, and I couldn't be more excited for the pumpkin spice lattes, cool breeze, fall clothes and boots, and my favorite, the holiday decorations.  Of course, I love looking at pictures from the past few months to remember all the wonderful, crazy, and fun memories from this summer with my best friends.  From amazing music concerts to spontaneous Vegas trips, this has been my summer in a nutshell...

EDC 2012.

the start of our dayclub obsession.

morgan page.

six flags and pink capes.

cirque du soleil.

happy engagement, besty.

#front & #center

mission: get t-shirts.

groupie mustache party.

the do over.

freaks of nature tour.

floor tickets at kaskade.

beach cuddle session.

smang it, girl.

we're cute and cheesy.

#soloyolo #doubleyolo #partypeopleyolo

it's 10 AM...want to go to Vegas?

group therapy with the raging penguin.

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Write your Life Story

Anyone that knows me...knows how much I love birthdays! I believe that your birthday is a true celebration - it's not something to dread, but rather a time to embrace and reflect back on all of your accomplishments in one year.  With my birthday coming up, I realized more and more that life is what you make of it.

onto another amazing birthday & year with my favorite ladies <3

When writing your life's story, don't let someone else hold the pen for you.  You're in complete control, so make choices and set goals that align with your values and dreams. You are the writer of your own life - the way you live each day is another sentence in your story...

Dine LA

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry.  My first Dine LA experience was a success! DineLA Restaurant Week is a two-week dining event created to introduce people to many amazing restaurants throughout the LA county.  You're able to enjoy a selection of specially priced prix fixe menus from some of the best restaurants in LA. For foodies, this is a dream come true and, of course, I took full advantage of this opprotunity!

Asia de Cuba
Located at the top of the Mondrian Hotel on Sunset Strip, this restaurant is gorgeous with a great view of the city. Try to grab a seat by the window or in the outside patio! The food was delicious, our server was great, and the ambiance of the restaurant is incredibly lovely - I highly recommend to all.

Tuna Tartare

Cuban BBQ Chicken with Thai Coconut Sticky Rice

Side of Plantain Fried Rice with Avocado Salad

Beef Short Ribs

Precious Moments

this is just the cutest.

It's unbelievable what can happen and change in one year.  This time last year, I was graduating college, figuring out my life goals, and traveling as often as possible.

Note to Self: Live in the present and enjoy life's precious moments.

Banana Bread

Ever have one of those random urges to bake?  I recently found a new Banana Bread recipe that was quick, simple, and somewhat "healthier" compared to others. 

Twenty-Something...

Life as a twenty something year old can definitely be one of the most challenging; yet the most rewarding time of your life.  Life is about creating yourself and seeing what makes you happy and what doesn't. 

Happy Coachella

Oh, Coachella....how I've missed you.  Although it took me two weeks (no joke!) to fully recover, I can honestly say that it was all worth it.  The incredible weekend that I had with my friends was perfect. 

Light Up the Town in Color

A few of my Spring Favorites...

I currently have an obsession with bright colors, and nothing is better than giving your wardrobe a change from the winter blues. Think Pink, Orange, and Yellow!

Spring-Cleaning

It's officially Spring and I can't help but be excited for the warm weather and sunshine! Why not welcome the new season with a little spring-cleaning to your own life? Here are a few simple reminders that will help keep you happy this Spring!

Be you. - Put your own happiness first. Try to remember that helping or pleasing everyone is impossible, but making one person smile can change the world in the simplest way.  Focus on being yourself, and in turn, you'll make others around you happy.

Learn from your experiences. - Your past experiences and life-lessons should help create a wonderful future.  If it's good, it's an amazing memory.  If it's bad, it's an experience.  Life is about learning and seeing how far you've come to accomplish your goals, so don't be afraid to fail. Move forward, and don't get stuck living in the past.

Follow your heart. - Find what's important to you. Keep life simple and enjoyable by doing what you know is right and what you love.  Don't live your life in regrets, but rather, do what your heart tells you.

Accept imperfection. - Smile every chance you get, not because life has been easy or perfect, but because you choose to be happy and grateful for everything you do have.  Life is not perfect, people are not perfect, and you are not perfect.  And that's the beauty of it; the world rewards those who work hard for what they want.

Believe in your dreams. - Remind yourself of who you are and what you want to be. The best thing you can do is to follow your heart and to take risks. Don't let others question your dreams, but continue to dream bigger and go after it!

Surround yourself with positive people. - Friends and family often shape who you are as a person. So, surround yourself with people you are proud to know, people you admire, and people who make your day brighter simply by being in it.  Life is precious, so spend it with positive people who love and support you through thick and thin.

my support system and best friends.

Happy Spring-cleaning! 

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A Disney Adventure

Picture Perfect.

Disney shirts. Minnie Mouse Ears. A day at the Happiest Place on Earth! In celebration of a friend's birthday, my friends and I spent a whole day running around Disneyland like big kids - going on rides, taking cheesy pictures, and the best part, eating delicious Churros.

Keep Going.

Spring is just around the corner...you know what that means. Warm weather, bright clothes, and fun adventures in Sunny California. This also means...it's time to get in shape for POOL SEASON!  How do I motivate myself to go to the gym? Well, this is what works for me.

Weekly exercise schedule

Cardio - 60 minutes/at least 5 times a week

Strength Training - 30 minutes/3 times a week

Corepower Hot Yoga-Sculpt - 60 minutes/at least 4 times a week

5 Things...

I love finding great websites that inspire me -- which led me to writing this post :D  Life is taking chances and trying new and exciting things.  It’s about following your heart, and not worrying about what people think.  Most importantly, it’s about learning to love who you are and what you have, so here are 5 things to start caring about...

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry

Looking for a restaurant with delicious food, a full bar, and great ambiance? Habana is one of my favorite Cuban restaurants in Orange County. For their last night in California, we chose to take my family, who were visiting from Texas, to one of our favorite spots for dinner.

Starting off at the bar, we ordered our drinks and made our way to sit by the fireplace.  The Sangria and Mojitos are among their most popular drinks on the menu.  Our table was set in the outside patio...(thank god for heated lamps!) and we splurged in Cuban yumminess and Paella Heaven. From the intimate setting and eclectic mix of people to the great and unique food and drinks, my whole family was pleasantly happy with their experience.  I mean, you cannot go wrong with a restaurant that gives complimentary sweet bread for the table and has a full bar! 

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Outside Patio by the Fireplace

Candlelit Dinner

A full bar with Amazing Mojitos