darling ♥ chuck

That one time my doctor was a girl I went to high school with

2013-04-15T14:12:00.000-04:00

(via someecards)
This is a perfect follow up to my previous post.

So I finally was able to get myself an appointment to see a doctor for a physical this past Saturday at the free clinic. I know, I know - free clinic, but I haven't seen a doctor in 2 years since I couldn't afford health insurance. I still can't afford it! So I took it upon myself to at least get checked out. I've been feeling fine, but you never know what could be cooking up inside your body.

I walk into the clinic, get my vitals taken by a nurse (who by chance gleefully exclaimed "twinsies!" when I told her when the last day of my menstrual cycle was) and then a first year student doctor escorts me into the exam room, where I am introduced to my doctor - a girl in my high school graduating class. HOLY SHIT. Has this ever happened to anyone else? I proceeded to text my two NY buddies from my high school, and told them the deal. Their reactions: "I didn't even know she lived in NY!" and "How awkward!"

Actually, it wasn't too awkward at all. Sure, I was sitting in a room with a first year male med student and a doctor that I happened to spend 4 years of high school with, asking me to pretty much spill my reasons for going to the clinic that day. I haven't seen/talked/heard from [Dr.] Russell since graduation (more than 10 years!), and here I am catching her up with what I've been through sexually, mentally, physically and recreationally. What a straight forward way to catch up with an old friend. I got to catch up with my old friend for a bit actually, while lying on my back on the exam table while she performed a Pap smear on me.

We're now friends on Facebook, to say the least.

xoxo

An active lifestyle

2013-04-04T00:38:00.000-04:00

So I admittedly signed up for a gym membership 4 months ago at the beginning of the year. It's sort of an unofficial "new year's resolution," but I don't like to call it that because gym resolutions always get broken. It seems like no one ever goes all the way with that one. But I want to. I think after some time here in New York, I've now become slave to the "health" craze. I juice, I watch what I eat, I take multi-vitamins, I get enough sleep, etc. etc. etc. So the only thing lacking in my new quest for health was being active. I've been a member of 3 different gyms prior to the one I currently go to now and those memberships did not last very long. They ate my money as if I made a lot working retail, and they didn't even care. So it took me awhile to decide on it. Gyms are a big fat waste of money, but fuck it. I don't have health insurance. I might as well invest my money into taking better care of myself, and make it worth it.

(via tumblr)
When I was growing up, my mom made sure I lead a pretty active lifestyle. She enrolled me into dance classes very early on in my life. I took my first dance class when I was probably 2 or 3, starting with both ballet and tap. But as I grew I decided to stick to just ballet. And so I did for the next 15 years until I realized that I didn't want to be a ballerina. I was good at it, I swear! But I was at that age where you start to think about what to do once you graduate high school. I had two options: college or dance. Guess what I chose? Yup. I quit ballet because I thought I didn't want to be a dancer for a living. I loved performing though. I lived for those moments. Auditions were probably something I wasn't ready to go through, dealing with all the rejection and shit. Sizing up every other dancer just to intimidate them for a spot. Doing extra just to get attention! That part did not make dancing very appealing to me anymore. It wasn't fun. Or maybe I just didn't want it enough to fight for it. Ironic now how I am a casting agent. Ha! Ok, just watch Center Stage, Black Swan or First Position if you don't understand. Life of every ballerina (amirite Jess?!) But who could ever resist being on stage! I do miss that part the most you have no idea OMG.

So back to my gym membership. If you're thinking I spend my time there running on a treadmill and lifting weights, then not only are you wrong but you suck. Just kidding, you don't suck! I actually have myself on a strict class schedule because I'm just used to that. I take yoga, spin and pilates/barre. Right now yoga is my favorite class. I usually go after work. I just added Saturdays as my newly "bonus" day. AND I now have the option to take my friend's yoga class on Saturday afternoons at a different studio if I miss the gym in the morning. I wonder if you would you believe me even though I don't post tacky gym selfies on Instagram.

(via tumblr)
Anyway I'd say I'm doing pretty well so far with my unofficial new year's resolution. I hope I continue to keep up! What really helps is having friends that motivate you to go work out when you're feeling too tired or lazy, or even go with you just to make it more fun. I worked on a casting for Nike recently, and that was a huge motivator for me to start working on getting fit again. I met so many amazing girls at the casting that it was hard to not get inspired. And after seeing my mom doing yoga everyday when I visited her in Manila was a crazy wake up call for me to get to work again. I'm working on telling myself that it's never a bad idea to go to the gym, and that you always feel better after working out when I'm feeling too lazy.

xoxo

I updated my portfolio

2013-04-02T14:03:00.000-04:00

Been spending my past three weekends updating this thing.
Check it out! I'm pretty proud of it. :)
Feedback is welcome!!

xoxo

Current Obsession: Girls on bikes

2013-04-01T13:05:00.000-04:00

(via tumblush)

(via tumblush)

(via jak & jil)

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(via jak & jil)

(via the sartorialist)

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(via the sartorialist)

#bedheadseries GIF!

2013-03-22T16:10:00.000-04:00

TGIF!
My friend, Jeff surprised me with this totally cool gif he made of #bedheadseries to date.
SO COOL!!
Check out #bedheadseries on Instagram!

xoxo

Home Alone weekend

2013-03-18T14:35:00.000-04:00

Had the house to myself this weekend so guess what I did...

(via flickr)

GIIIRRRRRLLLLSSSS NIIIIIGGGHHHHTTTTTTTTTTTT!!!!
And since I'll never know how it's like to be single in New York, I pretended.
Did hoodrat shit Thursday and Friday, then did my own shit Saturday and Sunday.
It's good to have those opportunities to miss your man once in awhile.

Also...
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!!!!
xoxo

Sexy Edition #bedheadseries

2013-02-26T23:25:00.000-05:00

Just something Mike casually snapped this morning.
Check out #bedheadseries on Instagram!
xoxo

David Bowie - The Stars (Are Out Tonight)

2013-02-26T13:11:00.000-05:00

Directed by: Floria Sigismondi

Featuring Tilda Swinton, Saskia De Brauw, Andrej Pejic

Esquire Magazine: The March 2013 Issue

2013-02-25T19:54:00.000-05:00

Before the Christmas holiday, I was sanctioned to report to the J. Crew Liquor Store in Tribeca to work with photographer Shaniqwa Jarvis on a J. Crew men's story for the spring issue for Esquire Magazine. I was hired by the Photo Director to cherry pick the best guys suitable for the story; so naturally I accepted since I often work with J. Crew, not to mention I am a huge admirer of both the brand and the magazine, so I was honored.

I was a little nervous about my job; it was the Saturday before Christmas, a time where New Yorkers leave town to spend time with their families for the holiday. Plus, Shaniqwa and I had never met, but it was no surprise that we got along awesomely. I love photographers. It was also very chilly, and snowing a bit. If you've been to the J. Crew Liquor Store, you'd know that that little area in Tribeca does not receive much foot traffic. Still, I was determined to do the job right. Our call time at the shop was at 9AM, and the store opened at 10. To my surprise, A LOT of both [good looking] locals and out-of-towners swung by to do some last minute shopping and/or strolling. And once you approach someone with the words "Esquire" or "magazine" they're game so it wasn't hard to convince the guys to be confident and willing enough to be photographed. Even though I spent 6 straight hours outside in the wind and light snow, I had a great time working with Shaniqwa, the Features Editor of Esquire and the PR Rep of J Crew. And I gotta say: my guys look pretty handsome. :)

Everyone Wears J. Crew by Ryan D'Agostino

Check out the rest of my work! xoxo

Pilipinas

2013-02-19T18:01:00.000-05:00

My friend, Sarah Meier spent her summer last year in NYC taking classes at Columbia University. I had met both Sarah and her husband, Banj the year before at a summer Friday event through my homegirl, Yoshi. Naturally, we became good friends, and have kept in touch since. Sarah and Banj live in the Philippines, so I was excited to see Sarah again this past summer since she lives so far. I remember the day I was reunited with her; it was at a St8 Westcoastin' party in Bedstuy in Brooklyn. She told me, "I want you and Mike to come to Manila so Banj and I can show you how we live out there." I was flattered, and at the same time intrigued. Sarah is a TV host and model in the Philippines, her husband an event producer. Did I also mention that they also have a bright 7-year-old daughter? Such a power couple! Mike and I clearly admired these two, so for them to offer their hospitality when visiting Manila seemed like a no brainer. After all, my mom does live there too so it'd be nice to see her. It then got me curious and thinking about my peers out there. Was there a creative community in my generation building? A creative community just like New York City's? We decided that end of January 2013 would be the perfect time to go and find out.

The last time I was in the Philippines was about 12 years ago. I was only there for a week. I attended my grandfather's funeral so that trip barely counted. Mike had never been to the Philippines. Unfortunately, he didn't make this trip this time, but I also didn't let that stop me from going alone. I felt I needed a vacation, so why not leave the snow in NY for some island sun in Manila?

My Lola's house in Pasig
Prior to my last visit, I was in Manila for about 3 weeks during the Christmas holiday probably around 2000 or 2001. So it has been quite a long time! So long that it almost felt like the first. There are certain things I remember during my time there that still hold true, but there were a lot of other things that have changed and improved since my last visit. My Lola's house looks exactly how it looked since before I was born, but there were also big buildings, more business establishments and even toilet paper in public bathrooms. I was surprised and impressed! I was able to meet a bunch of cool people through Sarah in the creative field: models, actors, directors, business owners, writers, stylists, photographers, editors, designers. And everyone was going on doing their thing. I felt like Manila was a cool place to be. I learned so much from them, and opened up my mind to possibilities that I had never thought of before. I was inspired!

Not only was I able to experience the ever-growing city of Manila, but I also went to Palawan for the first time. Pure paradise! White sand, blue waters, beautiful fish, friendly people, good food, bright sun. I only wish I had more days to spend there. But I will definitely make it a point next time!

I was only in Pilipinas for 8 days, but it was a trip that I think I really needed. I met so many young, talented, ambitious, smart people there and it was so nice to be able to see my family. I really miss them.

And you know I had to get that #bedheadseries with my mom going on in Manila!

See more photos from my trip!

xoxo

Donuts Are Forever 7

2013-02-18T19:20:00.000-05:00

(via bkbooth)

Congrats to my homies at Rare Form NYC on another successful Donuts Are Forever 7!
xoxo

Happy Valentine's Day

2013-02-14T18:14:00.000-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day, lovers of the world.
Kiss (or lick) someone you love. I love you, Mike Baker!

xoxo

My 29th Year

2013-01-07T12:56:00.000-05:00

Friday, January 4

Checked in at The Standard High Line after work
Walked to Greenwich Village to have dinner at Florencia 13
Saw our friend Rudy working at the bar = hella margaritas!
Headed back to the hotel to chill out

Saturday, January 5

Walked from our hotel to LES to have lunch at The Meatball Shop
Took the train back to the hotel and went to the gym on our floor
Drew a bubble bath and popped open the complimentary champagne from the hotel staff
Friends came over our room to party and bullshit before the birthday festivities
Rolled out to Clandestino to get ready to celebrate my 29th year
Saw a lot of beautiful faces, had some good laughs and remembered EVERYTHING!

Sunday, January 6

It's midnight and everyone who I wanted to see came out!
Stayed out until about 4AM just drinking and talking with friends
Went back to the hotel feeling loved
Slept a few hours and no hangover!
Had a late afternoon check out
Took a cab back home to Woodside
Walked to TJ Asian Bistro for a birthday date lunch with my luv
Picked up a couple desserts nearby because it was my damn birthday
Walked back home and chilled the rest of my Sunday

Woke up the next morning with no bed head!
Check out #bedheadseries on Instagram!

xoxo

2012 Round-Up

2013-01-01T13:32:00.000-05:00

So, remember last year when I said I'd start blogging backwards? LOL! NOPE. That never happened. Instead, I actually had things to write about. Reflecting back, 2012 brought a lot more highlights than low, more smiles than heartbreak and more fun than killjoy than I thought. And as far as the "lowlights," I could probably now consider them to be great lessons and blessings in disguise. Looking back on this past year, I feel so blessed to be living the life I live right now. I'm having a blast, and it feels good to be "getting back in the groove." So without further ado, here's my round-up post for 2012:

HI-LITES

My 28th birthday
I always feel so honored when people show up to my birthday party, being a winter baby and all. This year felt special because [thanks to global warming] the weather was warmer than usual, and a lot of my beautiful people came out to see me that day. It was a great feeling!

Being shot by one of my favorite photographers, Chaz Cruz

Donuts Are Forever 6
That night at Brooklyn Bowl we scored a lane, right next to the stage. We ate what seemed to be endless plates of rock and roll fries. I met Onra. I danced to Dilla beats all night with my girls.

Arieson's 5th Birthday

420
12 people, a community bowl and a couple hours later, 86 Tacos El Bronco tacos delivered to the apartment for consumption. No taco was left behind.

Cinco de Mayo
It's not often I celebrate Cinco de Mayo, but Mike and I were compelled to do so this year for some reason. It could have been my heart longing for more accessible Mexican food, being a Californian. We ventured out to Corona, had lunch at Tortilleria Nixtamal with Sandrine and walked through Flushing Meadows. On our way back to the 7 to head back home, we came across a scalper selling Mets tickets. So we bought them! Only about $20 for not so bad seats. They were closer than I thought. The game was alright, but it was cool doing something spontaneous. It was our first time in Citi Field.

Mother's Day

The Googa Mooga Festival
The first annual Googa Mooga Festival in Brooklyn was the outdoor food and music festival that kicked off the summer in 2012. It was then, amongst the cluster fuck of hipsters that made us all realize that we're too old for festivals! Long lines, poor cell phone reception, bare feets and over-priced merchandise. The photo above is the box of beers that 4 of us bought to bring back to the group. The lines were way too long for us to just order for ourselves. It was also then that Vanessa's home packed wine in a water bottle became too warm to drink. She drank it anyway, and got super drunk. Thus, Warm Wine Weekends was formed.

Beach Day with W3 (minus Mike Baker)

SUMMER IN GENERAL

Landing a full-time position at Urban Productions / Casting

Meeting my god daughter, Reilly for the first time

Me & the Bike Maker's 2 year anniversary!! I love you, honey.

Signing another year lease at our apartment!

Thanksgiving

Walnut's Ugly Sweater Party

Keiko's homecoming
It's a little sad that it's been 3 years since I've seen my good, good friend Keiko, since she moved back to Japan after living in San Francisco during college. What a pleasant surprise it was to find her in my very city in New York during the holiday season! It was as if time did not pass between us. Love that girl for life.

LO-LITES

Being let go Wolff Olins

Did you know that I was temping as an Office Manager at a branding agency? Well, now you do. I was at Wolff Olins full-time while I was freelancing part-time. It was a great gig that worked out well for me financially and schedule wise. It was definitely a time where I had to really think about what direction I wanted my career to go to. I internally worked my way into the production department with a plan to switch positions because I thought that I wanted to be working at a big advertising agency. It turns out at that particular one, I was only good enough to be "a receptionist." Oh well...fuck them!

Having no weekly paycheck
After I was let go at Wolff Olins, I lost my weekly income. In a way, it was probably one of the best things to have gone through that financial famine. It forced me to work harder as a freelancer, and strive to find a career path that I was good at, and at a place that loved me back.

My last job with my former freelance boss

I made a lot of connections with various Casting Directors in NYC while I was freelancing. I was able to build my portfolio, working with some top names in the industry, which I feel so fortunate to be able to do. There was one in particular that stuck with me since I began in this business. You know all those stories you hear about people in the fashion industry that work for that one person that is almost impossible to work with? The one that is insanely difficult, and yet a perfectionist that has high esteem? Yeah, I went through that. It was almost poetic how horrible my last job was with my former freelance boss, before I got hired at Urban Productions / Casting. It made me realize that the "bullshit" you go through when you're struggling is just another lesson on how you don't want to be as you invest more years into the industry.

Hurricane Sandy
Even though I was away during the distaster, it sure did not make it easier to deal with. Mike was back home, and luckily our friend Andrew who was in town visiting was stuck indoors with him to keep him company. Still, it was hard being away from my NY family. And although everyone is okay, the hurricane left a really sour taste behind. There are still families suffering from the disaster, and it scares me to think that these hurricanes will start happening on our side of the country more often.

Sandy Hook

On the day the Sandy Hook tragedy happened, I remember having a super busy day at work. We were working on so many castings at once that we had to hire an assistant for the day. On top of that, some of our studio equipment broke, and had to improvise with what little we had. We were that busy, and being that busy stressed me out. I remember leaving the office pretty late, upset that I had not eaten a single thing all day. I was so relieved to have arrived at Vanessa and Derreck's house, ready to decompress (and eat!). When I arrived, both Vanessa and Sandrine were there sitting on the couch, quiet and under the covers, eyes glued to CNN. That's when I found out about the shooting. I felt like such an asshole for not even knowing about it sooner. I'm on the Internet all day! How could I have not known?? I caught up quickly with the story, and as more people arrived at the house, the more depressed we became about going out that night. Some of us stayed home, but I decided to brave the weather, ignore my body's lack of food and rest and the super stressful day I had at the office. We went out dancing at Santos that night to get out of our funk. It made me realize how lucky we are to be alive.

Being away from family during the holidays
I've grown to love New York so much that visiting California becomes unbearably too slow for me after a couple days. But during the holidays, it's so natural to miss all your loved ones back home. My first year living in New York, I flew back to California for both Thanksgiving and Christmas. Last year, Mike and I stayed in New York, but Mike's parents came to visit during Christmas. This year, we were in New York again. Mike's parents came again too, but I really wanted to be in California. I especially miss my mom in Manila. I'm hoping to visit her soon. I hope I get to!

So that is pretty much my year. Cheers to another great year ahead! We should all be so lucky to have lived another year.

xoxo

Happy New Year 2013!

2013-01-01T11:59:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year to all!
Cheers to another year of good health, prosperity and positive energy!

Extra points for y'all that watch Community!

xoxo

Onra & Lexis "Throw Em Up" Mixtape

2012-12-31T11:41:00.001-05:00

It's Mixtape Monday!

My favorite producer Onra & founder of Music Is My Sanctuary, Lexis made a mix inspired by one of my favorite periods in hip-hop and R&B: THE NINETIES!

The concept of this mix is about the way people used to dance in those videos around 93 to 96. When people stopped doing the new jack swing kind of dancing and throwing up the hands in the air with that nonchalant baller attitude. Go back to videos from these years, everyone was doing the "throw’em up".

So, the "rules" they gave themselves were simple:

1) the mix begins at the point when New Jack ended
2) the mix finishes around '96 when a producer named Tim Mosley completely changed the R&B landscape. (that will be vol.2)
3) MC's featuring on R&B tracks were ok, but not the other way around.
4) Only one selection per artist (that was tough)

Check the track list:

01. Brandy – I Wanna Be Down Feat. MC Lyte, Queen Latifah, Yoyo
02. Chanté Moore – This Time (Allstar Club Mix)
03. Intro – Funny How Time Flies
04. London Jones – Joy
05. Miss Jones – Don’t Front
06. Keith Sweat – Twisted
07. Monifah – I Miss You Feat. Heavy D
08. Immature – We Got It (Marley Marl Remix)
09. Horace Brown – Taste Your Love
10. Alphonzo – Just The Way
11. Sista – Brand New (Mr. Dalvins Ferran Mix)
12. New Edition – Change Your Mind
13. Aaron Hall – Curiosity
14. Blackstreet – This Is How We Roll
15. Devante – Gin & Juice
16. TLC – Creep
17. Groove Theory – It’s Alright
18. Mary J. Blige – Everyday It Rains
19. Usher – Think Of You
20. Jodeci – Bring on da’ funk
21. SWV – You’re the One
22. Aaliyah – Are You Ready?
23. Soul For Real – Candy Rain
24. Yvette Michelle – Everyday and every night
25. Kreuz – Party All Night
26. R.Kelly – Thank God It’s Friday
27. Zhane – Vibe
28. Sweet Sable – For Old Time’s Sake

If you are in NYC tonight for NYE, check Onra at 50 N. 3rd St, Brooklyn, NY 11211!

Download "Throw Em Up" by Onra & Lexis

xoxo

Merry Christmas 2012!

2012-12-25T11:33:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas from us to you!
May your day be filled with happiness and love!
xoxo

DJ Brainchild "A Very Okayplayer Christmas" Mixtape

2012-12-24T15:43:00.000-05:00

It's Mixtape Monday!

As a follow up to Okayplayer's 6th annual holiday party last week, my boy DJ Brainchild made a Christmas mix of "Christmas music that doesn't suck."

Check the track list:

01. An Aqua Teen Introduction
02. Jimmy Smith “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” (Oh No Remix)
03. Rotary Connection “If Peace Was All We Had”
04. Stevie Wonder / I.N.T. “One Little Christmas Tree” / “Christmas Trees”
05. Dana Dane “Dana Dane Is Coming To Town”
06. Shawn Lee’s Ping Pong Orchestra “O Come All Ye Faithful”
07. Isaac Hayes “The Mistletoe And Me”
08. Scoopy “A Scoopy Rap”
09. Aretha’s Phone Call Interlude
10. The Jackson 5 “Up On The Housetop”
11. Aretha’s Night Before Christmas Interlude
12. Timebomb “Each X-mas (Same Ol’ S**t)”
13. Mr. Lif “Santa’s Got A Muthaf**kin’ Uzi”
14. Killer Mike “A Christmas Grind”
15. The Supremes “My Favorite Things”
16. Kanye West “Christmas In Harlem”
17. Lou Rawls “Christmas Will Really Be Christmas”
18. Harvey Averne Band “Let’s Get It Together This Christmas”
19. Tha Dogg Pound “I Wish”
20. Ice Cube Commercial Break
21. James Brown / I.N.T. “Hey America” / “Christmas Time”
22. Funk Machine “Soul Santa”
23. The Emotions “Black Christmas”
24. The Treacherous Three “X-mas Rap”
25. Master P & C Murder “Christmas In Da Ghetto”
26. Clarence Carter “Back Door Santa”
27. A WonderFul Holiday interlude
28. Paul McCartney & Wings “Wonderful Christmastime”
29. Black Milk & Melanie Rutherford “Simply Having”
30. TLC “All I Want For Christmas”
31. Cee-Lo Green “This Christmas”

It might not be totally appropriate to have playing during Christmas dinner, but we guarantee it’ll be good for the drive over the river and through the woods to Grandma’s crib.

Download "A Very Okayplayer Christmas" by DJ Brainchild

Artwork by: Dennis de Groot

xoxo

Holiday Edition #bedheadseries

2012-12-17T15:30:00.000-05:00

So ready for Christmas to be here already!
Check out #bedheadseries on Instagram!
xoxo

Walnut's Ugly Sweater Party

2012-12-10T14:53:00.000-05:00

It's that time of the year again! Holiday parties, treats and geeks!

Our friends Hana & Chaz had their 2nd annual holiday party at their humble abode in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn. This year Hana's dog, Walnut hosted an Ugly Sweater party complete with a contest to see who had the "best" ugly sweater. Mike & I unfortunately did not participate (we don't own any ugly sweaters, ok), but there were a bunch of people that came correct with their ugly sweater game, and I gotta say - it was quite fun seeing how creative everyone got. And I'm sure Walnut had a jolly old time watching everyone make fools of themselves in front of the fun photo booth!

Happy Holidays, Walnut!
xoxo

Blue Print Cleanse

2012-12-05T14:42:00.000-05:00

HEY, SO I DID A BLUE PRINT CLEANSE.

Last week, Mike and a bunch of his co-workers joined forces and decided to do a 3-day cleanse together. Poor thing. Anyway, despite how much I saw that Mike was clearly suffering for trying to survive off a juice diet for 3 consecutive days, I decided to take my chances in experimenting with it myself. And what better time to detox than the Monday after Friendsgiving?

I couldn't dare put myself through a 3-day cleanse, so I chose the 1-day cleanse to start out.
Here are my pros & cons:

Pros:
- they deliver! and they let you keep the cooler
- they give you 6 juices in 1 day as opposed to 4
- they number their juices so you know what order to drink them
- they send you emails with tips to help get you through it

Cons:
- although their juices are very good, there was one that I particularly didn't like: cashew milk (gross)

That is probably the only thing I didn't like about Blue Print.

Spoiler:
By my 4th juice, I was best friends with my toilet, so make sure that if you do a cleanse, you ain't butt shy.

What I would do next time:
Because of my size, I think I would cut my liquid consumption by probably 1/3. I did end up feeling really full by the time I was on my 5th & 6th juices. As a matter of fact, I don't think that I even finished my 6th juice (cashew milk - yuck). My friend Dana had suggested I "cheat" a little and eat some nuts or celery just to hold me over. I didn't do it this time, but I think I'll do it next time. I spread my 6 juices apart by 3 hours, but I was so tired by the end of the day to spread them out that far that I think I'll spread them apart by 2 hours next time.

Tip:
Don't go to the gym the day after your cleanse. You'll collapse.

As for trying out a 3-day cleanse, I don't think I could possibly get myself to do it. Maybe. I would definitely do a 1-day cleanse again, though!

If you're thinking of doing a cleanse anytime soon, I highly recommend Blue Print! They often have discounts and deals too!

xoxo

30 Day Challenge: Your academics

2012-12-04T09:00:00.000-05:00

DAY 22

I went to SF State who cares.

NEXT!

Friendsgiving

2012-12-03T19:44:00.000-05:00

Glorious. Bacon. Wrapped. Turkey.

This is exactly what Friendsgiving means to me...you know what, throw in your classic mac n cheese, mashed potatoes, stuffing recipes, a little bit of lumpia, empanadas, enchiladas and London broil, and a WHOLE LOT of booze. Add coquito to that list! And pumpkin pie. And kale caesar salad. And vanilla bourbon ice cream. And candied yams.

This past Saturday, my friends Vanessa and Derreck hosted their much anticipated 3rd annual Friendsgiving at their humble abode that is in Williamsburg. Mike and I were invited last year, and I swear, after I had a taste of Vanessa's bacon wrapped turkey for the first time last year I've had dreams about it ever since. No joke! It was the juiciest turkey I have ever eaten in my life! I've even bugged Vanessa to hand me over the recipe, but it is her mom's. It's a secret that I can accept to be kept from. I've been looking forward to Friendsgiving for a long time, and I was so happy that it finally came! Last year, we had a mix of V's old roommate's friends and ours, but now that D has moved in, we celebrated with all our friends. Shout out to Warm Wine Weekends! Good laughs, good eats, good times!

I was even smart enough to bring my own tupperware this year to take hella left overs home. Until next year... I'll be thinkin bout ya, turkey.

xoxo

30 Day Challenge: How you hope your future will be like

2012-11-26T11:40:00.000-05:00

DAY 21

I like to make a habit of setting goals for myself, and since being with Mike we often involve each other in brainstorming those aspirations. If things go as planned I hope to eventually be debt free, financially stable to be philanthropic and be a family woman living in a comfortable home. I definitely see a lot of children in my future, but I just can't seem to find myself parting with NYC anytime soon. I love New York!

But honestly if my future looks anything like this photo of Mike and I, then I'd be one happy lady.

xoxo

So many things I'm thankful for

2012-11-23T22:11:00.000-05:00

There's nothing like spending the holidays in New York City. I've always loved Fall, and what better place to be during Thanksgiving (besides my Auntie Tess' house in Country California of course!)

Wednesday night I spent some time with Mike and his so super cool friends from work. We met at Abe & Arthur's for some dinner and drinks, checked out Thompson LES for some Fall rooftop action, headed to Beauty & Essex to dance off our ridiculous dinners and stopped by Avenue to check the scene.

It's not often I'm out in the streets until the sun is on it's way up. Sometimes I forget how fun it is to go wild and crazy once in a while. I was feeling young and adventurous!

Last night after having dinner and bottomless pumpkin ginger mimosas at Sons of Essex, we met up with some more friends at Markt to drink more drinks because it's not like I had drank enough the previous night.

Some things I'm thankful for:

my health
my family's safety and health
my friends
my job
high heels
Steve Jobs
the Internet
pizza
New York City
and most of all...Mike!

But the best part of Thanksgiving is being fortunate enough to come back to an apartment I can call home. After the fuckery of Sandy, you can't help but think of how much worse it can be. I truly am blessed.

Also, my mama's birthday is tomorrow!

xoxo