Melanie & Me!

Top 3 Must Visit Places in Maui, HI

2016-03-23T14:01:00.000-07:00

September 2015 my hubby and I were invited to a close friend's wedding on the beautiful island of Maui, Hawaii. Of course when we saw the invitation we RSVP'd yes because, of course we'll go to your wedding! And take a vacation while we're at it. I shopped around online and was able to find us the best prices for flight, car and hotel while on the islands and away we went!

We stayed at the beautiful Hyatt Regency in Lahaina on the West side of Maui. In the morning we would go for a 2 mile run, grab some coffee and then head to breakfast. It was the best way to start the day. Over the 4 days we spent on Maui, we found some amazing places that not many people have heard about, and being the explorers we are, we took on the island! Here are some highlights and recommendation for your trip to Maui.

The Nakalele Blowhole
North East of the island there is a blow hole that will blow your mind! You park your car in a small lot and walk down a hill full of low grass and island dirt. The view from here is fantastic! There is a warning sign at the top of the hill that is serious but still made me smile. Here's a photo of me displaying the hole blowing sea water into the sky:

Ocean Vodka
Ever gone vodka tasting? Ever taken a tour of a vodka distillery? Well, if you have time to go into the center of the island south of the airport in the "country" there is a vodka distillery that makes make all their vodka with sugar cane, yep, that's right, sugar cane! The tour was very informative and you will get a good understanding of how vodka is made and the history of the brand. The provided a tasting that included a specialty water, that you can only buy in Japan, that tastes sweet. We tried the vodka straight (tasted like nail polish remover) and with the water and it was much better. Still, the vodka needed to be put into tonic or something.The view from up there is phenominal!

Surfing Goat Dairy
Okay - This place was SO fun! You show up and everything is themed with goats this and goats that and they take broken and donated surfboards to line the fences. This farm is full of beautiful goats that roam free, produce milk and are available for adoption! You take a tour for $12 and you get to feed the goats by hand while learning about them and about the farm. We took so many photos of the goats is was really hard to narrow down ones to print and share. You also get to taste a number of cheeses made from the goat milk. Goat cheese for me tends to be a little tart and tastes like barnyard floor, so I was very hesitant on the tasting. Well, all of them were pleasantly delicious and worth it! Side note - when we showed up it was bright and sunny and a half hour later at the end of our tasting there was rain that caused, what my southern California mindset says, a flash flood. We got drenched going back to our car.

Next Blog about Hawaii I'll touch on the top Food places you have to try! #EatLikeaLocal!

If you have visited any of these locations let me know what you thought of them!

Where Have I Been?

2015-05-26T11:56:00.000-07:00

I'm glad you asked!

I have been away chasing day jobs for me to support my chase of dream jobs.

I spent 2014 and so far all of 2015 increasing my music at www.melaniegracemusic.com and creating a multitude of videos in my Driving Around Karaoke Series. My Stage name is Melanie Grace.

To bring you current - I cut my hair and got blonde highlights.

More Blogging to come!

I'm Selling Some Dance Shoes!

2014-06-05T10:31:00.000-07:00

Size 7 - 7 1/2 Dance Shoes, from Dance Sneakers to ballet Toe Shoes!

Check out my Craigslist posting and let me know if you're interested!

Barely used Black Capezio Split Sole Dance Sneaker. The laces were replaced years ago with long thick green ones to help 'pop' in color. These shoes are size 7 1/2, Black, Comfortable, Like-New
YOURS for $40!

Brown & White Bleyer Character Dance Shoes. Worn only once with a costume. Size is not indicated on the show, only a 39 on the sole, but fits my foot so it's either a 7 or 7 1/2. It is a comfort fit and great to wear, Practically-NEW
YOURS for $50!

White 1/2" heel no brand Oxford style Dance Shoe with regular sole. This shoe is great for performances. The shoes were used many times by me in dance competition and performances. They fit well and are a size 7 1/2.
YOURS FOR $30!

NEVER used, no box, Black Danshuz Tap Shoes. So new, they were never laced up! The quality of the shoe is fantastic with brand new taps. These are technically a MEN'S SHOE size 5 - but it fits women size 7. If you're beginning Tap these are the right shoes for you! BRAND NEW
YOURS for $40!

Black 1" heel Go Go Dance oxford style Dance Shoe with SUEDE soles - perfect for ballroom type dances and slides! These shoes were only worn once for a dance a competition. The are very comfortable and perfect for the seasoned dancer. No readable size on the shoe, they do fit my feet so probably a size 7 or maybe 7 1/2
YOURS FOR $40!

BRAND NEW - NEVER used, only tried on - Light Pink Ballet TOE SHOES. These BLOCH toe shoes are the 'Aspiration' style size 5.5. The shoes come along with the rubber toe pads to help keep your toes comfortable and hopefully create less pain. Ballet shoes run in different sizes than normal shoes, these are too big for my feet.
YOURS FOR $50!

Independence Day Stars

2014-05-30T16:50:00.000-07:00

Today was another craft day for me! Paint and Glue!

I made 1 large Star and 3 mini stars

At Michaels I picked up 5 wood sticks as noted above, hot glued them together, tied it up with a burlap bow and added in some fun 4th of July fireworks and attached an American Flag!

Than I went to work and realized I had this pack of small sticks:

So then I painted 5 sticks Red, 5 sticks White and 5 sticks Blue

I then posed them in a star shape and glued the corners

I let them sit for 5 minutes or so...

and now look at my mantle!

Decorate on and share your USA spirit!!!

Preparing for the 4th of July!

2014-05-29T15:10:00.001-07:00

I am addicted to Pinterest, did you know this? Well, follow me and you'll see all my pins. I've been especially pinning holiday decorations and what better holiday than to plan for than Independence Day!

I am a wreath person - I want a wreath to decorate my door year round! I made a Wine Cork Wreath which I LOVE! Every holiday I change the ribbon for the season because, well...I always drink wine. My new home that I live in has a door that faces west, which of course is when the sun is the hottest..blah blah. My corks were glued on with hot glue, and the heat of the sun was so hot it ended up melting my glue and my corks were falling off one by one. :(

So I went on to Pinterest and started looking for 4th of July wreaths and found this one that I loved. So I made it! Here's what I did:

16" Foam Wreath
Red Yarn
White Yarn
Blue Yarn
String
Wreath door hanger
Wood Stars
White Paint
Hot Glue

First I wrapped the Red Yarn, then the White Yarn than the Blue Yarn

*I did 13 Red & White Stripes as per the American Flag!

Viola!

I then took some wood stars from Michael s and painted them White, then I hot glued them onto the blue portion

I LOVE IT!

But it wasn't enough...

...

It needed something

.....

Patriotic

........

So I took a canvas tote bag and CUT it up into mini flags:

Then I had to make sure I made the right size letters to spell out USA, so I traced my flag and wrote up letters.

I cut the letters up onto some Vintage Fabric, Hot Glued the letters onto the flags and then I cut up little strips and glued them onto the top to hand them from.

I placed the flag on the wreath and gued the flags in place (becuase of the incline)

I LOVE IT!

God Bless America
...
and Pinterest!

Let's Talk Water

2014-05-02T15:27:00.001-07:00

Today is North Orange I was in my car recording my "Driving Around Karaoke" and when I looked down my car told me it was 100 degrees outside! Holy Cow- May 2nd and it's 100 degrees!

I knew it was hot, hence I put on shorts and a tank top, but nothing quite lets you feel the heat like a beads of sweat!

I am a HUGE advocate for water!

Water is the essence of life

Human blood is more than 80% water. Water flushes waste products out of our kidneys and livers, lubricates our joints and keeps our eyes, mouths and nose tissues moist. It regulates human body temperature and protects our internal organs. Our lungs are 90% water and our brains are 70% water. In fact, about 60% of the average human body is water.
-Thank you discovery.com

WOW

So what happens when we don't consume enough water - Dehydration can happen

EW...

I prefer it when my pee clear - I like to call this "Ultra hydrated"

Dehydration means your body does not have as much water and fluids as it should. Dehydration can be mild, moderate, or severe based on how much of the body's fluid is lost or not replenished. When it is severe, dehydration is a life-threatening emergency.
-Thank you Wikipedia

It seems so simple doesn't it?

It has been recommended that everyone should be drinking a MINIMUM of 8 glasses of water a day. A glass of water is considered to be 8oz. A typically water bottle purchased in a 24 pack from the store is usually around 16.9oz!! So if you finish 1 bottle of water you've already knocked out 2 glasses worth!

Our bodies not only need water to survive, but water allows our body to function properly. It is so hard for me to wrap my mind around why people don't drink enough water!

* Water is FREE when you're out to eat
* Water bottles are CHEAPER to buy at the store
* Water is good HOT and COLD

If I told you I held the secret to life, access to the fountain of youth and it's a sure thing what you do? Would you say "yes please, tell me tell me" or begged. Well folks, here is it: WATER

I Challenge you for 1 Week (7 Days Straight) to Drink Two 16.9oz Bottles of Water Before Noon and Two 16.9oz Bottles of Water After Noon and Tell Me How You Feel

Fresh Squeezed Lemonade!

2014-04-08T10:19:00.001-07:00

One warm afternoon I was thinking to myself how much I would enjoyed some fresh squeezed lemonade. So I went online, found a recipe, checked my fridge and went right with it!

Step One "What makes Lemonade so sweet"
*Making your own Simple Syrup*
1 Cup Sugar
1 Cup Water
Heat in medium saucepan until sugar is completely dissolved
-note- sugar makes water come to a boil faster, keep an eye on it

Step Two "Lemon Juice"
*Start juicing your lemons!*
4 Large Lemons
Cut in half and use a juicer. You will need 1 Cup of Lemon Juice
- note - I do not have a strainer but I did try using a spoon to remove the seeds

Step Three "Simple meets Sour"
*Combing the simple syrup and lemon juice into a pitcher or carafe
As stated above, pour the warm simple syrup you just made into a pitcher/carafe and add the lemon juice

Step Four "Make it Drinkable"
*Adding Cold water*
Add 4 Cups of Cold Water to the mixture

Step Five "Make it Cold"
*Stick in the fridge*
Then Drink it!

Here's where I got the Recipe

http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/perfect_lemonade/

Learn to Ballroom Dance - The Best Videos For Beginners!

2014-04-08T10:09:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!

One thing I commonly tell people about myself in my history is that I used to be a swing dancer. I used to teach, choreograph and compete and I loved every minute of it! My husband, sadly, does not dance but I have great plans for him to learn, not only swing dancing, but ballroom and other forms of dance.

I have been trolling the internet to find the best YouTube videos teaching beginning dances and thought I would share them with you. When they learn that I used to be a swing dancer people will commonly say, "I wish I did that" or "that always looked so fun". So here is my gift to you! Professional instruction on dance to help you start feeling the rhythm of music and quickly get on the dance floor!

The first video I want to show you is what I refer to as a simple and very fun dance - the:
Merengue (/məˈrɛŋɡeɪ/^[1]) is a style of Dominican music and dance. Partners hold each other in a closed position. The leader holds the follower's waist with the leader's right hand, while holding the follower's right hand with the leader's left hand at the follower's eye level.

I prefer to think of the counts of 1,2,3&4, 5,6, 7&8 insead of 1,2,1,2,1,2... This is better for choreographing notes so you know you move to right for 2 counts of 8 and to the left for 2 counts of eight. :)

Then there is another very lively dance that everyone should know! The:
Polka is a Central European dance and also a genre of dance music familiar throughout Europe and the Americas. It originated in the middle of the 19th century in Bohemia. Although the dance did not originate in Poland, the Oxford Etymological Dictionary states that its name is derived from the Czech polkameaning "Polish woman" (feminine form jive/ dancing high to polák, a Pole).^[1] OED also states that the theory that it comes from the Czech word půlka ("half"), referring to the short half-steps featuring in the dance.

A nice short video that teaches the basic with a turn! His voice is little dry but Joe Baker knows his stuff!

So that you've learned to dance with one step per beat and learned double steps we can now move into a more fluid dance the:
Waltz is a smooth, progressive ballroom and folk dance in triple (help·info) time, performed primarily in closed position.

Joe Baker does it again! The Waltz is a great dance with movement to songs with 3/4 beat. It has that beautiful quick step.

Now, the dance that I won First Place in when I was in the 7th grade...a linear or box dance...The
Foxtrot is a smooth, progressive dance characterized by long, continuous flowing movements across the dance floor. It is danced to big band (usually vocal) music. The dance is similar in its look to waltz, although the rhythm is in a 4
4 time signature instead of 3
4.

Here you learned the Quick Quick! Love this Dance!

Okay so now what you've been waiting for!! I'm going to show you some amazing swing dance moves!
The Great Swing Dance Starter! The West Coast Swing
*This dance moves in slots or straight lines

The audio sucks but this is a nice intro to the dance, there are better lessons on Youtube that help break it all down if you have 2 left feet!

Howcast is a great YouTube Channel to learn more about the dance!

The Great Swing Dance Upgrade! The East Coast Swing
*This dance moves in a rotation or circles

With more quick steps you quickly learn the way to count and move. Nina is one my favorite dancers/teachers!

The Lindy Hop is where swing dancing gets its power and energy - Enjoy!

Here's an amazing Lindy Hop Contest!

Frida is my favorite dancer!

Now, you need to learn the Charleston!

And once you're pro:

And that my friends is a great start! Now hit the dance floor at your local ballroom and get ready for a lifetime of a fun, exercise and making new friends!

Enjoy!

Oh, and here's yours Truly:

Conviction - Forgiveness

2014-04-03T10:44:00.000-07:00

And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself."
Matthew 22:37-39

So lately I've had a lot time on my hands. Due to my unemployment I have used my time to clean way more often, bake and cook! I have spent countless hours applying for jobs and sending out my resumes that I'm pretty sure every HR manger in Orange County knows my name. haha, kinda funny...kinda not...

With my excess of time on my hands I have gone through a hurricane of emotions from joy to despair and back again. More and more I am feeling convicted with forgiveness. I recently started attending my new church home Cross Pointe and immediately joined a small group with my husband. Since attending I have felt so connected with God and I'm trying to get connected with people. A recent small group study talked about God's love (similar to 98% of all church sermons) which I usually feel is over done. But this study brought up some questions that really made me think and dig deep into myself. Trying to remember the question completely - How have you used God's rule against people? I think that's close. Well the first person that popped into my mind was my ex-best friend. Instead of loving on my friend when she needed it most and instead of listening to her needs, I shut her down and basically broke up with her because of her actions. I did not extend her forgiveness and it has been over a year and a half since we've spoken or seen each other and I have to be honest; I miss her.

[ The Parable of the Unmerciful Servant ] 21 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” ²²Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times."

Matthew 18:20-22

Facebook has been the venue for people to reconnect with past friends and acquaintances some times to our joy and sometimes to our detriment. I have clicked on "add friend" a few times and have ignored the bulk of some. What is the gut reaction you have when you find a "people you may also know" suggestion of someone that betrayed you 15+ years ago? As a teenager I was so utterly hurt by this person, discussed and we had a knock down drag out (verbal) fight with our parents present. I was wrong to say what I did when I heard what she did. As a teenager I crossed so many lines and because I felt hurt I felt it was my privilege to be just as hurtful. Well, now that I'm an adult, I realize how wrong I was.

³⁴In anger his master handed him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed.³⁵“This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”
Matthew 18:34-35

About 9 years ago I had a strange part of my life. I'm not sure what exactly was wrong with me, but I look back and think "wow, I was not nice to ** and ^^ or ## and @@". I had a really hard time forgiving people back then, and now I'm curious, did they forgive me? Did they forget about what I said/did? Should we all agree to not talk about it ever again? I don't want the past to haunt me as it has been for some time.

²⁸Truly I tell you, people can be forgiven all their sins and every slander they utter
Matthew3:28

I have been convicted by my God to extend forgiveness to those I have sinned against and my own sin against me. I have held on to hurt and bitterness that has eaten away at my heart not leaving much room for the Holy Spirit. I want to say I'm sorry. Do I call them? Email them? Write them? or hope they read this and hear my heart. Or is this conviction here in my heart so that God can continue to work on me and help me through. Healing is an important part of relationships both internal and external.

My Bible verse I dedicate to my friendships old and new:

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8

And this is my Forgiveness conviction. Thank you for reading.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
Philippians 4:8-9

Popsugar Must Have - February 2014 Review

2014-02-09T16:55:00.000-08:00

I was so very excited to receive my FIRST Popsugar Must Have box! When I signed up I kept reading through the blogs of previous boxes and could not stop my curiosity! I was very intrigued by the idea of getting a box of surprises each month that were considered "must haves"!

Shipping took 4 days - a little disappointing since it shipped from the same state, but none the less I was excited!

My Box!

Upon opening the box I found this gorgeous pink tissue paper and they told me to "Enjoy!"

The products int he box! Time to open up! I loved the way they displayed the items, shipped perfectly.

Khall Designs Peony - a tiny little candle which packed tons of floral scent! You could see the beautiful oils from the wax, I cannot wait to light the wick!

$11 Value

The box provided me with $25 off at Gorjana Griffin where I can buy something nice for me, or something nice for my nam!

This is a Gorjana Griffin jewelry roll in a beautiful red - picture makes it look pink though. This will be great for all my future travels! It's so pretty and so nice and so me!

$45 Value

Lip Stick and Lip Gloss Duo from Model Co. I am an oober fan of the lip stick color which is a soft pink and great for my skin tone. The gloss was too sparkly and shiny for my humble taste and not good for kissing "it's sticky" lol

Usually sold in set, Value probably around $25 each

This face serum from Nourish Organic is my FAVORITE item! I wash my face at night and then apply this to my face. It puts moisture and color back into my face. I love the way my face looks when I wake up in the morning. My only complaint is the applicator pump isn't the right fit for this product.

$24 Value

This Beautiful Box came with a Beautiful Note that says "Always Except Something Sweet is About to Happen" with Cinnamon Candy Hearts from Sugar Wish. My favorite thing - the Box! :)

$9 Value

Body Wash - This was the ugliest surprise in this box. for a February Must Have, you would have thought there would be a Bath & Body Works body wash that was pink or red in color...None the less...I used this in my shower and it smells divine. It does it's job a body wash so no complaint there.

New - probably a $4 Value

Just in time for Valentine's Day - Red Nail Polish from NCLA. Proper Color Title "Rodeo Drive".

I will be giving myself a manicure sometime this week to see how it turns out!

$16 Value

My Must Have Box in all it's open Glory!

Can't wait for my March Box!

Please follow this this link to sign up with me and receive your monthly Surprise PopSugar Must Have Box!

When you sign up through my link you'll help me to receive more and more boxes and provide more and more reviews and recommendations!

Cheers!

Join with Melanie

Writing & Singing and Hustling

2014-01-22T21:51:00.003-08:00

I thought I'd take this opportunity to share my YouTube Channel with you! I have been busy hustling by writing and recording my very own songs.

I have recorded everything on laptop using Mixcraft6 the first posts were used just using my computer's microphone and the last songs I used a direct line with my guitar and special condenser microphone to enhance my voice!

All these are rough Edits, but I want to share them with you as I hope to bring my music to the world!

Enjoy!

My most recent Song "In Another Life"

My Second Recent Song "Coming Back to You"

My Third Recent Song "Happily Ever After"

And my First Recording "Living and Breathing and Loving"

Thanks for listening and Subscribe to my YouTube Channel so you can view my posts as they pop up and also see my fun "Singing in Traffic Karaoke" videos!!

Home Recording Studio

2014-01-07T11:05:00.005-08:00

As a part of my goal to write and record 1 song each week during my 30 Days of Hustle I also have been recording some of my old songs that never made their way to mp3. Here are some images of my Home Recording Studio

A Book of Songs Written by Yours Truly, my Recording Condenser Microphone, In-Ear Headphones & Capo & Laptop

My Baby - My Martin DCME <3>

I have just recorded one of my favorite songs I wrote "Coming Back to You". I'm not too thrilled with the recording sound, but it's recorded! As a part of my recording tasks I hope to master mixing - but that's for a different time.

Here's a photo of me recording a few weeks ago with awesome bangs!

An Example of the Writing Process

Next song to write on my list is a song called Imprint - which I hope to be the title of my first album. I also am in the midst of writing my first EVER worship song! Let's hope something materializes out of this.

New Year - 2014 - 30 Days of Hustle

2014-01-01T11:54:00.000-08:00

I have been encouraged so much throughout this past year by both Dave Ramsey in my finances and Jon Acuff is pursuing my Dreams. Jon Acuff has been an inspiration to so many people allowing many of his readers to wake up their lives (including mine) and put some Hustle into our step.

To kick of the New Year 2014, Jon has put together a 30 Days of Hustle, which I mis-quote LMFAO as "30 Days of Hustling", where every day is an action step of Hustle toward achieving a goal.

In my 30 Days of Hustle I will be pursuing the following:
Write 1 Song a week
Record a Minimum of 1 Song a week
Re-Record old songs if needed
Blog Often about my experiences
By the end of my 30 Days of Hustling, I will put together my first Album.

I will also continue making and creating my own memes - which have been named "Melamemes" - just for kicks!

Now taking song theme requests!

I Can't Believe It

2013-12-26T10:53:00.000-08:00

Well, Here we are. The day after Christmas. I can't believe it's over.

Christmas is one of my favorite Holidays. Each year Thanksgiving and Christmas battle it out for "Best Holiday of the Year" for me.

This year was quite a bit of a struggle for both holidays. I was laid off on the 18th of November, just a week and a half before Thanksgiving. It sort of came as a shock although I knew our company was thinning out. So I was put in a funk right before Turkey Day. But I was not saddened for long; I picked up a job almost immediately after getting cut. I started on Monday, December 2nd.

So, Thanksgiving was my last Hurrah!

Thanksgiving was grand, as always, my mother made the most declious Turkey ever and the family gathered and we had a great time. We even took tons of family photos for the record books. My husband and I took our 4-day weekend and went to Temecula the day after Thanksgiving and drank wine and ate good food. We relaxed and enjoyed eachother's company.

So with Thanksgiving over, December Starting, a new job under my midst, Time flew from my grips. It has been almost 4 weeks and I still feel like it's only day 2. My new job as an Events Manager at a hotel is right up alley in skill and expertise, but it sucks the life right out of my hands. I barely had time to shop, with the loss of the job and starting a new one, I didn't get my first paycheck till 3 weeks into work! I felt like I didn't put enough time and thought into the presents for my friends and family. Although I got them what they wanted, I didn't go the extra mile this year - like I do every year.

Christmas Eve lunch was spent with my mother & sister at Umami Burger - Truffle yum yums! Husband and I saw "American Hustle" *rental*, and spent the evening with his mom's side of the family; aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces/nephews. A Trade-a-Gift gift exchange and 3 pies! (I didn't have any)

My mother-in-law came over Christmas morning and we opened presents and caught up. Then we went to my mother's house and had a full breakfast with fluffly eggs, smokey bacon and country friend potatoes! My whole family was there and it was great. We opened presents, had some laughs and had our annual wrapping paperball fight - I think my brother won this year...We hung out all day, went and saw "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" which was adorable! Had a Christmas feast for dinner then said our goodbyes.

I can't believe it's over. Like a flash of lightening, Christmas has ended and now we carry on into a new year.

Greener Grass

2013-11-12T11:11:00.001-08:00

Lately I have been having those "Grass is Always Greener" feelings. So to help me move past these emotions and feelings I have decided to put this collection of "Melanie's Funnies" or "Mela-memes" for your enjoyment. I must make fun of my situation to move past it.

"Grass is Always Greener" memes

Friday Memes

2013-11-01T11:40:00.002-07:00

A meme (/ˈmiːm/; meem)^[1] is "an idea, behavior, or style that spreads from person to person within a culture."^[2] A meme acts as a unit for carrying cultural ideas, symbols, or practices that can be transmitted from one mind to another through writing, speech, gestures, rituals, or other imitable phenomena.

I never want to work on Fridays. I think becuase it's the last day of work till 2 days of sleeping in and doing what I want! So I took advatange of my time before heading to work my own own memes that I feel express my feelings:

More to come I'm sure!

Morning Run Anyone?

2013-10-31T16:19:00.000-07:00

So, This Year 2013, I started doing what I never thought I would I would do: running.

I now have a passion for running after many years of chanting "I don't run".

Now the biggest hurdle in my way is my desire to run early in the morning before work. This is what competes with my sincere love of sleep.

Why you may ask would I even want to run first thing in the morning? well, for many reasons! Physical exercise first thing in the morning can be the most effective thing we can do for our bodies in terms of weight loss. Also, it can be so liberating to step out into the cool morning air and breathe in the freshness of the day that is to come.

This past Saturday morning I was at the Newport Beach pier at 5:30am, why is a different story - I'll stick with the point. I saw some very committed people come out in the running gear, to their morning stretches and go for a long run in the cool morning, beach breeze. I thought to myself "How great they must feel during and afterwards".

So after years of wishing I liked running, to starting to jog, to running a 5k, to training for 10k & then a 15k, I want to wake up bright and early (may not be bright - daylight savings time) and run in the crisp morning air.

So the point of my blog is to ask my friends to push and pressure me into doing it. Encourage me to get up and "be the change I want to see". CheesyI urge you, push me, get out with me a run! but meaningful in some respects

That's all.

Let's Talk Coffee & Sugar

2013-10-31T15:22:00.000-07:00

I love Coffee. But I didn't always. When I was young I could put tablespoon upon tablespoon of sugar with dumps of sugar by the spoon full! I drank it alot and I remember people telling me "coffee will stunt your growth" as a means of reasoning why I'm the smallest one in the family. This myth has been debunked! HA! I win!

...Lane Change...

In 2009 I made the decision to stop drinking soda. I'm not sure why did this, other than the fact I was an addict to Dr Pepper & Coca Cola. It took me about 4 months to fully ween myself off the delicious bubbly drink. After the 4 months had gone by I lost around 17 pounds - just from soda! EW! I quickly learned that soda was preventing weight loss and was contributing to high medical risks. Glad I cut that out!

Since discontinuing my soda pop consumption, my tastes buds have re-aligned. Sugar is so bold to me now that I can't eat simple things like cake, brownies & cookies without feeling sick. I am sort of glad that I ended my drinking addition because it helped curb my cravings for other badness!!

...Back to Beginning...

I now drink coffee Black - No Cream No Sugar! I know!!! what? Gross! Why? I have become extremely sensitive to anything sweet, sugary, creamy or syrupy. But since drinking coffee with no additives I find that I am able to appreciate the specific beans that make my coffee! It is truly amazing to taste a cup of coffee that way it is naturally made and be able to taste distinct differences. If you read about coffee beans and how they're grown, cut, roasted and aged you'd be amazed at how different coffee can taste!

My favorite coffee from Jamaica! It's usually really expensive for one cup, but if you're a coffee lover, you'll love! Blue Bottle Coffee from San Francisco serves some of the best coffee I can remember having! They do drip coffee - no brew - and oh so good!

All of this to say:

Hubby & I French press coffee every day which makes the coffee tastes SO good & pure! I love this! However, we make it every morning at 6:00am, I don't leave for work until 7:30am. The lovely (she says sarcastically) part of the french press...IT DOESN'T KEEP YOUR COFFEE WARM! :( Sad day(s).

So I want a Kurig! Fair enough right? Mostly just so I can pop a coffee pod in, fill up a to go cup for my ride to work. Just a nice hot cup of coffee for the road. And I don't want to have to clean the french press twice daily!! A K-Cup lets me "brew & dump" - easy cleaning.

Hey, a girl can want both right? :)

30, Thirty, XXX, Treinta, Trente, DreiBig

2013-07-31T12:09:00.002-07:00

30, Thirty, XXX, Treinta, Trente, DreiBig

Here I am, the first day in my 30’s; Let’s reflect.

My 20’s were a roller coaster of emotions, successes and failures. I met my husband a month or two before I turned 25, so the later part of my 20’s was great! Graduated college at 26, Married at 27 ½, Lost a ton of weight at 28, keeping if off at 29!

Here’s a photo Journey (10 for photos, 1 for every year of my 20’s)

20. Blonde, Thin and Loved to Dance

Me and my little sister at a wedding *age not sure, but I was blonde!

21. First Drink – Midori Sour

Swing Dancing in Vegas with my good friend Paul

22. Competed & Taught in the Swing Dance Scene

4th of July Parade in Claremont, CA - The 405 Jam

23. Many Road Trips taken with my Friend Paula

Paula & Me - Friends Forever!

24. I reached this age and like it so much I still feel like I’m 24!

24 Years of age, on top of a Volcano in Hawaii with my dad, sister & mom!

25. I fell in love

Christmas with my Boyfriend Dan (now husband)
*He loved the dress

26. I graduated from college

BA - General Sociology, minor - Biblical Studies

27. I got married

The Finkelsteins est. 4.16.2011

28. I started working out at Chalk Fitness and changed my life

Hockey Jumps with Jazz hands

29. Met a TON of new people I am so proud and happy to call my friends!

Peter's Canyon Hike 2013

30. The year to come, adventures to unfold

Me - Now

I had an amazing birthday party this past Sunday the 28^th. It was a Garden Party, full of friends, games and food! Here are some images from the party:

Melissa, Me & Amy

Husband & Me

The Dining Table

On a serious and kind of sadder note: at age 26 I lost my father to ALS after 2 years of his diagnosis. I miss my father every day and I wish he was here with me to be there at all my accomplishments. The last and very important accomplish I made was Graduating College, and my dad was able to make it!

Happier Note:

I have a 5 year plan. I’ve always had 5 year plans. In 5 years barring injury, incidence or babies, I want to compete in a Triathlon. This means I need to start training in swimming and cycling in addition to my running. For more than just the feeling of accomplishing such a monumental task; I want to be physically fit, healthy and capable of doing a challenge of such magnitude.

I also want to start my family, bring babies into the world or adopt. I hope my husband and I will finally purchase a home after 2 years of searching, putting down offer and being outbid. I am ready, SO ready, to continue of this wonderful life journey I have been blessed with.

2013-07-30T07:43:00.002-07:00

So, This Year 2013, I started doing what I never thought I would I would do: running.

I now have a passion for running after many years of chanting "I don't run".

Now the biggest hurdle in my way is my desire to run early in the morning before work. This is what competes with my sincere love of sleep.

Why you may ask would I even want to run first thing in the morning? well, for many reasons! Physical exercise first thing in the morning can be the most effective thing we can do for our bodies in terms of weight loss. Also, it can be so liberating to step out into the cool morning air and breathe in the freshness of the day that is to come.

This past Saturday morning I was at the Newport Beach pier at 5:30am, why is a different story - I'll stick with the point. I saw some very committed people come out in the running gear, to their morning stretches and go for a long run in the cool morning, beach breeze. I thought to myself "How great they must feel during and afterwards".

So after years of wishing I liked running, to starting to jog, to running a 5k, to training for 10k & then a 15k, I want to wake up bright and early (may not be bright - daylight savings time) and run in the crisp morning air.

I am also signed up, as of yesterday, to do The Aloha 5k Run in San Diego in September. The race starts at 7:30am - so I better be ready for morning cardio! The coolest part of the run, there is Hawaiian music/bands playing at every half mile - I can't wait. Sign up and run with me!

So the point of my blog is to ask my friends to push and pressure me into doing it. Encourage me to get up and "be the change I want to see". Cheesy, but meaningful. So I urge you, push me, get out with me a run! but meaningful in some respects

That's all.

First Time Rock Climbing!

2013-04-09T22:13:00.002-07:00

Well, for the first time I did it - I went indoor rock climbing! I have always wanted to try out rock climbing because, well, let’s face it – I love trying new things and I love challenges. For Christmas my husband had purchased a pair of passes to go rock climbing at Hanger 18 in Signal Hill (right by the Long Beach Airport) and we finally got around to going (in April). We started the morning off with a visit to our CPA for 2012 taxes and to our dismay, we owe :(. This was upsetting to us, but we had plans to have fun the rest of the day and rock climbing was the most perfect escape.

We arrived just in time to take the group class at no extra cost. With 4 other couples we quickly learned how put our harnesses on, tie a figure 8 knot, feed the rope toggle and the proper use of climbing dialog “Climbing” “Climb on”. After the first walk through of the safety we were told to “put your lives in the hands of someone who just learned to rock climb” – nerves! My husband started up the wall first and I was the anchor making sure there wasn’t slack on the rope, then it was my turn to climb. I barely made it ¾ of the way up the wall on the first try, but the second shot, I made it all the way to the top.

We were the first ones to successfully rock climb safely and the instructors then set us free into the gym! We came to the conclusion after roping in to every wall, that it was tiring and well, those harness aren’t that comfortable to begin with. So, we then tried Bouldering – no rope, just you, the wall and the mat below you to fall on. I had a blast bouldering – my inner monkey came out! As I took on angled walls I felt strong and before I realized it, I was 15 feet off the air! Climbing down seemed to be too much of a challenge, so I did what anyone else would do – I dropped off the wall and landed (like a super hero I might add) on the padding below.

We climbed and climbed for a couple hours and we decided to quit when it became harder and harder to climb the walls. All in all it was a good day, a great experience and yes – I will do it again!

This is me about 20 feet in the air climbing a crooked wall with NO rope!

Even at an awkward angle, I must smile for the camera

Mr Foxtrot and Me!

It was really hard to reach at this angle

Aren't we cute?

A Little Blown Out, but That's alright! Look how high I'm getting!

Mr. Foxtrot in is "Mission Impossible" I'm Awesome Pose

Cheers to Health, Fitness, Fun & Strength!

My 1st 5k DONE!!! :)

2013-03-25T21:26:00.001-07:00

Well - I did it!

I cannot tell you how much I truly truly enjoyed my race! I have re-started this sentence a million times it seems! Oui Vey!

Saturday Afternoon: 12:00pm
Finally on the road after a doing laundry, dishes & an ATM stop. With my husband (Foxtrot) in tow, we sat in Bumper to Bumper traffic all the way from Aliso Viejo to Cardiff by the Sea - ugh! The hour and a half drive to San Diego turned into a 3 hour road trip! :(

First stop in San Diego - The Wrong Location
I like to pride myself on being great with directions and an excellent planner; this stop, well, was altered my sheer excitement. I pulled up to J Street and 13th in San Deigo, close to Petco Park...No one was there; but they were setting up the "merch" tables for the next day's race. After paying $5 in the "pay before you leave" box and talking to the nice Police woman, she kindly told us we were on the wrong side of town and where we needed to be was over 20 blocks away on C Street somewhere! Whoops.

We finally arrived to the old City Hall in San Diego I believe is what they said, paid $5 again for parking and make our way to the EXPO! We followed the Blue & Red Hot Chocolate 5k String backpacks into this amazing hall in the heart of San Diego.

We walked in, checked in and collected our Goody Bags - I got a Blue bag with the Women's Sweatshirt, and my husband got the Red bag with Men's Sweatshirt. Tried them on and LOVED them! Such great Amazing quality - totally unexpected.

We looked around at the different booths around the EXPO, got free samples of
ZipFizz,
and
Biscoff Spread along with marshmallows with chocolate fondu and of course, Giardelli Hot Chocolate.

And Then - The Most Amazing, Fantastic, Wonderful, HUGE and Enthralling...Photo Op!

Following the EXPO, we went to this amazing Tea Lounge - Cafe Bassam - a True Man's Tea House. Along with Tea's Galore (Loose Leaf), they sold Cigars and had guns and duck painting decorating the walls. We enjoyed the atmosphere of teachers grading papers along with sipping our pipping hot tea while French music serenaded us in the background.

Then Dinner - The Great Maple
I had the Best, and I mean the Best - Sockeye Salmon, I've ever had! I almost had to lick the plate clean.

Back to the hotel for a couple hours of flipping back an forth from the channels, watching a few MMA fights and some bad movies. Eventually around 10pm We shut off the lights to go to sleep...in the double bed with the sink hole in the middle. The room was stuffy, so the gigantic wall fan was on "auto fan" and blew directly on me all night - cold, then hot, then cold, then hot - and there was a flood light outside of the window that had only shades NO CURTAINS! I had the worst sleep ever! I can't even fully describe it.

San Diego - 52degrees
5:15am - WAKE UP!
6:00am - Leave & try to find someplace to park the car - this took about 30 minutes.
6:30am - Get booty's to our "corrals"
6:40am- Kiss hubby, wish him good luck - he went to corral A, I went to corral B
6:45am- First Horn Start (Corral A)
6:48am- Second Horn Start (Corral B)

Once my horn blares, I turn up the volume on my Google Play - I begin to set my pace. After weaving in and out a the slow pokes in-front of me, I find myself running! I ran and ran, and sprinted and jogged and then walked a bit, and then ran and ran...We lapped around Balboa Stadium and - Down Hill! WOOT! At about mile 1.3 I could feel my endorphins kicking in, and then came the beverage station and I downed Gatorade like a freaking Olympian! I felt really cool. ;) I kept on going, rocking out to my tunes and then I made the left turn and felt the heat in my calves...I looked up and saw.....The Gigantic Hill before me! Oh NO! I jogged it a bit, but then decided 4 city blocks of running up a hill was opportunity to walk swiftly, while removing my arm band from my arm, removing my jacket, tying it around my waist and putting the band back on my arm. By the time I reached the top, I sprinted down that hill and passed everybody! That felt great! I can start hearing the party music over my own earphones, I run around a couple blocks and see polic cars lights flashing, music is getting louder, a supporter on the side of the road with a cow bell and there it is, The Finish Line! I can do it! I Can! I push, I sprint, I can feel the nausea building in my stomach, the music "It's almost Over Now" (Most fitting) playing in my ears - I reach the Finish Line!

I did it

I think 10min 27sec is pretty damn awesome! Considering in high school I had over a 19 minute mile! And Look! I was 204 out of 856 female runners in my age group - I know it's no Gold Medal, but it's my starting point!

I had a blast! There was something so exillerating and fun about running next to hundreds of people, pacing yourself with someone else (who doesn't know it) and just breathing the fresh air! I cannot describe the high I felt running & jogging in the cool 55degree San Diego Weather! I will do it again - no Doubt!

Thank you for reading, thank you for following and thank you for supporting! I can't wait to keep running and keep making progress!

First 5k in 2 days!

2013-03-22T07:46:00.003-07:00

Whew!

This month has just flown by! I have quit my hotel job and accepted a job working for a credit union (an 8-5 job!) Hooray! This new change has allowed me to be more pro-active in my life. I'm able to relax a little bit in the morning and I have cut communte down from 50 minutes to 12 minutes! What a relief this has been.

I have been working out at my gym Chalk Fitness along side some of my best friends and my husband so I can be prepared and sucessful in my run. I have gone for a few mile runs and I have integrated Fartlek and Interval training which has helped my speed, my breathing and my endurance. I am anxious to see how my very first 3.3 mile race is going to treat me. Being the planner that I am I have secured the following for my ease and comfort:

Android Phone equipped with Google Music *Running Playlist
Smart Phone Arm Band

Meelectronics Ear Buds

And of course, a Big Thank You to Victoria's Secret
Gotta Keep myself safe and secure!

See you on race day!

I Run My First Ever 5k in 20 Days!

2013-03-04T09:25:00.003-08:00

All throughout growing up I hated running. Flat and simple - hated it. I tried to like it, but it never prevailed. In high school we ran the mile - 4 laps around the field I was always one of the last 5 people to finish (side note - I weighed less than 115lbs in high school - I should have been faster). There were times I put a leash on our late dog Lucy and go a jog, but she would make me run with a jerk of the leash. This was that time where Discmans were popular and oh yeah you bet I had one of those - the cd skipping everytime I landed on my feet, the way it would bounce against my body in that neoprene waist case - the memories.

I always wanted to get into running because whenever I talked to people who ran, they loved it. There is an untouchable joy you see in a runner that is so desirable! The advise was always the same, "just keep getting out there and run for a little bit, one day you'll find joy in it." So I kept trying, not on a serious regular basis, but I have the drive to find the love of running.

I have been pining away with the desire to run a 5k - because lets face it, if I ever want to be a triathlete, I have to start somewhere. So in the fall of 2012 I signed my husband (hehe) and myself up for the San Diego Hot Chocolate 5k on March 24th. I am so excited! Check out what's going to be in my goodie bag:

And for those of you who know me well, know that I LOVE Orange! Afterall, it was my wedding color! OH, and check out the amazing Finishers Mug we'll get when we pass the finish line:

So you see - I get to run my first ever 5k in San Diego, a beautiful and cool city, receive a fantastic hoodie that I'll wear alot, and at the end of it all I get a finished mug with hot chocolate, fruit and other sweet sweet treats! AMEN!

So, in my training for my first ever real "run", I have hounded my husband to get out and run with me. So finally this past Saturday, 4 weeks before the 5k, we ran a mile (1/3ish of a 5k) with intervals of fartlek training. Fartlek, a Swedish term that means "speed play," is a form of interval or speed training that can be effective in improving your speed and endurance. Fartlek running involves varying your pace throughout your run, alternating between fast segments and slow jogs. This was a great way to enhance my endurance and leg strength.

More running & training to go! I will finish the race in a great time and NOT be in the last group to finish. Times have changed my friends and it changed me radically.

As soon as I run that 5k, I will post pictures and stories of my experiences - then we'll plan the 15k. EEP! :\

Sign up for the Hot Chocolate 5k and run with me!

The Feeling of Health

2013-03-02T09:57:00.000-08:00

The age old parental saying "Eat your veggies" was annoying as a child, but special as an adult. As a kid I, like most, loved sugar sweets and everything 'not healthy'. Now as an adult I find that I love vegetables - why the change? It's curious to think that the psychology of a young child is to do the opposite of what we're told - testing how far we can push the envelope.

My husband and I are friends with a couple who have 4 kids and have taught them (I'm not sure how) to enjoy their vegetables. We will go over there for dinner and the 5 year old is eating a sweet red pepper like I used to eat brownies, the 3 year old is chomping down baby carrots and offering them to me! I am always in love and astounding by these children!

I started really buckling down my diet a year ago realzing I'm getting older and my body is changing or slowing down. I don't metabolize food as fast as I used to, I have a desk job and not as active as I used to be and well, I have more aches and pains then I used to. Before you say stop it - I know I'm not that old - but it's important that each of us young and old put the focus back on personal health. Since the re-introduction of raw vegetables into my diet, I feel more vitalized, more fresh, more weightless and less "gross" full. You know that "gross" full feeling you get from a carb heavy and/or starch heavy meal, that also goes hand in hand with over eating? A healthy diet takes away that gross bloating feeling - AMAZING!

I love Carrots - raw carrots. I love the crunch, I love the sweet taste, I love the way they enhance my skin color and I love that I can eat a bunch of them and not feel sick!
I love Celery - with almond butter. Again, I love that crunch! I love the water that comes out, and to top it off with the sweet bold taste almond butter - a brilliant snack. Celery is an amazing food that keeps you feeling light weight and not gross!
I love Sweet Potatoes - no marshmallows. Sweet potatoes are truly truly radical! They can be a savory side dish, a delightful fry with your carb friendly burger, or a sweet dessert! The sweet potato is a root vegetable that contains our favorite vitamins and minerals and carries amazing protein benefits. One important thing about Sweet Potatoes is they are high in Vitamin A which plays a role in a variety of functions throughout the body, such as; Vision, Gene transcription, Immune function, Embryonic development and reproduction, Bone metabolism, Haematopoiesis, Skin & cellular health and Antioxidant activity!!!
I love Spinach & Kale - Put it all together in a salad with a light vinaigrette..ooooo
I love raw broccoli & raw cauliflower - amazing side dishes. Did you know you can make Mashed Cauliflower "potatoes" to avoid eating the starchy potato? Woah!
I think I could do on and on.

The Feeling of Health and a Healthy Lifestyle is something that you must experience yourself to believe. No one can talk you into loving Kale or enjoying mashed cauliflower, you must try it out for yourself! But believe me: You will notice a change in your mood (in a good way), you will feel like you have more energy, you will feel the need to spread your news and share the glories of a healthy diet. I of course will always recommend eating healthy in conjunction with a consistent workout routine - Fink Fitness!

Just and FYI
The USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends consuming 3 to 5 servings of vegetables daily.