English bELLE

The dog days of summer...

2013-08-06T14:18:00.001-07:00

Wow I can't believe that it has been 3 weeks since I've showed any signs of life on here {lol}. Well my time in California is coming to an end soon and it has been really nice to spend a lot of time with my family and friends that I rarely get to see. My time in Los Angeles was wonderful, I went to a lot of museums, checked out a lot of parks, did a lot of hiking, ate a lot of yummy vegan food {obsessed with Real Food Daily}, checked out some new bands, and even made some new friends! After spending about 3 weeks in LA I've realized that I wouldn't want to live in such a big city that didn't have a good public transportation system, gosh the constant driving was too much for me and don't get me started on the parking fees. Blarg...well all in all it was nice.

This past week at home has made me feel very lethargic, my daily goal is to not be a complete loaf which is really hard to do when there isn't much to do here at home #SmallTownProblems. So I decided to stop being such a loaf and sign up for tennis lessons! I had tennis lessons about 5 years ago and I loved it so I'm really excited to start tomorrow and be a productive human being! Hehe. Anywhoos I hope that you're enjoying the summer. I'm honestly looking forward to the fall...falling leaves, caramel apple spiced mochas, scarves...so dreamy. Here are some pictures below from my summer so far. :)

There's only 1 thing to do while waiting in the long In-n-Out line...selfies!

My brother buried me in the sand for the second time.

I think I took my flower crown a little overboard this time ;)

Santa Barbara

I saw this periodic table at the Griffith Observatory and I just had to take a picture in front of it and send it to my boyfriend.

Moseying around New Port Beach

The Green Children performing at The Roxy, they were beyond amaze.

Hiking at Runyon

My favorite thing about California

Duh.

The way my boyfriend and I start off our mornings.

Santa Monica nights

Hiking with my love

Zuma Beach

This is what happens to my lips when I consume gluten ;)

Walking little Loba with my Mami

Found elementary pictures of my friends and I.

I know my friend Vanessa really loves because she even accepted me when I wore outfits like this.

Adopted little Penelope!

Pajamas all day, drink milk all night #YOLO

Happy Friday + Some Fun Links

2013-07-12T12:32:00.000-07:00

So it's Friday huh? Wow this week has gone by so fast! It's been really nice spending some time with my best friends in southern California. My days have been consumed by sleeping in, eating, napping, eating again, napping some more, and biking around town, yes such a hard life I know. Well, this weekend I'm going to spend time with some college friends that I haven't seen in a while, paddle board some more, do some painting, and go to a theme park with my little brother, I'm trying to actively work on one of my biggest fears, heights! Wish me luck peeps! I hope you all have a wonderful weekend. :)

+

* Loving this tote.

* Tory Burch has a blog, say whaaa?! :)

* I'm looking into upgrading my dinnerware, these are great.

* Yoga on a surfboard. Trying this asap!

* Pink sunnies.

* Would you have these kind of parties?

* These jars!

* 40 Days of Dating.

* Oh Taylor, I heart you!

* How to #Unplug

Growing Out My Short Hair {and the angst it's giving me}

2013-07-12T11:39:00.001-07:00

When a journalist asked Michelle Williams about how the process of growing out her hair was going she stated that "the mid-stage is insufferable." Well I couldn't agree more. I've decided that I want to grow out my hair {again...yes again} but this middle stage is going to be the straw that breaks the camel's back and drive me into deep emotional eating binge. Okay, I need to stop being so dramatic for a second. This process hasn't been the most fun and there are days were I think "Oh I'm loving my hair today! I want to have it short forever!" or "I love how it's looking at this length" then others were I want to go Britney Spears circa 2009 and take it all off.

So I decided that I needed to be proactive about this whole thing and figure out how to make this lengthy process easier #1stWorldProblems.

After the countless research and vlogs I watched about growing out short hair I learned a few key things and they are:

1. Get a Haircut!

Despite the myth that trimming hair will stunt hair growth, regular trims will ensure a healthier outcome. Chad Taylor, a celebrity hair stylist and co-owner of Vancouver's Moods Hair Salon believes "it's very important to keep ends trimmed while growing your hair out so that they don't fray or split," he says. "By removing small amounts of hair regularly, your ends will not break or become thin at the bottom in the long term."

Taylor recommends visiting your hairstylist every six to eight weeks to keep your cut looking fresh. Since hair grows an average of half an inch per month, regular micro-trims will still allow your hair to grow at a decent pace [2]. So I scheduled my haircut for Monday... can it come any sooner?!

2. Accessorize

Taylor suggests that "headbands are a good option as they are stylish and can keep the hair away from your face, but avoid over-bobby pinning and clipping your hair since that can look messy [3]." Right now I'm really loving all of the hair accessories from Ban.do especially this barrette I wear religiously.

3. Try Bangs

A subtle change to your haircut may create the illusion of length. "If you start to become frustrated with your hair, usually a slight adjustment to the haircut will make it look more balanced," Taylor says. "Sometimes adding fringe or bangs can make the rest of your hair look longer."

As for what type of bangs would suit your face best, talk to your stylist about your face shape and hair texture. Avoid trying to make any adjustments on your own [4].

I hope all of these fab tips help any of you. They definitely calm my hair angst and make this process easier.

* A Londoner's hair journey, so cute.

* Loving how Michelle Williams is growing out her hair.

* A step-by-step guide to growing out your hair with grace.

+ A halo braid tutorial for cropped hair! Love, doing this today!

+ Do you follow my Pinterest board Hair Today Gone Tomorrow? Mosey here to check it out. :)

Life {as told by my iphone camera}

2013-07-08T11:06:00.000-07:00

(Vegan) Munchie Monday: My 5 Favorite Vegan Recipes!

2013-07-08T10:11:00.002-07:00

Greetings from southern California! As you can see from the photo above I've been very busy on my summer vacation! Oh, this is my best friend's cat Guapo, he says hi too! The last few days have just been wonderful, I remembered why so many people take tropical vacations now, being here has been so dreamy. Anyway being that my last few days have mostly consisted of eating out {and zero cooking} I wanted to share 5 of my favorite vegan recipes. I promise I'll get to cooking today! ;)

Spicy buffalo cauliflower.

Gilled Zucchini with yogurt sauce.

Grilled Ratatouille.

Guacamole salad.

Oatmeal and chocolate chip pancakes

Happy {Early} Friday + Happy 4th of July!

2013-07-04T09:28:00.002-07:00

Hey everyone, happy 4th of July! Wow I can't believe it's already summer. I fly home to California tomorrow and to say that I'm excited about it would be an understatement! Every summer I try to travel to a foreign country on my own but this summer I've decided to spend some time in Los Angeles as it still feels somewhat foreign to me. I was just thinking the other day that it's weird growing up just about an hour north of LA and not really knowing so many things about it: what's the art scene like? Good restaurants? Best hiking trails? Best beach? Good music venues? Gosh so much to discover!! So I'm really looking forward to discovering it all and hopefully I just wont stay posted at the beach for entire summer {1st world problems.} Anyway what are your plans for summer? Whatever they are I hope you take some time to be silly, creative, step outside of your comfort zone, and live fearlessly. Have a great long weekend and I'll see you guys next week in California!!! << {yes that excited!!!!}

+ Some Fun Links

* 7 Healthy food swaps.

* The Olympics to be held in...Tulsa?

* 5 Decorating ideas you can actually afford.

* The true value of education.

* Here comes the sunscreen!

* London vs. New York.

* Loving this blogger.

* My California Dreamin' Playlist - it's amazeballs!

* I can't wait to wear my new bathing suit!

* A DIY camera strap.

A 26th Birthday Picnic

2013-07-03T06:43:00.002-07:00

This past weekend my friends and I celebrated my 26th birthday with a lovely picnic at Brooklyn Bridge Park. All the food we prepared was vegan-gluten free- dairy free and it was a success! We all had such a great time and it was great to just spend some genuine time chatting with friends and playing games. Here are the pictures from the day below. :) #Happy

Started off the morning with a SoulCycle sesh, yes I'm obsessed, what else is new?

Then went on a Sex and the City tour around the city, we all loved it, well except my boyfriend clearly. ;) He was a good sport.

Then played a lot of bad mitten at the park.

On the menu: curry cous cous, avocado and cucumber sandwiches, chocolate cake, fruits, and veggies.

My favorite picture from the day.

Juna-Willa and her fiance Dean looking as adorable as ever!

Karthik teaching me how to play frisbee properly, he's an ultimate frisbee champ! #ThingsILoveAboutMyBoyfriend

The girls taking in the view or me just being an obsessive picture taker ;)

"I don't think you should ever take life so seriously that you forget to play." - Taylor Swift

I love being a girl.

Karthik, he is the cheese to my macaroni.

Karthik and I perfected our handshake.

I love these girls.

A windy day calls for make-shift wind blockers to light my candles.

Love.

Loving my sparkler heart candles!

Our evening view, so dreamy.

(Vegan) Munchie Monday: The Many Great Uses of Coconut Oil + Super food and Coconut Smoothie

2013-07-01T08:06:00.000-07:00

Well hello there my friends. Today's food post is looking a little different mainly because I wanted to share the magic that is coconut {my current food obsession}! Anyway lately I've been adding coconut oil to everything! Being a vegan-celiac disease-lactose intolerant-corn allergic card carrying carrier {Ha!} I'm always trying to mix things up in the kitchen. Anywhoos, not only is coconut really refreshing to drink, it has great benefits for your health as well as so many great uses. So take a peek below and revel in all of the coco yumminess.

All Things Coconut:

The health benefits of coconut oil

Studies have show that intake of coconut oil can help our bodies mount resistance to both viruses and bacteria that can cause illness. Even more, it also can help to fight off yeast, fungus and candida.

Coconut oil can also positively affect our hormones for thyroid and blood-sugar control. People who take coconut oil also tend to have improvements in how they handle blood sugar since coconut can help improve insulin use within the body. Coconut oil can boost thyroid function helping to increase metabolism, energy and endurance. It increases digestion and helps to absorb fat-soluble vitamins. [1]

Coconut oil is good for your skin and hair

Coconut oil is a wonderful moisturizer for skin and hair. It has good amounts of the antioxidant vitamin E, which is very protective. If you are using on the skin regularly, it is best to try to find an organic coconut oil, to reduce the absorption of toxins and pesticides through your skin. [2]

How can I use coconut oil?

Coconut oil works in both baked goods like zucchini and banana bread and with vegetables. It is especially tasteful when paired with bitter greens like kale. You can use it as part of the onion and garlic sauté, where it offers a surprisingly different and pleasant full-bodied taste. It is also a wonderful addition to oatmeal to make it even creamier, while staying healthy. Coconut oil can withstand the heat – making it a better cooking option. [3]

+ One of My Favorite Coconut Filled Recipes: Super food and Coconut Smoothie

I mean doesn't everyone match their smoothies to their nail polish?

Ingredients

1 handful of blueberries
1 handful of blackberries
1 handful of raspberries
1 handful of strawberries
1/2 of a banana
2 tbsp of coconut oil
1 tbsp flax seeds
1 tbsp of (organic) almond butter
1/2 cup of (organic) coconut water
1 cup of (organic) spinach

Recipe

1. Toss in all of the fruit into a bowl and wash thoroughly.

2. Put in all of the ingredients into a blender until they're mixed well together...and boom! Done! Enjoy!! {wow that's a lot of !!! marks!} P.s. I'm enamored with { } symbols...what are they called?

+ 21 Miraculous Uses For Coconut Oil

+ A Great DIY Coconut Oil Hair Mask

(Vegan) Munchie Monday: Peach and Blueberry Popsicles

2013-06-24T06:51:00.000-07:00

Hey loves, this weekend was just lovely. I spent Saturday in Williamsburg, or as I call it - the Burg, moseying around the Renegade Craft Fair. I got really inspired by a lot of the jewelry there and bought a dainty little heart ring; I'm obsessed with hearts lately as you can see. I also saw Sofia Coppola's new film, The Bling Ring, and let me tell you that shizz was awesome. I expected it to be mediocre but it was actually really suspenseful and the cinematography was a feast for the eyes; oh and the soundtrack is really good. Anyway, on to more serious business...popsicle making! I bought this popsicle maker a few weeks ago and I finally tried it out. I made some all natural and uber delish peach and blueberry popsicles and here's the recipe below. Enjoy because it's finally SUMMER! #PopsicleSeason

Ingredients:

1 cup (organic) blueberries
1.5 cups (organic) peaches
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 cup coconut water
**popsicle molds or this awesome Zoku popsicle maker

Recipe:

1. Wash peaches and berries and cut up peaches into halves.

2. Pour 2 cups of water into a saucepan and boil, toss in fruit, sugar, and allow the fruit to cook for about 10 minutes or until the water simmers.

3. Once cooked, strain the fruit and put the mushy fruit into a blender and add the coco water. Blend.

4. Lastly, pour the mixture into the molds and freeze (4 hours for regular molds) or 7 minutes with the Zoku maker! - Enjoy! :) <3 <3 <3 (<< these are hearts, I'm telling you I'm obsessed...)

Take Me to Chicago.

2013-06-24T06:42:00.001-07:00

Image Via

About a month ago I flew to the second city to spend some time with my boyfriend or as I call him "my hindi" (inside joke). Anyway the weekend was completely perfect from having a really wonderful first date (swoon) to taking in the sights of the city. I really love Chicago, the people are so sweet. Well, here are some pictures from my weekend in the Midwest if you'd like to take a peek.

I had mentioned to K that at some point we HAD to go to Oprah's favorite restaurant, Ralph Lauren, and we ended up having our first date there. My girl O would approve! ;p

Moseying around the Chicago Art Institute

"Wait! I need to practice my ballet moves for the picture!"

I found the picture interesting because I make the same pose and have the same level of concentration when I'm styling outfits.

Art in a box

Well hello there bean.

"We have to lay on the ground like everyone and put our feet on the bean!"

The train was so bloody cold on the ride back home so here we are sporting our "it's so cold it's making me emo" looks.

I'm cold.

I love this picture.

+

Pictures from my first visit to Chicago last summer when K and I were just still friends, what a difference a year makes.

Funniest improv show ever. Wait where's Tina Fey? I kid, I kid..

K: "Every time I see you I know that at some point I have to dress up"

I was finally able to sit for a picture after my 4th failed attempt. #FearOfHeights

My favorite restaurant in Chicago, RPM, unfortunately Guiliana and Bill weren't there!

The mother ship calling me home. Oprah? Gale? Nate? WHERE ARE YOU GUYS?!!

In Heavennnnn

Navy Pier

Happy Friday! + Some Fun Links + Happy Summer!

2013-06-21T16:38:00.000-07:00

Well hello there peeps. These last two weeks of teaching have been completely and utterly exhausting! From end of year craziness, to giving and grading all of my students finals and projects, this little tea cup is all simmered out! I've been coming home everyday and taking a 3 hour nap (thank god for eye shades) and just loafing around. Well I plan on being a more useful human being this weekend and mosey around the Burg before my birthday extravaganza next weekend! I plan on going to the The Renegade Craft Fair this weekend, umm hipsters + spending the day diying, gawd sounds like my personal heaven. Other than that I'm going to catch Sofia Coppola's new film Bling Ring. Anyway enjoy the first official weekend of the summer season! T.G.I.F!

+

*If you loved 500 Days of Summer (like me) then you'll love this film.

* What does your birthday say about you?

* I've been (obsessively) party planning and stumbled upon this, this, and this. Great inspiration.

* What's electrifying NYers lately, love.

* Fellow vegans unite there's vegan nail polish or am I just the last one to find out about this?

* Loving Kanye's Yeezus, however I'm also loving this.

* Obsessed with Cupcakes and Cashmere's Emily's home.

(Vegan) Munchie Monday: Mexican Tofu Tacos

2013-06-10T16:38:00.000-07:00

Hola mis amigos. I hope you all had a lovely weekend. I had the most wonderful time having dinner with a friend at Blossom, a great vegan restaurant in the West Village. I met a oh so fab waiter and we're going on a friend date soon! Lo-ve! Well speaking of vegan food, I made Gwyneth's fish taco recipe and of course veganified it. This is seriously one of my favorites to make especially because all of the toppings are made from scratch. And lets face it we all need to get in touch with our inner Mexican, hardy har har. ;P Enjoy!

*Ingredients:

half a block of organic firm tofu
1/2 cup (gluten free) multipurpose flour
3 tbsp of coconut oil
1/2 cup spinach
3 tbsp lime juice
sea salt to season
pepper to season
1 whole organic tomato
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1/4 cup veganaise
2 ripe avocados
1 bag of tortillas (brown rice ones- for you corn allergy peeps, i.e. me.)
1/4 cup cilantro

*Directions:

1. Sift flour into a bowl, cut tofu lengthwise 5x and width-wise once, put tofu into flour bowl and cover completely.

2. Pour coconut oil into a small pan and place tofu into pan until cooked on both sides (fry for about 2 min on each side)

3. Wash and chop cilantro (only half), tomato, onion (only half), mix together in a bowl, and pour in 1 tbsp of lime juice. Set aside.

4. Cut up avocados, put into bowl. Chop up the other half of the onion, cilantro, and mix together. Pour in 1 tbsp. Set aside.

5. Into a small bowl, pour veganaise, mix in lime juice, and a dash of pepper.

6. Chop up spinach, put in a bowl, pour in 1 tbsp of lime juice. Set aside.

7. Lastly warm up tortillas for about 1 minute in a microwave or warm up in a pan on the stove. Once warm, transfer to a plate, add on two pieces of cooked tofu and desired toppings and enjoy this entire meal made from scratch! #Twerk

Happy Friday! + Some Fun Links

2013-06-07T14:03:00.000-07:00

Image Via

It's the weekend! What are you all up to? This weekend is going to be uber busy. I'm going to watch a hockey game with a friend tonight and hopefully I won't be completely lost #HockeyIlliterate, then I'm going to spend tomorrow going for a long run, moseying around the west village with friends, and finally trying out the new Citi Bikes! Lastly my cousin is moving to NY this weekend for grad school so I'm helping her move into her dorm! It'll be nice to have a family member living locally. Have a wonderful weekend. - Lovevlovelove, Elle

40 Rad bike gadgets.

Reason 1 million and 1 why I love NY.

Loving all of these weekender travel bags!

Labor pain simulation on men, hilarious, and reason 1 million and 1 why I NEVER want to bear my own children.

This recipe looks so yummy..

Wonder what Lo from Laguna Beach and The Hills has been up to? Me too and it's awesome! #RealityTvAddict

4 of my girlfriends are getting married! So naturally I'm loving all the wedding talk! Found some great resources here and here.

A friend of mine has a great jean store in St. Paul.

Dancing makes you smarter, duh.

California: A Love Story

2013-06-05T15:59:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago my cousin Josh got married to the love of his life, Elizabeth. Being the complete hopeless romantic that I am I cried, a lot, during the wedding. I'm so happy for them and wish them all the best. Josh and I grew up together in California so seeing him at this stage of his life is just so wonderful.

The day was full of a lot of: silliness, picture taking, flower adoring, dancing, dancing, and more dancing. I even started filming again (remember this) so I'm looking forward to putting an imovie together soon! Take a peek below at all of the lovely wedding fun.

My little cousin Mason, I just love this goober.

My cousins: Crystal, Josh, and April

Gawd we're short.

My family with the new couple!

My brother from another mother, Richard!

Richard: "There's no such thing as a dry wedding for me" His murse is NOT full of mini bottles of Skinny Girl, wine, vodka, tequila (cough cough).

Wedding party photography session = my own photo session #PassingTheTime

Such a great view from the lodge!

Girls where did you get that liquor? AND why are you girls in the back room?? ;P

Richard: The Wino Elvia: The Hopeless Romantic

1st Dance

My cousin April and her husband Charles, line dancing. I love these lovebirds.

Slow dancing the night away with her son Christian.

Tia Maria, dancing the night away.

I caught the bouquet!!!!! I for one was just happy to take flowers with me (I'm obsessed with flowers) my Mami cried tears of hope.

Again I just want to pose with the flowers

...see!

Richard they're my flowers!!

More "it's not my day but I'll act like it's my day" pictures

Christian, you're my hero.

Ma needs a booster seat


Dear Richie, words can't explain how much I love you! Oh and I love you too cuz!

My brothers and I

Being silly

Ugh so fab!

+ Some other pictures from the weekend!

Papa: Mija let's pose girl! Me: Papi I love you!!!

This is my "I'm SO HAPPY I chopped off my hair" selfie. P.s. She was my inspiration.

B-B-Qing at my brother's new condo!

Freddy, always hungry.

My brother's new dog Loba, she's tiny and adorable and I want to put her in my pocket to take home

At my cousin Crystal's graduation! You did it girl!

(Vegan) Munchie Monday: Save the Tuna Sandwich

2013-06-03T14:32:00.001-07:00

Image Via

Growing up my Ma's go-to easy lunch was tuna on- anything! Tuna on a tostada, tuna on bread, tuna mixed with corn. Well being vegan I missed my chicken of the sea eating days. Fortunately Kriss Carr had a great recipe for a vegan "tuna" sandwich that I just had to try and let me just tell you, it's delish and super easy! Check it out below! :)

Ingredients:

1 cup raw almonds, soaked for a few hours or overnight in water
1⁄3 cup minced celery
¼ cup minced red onion
1⁄3 cup pickles, diced (Bubbies Pickles are best)
2 tablespoons minced dill
1 tablespoon minced oregano
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon agave
½ teaspoon sea salt
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Dijon mustard
4 pieces of (gluten-free) whole-grain rye bread, toasted
vine-ripened tomato, sliced
A handful of spinach

Directions:

1. Blend the soaked almonds and sunflower seeds in a food processor until finely minced (the finer the better). Transfer into a bowl.

2. Add in the celery, onion, pickles, herbs, lemon juice, agave, salt, and pepper to nut/seed mixture and blend thoroughly. Set aside.

3. Spread Dijon mustard on bread. Add spinach and tomato.

4. Using an ice cream scoop or large spoon, scoop a generous helping of “tuna” on each slice of bread.

5. Finish with more black pepper, lettuce, and tomato.

Happy Friday + Some Fun Links!

2013-05-31T14:51:00.000-07:00

Image Via

It's the weekend can you all believe it? I've been getting the crafting itch so I'm going to try and create another necklace. I'm still really loving the neon trend so this, this, and this necklace are good inspirations. As it turns out a bunch of my friends have events going on this weekend, from a living room jam session, to dinners, to a birthday party. We'll see how motivated I am to be social, gawd I'm such a grandma sometimes. Well whatever your plans are this weekend, I hope you conquer them. #StayMotivated - Lovelovelove, Elle

+

* 30 Things Only Drivers in Los Angeles will understand, oh so true.

*I'm obsessed with this song at the moment.

* How to Naturally flavor water.

*Met Amy Poehler this week and she introduced me to her site: The Smart Girls at the Party, love!

* New Yorkers have a new obsession.

* This blow dry guide for all us peeps who have cowlicks, I still hate mine, but this helps.

*And the Spelling Bee winner is...

* Ways to improve your emotional intelligence?

*Sale at J.Crew? Umm yes please!

Dealing with Anxiety: Using Breathing Exercises to Calm the Mind

2013-05-29T11:36:00.000-07:00

Image Via

So I've taken up personal training classes at my gym and during one of my first sessions my trainer was making me attempt various difficult stretches. Well needless to say I was really hurting. I mean I felt like it was impossible for me to complete these stretches being that they hurt so bad. Then he said a very powerful thing to me. Breathe through the pain. In that moment it all clicked for me. Then I began to talk with him about my struggles with anxiety and how my therapist had also recommended to use breathing techniques as a tool but always found it hard unless I was in a yoga or spinning class. He completely agreed that it should be a part of everyone's toolbox, and here's why.

Breathing exercises (pranayama) help calm anxiety by slowing the breath and slowing the heart rate. They also function like meditation, making us focus on the breath and clearing our minds of racing thoughts. i.e. effectively helping us handle and get over the life stressors. There are 3 types of breathing exercises I have in my toolbox to use that I've learned from yoga or counseling, they include:

The Conscious Breath - The conscious breath is simply being aware of your own breathing. When people are anxious or stressed, they tend to take shallow breaths, breathing from their shoulders. Proper breathing involves expanding the lungs and diaphragm, without involving the shoulders. Sit in a comfortable position, and place one hand on your belly and the other on your chest. Close your eyes and breathe normally. Pay attention to your breathing rate, the rise and fall of your chest, and how the air feels in your lungs. Sit and focus on your breath for at least five breaths.

Image Via

The Bumble Bee Breath - Sit upright, in a comfortable position. Your shoulders should be relaxed and neutral and your chest open. Inhale slowly, from the abdomen, and fill your lungs to capacity. Pause for three seconds then exhale slowly, using your tongue to make a buzzing sound, like a bee. Repeat three to five times, pausing for three seconds between each inhale and exhale.

Image Via
Alternate Nostril Breathing- Sit in a comfortable, upright position. Close the right nostril with your right thumb and inhale slowly through the left nostril. Close the left nostril with your right ring finger, remove your thumb from the right nostril, and exhale slowly through the right nostril. Then, inhale through the right nostril, close the right nostril with your right thumb and exhale through the left nostril. Repeat three times.

Mastering how to use these breathing techniques effectively takes time. The first time I tried breathing exercises I was on my fourth night of not sleeping at all and after 40 LONG minutes I finally calmed my mind and lulled myself finally. to. bed. It has gotten a lot better since then. I have even found myself practicing the conscious breath exercise on the train, like the other day when I was on the train and it was stopped for over 20 minutes underground. For whatever reason I started to freak out. Badly. I felt so claustrophobic and anxious and needed to try and pull myself together and trust me it helped so much. I hope these exercises help you and please feel free to pass along any anxiety tips that have helped you, I'd love to hear!

*A great site with many resources with coping with anxiety.

* Advice from a twenty something on breathing exercises.

Happy Friday + Some Fun Links!

2013-05-24T10:22:00.001-07:00

Image via

This week has been all about getting my work life balance back. I don't know about you guys but whenever I travel for a weekend and come back I feel so out of sorts and it always takes me one too many days to recover. So logically this memorial day weekend I'm traveling out of the state (such a hypocrite I know, hehe). Well, I hope your 3 day weekend is full of sunshine and sporting your hot summer bod at the beach. I've been working really hard on mine and I even signed up for a personal trainer! I decided I wanted to go into the second half of my 20s the way I want to leave my 20s, in the best shape of my life. I'll be in a place that is raining ALL weekend long so please enjoy the sun for me (if your weather is permitting it.) Stay warm, get tan, and eat a lot of (tofu) hot dogs!

+

* A new secret speakeasy inside a NY water tower.

* Obsessed with these 2 singers who cover popular songs.

*A great piece on traveling alone.

*Oh Amanda Bynes....

*3 tips for having a dynamic cover letter.

*President Obama and Justin Timberlake, hanging out. Gawwwd I'm so jealous.

*The Mindy Project's words of wisdom. Oh Mindy, I heart thee.

*The 65 books that should be read in your 20s.

*The perfect party dinnerware serving set.

Friend Dating

2013-05-22T11:19:00.001-07:00

My best friend / soul mate / brother from another mother, the fabulous Richard! Whom I met 11 years ago at a volunteering organization.

The other day one of my best friends and I had a conversation that went a little like this: Okay I'm going to ask her on a friend date. A friend date? Ya, you know casual drinks that don't linger too long but enough time to see if we click. Oh right good luck!

Having moved around the country quite a bit in the last 5 years I've had to master, get decent at, the art of making friends as a young professional. Let me be the first to say that it isn't always easy and sometimes it takes a lot of time and patience. Relationships need time to develop and sometimes when I see I click with someone I just want us to lock arms, run into a daisy field, and gab about The Real Housewives of Orange County for hours but apparently according to my friends that's coming on too strong...say whaaa?!

Malisa, one of my best buddies, whom I met at a social gathering through my friend Richard.

All kidding aside, making friends as an adult has it challenges especially when everyone post college is working on getting their careers off the ground so I've compiled some advice that I'd like to share that has helped me so far in my own friend making adventures.

1. Think About Yourself - Take some time to think about what you enjoy doing and create a list of said things.

Alyssa and I, whom I met at a Meet Up Event.

2. Join a Group - The great thing about technology these days is that it does allow us to be more connected. So start to do some research of all of the activities you listed above. Trust me there are so many groups, clubs, organizations for every interest and hobby. Some great resources are MeetUp.com (where I met my great friend Alyssa!), Blend About, and Supper Clubs.

3. Start With a Compliment - Everyone likes compliments, so if you see someone reading the same book as you go up to them and tell them how much you love that book as well or if they have on some fab coat, compliment their style and boom you've started a conversation with someone who you have at least 1 thing in common with. Living in NY has been really conducive to constantly running into people so if you're not constantly around people (i.e. riding the subway) then go out to a coffee shop, book store, park. Just get out there and start talking!

4. Make the First Move - Now that you've struck up a conversation, don't let the opportunity pass so ask for that person's number or email. Listen this part can be awkward but just be honest. What I like to say, and what has worked well for me in the past is, hey I really enjoyed talking/hanging out and I'd like to get to know you better want to go out for coffee? If you're up front with our intentions (just like in a relationship) then people usually respond better.

5. Nurture Your Friendship -Take time to make plans, and follow up plans. Also when you're out don't be on your phone! Nothing screams out, I'm not fully interested than not being present in the moment.

6. Que sera, sera - I've learned that letting things organically develop is best. Don't text the person 5 times a day. This is probably the hardest part because of course you've invested into this relationship but if it's meant to be it'll work out, trust me. Plus you want to be friends with someone who genuinely wants to be friends with you as well so let the duds fall to the wayside. I had to learn this pretty quickly especially after a "friend" I made in one of my Italian language classes seemed to reciprocate the interest, we started going to yoga together, get ice cream, practicing our Italian, and then poof she disappeared. Ugh bitch. But you know life should only filled with the people who want to be there so that's that.

Giorgio, whom I met last summer while I was living in Rome at a yoga class.

I hope all this info I've learned about making friends as an adult helps. Remember to enjoy the process and if it's stressing you out then just take a break and make sure you're taking care of yourself 'cuz hey people always come into your life when you're least expecting it. :)

+

*17 Tips for Making Friends as an Adult

*Friend Dating

*A very honest piece in the NY Times about making friends

*A great movie on friend dating: I Love You, Man
.

Todd, whom I met a gathering for a lgbtq group.

My dearest Ingrid, whom I met volunteering at church.

(Vegan)Munchie Monday: Homemade Pizza!

2013-05-20T17:29:00.001-07:00

Ciao! This past weekend I was having a lot of nostalgia for my time in Roma last summer so I decided to make a pizza from scratch! It's actually a lot easier than it might sound so roll up your sleeves and tap into your inner Italiano! Arrivederci. :)

Ingredients:

3.5 cups of (gluten free) flour
1.5 cups of water
1 tsp of sugar
1 packet of active dry yeast
1 tbsp of sea salt
1 can of pizza sauce
2 tbsp of minced garlic
1 cup of chopped mushrooms
handful of basil
3 tbsp of olive oil
2 cups of (vegan) mozzarella cheese

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees
2. In a large bowl mix all of the dry ingredients
3. After ingredients are mixed, slowly add in water and continue to mix with whisk.
4. Ball up dough into a round ball, add some olive oil to help it move together easily and let it sit for 1 hour.
5. Sprinkle a generous amount of flour on a hard surface and roll out dough with rolling pin, then sprinkle olive oil to baking sheet.
6. Place rolled out dough on baking sheet, sprinkle olive oil on dough, spread pizza sauce, cheese and toppings.
7. Bake for 12-15min max, let sit for 10 minutes, and enjoy...preferably with a glass of wine of course!

+

* The Best Pizza Places in NYC.
* Wine and Pizza pairings guide.

+

Some of my favorite pictures from my time living in Rome.

On my 25th Birthday at Piazza Navona

Crashing a beautiful wedding by the Palatino

Moseying around the Colosseum

Trying on and obsessing over this coat at an Italian boutique #Bananas

Via Cavor, I took this picture with my iphone! Amaze right??

Moseying around the catacombs

Happy Friday + Some Fun Links

2013-05-17T11:43:00.001-07:00

Image via

Wow to say that this last week was a whirlwind would be an understatement. I've been soo tired lately so I decided to try this detox juice cleanse, its been great. No wait it's been fine and I can't wait to eat solid food like asap. ANYWAY, here's to next week being better and getting things back in order this weekend! Thank god for weekends! I plan on doing A LOT of cleaning #HappyFace and finally watching the Safe Haven movie oh and SoulCycle. People of the world have you heard of SoulCycle? It WILL change your life. Happy Friday!

+

*A hip-hop tour of Brooklyn, yo.

*Historic pictures colorized.

*I can't wait to go to this new art installation at the MoMA.

*I'm very fascinated by this fruit infused pitcher, very.

*This dog will make you instantly happy.

*How to piss off every New Yorker in less than 36 seconds, hilarious.

Spring Edit or the Lion the Witch and Wardrobe Part Deux

2013-05-09T10:02:00.002-07:00

This past weekend I FINALLY, as Eminem puts it, cleaned out my closet. If you all remember this past fall I decided to find a tangible way to edit all of the dresses in my closet and that system really worked! Go me! Now I decided to move on to everything else. Okay so I have 3 drawers of tops, yes 3, full of t-shirts, blouses, fancy shirts, really fancy shirts, etc etc. Yes I know I have a problem and I'm actively trying to recover, anyway so to set up a good editing system I decided to take out all of my tops and put a piece of washi tape on all of the tags. Then in 6 months when I bring out all of my fall/winter clothes again I'll see what I actually did and didn't wear and I'll donate all of the unused clothing.

Also, as I went through my clothes I spent some time trying things on and I filled two bags full of clothes that just didn't fit me anymore. So I'd recommend to not forget to try things on that may not look quite your size anymore. Good luck peeps!

How do you organize or edit your wardrobe?

Setting out all of my clothes

Trying on this dress to see if it still fits, after 7 years, it does!

These pants, not so much. :/

Marking all of my clothes with washi tape on the tags to show that I haven't worn it.

Also found my puppy dog costume piece, I should totally keep this right??

After marking all of my clothes, I separated my clothes into similar colors, it just helps to quickly pick a top.

Donating 2 big bags of clothes, finally letting go! #RecoveringClothesHoarder

Packed away all of my winter clothes.

+

*Loving all of these cute washi tapes.

*Have some designer duds that don't work in your wardrobe anymore? This online consignment store makes it easy to sell your pieces.

*Goop's golden rules for editing your wardrobe. Great tips!

(Vegan) Munchie Monday: Macaroni and Cheese with Kale

2013-05-06T16:04:00.000-07:00

Hey Jude want some Mac n' Cheese?

A few weeks ago I bought the magazine Everyday with Rachel Ray and I'm completely obsessed with all of the amaze recipes inside! I need to subscribe asap! Anywhoos, she had some great vegetarian recipes so I took one and of course veganfied it! Here's the recipe below, enjoy.

Ingredients:

1 lb. of (gluten free) elbows pasta

2 tbsp of (vegan) sour cream

2 tbsp of (vegan) butter

3 handfuls of (vegan) shredded cheese

1 1/2 cups of soy milk

2 cups of chopped kale

1 cup of thinly diced cauliflower

1 tbsp of hot sauce

1 tbsp of dijon mustard

4 cloves of minced garlic

Steps:

First: Boil pasta and stir continually to make sure pasta doesn't stick together.

Second: As pasta is boiling, cut up cauliflower, kale, and garlic then toss into a separate pan. Add butter and cook until the kale is wilted.

Third: Once pasta is cooked, drain and add in all of the wet ingredients, stir for 2 minutes.

Fourth: Add in cooked veggies and add in shredded cheese. Done and done!

+ Also...

*Have you ever thought of starting a Meatless Monday tradition?
*P.S. I know I'm late but I just heard this song today and I'm obsessed.
*Lastly...the Met Gala is tonight! Follow all of the coverage here! Looking forward to seeing all of the amaze fashion, this year's theme is "Punk: Chaos to Couture." I can't wait!

Capturing Memories

2013-04-29T08:15:00.000-07:00

So lately I've had a strong urge to start filming memories again. My family and friends (3 are engaged and 2 are having another baby!) are in a big period of change. So I really want to capture these memories before they fade away.

The constant desire and joy I get from photography, film, and music came from my Papa as growing up he always had a camera in hand. In my parent's home we have boxes full of home movies and some of my most treasured memories now are of going home and re-watching these memories together.

Fortunately when I moved to the east coast from California one of my best friend's Greg gifted me this flip camera, I remember very clearly the note he wrote along with it: "You're going to see and do many amazing things in this new chapter of your life and I want you to capture them." Tear. Well for the first 2 years I did, I carried my flip cam everywhere and started making imovies and posted them to my Facebook so all of my family and friends back home could see what I'd been up to. My parents would get so excited to watch them and I equally found a lot of joy putting them together. All this footage that I had recorded was great because whenever I felt homesick I'd watch videos that I had recorded on my laptop and it gave me a lot of comfort and happiness.

After leaving my videotaping ways on the back burner, I'm going to start using this little guy again and begin filming again. Videotaping home movies has always reminded me of the things that matter and it's also nice to see how much things have changed over time. So here I go...

P.s. This year for my birthday, I told my family and friends that I wanted to film a music video. Umm can you imagine how excited I am for this? I'm currently working on the treatment (i.e. storyboard). It's going to be very a-la "22."

P.P.S. When I told my brother that he had to be in the music video he replies "umm we're not the Kardashians..." LOL.

Also...

*One of the imovies I made 3 summers back.

* DESIGN LOVE FEST talks about starting to record home movies with her boyfriend. Very cute indeed.

*This dad video taped his kids coming down the stairs on Christmas morning for 25 years.

* Marriage proposal to Bruno Mars' "Marry You" = best idea ever.

*imovie app and the best video cameras.

How do you capture memories?

Happy Friday + Some Fun Links

2013-04-26T06:54:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone, this week has flown by for me which is a great thing because it means that I'm just that much closer to summer break! I plan to take it easy this weekend as next week will be extremely busy! I also plan to do some spring cleaning around the apartment, you know like clean the back of the fridge or the corners of rooms with a q-tip...gawd I'm excited just thinking about it. No really. I also am finally putting out all of my warm weather clothes and putting all the winter stuff away. Everyone pray that I can continue my "not-trying-to-be-a-clothes-hoarder" streak as I've been doing pretty well so far.

Here are some fun links that I'd like to share with all of you, have a Happy Friday:

Putting this camera bag on my birthday wish list! Hint hint!

These fake tattoos by Tattly are super cute.


Have you ever heard of Supper Clubs? These organized dinner parties with strangers are becoming all the rage here in NYC and across the world.

Being that I travel a lot, I'm looking into getting better quality luggage. Loving these monogrammed travel bags from J.McLaughlin.

J.Crew just came out with their Summer items, this henley shirt looks perfect for moseying around or baseball games.

Love.

What are your Spring cleaning traditions?

+

*The essential spring cleaning check-list per Martha Stewart...umm I thought I was a clean freak.

*Some of my friends tease that I'm our group's Monica Ghellar, but I'm not this bad, right? Riiiight? Bueller...Bueller?