Above The Knuckle Rings

This weekend I saw my friend wearing a "above the knuckle ring". I immediately wanted one. I ended up getting 3 thin little gold rings that are very similar to the ones above. I wear two on my pinky and one above my ring finger knuckle. They look so dainty, I love them. This easy shop has a lot of cute options. 

(photo via)

10 Snacks To Avoid

I recently read this article in Shape Magazine on the worst snacks for your body. I was actually surprised  by a couple of the snacks...2 of the 10 were actually "fruit". I'll recap for you, but I highly recommend reading the article for yourself. 

1. Canned Fruit: Loaded with excess sugar and has a much lower nutrient content than frozen fruit and veggies. Also, the chemical used to preserve the canned good is actually toxic :/

2.Potato Chips: Well, yeah. I'm not even going to elaborate on this one. 

3. Rice Cakes: Low on calories and nutrients. Made from processed white rice, which is a high blood pressure spiking carb. 

4. Blueberry Muffins: Don't let the fruit fool you, a muffin is basically a cupcake without the frosting. Make muffins a treat not an everyday snack. 

5. Granola Bars: Usually filled with processed carbs and dried fruit (yup, even thats bad) and held together with some type of sugar (i.e. honey or agave). High in calories and low in filling fiber :(

6. Honey Roasted/Salted Nuts: Sugar, fat, salt and easy to overeat. 

7. Yogurt w/ fruit on the bottom: High sugar fruit mixture...defeates the purpose of being good and eating yogurt. Try greek yogurt instead :)

8. Microwave Popcorn: Processed carbs, salt, trans fat, and chemicals coating the inside of the bag. 

9. Dried Fruit: Dried fruit is just regular fruit that has the moisture taken from it and shrunken down. So eating 7 dried apricots is like eating all the sugar in 7 regular apricots. I can't believe I never thought of this before. 

10. Diet Soda: Finally one that is obvious again. Diet soda can deplete calcium from your bones and is full of artificial sweetener. Steer clear of all soda. 

Just to keep this from being too depressing for all the dried fruit popcorn lovers like myself, HERE  are 10 summer snack under 200 calories :)

(photo via)

New Obsession: Leif

I've recently fallen in love with Brooklyn based store, Leif . It's motto is basically that the little things bring you happiness so that's what they specialize in. I could honestly own everything in their store, from jewelry to kitchen ware. And all of it would make unique gifts :) 

(photos via Leif : necklaces, bracelet, mug with cozy, salt & pepper shakers)

Drunkard's Noodles

Today I am craving Thai food with every ounce of my being. I can't stop thinking about it, so in the spirit of Julia Child's would-be 100th birthday, I'm going to try making my own Pad Kee Mao aka "Drunkards Noodles". I found an awesome recipe in The New York Times and another from Use Real Butter. I'll probably combine them based off what I have in my fridge already and make my own version. I could go to one of the many Thai places by my house but that would mean no pajamas and no Ernie. Pass. Wish me luck!

(photo via use real butter)

Ernie's 1st Birthday

I have seriously been neglecting this blog. A lot of things have been going on lately, new job blah blah blah excuses excuses. I'm making a pack with myself from this day forward to never let this happen again. So I'll start with sharing some of the awesomeness thats been going on around here lately, most importantly, ERNIE'S FIRST BIRTHDAY!!!! My little piggy is one. I can't believe it. We celebrated at our building's pool with a bbq and a gifts for the bday guy. His favorite gift was his life vest. He hates the water...but really liked just wearing it around. Haha

Sunday Link Love

This photo reminds me of my best friends from home. Except one of us would have remembered beach towels (not me). I hope everyone had a fantastic weekend! So many good things were happening!!! Swimming olympic trials, eurocup finals (viva Espana), and Wimbledon. When I wasn't watching sports I was at the beach or pool, SoCal weather is unbeatable right now :) Here are some things I bookmarked on the web last week:

Good places to watch fireworks in LA

Watch my old teammate, Brittany Viola's reaction  to making the Olympic team!!!! God is good :)

Pictures of the week 

Missing Nora Ephron

Django Unchained looks awesome. Gotta love Tarantino!

Such a cute beach bag. Love the purple. 

So you don't have to register your dog w/ the AKC? Absolutely not. Please don't. 

Haha "slutty brownies" 

LOVE this dress.

And finally, Usain Bolt  should take a lesson in sportsmanship from Dara Torres. No excuses. Play like a champion. 

(photo via)  

Willy Nilly Silly Old Bear

It's been a crazy couple of weeks. Between being sick, working, writing for Global Animal Magazine, writing my cartoon, being sick again, and getting ready for school, I'm beat. I was doing some research for my cartoon (I'm in grad school for film and television writing) and I started looking at scripts from shows I loved most as a child. Winnie the Pooh was by far my favorite. I had no idea how much wisdom that silly old bear bestowed upon my 3-year-old self. I started to tear up. The words suddenly had more meaning then they did back then. The message and core values somehow streched past the hundred acre wood and into my heart again. We never stop struggling to become better people but somewhere along the way our meaning of better changes to something like more successful and remembering to be a good person gets thrown out in the pursuit. I think we'd all be better off if we thought a little less like adults and more like children every once in a while. So here are a few of my favorite lines. (for a man who created a bear of very little brain, A.A. Milne was a genius.)  


“How do you spell 'love'?" - Piglet
"You don't spell it...you feel it." - Pooh” 


“Weeds are flowers, too, once you get to know them.” 


“Promise me you'll always remember: You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” - Christopher Robin to Pooh


“Sometimes,' said Pooh, 'the smallest things take up the most room in your heart.” 


“You can't stay in your corner of the Forest waiting for others to come to you. You have to go to them sometimes.” 


“We'll be Friends Forever, won't we, Pooh?' asked Piglet.
Even longer,' Pooh answered.” 


“It is more fun to talk with someone who doesn't use long, difficult words but rather short, easy words like "What about lunch?” 


“Just because an animal is large, it doesn't mean he doesn't want kindness; however big Tigger seems to be, remember that he wants as much kindness as Roo.” 


“If the person you are talking to doesn't appear to be listening, be patient. It may simply be that he has a small piece of fluff in his ear.” 


“What day is it?"
It's today," squeaked Piglet.
My favorite day," said Pooh.” 


“How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” 


PS- watching Sleepless In Seattle tonight in honor of Nora Ephron. She will be missed...

(photo from pinterest)

Six Summer Hoops

For some reason summertime makes me want to wear hoop earrings. I don't know why but as soon as June hits I want to wear big dangly hoopy earrings, which is very very unlike me the rest of the year. It may be the summer heat bringing out my inner "boricua", I have no idea, if it is i'll try to keep it in check. Regardless, here are 6 of my favorites that I've come across so far. 

{1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6}

Santa Monica Stairs

The weather right now in LA is perfect for outdoor workouts, mid seventy's sunny but not hot with a breeze if your by the ocean. Yesterday I ran the Santa Monica stairs —a staircase on 4th and San Vincenti that is about 200 steps straight up. Then you can either take the stair back down or run back down the cannon on the sidewalk (it's about 600 meters) I alternated 1x jogging up the stairs 1x walking up skipping a step to work my glutes. I was able to do eight times before I decided to call it a day and end with a run up the cannon back to the car. This is a fun workout that can be as difficult or easy as you want it to be. (My boyfriend said he has even seen a lady doing the stairs w a baby on her back) If you live in the west LA area you should definitely try this out, you may even be lucky enough to see Matthew McConaughey looking like a sweaty mess running up them. The view from the top isn't bad either... ;)

PS- If you are not lucky enough to have a large staircase with ocean views at your disposal, any stairs will do really. Just picture yourself climbing these stairs in Santorini...with Mattew McConaughey waiting for you at the top. 

Happy (belated) Fathers Day

(I prepared this post for yesterday but I had some technical difficulties with my internet so I'll post it today. )

Happy Fathers Day to all the proud papa's out there, especially mine. Luckily while my sisters and I were growing up my dad was able to work from home. This was the best. Even though it took him some time to master the perfect braid, the time we spent with him was well worth all the crooked ones. My youngest sister cried when she was told she had to start going to school because "she didn't want to leave Papi"(now she is a big nerd, go figure). I think a lot of people feel like their dads are significantly less involved in their lives than their moms, but with our dad that was hardly the case. When I was maybe 9 years old the pool my team and I trained at in the winter had no starting blocks. It was evident in races that my starts were starting to suck. My dad and my grandpa designed and build a portable starting block for the pool. He was on the board at our elementary school. He started coaching my sister's soccer team when she was maybe 5 years old. He coached them until her and her teammates all went and played soccer in college, and still coaches her semi-pro league team today (she is 19). He always found time to listen to our hopes and dreams and encouraged us to pursue them, no matter how outrageous they seemed. There aren't enough ways to talk about what an incredible father and mentor our dad has been for us and everyone around him. Most importantly, I think he has taught us to be passionate about everything we do and to not waste time doing things we don't love. Happy Father's Day Papi. We love you. 

“Some people care too much. I think it's called love.”
― A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh

Sunday Funday Posts

Due to some internet difficulties at my apartment I'll be posting Sunday's post today. Does anyone else hate Direct TV with passion? Anyways, I hope everyone had a fantastic father's day weekend!!! Here are some of the things I've been looking at this week...


I'm in a baking sort of mood and this cake is delicious


New Yorker Father's Day Cartoons.


Street Food Awards!!! Los Angelenos take this stuff seriously...I'm going. 


Love all these dresses & the model's cute pink hair. 


A really good article I aggregated on how to care for you aging pet. They need just as much love as aging humans!


Famous dads and their kids. 


If I had a sewing machine I would make one of these


8 low calorie cocktails for summer


Stay-at-home dads! Hell yes!


You can now shop Club Monico  online. Hoooray


Such an interesting article on fathers, or lack thereof:

"Fathers show their daughters they are valuable and precious, and will always, always be protected and safe, but that they have guts and strength and resolve no less than a man" 

(photo from tumblr)

baring it all on your bike

While I was at a pub watching the Eurocup games this afternoon I heard people talking about a fun "event" downtown. My nosy eavesdropping self was dying to ask questions, "What event? What's going on? Something I don't know about?". Thankfully I was able to keep myself from butting in, and just googled what could possibly be going on. What I found was so funny to me I couldn't keep my   amusement to myself. It may have been the Guinness but I seriously could not stop giggling at what google images was showing me. Today the world naked bike ride rolled through LA. To each their own, but(t), how could that possibly be comfortable? I hope these people wore some SPF. Riders wore funny wigs, props, and body paint, click here for more pictures if you want to be amused. (Disclaimer: you may see some butt cracks)


PS- Interested in baring it all on your bike? Here are some tips for next years ride. Good luck!

shark attack

How cool is this shark tooth necklace? I'm equally terrified and fascinated by sharks. I spend all Shark Week watching in-between my fingers. So this morning I was searching the web and came across this picture!!! Ahhhhh. Seriously my worst fear ever. Shark tanks. Should. Never. Collapse. Thankfully the sharks are ok and no one was harmed, but I think I'll keep appreciating these bad boys from afar.

(Photo from shopbop)

couch potato workout

When I set out to write a mid week fitness post I had something different in mind but while this certainly isn't a replacement for exercising off the couch...it's actually a really good idea. This reminds me of something me and my college roomies would do while we watched stupid reality tv. If I'm going to watch the bachelorette (my guilty pleasure) I might as well get something good out of it. 15 reps of each on every commercial break isn't too much to ask and it keeps you from snacking. I think it's worth a try. :)

my birthday in pictures

Today was my 23rd birthday!! Unfortunately I was at work for over 9 hours of it  but I still managed to have a fantastic day. A coworker bought me a red velvet cupcake from Sprinkles  and my parents sent me the most beautiful bouquet of white roses and lavender. My boyfriend and I went to Vincenti Ristorante for dinner and it was, as always, amazing. If you live in LA and haven't tried this place I highly recommend it. Above is a collage of the little things that made the day special. 

PS- I also got to celebrate my birthday with my mom and sister in vegas last week, so if you were feeling sorry for me having to work...don't. (pictures soon to come) :)

ASPCA PLEDGE

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is leading a campaign against puppy mills by stoping their main source of income, puppy stores. I recently had to pleasure of interviewing Cori Menkin, the senior director of the campaign, and I want to share with you some things I learned:


1. Almost every single dog at a puppy store (or pet store) that you see for sale comes from a puppy mill. (Even those expensive toy dogs they sell for big bucks)
2. Almost every single dog for sale ONLINE, even if the site says they are from a rescue, is probably from a puppy mill. They rope animal lovers in all the time with "rescue scams".
3. If you buy a dog online without seeing it first there is a good chance you will be given a different dog than you ordered!!
4. The USDA and AKC (american kennel club) do nothing to prevent puppy mills from existing. In fact, the AKC profits millions of dollars each year from registering dogs from "large scale breeders" aka puppy mills. (I'm researching for an article on this so more to come later). 
5.Buying ANYTHING (even a squeaky toy) from a puppy store or pet store that sells puppies you are supporting puppy mills. 
Wondering what you can do to help? TAKE THE PLEDGE not to shop at these places and pass the info on to your friends. If you want a dog, adopt from a local shelter or small local breeder that will let you go pick the dogs in person. Click the badge below to take the pledge!

To read the full article I wrote after my interview with Ms. Menkin CLICK HERE  :)

(photo from here)

SUNDAY LINK LOVE

I hope everyone had a fantastic weekend! From now on I promise I'm going to have Sunday links up before you roll out of bed. Today was a little hectic because I was packing for a short vaycay girls vegas trip with my mom and sister :) Which is where I am now. Hurrayyyyyy. Enjoy!!


40 photographs  well worth looking at.


Cute neon sandals


12 dozen places educate yourself for free (for your inner nerd)


This would look good on summer toes :)


9 foods to eat for great skin 


More excuses  to buy vodka 


I live 3 blocks from this restaurant, and havn't been. This weekend maybe

Good question!

Happy this chimp is finally free

60 years of royal style

New places to shop...yesss please. 

(photo from here)

PEACHY PASTEL JEANS

I saw a woman in these distressed peach skinny jeans from rag & bone today and they were incredibly flattering on. I found them online here and I'm putting them on my wish list. I've yet to embrace this season's pastel trend and I think these are a good way to ease into it. If you like these but don't want to make a big investment money wise, here are a similar pair that are easier on the wallet. 

(photos from NET-A-PORTER)

FUNNY FACE

"I love your funny face. Your sunny, funny face. Though you're a cutie with more than beauty. You've got a lot of personality for me. 

You fill the world with smiles. For miles and miles and miles. Though you're no Mona Lisa, for world's I'de not replace. You're sunny, funny face. " 

-Fred Astaire

BREAKING NEWS: SHARP-DRESSED PIG ON THE LOOSE

"Police say the pig appeared to be a baby and confirmed it was wearing a scarf. Police dont know why that is or who may own the animal."    -Associated Press

Sometimes it's the smallest/strangest things that end up making your day, and today...this stylish pig trotting down a Pittsburgh highway did it for me. Police chased the pig but failed to catch him before he scurried into the woods. Who is this stylish little porker...no one knows, but you can ask the sharp-dressed pig on his twitter. Which is hilarious. Here are a few of my favorite tweets: 

Sharp-dressed pig ‏@Sharpdressedpig

Just hoofin' it down the highway. Like you wouldn't want to get the hell out of Pittsburgh.

Sharp-dressed pig ‏@Sharpdressedpig

I'm running from the police. The irony is not lost on me.

Sharp-dressed pig ‏@Sharpdressedpig

I'm a little angry more people aren't taking photos of me. I dressed up for this outing! #proudpig

MING MAKES (AWESOME) CUPCAKES

I recently discovered the site Ming Makes Cupcakes while browsing for recipes the other day. Now I can't wait for an excuse to try one of these. If your not into cupcakes she has awesome cookie and savory recipes too. Click the link to check out all of her creative cupcakes. 

PS- more food porn:

(photos from Ming Makes Cupcakes)

MONDAY MENTAL HEALTH

After spending years working in palliative care (caring for patients the last 12 weeks of their lives), nurse Bronnie Ware began recording her patients dying epiphanies on her blog, Inspiration and Chai. Eventually it became so popular she wrote a book, The Top Five Regrets Of The Dying. Ware writes that people gain incredible clarity and vision at the end of their lives, and that when it came to regrets common themes would surface again and again. So we can learn from their wisdom, here they are: 

1.  I wish I'd had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.

2. I wish I hadn't worked so hard.

3. I wish I'd had the courage to express my feelings.

4.  I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.

5.  I wish that I had let myself be happier.

I really really really don't want to be thinking any of these things near the end or ever. Which I guess means trying to keep these in mind every day. :)

(photo from here)

FORCED PERSPECTIVE

I love these forced perspective photos. View the rest here. That's all. 

(photos from instant shift dot com)

SUNDAY FUNDAY POSTS

I hope everyone is having a fun weekend long weekend. I'm so excited not to have to work tomorrow!!! Even though things have been eventful around here I want to share some awesome posts I've found this week from around the web. Enjoy :)

I spent like 20 minutes on this website drawling stick things. SO creative. 

When you just can't find the words to describe how you feel...

I want this portable swing haha...but really I do.

Exactly how math looks to me. 

Would you do this for your kid? 

Color palette inspiration.

Sun screen in soap, yes please. 

More reasons to stay away from bad food.

Ten beautiful places I want to see. 

ALL white memorial day outfits...takes rule following to the max. 

A romantic little blog :)

(photo from pinterest)

VEST DRESS

I've never really been into vest dresses but this one from Anthropologie is different. It has such an pretty cut and looks like it would be really flattering on. Maybe it's worth a try...

(photos from anthropologie.com)

WATERING HOLES

If there is water somewhere, I want to be in it. My obsession with water started when I was a child spending endless hours at the neighborhood pool escaping the Florida heat, and evolved into over 15 years of competitive swimming and a very unhealthy obsession with awesome bathtubs (which you know if you follow me on pinterest). So I literally could not contain myself when I saw Conde Nast Traveler's article on Gorgeous Natural Swimming Pools Around The World. I want to go to each and every one...especially Iceland's Blue Lagoon (below). Take a look for yourself.