Thrifty Thursday: Neon

 

Guess what? Neon is back. And yes, it's cool. So, I would suggest embracing this recycled trend.

Now, you do not have to dawn neon from head to toe - the goal is NOT to resemble a highlighter. But rather just add some accents pieces, such as a purse/clutch, earrings or nail polish.

Or, sport a flat, wedge or heel that excites with a little neon on the tip, strap or wedge (as above).

If you are feeling adventurous, wear a neon-colored skinny jean. I own the lime green pants above and have fun wearing with a taupe or black top and neutral accessories.

So, are you up for the task? Check out these inexpensive pieces to add to your closet.  

$24.80 (Forever21)

$34.80 (Forever21)

 



What's New Wednesday: DIY Dresser Drawer

My husband and I are slowly making improvements to our apartment. Despite the fact that we are renters, we pride ourselves in making our space our own. Since we have moved into our humble apartment (three blocks from the bay AND ocean, no less), we have painted the walls; added new faucets; replaced our cabinet handles; installed LED lighting under the kitchen cabinets; replaced the carpet in the bedroom and office; custom built a bar; and painted the walls and floors in our garage. Well, let's be clear. My husband has been the doer - I just kinda drank wine and facilitated. Hehe!

This past summer, we were seeking a antique dresser drawer for our office, and we couldn't find one that fit our list: tall, skinny and eclectic. So, my husband refurbished the dresser drawer I had since college!

Old dresser

He sanded it down; added a base with legs to the bottom; primed; spackled with a crackle paint; repurposed our old kitchen cabinet handles; aged the wood; and painted to create a vintage-inspired dresser that is fully functional in our office.

 

And here is our final product! Voila!

 

Motivation Monday: Free Things!

Low on cash? Bored at home? No worries. San Diego offers a number of FREE (that's right, FREE) things to do. Check it out! Disclaimer: ideas, verbiage and links are stolen borrowed from SanDiego.org.


Nicholas Califf Photography (La Jolla Cove)

 

• Catch a magnificent Pacific sunset and watch sea lions play along the shoreline at La Jolla Cove, one of the most spectacular natural settings in the world.
• Stroll through the 16½-block historic Gaslamp Quarter in downtown San Diego. Once the stomping grounds of the legendary Wyatt Earp, the Gaslamp Quarter is now home to unique stores and numerous restaurants, nightclubs and bars, many of which are set in turn-of-the-century Victorian architecture.
• Take free fly-fishing lessons from the San Diego Fly Fishers club on Sunday mornings from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at Lake Murray, located in La Mesa. If you don't have your own gear, arrive early for a free equipment loan.
• Sample some of the more than 200 varieties of fresh produce grown in San Diego at one of the region's many Farmers' Markets, held daily at locations throughout the county.
• Bike, walk or jog along Mission Bay Park's many trails. Bikers, walkers and joggers share more than 20 miles of scenic paths winding through sunlight and shade near the shoreline with workout courses at planned stations along the route.
• Visit Mission Trails Regional Park featuring a state-of-the-art Visitors Center where guests explore and learn about the wonders of nature and the native people who once lived on the land. The park also offers over 40 miles of natural and developed hiking and biking trails.
• Walk along the downtown Embarcadero and view impressive public art sculptures, tributes and memorials set along San Diego Bay. The artworks celebrate San Diego's international ties, cultural diversity, military significance and unique oceanfront environment.
• Join the festivities of the annual San Diego LGBT Pride Parade and Festival, one of the most popular events of its kind in the country. Free festivities include a mile-long parade through Hillcrest in July.
• Two weekends each July, watch the Annual World Championship Over-the-Line Tournament, San Diego's original boisterous beach softball event at Fiesta Island on Mission Bay.
• Take a walk through Balboa Park, the largest urban cultural park in the United States, and discover its beautiful Spanish Colonial-Revival architecture and glorious gardens. Also, visitors can take advantage of the Park's variety of other free offerings, including ranger-led walking tours at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesdays and Sundays.
• Gather friends, family and firewood for a cozy beach bonfire at one of San Diego County's bonfire-friendly beaches, located in Coronado, Ocean Beach, Oceanside, Mission Beach and Pacific Beach.
• Take a drive to the top of Mt. Soledad in La Jolla, home of the Mt. Soledad Veterans War Memorial, for breathtaking, 360-degree views of San Diego. Spectacular views also await at the top of Mt. Helix in La Mesa, offering visitors a birds-eye glimpse of San Diego's East County communities.
• Experience the history of the local Hispanic community's struggles and triumphs with a visit to the Chicano Park Murals, established by activists in 1970. This cultural park has received international recognition as a major public art site for its commanding mural paintings set underneath the San Diego-Coronado Bridge. Some of the murals narrate the history of Barrio Logan where the park is located.
• Visit the U.S. Olympic Training Center, the nation's first warm-weather, year-round Olympic training facility, located in Chula Vista. Free guided tours of the 150-acre lakefront facility are offered at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday; tours begin at the Copley Visitor Center. Self-guided tours are also available Mondays-Saturdays - 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Remember, take time in your day to smell the roses...figuratively and literally.

Fieldtrip Friday: Encinitas

 

One of the many perks of my job is to meet-up with amazing volunteers to chat books and business.

 

On Thursday, I had an opportunity to travel a bit north to a quaint coastal town, Encinitas for a lunch date with a volunteer. We visited Via Italia Trattoria (don't ask me how to pronounce it!) for restaurant week. Via Italia Trattoria has a very Italian, homey feel with owner Paolo welcoming you at the door. The volunteer, Suzy has been there several times so we had great service! I enjoyed a three-course meal, including lentil soup, braised short ribs and bread pudding. It was so delicious! I will definitely be back to explore their regular menu options soon.

 

Encinitas is parked along the famous Coast Highway 101 and is still considered by many to be an “unspoiled and unchanged reminder of the era of Hwy 101.” The downtown area has retained its beachy, artsy, Hwy 101 culture, which is one of the many reasons you should check it out!

 

There are fun restaurants, like Solace and The Moonlight Lounge, great art exhibits, a weekly farmers market (Wednesdays), cute clothing shops and surf. Feeling zen? Check out the Self Realization Fellowship Hermitage & Meditation Gardens!

 

Have fun in Encinitas!



Picture by Nick Califf

Thrifty Thursday: The Casual Blazer

I love blazers - I wear them with pants, skirts, shorts and over dresses. I think it adds a sophisticated touch. My favorite way to sport a blazer, however, is with a pair of ripped jeans/shorts. As above you can see a variety of ways to create a casual ensemble with a blazer.

And here are some examples of inexpensive blazers from Forever 21:


$32.80 (Forever21)

$19.50 (Forever21)

$34.80 (Forever21)

What's New Wednesday: A New Perspective

Today's post was supposed to be about a super, fabulous DIY bracelet that my friend Carter and I assembled. BUT...it turned out to be a Pinterest disaster: a Pintrosity (thanks for the head's up about that blog, Amanda!)

Below is what the bracelet was supposed to look like. Easy enough, right?

This is what we created. I know what you are thinking? WHAT? Believe me, after an hour of trying to make this look somewhat wearable, we decided that this might not be in the cards for us.

Lesson learned. Need smaller nuts and thicker string. Always the issue, right?

So, I decided to have a new perspective. I recently read, reviewed and discussed for my teen services book club, The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. While the book itself was a bit new agey and preachy for my taste, the four agreements really struck a chord.

1. Be Impeccable to Your Word: speak with integrity; in simple terms, don't gossip
2. Don't Take Things Personally: nothing others do is because of you
3. Don't Make Assumptions: communicate with others as clearly as you can
4. Always Try Your Best: simply do your best and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse, and regret.

Agreement two provides me the most challenge as I take EVERYTHING personally. I'm a sensitive soul and lately my communication has been off.

So one of my dearest volunteers facilitated this discussion with my only all-girl classroom (oh wait, there is now one boy!), and she provided each of us a rubber band to dawn on our wrist as a reminder to uphold (or try our best to uphold) the four agreements. I have since bequeathed my rubber band to a student who lost hers (the next day even...teenagers! hehe) but I decided to take the string dedicated for my awesome bracelet and tie it as a reminder to not gossip; realize that the things people say and do has nothing to do with me; never make assumptions about...anything; and try my best.

This is just a little thing I'm working on: perspective.



Tasty Tuesday: Healthy Pasta

The hubby and I are trying to get healthy. This is not easy for someone that loves Cheez-its, salt n' vinegar chips and basically anything with salt. But, I finally - after a year - stepped on the scale and learned I need to shed 25 pounds to get back to my ideal weight. Whoops.

So, enter healthy versions of the ever so Tasty Tuesday meals!

Ingredients:
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
3/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon (okay, maybe a little extra for the Califf's) red pepper flakes
20-30 small grape tomatoes
1 bag medium pasta
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shaved
1/2 cup thinly sliced fresh basil leaves
6 chopped green onions
Cooked, seasoned (w/ garlic powered, salt, pepper) chicken breast

 Directions:
Combine oil, chopped green onions, chopped basil leaves, salt and pepper flakes and simmer on very low heat for 5 minutes.  Slice the grape tomatoes in half and stir the tomatoes into the mixture and simmer another 5 minutes. Remove from heat and place in a large bowl.

Wash, season and cook chicken breast on foreman grill. Once cooked properly, cut into slivers.

Meanwhile, cook pasta as package directs for al dente in a large pot of salted water. When done, drain and toss pasta with tomato mixture and chicken. Add Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle red pepper flakes for an extra spice!

Voila! Super simple, healthy and delicious. 

Motivation Monday: A Quickie



Click on picture to view larger

Okay. You want to lose weight, maintain or just feel good. BUT, you only have 10, 15, 20 minutes to spare in your busy schedule. Well, no excuses! There are several ways to give your body a jolt before you even hop into the shower! Check them out - I have personally done each of these workouts and seen results.



20-minute Insanity workout
Butt Bible Lower Level 1 (Warning: she talks a lot about how much she loves her butt)
Butt Bible Lower Level 2
8-minute Abs (Warning: this is straight from the early 90s!)
8-minute Arms

Tip: While brushing your teeth, blow-drying your hair or showering, do 100 squats and 100 plies to help shape your legs.



Need inspiration? Sign up for a race: 5k, 10k, half or full marathon.
This is the best way to motivate yourself to be active! Here is a list of San Diego County road races. Check them out!

Fieldtrip Friday: Car2go

Disclaimer: not my photo

What is Car2go?
Car2go is a rideshare program in metro San Diego. With over 300 all-electric vehicles, Car2go is available - at any time - for you to explore San Diego. You can use it for a quick shopping trip, dinner in Mission Hills or a Padres game downtown. It's quick, easy and extremely convenient. My husband and I use it on a regular basis to go on dinner dates. And we just grab a taxi home!

How much does Car2go cost?
Car2go is not only convenient but it's reasonably priced! You simply pay $.38 per minute. And all without running fixed costs or deposits, parking charges, fuel costs, or recurring annual fees. The one time registration fee is $35 but sometimes you can find discounts or deals! Here is detailed information about the daily rates.

How do you use Car2go?
Super easy! You can either find a Car2go (either just by chance or by searching on the Car2go website), get in and drive to your destination. Or, you can reserve 30-minutes prior to your trip online. Once you register, you will be provided a member card and instructed to set your personal passcode. And then you are ready to roll! Once you locate a Car2go, use your member card and listen for the instructions. At your destination you can either leave the vehicle, or go back to it if you want to drive further. There’s never been such a flexible way to get about!

There's me using Car2go for girl's night!

Interested in becoming a member? Click here!

Thrifty Thursday: Adorn with Sequins

All photos are taken from my Pinterest

I know, I know. Sequins are supposed to be for holiday parties and NYE but I cannot help but want to carryover this fun trend into January (heck, maybe the spring!). See above for ways to integrate sequins into your everyday wardrobe, including work, date night or for no occasion at all: just for fun! Add a clutch, hair band, scarf or shirt for a little sparkle.

And to find inexpensive pieces, check out Forever 21 and search "sequins" - the below products range from $34.50 (blazer) - $12.80 (scarf). I personally love the sequined cardigan!

What's New Wednesday: Brooklyn Girl Eatery

This is San Diego Restaurant week, and my girlfriends and I took full advantage and explored a newish restaurant in Mission Hills: Brooklyn Girl Eatery.

Sampling from the fixed menu, we enjoyed a variety of yummy courses. My first course was a fire roasted poblano chili that was just the right amount of spice! Second course was the spaghetti arrabiata at which I requested to remove the shrimp (non seafood eater, guilty as charged), and it was equally as flavorful. Final course was a banana cheesecake, and while I tend to crave more savory foods this dessert was amazing.

Overall, the experience was awesome. It's a place that I would definitely recommend - food was delicious, environment was fun and the service was great!


Look up the fabulous restaurants featured for San Diego Restaurant week (January 13-January 18).
It's a great way to explore a new neighborhood and try some different food. And the fixed menu prices are reasonable.



Tasty Tuesday: Black Bean Spinach Enchiladas

Wow. This was a yummy dish! And supposedly healthy. Not sure about that, but what I am sure about is that I made it and it was damn good! Well, to be clear my husband facilitated as I frantically tried to assemble the ingredients and maintain a schedule. Phew - cooking is a workout! Please enjoy.

 Ingredients
{For the sauce}
3 cups organic low sodium vegetable broth
1/4 cup tomato paste
1/4 cup all purpose flour
2 Tbsp. olive oil
2 tsp. cumin
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 tsp. onion powder
1/4 tsp. chili powder
Salt/pepper

{For the enchiladas}
15 oz. can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 1/2 cups corn (I used frozen, thawed)
6 oz. fresh baby spinach
6 green onions, thinly sliced
1/3 cup cilantro, chopped
2 tsp. cumin
3 cups shredded 3 cheese blend (or pepper jack, etc.)
8 whole wheat or flour tortillas

Directions
Make the sauce: in a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add tomato paste, flour, 2 tsp. cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder. Cook 1 minute, whisking. Whisk in broth, bring to a boil. Reduce to simmer, and cook until slightly thickened about 8 minutes. Salt/pepper to taste, and set aside.

Now for the main dish: Sauté the spinach in olive oil over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until slightly wilted. In a large bowl, combine beans, 2 cups cheese, spinach, corn, green onions, 2 tsp. cumin, and cilantro.

Preheat oven to 375. Lightly spray a 9x13 inch baking dish, and pour a small amount of the sauce to coat the bottom.

Generously fill tortillas with mixture, roll up tightly with ends tucked in, and place seam side down in dish. Pour remaining sauce over the enchiladas, coating evenly. Sprinkle 1 cup cheese on top.
Bake about 20 minutes, and garnish with cilantro and/or green onions (optional).

Eat.

Motivation Monday: Give Back!

Volunteerism has been an important part of my life as far back as I can remember. I have been involved with a number of volunteer efforts including facilitating a road race to raise money for cancer research; participating in a number of events with the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls; and helping with various philanthropic causes through my church (First Presbyterian), high school and college (UNR).

But the volunteer adventure that made the biggest impact was AmeriCorps. After college, I moved to Anchorage, Alaska and worked within disaster relief at the American Red Cross. Without knowing it at the time, this shaped my future and career. Since Red Cross, I have been involved with non-profit work for almost ten years.

While I work within volunteer led organizations, I have been lacking in my own volunteer commitments. My preference are volunteer opportunities that are episodic: one-day events. So, I compiled a list of ways I (and you!) can help out our community.

1. Project Homeless: On Wednesday, January 30, San Diego’s 7th Annual Project Homeless Connect will be held at Golden Hall, on the San Diego Concourse from 9am-3pm. Volunteers are needed to staff the registration table, provide food service and perform other key tasks. Not able to volunteer? Donate gently used clothing! Donations can be dropped off at Golden Hall THE DAY BEFORE THE EVENT on January 29 between 8am-4pm.
2. River Clean-Up: Help in the effort to keep San Diego clean! Join their monthly clean-ups. Check out the link for more information.
3. Cupid's Clean-up: Help clean-up Pacific Beach area on Saturday, February 9 from 10am-12pm. Meet at the Pacific Beach Library. Not available this day? Search "I Love a Clean San Diego" to learn about their scheduled clean-up days. You can also volunteer with San Diego Coastkeeper.
4. Cooking for a Cause: Volunteer with the Ronald McDonald House dinner program. Just organize your co-workers, friends and/or neighbors (10-15) and prepare a meal that can feed up to 75 people.  Dinner is served Monday-Friday from 6pm-7:30pm and Saturday-Sunday from 12pm-1:30pm.

Looking for more of a volunteer project or commitment? Below are organizations that are close to my heart. Check them out!

1. American Red Cross: Volunteer within disaster relief, military support services or health and safety
2. Voices For Children: Volunteer as a Court Appointed Special Advocate to support foster youth
3. Words Alive: Volunteer with at-risk youth and adolescents in alternative classrooms as a reader or book group facilitator. Or, become a mentor for scholarship recipients overcoming adversity such as homelessness, teen pregnancy, delinquency or the foster care system.

Not digging the aforementioned opportunities? Do your own search using the below search tools!

• VolunteerMatch
• Idealist
• United Way

Fieldtrip Friday: World Famous Zoo

Pictures by Nicholas Califf Photography

The hubby and I were inspired to renew our San Diego Zoo membership after three years without access, and we plan to kick off 2013 with a visit this Saturday. To make matters EVEN MORE exciting, the Giant Panda cub Xiao Liwu is now available to visit from 9:30-11:30am daily (weather permitting, of course). If you are familiar with the iconic Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004), you are well aware of the fascination San Diegans have with "Panda Watch" and the zoo. See example here. (Insert giggle)

The pictures above were taken several years ago by my very talented husband. I hope to capture many more memories and will share via Facebook this weekend.

Interested in obtaining a zoo membership? Check it out!

ThriftyThursday: The Denim Shirt

Denim has made a huge comeback, and I could not be more pleased. The denim shirt is arguably one of the most versatile items in my closet with its ability to be dressed in a number of ways. I provided a few examples above.

I also did a little research on different techniques in styling a denim shirt and - thanks to fellow blogger, Lena Penteado - learned of seven approaches to this multifaceted article of clothing: with a casual undershirt, with black skinny pants, with a loose knit sweater on top, tucked into a skirt, with a dress, denim on denim, and with a bib necklace.

For your reference, did you know that a denim shirt and a chambray shirt are not one in the same? Easiest way to tell the difference is the feel of the fabric. A chambray shirt is made with a softer weave which makes it less durable but more comfortable.

Budget alert! Forever 21 has a number of denim and chambray shirts for under $30. This shirt is under $20. I actually purchased a chambray shirt from Wal-Mart three years ago for $7!

What's New Wednesday: The Patio



Left: Patio Mule Right: Mi Casa Es Su Casa

 

My husband and I have lived in Pacific Beach (San Diego, CA) for almost 10-years. Pacific Beach - or PB, as it is known by the local residents - is a beach town characterized by it's nightlife, casual eateries, surfing culture and over four-miles of sandy beaches. While largely populated by surfers and college students, the population is becoming older, more professional and more affluent due to rising property and rental costs.

With this evolution has come exciting, new restaurants. Enter The Patio. Established in 2012, The Patio has an eclectic menu as well as fun libations, such as local craft beers, wine and signature cocktails.

My husband and I finally had an opportunity to try this place out, thanks to a gift certificate from the brother-in-law (thanks, Sean!). It was a great experience - we loved the chill yet more upscale (for PB anyway) atmosphere, and of course the food was delicious. The price of the drinks are a little higher than we are accustomed to in PB but the professional staff, homey yet sophisticated ambiance, and quality food more than made up for that fact. We will definitely be back (sin gift card).

Fun fact: The Patio is pet friendly! I'm not sure how they feel about cats, however. Hmm...

Tasty Tuesday: Avocado & Cilantro Deviled Eggs

Each Tuesday, I plan to make a meal from Pinterest and share my experience. Please keep in mind that I'm not a cook; in fact, my husband and I typically feast on burritos, quesadillas, soup and pizza throughout the week. So, in order to spice up (literally) our daily dinners I am attempting to recreate some delicious grub I pin each week. This week: Avocado & Cilantro Deviled Eggs.

Ingredients: Serves 12 deviled eggs
6 hard-boiled eggs, peeled

1 ripe avocado

1/2 tsp lime juice

1 Tbsp finely minced red onion

1 Tbsp finely chopped cilantro

A few dashes of Tabasco sauce

A few grinds of pepper

1/2 tsp kosher salt



Directions:
Cut eggs in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out the yolks and put into a medium bowl. Put egg halves onto a platter and put into the fridge.



With a fork, crumble up the egg yolks. Cut avocado in half and remove the pit. Scoop out the avocado flesh from both halves and add it to the egg yolks. With a spoon, mix well, until the yolks and avocado are creamy. Add lime juice and mix well. Add red onion, cilantro, Tabasco, pepper and salt. Mix well to combine.



  

Remove egg halves from the fridge. Using a small cookie scoop, scoop avocado yolk mixture into the egg halves. Garnish with a single cilantro leaf. Serve immediately, or before the avocado browns.


 
Like your hard-boiled eggs perfectly done? Not too soft; not too over-cooked.
Here are six steps to a perfect hard-boiled egg!

1. Buy your eggs about a week in advance. Fresh eggs are harder to peel!
2. Put the egg(s) in a pot with cold water that completely covers the egg, plus a little extra water to spare - about an inch or so. Cooking in cold water (vs. already boiling water), will allow the egg to cook gradually without cracking the shell.
3. Add one teaspoon of salt to the water. Don’t want to remove chunks of the egg white with the shell when you are peeling it? Add salt.
4. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Let the egg boil for a minute or two.
5. Remove the pot from the heat and cover it with a lid. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes.
6. Remove the egg from the hot water with a slotted spoon. When cool enough to handle, peel the egg. To speed the cooling process, you can add the egg to a bowl of cold water to cool. Peeling the eggs under cold water helps make the peeling easier.