Spring Break!!

 

30 and faddy is taking a break to move, spring clean and settle into a new home! I'll shall return in a couple of weeks with some fun Fieldtrip Fridays and other goodies. Catch you on the flipside!

Thrifty Thursday: Floral

Spring is here! And floral is a HUGE trend this season, which I have embraced hard core, starting with (what some would say is a questionable) floral blazer. It is so fun! Check out these ways to integrate floral into your spring forward wardrobe.

Incorporate within your swimwear, nails, skirts, billowy blouses or pants!

 

Or, of course a blazer!



 For cheap finds, check out these stores:

• Kohl's
• Target
• Heavenly Couture
• Forever21

What's New Wednesday: Moving

Ugh. I haven't moved in forever so this process is not fun. And to top it off, I'm OCD so the fact my house is disassembled, dusty and disorganized is driving me crazy! So, here are some fun moving tips.

 

Moving tips 1-7? Don't move!

Tasty Tuesday: Fav PB Restaurants

Since we are moving and everything is in boxes we are eating out...a lot. So, I thought I would dedicate this post to some of my favorite Pacific Beach restaurants.

For those that do not live in San Diego, these are some venues to explore when you come to visit me!!

1. Favorite Pizza Joint: Piccolo Mondo
2. Favorite Bar Food: Tap Room
3. Favorite Italian: Mama Mia's
4. Favorite Thai: Lanna Thai
5. Favorite Burger: Bareback Grill
6. Favorite BYOB: Blazin' Grill
7. Favorite Watering Hole: Latitude 32
8. Favorite Dive Bar: Nite Owl
9. Favorite Coffee Shop: Purple Cafe

Eat up!

Motivation Monday: Zen-Like

Happy 5th Anniversary! My Zen.

Lately I have been overwhelmed by my social, professional and personal life. So, the idea of being more "zen" seems unattainable. With that said, the concept is a good reminder to take a step back, decompress and appreciate my surroundings.

The study of Zen has quickly spread throughout the Western world - the idea of peace, meditation and appreciation of life has been embraced my many. Despite the interest in experiencing a more zen-like lifestyle, there are a number of critics. Zen is viewed as a fad despite the fact that this philosophy has been practiced throughout centuries.

The truth is that Zen fundamentals can be extremely impactful. Here are 10 life-changing ways the Zen lifestyle can enhance your life. (Source: Alex Shalman.com; verbiage directly taken from website because it was that darn good!).

1. Identify your values. As you study your thoughts, you will find patterns in what your mind is drawn to. These are your values, what is most important in your life. This can include your family, your religion, healthy living, kindness to others, or environmental awareness.
2. Embrace your values. Once you are aware of your values, it is far easier to live according to them. When faced with a decision, you can compare it to your values, and see if it will bring you closer to living your values, or will draw you away.
3. Develop inner peace. Zen mind does not struggle. It accepts life as it truly is. A rock is a rock. It will remain that way no matter how much you worry, wish, or pressure it into changing. The things your mind worries about are the same way. Accept things for how they are, and do not waste time or energy fretting over things you dislike.
4. Energize for change. Seemingly contradictory to point #3, Zen mind can give you extra energy for change. You are not wasting energy fighting against the inevitable. As above, there is a large rock in your way. You have three options: run into the rock repeatedly, agonize about the rock being in the way, or find a way around the rock. Before Zen, most people choose one of the first two options. With Zen mind, you accept the rock for what it is: an obstacle. You accept that you cannot go through it. You do not panic, and waste time and energy worrying about the obstacle. You instead make your own path around the obstacle, either over the rock, around the rock, or under the rock.
5. Enhance knowledge of yourself. As you practice Zen, you will spend a fair amount of time in meditation, listening to your mind ramble. In time, you learn what quiets your mind, and puts you at peace. Listening to the same fears repeating themselves in your mind will soon inspire you to change what is causing those fears. You realize, for example, that your job is a large source of anxiety, and it is time for a change. Without meditation, we tend to ignore what our mind is telling us, and remain locked into our old patterns of doing things.
6. Gain confidence. As you reflect on your inner self, you become conscious of who you really are. You learn what makes you happy, what is beneficial to your life. You bypass the fears and anxieties of your mind, and do what needs to be done. You walk boldly, live passionately. The opinions of others do not matter, because you know you are doing what is right.
7. Appreciate life. You accept life as it is. Starry evenings, a stroll by the river, or a night of solitude each have their own unique characteristics to be appreciated. Mundane activities, such as household chores or doctor’s appointments, also hold their own charm. Observing the quiet details of life lends value to the less appealing aspects, and brings peace and joy in commonplace tasks.
8. Increase consideration for others. Each person on this Earth is interconnected. We are all searching for peace, contentedness, and a meaningful life. It is much harder to be angry at the person who cut you off in traffic when you realize they are on the same path, just at a different point in their journey.
9. Simplify your life. Meditation helps you differentiate between needs and wants. Needs are the basics for survival, such as air, food, water, clothing, and shelter. Wants are designer jeans, the latest electronic gadget, or a mansion. You learn that you can live without the latest, greatest thing. You begin to use your stuff as tools on your journey, and not as status symbols or emotional crutches. The same holds true for your commitments. Your to-do list can be culled down to the necessities, such as caring for your family, providing for needs, and fulfilling activities. It is far easier to say no to another commitment, when your plate is full of the things you love and require.
10. Cultivate a giving spirit. When you are living the best life you can, your heart fills with joy. You are doing what you were put on this earth to do, and doing it to the best of your ability. Your life is simple, you are living your values, and you have a clear mind. You can then give to others with a loving spirit, to help them along their path.

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Thrifty Thursday: St. Patrick's Day

Any excuse to dress up, I'm game including St. Patrick's Day. Here are some cheeky ways to dress up for St. Patrick's Day.

Wear green. Green, the traditional color of Ireland is "de rigeur" on St. Patrick's Day. You don't have to dress all in green (although that's okay too), but at least add a green accessory or two to your outfit.

Pick something fanciful. St. Patrick's Day is a joyful holiday. Add to the fun by wearing one of the many accessories sold around the holiday. Examples include felt Leprechaun hats, buttons with slogans like "Kiss Me I'm Irish" or Shamrock-shaped sunglasses.

$1 from dollar store

Dress up as a leprechaun. Leprechauns, those mischievous Irish fairies, are one of the symbols of St. Patrick's. Most costume shops and online retailers sell and rent leprechaun outfits.

$59.99 (Target)

What's New Wednesday: An Anniversary Date

My husband and I will be celebrating our five-year wedding anniversary on St. Patrick's Day! We decided  to commemorate early by visiting the infamous and eccentric, Venice Beach. I'll highlight our trip on Friday but in the meantime I wanted to give a little shout out to a fun, Italian restaurant: C&O Cucina| Rat Pack Lounge.

Nestled in Marina Del Ray (adjacent to Venice Beach), C&O  is a family-style venue boasting an Italian-vibe.

Their garlic knots are to die for, which they provide in droves - giving them to you as you wait for your table in the Rat Pack Lounge.

The portions are large, and the food is good. Not the best Italian food I've eaten (but let's be honest, nothing is better than authentic Italian in Rome, Italy) but still yummy in my tummy. Below is my dish from last Saturday: Rigatoni with basil, Parmesan, tomato cream sauce and olive oil. A simple, yet satisfying dish.

 

But the best part of the evening is when the restaurant patrons, staff and cooks partook in a rendition of That's Amore! That was a treat!

Tasty Tuesday: Healthy Snacks

I love to snack and now in my 30's this has become a major downfall. So, I'm trying to find substitutes for my favorite, savory snacks. Here are a few recipes/ideas I have found on Pinterest or learned from friends.

Cucumber Snacks
Just cut cucumbers (either vertically or horizontally), squeeze a lime (or lemon), drizzle over cucumber and then add salt. For extra spice, add chili powder or flakes. Voila! An easy, healthy yet satisfying snack.

 

Tortilla Roll-Up
Stir cucumber into laughing cow cheese spread on tortillas, layer with turkey slices and roll up. A quick, easy snack or lunch!



 

Avocado
Halve or quarter a small avocado and remove pit. Drizzle with 1 teaspoon of your highest-quality olive oil and sprinkle with coarse salt and fresh pepper to taste. Spark with a squeeze of fresh lime. Makes 1 serving (361 calories).

Green Bell Pepper Chips
Instead of eating chips or crackers with a salsa, substitute with green peppers! Wash and cut up green peppers. Spray with Pam and sprinkle garlic powder on top. Bake the green peppers for 10 minutes at 400. Serve with salsa or other dips.

Enjoy!

Motivation Monday: Save a Buck

I recently watched a segment on the news about easy, tangible methods to utilize the last drop of products, such as toothpaste, detergent and make-up. We waste as much of 15% of our products and this video provides ways to save a buck. Check out some money-saving tips!

Source: Consumer Reports & Inside Edition

Fieldtrip Friday: The Lion's Share

Last week my friend hosted a house warming party in downtown San Diego. After partaking in yummy appetizers and drinks at her amazing, new apartment, we took a fieldtrip to The Lion's Share, a rustic lounge bar in the Marina district. Established in 2011, this venue has a very unique vibe which I enjoyed - the drinks were perfectly executed, the décor is festive and the food menu (although I didn't order anything) looks interesting (in a good way, I promise). It might not be my typical hangout but it's definitely a fun place to visit from time to time.

Thrifty Thursday: Black & White

Pictures from Pinterest

I keep hearing that black and white is the trend for spring; so, I thought I would find some ways to integrate into my wardrobe. Check it out!

Dot Dress from Forever21 ($24.80)

Pencil Skirt from Black&White Market ($88.00)

Chiffon Dress from Forever21 ($17.80)

What's New Wednesday: Split Ends

I have never been loyal to a hair salon or stylist but Split Ends has changed that for me. I found a great hair stylist, Amy who has great customer service, awesome skill and is extremely personable. I really enjoy getting my hair cut which starts with a scalp massage, facial and hand massage. I feel EXTREMELY relaxed all while getting a refreshed look. It's just plain awesome.

Split Ends uses all Aveda products and is very professional. The prices are not bad either, depending on the level of stylist you request. Amy is a senior stylist and is a bit more expensive but it's totally worth it. A hair cut (with all the perks listed above) is $45. Full hair color treatment is $75. But when I get my color touch-up and cut it's $110.

Although Split Ends is not new and does allow you to get a new look! So, if you are feeling down and need to lift your spirits, get a make-over!

Tasty Tuesday: Garlic Knots

Easy as pie!

Ingredients:
Trader Joe's pizza dough
Garlic (or garlic spread)
Flour
Parmesan cheese
Parsley
Marinara sauce

Directions:
Leave out the pizza dough for about 30-minutes. On cutting board, pour a handful of flour and spread around board. Place pizza dough and thin out using your hands. Take a pizza cutter and cut your dough into 6 slivers. Maneuver pizza dough slivers into a knot.

Place on a cooking sheet. Take garlic or garlic spread and spread over top of garlic knots. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese. Place in oven for about 15-minutes or until golden brown.

Serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. Chop parsley and sprinkle on top.

See, super simple but so delicious!!

Motivation Monday: Be Postive!

I tend to think negatively, always considering the "what ifs" and plan B, C, D (you get the picture). One of my resolutions is to curb this pessimistic thinking and be positive. Man, it's a challenge especially since I'm trying to restructure over 30-years of thinking in a particular manner. But here are some tangible steps!

1. Avoid negative influences. Even if it's a family member or close friend, do not tolerate anyone's bad behavior. Steer clear from it so that it will not rub off on you. Choose your friends wisely. The friends you surround yourself with can have an overwhelming impact on your outlook — both good and bad.
2. Replace negative thoughts with positive ones. Look to the bright side of every situation. You will find that there are surprising benefits within them. If you do this long enough, it will become habitual, and it will make a tremendous difference in improving your positive thinking skills.
3. Smile. Many studies have demonstrated that even a forced smile can lift one's mood! You may also share the positivity with others by flashing them with a brilliant smile. Smiling is a reward, not a risk. The only thing you risk when smiling is a giving yourself a little more happiness.
4. Give yourself time to recharge. If you just got out of a bad relationship, or you simply need a break from the hustle and bustle of your life, don't be afraid to take some time off and recharge. It can be stressful being with other people, even people that you really like. Being independent can help you gain your perspective back.

Source: wiki

Fieldtrip Friday: Tomiko

 

Last Friday, my teammates and I celebrated Lunar New Year at Tomiko, a Japanese restaurant in Encinitas. Tomiko is a beautiful space, nestled on a hill overlooking Moonlight Beach. The menu is vast, food is delicious, service is excellent and the owner is pretty darn cool. (Hehe, I happen to work with her at Words Alive!!)

I felt privileged to experience the entertainment, tradition and celebration of the year of the snake. There were Chinese lions, Marital Arts demonstrations, a Korean fan and drum dance, and a flash mob, Gangnam-style performance! It was a great way to spend a Saturday!