Kicking As*

Recently, I have come to a realization that I can not keep eating a pint of coconut ice cream five nights a week, and need to incorporate a little bit more vegetables in my diet, as a cup of tomato soup really doesn't count.

I researched for something I can do frequently that is close by and fun.
I am lazy so I knew that I needed an instructor, and I can't be driving for an hour in traffic because that alone would discourage me to keep going. Also, many places I have tried (Pilates, barre method type of gym, etc.) offer a beginner's rate for the first month, but then it is expensive to continue on further.
I like to take private session for Pilates and they can be anywhere between $85 and $125 a session.

My answer = all women's kickboxing gym that is 10 minutes away, that has a 10 class/$100 package at all times, and the owner always has a sale -- all with an excellent review on Yelp.

The first class is free, so that was perfect for me to try it out.

The past couple of weeks, I can honestly say I have had the most fun working out. 

I actually look forward to going there, I put my workout clothes out the night before like a kid. 

smoothie

Kickboxing is.....stress relieving, fun, whole body workout and I love that I am not trying to compete with anyone for attention of the instructor, as the class consists of about 15 ladies, and we often work in smaller groups.
We jumprope, do a lot of cardio, which I wanted, and then we box for about half the time we're there.
I have continued my Bikram Yoga, but I wanted to do something different, and now this is a perfect addition to my physical activity.

As a result of the workout I have been doing, I am drinking about 3 to 4 liters of water everyday (about 100 to 135 oz.), and after my workout I stop at an organic juice place that shares the parking lot with the gym, and have been drinking their "green juice." Talk about detox!

handwrap

Another great thing -- I have been a night owl all my life, staying up till the wee hours, and this changed my daily routine as well. 

The class starts at 9:30 in the morning, so I get up an hour before at 8:30, make my protein smoothie, clean my place then I head out. 

I am sore everyday, but I am so happy that I have finally found my gym!!

Coffee Addict -- Part 1

Caffe Bello

I am a coffee lover, and I do love a good espresso.

Recently I found a fabulous little cafe in West Hollywood that serves the best coffee I have ever tasted in my life; and I've had coffee in many many places.

Caffe Bello is the name and I can not express how GOOD this coffee is.

I have gone in so many times, that when they see me come in, the baristas there smiles and asks if I want my 'usual.'

Caffe Bello -- inside

My "usual" -- two espresso shots with hazelnut syrup topped with cream

Afternoon coffee time

My other thing I have been doing recently is making my own Thai Ice Coffee at home to enjoy whenever I want to.

Tutorial will be coming up in my next post.

Caffe Bello address:

8719 Santa Monica Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069

Sparkly feel

I am not too big on holidays.

Being in aviation, most of the time I was working on the actual holiday or the day before/after.

However, lately I have been very interested in the sparkly polishes and make up items that adds just a touch of festivity to your day.

MAC "Hundred Degrees" Illuminizer 

Essie Polish "Play Date" "Golden Nugget" "Set in Stones" "It's Genius"

Physician's Formula Highlighting Powder "Warm"

 

Glittery eyeliners

Victoria's Secret Beauty Rush sparkly shadows to put in inner corner of your eyes

NARS "Night Clubbing" 

From the Hills of Hollywood...

I have been quite consumed in my life this past calendar year, and I have put my blogs (my other blog is http://upgrd.com/blogs/thoughtsfromthesky/) on the back burner.

One of the things I focused on while being absent (aside from working as well as taking some writing classes) was to look for a place of my own.

Since moving cross country a year and a half ago, my living situation changed 3 times -- mostly due to making hasty decisions on a whim.

First two places I lived in just didn't agree with me (and of course they were things you notice about 5 days after you move in) though I was very lucky to have been on month to month lease for both places; I was able to get out of the situation fairly quickly without penalty of any kind.

However, the third one was a year lease and I regretted signing it the first week I moved in.

From that day forward, it was a drag.

Not having your own oasis to come home to can do a number on your mind, and your self esteem.
It is hard to live in a place that you just don't care about.
Getting out of a lease would have been expensive and since I was in a transitional phase with my career, I had to put the notion of having my own apartment on hold till my lease ran out.

Finally, starting in the fall, I started to do my research.

Looking around, there were few things I had in mind.
Since L.A. is so big, when looking for a place you have to have in mind exactly where you want to be, otherwise you would be looking forever -- options are limitless.
Do you want to be by the beach? Or up in the hills? Budget? 
For me, having an awesome pet sitter who only can go so far for her service limited my options in a good way.

Since I have two very active boy kitties, I wanted to have enough space for them to play around.

After looking for few one bedrooms, I inquired about a studio that was available in Hollywood Hills.

Bingo.

Even though it is a studio, it is a very sizable place. Pricing, parking situation (covered and gated), location, all was there.

Not everything is finished as there are few pieces I wanted to purchase, but just a snippet of my new gorgeous sanctuary.

Beautiful view from my balcony

Kitchen

Just a sneak peek

Bar stool at the kitchen counter

Froggie in the shower

My jewelry display

My Barbie Art 

Summer Lovin'

My summer favorites that I have been wearing all summer.

Essie Tarte Deco, OPI Strawberry Margarita, OPI Pandamonium Pink

Bebe knotted racerback in deep green, black, white and royal blue

Tissue paper thin T-shirts from random boutiques

Copper colored earring and yellow+gold bracelet from Target

Bow bag from The Limited

Flower earring and ring from F21

It's been a while....

I apologize, I have NOT been a good blogger.

I tried to blog a few times in the past couple of months, but I really couldn't find the words.

To me, writing is a very revealing thing - raw and real - and with what was going on in my life, it was too scary for me to write.

Lets just say that things are better now, and I have taken a better control re: my life.

Not going into details -- but I'm glad to be back is all.

Latest buys

I have been some what reserved in regards to shopping lately, but here are some of my purchases in the past few months that makes me smile.



Turquoise bracelet set

This came in a set of 3 but I usually wear it with other bracelets to mix it up

Essie polish in "Play Date"

My favorite color is any shade of purple -- especially lavender

Juicy Couture Rain boots in Olive

Believe it or not, these were $29. at Marshall's.

Yes, you read that correct, and it retails around $100.

It's olive, so it's THE perfect neutral, since I already have a black riding boots, and who really needs another pair of black boots?






Bebe striped drape front cocoon cardigan

I am a sucker for stripes, and this was just perfect in every way - drape in the front, button-less, and how the stripes vary in size and pattern.

Great for traveling as well!

I am trying to just have things that matter to me and not just have tons and tons of "stuff" in my closet.

Loft Party

The staircase that leads to the 2nd and 3rd floor of the Penthouse Loft

Perhaps because a lot of my Holiday season is spent on the road, I can not recall any particular party during this time of the year that was so memorable.

I have done my share of the office party (not my office, obviously) and what not but this party I tagged along with my friend, was at a beautiful loft in a historic building in Downtown L.A.

Just a few pictures to share.


The food was catered by a local Mexican restaurant


Look at all the leftovers! And their beautiful kitchen!


This was taken on their rooftop deck


The bathroom looks like you're in a hotel



Downtown L.A.

Determination

Ever wonder what you're put on this earth to do?

I honestly think I am supposed to be around animals.

They are beautiful and I can't get enough of them.

My baby, Coors, who is in Chicago right now, I think about him on a daily base and I can't think too much about him because it will make me cry -- I miss him so much.

I lovelovelovelove my job, and would love to have a life where I can have my job and during the time off I can work with animals or at least be around them.

Wait, I already have that.

Not quite, though.

I live in a place that has strict no pet rule.

I lived in the place for a couple months and you know what?

I can't do it anymore.
Just can't.

I have to have animals in my life, in my home, and if that means I have to move again, I will do it.

This way, if my parents will allow me, I can bring my baby to Los Angeles as well, and maybe I can foster the animals I work with right now at Lange Foundation.

If I can come home to my kitties, and also have a job that I care so dearly about and actually enjoy, wouldn't that be the best?

This is my goal for now.

Believe me, I'm not just a crazy finicky person who can't decide on where to live.

I shouldn't have agreed to live in a place that didn't allow pets.
I thought by volunteering I would get the 'fix' but a true animal lover wouldn't be satisfied by that...

So watch me, as I try to move out of here as soon as I can.... and get the life that I really want.


(pic sourced from Google)

Busy busy busy...

pic courtesy of ebaumsworld.com

Sorry for the lack of post, I have been very busy with my job, and have been having a blast.
Never knew I would love my job so much!!

I did a guest spot on Crewlounge this week as well, check it out!!

Runyon Canyon hike

View from not quite the top....


As the temperature drops, I am actually encouraged to step outside and enjoy the nice breeze and the sunshine.

I am not a fan of heat (though I do practice Bikram Yoga, but that's in a controlled environment) so when it's above 80 degrees, it is way hot for me to wonder about.


"Must be fit" (further away you can see the Hollywood sign)


This morning was a nice warm yet not uncomfortable temperature here in Los Angeles, and my friend and I took a walk up the ever famous and popular Runyon Canyon to watch some dogs (there are so many dogs up there, and it's an unleash zone, making it more fun for them!) and hike around.


What a fun bench to sit on! Best view!

We broke a good amount of sweat and was hungry by the time we were done, so on the way back, we brunched at my new favorite eatery/cafe, Fratelli Cafe.

Beauty and Baking Haul

Brown Paper bags with handles for my baked goods!


Since I have been on a baking kick lately I did a little shopping at Michael's Arts and Crafts for some packaging items.


Little Take-out containers! Perfect for anything!

Whenever I am in that store, I think about who I would be gifting the baked goods for, and see what color, or theme would be appropriate.

The clearance section has some great items as well, and I found a colorful polka dot cupcake liner for a penny, and beautiful ribbons for a dollar each.


$2.01 total


I also have some new additions to my make up collection, and recently, I have been gravitating toward Japanese and Korean items.

There are many stores in Los Angeles that I can purchase these items, so I don't necessarily have to go online, but when I do, my go-to site is Pretty and Cute.

I bought the most adorable handheld mirror and a BB Cream, (both by Lioele) from them and I couldn't believe how fast the shipping was!




I purchased an eyeshadow palette that is produced by Japanese model Tsubasa Masuwaka (I have few other items by her brand, Dolly Wink).





It is in Sweet Dolly Brown (01) and it has the most useful, beautiful colors, it will be a staple in my make up bag.


Also, I am always looking for mascara that doesn't leave a black 'rim' on the bottom of my eyes after a few hours of wear, and this one (over YSL or Dior) is the winner.
It's a Japanese brand, GAFIXX Mascara (you can purchase here).


GAFIXX Mascara


What have you purchased lately that just makes you smile?