Fought hard, and lost

It's a sad day for many of my coworkers.
Thank God for new friends I spent the day with I met during this journey.
.

(pic courtesy of icanhascheezburger.com)

Five things

Last few weeks have been a bit trying for me as I have been doing things that are
out of my comfort zone.
Change - whether it's positive or negative - is always stressful to some degree.

These five things in my life have kept me sane these past few weeks and have always put a smile on my face; when I had the pleasure of being in contact with them.

1. Flowers




I like buying flowers for myself. My grandmother was a flower arrangement teacher in Japan, and is very knowledgeable about flowers. Over the years I tried to learn, but I have stayed truly ignorant.
I just adore all of them, plain and simple.

Being a regular Trader Joe's customer, it's very easy for me to buy flowers, and I have kept some kind of flower in my room at all times.

I added the lighter pink colored ones to my other one in my previous post.



2. My neighbor's dogs




My love for cats is basically borderline insane, but I love all animals.

These two always looks through the potted flowers whenever I drive up to my house, sometimes taking turns.
They make me smile.



3) Panini and Iced Espresso from Dialog Cafe

This is my newest discovery.
I have been working on my laptop a lot and to avoid sitting in my room all day, I have been venturing out to different coffee places that has free WiFi.
Naturally I have been hitting up the chain stores, but one day, I came across this gem.
Family owned and operated, home made Italian food - mostly under $8.
The best Iced Espresso I have ever had -- and great location.
I have been there for lunch two days in a row this week.





4) My new Tory Burch flats



What more can I say?



5) Natural Peanut Butter and 12 Grain Crackers from Trader Joe's



I've been snacking a lot and this is hands down the best thing I have that doesn't make me cringe when I think about just how much I have consumed -- or am I fooling myself?


What makes you feel good when you're a bit overwhelmed?

Peonies

It's in season and love the variety of pink colors they have.
Got mine at Trader Joe's and they light up my room.

I love buying flowers for myself.

San Diego

I am currently in San Diego, and am in training for the next 3 days.

I don't have a lot of down time, but I am enjoying the beautiful location by the water.



My first day of training went great, btw.


They look like whale tail....



Maybe I will have lunch by the water tomorrow.

Spread

This week, as I was walking down the ever famous Melrose Ave. I came across a young lady holding a tray full of what she called "almond/peanut butter spread" in little plastic cups.

I was hungry, and I needed a little something, and not being in a hurry, I stopped to chat with her for a minute while tasting some of their yummy organic spread.

Seconds later, Andrew, the store owner of Spread walked outside and invited me in to the chic store that they just opened (7350 Melrose Ave.)

Everything in the store has been hand picked (the ingredients) and made by Andrew and his wife Robin.

Newly opened vegetarian friendly store carries almond and peanut butter only at this point but there is a restaurant in San Diego (2879 University Ave. San Diego, CA 92104) that has an excellent review.



My purchases of the day - Mexican Chocolate, Butterscotch, and Dark Chocolate Pretzel.

Delicious.

Even among hiccups of life we need to shop

My favorite shop right now is CUSP.
It is a Neiman Marcus affiliate, and much more young and relaxed than the department counterpart.

I love to go in and browse their sale section as I have found some amazing pieces.

Following has been added to my wardrobe as I am trying to find nice 'conservative' looking things that can be dressed up and down.




Tory Burch "Eddie" in Olive





Tory Burch "Eddie" in Fuschia

I'm happy to report that the above two AND their snake print sister has been added to my closet.
It is one of the most comfortable flats I have ever worn and the colors are fantastic.
Who needs another pair of black shoes?



Alice + Olivia
Andrea Asymmetric Dress

I LOVE the color on this piece.
It makes me feel like a Goddess with the blousy fabric as well.
It looked nice with a gold wedge heels.



Diane von Furstenberg
Scarlette Chiffon-Tier Skirt

This is the most beautiful skirt I have ever owned, and can not wait to wear it with tights and a T shirt, or a black blazer and chunky heels for dinner!




Diane von Furstenberg
Mid-Calf Pencil Skirt
This skirt also works as a strapless dress - and looked great with a pinstriped blazer or a colored leather jacket and tights.

All pictures courtesy of CUSP.com

Perfect

Imagine violet sky
The end of the day and the sunset
We are free to fly
Finally we found
What we’re looking for, for all this time
It’s perfect, because you ran with me
It’s perfect, you’ll never leave
It’s perfect, because you feel the same for me
It’s perfect, that you are here
It’s perfect, we seem so clear
It’s perfect
Finally


To me you're perfect.

Lyrics by Smart Apes vs. Anna Lee feat. Kate Miles - Perfect

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbBVbJtEX7Y

U Studio Yoga

U Studio Yoga

In the historic Miracle Mile area of Los Angeles on Wilshire Blvd. sits a building that holds my sanctuary, U Studio Yoga.



Such a beautiful building



When I relocated to L.A. my biggest task was to find a Yoga studio that fit my need.

I for sure needed a studio that was not too advanced.
My Yoga practice consisted more of Bikram -- Vinyasa, I had only done a handful of times.

Therefore I was somewhere between beginner and intermediate, so I wanted a studio where I can see some of the experienced practitioner to guide me as an example, but also some people that are around my level wouldn't make me feel so out of place.



My yoga mat


There are just so many studios in L.A. my research was a bit of a challenge so I went onto Yelp.com to help me.




It also has the best view of Hollywood Hills (Griffith Park Observatory)



Andrea is such a great teacher, I never feel like I am out of place and she remembered my name right away which was awesome.


Students relaxing before the class

The Vinyasa Flow class is 90 minutes, and it feels amazing every single time I walk out of there.