My Biggest Accomplishment: 26.2 Miles

Picking up our packets for the Run

  

Running a marathon is super hard. I didn't get what you call a "runners high" but for some odd reason 50,000 + people of the craziest people have dedicated themselves to run the Chicago Marathon. I being the one of them. The greatest thing about running a marathon is the diet. My meals consisted of 80% carbs and 20% protein! I didn't gain a single pound however did not loose either. I was pretty good in sticking to the training schedule however my knees have definitely seen better days. 

What did I learn through this experience? 

1. Having your loved one as one of your cheerleaders is really the best

2. I will never run a marathon ever again.

3. Marathon training does not equal loosing weight. 

4. I really can do anything if I commit myself. 
5. Stretch stretch stretch! They are the answer to most pains! 

Purpose and Thankfulness

• Thank you for dreams
• Thank you for the stirring of my soul
• Thank you for failures
• Thank you for routine 
• Thank you for resources
• Thank you for community 
• Thank you for love
• Thank you for hope
• Thank you for the things that are to come
• Thank you for the season of waiting

Home cooked

I don't know at what point I realized I didn't like cooking. I mean, give me a lazy Sunday morning and I will make you a fantastic brunch but somehow the concept of cooking for myself has become less appealing. Perhaps it's because I have gotten used to the abundance of foods in NYC or perhaps I have gotten lazy. Possible explanation. In college, I used to host dinners and make meals for my roommates but for me to boil an egg now seems impossible. Cooking has become work and not an enjoyable task. 

That is why I really appreciate and love home cooked meals. I really admire people who take their time in thinking and preparing a meal. Mr. T. one morning made this amazing brunch with some french bread and apples. He made french toast, sliced some apples over skillet, and added cinnamon. We didn't have any maple syrup but honey worked just as well.  It was perfect. 

Surrender

Breakneck Ridge. Picture taken by O. 

If you are anything like me, you get caught up in the daily routines, focusing on what is lacking, career goals, and weight issues. It also doesn't help that New York City is filled with people that are driven. This isn't a bad thing, actually I am a fan of having goals and dreams for yourself. But I think there a healthy balance between reaching for your goals and letting it go knowing that you have tried your best at the end of the day.  Past weekend, I went on a rigorous hiking trip with one of my close girlfriend, Liv. It ended up being close to 7 hour hike where I was forced to let go and slow down. It gave me a chance to appreciate simple things in life, such as shades (shades from the trees), flip flops, and water!  

I love the story of Oprah Winfrey and her desire to be part of the movie, Color Purple. She said  

"And the reason it was life changing for me is because in that moment of surrender, I realized that when you've done everything that you can do, when you've given it the best that you know how, you surrender it to that which is greater than yourself."

I heart LA

Glen Ivy Spa in Corona

Life cannot be any more sweeter then being with a friend that completely knows and loves you the way that you are. My dearest girlfriend Monica of Oh Sweet Escape is that person that makes me feel at home. She's my bff from high school and I have been so  blessed to know her all these years. She is a woman full of creativity, life, and her spirit of giving is contagious. She inspires me to live outside of the box. I took a visit to LA where she now lives.

SLS Hotel

My first night in LA she took me to SLS hotel in Beverly Hills. It is such a LA scene full of funky decor and beautiful people. 

Nitro Coconut Floating Island

Monica loves taking me to different and unique places that you wouldn't see anywhere else. And this was no exception!  She ordered for us Nitro Coconut Floating Island which is a ladle of coconut milk that is in a form of a hard shell.  Light and yet fluffy!  It was paired with banana's and passion fruit. The taste so exotic and the flavor uniquely melts together 

Foie Gras Terrine in corn nuts, wrapped in cotton candy

I love the concept of unconventional and the next dish was exactly that. Foie gras wrapped in cotton candy. There is no way to describe it except it was so peculiar and uncanny experience in my mouth. In a very good way of course. 

The dessert bar

Couldn't resist leaving this place without capturing this amazing dessert bar! I also would love to adopt this concept for my shoes at home... haha

Mango Shaved Snow at Class 302

This dish is kind of amazing. Tucked in Rowland Heights, Class 302 serves this amazing dessert called Mango shaved snow. This just added to my obsession with Mango. It is almost like shaved ice except the consistency is much smoother almost a soft serve of mango ice cream, filled with chunks of mango, and mochi. 

Macaroons at Bottega Louie

Thank you Monica for sharing beautiful things with me.  
I love you always <3 

Gratitude Journal

I found myself complaining about the littlest things and getting annoyed at myself. Does that ever happen to you? Getting annoyed at own voice? I had to slap my head upside down to acknowledge that I have been blessed with so much and so fortunate to live in the States. The idea did not come from me, rather my girl Oprah who started a Gratitude Journal herself.  I wanted certain things for my life, however I need to learn to be thankful in the little things in life. So I gave myself a 30 day challenge which I hope to continue for 60, 90, and etc., to find something that I am truly appreciative of or grateful for. I want to get into a habit of appreciating things.

Today, I am thankful for:

• For my roommate who made me coffee this morning. 

• My class at the gym, allowing me to release some stress in the middle of the day. 

• My AC at home. It's 104 degrees in NYC today. Thank you for the cool air.

• For the female banker at my gym who made me laugh.

• For Mr. Ted - his consistency and positive perspective.

P.S. The details on this fabulous card pictured above can be found here

Peaches in Brooklyn

Peaches in Brooklyn

Sweet door to the restaurant

My Dearest friend Monica

Hand Dipped Flounder with Creamed Spinach

Blackened Catfish with Sweat Potato fries and grilled Lemon

I was having a really lousy week when I decided to meet with my dear friend Monica at Peaches in Brooklyn. I was swimming in my pool of negativity despite the gorgeous 65-degree sunny weather. Monica is the type of person that has always been a cheerleader and an encourager. She is full of life and this was no exception.  As we were exchanging our stories of recent happenings, she admitted that life isn’t all peaches and cotton candy, however that I have been an extraordinary being and she installed hope in me. I used to think that I would be happy only if I had “X” but only to realize that it isn’t those things that make you happy, rather it’s the moments in between such as friends like Monica and delicious meals in Brooklyn. 

My Roommate

My roommate is amazing. She was a good girlfriend prior to the move which made it more exciting to live together. It's been a week since she moved in.   Every morning she has coffee ready for me! When I wake up she greets me with a warm Good Morning!  

I am tremendously blessed by her. I feel God through every sip of coffee! This morning, she greeted me with a breakfast sandwich and coffee which was ready for me when I woke up. 

I love you roomie. Thanks for bringing a little heaven on earth this morning :) 

Fro-Yo Moment

I cannot believe it’s May already! Half way through the year and I feel like I am so behind. My goals for the year are not even half met! Time is passing right before my eyes and it is always a struggle to catch up. 

I took time to slow down today in the midst of my hectic nyc schedule. A cup of fro-yo and a stroll in the park during my lunch hour. Moments like these I am thankful to slow down, appreciate the greenery, flip-flop weather, and people that love me dearly.  

Cheers to fro-yo moments! TGIF!! 

Food Porn Friday #1

I miss the days when I can eat 50 pieces of McD nuggets and not even gain an ounce. I miss the days when exercise was for fun. Sure I run 4 miles a day now, but mostly because as a result of what I ate over the weekend. But don't let the age and the slow metabolism get you down because life is meant to be lived. Life is meant to bring to joy! So here is my picture for food porn friday! Pulled pork sandwich that was worth the 6 miles and a few bootcamps. Cheers! 

Taste of Nashville: Monell's

Suddenly a song popped in my head. Let me sing for you: 

Look at this stuff. Isn't it neat? Wouldn't you think my collection's complete?… But who cares? No big deal. I want more

Ever since the first time I’ve visited Nashville, I had one request to Mr. T.  That we go to Monell’s everytime I visit. Their country weekend breakfast is glorious.  After the feasting of smoked sausage, bacon, biscuits and gravy, country ham, fried apples, pancakes, scrambled eggs, hashbrowns, cheese grits, corn pudding and skillet fried chicken, you will be singing: 

Look at this food? Isn't it awesome? Wouldn't you think Monell’s breakfast’s complete?… But who cares? No big deal. I want more! 

You heard it right. I said fried chicken for breakfast. It may be the best fried chicken you'll ever feast on. 

The cutest garden area when you walk in. Followed by community table for seating. There is always Sweet Tea at the table :) 

Biscuits and Gravy

You got it! Fried chicken for breakfast! It was THAT good

Feast on this! Happy Southern Breakfast. God Bless America!

Ryann's Favorite Things

From the Top Left to Right: I really love my newly purchased Tory Burch Robinson Double Zip Tote Bag.  Thanks to the recent Friends & Family sale at Bloomingdales, I was able to get more them for more them 20% off the original price. Of course I had to be Asian and complain that it was a display model so I got another 10% off. Muhaha :P  I had to go all over New York to get this bag in the blood-orange color. Apparently it was so popular that this color was gone before the sale. But I got mine :D I get compliments all the time with this bag. I love the size and it's a true everyday work bag. I especially love the sling with this tote. 


Next up is the Same Edelman cheeta flats that I am absolutely in love with. This is perfect with everyday work needs and spice up my boring attire.  I especially love a little touch of bling in the front of these flats. I was really lucky. I got these at Marshalls for 29.99. 


If anyone knows me, I love gold! My recent adoration is for this Tiffany Locks heart lock pendant necklace that was given to me by Mr. T for Valentine's Day. I know! I'm a lucky gal! :)  This  necklace goes with basically anything. I wear this alone or with another chunky necklace. 


Ahh. My camera. I am currently using Canon Rebel t2i that was purchased B&H.  I have 2 lens that I am working with.   I was using Canon EF 500mm f/1.8 as my basic lens.  These lens are fantastic for their price and quality.  This is not a zoom lens however great for profile pictures.  I am also using Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS UD Standard Zoom  for landscape pictures. All my pictures are captured through these two lens. 


I love the Naked Palette! This is part of my everyday make up. This is a collection of eye shadow is simply amazing virtually great on any skin tone. It really stays on the whole day too! It doesn't matter if you are black, white, yellow or red, the naked palette has got you covered!  


If you ever met me, you know that I gave 4 years of my life to Starbucks during college. I love their drinks, culture, and of course their cool items such as these cold drink tumblers. They are reusable and perfect for the summer. I usually do breakfast shakes or ice coffee in the morning. 


I must of been drunk or under a spell, but I signed up to run the Chicago Marathon this year. At least I am running with my bestfriend :) Although I get a little nauseous thinking about training, I am in love with my new Nike Free Run 2! I get compliments at the gym all the time and it mostly from gay guys so they must be cute :D These colors are so fun and burst of energy on my foot. 


I love my denim button down shirt! Maybe its because I got it for $22.80 at forever 21 but either way, this is virtually a must-have item in your closet. I dress it up with a cute pencil shirt & chunk statement necklaces, as I like to call them. You can dress it up or down.   

A Westchester Wedding

Bride & Groom walking into the Reception Hall!

This is my favorite moment of the wedding. It is the ever-so precious moment of the newly declared bride & groom as they walk into a room full of people they love. This moment captures the excitement and the enthusiasm of the guests as the two walks in. I especially like this picture because the bride and the groom by this point are stress-free. Although the Bestman and the Maid of Honor are usually having few drinks to calm their nerves before their speech. 

Check out these customized cake toppers! My friend is the brilliant mastermind behind this. Lil' Cake Toppers! Check it out! She is an amazing artist and a creative genius that has a topper business on the side. She created customized toppers for any kinds of events. 

Home: DC

 

Pizza Paradiso: Dupont Circle

Apparently really good beer at Pizza Paradiso: Something like 120 Min IPA on Tap?

Bruch at Kafe Leopold

Cheddarwurst 

Lemon Pancakes

Breakfast Potatoes

Baked and Wired in Georgetown

Bumble Bee treat from Baked and Wired

For a girl who had no real place to call home, here is where she found home. A place that provided her friendships that would last a lifetime, a place to go for the holidays, opportunities to fall in & out of love, and believed in something bigger then she. 

Now living in the Big Apple, chances of visiting her home comes rarely, but when a relationship with a special “someone” has started to blossom, she knew that she wanted to share this special part with this person.

It was like she had dreamed. Sunny day, cherry blossoms in full in action, and a night of Sangria and tex-mex as she introduced her man to her yaya sisters – sisterhood that was planted during college and has now lasted through the years of semester finals, caffeine overdose, drunk moments, weddings, and babies.

Ahhh Happiness :)

Love for New York

Washington Square

View from the High Line

View from the High Line

View from the High Line

Filling Station at Chelsea Market

Dear Los Angeles,

I have discovered the secret to your happiness!! :Sunshine.  We bear the cold winters wearing sleeping bag jackets, as I like to call it, dressed in boots over our 3 layers of long johns, and wearing nothing but bitter black.  But oh no! Not this week.  We got a full flavor alive in New York City. It’s quite wonderful. 70 degrees in the middle of March. I will now run around in shorts and work on my tan. Not quite. But nonetheless God must love New York! 

Vesta

New York City is big. You may be the little fish in a big pond.  I surely was. Overwhelmed by the size, people, choices, and personality. Four years in this city and I am at a place where I call this home. It’s really the little things that make the whole experience rich.  I have my “go-to” places from coffee shops, bagel store, nail salon, dentist, and Saturday morning running routes. And to make my circle complete, I have found my go-to brunch place.  Really? Brunch?! Well if you know anything about New York, it’s that there real brunch culture that’s true to its etymological origins.  It’s perfect! New Yorkers, we sleep late and wake up late. New York really trumps at the art of this meal.

Vesta, an Italian Restaurant & wine Bar is tucked away in a busy area is definitely a local gem. They are committed to the local green market that means all the ingredients are from local farmers.  This also serves as a special place because I have taken, essentially everyone that I love here. From my best girlfriends to out of towners. This also serves as a special place because Mr. T and I had our first brunch here!

Pictured above is the Hangover pizza that features potato, pancetta, sausage, fried eggs & spicy tomato sauce.  The egg on that pizza just does something to you! My favorite is the Warm Bankie.  It tastes just like the name.  Warm like a blanket wrapped around you. It has layers of polenta then topped with asparagus, mushrooms & truffle oil. Oh and fried egg on that as well.

The staff here is really friendly and very welcoming. I’ll probably take a visit this weekend :)