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 :)