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!