CLARITY

Here we are in January of a the New Year and I’m sure we all have a list of New Years resolutions we want to accomplish this year. I know I usually do. But this year I’m shortening that list. I've spent the last couple weeks reflecting on 2013 and my life in general; goals I’ve set and those I’ve broken. I’ve gone from being extremely proud of myself to completely beating myself up.  When I look back at where I was 5 years ago and where I am now I’m astonished at how much I’ve changed and grown, how much I better understand myself now than I did then. So why do I get so down on myself? Is it because I tend to be overly ambitious?  I think I set way too many goals for myself and limit myself from fully focusing on a few.  So this year my goal is this: I want to gain CLARITY. Clarity of what I want to accomplish in my life. Not material but more internal. My purpose – isn’t that what this whole blog is about? My journey to Nirvana – achieving my ultimate purpose? So here I am…... its January of a New Year  - I feel wiser and more aware of who I am and what I am interested in. I am more in touch with myself and what make makes me happy – so I guess I did accomplish something last year, something subconscious and intangible – but something great!

I’ve been thinking a lot about what I want to do for my career, my day to day job you know the thing that makes you money so you can buy things and travel. I want my job to be my vehicle in helping me accomplish my purpose. If I’m going to be spending most of my time “working” why wouldn’t I want to be purposeful and accomplish something fulfilling, something that brings me closer to my true purpose. Doesn’t mean I’m ready to make a huge shift in my career and make a 180, but I want to gain clarity.  Get more clear on how I can create a career that draws me closer to my purpose. This is not to say I completely understand my purpose yet but the one thing I’m certain about is that purpose will create positive energy. I do know that my passions and interests make me happy an in turn create positive energy. So that’s where I start.

My interests. 

What am I passionate about and what makes me happy? 

To start – Spirituality; the deeper meaning of life and finding that internal balance. Things that bring me closer to that are yoga and meditation. Cooking – I love cooking and using organic and clean ingredients, being conscious of what I put in my body to increase longevity. Travel – I love traveling and exploring new places and even revisiting places that are saturated with culture. One of my favorite things to do is attending Art/Music Festivals – I get to spend time with some of my closest friends, making memories, listening to amazing music, exploring art, expressing myself and meeting new people. And a new interest of mine is Alternative/Holistic Health. I grew up in a household that always choose homeopathy over western medicine and as I got older I began to really understand its affects on the mind and body. 

So I start here – I dive deeper, practice yoga more often, maybe explore different forms of yoga and continue to meditate daily. Maybe I’ll even take a cooking class and explore new ingredients – be a little more ambitious in the kitchen. The travel is a done deal – I’m already broke thinking about it but can’t be more excited that festival season is just around the corner! And lastly Holistic health – I’ve already started following new blogs and reading more about this field. The more I read the more excited I get in incorporating these practices into my life. So next time anyone has a stomached ache – don’t you worry I got those “magic ginger pills”.

I’m putting it out there – doing more of what I’m passionate about and letting the universe orchestrate the rest.

So now I challenge you to take a moment and get clear about your purpose and objectives for 2014!

"Knowing how you actually want to feel is the most potent form of clarity that you can have. Generating those feelings is the most powerfully creative thing you can do with your life" - Danielle LaPorte

E.L.

New Year. New You

Here we are in Spring 2013 - Where is the time going? Last year was one INTENSE year. I experienced a deeper love, loss, a new job and most importantly a better understanding of who I am.

I learned that not everyone you meet and connect with will be in your life forever no matter how great of an impact and space they held in your heart. I learned more than anything to always believe in yourself and never allow someone to bring you down just because of how they see you. Everyone has their own perception of themselves and the world around them - sometimes it even feels like they are living in another reality. Someone you thought you knew inside and out can end up being someone you have no connection to or understanding of. I'm still growing and evolving and so are the people around me. You meet and connect with people at different stages in your life -- and only those that share your energy will continue on your journey with you. Whatever is not in alignment will be purged and everything happens for a reason. I am extremely grateful for the relationships I have made through out my life - everyone held a purpose.

This year already I have met so many incredible soul and traveled to incredibly serene places. My relationship with A is growing quickly and I am the happiest I have been in years. I'm excited for the life we dream of and the journey that lies ahead....

Here is a little glimpse of some of my adventures...

New Years in Lake Tahoe

I found my new guilty pleasure - CHICKEN AND WAFFLES - Pure Gluttony!

Valentine's Day in VEGAS - I HIGHLY recommend seeing LOVE by the Beatles!

I also discovered my new obsession of Martini's and Oysters --- Am I getting old?

I have always lead with my heart and positive energy - and this past year has been a testament to that. 

Emotion is greater than reason

baby steps

A wise old man once told me " Life is a journey, not a destination". This pretty much sums it up. Everything in life the good the bad the ups and downs, its all part of your journey. My journey… or so my road has had many twists and turns. But I have learned to embrace it all. Everything has shaped who I am in the present. I am thankful for my "mistakes" and for the lessons I have learned a long the way. I am thankful for the makeups the breakups and all the friends and people I have met along the way. 

A lot has been going on since I last wrote. I finally got the courage to break-free from a terrible job situation . I got a new job. I did some more traveling....and eating :-). I have loved.. A LOT… and most importantly I have reflected. 

First. The job. I had been applying to all sorts of non profit organizations for months now..probably since January, not getting anywhere. Then I got a call to take an interview with a big producing Real Estate Agent who was looking for a Team Leader. At first I was stuck…real estate…again…ugh I'm just not getting anywhere. But I had to remind myself that I had to take baby steps. I had to just go on the interview. The location was appealing. 5 minute car ride from my place vs the hour commute  I was doing each way to work. So i went… and sure enough it didn't just go well it was hands down the most incredible interview I've ever gone on. She. The boss. The rainmaker is one spiritual lady. The interview was almost 2 hours and we spend more than half of it just talking about our lives, who we are , what inspires us and the role energy and spirituality plays in our lives. We had connected on so many levels and the energy was flowing. We vibed. I left excited, motivated… but puzzled. Would taking this job help get me to where I want to be? The pay was much higher, the growth was there… and the distance was a joke. But there was something there that made me feel so right, I was being drawn to it. Guided. So its not in the field i want to be in...yet...but its a skill I know well and it would give me time to learn, grow and make some extra cash to travel and venture. So I took a leap of faith. 

I had planned the transition from my old job to my new job in a way where I was able to travel in between. I NEEDED IT. My soul was yearning for some adventure. 

First stop San Felipe, Mexico. I am blessed that my best friend's family has an incredible home on the beaches of a small fisherman's town in Mexico. The town is small and cozy but the beaches are vast. I got to spend a lot of time decompressing and mentally preparing for this next part of my journey (with the help of an abundance of food and tequila). It was time to grow up. This job was about to get serious and I'm about to get focused. I had to constantly remind myself to never loose focus of my goals. Never loose focus of constantly striving for happiness. I had my first week that involved a lot of crying, no sleep and heavy drinking. The hours were long and A was in town so of course I just wanted to be home. I had a lot to adjust  and I'm not too sure the coworkers realized my purpose yet. But the energy was amazing and I was finally feeling appreciated for the hard work I was putting in. I had value.  By the end of the 2nd week I had requested a few days off prior to starting to take a road trip up to Napa for a friend's end of the summer soirée in Napa. We decided we'd make a road trip out of it and stop at a few of our favorite places along the way. 

                                                 Off to Berkeley.  We stayed in a cozy Victorian Bed & Breakfast on Telegraph Ave (The Rose Garden Inn). It was perfect. We walked the campus, the downtown area, the neighborhoods….took in all the history and simply daydreamed. The knowledge that flowed throughout that campus was inspiring!

Next stop San Francisco... What more do I have to say. I can never get enough of the amazing food, the people, the beautiful buildings, The Castro...and of course The Haight. 

A's best friend lives in Napa and his girlfriend's family was throwing an end of the summer party. "Haywoodstock" to celebrate the Summer of Love…how perfect. We spend the night dancing to the top 40s of the 60s and 70s, dressed like a bunch of hippies and just spreading the love.  We spent the next morning driving the beautiful windy road of Napa Valley. The wineries…the hilltops…the greenery…I could of driven those roads for days. Napa is  such a beautiful & peaceful place. There was some time to kill before my flight out so of course we decided to head back to SF to Cioppino's at the Wharf.. A drink, some clam chowder and a big ol bowl of Cioppino to top off the trip. 

But then It was that time….time to say goodbye. The hardest goodbye yet. Who would of 

thought a year ago I would be where I am today. I thought I had it all figured out. The sex and the city life…my 20's.. being single …free….finding myself. Then BOOM it hits you..like a ton of bricks when you least expect or want it….Love.  Not now …no way. Yes. Yes way. It was something so out of my control and I couldn't help but to follow it. My heart was driving and there was no stopping it.  Now its consumed my life in the most incredible way. He's become my everything and I cant even imagine my life without him. 

So here I am. Happy. Proud to have followed my gut and trusted in myself to take that leap of faith and I continue to follow my heart and good energy. I might not be exactly where I thought I'd be but I'm well on my way. Baby Steps.

Cheers to life my friends. And remember life is a journey not a destination. Make it worth while and follow your heart. Le Chiem! 

True Food

So I decided through my "clean diet" journey I'd go ahead and give my shot at reviewing the yummy restaurants along the way. I start with True Food Kitchen (Santa Monica) - http://www.truefoodkitchen.com/

They had me at the herb gardens displayed in their entrance. I know...I'm easy. But oh well it was worth it.

Not only is their food 100% organic and locally grown... It's seasonal! Their menu changes as the seasons change, FRESH FRESH FRESH!

"You don’t have to be a die-hard Yogi to dine at 

True Food Kitchen. You need only a desire to give your body nutrients, and your palate something memorable. The basis for Dr. Andrew Weil’s anti-inflammatory diet isn’t meant to deprive a healthy body of great flavors, it’s meant to take popular trends in cuisine and pair them with healthy living. Try the kale and quinoa, you’ll live longer. Drink the seabuckthorn and acai, you’ll feel better. At True Food Kitchen, we want you to feel better, live longer, and make your mouth happy in the process."..... SIGN ME UP!

The menu was so interesting I had to read every single item and ingredient (and that's to say it was the first time hearing many ingredients). I ended up just telling the super groovy waitress that I love food, fresh food and I'm not picky.... now go ahead and give me a little taste!

First I give you.... the cocktail. Acai Mojito (Papagayo organic rum, veev acai liqeur, mint & blueberries). A little too much ice... but I sipped slowly and it was delishly refreshing with a kick!

For the appetizer we decided to go with the Grilled Shrimp Spring Rolls (Green Papaya, Soba & Cashew). Now these were filling!!! It comes with 3 HUGE rolls.... I do have to say next time I think I'll ask to knix the mint... a little overwhelming. The peanut sauce was delish! 

For the salad we decided to keep it simple and go for the Farmer's Market ... just a mosh posh of all the fresh veggies in season (Pea, Asparagus, Artichoke, Avocado, Corn, Manchego Cheese and of course Mint) with a Champagne Vinaigrette.  I didn't miss one piece on the plate. I will defiantly come back for a full portion. It was full of flavor, so crisp, fresh and light.... my type of mouth party. 

Now the main dish we went with the Spaghetti Squash Casserole (Fresh Mozzarella, Organic Tomato & Zucchini). Thought it would be a heavy saucy dish but it was quite the opposite. This was my first time trying spaghetti squash.. and let me tell you its interesting and tasty. I wouldnt go as far as saying tis comparable to pasta but it serves its purpose. A much healthier lighter choice of your regular ol' spaghetti dish! Loved it!

Overall my experience was great! It was a bit trendy and overpriced but the food was fresh and delicious. I think next time I'll be a bit more adventurous but I wanted to check out what the hype was about and start simple. I definitely recommend stopping in if you're in the area and looking for an all organic, fresh menu..... shoot you might even see a star or 2.

love drunk.

Last week I spent doing what I love best.... eating, drinking, traveling, being in love and attending 2 beautiful weddings. Through Berkley to San Fran back down to Los Gatos, to San Jose & Santa Cruz all the way down the coast to LA. To say breathtaking would be an understatement. There is just something magical about the energy and people up north. I am not done with you San Fran.... you have taken a little piece of my heart. Here are a few photos in my attempt to capture it all.

First stop... Berkley

San Francisco 

(we just HAD to make it to Calzone's in North Beach)

Wedding 1
A's Cousin ties the knot!


Villa Montalvo in Los Gatos, CA

After the wedding we decided to take a trip down the coast. 

Capitola

~~~

Naaaaaaaature

We stumbled upon Plumes Coffee Shop (Monterey), the walls were covered in concert posters from the late 60's. 

Erie coast of Monterey
~~~

Big Sur--- The picture doesn't do it justice...the water was turquoise even beneath the clouds

...On the road again

Back in LA...

Bike ride through the Venice Canals

.....and an afternoon delight

Wedding 2

Shrek marries his Fiona!

Westlake, CA

Whole Grains vs. Refined Grains- Here's the deal

It's been a week now that I have cut out all refined and enriched grains out of my diet..GO ME :-). Simply- this means anything white (white bread, white pasta, cookies, cake...etc). You ask why? Well besides the fact that its a no brainer that whole grains are much more nutritious , here is the simple low down I found from the Mayo Clinic :

"Grains, especially whole grains, are an essential part of a healthy diet. All types of grains are good sources of complex carbohydrates and some key vitamins and minerals. Grains are also naturally low in fat. All of this makes grains a healthy option. Better yet, they've been linked to a lower risk of heart disease, diabetes, certain cancers and other health problems.

The healthiest kinds of grains are whole grains. The 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends that at least half of all the grains you eat are whole grains. Chances are you eat lots of grains already. But are they whole grains? If you're like most, you're not getting enough whole grains in your diet. See how to make whole grains a part of your healthy diet.

Types of grains

Also called cereals, grains and whole grains are the seeds of grasses cultivated for food. Grains and whole grains come in many shapes and sizes, from large kernels of popcorn to small quinoa seeds.

• Whole grains. These are unrefined grains that haven't had their bran and germ removed by milling. Whole grains are better sources of fiber and other important nutrients, such as selenium, potassium and magnesium. Whole grains are either single foods, such as brown rice and popcorn, or ingredients in products, such as buckwheat in pancakes or whole wheat in bread.
• Refined grains. Refined grains are milled, a process that strips out both the bran and germ to give them a finer texture and extend their shelf life. The refining process also removes many nutrients, including fiber. Refined grains include white flour, white rice, white bread and degermed cornflower. Many breads, cereals, crackers, desserts and pastries are made with refined grains, too.
• Enriched grains. Enriched means that some of the nutrients lost during processing are added back in. Some enriched grains are grains that have lost B vitamins added back in — but not the lost fiber. Fortifying means adding in nutrients that don't occur naturally in the food. Most refined grains are enriched, and many enriched grains also are fortified with other vitamins and minerals, such as folic acid and iron. Some countries require certain refined grains to be enriched. Whole grains may or may not be fortified"

You know it hasn't been that difficult. I cook at home most of the time anyways so I just shop smart. Its crazy to me though that most restaurants don't offer much whole grain options. I went out to dinner with my girlfriend last week and out of the 15 appetizers offered not one thing I could eat!! And of course the bread and butter before dinner--- well thats out. But you know what? Not only has this allowed me to make smarter choices with my starch and carbohydrate intake its forcing me to snack less. For instance I survived Friday night which consisted of drinking debaucheries and of course late night munichies. So i had a handful of nuts, string cheese and an apple with peanut butter and it was surprisingly delicious and filling!!! 

Now I am a little concerned about one thing...PIZZA. I love pizza,  all kinds...thin crust, deep dish, veggie, cheese, hawaiian you name it!! So I decided I just can't give it up, and thats ok . But I'm not just going to have any kind of pizza, I will be smart with my pizza and picky. Choose only the places that use the freshest and most local ingredients (and where wheat is available , well duh I'll choose wheat crust). If I commit to sticking with whole grains , then having that slice won't have the long term affect since its such a small part of my overall grain intake.

I'm going to start researching and trying out different types of grains, seeds, nutritionally packed starches so stay tuned for some delicious (or not so delicious lol) recipes. Quinoa anyone? 

-E

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/whole-grains/NU00204

Longevity

How many times have you committed to really getting in shape, staying in shape or just simply being more active? ?? Too many to count? Trust me I know .. I have started and given up so many times its embarrassing.


I tried all kinds of things, ridiculously overpriced gym memberships, kickboxing classes, at home workout videos you name it. I just didn't understand why I couldn't be consistent. Then I started searching deeper. Why did I want to work out? What purpose does it serve me? Is it really only because I want to look good in a bikini? It was never really to loose weight. I've never been necessarily over weight just wanted to get rid of the extra cushion. Then a friend recommended Yoga. I know what you might be thinking…so trendy! Trust me I was a little skeptical too. But I decided to give it a go, so I took a few classes here and there and then a friend mentioned Bryan Kest Power Yoga . If you live in the Santa Monica/Venice area this is the place to go! Byran Kest is a revolutionary yogi. He has taking his many years of travel, inspiration and practice and created the perfect environment for people to peacefully become in-tune with their mind, body and spirt. His primary objective "besides turning more and more people on to a healthier, more peaceful lifestyle that continually challenges them to grow, is to teach a system of exercise that fully integrates the body, mind, and spirit", says Kest. The studio(s) are structured where classes are an 1.5 and run every 2 hours, starting usually around 9am and they go as late as 10pm. Each session is led by a unique teacher possessing their own style of yoga (Bryan also teaches classes!!). I love the variety and each class is structured for you to go at your own pace, as easy or as hard as you'd like. Another great perk… it's DONATION ONLY. For more info visit http://www.poweryoga.com/
Through yoga I started to really get in tune with my body, my center. It taught me how to you use my own body to build strength, endurance and overall peace of mind.  I started to feel better… physically, mentally and spiritually. Working out suddenly had more then a physical purpose. After an hour and a half I left calm, whole, full and well yes very sweaty.


Now for me personally Yoga wasn't enough. I really want to push my body to its fullest potential. Luckily I live just steps from Venice Beach so I try to incorporate walks/jogs/runs (cardio) down the beach with the babe (Bella, my pup---get to know her shes a big part of this journey). Then there is the boring (hard part)- strength training. I know boo. This was the hardest routine to get down. But with incredible guidance and patience from "A" (the BF) we came up with my perfect core, upper body and lower body routine. So between Yoga, Cardio & Strength training I finally feel like I have a plan. Unfortunately I'm stuck with the awful 9-5 kinda life right now so my day doesn't really get to start until 6pm. So that leaves me a few hours of the day to work out have dinner and spend time doing the things that really make me happy. Trust me this is VERY TEMPORARY--baby steps. So for now I work with what I have. I switch it up, one day yoga, one day Cardio and one day strength training-- and always a day (or two) for rest. And on the weekends I try to do things outdoor doors (hikes, long walks, bike rides…etc).
It comes down to the fact that I love my life and I'm happy and excited for so much to come. So I want to provide my body with the tools to physically, mentally and spiritually live as long as I can. I found that I wanted to stay fit for longevity, and overall well being. My routine is a huge commitment, I'm not saying you need to work out everyday.

Whatever your purpose is whether its to look great in a bathing suit, heighten your mood or hell climb Match Pichu one day..find your motivation and find your reason. Tap into it ! I promise you will not be disappointed once you see how uplifting it is! . You will see that you can accomplish so much more! Learn your body. It is your temple. Take care of it .

- E