Wishing all the daddies, and especially mine, a wonderful Father's Day!
 | |
| Seattle 2011 |
Friday, June 13, 2014
Happy Father's Day!
I'm sure everyone thinks their dad is the best, but I can assure you that mine really is! He is the cream of the crop as a dad and as a man; they just don't make them better than him. Even if I didn't always understand his methods as a teenager, I knew his intentions were to raise the most well-rounded, self sufficient, respectful little humans he could. As a military family growing up, we were always seen as a reflection of him which, when you're picking out a model to emulate, you couldn't pick a better example. And while he may question our decisions sometimes, I think his influence shines through in each of us daily.
Wishing all the daddies, and especially mine, a wonderful Father's Day!
Wishing all the daddies, and especially mine, a wonderful Father's Day!
Tuesday, June 3, 2014
Adventures || LA with La
On a recent business trip to LA, I decided to hang out an extra day to fit in some much needed time with my La (Lauren). We go back 11 years starting from our freshmen year at The University of Arizona; her dorm room was katty corner from mine. She visits Arizona often since her roots are here, but I haven't been out to LA to see her in a couple years so this worked out perfectly.
So here's the thing, I love food! And thankfully La loves food, too. This is a happy friendship! The great thing about Silverlake (her hood) is they have some REALLY good food. So we ate. Lots. And it was all so good! We also worked out as to not feel so shameful about our eating escapades. More on that later.
La has lived in Silverlake for a few years now so she has a pretty good handle on the go-to spots for good eats and drinks. I also came prepared with a list of places thanks to the suggestions of another local, Bri of designlovefest.com. By the time I made it back to the airport to return home, my non-forgiving pants hated me but my tummy loved me!
Even though I still had business to attend to on Monday, I had to check out of my hotel Sunday so I stayed with La which worked out well and allowed me more time with her. Sunday night we hit up Diablo for some tasty tacos--they didn't disappoint. I got the rockfish which was pretty good, but it was the sweet corn that stole the show. So good, in fact, that I got an order to go so I could relive its glory again the next day. Best. Corn. Ever. I'm a fan of simple but powerful flavor and this corn knocked it out of the park. I'm drooling thinking about it now. At the suggestion of the staff, we treated ourselves to dessert: churros with bacon caramel sauce and chocolate ganache. You really can't go wrong with churros or bacon so this was another win! Now, I'm not a huge beer fan but lately I've been drawn to hard ciders. Diablo had a cherry cider michelada that sounded intriguing so I figured I'd try it out. With the ridiculously yummy rimming salt and chili combo (can I get that in a bowl, please?!) and a pineapple popsicle to drop in for added flavor, this really was a party for my mouth. You must try it.
Before heading out for business Monday, we hit up Sunset Junction Coffee Shop for brunch per La's craving for the best huevos rancheros in town. I opted for the "Healthy" plate in an attempt to save calories for later. Was it good? Yes. But can we talk about the BEST iced soy vanilla latte I've ever had in my life?! I could have kissed the waiter when he asked how I liked it. Heaven in a glass--so perfect. So perfect that I had to get another one before they closed for the night because there was no way I could sleep well without it. Dramatic, I know. Had my flight not been delayed (twice) then re-instated (only to be delayed again once I got to the airport--fun times) I would have grabbed another glass to go, making it three servings in less than 36 hours. Fanatic about this damn crack coffee!
After taking care of business, La and I hit the trails for a hike up to the Griffith Observatory and beyond. With her two weenie dogs in tow, we made our way to the top for an incredible view. It also helped to make us feel less guilty about our cupcakes and churros! I wish the heat wasn't so intense in Arizona right now because I would love to get out and go on more hikes. There's always November!
Hiking up a mountain can leave a girl hungry, so after a quick change we headed to Umami Burger in Los Feliz. Do you know what beets, ricotta, and arugula do when they get together? They have a party in your mouth and you wanna lick the plate when you're done. (No, Dad, I didn't lick the plate!) For burgers, I opted for the turkey burger and La went with the manly burger (seriously, it was called the manly burger) and we split and shared the love. In case you forget where you are, they stamp their buns with their logo taking branding to the next level! Throw a hard apple cider into the mix and I nearly had to be rolled back to the car.
As if I hadn't had enough good eats so far, we still had brunch to conquer Tuesday morning. With doughnuts on our mind, we headed to LAMILL Coffee. I had had their iced soy vanilla latte my last visit and honestly wasn't really impressed, so I went into this cautiously optimistic. We can all rejoice that they have redeemed themselves this time around, not only with a delish latte but with the yummiest brioche doughnuts complete with sweet vanilla cream and jam for dipping. It's a good thing this place wasn't a library because I'm pretty sure it sounded like I was having a When Harry Met Sally moment right there at my table for the third time this visit--remember there first was that ridiculous corn then the best latte of my life! There were some tasty eggs benny, too, but they were definitely not the star of the show; it's tough being the second act. Apparently this joint is celebrity approved since we were a couple tables down from Matthew Lillard, ya know, Shaggy himself!
Despite the looks of it, I had other plans besides eating my way through LA. After seeing a picture of La doing aerial yoga, I put it on my must-try list and lucky for me we had time to squeeze in a class before my evening flight. If you have the chance, you have to try it for yourself. There is something very therapeutic and freeing about being suspended by a hammock of fabric and having faith that you won't fall. It was challenging while also allowing me to move more fluidly than I may be able to in a traditional yoga practice. I'm hooked!
The takeaway from this trip? Corn. Coffee. Doughnuts. Oh, and aerial yoga!
In between stuffing our faces, we fit in some fun shopping also. I'll post about all the cute shops and sites soon, including a great florist that had the perfect plant boxes for our wedding center pieces. Win!
*Pardon the crap iPhone pictures; that gadget is a hot mess right now but needs to get me through for just a few more months.
So here's the thing, I love food! And thankfully La loves food, too. This is a happy friendship! The great thing about Silverlake (her hood) is they have some REALLY good food. So we ate. Lots. And it was all so good! We also worked out as to not feel so shameful about our eating escapades. More on that later.
La has lived in Silverlake for a few years now so she has a pretty good handle on the go-to spots for good eats and drinks. I also came prepared with a list of places thanks to the suggestions of another local, Bri of designlovefest.com. By the time I made it back to the airport to return home, my non-forgiving pants hated me but my tummy loved me!
Even though I still had business to attend to on Monday, I had to check out of my hotel Sunday so I stayed with La which worked out well and allowed me more time with her. Sunday night we hit up Diablo for some tasty tacos--they didn't disappoint. I got the rockfish which was pretty good, but it was the sweet corn that stole the show. So good, in fact, that I got an order to go so I could relive its glory again the next day. Best. Corn. Ever. I'm a fan of simple but powerful flavor and this corn knocked it out of the park. I'm drooling thinking about it now. At the suggestion of the staff, we treated ourselves to dessert: churros with bacon caramel sauce and chocolate ganache. You really can't go wrong with churros or bacon so this was another win! Now, I'm not a huge beer fan but lately I've been drawn to hard ciders. Diablo had a cherry cider michelada that sounded intriguing so I figured I'd try it out. With the ridiculously yummy rimming salt and chili combo (can I get that in a bowl, please?!) and a pineapple popsicle to drop in for added flavor, this really was a party for my mouth. You must try it.
 |
| This ain't no regular sweet corn! |
Before heading out for business Monday, we hit up Sunset Junction Coffee Shop for brunch per La's craving for the best huevos rancheros in town. I opted for the "Healthy" plate in an attempt to save calories for later. Was it good? Yes. But can we talk about the BEST iced soy vanilla latte I've ever had in my life?! I could have kissed the waiter when he asked how I liked it. Heaven in a glass--so perfect. So perfect that I had to get another one before they closed for the night because there was no way I could sleep well without it. Dramatic, I know. Had my flight not been delayed (twice) then re-instated (only to be delayed again once I got to the airport--fun times) I would have grabbed another glass to go, making it three servings in less than 36 hours. Fanatic about this damn crack coffee!
 |
| BEST iced soy vanilla latte EVER! |
 |
| I'm the crazy who walks in 2 minutes before close for another cup of crack coffee. |
After taking care of business, La and I hit the trails for a hike up to the Griffith Observatory and beyond. With her two weenie dogs in tow, we made our way to the top for an incredible view. It also helped to make us feel less guilty about our cupcakes and churros! I wish the heat wasn't so intense in Arizona right now because I would love to get out and go on more hikes. There's always November!
 |
| That's Griffith Observatory as we were half way to the top of the trail. |
Hiking up a mountain can leave a girl hungry, so after a quick change we headed to Umami Burger in Los Feliz. Do you know what beets, ricotta, and arugula do when they get together? They have a party in your mouth and you wanna lick the plate when you're done. (No, Dad, I didn't lick the plate!) For burgers, I opted for the turkey burger and La went with the manly burger (seriously, it was called the manly burger) and we split and shared the love. In case you forget where you are, they stamp their buns with their logo taking branding to the next level! Throw a hard apple cider into the mix and I nearly had to be rolled back to the car.
As if I hadn't had enough good eats so far, we still had brunch to conquer Tuesday morning. With doughnuts on our mind, we headed to LAMILL Coffee. I had had their iced soy vanilla latte my last visit and honestly wasn't really impressed, so I went into this cautiously optimistic. We can all rejoice that they have redeemed themselves this time around, not only with a delish latte but with the yummiest brioche doughnuts complete with sweet vanilla cream and jam for dipping. It's a good thing this place wasn't a library because I'm pretty sure it sounded like I was having a When Harry Met Sally moment right there at my table for the third time this visit--remember there first was that ridiculous corn then the best latte of my life! There were some tasty eggs benny, too, but they were definitely not the star of the show; it's tough being the second act. Apparently this joint is celebrity approved since we were a couple tables down from Matthew Lillard, ya know, Shaggy himself!
 |
| Brioche doughnuts-yes, please! |
Despite the looks of it, I had other plans besides eating my way through LA. After seeing a picture of La doing aerial yoga, I put it on my must-try list and lucky for me we had time to squeeze in a class before my evening flight. If you have the chance, you have to try it for yourself. There is something very therapeutic and freeing about being suspended by a hammock of fabric and having faith that you won't fall. It was challenging while also allowing me to move more fluidly than I may be able to in a traditional yoga practice. I'm hooked!
The takeaway from this trip? Corn. Coffee. Doughnuts. Oh, and aerial yoga!
In between stuffing our faces, we fit in some fun shopping also. I'll post about all the cute shops and sites soon, including a great florist that had the perfect plant boxes for our wedding center pieces. Win!
*Pardon the crap iPhone pictures; that gadget is a hot mess right now but needs to get me through for just a few more months.
Thursday, May 29, 2014
DIY || Office Desk
For as long as I can remember, I've loved making. Whether it be food, art, or projects for my home, I like the process of creating and the satisfying end result. I'm also mildly obsessed with power tools although I may sometimes look like a monkey humping a football trying to use!
Enter my latest DIY creation, our office desk. Josh and I needed a desk for our office and instead of buying something that would have set us back a pretty penny based on our requirements, I decided I'd make it myself. We wanted a desk that spanned (nearly) the complete 12' width of the front facing wall so that we could both utilize the desk at the same time. The plan was to support the ends of the desk with IKEA tressels from my work bench and in the center install a file cabinet sort of storage unit. I probably should have measured the tressels first because as it turns out, they are a few inches too big for our desktop. No big deal for now, but I may invest in hairpin legs later to make it more presentable.
About the before image...I have no excuse. This room was just a hot mess! Without a desk to use, the office was useless and quickly became the go to spot to throw things that didn't have a designated home yet. Now that the desk is installed, things are looking much better although still in progress.
I gave myself a weekend to get the project complete and was quite proud that I met my deadline. While this post is not meant to be a step-by-step how-to for building a desk, since I'm sure my dimensions will differ from others', I hope this shows how simple and completely doable this project is. With just a weekend for time, $100 in supply costs (lumber, stain, screws, and liquid nail), and a few supplies I already had on hand (polyurethane and tressels), I'm able to actually use my office for more than hopeless storage. Hooray!
Enter my latest DIY creation, our office desk. Josh and I needed a desk for our office and instead of buying something that would have set us back a pretty penny based on our requirements, I decided I'd make it myself. We wanted a desk that spanned (nearly) the complete 12' width of the front facing wall so that we could both utilize the desk at the same time. The plan was to support the ends of the desk with IKEA tressels from my work bench and in the center install a file cabinet sort of storage unit. I probably should have measured the tressels first because as it turns out, they are a few inches too big for our desktop. No big deal for now, but I may invest in hairpin legs later to make it more presentable.
About the before image...I have no excuse. This room was just a hot mess! Without a desk to use, the office was useless and quickly became the go to spot to throw things that didn't have a designated home yet. Now that the desk is installed, things are looking much better although still in progress.
I gave myself a weekend to get the project complete and was quite proud that I met my deadline. While this post is not meant to be a step-by-step how-to for building a desk, since I'm sure my dimensions will differ from others', I hope this shows how simple and completely doable this project is. With just a weekend for time, $100 in supply costs (lumber, stain, screws, and liquid nail), and a few supplies I already had on hand (polyurethane and tressels), I'm able to actually use my office for more than hopeless storage. Hooray!
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