Walden Media

Six weeks ago, I began an internship position with Walden Media. A division of Anschutz Film Group, Walden has produced such films as "The Chronicles of Narnia" and the acclaimed documentary, "Waiting for Superman". As part of the creative development team, I have read numerous scripts, and have had the chance to contribute to the production process. This has been a great experience, and I am learning so much.

This weekend, Chad and I went to the screening of Walden's most recent film "Won't Back Down". Starring Maggie Gyllenhaal and Viola Davis, "Won't Back Down" is the inspiring story of two determined mothers who look to transform their children's failing inner city school. Check out the trailer below and go see the full movie in theaters now!

Next month, I'm looking forward to watching "Chasing Mavericks", starring Gerard Butler. Coming to theaters October 26th, Mavericks is the story of surfer Jay Moriarty. At the age of 16, Jay surfed one of the biggest waves in the world. Take a look at the trailer below. 

Sweat Like a Pig, Look Like a Fox

It's important to find an exercise that gets your heart rate up. If you like to eat (like me), then this will burn calories and shred fat. Make sure you're working up a good sweat at least 3-4x a week. Sweating ensures that your body is reaching it's max heart rate for calorie burning and helps to release toxins.

Let's get "foxy" this fall! xo

Tiradito

So you may be wondering what I've done with all the fish we caught in Ensenada. We enjoyed everything from fish tacos to a little raw sashimi. What I'm most excited about, is the delicious tiradito that I made. I loved this dish so much when I was in Cabo that I made the waiter give me the recipe. I recreated the dish with some of our fresh Yellowtail and it was a hit! 

To make, stack the following ingredients in thin layers inside of a large tupperware or baking pan. Start with a layer of bay leaves, then continue with thinly sliced red bell pepper, red onion & ginger, and lastly thyme. On top, place thin slices of the freshest whitefish you can find ( I recommend Yellowtail). Top with one part soy sauce, 3/4 part fresh lime juice, and enough olive oil to saturate the upper layer of fish. Cover and let sit in the drawer of the fridge for at least 6 hours. When you're ready to eat, simply take the first layer of fish off of the top and arrange neatly on a plate. Use your imagination for your favorite garnish, I like jalapeños and a squeeze of lime. Enjoy!  xo

Streetcar

Last night, Chad and I got to attend a special event on the 11th floor of the Cooper Building. A Taste of Streetcar, hosted specifically for locals of DTLA, gained awareness for a proposition to install a streetcar through the streets of downtown. Chad and I enjoyed samples from several restaurants, which are located along the would-be streetcar path... We also enjoyed the photo booth! 

In order for the streetcar to be installed, they must win a two thirds majority vote in November. I loved the event, I am in huge support for the revitalization of Downtown, and I think that public transport needs to be more readily available. However, since the car will be free to ride, it will be funded through a public tax based upon square footage of our residence. Although the fee is minimal, seeing as I won't be utilizing it for work or really anything else, I don't want to pay for it. Also, the proposed route is only ten city blocks. I mean really, aren't we lazy enough?  I can (and do) walk that route if I want to go somewhere on it! Did I mention the streetcar is ugly?  If you're going to do a streetcar why not make it charming, like in San Francisco? At least that would draw in some tourists. Even more importantly, the state of California is in serious debt. As nice as it would be to have a Streetcar, can we afford it? The funds would be better appropriated to help pay off some of our debts. For these reasons, I will probably NOT be voting for Streetcar, but I guess we will see what happens this upcoming November. 

Not chic. Let's give the car some character, like Angels Flight.

Escape to Ensenada

 Over the weekend, Chad and I escaped with some great friends for a little fishing trip. My parents have a boat that they keep in Ensenada, Mexico and we just love to drive down for a weekend. There's so much to do and it really feels like a vacation! Take a peek at some highlights over the past few trips... 

Catch of the day!

Our favorite restaurant, Manzanilla.

Swimming with the dolphins

Chad's harbor catch

Fish Market

Most people don't know all that Ensenada has to offer. A couple of hours across the border, there's abundant fishing as well as wine tasting from vineyards in Valle de Guadalupe (our favorite is Cavas Valmar ). Just another reason to love Southern California! 

The (not so) Standard

Yesterday, I had a magnificent day at The Standard. One of the best spots downtown, my mom and I spent the day lounging by the pool. There are far too many amazing features in this hotel to even try to showcase them all here, but take a peek at a few photos off my instagram...

Gotta love the Biergarten!

 Just a short walk from my loft, on any sunny day, you can find me poolside at The Standard.

PS. Follow me on instagram @ChristinaSinclair  xo

Going Gold

My best friend celebrated her 27th birthday over the weekend. In honor of her "Golden" Birthday - she turned 27 on the 27th - we decided to "go gold" in Palm Springs. There's nothing like a little poolside fun with some great girls! 

 A glorious golden day! xo

(500) Days of Downtown

I watched (500) Days of Summer for the first time years ago. As I started to explore Downtown, I couldn't help but remember some of the scenes I had seen in the movie. Shot in DTLA, it's an adorable story of boy meets girl and I love how the movie showcases the city. Take a look...

If you'd like to visit some of the locations, you'll find Angels Knoll, a quaint park with a view, at the end of your trip on Angels Flight. 

The final scene is shot in the Bradbury Building.

My favorite part is of course the dance number...

Dying to see (500) Days of Summer again, I rented it on iTunes last night and made Chad watch it with me. But don't be fooled, "this is not a love story". Click here to view the official trailer.

No Regrets

 Lady Lux recently interviewed me for a blogger spotlight. My interview focused on health and fitness and I realized perhaps my readers would like to hear more about what I think on the subject. After all, I am a professional!

A very wise woman once told me, "You never regret working out." This is so true. Have you ever had a busy day and thought to yourself, "Well, at least I didn't work out today"? Never. Even on the busiest day we never regret the time we invested in our health. I find that my most productive days come when I've had a good workout in the morning. Getting the heart rate up will increase circulation and stimulate your brain power!  We not only release endorphins that help us feel better, but we sweat out toxins. It's time to start feeling and looking better, people!

For more tips, check out the full article by Lady Lux.

Cabbage & Chickpea Salad

This cabbage salad is a creation all on my own. I'm not sure what possessed me to make this combo but it is absolutely delicious and super easy. Did I mention that it not only tastes good but it's good for you, too? The cabbage is more sustainable than ordinary lettuce so it's a hearty enough dish to serve as an entree, plus it will last in the fridge a few days... great to take to work, a luncheon or a shower! 

Ingredients:
One whole organic red cabbage

Two cans of organic garbanzo beans (chickpeas)

Handfull of chopped organic parsley

Mustard (Preferably brown/whole seed)

Olive Oil

Rice Vinegar

Garlic Salt
Pepper

Cut the cabbage into quarters and place into a pot of boiling water. Let cook for 5 minutes - careful not to overcook so that the cabbage maintains it's crunch. Meanwhile make the dressing with three parts mustard, one part olive oil and one part rice vinegar. Feel free to make as little or as much dressing as you'd like, you can always use leftover dressing for another salad. After cabbage is finished, let cool and discard the outside leaves. Chop remaining cabbage into bite sized pieces. Mix all ingredients in a bowl, add garlic salt & pepper to taste, and garnish with parsley.
Enjoy! xo

Fall Fashion

Summer is winding down and it's nearly time to bust out the winter wear. I can't wait. While summer style can be effortlessly chic, I love the Fall because the fashion possibilities are endless. About six weeks ago I purchased a pair of tan suede ankle boots - I've been living in them ever since. They were my one boot that was acceptable for summer and I'm hoping that they'll stick around for Fall. 

Kate's always an inspiration!

With their one and a half inch heel, they give me a little something but still keep me under six feet! What looks do you hope will carry into Fall?