Don't Give Up

2012 is coming to an end... we've reached December! What were your goals for this year? Have you accomplished them? If not, there's good news. The year isn't over yet. So...

What can you do in this final month of 2012 to launch you into 2013?

Still Thankful

I hope everyone enjoyed a relaxing and fun-filled Thanksgiving. I was grateful to not only have a few days off of work, but to spend time with my loved ones. Chad and I started the weekend by taking our Christmas photos. Here's a quick preview of some shots taken by a dear friend, Becky Shannon. Take a peek...

  I am still feeling very thankful for all the wonderful blessings in my life.

Tequila, Tequila

We finally got a chance to go to the tequila bar, Las Perlas. My drink of choice, I absolutely loved the ambiance and the cocktails. It was perfect for our date night. Be sure to visit this spot if you're looking for someplace to grab a drink downtown, especially if you like tequila! 

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If you want to go for an after-dinner or even pre-dinner drink, Las Perlas is directly across from Artisan House and within walking distance to most all downtown restaurants. It's a laid back kinda place, the venue boasts a pool table and there was even a group playing cards -- I wished we had brought some of our own. By the same owners of Caña (the rum bar), Las Perlas another great spot!

The Hollywood Sign

Wanting to venture away from our usual weekend routine in Elysian Park, Chad and I decided to move further outside of DTLA to Griffith Park. Surprisingly enough, neither of us had ever been to the park (or even the observatory). After researching some hiking trails that I found on this site, we decided to hike to the iconic Hollywood Sign. Only three miles round trip, it was the perfect hike and the perfect day! We could see all the way to Catalina Island and beyond. Take a peek...

Sock Buns

I'm fairly capable of doing my hair and make-up, so when buns made their comeback I was ready to jump on the bun band wagon. However, my bun never looked quite right. It always looked too tight or too small, or a little lop sided. Considering I have realtively thick hair, I could not figure out where I was going wrong. 

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About two weeks ago, a girl I work with had the perfect bun and she was all too excited to tell me that there was actually a SOCK in her hair. What?! How did I not know about this little trick?! I went home and watched this video on you tube to achieve the perfect bun. Sure enough, I went out with my new, perfected bun, and a girl walked up to me and said, "Sorry we were all staring at you, but we're admiring your bun. How did you do that?" Just the reaction I was always hoping for! And good news, it's super quick and easy. Watch the video here and try it yourself. Below, find some fancy variations to spice it up :)

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Artisan House

My parents came into town last night so Chad and I decided (after passing up an hour and a half wait at Bottega Louie) to try out Artisan House. I've been wanting to come here for quite awhile now and I was very pleased. Take a peek...

Outdoor Seating

The space is half restaurant and half market -- think Bottega Louie but much more organic in decor, ambiance etc. Good news is while the wait at Bottega's was over an hour, we were seated at Artisan right away. Furthermore, while initially it was the space that drew my attention, I was SO impressed by the food! We ordered small plates to share and everything was delicious. I highly recommend the Tuna Carpaccio -- out of this world!

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 Following dinner, the chef introduced herself --  she mentioned that she worked previously for Soho house and Cecconi's in West Hollywood. I mostly appreciate that all their food comes from small, organic, family farms. Overall, I love the vibe, love the crowd, and I see no reason why this place shouldn't be full. We will definitely be back. I can't wait to try their brunch. Yum!

PS. Next time, following dinner, we are heading across the street to the tequila bar. I'll keep ya posted :)

Excuses, Excuses

Once you quit, it's hard to start again. I know. It's hard for everyone. This is especially true when it comes to exercise. Like you, I had every excuse in the book. I'm too busy, I'm too tired, I'll eat healthy instead.... blah blah blah. I get it. Luckily, since I started teaching, I don't have an excuse. I can't  have an excuse -- If I don't show, there will be a group of people waiting for me. For most people, there won't be anyone holding you accountable, but here's the good news...

Today is a new day and if you hate starting over, then stop quitting! After all, today is yesterday's tomorrow and good habits are just as addicting as bad habits. Where would you be today if you started six months ago?

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