Afternoon Photos

A few weeks ago on a lazy Sunday afternoon, the weather was beautiful and the sun wasn't far from setting, so photographer friend Othello and I decided to have a fun afternoon photo sesh. Below are a few of the pictures.

 F21 dress, Nordstrom blazer

 U.O headband, vintage ring, Sally Hansen Insta-Dry nail polish in Lively Lilac

 Michael Kors Watch, F21 bracelets



Simple Things

It has become a sort of week-end reward for me to indulge at my favorite sushi restaurant for lunch on Fridays. I've eaten my fair share of sushi (its really everywhere here in LA) but in my opinion, none really compares to Brothers Sushi on Ventura Blvd. in Woodland Hills. The staff is always super friendly and fast, and the chefs always greet customers with warm "hello"s, "welcome"s and "how are you"s from the sushi bar even while they are busy whipping up their delicious rolls and sashimi plates. Their fish is insanely fresh and flavorful, and there is always reggae music playing that helps to create the wonderfully mellow atmosphere that is Brothers. Since lent began this past Wednesday, I won't be eating meat on Fridays until the end of April, so I will definitely be frequenting this tasty little sushi joint in the next few weeks. Below are a few of my favorites.

Healthy little sprout salad that they serve while you wait for your food

Sauteed garlic shrimp roll.

Kerry Roll (this roll can be enough for a meal)

Complimentary orange slices for desert

Turkey Meatloaf

Ive always been a huge fan of comfort food. Growing up, meatloaf was undoubtedly one of my favorites. I know meatloaf isn't for everyone, but this recipe is definitely a reoccurring dish in my house because its ridiculously easy, healthy, and filling. I even took it to a Thanksgiving potluck I had with a bunch of friends last year and it went over really well. Paired with some potatoes and green beans or spinach, and you've got yourself a tasty home-cooked meal!

Turkey Meatloaf

• 1lb lean ground turkey
• 1 cup grated parmesan
• 1 cup bread crumbs
• 1 cup red pasta sauce of your choice (my favorite is Classico's Italian Sausage pasta sauce. The sausage and chunks of bell pepper add a ton of flavor)
• 1 egg to hold it all together
• 1 small onion (or half a large) chopped

Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl until even throughout, and then press lightly into a loaf pan. Pour another cup of the pasta sauce (or ketchup if you prefer) on top and bake in the oven for an hour (sometimes I add an extra 10 minutes or so) Give it a bit to cool, slice, and enjoy! 

I Believe

I believe...That a birth certificate shows that we were born, a Death Certificate shows that we died, and pictures show that we lived! Sit back, relax, and read slowly..
I Believe… That just because two people argue, it doesn’t mean they don’t love each other. And just because they don’t argue, it doesn’t mean they do love each other.
I Believe… That we don’t have to change friends if we understand that friends change.
I Believe… That no matter how good a friend is, they’re going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.
I Believe… That true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance.  Same goes for true love.
I Believe…. That you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life.
I Believe… That you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them.
I Believe… That you can keep going long after you think you can’t.
I Believe… That we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.
I Believe… That heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.
I Believe… That money is a lousy way of keeping score.
I Believe… That my best friend and I can do anything or nothing and have the best time.
I Believe… That sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you’re down, will be the ones to help you get back up.
I Believe… That sometimes when I’m angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn’t give me the right to be cruel.
I Believe… That maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you’ve had and what you’ve learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you’ve celebrated.
I Believe… That it isn’t always enough, to be forgiven by others. Sometimes, you have to learn to forgive yourself.
I Believe… that no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn’t stop for your grief.
I Believe… That our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become.
I Believe… That you shouldn’t be so eager to find out a secret. It could change your life forever.
I Believe… That two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different.
I Believe… That your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don’t even know you.
I Believe… That even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you - you will find the strength to help.
I Believe… That credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.
I Believe… That the people you care about most in life are taken from you too soon.

I Believe… That it’s taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.
I Believe… That either you control your attitude or it controls you.

Simple Things

It's Friday night, and I am perfectly content staying in, eating pizza, and watching old (but still fabulous) Sex and the City episodes. This week felt like it was at least 10 days long, so I cant wait to have a lazy evening at home and catch a full nights sleep. Below are a few of the things that made me happy this week. Hope you have a lovely weekend!

My favorite soup to make when the weather is a little chilly. I love the flavor of the lemon and the chicken together. Recipe found here (I usually add a lot more carrots and spinach than the recipe calls for, and I use rotisserie chickens to make it extra easy and flavorful)

My 13 year old 'kittens', Cinders and Smokey who somehow make my bed more inviting and are always so accommodating when I feel the need to smother them with affection.   

Adele's new album. So good. Love her. Buy it.



Maya

Today in the office I was reminded of a quote that I've always liked for its straightforward message and simple advice. Since March is Women's History month, I thought now would be a great time to share a wise saying from one of the many incredible females who have left their mark in time.

"The first time someone shows you who they are, believe them."

-Maya Angelou

Also, here is a sneak peak at a recent photo shoot I had with Othello Silla . More pictures to come!

Sister

Its been a couple months since I've seen my sister, and I think a trip up to San Luis Obispo, California where she lives is in order. Between work, multiple projects, and social agendas, we don't get to chat or see each other as much as I would like, but sometimes just knowing shes there if I need her is enough.

Then

Now

"A sister is a little bit of childhood that can never be lost"

-Marion C. Garretty