June Gloom: My Summer Wishlist

June gloom is definitely in the air in sunny socal, but it's got me thinking that summer is just around the corner and there's so much I want to do. Here's a sampling:

*Pool Party at the Standard - does it get anymore socal than lounging on an outdoor rooftop pool and sipping slightly sweet overpriced cocktails? I don't think so

*Tim Burton exhibit at LACMA- It's supposed to be great, and LACMA is always amazing. No further explanation needed

*See live shows often - I checked out The Belle Brigade at Satellite last week and was reminded at how awesome live shows are and how lucky I am to live in LA where there's multitudes of great bands and venues. Next up: Sonos at Hotel Cafe

*Movie Nights with friends - Starting with conquering my E.T. fear in a couple of weeks (that's a post for another time)

*Hollywood Bowl - picnic foods, music, wine... I'm in

*Plan an awesome trip - There's a chance I may get to go to Australia for work, but if not, I'm going to plan something epic for myself

*Rock being a Bridesmaid - My dear cousin is getting married in september and there's going to be plenty of wedding related activities over the summer that I can't wait to be a part of

*Move to the Eastside - I love living in West LA, but most of my friends are Los Feliz dwellers now and that part of town has really grown on me. I'm just so excited to have my own place and decorate the hell out of it!

What are you summer plans?

Monday Goals

I returned to work this week, so things are about to get real hectic again (I'm going to miss my time off.) Fortunately it came at the perfect time so I was able to focus on some great writing projects and the turmoil that has been present.

I'll keep this entry short and sweet.  Instead of focusing on a ton of goals, I'm going to limit it to one goal in each major category of life, for example: job, writing, weight, apartment, personal (good place to start, right?)

Job Goal: Get back into the swing of things and create show binders for my boss

Writing Goal: Finish act one of my new pilot

Weight: Fill out a myfitnesspal entry M-F (at least)

Apartment: keep dirty dishes out of the sink (I mean, I have a dishwasher!)

Personal: Do something for me every day (bath, reading, phone dates)

Oh, and as a personal favor to me I have a big, exciting interview tomorrow so if people can send good vibes my way tomorrow morning, I'd be very appreciative!

Have a lovely and productive week!

And! Don't forget about the hair!

I actually went through with cutting my hair! I'm not going to lie, when he applied the scissors to my ponytail a moment of panic fluttered through me. But, I'm happy and lost close to 2 pounds as a result. Hooray! Oh, and I think it looks pretty good too :)

My former long locks. That's a whole lotta hair!

The new short 'do! My allergies have been a mess lately, so please excuse my weird winky face :)

Lust vs. Must: Book Review of "Bitter is the New Black" by Jennifer Lancaster

Now that summer is right around the corner, I’ve been stocking up on my poolside reading. I had the pleasure of reading Jen Lancaster’s HYSTERICAL memoir, “Bitter is the New Black – confessions of a condescending, egomaniacal, self-centered smart-ass, or why you should never carry a Prada bag to the unemployment office” (see the humor already?!) Basically, the book is her recounting of being a high-powered executive at the turn of the century and pretty much acting like a stuck-up bitch as a result of her fortune. Then, the whole economic crisis happened and she found herself without a job and thus having to skimp on all her normal essentials – including prada and (gasp) professional cuts and color!

Not only was the book laugh out loud funny, it was heartwarming (a tough feat to pull off considering she comes off as such a bitch in the beginning), and extremely resonating. I’m not going to lie, I grew up in a really wealthy town and my family took care of a lot for me (um, I got a brand new car when I was sixteen – thanks Grandpa!) But, thanks to my mom and dad’s determination to make my brother and I appreciate the value of a dollar (along with that new car I  was encouraged to get a job to pay for gas and to keep the car looking pretty). As much as I proclaimed my parents as “like, so unfair!” thank god for that! It is so easy to overindulge, especially when you’re used to it, but you also have to ground yourself otherwise things can spiral out of control.

One of my favorite parts of the book is after her unemployment checks run out, she goes through her closet and starts comparing her upscale items to utilities she could’ve paid for instead. Fortunately I’ve never been in fear of not making a payment on something, but I’m sure we can relate to going through our bills and expenses at the end of the month and wondering – hmm, did I really need those black wedges (and it’s ok if sometimes the answer is yes). But, in today’s economic world we should be thinking about what we can skimp on. I know I’ve made a serious effort to not get my nails done every month and to try and do them myself (and they aren’t half bad!) It ends up saving me close to $60/month which is close to $720 a year!

So, I gotta ask: What are your “must” items that you’d be better off giving up?

Pause Buttons and Haircuts

I love the start of the month. It’s like taking an eraser to a whiteboard – the residual marker dust is still there, but you essentially get to start clean. Last month was a difficult one for me (with some AMAZING things were sprinkled in!), but it made me have to pause and reevaluate things for better and worse. Since most of my readers are friends of mine, you no doubt know what I’m referring to, but for everyone else let me offer you this: if you have any doubts about a direction you’re going in life, it is so beneficial to PAUSE, re-evaluate some things, and make a new plan. Sometimes this pause is momentarily and I’m talking like ten seconds. Sometimes it can linger a little longer. Unfortunately, I’m in the little longer stage so I appreciate your kindness, patience, and support.

It's okay to take a break!

Anyway – maybe because of this new chapter (but mainly because I’m short, it’s getting ridiculously hot outside, and I’m sick of seeing long disgusting strands of hair in the shower), I’m cutting my hair. I think it’s the longest I’ve ever had it in my life, and truthfully it’s been awesome! My hair styling as of late has been shower, shampoo, apply product, and out the door I go (rinse, repeat). Cutting my hair is kind of a big deal to me. My darling dad has always been anti short hair – and anything shorter than grazing your backside he considers short (which is funny because my mom whom he loves dearly has NEVER had long hair!) I guess the marvelous thing about hair is it always grows back (and especially mine!), so I’m excited for the change!

Hopefully this entry marks my return to the blogosphere. And I promise, not all posts will be this personal! Have a lovely Wednesday and Happy June!

Apologies

Just a quick check-in. I apologize for my lack of posting in the past couple of days - work and personal issues leave little time for blogging, unfortunately :(

I hope to return shortly!

Tasty Tuesday: What's for Lunch?

Here are some healthy and easy options for our on-the-go days!

Guacamole and Bean Burrito roll-up

Think of this as a mini burrito. You can also add chicken and shredded cheese to the recipe for some extra pizzaz.

1/2 cup canned low-fat refried beans

1/4 cup salsa

3 tablespoons prepared guacamole

1 cup shredded romaine lettuce

2 small (6-inch) whole-grain tortillas

Heat up the beans and then combine all ingredients into the slightly warmed tortilla. Roll up and enjoy for later!

1 serving = 310 calories

Cesar Turkey Wrap

Simple and delicious, and I usually have most ingredients on hand. You can also substitute the turkey for chicken, or something I omit the meat altogether. I like to pair it with some fruit on the side.

1  large (10-inch)  whole-grain tortilla

2.5  ounces  sliced turkey breast

1/2  cup  shredded romaine lettuce

1  tablespoon  Caesar salad dressing

(option: a handful of shredded parmesan cheese)

Combine all ingredients into the tortilla. Roll it up, toss in a sandwich bag and you’ve got yourself some lunch!

1 serving = 380 calories

Barbecue Chicken Sandwich

This definitely adds some kick to the mid-day meal. Pair with a salad, and you’ve got a healthy meal for under 400 calories.

2  tbsp.  barbecue sauce

1  3-ounce  chicken breast (or use rotisserie chicken, skin removed)

1 whole grain hamburger bun (I’ve been using the orowheat sandwich thins)

Brush barbecue sauce on chicken and bake or grill until it reaches 165 F. Put chicken on bun and serve with side salad.

1 serving = 360 calories

Strawberry Spinach Salad

This salad is easy to make and packed with a ton of good stuff. Plus, it’s perfect for when the weather starts to get a little warmer.

2  cups  baby spinach

1  cup  shredded romaine lettuce

1/2  cup  sliced strawberries

1/2  cup  apple

½ avocado sliced

1/4  cup  tomatoes

8    croutons (or not)

2  tablespoons  vinaigrette

Combine all ingredients, except the dressing. Keep the in fridge until ready to serve. Sprinkle with dressing and enjoy!

1 serving = 360 calories

Greek Salad

Make your own dressing and enjoy this healthy lunch

1    lemon, juiced

1  tbsp.  olive oil

1    garlic clove, minced

Salt and pepper to taste

3  cups  chopped romaine lettuce

½ cup cucumbers

½ cup tomatoes

½ cup red bell pepper

2  tbsp.  reduced-fat feta cheese

1/2  cup  canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained

2  tbsp.  chopped kalamata olives

To make dressing: Whisk together lemon juice, oil, garlic, salt and pepper.

Combine all other ingredients and set aside until ready to serve.

1 serving = 265 calories

What are some of your lunchtime favorites?