Happy New Year!

Looking back through my posts of this year, and my goals from last New Years, I can't help but to feel proud. I told myself I wouldn't have any regrets this year, and I haven't. I tried to push myself to become a better person, and find more balance to my life. Although there has been some hard moments, I have strived to find more joy and happiness. I have surrounded myself with more positive and motivating energy and learned more about myself and what I want out of life. My family and friends have been my solid support system and helped me every step of the way and for that I am always grateful every year. It has been a year of change and growth, but I will always be humbled by the wonderful people around me that teach me every day how to be a better person. I've been thinking a lot about what my goal would be this year, and I've decided that I don't want to set one. I just hope for health and happiness and to enjoy the journey along the way. This year I am putting more joy, love, understanding, passion, forgiveness, excitement, and laughter out into the universe and hope everyone else does too! Happy New Year everyone!

Celebration of Life

As I landed at LAX to see my family for the holidays I received an unfortunate phone call that my great-grandmother had passed away. While I walked through the airport alone, and found my luggage I tried to process the information and grasp the news I had just gotten. Although I thought the appropriate emotion was sadness, I could't help but to feel a sense of calm. My great-grandmother lived an amazing, adventure filled, exciting life for 99 years and enjoyed every moment of it. She was never sick and was loved by everyone she met. She was wise beyond her years and yet so relatable at the same time. She always had a perfect manicure and lipstick on wherever she went, and loved to dance, even at her 98th birthday she demanded a live band! I enjoyed every moment we shared and loved her very much. Born in Rhodes, Greece she lived her life very relaxed and used her care-free attitude in every aspect of her life. She taught me not to sweat the small things and enjoy every day and for that I will forever be grateful. Although I am of course saddened by the loss of our family's matriarch, I feel so lucky to have had her in my life. She truly was one of the most amazing people I ever met. Love you Nona Lucy!

Much Needed Mac & Cheese

After a very long night of fun at Formal with my sisters, we decided that we should probably eat something, and what better than some cheesy, gooey, greasy goodness from S'MAC. S'MAC in the Eat Village is a tiny restaurant the makes all sort of crazy macaroni and cheese concoctions that are addictive. After walking through the village and all the people dressed up for Santacon, holiday version of halloween for NYC, we finally got the S'MAC and all ordered our own crazy type of mac and cheese and tried to claim one of the few small tables. Although it is a bit of a hassle to enjoy these mac and cheese, trust me, its well worth it. I ordered the Mediterranean, which has kalamata olives, goat cheese and spinach, my friends ordered everything from the Parisienne, with figs and brie to the All American with four types of cheese. The serve them burning hot in their own skillets with extra melted cheese and bread crumbs on top. This was exactly what we needed after our night. Since we were already out and the city seemed to be in the holiday spirit already, we decided to go to the Union Square Holiday Market, your one stop shop for everything holiday related. You can find anything from hand made jewelry to children's toys. And since we weren't completely stuffed already, we stopped for hot chocolate and then for apple and pear cider and crepes of course. There's nothing like the city during the holidays

When Things Fall Into Place...

I don't want to give myself the evil eye, but I'm just so happy right now and can't help express it. I know there are people who have it worse, but I have had a challenging past few years and have worked really hard to change that and this is one of the first times I really feel like I am in a great place. I know without some struggle success wouldn't feel as gratifying, and I am humbled by my experiences that have brought me to this place. I feel very blessed and thankful for the opportunities and acknowledgments I have gotten. I am so content in this moment right now. I love my family, I love my friends, I love my work, and I love my education and the leadership positions it has set me up with. These are the things that fulfill me at the end of the day and I finally feel like they are all in good places for me and I couldn't be happier.

Finding the Connection

Since this year has already been a lot of change, I thought it was a good time to get a new job. I stumbled into a job working for a temple of all places. I was the kid who always ditched religious school, so when I was offered the job, I thought it was the universe playing a sick joke on me. I thought they would offer me an internship working in their office and with the staff, of all things they offered me a job teaching hebrew school, the class I despised the most of all as a teenager. As I was trying to find a way to politely turn them down, they then offered me a paid internship on top of teaching. I decided to give it a shot, it couldn't be any worse than retail. The more time I spent working the more I started to like it. New York is a big city, and it can get a bit lonely at times, being a part of a community has been a really nice addition to my week. Don't get me wrong, I've still got a lot of learning to do before I become a great teacher, but my kids are fun and they are learning with me. On the weekends I help out with events and its more of my sociological internship aspect of my job, I get to talk to the members and the staff and get feedback, see what keeps the place going on a day to day basis and what I can do to make it better. Some of my students come to my events and services with their families, which makes me feel like I did something right that week in class. I feel appreciated for my work and very much welcomed into the family and I didn't realize how much I was missing that piece of my life until I got it back. It has nothing to do with religion, because I don't find myself to be a religious person, I happen to feel more of a connection to my spirituality. Its all part of finding a balance for me, which I know is part of most people's lifelong goals, as it is for me, but has been a highlighted recently for me as something I should focus more on prioritizing.

As I go through all kinds of feelings and experiences in my journey through life -- delight, surprise, chagrin, dismay -- I hold this question as a guiding light: "What do I really need right now to be happy?" What I come to over and over again is that only qualities as vast and deep as love, connection and kindness will really make me happy in any sort of enduring way.

-Sharon Salzberg

School Spirit?

So being the year of learning how to enjoy my life in New York, I decided to become more involved at school, and what better way then to join clubs on campus. So I started with something a bit educational and signed up for a international relations course with a club component that involved traveling to Washington, D.C. with my new delegation. It's something I did in high school and loved so I figured I would give it a shot in college. First off, its way different on the college and international level and second off, it's so much harder! It was all worth it once we won a bunch of awards in D.C. and I got to meet some really interesting people and made some new friends on campus. The second thing I've done has been shocking, even for me. I might have join the typical college club, I'll give you two hints; its all about sisterly love and has to do with something greek. Yes, me of all people, before you roll your eyes, I already did that, once I started to learn more about it and the group I really started to like everyone involved and really enjoy going to all the events. Its only been three months and I'm already exhausted by everything, isn't it time for thanksgiving break yet?

A Foodies Kind of Club

Since my mom, grandma, and cousin were still in town, we decided to have a fun girls night at Ajna Bar, formally known as Buddha Bar. We walk down a long dark hall into the bar area, and waited for our table over cosmos, we were one of the first reservations of the night at 8 o'clock so it was a bit quiet, but the restaurant was so fun to walk around and look at, we didn't really mind. The restaurant is also used as club space on the weekends and for events so, its quite the scene after midnight. It is an Asian fusion restaurant, with a great sushi menu as well as some French influence. The food was pretty good, but due to its club atmosphere, hard to enjoy over the noise and hard to see due to the dark ambiance. Since it had just been my cousin's birthday they did a huge dessert with sparklers, which was really the highlight of the meal. Overall it was entertaining, but not delicious, I would definitely go back and sit at the bar and people watch though.

Back To Basics

Since my mom is in town, we went to one of her new favorites in Los Angeles thats from Manhattan. Fig and Olive is well-known in the city and its Meatpacking location is fun to sit and people watch on the weekends. The concept is great, simple and fresh ingredients with classic pairings and beautiful plating. I also love they they have a whole part of the menu designed to let you taste a little bit of everything. Since part of their title is olive, they have many different types of olive oils for you to try that they bring over and they all have such distinct and bold tastes. I had this amazing fig, prosciutto and gorgonzola with aged balsamic crostini that was just outrageously amazing. Then we tried a few different chicken and lamb dishes that were so interesting and delicious. After a very large meal we decided to walk it off through the streets of the Meatpacking District and do a little window shopping at DVF and Christian Louboutin, just window shopping...

‎"Having a strong desire or being successful does not mean that you are going to feel great all the time. No matter how enlightened I become, I will not be positive all the time. You have to understand the swing of the pendulum. It must swing back and forth. The only other alternative is to sit still in neutral, which is precisely what most people do."
-Thomas D. Whillhite

Amazing Eataly

I officially don't understand how New Yorkers stay skinny with places like this around. Eataly is a gourmet Italian market with four restaurants inside. With a coffee bar, a gelato section, a wine and cheese tasting area and a pasta and butcher counter, theres a ton to choose from. The four restaurants are themed with a vegetarian, meat, seafood and pizza menu. I first went with my mom and sat down and ate at the meat restaurant and had the most amazing ribeye of my life. I then went back with my cousin and some friends and grabbed some cheeses and prosciutto and of course fig jam with a fresh baguette and we sat in Madison Square Park and had a little Eataly picnic. Since then I've been back just to grab an espresso and wander through the aisles of specialty foods, including a whole sections devoted to imported olive oils, where the serious foodies hang out. This is definitely must see place for both tourists and New Yorkers alike.

Third Times A Charm

Junior year, can't believe I'm already halfway done! I have so many goals and hopes for this year that are different from the past times. My main goal is to enjoy every minute of this year and stress less. I want to work on myself and my relationships and making new friends here in New York. I am going to get more involved in school and work less. I have learned a lot this summer and I want to use that to move forward and make this the best year yet! I am so excited for this year, its time to have some fun!

Summer In Pictures

End of summer dinner

Sounds Familiar

Much needed downtime

Perfect Maui Sunset

End of school year toast!

It's All About The Butter Cake!

Since I'm home I had to go to one of my favorite restaurants and my entire family's favorite steakhouse. Every time we go to Mastro's Steakhouse we have the most amazing meal, from the shoestring fries to the porterhouse to the famous butter cake, you really can't go wrong. Sit in the bar area listening to the jazz singer and order my parents Mastro Martinis and its a party. When my mom was pregnant with me, my dad had to take her to a famous steakhouse in Beverly Hills called Lawry's Steakhouse every sunday, so needless to say I came out of the womb a carnivore. As a steakhouse connoisseur, I can confidently say its one of the best. After dinner when your so full you can't eat anymore, they come out with their home-made butter cake, which appears to just be yellow cake and some whipped cream, but it's not. Butter cake has double the butter, sugar and eggs in it to start with and they make their own Chantilly whipped cream. Its served warm with a big scoop of ice cream on top that melts into the cake as you cut into it. This is making me hungry all over again, can't wait to go back next time I'm home.

Life Skills at Work

I am loving my internship so much, I have never learned so much so quickly. The entire team is amazing and has welcomed me in as part of the team instead of just an intern. As I have begun to settle in and starting to get to know my co-workers I am really learning a lesson in balance in my work life. I grew up with two very successful parents with their own family businesses and was taught that success meant compromise. Shockingly enough all these people work, have lives, and spend times with their children and spouses, this is something I never thought was possible. These people are happy to come to work and passionate about what they do, this is a very foreign concept to me, but I’m ready to drink the Cool-Aid. This whole experience and this summer is really teaching me what I want in life and now I am seeing a way to get it, and its giving me the boost of confidence I need to get through school and on to, well my masters, and then my life!

A Little Piece of Paris

My cousin graduated at Walt Disney Music Center in downtown Los Angeles so we all decided to go to dinner at Bottega Louie, as self-appointed New Yorker I didn't now what this place was. When I walked in I was brought back to La Duree in Paris and the colorful French macaroons and beyond excited to try every flavor! Theres nothing like them, and anywhere they sell these little treats they warp them so beautifully that you almost don't want to open them, I said almost.

Balance

I often say that I am trying to find a balance to my life and that I strive to be able to enjoy my everyday life. Unfortunately I don’t believe that people can slow down until they are shaken, a wake-up call if you will. I don’t wish upon anyone some of my experiences, but I don’t regret them to be able to recognize the value of the positive from negative. I came home this summer and wasn’t all that excited to be home, I was too focused on myself and working. I was abruptly put back in my place by one of my best friends. I don’t use the title of best friend lightly, I’m just not a huge fan of titles, and it often creates unattainable expectations. With that said, I believe a best friend is someone you can tell anything to and get an honest answer and be told the ugly truth when needed. Although she didn’t want to be so blunt, I sat down with her late one of my first nights home and she told me she had to tell me some very bad news that would change some things. This is one of those core-shaking moments, and I attempted to handle it as composed as I could and quickly went into problem-solving mode and tried to ease the situation. This was not a moment I could snap my fingers and make it go away, knowing my difficulty with emotions, she simply said, “you have already done more than you even know, just by being here for me”. Amazing, after a horrible year of dealing with a traumatic family issue she just basically said its all good, she just needed someone to talk to. This would be the moment I broke down crying and she ended up consoling me, great friends I am. The point to this overly personal story is, I needed her to say to me “you have no idea how lucky you are”, she’s right, I am so anxious and crazed about my next move that I completely forget to appreciate everything around me. So this is one of those moments, where I had to stop, take a step back and appreciate. There is nothing worth more in life than love, love from your friends, family and the people you surround yourself with. This is going to be the year of love and happiness, and that is what my best friend taught me. Its an interesting tone to start my summer off on, but I think its important.

Bicoastal Delay

Being home has been nice, no complaints about the amazing weather, but I am honestly having a difficult time with my friends. I just feel like because I live so far, that I am behind in everything. I definitely take part of the responsibility for not staying connected as well as I should have, but I can’t help feeling disappointed. There is a major disconnect with so many people that I felt so close to only a year ago. I never expected to stay connected to everyone and I know that people are busy with their own lives, but what did I miss? There are so many day to day things that I will never be able to catch up on, which I knew would be an issue with me moving. I’m trying not to take it all personally, but for some reason I can’t help but to feel forgotten and hurt. When I lived in LA I always made plans for all my friends and invited them over, and when I'm not around, there's no where for them to just hang. I can honestly say I always tried to make everything still work after I left. I know I am not the only one feeling this way, it’s a normal part of these transitional years, unfortunately I have always thought of my friends as stability and very much like family. My usual reaction is to just throw myself into work and forget them all and move forward, but I am hoping that’s not what’s going to happen. I am hopeful that I will be pleasantly surprised and that some things can return to the way they were, otherwise I pretty much done putting any effort forth. I also understand and accept that things are always changing and that’s okay too. So should we hold our friends to certain standards or is it unfair? What should friends be held accountable for?

Another School Year Coming to An End...

When I was 14 years old, my school took me to Boston to visit colleges, many people thought it was ridiculous to take a bunch of 8th graders to look at schools, but ever since then I told myself I would live on the east coast when I turned 18. My parents wrote it off as a phase and that I would end up nearby, but I never forgot about it and despite everyones skepticism I moved anyways. I am having a hard time wrapping my mind around the idea that I have finished another school year. Two years ago at this time I was graduating and so nervous about my future and leaving everything I care about and moving to a city I barely knew alone. It has definitely had its ups and downs, but I feel like I have really grown as a person and learned so much about myself. This year I tried to enjoy myself more and stress less about the future, and although that is easier said than done, I am on my way to slowing down and enjoying my new life here in NYC. This summer will be important to reconnect with my family, friends and work on building connections at my internship. As much as I should relax and learn how to sit still, I just can't so I compromised with taking an internship near home so I had a reason to leave NYC and go to LA for a few months. A few days at the beach will be nice, I am a Malibu girl at the end of the day, I miss the sand! I have become more confident in my future, and taken some necessary steps to help ease my fears of what I want to do after school. This year I want to focus on a more well-rounded me, I want to make new friends, work less and try to visit my family more. I have set myself up with great opportunities and have worked very hard the last two years, but it means nothing without friends to share in my happiness. I am going to make a more conscience effort to work on my relationships and I think it will make NYC start to feel more like a home. I no longer feel intimidated by this amazing city, I've learned to channel that fear into motivation. The energy of the people on this little crazy island have pushed me to work harder and for that, I have learned more than I can ever ask for from this experience and I will continue to take things away from this journey. Even though it has been difficult I don't regret a minute of it, and I'm excited for next year. So I'm off to the west coast, where its warm and sunny, with zero humidity, New Yorkers be jealous.

Room Service Anyone?

For my roommate's birthday we decided to go to a fun thai restaurant in midtown. We walked into a packed restaurant with a huge chandelier in the center and black walls, chairs and tables. For a smaller restaurant they sure do fill this place to the brim. From the bar to the restaurant, this place was packed and for good reason, first off the food is fantastic and it's super cheap. We ordered a ton of appetizers and then a few main courses to share. Everything came out so quickly and each item looked better than the one before. We had such a great dinner and I can't wait to go back for some more Room Service.

All American Burger

After a week of amazing and decadent food in Paris, as bad as it might sound, I sort of just wanted a burger. So I decided to finally go try a New Yorker secret hangout, the Burger Joint. A small, old school burger shop hidden inside a hotel in midtown. If you don't know where it is, you will probably walk by it over and over, as I watched many tourist do. After walking through a curtain and waiting through the line I ordered my burger and fries and my friend snatched one of the few booths and as we waited for our food we decided to write on the walls covered in notes from people from around the world. When we finally got our burgers we were joined from some other people, and looking around at the size of the place, sharing tables seems to be the norm. The actual burger itself was good, no bells and whistles just a patty, cheese, lettuce and tomato. I don't think that the hype of the restaurant is worth it, but it does make for a fun scene. So I guess I'm still on the search for the best burger in New York.

Au Revoir Paris!

Unfortunately it's time to start wrapping this vacation up and for one of our last nights we went Bateaux Mouches. We thought that we would get decent food and lots of tourist while seeing all the sights all lit up at night. We ended up on the newest boat with a beautiful table and fantastic food. We listened to live music and drank champagne while cruising down the Seine, if that wasn't a great ending to the trip, for our last night we went to the Baccarat Cristal Room the next night before we left in the morning. Everyone knows about Baccarat crystal, but in Paris they have a museum for their world famous crystal and a small restaurant. This small restaurant is covered in their beautiful crystal in reds and greens, over-sized mirrors and brick walls. After an amazing week, its was time to head back to school and say bye to my parents. I had the best time in France seeing all the gorgeous architecture, learning about champagne and tasting all the delicious French cuisine. I wish I didn't have to leave, but I know this won't be my last time in the incredible country.

A Touristy Few Days in Paris

After a very long meal at Guy Savoy, it was time to walk it off, and where better to walk then through the streets of Paris. We walked along the Seine looking at all the artwork and stores and over the famous bridges and noticed the locks on some of them. I had to google this peculiar tradition and learned that people from around the world leave "lovelocks", locks with names or initials of couples. A long day of walking calls for one of my favorite parts of traveling, room service of course. It has become an important factor in my travels, who doesn't like being served in bed? The next day we went to my new favorite place, Versailles Palace, the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. Although its vast size, not one small detail is out of place and everything is in perfect condition. Just looking at the gates I knew this was something special and then walked into the hall of mirrors and understood why its world famous. The enormous chandeliers, gold leaf molding, vibrant tapestries and walls of mirrors throughout the whole palace truly makes this a special place.

Paris Part Deux:Foodie Addition

What a day! Since the weather has been so amazing we decided to drive out of the city to Epernay, champagne country. We started with a tour of Moet & Chandon, the largest champagne company in the world. We learned about the company and then we had a tour of the caves, they have the most land for their grapes and the largest caves in Epernay. After the tour and tasting we drove around to other chateaus and through the town. Then it was time to head back into the city for dinner at Guy Savoy. What a meal, starting of with the bread cart, yes a bread cart and also a cheese cart that was outrageous . The food was incredible and the courses seemed never ending, with a dessert course the was beautiful. But I haven't even told you the best part yet. Guy Savoy himself came out from the kitchen to introduce himself and ask us about our meal, when one of the waitresses noticed how excited we were afterwards she told Guy and he invited us back into the kitchen! He was so nice and what a perfect ending to a great day!

Bon Jour from Paris!

Finally in Paris, I've been having so much fun exploring this city. First thing we did when I landed was go to La Duree, famous for its macaroons and cakes. Its right on the Champs Elysees and inside decorated in golds and green. We decided to call it a night early and the next morning we started off at the Musee de l'Orangerie, to see Monet's water lilies. We then walked through the Tuileries Gardens to the Louvre, found a cafe and ordered a few croque monsieurs and espressos. After some caffeine for the jet lag we were off to my favorite spot, Montmartre, north of Paris, known for the Basilique du Sacre-Coeur (Basilica of the sacred hearts) a beautiful white church and for being an artist's village. Its been a great first couple days and I can't wait to see more of the famous sights and try more of the french food, although I could get used to a croque monsieur everyday. Bonsoir

Thursday Afternoon Tea

After my friend flew in for a grad school interview, I thought a great idea to relax would be with some afternoon high tea, but not just any tea, Alice's Tea Cup. Its one of my favorite places to go in the city to get some quiet and has the best scones and tea. First of all, there is an entire separate menu just for their extensive list of tea. Then there is a regular menu and a list of high teas, including an unlimited choice, just take a guess which one we ordered. I seemed to have luck on my side, when we walked in there was a table available, which never happens and we got my favorite table upstairs near the corner with the big windows. After sitting and enjoying our view our huge tower of sandwiches, scones and cakes came our way. And if that wasn't enough we ordered more sandwiches after we took an "intermission" and somehow continued to eat. What a fun way to end a long week and even better I got to see my friends from home!

What A Difference A Year Makes

A year older and a year of blogging, and so much has happened! Started off pretty rocky, failing to hold it together as I struggled to make New York work for me. So I then decided to start this blog so I had something fun to look forward to every week, and thankfully things started to turn around. Moved from Brooklyn to downtown Manhattan and moved in with a stranger turned great friend. Celebrated my birthday with new friends and then had a little time off to fly home, and by spring my attitude started to change about this city and I even started to enjoy myself. I made sure to keep myself busy with work and school, the less quiet time I gave myself the less time I had alone with my thoughts, which I learned was the key to the whole "fake it till you make it" mantra. I somehow stumbled into a relationship, which was an interesting to say the least. And before I knew it, it was time to pack up and head home for the summer. After a long, slow summer in the valley, I went to Europe for the first time and just had the best 10 days ever and met the greatest people and saw the most amazing museums and buildings. Europe made up for an entire year of craziness, and I can't wait to go back! I got home and I was actually excited to head back to school, I was ready to give it another shot. I think that although this year has had its moments, I just feel more in control and content with where I am heading. I think that being happy is a day to day process. The good days now outweigh the bad ones, and thats all I can really ask for. Baby steps right? To another year of great food, great friends, and laughing off the little things.

Last Time I Talk About My Birthday...For 364 Days

Yes, I know this is getting old, but I wanted to celebrate back in NYC with my friends, so this is the last time, promise. So for this thursday night dinner we went to Max Brenner and got lots of appetizers and then pizza for dessert. That would be chocolate pizza made with melted chocolate, caramel, and marshmallow. This is one of my favorite places to take visiting friends, a little touristy, but cute. Then my cousin came in for my birthday and friday night we went to Poco, this great tapas restaurant. One of my new favorite things, steak lollipops with melted manchego cheese and caramelized onion, just absolutely amazing! Then saturday night I decided to have my friends over for dessert and drinks, the easiest party I've ever put together. All I did was go to Baked By Melissa and bought 50, yes 50 mini cupcakes and put them all over my living room, super simple. Figured out my new apple tv and turned on the radio feature and we just laughed all night. The next day was the super bowl, so it was quite a busy weekend of celebrating. Another successful birthday celebration, until next year!

Soul Mates, Friends, Acquaintances?

Its interesting to pull out an old yearbook or photo album and try to remember each and every person's name. Sometimes you instantly start laughing and begin to ramble off a funny story and other times you stumble to remember your so-called best friend's name. Do people grow out of each other? After moving away almost two years ago, staying in contact has become a full-time job that I wasn't prepared to take on. Do I stay close to someone simply because we have a history or do I move on and blame it on distance? Being disappointed in someone you thought was your best friend for not crossing continents to see you, or writing off not calling someone else because you thought it was just acquaintances who hung out in the same circle. I noticed that people quickly begin to put titles on different levels of friendship to try to hold on or let go, but what if both parties don't agree on these newly added titles? I call this the "Gray Zone of Friendship" its this ugly place friendships end up, when were not upfront with each other, angry because were not talking, but unemotionally making small talk to grasp on to what used to be. I will be the first to admit I do it. Its a phenomena I've been noticing every time I go home and someone has a little reunion for everyone and we all end up talking about the weather for three hours. I'm still trying to figure it out, but theres a few things I am starting to try to make sense in my head. People come in and out of your life for a reason, whether its for an extended amount of time or just a week, its all equally as important, even if it may not be clear at the time, but it starts to make sense later. Earlier this year I said my new years resolution was to have no regrets, and that hold true in this situation. Everyone I have come into contact with has brought something new to the table and taught me something valuable. So here's the thing, I could keep count of every time someone didn't return my phone call or make time for me when I am home, or I could say screw it. There are all different types of relationships for a reason, so think of it like this, there's a reason that person who's name you can't remember's face is in that picture from that summer where you did that thing. The details aren't important, all that is, is that you were smiling and probably had a good time since it made the album. As for that best friend since kindergarden who you never get to see anymore, but when you do its as if a moment hasn't passed by, don't question it, just enjoy it. Everything in the middle eventually settles and learning to prioritize those friendships will always be a full-time job, but a well worth one.

SURPRISE! For Me?

So after a week of planning a surprise party with my mom for a friend of hers turns out the jokes on me because it was actually for me! I can't believe I didn't put two and two together, none of my friends could meet up the night before I was leaving and my mom kept trying to get rid of me all day. After everyone showed up I started to believe that the party was actually for me! I can't believe they all kept their mouths shut for a week, that is not like my family at all. Since this is primarily a food blog, I have to describe my cake. I am a major foodie, but I am not a huge fan of cake, except for this one. Its from my favorite bakery, Sweet Lady Jane, its white cake with raspberries and custard filling, frosted with buttercream and a layer of marzipan fondant. It was such a great night with all my closest friends and family. I really can't thank my parents enough. I may live in New York, but my home will always be in Calabasas.

Girl's Night Out!

I know I took a little time off, but its been really nice to be away from the computer the last week or so. Anyways on to more important things, food! Before I head back to NYC in a few days I just wanted to celebrate my birthday with my closest girlfriends at one of the best views in LA. I decided instead of trying a new trendy spot in Hollywood that we should go to Yamashiro, an Asian fusion restaurant in the Hollywood Hills. I chose the place just because of the great view, but the food quickly became the main attraction. My mother, in true form, basically ordered a little bit of everything from the pulled pork to half the sushi menu, and that was just to start with. And as if we weren't all stuffed enough it was time for some dessert, so we opted for the home-made donuts, some crazy s'mores concoction, and a peanut butter ice cream sandwich, you know just a light and airy. After an amazing meal, we walked around the garden and took a ton of pictures of the incredible view. Such a great night with my favorite people!

Some Much Needed Family Time

I'm so happy to be home in sunny California, for a warm break with my family. I really haven't checked emails, done any work or really gone online since I've gotten home. After just a week of being home I'm just starting to relax and enjoy my break from school and the cold weather. So I'm going to having another quiet week at home away from the computer and just catch up with friends and spend time with family.

No Regrets In 2011

After jumping on the first flight out of JFK back home, I've had a lot of time to think, since I'm spending the first day of the year on a plane. Last year was a very difficult roller coaster of emotions, although there were many ups, there were just as many downs.I am so thankful for such loving, supportive, and amazing family and friends, they mean the world to me. After thinking long and hard about my New Years resolution, I've decided on something a little different, no regrets. I really want to go outside my comfort zone and experience new things and learn from it. Try not to live in the apprehension of failing and enjoying the moment. I want to have more days that end in laughter then in worrying or doubt. I want to explore, feel, change, debate, learn, appreciate, push, love, grow, enjoy, and acknowledge without regret. My wish is for everyone to live with no regrets in 2011. Happy New Year everyone!