Spring Break

Waikiki Beach 10 AM
3/24/15
First day back I hit up Waikiki to get my toes wet, literally. Mom and I walked along the water to the famous Royal Hawaiian. If you have ever been to Waikiki, the pink hotel will catch your eye.

There is a lot that catches your eye in Waikiki. People have compared Waikiki to the Las Vegas strip because of all the characters from all over the world. It is one of my favorite places to be because of all the excitement and smiles from tourists.

North Shore
3/30/15
The waves were big and the water was crowded by 10 AM. There were not many people on the beach. I felt as if I were on my own private beach. My Dad used to take me to this beach when I was little so he could surf and I could play in the tidepools. I went to the beach alone on my last day in Hawaii.

 Secrets

Goodmorning- Starbucks Isn't THAT Bad

I have a new roommate. He is great, he is more girly than I could ever be. And he just got a job at Starbucks so he brings home coffee every week. I use my French press for the blonde roast and it is shockingly really good! I am so surprised because of all the negative comments I have heard about their coffee. But now, if anyone talks bad about Starbucks coffee, I'll have to stand up for them like the American that I am. I wont necessarily flaunt my gold card around but hey, Im so into Starbucks right now. 

On another note... 

Ever since I have been sleep deprived and obsessed with Ole Henriksen's Ultimate Eye Lift Gel and Vitamin C Serum. Recently, one of my eyelids has been droopy. I think its because of the bike accident I got into, the skin healed but it is a lot thinner... unfortunately. So I took action and went to Sephora! This eye gel is actually working to tighten the eye lid. Im very excited. Also it is great for those Holocene or Swift nights. Don't want to look like a hot mess in the morning. And since the sun has been out, my skin is scared. I've been protecting it with the Vitamin C serum in the morning with my SPF. Vitamin C serum supports collagen production and brightens the skin. The serum is absorbed quickly and makes a good make-up primer too. 

Coachella 2014

Now that I have been to Coachella, I can say that I am proud to be an American.

However, nothing was impressive except for the music.
Coachella is blown up to be extravagant and fashionable (thanks to social media- nobody wants to see your stupid #coachella hashtag). The truth is, Coachella isn't extravagant. It's a music festival that reflects America's pop culture. 

I was blown away by every artist. I became indifferent as to what stage we should go to because no matter what, I would be in awe of how good each and every performance would be. 

Favorite moment each day: 

First day: OUTKAST. The moment of sitting in the lawn excluded from the crowd, dark sky, Aquamini playing live (nbd), observing my sister Tashia and her friends dancing above me. It was about 11 PM and it was the last show. 

Second day: MGMT. I saw them perform in Hawaii when I was in 9th grade had have always said, this was the best concert of my life. And I can still say, yes! This band would be me if I were transformed into a band. The psychedelic rock and indie makes my heart melt. Like, omg they understand. Odesza... I felt as if I were enjoying this show alone since nobody was in the mood to dance. But this was probably the reason why I enjoyed it- I was dancing alone and I didn't careeee. My hair was down at this point. 

Third day: LANA DEL REY. I drunk cried I was feelin' it too hard. Also I was extremely happy Tashia and I had made it to the middle of the huge crowd to see her barefoot, smoking a cigarette while she sang sad songs, the ones that I sing everyday. I knew all the lyrics it was embarrassing. ARCADE FIRE played for so long. 

I could hear it everywhere I was walking. And I wanted to pause time and be in the moment forever. 

QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE- yes I vaguely remember bowing down to them as we walked past the stage because holy shit- they rocked. 

Sodium Free Vegan Stir Fry

Instead of using soy sauce, I used BRAGS AIMINO ACIDS. I love this stuff, it replaces soy sauce and makes you feel healthy. 

I don't think I'll make one dish without olive oil 

Remember: 

Medium heat on skillet

Fresh spices. Always. 

Featuring: Ginger. Garlic. Parsley. Green onions. 

You could also add an onion and finely chop it

The onion works well to soak up the flavor and gives the stir fry a nice texture

Ingredients: 

1.Ginger

2. Garlic

3. One Onion (Garnish)

4. Green Onion

5. Parsley

6. Olive Oil

7. Amino Acids

8. Tofu

9. Portobello Mushrooms

10. One Green Bell Pepper

11. Green Beans

Directions:

1. Put one onion, some ginger, some garlic, some parsley into food processor

2. Add olive oil and amino acid to skillet on medium heat and add the spices 

3. Put inside skillet in order: tofu, green beans, green bell pepper, mushrooms

4. Cover and let sit/stir occasionally for 8 min or until tofu has blackened

P.S.

If want a Chinese stir fry just some oyster sauce

Lentil Obsessed

While I was in Europe, I noticed many women eating lentils. From a can mostly. I picked up pre-cooked lentils from Trader Joes and was pleasantly surprised at how delicious it was, hot or cold. Because of the earthy flavor, you can cook anything with lentils and mix all sorts of spices into it. It is a very versatile bean that absorbs many flavors quickly. A bit of olive oil and everyday seasoning makes a quick and healthy savory snack. The best thing about lentils is that it has so so so much iron in it, which is great for all those anemic girls or menstruating women. Iron gives you a lot of energy and it is natural for women to not have enough iron. 

Lentils are very low in calorie and very high in fiber, protein, and B vitamins. Make lentils a part of your diet for increased energy and nutrients.

I looked up some recipes with lentils which include:

Curried lentils

Lentils for breakfast:


A mushroom and lentil dish:

And a lentil, carrot, and beet stew:


Lentil in lettuce wraps:

Belgium is Complicated

Did you know Belgium is a bilingual country? I didn't... The country has 3 communities: French-speaking, Dutch-speaking, and German-speaking. There are 3 regions: Flanders, Wallonia, and Brussels-Capital. The French people live in Wallonia and the Dutch people live in Flanders The Wallonians and Flemish do not get along and have political tensions all the time.

This is the main reason as to why people have no idea what Belgium is all about- Belgium seems to have no solid identity.

Brussels, Belgium

Well, what is there to say about Belgium other than that they have great chocolates, beer, and waffles?



I'll get back to you on that........