Rainy Days

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I had a little gluten problem.
So much for feeling better and being more optimistic with this whole gluten free thing.

I failed and I have been sick for two days now. 

It has cooled down in Southern California and it has been gorgeous.
I went out for the first time today...just one hour.
It's chilly, windy, and gray. I hope it will rain soon because well, it is needed.

How's your Friday?!

Being sick has its advantages...I can read books, drink lots of tea and enjoy possible rain.

Oh and I can finally catch up on my favorite TV shows.

Revenge, Revolution. PLL, HIMYM, and The Vampire Diaries.
There's more but a sick girl can only watch so much.

xoxo

Football - QOTD #16

“In football everything is complicated by the presence of the opposite team.”
  - Jean-Paul Sartre

***

Football in Sartre's view was probably soccer but nonetheless it is sports.

 Are you watching the game Sunday?! Or are you just fed up with all the drama lately?

As for me. I am a traditionalist and I love cultural events. Yes, I just said that football, or the Superbowl itself, is a cultural event. We can argue about this later. I love watching sports. I am not so much into football but hey, if it's Superbowl time I am all for it. Even though this year....my teams are all out. BOO. It's still a day to eat, drink, watch, and discuss...oh yeah, and even watch the commercials. :) Of course!!!!

I will be watching...I am not sure yet where.

I might stay home, or go over to my favorite person.
We shall see what Sunday has to offer...as long as I get to watch the commercials I will be fine. Oh yes, the final score may be important, too. ;)

Happy Thursday...and happy early weekend my lovelies!!!

xoxo

My Life with Food

I love food.

I think any normal human being loves food - some more than others, but yes, food is fantastic.

Unfortunately, as some of you remember I had to go gluten free. It's been now a full year that I started watching my diet and became gluten free. It is a process and it's still going. Some people think it's like any other diet and then you suddenly stop. Nope. It continues...forever. Literally. So, last year when I started teaching my body to get used to new bread (hello Udi's), new cereal (bye bye Frosted Flakes), different sauces, dips, dressings, and what not I had to teach myself to accept that I am now going to be a little difficult for a few months.

I shared a few things with you last year and then couldn't blog often enough to let you know how I was doing, or still am doing. To sum it all up: I'm doing fabulous. I have accepted my so-called diet, and accepted the fact that people will laugh at me and make life challenging. I have learned to substitute items and my gut has reacted nicely to all changes. I also experienced improvements in my skin complexion, my weight (hello, I lost weight!), my former hair issues, my dizziness, my foggy mornings and what not. I am experiencing major changes. It's been fabulous so far.

There are times I feel like a freak asking for a gluten free menu or making sure ahead of time that the restaurant we are going to offers something gluten free. I just feel awkward. I'm sure this feeling goes away. I can no longer just go out and quickly grab a bite somewhere. I can not just go out to the beach, and feel hungry in between and go to a place that sells sandwiches. I have to add another trip to another place that offers something for my sad gut. It's okay but it's not easy and it's not easy on my friends either. Some understand, some simply don't. My roommate has started to use gluten free pasta when she cooks pasta for all of us. I love her for that. Also, over Christmas when I went out for dinner with my favorite person, his family called the restaurant ahead of time to make sure they have a gluten free menu. I felt so special. That much I have to admit. 

Do I wonder how I manage all of this? Yes.
Do I want to ignore it all and eat whatever my heart desires? Yes.
Will I do it? No, even though I am tempted - very tempted.

Why not? Because it has changed the way I feel, physically and mentally. That means a lot to me.

If you were wondering or hoping that I'd be posting recipes on here then I think I will disappoint you. Well, let's put it that way. I have never fully done this...so maybe I will one day. I'd love to share what I came up with. You'd be surprised. It is very boring and very simple. 

Though, if you have any questions or suggestions on what to write about this lovely diet of mine...let me know. :) I'm more than happy to share my ups and downs...and believe me, there are still downs...all the time. Grrrrr....

I really want pancakes now...because I haven't found the good gf pancakes yet.

Monday Morning Gossip - SoCal January

I feel you out there on the East Coast and Midwest and even in the South. You have snow, you experience no school days, and stay inside while it is snowing and blowing ice cold winds outside. I really feel ya. I have been there. Sometimes I do wish I could go back to that freezing winter life. A few seconds later I decide to go to the beach though. Yes, that's my feet in the sand, my roommates flipflops, and my empty super sweet iced tea bottle...and yes, I know I cannot stand straight. Oh and yes, this was taken yesterday, January 26! Just saying.

This was my weekend. I went to the beach. I watched surfers wrestle with high and strong waves, watched some birds, the sunset in the haze and walked through sand in flip flips and rolled up jeans. Sorry for rubbing it in. Well, no I'm not sorry.

However, trust me...enjoying life away from where I grew up has its disadvantages, too. I miss my mom, my friends, and things I grew to love and see as traditions in food, in celebrating something, or just accept to be part of life somewhere else. Skype or FaceTime are just not the same. They are fantastic don't get me wrong but they aren't everything.

SO, if you have your family close by (even four hours away by car, or a quick flight away) cherish it. Embrace it. Don't complain but accept it as something other people don't have - intentionally or not. I have friends who complain about their moms being far away...like 1 hour away. Hmmmmm.....NO - that's so not the same. So not.

So, with that being said....Hope your Monday has been good.
It's been a stressful day...lots of studying, explaining, arguing, and fixing - good news is, I can buy music again. YES. Thanks to the lovely and very nice tech support of iTunes...he totally made my day!!!

Linking up with Leeann and Kimberlee today.
You should, too. :)

xoxo

6 things about me!

Last year (gulp!) the wonderful Leia tagged me in a little questionnaire and here I am answering these finally. I just never had time. I was stressing out studying, reading, writing and living life. Now I have time and felt it was perfect timing to share this little tag-game with you all. Don't forget to stop by Leia's and say hi, so you can read about her travels, her life as a somewhat newlywed (haha!) and her new life back in the US...California misses you girl!! :)   

So, here it goes...

What is your favorite animal and why?

I don't know. I like hippos. I'm weird. But look at it! It's so ugly it's super cute...and I like cute!! In all seriousness, I don't know why I like hippos. It's not because of their big butts or their belly. They don't do anything to me...I can't even pet them (well...maybe I can, who knows). I just think because they are different they deserve some lovely respect...so hippo it is. AND, I have a two stuffed hippos at home...my friends know me too well. :)

Would you prefer a city break or a sun, sea, and sand vacation?

It all depends on how I feel. Right now, I'd be very much into just leaving town and sipping wine somewhere remote so I could relax, refill my energy tank, and just have a good time with wine. ;) Quite ironically I did that in November when I originally wrote this post right before I went to Sonoma. Now? I still want to leave and relax somewhere...it does not have to be far. Just somewhere around the corner will be just fine. Who knows I might just hop into a car and find some fun place to go to.

But, in all honesty and you know it too...I am a big city girl. I want to explore, find new restaurants, explore museums and insider tips and new things. I want to have the option of walking around the corner and finding something new...and that of course is a big city to me. So when it comes to a vacation away from home...I'd go with a completely new place I have not discovered yet. It can be a city, it can be a wine country, or just a tiny island somewhere warm. As long as I am happy and can relax...I am okay.

What did you want to be when you grew up and what do you do now?

I always wanted to become a teacher. I loved my first and second grade teacher and fell, so to speak, in love with that profession. Obviously I changed my mind because as a seven-year-old I did not know any better. No offense my lovely teacher bloggers - I still admire your work and dedication. When I got older I wanted to go to Law School. ME!! No. Didn't happen. Instead I went into management and school counseling. I worked as an underpaid front desk assistant manager and later on manager as well as a trainee supervisor. I loved it but had enough and went back to school. So, what am I today? A student who is soon about to graduate and get back into the management and counseling business...wish me luck.

What is the best advice someone has ever given you?

Be yourself!
It's a very simple but important advice. It took me years to accept it or learn how to use it correctly. I was given this advice years ago and kind of thought "ok, well, nothing new - I know that much". I certainly knew that I needed to be myself and not change for anyone. However, this is easier said and in this case written than actually done. For years I have tried to please family and friends. I have tried to follow rules, to allow myself to live to my mom's standard or expectations. I have. Then I discovered that even though I felt content with my life I was not fully happy. I was making others happy whereas I suffered. So, I changed. I tried to slowly live MY LIFE and BE MYSELF. And that completely. So, whatever I do now is evaluated first but not because I wonder what my family and friends think about it...I evaluate it and see if I can afford it or/and will enjoy it. If I want to go see a concert, or travel to San Francisco or New York, or buy or try something new then I will do so. I am being myself - the best way that I can!

What is a pet peeve of yours?

People who wear sock and sandals. One of my biggest ones. I can't help it. I don't care if it's cold, and I don't care if you're too lazy to change shoes or what not. If you intend to walk around for a longer period of time in sandals and wear white socks or any other socks with those sandals...it just irks the freaking crap out of me. 

What is the LAST concert you went to?

It was a fabulous concert! Enough said. Cannot wait for a second round...but until then...the next concert I am going to just killed my bank account. So...I might have to wait a little until I see these guys again.

*****

I am supposed to be tagging fellow bloggers but decided not to because I believe that everyone who wants to participate in this lovely tag-exercise should be able to. I simply cannot choose people...I want to tag you all. Haha!

So, here are the questions (choose 6):

What is your favorite animal and why?
Would you prefer a city break or a sun, sea, and sand vacation?
If you could travel to one place in the world, where would it be?
How many countries have you traveled to?  How many of the 50 states?
What is your favorite thing about yourself (or quality you like in others if you don't wanna talk about yourself)?
What is the best advice someone has ever given you?
What did you want to be when you grew up and what do you do now?
What is a pet peeve of yours?
What is the LAST concert you went to?
What is something not a lot of people would know about you?


Have a terrific weekend!!!!!

Ah Albert - QOTD #15

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“Wisdom is not a product of schooling but of the lifelong attempt to acquire it.”
  - Albert Einstein

***

I survived the first week back in school.
This semester will clearly be different.
My classes are a little let's call it overwhelming.

Normal, no?! 

Then again, it's been the first week. The second will be much better.

I cannot believe this month is almost over. Again. 

Time, please slow down, okay?!

xoxo

First Day Back

It's time again.

I'm holing my heavy math book and notebook.
I am ready.

Just not happy about it.

But, if the above picture is right...then yes, let's do this.
That much math is doable for anyone.

Happy First Day of School for me!

Argh. ;)

xoxo

Choose CampusBookRentals

Back to School - Back to School!!!

Another semester just started. This means new books need to be purchased, read, and studied. We all know that being a student is not easy and it is certainly not cheap. This is when CampusBookRentals comes in. If you are a student, or your better half is, or you know someone who is in need of school books but does not want to spend a ridiculous amount of money then please look into CampusBookRentals. 

You rent your books. You don't buy them.

*  you save 40-90% off of bookstore prices
*  get free shipping both ways
*  can even highlight in the textbooks
*  and you can choose your own flexible renting periods

and what I personally like

*  with each textbook you rent CampusBookRentals gives back and donates to Operation Smile.

Operation Smile is an international children's medical charity that heals children's smiles. CampusBookRentals is keeping their partnership with Operation Smile and has committed to donate a minimum of 80 additional surgeries between June 2013 and June 2014. This is an incredible organization that forever changes children’s lives through reconstructive cleft lip surgeries. The long-term improvement in quality of life for the children that receive these surgeries is almost incomprehensible, and knowing that we support this by renting books and getting smart is a bonus.

Once you are done with your classes you simply send your books back. It is that easy. Plus, now with RentBack, their new initiative that allows students to rent their textbooks they own to other students, you can make 2-4 times more money compared to when you choose buyback options. 

Yes, you can make money and not just spend it. Isn't that awesome? I think it is.

I have personally used CampusBookRentals and loved their service. I have recommended them to friends and family - and yes, now even to you. 

Choose CampusBookRentals - renting books has just become easier and better.

Heat Wave, Flu, & Restaurant Visit

Southern California despite the rest of this country or world experiencing winter goes through a heat wave. Literally. It may not be 100 degrees but 88 comes close in January. What is worse is that most people are sick. It is like a gigantic wave of germs waltzed in and got us all bedridden. Insane. So even though it is sunny outside and looks and feels like it is July we have been covered and bundled up drinking soup, tea, and eating crackers. Not the best if you ask me.

So, the second we felt a slight bit better we headed out. Fresh air was needed. So what did we do? Yes, we drove to Laguna Beach and had a delicious lunch at Nick's. It is one of those places we always wanted to go just to sit back and relax. It was the best timing ever - we needed to congratulate ourselves so to speak for surviving the flu or whatever we had. So....I ordered salmon, spinach and mashed potatoes. All gluten free. LOVED it. I felt so healthy! :)

Other than my healthy food...I have been resting, resting, resting...and oh yeah, looking for a job too. It hasn't been easy. But, I have hope and hope usually gets me going...

Happy Friday.
Any fun plans for this long weekend?
I'll probably be chilling with my friends, and enjoying the last few days before school starts again. Yes, that happens next week....ugh.

Life and Love - QOTD #14

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“A guy and a girl can be just friends, but at one point or another, they will fall for each other...

Maybe temporarily, maybe at the wrong time, maybe too late, or maybe forever”
  - Dave Matthews Band

***

This may or may not have happened to me.
Last year that is.
A full year ago actually.

I don't know if it's temporarily or forever. There is no way to know.

I thought it was the wrong time or too early or even too late.
He told me I shouldn't care.
So.
I stopped caring.

For right now it is exactly what we need and exactly how we want it.

Wherever our relationship may go to I know I will not let you down.
Just one step at a time...ya know me. 

xoxo

Las Vegas

It has been 438 years that I went to Las Vegas. I always grew envious (yes I admit that) when I read blog posts of trips to the city of lost wages. I don't live that far away so it may be a surprise to some of you why it took me so long to go back. Let me tell you, it is also a surprise to me. Maybe my unconscious told me to stay away and save the money. Who knows. I am not one to gamble so that is not an issue for me. I just never had the opportunity again to go. Yet, this year it is finally happen. To be exact. Next month it is finally happening. I am beyond happy and excited. 

It's going to be a fun trip for three reasons. One, we will celebrate a birthday (not mine). Two, I will finally go to a concert I had been dreaming about for decades (yes, that long), and three, it's Vegas - away from home, finally out of Orange County and finally doing something else. You gotta leave home from time to time even when it only means for a few days. I'm so stinking excited it's not even funny.

Hotel is booked. Concert is booked. We are excited. 

 {via}

Seriously, it took me over a decade to go back. Lots will have changed. Lots is probably still the same.

If you have any suggestions on where to go for restaurants or shops...let me know. Any suggestions are highly recommended.  

I know one thing, I will stand outside again watching Bellagio's water show. I know people who hate it but I simply love it. That will be a MUST for me no matter what.

So let me know...please!!!

Ugh

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Since Thursday literally our household has been sick.

First it was one person for two full days.
Then Friday night I felt something arrive...

...and Saturday it was me. All day long.

Then Saturday night and Sunday...and today...it's pretty much the rest.

CRAZY.

However, we are young and we can handle this.

It's just no fun.
So, needless to say this weekend has been a lazy one.

A lazy weekend with lots of fluids, lots of sneezing, and extreme coughing, and well, yes, running to the bathroom too. YAY. You are welcome for the visual. :)

Let's hope this flu/cold/nerve-wrecking-whatever-we-have goes away soon.

One more week until school starts again...ugh, gotta make the most of it...fast!!

How was your Monday?

Hope it's been better than my coughing Golden Globes' Monday (yes, I watched it again today...less blurry eyed and red nosed).

xoxo

Linking up with Monday Morning Gossip!

Friday Fancies - New Year New Me

A New Year usually means a New Something. We set up goals, so-called New Year's Resolutions, and usually fail to follow through. As for me, years ago I started to not make any resolutions just because I know myself well enough and will not even bother forcing me to do something I will simply fail at anyways. However, there are a few things I am changing this year: My school/job, my wardrobe, my clutter/non-clutter, my cultural engagements (as in going more to museums, concerts, trips, etc), and my friendships. I will improve and I will feel better! I already know.

For this weekend, and for this entire month I am trying to clean my closet - this means taking out everything I have not worn in months if not years and give it to a shelter or to someone I know will appreciate a halfway new item (there is no shame in wearing used clothes my readers!). I already got rid of a whole junk of clothes about two months ago, three weeks ago and will probably add more to that list. As much as I love that one pair of pants, or that colorful top or T-shirt or what not...if I don't wear it on a regular basis or even remember I had it, then it is simply not worth keeping it. It takes up too much space for nothing. Plus, do I really want to wear a T-shirt I bought ten years ago? It no longer fits. My style changed, my body changed, and well, my attitude too. 

So, here's to a New Me in style or at least wardrobe!!! Wish me luck.
I'm linking up with Long Distance Loving and her Friday Fancies. Her topic? New Year: New Me. So, here's a compilation of what items I will focus on this year or at least in the next three months - as in, get, keep, and wear/use for a long time - a fresh look will brighten my every day. I can already tell. 

What do you think?

I need blazers, new pants, new tops, new flats and sandals, and a few dresses - all within budget, color, style and well girlieness (I am sure I just made this word up). I have enough scarves, daytime bags, stockings, and jeans and cardigans. Just not those essential items a girl needs and a statement necklace and a travel bag are needed.

Here's hoping I find some of these items this or next month. I don't want to look 18 anymore or 22. I don't want to look my age either because that is just sad...but at least I want to look put together, happy, and comfy.

Life - #13 QOTD

“Be who you are and say what you feel, 

because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind.” 

- Bernard M. Baruch

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We all know this saying. We all do.
This week I learned that I have to focus on the people who matter in my life.
The ones I thought mattered disappointed me greatly.
I cried hours, weeks, maybe even months.
This week I decided to let it all go.
A new year means a new start and since I want to simplify my entire life...

...I also simplify my friendships and relationships.

A big thank you goes out to those people in my life who matter.
Who accept me for who I am and what I do and have done.
Who accept me for who I have become.
Who love me unconditionally, even during my weakest days.

Who know that I am generous but only to a certain limit.
Who know that I am smart, intelligent, spontaneous, and giving.

It goes out to everyone who knows I am willing to go the extra mile just to please people.

Yet, once betrayed, once taken for granted I will not be forgiving. I will be hesitant and sad.

So, my thank you's go out to my dearest friends who are close to me (even though a few don't live close).
To those that check on me from time to time - just the way I do it.

I am who I am - take it or leave it!

Mark Your Calendars - Veronica Mars Is Back!!

I don't what you did years ago but when I was off from school I watched TV - specifically I watched  Veronica Mars. You don't know what or who that is?! This is either a sign that I am old or you are missing out. Or both. 

Either way, this TV show was awesome and so entertaining. No wonder I was beyond sad when it ended. BUT, when I read that they were planning on making a film...I died!! In fact I'm dead. Kidding. I'm so stoked it's not even funny anymore. I think I just turned 19 again. Veronica was my heroine. Literally. Not to mention Kristen Bell, Jason Dohring, and Ryan Hansen all united - again. Perfect. So, mark your calendars...March 14 it is!

My Current Reading List

2014 inspired me to read more. The fact that I will not have any reading classes had a lot to do with it too. So, after I rented my expensive and still cheaper math (ugh) book I had some money left on amazon and well, decided to buy a few books that were on my goodreads to-read list. Here's what I'm reading now:

Thanks to Krysten I know about this. :) Thank you. And if you didn't know, her blog is named the same way.

I am beyond excited. There are so many books out there that I want to read this year it was very difficult to decide which one to start with. Lets just hope I chose the right ones this year.  Wish me luck.
Any suggestions you have for me?
Any books you want me to read?
I love to add some to my list...a girl can never read enough.

xoxo

Week 1 - Monday Morning Gossip

This is probably the last Christmas decoration I will post or even take for this month. I mean in about ten months we will start decorating again, so I should step back and stop the Christmas cheer for a while. This wreath was taken in Long Beach on Saturday. We drove from OC to Long Beach to go to Starbucks. Yes, Orange County has this lovely overpriced coffee house on every corner but it doesn't sell the mug we so desperately needed. So, we called the first shop in Long Beach and they had it. Needless to say we drove there, parked, got the mug, ordered a drink too, and drove back. Luckily I was able to take a photo before we left again.

Before we spontaneously drove north, I met up with two of my favorite ladies. We had a girls' day out and decided to go to Istanbul Grill. I am half Turkish so naturally over time I miss Turkish food. My friend M told me that there's a restaurant near us so we decided it was time to check it out. I was not disappointed. The staff was friendly, attentive, and the food was beyond delicious. Don't get me wrong. I am not saying this because I missed the food. I've had Turkish food outside of Turkey before and it wasn't all that, but the dishes we ordered at Istanbul Grill were amazing. We had Ayran, Dolma, Borek, spicy Ezme, two lamb stews, a lamb skewer, rice pudding, one Turkish coffee and tea (free refills). We had leftovers, and I had mine on Sunday. Still so very delicious. I cannot explain. I cannot wait to go back!

Excuse my puffy hair and the leftover bags next to me...but here we are - full and happy! What more does a restaurant want from its customers? Yes, to return and I can honestly say we will.

So, if you crave new food, Turkish food, or just want to explore a new restaurant and you happen to be in Orange County or Fountain Valley to be exact...make sure you stop by Istanbul Grill. It's delicious!

Happy Monday to you all.

Today I'm linking up with Leeann and her Monday Morning Gossip linkup. You should, too.

  

Goals for Life

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 I want to live a simpler and less clustered life.
I started getting rid of clothes, shoes, bags, and anything else unnecessary.
I want to be inspired.
I started reading more, and buying more books.

I want to be original.

I started doing and being what I think is right, and not what others tell me. 

I want to work hard.
I have to find a paid internship starting either June or July of this year for a year and I am working on it - help is greatly appreciated.

I want to enjoy life.

I started living in the moment, enjoying each sip I take out of my gluten free beer bottle, or the simple joys of life like sunshine in the early morning warming my cold face, or the smell of coffee going through the apartment. 

I have goals for this year.
Some of them are simple.
Others are important and necessary for me to keep living a happy life.

Here's to a fabulous year ahead.
Here's to fun, love, and happiness.

Here's to my dreams coming finally true.

Have a fabulous day, and an even better weekend!

xoxo

QOTD - Love #12

 “Lost love is still love, Eddie. It takes a different form, that's all. You can't see their smile or bring them food or tousle their hair or move them around a dance floor. But when those sense weaken, another heightens. Memory. Memory becomes your partner. You nurture it. You hold it. You dance with it.
Life has to end," she said. "Love doesn't.” 

Mitch Albom - The Five People You Meet In Heaven

***

I could not agree more.

Happy second day of 2014.
It would be another holiday in Switzerland so I treat it as such here in California.
Gotta enjoy the little moments. ;)

Happy New Year

Happy New Year my lovely readers.

May this year be wonderful, spiritual, healthy, funny, logical, food-filled, pilates-and-zumba filled, generous, lovely, kissable, profitable, and just beyond exciting for each and every one of you.

Whatever happened last year is in the past. The bad, the good, and even the best parts. It's over. We need to look forward and make the best out of every single day this year offers. May this year be beyond fantastic,and filled with lots of love and laughter.

xoxo