Hi There! I know it’s been over a month since I’ve shared anything on the blog, so I figured we might as well jump right in with some casual product talk. One of my resolutions this year is to be more mindful about ingredients in the beauty products I use. Determining what is “bad”, what is “good”, and what is “permissible” can be completely overwhelming when shopping so I trust my gut and go with what makes me comfortable. Here’s some things I’m using right now and really liking…

The Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castile Lavender Soap has been my favorite body wash for a long time, but I’ve finally justified the cost and now buy it regularly. The smell is natural, but pretty. You can use it for a million other things around the house, but it mainly stays in our shower. I normally use conditioner to shave my legs, which is a great trick because it makes your legs very soft. The problem now is that most conditioners that are free of funky ingredients are expensive, and I shave everyday, so I go through it fast. I picked up this Honey Mango Cream Shave from Trader Joe’s a while back and I love it. The smell isn’t too strong, it’s inexpensive, and it has lasted longer than I expected.

I don’t wear a lot of makeup and I’ve realized that using quality products really makes a difference, especially if you lack application skills as I do. This Supergoop CC Cream is legit. It only comes in two tones, but they are self-adjusting shades (no clue how that works, but it actually does). I mix it with moisturizer for a lighter coverage, but when I looked in the mirror after work today my skin looked even and bright and like I wasn’t wearing makeup, even though it definitely stayed on. The BareMinerals bronzer was something I threw in the cart while purchasing the CC Cream and the eyebrow kit (below). I was a little scared at first because it looks so dark, but use it sparingly and it’s very pretty. Expensive for a bronzer, but you do get a brush and lip balm.

Okay, now for the things that are not natural but still so good I had to share. The Jergens Natural Glow I’m sure is full of weird weird things, but it works so well and doesn’t turn my skin orange-y like every other gradual self-tanner I’ve tried. If you need help with your eyebrows, Anastasia of Beverly Hills is, hands down, the best. The Bold and Beautiful Kit comes with an eyebrow kit (powder and a pomade) and an eyeshadow kit. It’s free of parabens, sulfates, and phthalates so that’s pretty good.

Now I’m on a mission to find a body oil, body lotion, and deodorant. Any recommendations?

A few months ago, Neil and I went to the worst beer festival ever. It was inside a club (in the middle of the day), all the booths were set up on the dance floor completely cramped together, the music was insanely loud, people were getting bottle service. I mean seriously, only in LA. Obviously, beer fest held outside at the Paramount Studio lots was miles beyond the last experience. The weather was beautiful, the company was good, and the tasting glasses were the appropriate size. The last festival gave pint glasses for tasting. Pint glasses! Anyway, if you live in LA or happen to be visiting next year, I highly recommend this Beer Fest.

That boyfriend of mine. Surprised me with a trip to Catalina for my birthday. From start to finish, he planned the perfect weekend getaway. Not to mention securing the most incredible waterfront hotel room. It was my first time to the island and well, I think the pictures say it all.

For Christmas this year, one of my presents to Neil was a flight lesson. When we arrived, Johann the instructor led us out to the plane, asked Neil a question or two about the wings…as in, why they’re there…and we climbed in. I got to ride in the backseat, which was great because I’m mildy scared of flying, very bothered by heights, and always prone to motion sickness. But I really wanted to experience this with Neil, so up we went. He was a natural, of course. No fear. I mostly kept it together and tried to distract myself by taking photos. These are the only ones that weren’t severely blurry from my shaky hands. It was actually surreal at times. Johann mostly let Neil do all the work of flying the plane, while he chatted with us and explained the scenery. Even though I was freaking out for most of the flight, I am so happy I did it to witness the happiness on Neil’s face. I really love seeing that guy happy.

I found these old photos of my mom while house/pet sitting a few weeks ago. Everyone always comments on how much my mom and I look alike, but when I saw these photos they immediately reminded me of my younger sister Brooke. Especially that one in the bottom left. Wow.

Hope you’re having a relaxing Sunday.

After combing the archives of my favorite LA hiking resource, I knew we had to check out Murphy Ranch. Starting out in a fancy Santa Monica neighborhood, you walk towards a fire road with views of the Santa Monica Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Oral histories passed down over time tell us that Nazi sympathizers built a community here during World War II, awaiting the America’s inevitable collapse and preparing to usher in a new fascist state. Obviously, this did not pan out for them and only the grafitti’d remnants of a few old structures remain.

Later, the area was inhabited by an artist’s community and then the Boyscouts. Further down the trail are the charred remains of an old machine shed, a bomb shelter, and eight narrow staircases leading in and out of the canyon.

No one knows the origins of this house and stable, but it is straight out of a horror movie. Of course this got us talking about the work of Steven King and how my dad told me to read Dolores Clairborne when I was  way too young for that plot line. Still one of my favorite books.

If you’re looking for some bizarre Los Angeles history with a little nature thrown in, we definitely recommend this hike. It would be a great place to bring out of town guests or even a date. Lots to talk about! Head to the Brentwood County Mart afterwards for lunch and ice cream at Sweet Rose Creamery.

More info:

LA Times - Rustic Canyon Ruin May Be A Former Nazi Compound

Colony in Pacific Palisades Nurtured Top Artists in 1950s, 1960s

Modern Hiker: Hiking Murphy Ranch

Hijab For a Day: Non-Muslim women who try the headscarf

What Happens at an Atheist Church

Vaccinating Against McCarthyism

Yes, I’m a Homemaker. I’m a guy. My wife works. We’ve got no kids. I’m a stay-at-home dude.

Foreigners Photos of Korea in early 1960s

What You Need to Know About Genetically Engineered Food

Jack White releases obscure blues records for ‘no profit’

Image via AnotherMag

So, I made some resolutions here and I wanted to check in and let you know how it’s going…

1. Learn to sew – I decided to hold off a bit and buy myself a sewing machine for my birthday in March

2. Pay down credit cards – January was supposed to be the month where I really tracked my spending. I’ll get back to you when I’ve actually done that. Cross my heart, you guys!

3. Try to be more mindful of the food/products I consume – I feel like I’ve done a good job here. I’m slowly phasing out old products and introducing new more natural ones in their place. As for food, we’ve been doing pretty well. I’m even looking up vegan recipes after completely burning out on it in Korea.

4. More movin’, less boozin’ – Yeah! We went to Big Sur, whale watching, hiking. And we’re both working out regularly again. January and February are big birthday months for my friends so of course some celebrating must be done

5. Volunteer – Still waiting to hear back about an application I submitted, but I may have to start looking into some other opportunities. Any recommendations? I would love to spend time with kids.

And you all? What’s the update? Are you putting me to shame?

P.S. You can see some of my NY Resolution boards on Pinterest

Image via Iainclaridge.net

A couple weeks ago, Neil and I met Heather and her boyfriend Guillermo for a day of whale watching in my old stomping grounds of Newport Beach. We only saw a few little whale tails. The babies come pretty far inland to practice swimming or diving or something. Heather probably knows.

Eventually, everyone tired of seeing a tiny whale tail peek out every so often. But then, in the distance, someone spotted a group of dolphins. I had never seen a pod of dolphins before so I found it completely beautiful.

They even swam in small groups at the head of our boat, riding the current I suppose. But nothing compares to these lazy bones. What is it about seals that makes you question your ability to lounge at maximum capacity? They are sooo good.

In case you’re all into whale watching now…

North America’s Best Whale Watching Spots

and

Where to Watch Whales Around the World (Gahhh, how bad do you want to see a Beluga or Orca whale?)

 *Sorry no pictures of Neil, I never managed to grab the camera. 

Since we were unable to see the sunset at Nepenthe, we decided to have breakfast at their cafe Sunday morning. Not only were the views incredible, but the food was really impressive for a casual cafe. After breakfast  we began our drive home, stopping at a famous lookout point, San Luis Obispo to visit Neil’s grandparents, and then in Santa Barbara for dinner.

Big Sur quickly became one of our favorite places, and we’re already thinking about our next trip.

And, Happy Birthday to Neil! That handsome guy I get to live and eat with.