Eating in Season!

It's officially summer time, and that means there are new fruits and veggies in season! Today I hit up Manhattan Beach's farmers market to find, try and share the new candies.

When shopping for fruit & veggies it's very important to make sure they are in season because they hold the most nutritional value, your body is able to have a wide variety of colorful nutrients from your food AND you're supporting local farmers! 

First stop...the fruit booth

Fruits in season: plums, apricots, peaches (white, yellow, donut) nectarines (yellow, mango flavored), plumcots, pluots...

(Plumcots & pluots- plum and apricot mix)

BERRIES- blueberries, raspberries, blackberries 

I even tried a couple new fruits I've never even heard of...Kumquats and Cherymoa's!

(Kumquats are great with margaritas or blended into a daiquiri or mixed drink! You can find them at Atkins Nursery at the Manhattan Beach Farmers market on Tuesday's from 11-5 or at the Hollywood market on Thursday evenings)

Veggies in season: Summer squash, zucchini squash, okra, zucchini, celery, cucumbers, squash blossoms.

A huge plus about shopping at local farmers markets (besides trying all the fresh delicious food), you are able to ask the famers how your food is grown, what kind of water they use, if they are using chemicals and by law they have to tell you how they grow your food.

Until next weeks farmers market, adventure out and try some new seasonal foods!

Billabong's Design for Humanity...NYC meets LA

Last night the surfing community along with some A-list celebs (Jake Gyllenhaal & Ashlee Simpson) took over Paramount Studios for Billabongs 5th annul Design for Humanity fundraiser! This year's event was benefiting VH1's Save the Music, and there was music everywhere. It was a straight up a New York City block party in the heart of LA. 

Billabong created the perfect mini festival atmosphere, with a little blissful taste of Coachella. The streets were filled with live art, blasting music, head turning fashion, drinks, and the crowd favorite the Grilled Cheese Truck! The GC truck's line literally wrapped around the block, and for good reason. According to my boyfriend Jeff, the signature pulled pork grilled cheese was the the best thing he's had between 2 pieces of bread. And since I'm the gluten freak, I had to watch and drool over his grilled cheese mouthgasm...JEALOUS.

Now most importantly, lets chat about the fashion show. Not only where the girls drop dead gorgeous, but Mandy Robinson, the design director of Billabong, brought surf culture to a whole new level of sohpitication. From the green fishnet one piece to the white lace bell bottoms, the 70's were prominate throughout the show. The crowd favorite was Mandy's show stopping white lace crochet mini dress with cut outs inspired by Jane Birkin, who of course we all LOVE!

Following the fashion show Edward Sharp and the Magnetic Zeros took the crowd by storm, and we had the best seats in the house! Yes we snuck up the building and watched from the roof!

Thank you Billabong for an unforgettable event. A great time was had by all! 

Adventure Hikes

The best adventures are right around the corner, and we have the most beautiful hidden hikes in LA! My new and current favorite adventure is in Temescal Gateway Park. It not only has breathtaking views of the South Bay AND a waterfall, but it's actually a pretty challenging hike. Do not underestimate these trails, go prepared with proper shoes, attire and WATER! 

The view from the half way point.

Before our hike Jeff and I lunched at Urth Cafe in Santa Monica. Deliciously prepared food, with signature drinks. A great stop on Main street for a quick healthy bite!

To find this hike take PCH to Temescal Canyon Rd, go all the way up the hill. Once you reach Sunset Blvd, enter through the gates and go along the road to the second parking lot on your left. Bring $7 for parking, and make sure it's exact change.

ENJOY THE ADVENTURE! WE SURE DID :)

Swoop Magazine's Swimsuit Issue

After 9 weeks of runway shows, voting competitions and beautiful women in bikinis, Swoop Magazine has finally released their Swimsuit Issue!

Check out the exclusive behind the scenes video from our photo shoot with Cheyenne Ellis featuring SAND SECTION!

For more information on Swoop Magazine and up coming Swoop events go to...

http://www.swoopmagazine.com/

Birthday Madness!

Holy moly what an amazingly crazy birthday weekend! It's officially been one week since the madness ended and I think I have finally recovered...

It all began Thursday night when my sexy Jeffrey wined and dined me at one of our favorite spots HOTS KITCHEN…literally any type of meal you are craving they make in a taco…from the shrimp tempura taco to the melt in your mouth steak baked potato taco…seriously try the place!

Friday- my 24^th birthday!!! I woke up a little hung so the only curable thing to do was jump in the ocean with Jeff and my babe of a lifeguard BFF Christa. Yes, those are 3D glasses!

Once the night rolled around 40 of my closest friends and I grubbed and celebrated at my parents humble abode before taking on the night!

Even my San Diego blonde beauties made it up for the party! I seriously think I was the only brunette in our college group of friends...

Saturday- Day 3…the Alamo had their annual Hermosa Fiesta/ Memorial Day BBQ

Meet Kev...Our little baby bear doing the chicken dance!

The tres amigos!

Sunday- Fair day! First stop...THE PETTING ZOO!

I seriously had the best weekend ever and feel so blessed for all the incredible loving friends in my life…so here’s to you, for filling my life with happiness!