Christmas [3] 24 hours of family & food

Christmas Eve

sisters hard at work in the kitchen, before the Nisen's annual eve party

prom night photo

Before leaving the house, I took my own advise from the "holiday survival guide" blog, and pre-gamed with some grilled chicken (I was uncontrollably starving and probably would have over loaded on apps). The pre-game totally worked! Once I arrived my belly was satisfied, and I nibbled on some shrimp and peppers to hold me over till dinner. 

Christmas Morning

a 24 year old tradition- the morning PJ photo

our once a year church stop

the little girl sitting in front of us was convinced that baby Jesus was up in that vent. "Mommy, baby Jesus is up there, I've seen him."

our first afternoon gift giving...it was perfect.

Christmas [2] Sand Section & Ofersures

Every December our 2 favorite South Bay bands join forces for the best show of the year- Ofersures in the Sand Section. The sold out show was filled with old friends and endless dancing to music that makes you want to jig the night away...and we all did. 

backstage before the madness

SAND SECTION

Jeff's mind blowing solos

I spy Ms. Natter

dancing the night away

the Maguire's front row for the Ofersures, singing for their son Danny- Say Good Night, Say Good Bye

Cheers to next year...

Christmas [1] The Hoot

Every month our friends gather at the Maguire's house for a celebration of life and music. This family's tradition reminds us to be grateful for our health, family & friends and that music will always bring us all together. 

Welcome to the Christmas hoot

left to right: Jeff, Stefan & Halcomb

Halcomb, Sean, Suzie & Tom-O

the musical twins: Sadi & Sofi

with friends, cheers and beers the songs and smiles will shine through the years...

Pipe Master- What a DREAM

"It seems a bit of an understatement to say "you should have been there" when referencing a Hawaiian vacation, but in this case, you really should have been there. "

"Pinch me please", was all I could think while sitting on the beach watching the most anticipated surf contest of the year- Pipe Masters. Now, since my BF Jeff Nisen wrote an unbelievable article (as always) about this prestigious contest, my blog will be through the words of Jeff...

"Pipe Masters is an overwhelming combination of a pristine tropical paradise, world class athletes, high energy competition, and no admission fee. It proves that the only experience better than lying on the beach in Hawaii, is doing so while watching the best surfers on the planet paddle into waves that are three to four times taller than themselves with two goals in mind. First, they must get to their feet, and then, get as deep inside the powerful curl as humanly possible. They must then force their way through a massive wall of water desperately hoping not to get trapped or worse, slamming onto a coral reef lurking just a few feet below the surface…a reef that has claimed the lives of unlucky challengers in the past."

Bruce Irons pre wipe out

we were live on VAN's webcast

"Arguably no surfer conquered the waves better than the nineteen-year old Jon Jon Florence. Having grown up just a stone's throw away from the legendary surf spot, his practice and dedication earned him two perfect tens early in the contest. The only person who could finally out-surf him was eleven time World Champion and six time Pipe Masters champion, Kelly Slater, who beat Jon Jon with two amazing rides during the last few minutes of their showdown."

the greatest surfer of our time- Kelly Slater

Congratulations to 34 year old Aussie Kieren Perrow for winning Pipe Masters, the most coveted surf contest in the world. 

"Do yourself a favor next year and find a way to see the Pipe Masters first hand, I guarantee you will not regret it." 

Justice is Served

After 6 years of blowing off jury duty, I finally gave in and was summoned to downtown LA. The first 5 years I was either in school or studying abroad, but after my last failure to appear (because I was working in China) I got the "you will be fined" notice if you don't respond or reschedule. 

For once in my life I was over an hour early- trying to beat the traffic...and it bit me in the booty because I had to camp out on the street until the doors opened at 7am. And let me tell ya, this is not a safe place for a girl to be out on the streets in the dark. 

So here I am in my 8th hour of sitting at the criminal justice court, and I must say it's not as bad as I expected. With free internet, finding a friend- Kevin Glass and a 90 minute lunch break, I actually had a fun adventure getting lost downtown for lunch...

street art on my journey to find Organics To Go

wondering through central market on my way to the jewelry district...a total flash back to the street markets in Florence (if you're every in Florence Italy, check out Mercado Centrale, it's a food lovers dream)

this looked so fun...a stair trolly

After an hour of walking in circles & trying to find this Organic's To Go restaurant (that was in the "places to eat for lunch" video they showed us before our break) I stumbled upon Cabbage Patch- a farm fresh, and vegan friendly cafe at 520 W. 6th street.

I got a delicious beat, avocado & roasted veggie salad to go

If you're ever by the jewelry district in downtown LA and need to stop for lunch, GO TO CABBAGE PATCH. It was deliciously fresh.

T-2 hours until I'm home FREE. 

Holiday Survival Guide

With holiday parties in full force and new years just around the corner, the last thing we want to do is pack on those extra love pounds. So here are a couple tips to help keep the holiday weight off while still having a blast. 

At the party- be selective. The food and drinks will be endless, but with a little pre-plan there is a way to enjoy your night without blowing your "stay in shape during the holiday's" diet.

• Pre-party with a protein-rich mini meal. If you show up hungry, chances are you WILL over eat, or go straight for the booze and drinking on an empty stomach is a fast track to a hangover.
• pre-food suggestions: grilled chicken salad, quinoa & veggie hash, sashimi, piece of toast with almond butter or clear soup.
• Be picky with your apps. "Go for the worthwhile indulgence, not the cheap waste of calories."-InStyle magazine
• vitamin boosters: red peppers- low calories & packed with essential nutrients
• appetite suppressant: shrimp- the lean protein helps turn off your body's hunger mechanism.
• portion controller: broccoli- is filled with fiber & fills you up so you eat less.
• booze buster: caprese salad- fat in mozzarella slows the absorption of the alcohol into the bloodstream
• hydrator: red grapes- helps with dehydration & loaded with antioxidants. 
• Fill your plate wisely. Instead of polishing off a full plate, take small samples of everything at the buffet...and once again be selective. If you get the pasta salad, pair it the veggies and hummus. 
• Space out your drinks. If you're going to be drinking all night, mix in a water or sparkling water every 2 drinks. 
• Drink calo-meter.
• vodka soda- 95
• champagne- 120
• white/red wine- 120
• beer- 150
• hot cocoa- 176
• eggnog- 340
• Dress SEXY. If you wear tight clothing opposed to a baggy dress you will be more body-conscious and think twice before reaching for seconds. 
• Manage your late night munchies. Prepare by stocking your kitchen with the right late night snacks. You will feel better mentally and physically.
• suggested snacks: tomato juice or whole grain crackers with raw honey.

After the party, BOUNCE BACK

• Get your lazy butt out & get active.  Lounging around the house just prolongs the pain, opt for the quick fix and sweat it out. "Physical activity floods cells with oxygen and releases mood-boosting neurotransmitters," (Heather Hausenblas- exercise psychologist). This will not only help you feel better, but work off some of those extra drinks. 
• EAT Breakfast. There is a reason your body craves greasy fatty foods after a long night of drinking...your body needs to be replenished, but do it wisely.
• EAT lightly buttered toast (I use earth balance butter and Udi's gluten free toast), veggie scramble or whole-grain pancakes. DRINK orange juice to replenish depleted vitamins. 

Most importantly- HAVE FUN & DON'T STRESS IT

Thank you InStyle and Self magazine for your extra survival tips! 

Nathan's Fundraiser TONIGHT at Saint Rocke

Head over to Saint Rocke in Hermosa Beach tonight at 6pm for Nathan's Gocke's Fundraiser! 

Nathan is a former Fox Cable guy and friend of Fuel TV who was paralyzed a couple years ago after a surfing accident in Hermosa Beach. Nathan Gocke is a super guy who possess amazing strength, determination, and positivity as he has transitioned into a new and challenging lifestyle.  

What many people don't realize is that long term disability and other insurance policies don't nearly cover all of the additional expenses that one faces in these types of situations.  This is where people like us can fill in the gaps...

Join us tonight and help us raise money for Nathan's living expenses and handicap modifications for his home. 

Over $10,000 in exclusive giveaways - pro athlete signed gear, (skaters, snowboarders, Kings hocky players) and other great goods and services. 

Tickets

$20

$100 for VIP= Admission for 2 + dinner & a bottle of champagne 

Great talent line-up;

Comedy Central and Raising Hope star, Skyler Stone + Lou Giovenetti and his "Sinatra/Dean Martin" style performance and comedy + Magic Castle superstar magician David Minkin + screening of Nathan's award winning documentary + special surprises

EVENING LINE-UP

6:00PM  Doors Open

6:00 - 7:30 Cocktails, DJ Dave Paine, possibly two Raffle bits

7:30 - 8:00 Screen Floating: The Nathan Gocke Story

8:00 - 8:15  Raffles

8:15 - 8:45 Lou G performance

8:45 - 9:00 Raffles

9:00 - 9:30 David Minkin magic performance

9:30 - 9:45  Raffles

9:45 - 10:00 Skyler Stone comedy and impersonations

10:00 - 10:15 Raffles

10:15 - 11:00 DJ, and possibly more raffles if available

11:00 Sign-Off

"FLOATING: The Nathan Gocke Story" Movie

Saint Rocke 142 Pacific Coast Highway, Hermosa Beach CA 90254

Hawaii - Part 1

In the spirit of our spontaneous mindset, Jeff and I booked a Hawaiian adventure a week before our departure! Our calendars opened up and stars must have alined because everything went as smooth as a baby seal. 

Before this trip, I had only ventured to Hawaii resort style; once to the big island for my grandparents anniversary and the other to Maui with the fam. This trip we camped out on Sunset Beach with the most loving and crazy family on the north shore- the Orian's. They welcomed us with open arms, immediately making us a part of their family. There is a huge difference between going resort style VS. staying with the locals, and after this trip, I'm sticking to the locals. 

Arriving 2 days before the most anticipated surf contest of the year, PIPE MASTERS, our 8 day adventure began.

sunset beach at sunset

home sweet home for the week

the beginning of our bus adventures

there are no pigeons, seagulls or crows, just wild chicken & roosters...cock-a-doodle-dooing every morning at 4:15am 

BOB's bbq- our first authentic Hawaiian meal with Ricky Lesser 

day 1 at Pipe Masters- the largest waves they've had in the last 20 years of competition

we stayed with Sarah Crane's family on the North Shore. THANK YOU SARAH

Jeff teaching Kiwi some uke

our daily rainbow

meeting the new Cote fam...Rachel and the twins

one of the twins, Emma

Live Your Dream

"At first people refuse to believe that a strange new thing can be done, then they begin to hope it can be done--then it is done and all the world wonders why it was not done centuries ago." -Frances H. Burnett