Early Holiday

Despite my best attempt to stay motivated;
I’ve surrendered to my fate.
Ironically, I’ve spent the past two weeks meditating and deliberating on my mantra for 2017; the word I chose, surrender.
I spent last year developing the tools to stay present––regardless of circumstance––and I’m delighted that I found that peace almost every day.
It occurred to me that through the same presence of mind, I could release my need to overachieve, too.
It’s an ongoing struggle; but it appears I’m giving myself the rest of the year to begin implementation.
Cheers to surrender.

Family Vacation Day 1

Nineteen years and worth the wait;
The city I call home––where we spent our childhood, my sister returns!
Mom, sister, and niece are here.
Breakfast at our favorite childhood hole-in-the-wall,
My niece and I collect seashell at the beach.
Sand in our feet, I love watching her react to the foamy, brisk Pacific water.
Memories of laughter and love as we drive past the house from our youth.
Now cuddling on the couch with a cartoon before our journey to Disneyland.
I love when my family visits me!
Life is good.

Gingerbread Latte

Isn't it fascinating that such a simple idea exploded into such a massive event-
I'm positive that there are people who have "Starbucks Red Cup Day" marked on their calendars.
The Gingerbread Latte evokes the spirit of the holidays.
My first sip of Christmas in a cup came during a lunch break during rehearsals for the Radio City Christmas Spectacular in New York City.  I was with a group of performers strolling through Rockerfeller Center.  We were tired and needed a pick-me-up.  I broke my usual (twice a day) habit of ordering a Grande Mocha, to try the new festive drink.  Trust me, I spent more money on Starbucks coffee, than I did on rent in my NYC studio apartment during my twenties!  (If only I had that money now.)
I haven't looked back since.
Every holiday season since, I eagerly await the day I can order a taste of Christmas past.
After all, isn't that what we're buying into?
It's commercialism at it's finest.  If you're longing for family, friends or the childhood memories that never existed- look no further than Starbucks.
I promise one sip of their custom holiday specialty drinks will fill you with warmth and happiness!

SUNday

Three day holidays,

Partying with friends and food.

Swimming is a must!

RX: Vacation

Is it that obvious I NEED a vacation?
Apparently the answer is YES!
One of my closest friends reached out to me yesterday,
"Don't take this the wrong way, but I've known you long enough to tell you, I think you need to take a break."
She's right.
My journey feels more like a job than an adventure.  I've been pushing myself to continue to create and stay motivated, that I discounted the idea that my mind and body need to rest, too.
After all, what's the point in working so hard, if I'm not going to give myself some time to sit back and enjoy the results?
Following the cover shoot for my book this week (which is TOTALLY EXCITING) I'm going to Hawaii-
A trip that was planned months ago, and I was actually dreading it.  Until I realized, with the help of my friend, that EVERYONE needs some down time.
Hopefully in two weeks, I will come back recharged and inspired!