So here I am, minding my own business when I decide to get on the “I want to be creative” train for xmas gifts. Who needs a box of chocolates when you can spend twice as much making that into a god damn sled that looks oh so cute when handing it out. With that said, I’ve decided to take up knitting. Yes, knitting. No, not Pokémon, not making rubber band bracelets or my own jam… knitting. My mom has tried to get me into knitting because she is a pro, knocking out beanies, socks and baby blankets oh my in one night – I thought I would surprise her with something handmade this year, and it being knitting I think she might actually like. Maybe wear it inside the house where no one can see her but still be proud of it! So far, as a never before knitter looking on youtube, (thank god for youtube) it is overwhelming but I looked at a few channels (linked below) that are actually really awesome so go give them some props if you want to start. I started with a kit that I found on Etsy, ‘kits n’ knits’ it came with two large balls of yarn and some needles – the essentials. The needles were a size 15, the essential beginner needle and it came with a book and some links that were really helpful – I highly recommend getting this to start. After watching a few videos, I cast on (that’s an official term that I can use now because I’m a knitter) I cast on to about 22 stitches. When I finished and I combined both balls of yard it came out like a small blanket (HA!) that wasn’t my goal, my goal was a scarf this was more like a cape, maybe a gift for my boyfriend’s dog or a small lap blanket but I was very proud of myself for finishing, combining the two balls of yarn which I was very afraid of messing up after getting halfway through and then finishing the edge at the end so it didn’t fall apart if said dog or lap blanket was in high demand. So, then I think to myself (because I’m not a quitter) let’s do this again!
​
In effort to try this process again, not casting on 22 and maybe going more to like 17 my “I saw it YouTube” ass heads over to Jo-Ann’s and walking in like a pro (with my coupon ready) I head to the yarn section. With a sea of colors, sizes, furry and not furry, baby blanket and adult cozy fad blankets my number one recommendation is to go in with what you need. I just went in based off something I saw on Etsy. That’s right, my cheap ass saw something on Etsy and went to go get it because I’m a millennial and in that whole “I want it now” mentality (which is why IKEA is so awesome) kicks in hard when I decide I want to do something. So I ended up with a fun grey with a punch of color yarn, It is from the brand Lion Brand Yarns, Hometown USA. It is a super bulky weight and I got it because it is machine washable (in hopes that it is actually worn by my mom) and I made sure to look on the label (which I learned is a small cheat sheet of what needle to use) and I grabbed up 4 balls of yarn and 9mm needles. So here I am, starting this process again – feeling a bit more confident going in round 2. I have begun with much gusto, it is kind of like doing a lanyard, you get lost in over and under and then you realize you have come to the end. I shall update in time – because im still really slow – with my final product! Happy Knitting!!
 
Channels that were helpful
Sheep & Stitch https://www.youtube.com/user/sheepandstitch
Wool and the Gang https://www.youtube.com/user/WOOLANDTHEGANGsa
Marly Bird (knitting and crochet) https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrjpfCw1L9nqmV2tM95WWaQ
(watch the one where she teaches her mom to make a blanket - hilarious duo!) 

I’m back to blogging! Tis the season of winter break and I realized that it has been almost a year since I have blogged and also coincidentally almost a year since I started posting pictures publicly on Instagram. As I look back I realize that it has become a place where I can share my in-the-moment pictures. It has become an eclectic collection of whatsinmylunchbox, what my students are doing and the cool (what I think is cool) places that I go. As passionate as I am about making plant based food delicious I’m also equally passionate about Reggio/play based preschool programs. I hope that my blog also shows the myriad of things that I’m taking on and allows you to take a break and have a fun read!
What has taken me so long to get back? Well, I spend a lot of my time doing work for my masters and I think that the last thing I want to do after writing a 15 page paper is type more on my computer but a creative outlet is something that I think I need more of to keep that balance in my life. Pre-new years I’ve been thinking about the things that I’m passionate about and things that keep my life in balance, and those are work, working out and doing something creative. DUH you might think but being a work-a-holic I feel that there needs to also be a fun outlet. Because I’m a millennial grandma I tend to not do much during the week except work and workout which turns into this mundane circle of not doing anything fun at all and I still try and do work on the weekend so I have really been trying to not check my email and not do work work on the weekends and fill that more with friends and family (and maybe more blogging and watercolors/knitting galore). In short, I’ve been working and not having a creative outlet so I’m hoping to be more involved in my insta and share some stories along the way. Cheers!

Oh Hi Denver! Winter break has officially started I’m in that post-Christmas slump and that New Years LETS DO IT glow so what shold I do?
Take a vacation for the first time in years! YES, seems reasonalble. 
 
Camera (CHECK!)
Warm Coat (CHECK)
Walking shoes (GOT EM!)
Touristy looking look on my face (IT'S THERE!)
 
First stop we go to the Arts District in downtown Denver!
 
We wanted to go to the Art Exhibit downtown, “Star Wars and the Power of Costume” but by the time we got down there all the other families with no school beat us there so we had to postpone until Sunday! So that epic post is soon to come!
 
Next we just did what tourists do we walked around! First stop, we went into the beautiful Capitol building it is amazing how grand it is, I totally recommend going even if you live in Denver. Like myself, I’m sure there are lots of places in Los Angeles that I have yet to visit and I’ve live there for my whole life so if you live in Denver and haven’t been you should go so you can see the grand stair case and live our your Disney Princess vibes while walking down acting like your beautiful ball gown is flowing down the stairs – oh wait… am I the only one who wants to live out that fantasy?!
 

​
After lunch and a luxurious glass of wine later we explore the 16th street mall. ITS HUGE! You can take a free trolley up and down the street – which we did because it was freezing OR let me restate, it was California freezing (35 degrees) im sure that’s so much better in Denver warmth zone.
 
Then we end up at the grand finale for the day *DRUM ROLL PLEASE* the Denver Nuggets game. The Pepsi Center was poppin’ and coming from going to years of Lakers and Clippers games (I’m a Lakers fan myself, pre championships era and post) that says a lot because Californian’s can GET DOWN! We got our obligatory basketball game cup o’ beer, walked around to hear a LOUD sound and some cheers – they have their own Drum Core (WHAT!?) it was really awesome to see everyone get so hype for the game. In the end of the last quarter the Denver Nuggets are tied and with everyone on the edge of their seats and with those who thought they were leaving but just stood in the lobby watching the game on the screen 3, 2, 1 we got it back and Denver won!
 

​To end the night we started our beer tour, trying to hit as many craft beer locations as possible during this trip because my boyfriend is a HUGE beer aficionado. We went to Jagged Mountain Brewery (on 20th street near Arapahoe St. in Downtown Denver) great service, cute place and craft brew vibe. Everyone there appreciating the taste and playing games available by the bar. I love these down to earth places because it has such a welcoming atmosphere. We had a flight each (brews in order) Walk Off Wit, Cougar Slayer, Sawatch and Wolfpack and ended with a BIG 9.3% double IPA Cattywampus.  After a fun day and being up for over 20 hours we both went home and knocked out, such an amazing touristy day – tomorrow we are visiting family so most likely lots of park pics and hopefully some left over snow to play with!
 
Have a great last few days of 2017!

My favorite thing to bring to put lucks, work events and even a friendsgiving and my go-to semi-homemade holiday recpie is rice crispy-ohs. There is something about that old school taste and that tiny square of delciousness that brings me back and gives me a nastaligic glow! 

My favorite recipe is a light mix of Fruity Pebbles and Honey Nut Cherrios

What you need:
1 10oz bag of mini marshmellows 
3 tablespoons of dairy free butter (i used earth balance soy free) 
Buy one small box of Fruity Pebbles 
Buy one small box of Honey Nut Cheerios 

​How to make these delicious little squares of JOY! 

- Take your mini mellows put them in a microwaveable bowl
TIP: make sure that they arent right at the top of the bowl because it will puff up after about 2 minutes in the microwave. 

- Put your three tablespoons of butter ( i used Earth Balance beacuse i dont eat Dairy) but you can use any kind of butter you'd like.

Open both your boxes for easy pouring access when you take the marshmellows out of the micorwave. 

I normally sit there in front of the microwave (see above) to make sure that it doesnt runneth over with melted mini mellows. I normally set the time to about 7 minutes and i usually play it by eye around 2:30 and 3 minutes is the prime time.

When you take out the bowl start mixing right away the melted butter and the melted marshmellow about three swishes of the spatula should due.
LIFE HACK: Spray the spatula with PAM cooking spray it makes it easier to get the cereal off when mixing.  

​Take out the mellows and start mixing  I start with a heaping amount of Fruity Pebbels (about half the bag) mix it up and then add about half the bag of Cheerios. 

If you still see more white then cereal then add some more of whatever cereal youd like. Once you're done mixing pour into a 13x9 pan 
LIFE HACK: Spray your hands with pam after pouring in so you can pack in the cereal in the dish without your hands turing into cereal monsters. 

Pack down the cereal and let it sit (and enjoy the leftovers in the bowl) 

TIP: once you cut your squares (you can also use cookie cuters to make cute shapes) put wax paper in between each slice so that there is easy access and they dont stick together. 

It’s about that time ladies and gents, Christmas season is upon us and winter is HERE! Los Angeles has turned to a brisk 60 degrees (62 in the sun!) and we are bundled up like the winter apocalypse is upon us just how we like it. Now that it’s December it’s time for #blogmas , 25 days of interesting facts, knowledge and holiday fun - i wont be doing all 25 days as im finishing my last quarter at shcool but I hope to be posting some of my favorite holiday joys with you and my adventures along the way!
 
First topic on the list, favorite holiday movies! They are all pretty much your typical feel good movies (minus Family Stone which makes me cry EVERY TIME) and they all also make my boyfriend give me the eye when the Apple remote starts moving towards the romantic comedy section (he also secretly loves them I’m sure) 

I have linked all the i-tunes links below each post for easy access viewing! 

​Happy Renting! 

1. Love Actually – A favorite for me, makes me want to fall in love over and over again. It's feel good cast (and Hugh Grant) makes you want to sing out loud for the Holidays. A great feel good movie for everyone of all ages (note: i wouldnt recomend watchign this with younger children because there is some nudity! bow-chica-wow-woooow)
Makes me want to: make some @ohsheglows hot chocolate and bundle up with my special someone!  

the movie: itunes.apple.com/us/movie/love-actually/id292606147
the hot cocoa recpie: ohsheglows.com/2014/01/14/luxurious-dairy-free-hot-cocoa/

2. The Holiday – Did you say Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz (IM SOLD!) two women escaping their holiday drama and end up finding themselves in the process. Lots of “heeeyyy I know that place” because it is set in LA for half the movie.
Make me want to: Put my apartment on air b-n-b and go live my life overseas for a season, that’s normal right?! 

the movie: itunes.apple.com/us/movie/the-holiday/id271282883

3. While You Were Sleeping – I mean who doesn’t enjoy a good ole fashioned love story, man falls off train track, woman saves his life and an unexpected romance begins. Also Sandra Bullock is the main go-to girl for this film and who doesn’t like a Sandra Bullock film, come on!
Makes me want to: put up my Christmas tree and drink some good wine!

NOTE: It is on HBOGo right now, so dont walk RUN to your TV or computer NOW, pop that bottle of wine and get setteled with a comfy blanket

the movie: itunes.apple.com/us/movie/while-you-were-sleeping/id308087418

4. The Family Stone – this is one of those movies that gives me goosebumps and then makes me want to call my mom. One of those depressing feel good movies (sounds interesting right?!) that makes you laugh, then cry, then laugh and then brings you back to crying. This movie is about a family coming together at Christmas time and learning more about each other than they need to know a coming of age story for everyone involved.

​Makes me want to: Call my mom and tell her I love her!

the movie: itunes.apple.com/us/movie/the-family-stone/id294731984 

5. Home Alone – Do I even need to describe this quintessential holiday movie, this one is is my go to December 1st movie! Not going to lie the guy with the beard scared the shit out of me when I was younger but it sure gets me every time, good feels! When I hear “White Christmas” I think of this movie and want to grab my comb and start singing. It is about a little boy who gets left by his extremely large family when they all leave on vacation and he holds down the house from intruders trying to get even. A definite comedy that you need to watch!

​Makes me want to: listen to “White Christmas” and dance around my house and make a secret plan for any intruders coming my way  *evil laugh*

Note: this movie is on HBOGo right now so hurry over and get your viewing party on! 

​the movie: itunes.apple.com/us/movie/home-alone/id344796733

Good Morning :)
I am ringing in the 3-day weekend with blender pancakes! With the exception of tacos and California burritos, breakfast is one of my favorite things in the entire world. Maybe it's because on the weekends I actually get to sleep in or maybe it is because I get to saunter around and not worry about being anywhere so I actually get the opportunity to cook but weekends to me mean breakfast, coffee and sleeping in and I couldn't ask for it any other way! 

Blender pancakes is the like the easiest thing to make in the world so go take a second, grab your blender (i'll wait) and come back to this page! *insert elevator music here* For this recipe I used my bullet blender but a "regular" blender would work just fine too!

'Get your blender and lets get to work!  Add your banana, oats and milk and blend, blend, blend! It is like the smokey eye of makeup, just keep blending until nice and smooth(ish). It should start to look like a delicious milkshake (which you could make after the banana pancakes if you'd like - it's the weekend GO CRAZY!)

Once your delicious milkshake looking pancake batter is blended add your egg baking powder (and I also added the honey and vanilla at this stage ( I sometimes like to add cinnamon too but I ran out) and blend until everything is mixed. 

I used coconut oil at this stage because I bought a vat of it to make some banana muffin toppers and figured I better use it with these. This has a higher burning potential than PAM spray so if you use coconut oil work quickly. I'm going to use a very technical cooking term so dont feel intimidated, but once the oil is drippy AKA melted start to pour your first set of pancakes. I like to work with smaller pancakes rancher than one big one. They are easier to flip and don't burn as easily. Once you start to see the sides sizzle take your spatula and flip fast! 

I made about 10 small pancakes but you can always make bigger ones if you are more of an advanced flipper than I. Usually I just keep the extra ones for the week for breakfast, I just let them cool down and then slip them into a freezer bag. One additional touch, I LOVE to add sunflower butter on top and a dribble of syrup (YES PLEASE). I keep my syrup in the fridge so heating it up a little in the microwave adds that extra touch so you dont have cold pancakes by the time you get to the table! 

Last but not least: ENJOY & bon appetite! 

 The infamous LACMA, the LA County Museum of Art (www.lacma.org) what a joy to live just minutes away from one of the most beautiful museams in all the land! After waiting 6 months I finally got my hands on some Rain Room tickets and let me tell you, it was worth the 15 minutes that we were inside seeing this amazing installment. You know you're from California when they put rain, in a room and people pay to see it. Cali doesn't see rain that often unless it's an El Nino year and then everyone suits up like the end of the world is upon us. I mean guilty as charged... I do own not one but TWO pairs of rain boots and use them not one but TWO times a year (hahah!) who's with me, I know I'm not the only one!

The 'Rain Room' is a temporary installation at LACMA. As you walk in you hear what sounds like a water fall or rain in a tropical oasis and when all your senses are ready to see a water fall you walk in and it is literally a room with rain, there are sensors in the ceiling that detect you as you walk through. I put my hand out so that the sensors could read me. Im wearing black, it is pretty much the only color that I own, but don't wear black to the Rain Room exhibit. Apparently you're supposed to wear light colors so the sensors can detect you, said my mom who was way more prepared than I after giving me the up and down and judging my all black outfit choice (haha), so In 100 degree heat I put on my jeans jacket that was in my backpack (don't ask, I thought I'd get cold so I brought it along) and as you move slowly the rain above you stops. So moving at glacier speed I put my hand into the rain so it could detect me. They said moving at a slow pace and waiting for a spot to open up in front of you and then step in is recommended but some (like my mom) decided it was a great idea just to run through it and get drenched. I knew that they had to give all the little 5 year olds the "don't run you can hurt yourself and get drenched" talk but I didn't know they actually needed to tell my mom that mini-talk too!

I 100% recommend that if you get tickets to this you should go. You should put your email on the list so that when they come back into circulation you get an update email. It is totally cliche to pay to see a room full of rain but it is awesome and plus you get access to the whole entire museum so go enjoy the asian art, see a Picasso is real life and see what the Romans and Greeks have to offer in the upper museum level. I hope to have more pictures uploaded soon! ​

Travel journaling, so much easier when you can do all the fun creative writing and calligraphy. So I looked up on social media and Instagram some of the bloggers that I follow and Nicole Miyuki caught my eye, her Instagram is (www.instagram.com/nicolemiyuki/?hl=en), i saw that she was having  a workshop in the OC - which is close(er) to LA than some other that I've seen and after looking at her style, so fluid yet vibrant, it was exactly what I was looking for. We we showed up @wayfare (www.instagram.com/wayfarehq/) a common working space/workshop area - with coffee in the front and workshop space in the back. I would have never guessed that this beautiful space was located in the middle of what looked like doctor offices. In a sea of beige buildings you walk in to see friendly faces and the most decked out common space I've ever seen. I took a few pictures for inspiration at my own place.

 I find my little name tag, perfectly scribed in gold ink on top some handcrafted boxes (which we actually got to keep, yay memento!!!) inside was all our supplies for the day. Water color set, one her favorite brushes for water color calligraphy and some other paints as well as a DIY card and some paper to practice on as well as a (what I'm going to call) a Nicole Miyuki workbook.

We all started out learning the basics, some of us more advanced than others and by some of us I mean mine looked like a 2nd grader was coloring in one of those Zen coloring books and the girl sitting across from me was making beautiful calligraphy from the heavens. It was good though because we all have learned on different platforms so our entire group (there was about 8 of us) all learned how to adjust and use a new brush (the one provided). Before this I had only used a water color pen, where you can load in water in the base of the pen and then you can dip it into the paint wells and get creative. We used actual brushes which made me feel like a kid in art class. 

After almost 3 hours I looked at my watch stunned that time went by so fast but as the saying goes, time flies when you're having fun. If you're in the LA/OC area then I highly suggest taking her workshop which can be found on her website (http://www.nicolemiyuki.com). Her style is so unique and she really does encourage you to take her style for the workbook and put your own twist on it. 

Sharing my most recent travel journal soon with all my new calligraphy practice! 

Thanks Nicole for a great class!