I always enjoy my trips to California. This time I brought my camera and had some fun with it. My awesome hosts (Evis and Jeff) from AWESOMETOWN took such great care of me. We did all kinds of fun stuff… here’s a peek into my lovely week in California. My favorite memories from the trip:

• Lunch at Lucques in Melrose Place
• Best iced mocha ever – at Intelligentsia
• Awesome finds at hipster shops on Abbot Kinney
• Taking random photos with Evis all over LA, inside shops, on the pier, on the beach….
• Getting sand between my toes at Santa Monica and walking on the pier
• Lovely 4th of July celebration with good friends
• Photo session in Filmore, then Santa Paula
• Overdosing on In-N-Out and Yum Yum donuts
• Seeing ol’ friends
• Smelling the air in Newhall. Yes – there is a distinctness to it and i’ve missed it.

Thank you everyone who came out and spent time with me. You know who you are.

It was my first time in Chicago. There was nothing i didn’t like about it.

One of my dearest friends Janelle had her housewarming party a couple of weeks ago.  I promised to take some photos. Her home was filled with great friends and family, delicious foods and lots of laughter.

Her new condo, a chic little place near the Waterfront in Washington DC. inside, it’s painted and decorated as colorful and beautiful as its owner. Here are some photos from that day.

I’m such a snacker. Since i’ve been on this diet I’ve had to eat more in between meal snacks. I wanted to share with you three of my favorites that i actually keep around me at home and at work.
I am blessed to work next to Whole Foods which helps but you should be able to get these or a similar product at any grocery store.

L-R:
Extreme dark chocolate. It isn’t sugar free but it has very low sugar and carb content. It comes in small pieces individually wrapped so i get to treat myself to one a day if i have a sweet craving.

Dry roasted cashews. Ah…those are life savers..they are naturally a bit sweet and you’re allowed 14 pieces a day for Phase one. To extend the amount of time i can enjoy them I actually split them in half then just nibble on them as i work.

Oikos greek (plain) yogurt. Thanks to bro for recommending this. An absolute must for me now when i’m extra hungry. I think Phase one doesn’t allow for yogurt but i’ve been eating these since day one of the diet and it hasn’t caused any problems. This is a great snack and gets me full so i dont feel like i need more food.

Enjoy!

(photos taken by my iphone)

So i decided to try out the south beach diet. Most diets scare me because i think i won’t get to enjoy food anymore. This is especially difficult for a foodie like me but thanks to the internet i am now able to search for recipes, not just boring plain old recipes but delicious for foodie type recipes.

I wanted to share my first three dishes that i made to fit the south beach diet (phase one) requirements.
From L-R:
1. Sauteed Chinese long green beans with pancetta and shallots. I wanted a little more protein so i added some Cajun spiced shrimp cooked in olive oil. (recipe)
2. Spinach and arugula salad with avocado, tomatoes and cilantro feta chicken sausage topped with Annie’s Shiitake & Sesame Dressing.
3. Ham and cheese crustless quiche (recipe)

If you’ve ever been on this diet or any other diets and you have fresh ideas on how to make this journey easier please comment and leave some ideas for me and other readers.