The Trickiest Holiday Party of the Season... the office party

The holidays are undoubtedly in full swing which means so are some of the seasons most awaited festive parties; the holiday office party (no matter how obligatory it may be) being among the many. This particular holiday celebration is somewhat of a time for employers to reward their team/staff members successes, and for collaboration between fellow colleagues while looking forward to the year to come... yet its somehow easily forgotten that this event is absolutely NOT the setting to be the life of the party! Over indulgence and undesirable behavior wont be forgotten once the party commences… The cardinal rule is to remember that no matter how festive the occasion, it's still about business.

So before you head out to mix and mingle  throwing caution to wind or ladies letting your hair down here a few words of wisdom to help you navigate the the potentially dangerous festive waters:

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RSVP

Aways rsvp within in 3 days and if you suddenly find out you are unable to attend be sure to give ample notice.

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Dress Code

Dress appropriately for the occasion- find out the dress code for the party and follow it and don’t forget… its business. My suggestion is keep your guard up when deciding on what to wear and stay away from anything that is too short, too tight, too revealing, too casual or that simply looks untidy.

Be on Tme

Never show up early and don’t waltz in 30 mins late. Andn’t be the last employee to leave.

Make Proper Intros

If you are bringing a date or spouse to the holiday party, be sure you are properly introducing him or her to your bosses and colleagues

Limit Your Liquor

Open bar should never be interpreted as an open invitation get to totally smashed… limit your liquor, especially if you’re known to not be the best at handling it… behavior included!

More so, don’t over consume…anything. Whether its food, alcohol or people, its important to enjoy all aspects of the party in moderation.

Dancing

Just because you can get-low does NOT mean you should… especially considering you’re on the office party dance floor, wouldn’t want that picture to fail the two fridge test now would you leading to potentially damaging cyber remorse…

Put Your Phone Away

In our always-on society being mindful of your smartphone use is crucial (practice smartphone etiquette) A holiday event filled with partygoers instagramming, tweeting and just plain virtually sharing just about everything, its plain rude! Memorialize it later or when you’re not in the company of those who deserve your attention far more than your followers and potential likers!

Don’t Talk Shop

Or gossip or talk politics- No matter who you’re talking to keep the conversation light, you and the people around you are there to enjoy themselves.

Know Who to Thank

The planner often times gets overlooked and a simple thank you showing your appreciation can go a long way.   

Moral of the story is, share the spirit sensibly. Follow the above suggestions to avoid falling off the fast track to success or risk damaging your professional reputation in this one night

of potential inadvertent blunders. And once again, remember the cardinal rule that no matter how festive the occasion, it's still about business.

5 Things Not to Miss at Disneyland's 60th Anniversary

They say its your birthday, well its my birthday too yeah! No, not really it not my birthday however it is the 60th anniversary of none other than the happiest place on earth, Disneyland! 60 years of magic and counting and this is Disneyland's Diamond Anniversary! Its been said Diamonds and Disneyland... I think I'm in heaven and couldn't be more excited to spend this weekend there! I'm am sure there are much more surprises in store which I can only imagine, but lets take a look at what we know is in store... 

DIAMOND ANNIVERSARY CAKE POP

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As if any Disney cake pop wasn’t cute enough, Disney’s culinary cast members really pulled out all the stops when it come celebratory treats! I am looking forward to diamond adorned cake pop in my very near future!  

PAINT THE NIGHT PARADE

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 This is the new parade that is basically the next generation of the Main Street Electrical Parade which is really synonymous with my youth! Ok maybe not synonymous but deff some true nostalgia brought on when even thinking about it!

WORLD OF COLOR

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World of Color is still an experience I’ve yet to check off my list and plan to do so this weekend! This is a special edition of World of Color for the 60th Anniversary that will skew heavily towards Walt Disney-era films, which I know all about and with Mickey Mouse as the host who could miss this!

DIAMOND FROSTED ATTRACTIONS

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Diamond frosted anything, yes please! But Sleeping Bautys Castle frosted with diamonds and sparkles, dreams do come true! Not only is the castle decked out but Carthay Circle Theater at Disney California Adventure Park is adorned with some serious bling!

DISNEYLAND FOREVER

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A street to sky experience certainly means fireworks are in store! This can been seen from both the park and the resort and I’m sure will dazzle my night! This is the new fireworks show that will be the successor to ‘Remember… Dreams Come True’, and will be another show rooted in nostalgia by Steve Davison, “utilizing the whole park as a stage.” (source)

#TGIF Weekend Vibes

OK so I know its not Saturday, but I am really looking forward to the weekend! May was a busy busy month and I have yet to share my June goals and do a quick eval of May... I will be back on track next week as this weekend I plan to recharge. I don't have any flights to catch or weddings and baby showers to attend! My recharge will include some much need PT and I cant wait to check out the colab between Refinery 29 and SIX02 this Saturday! They are bringing it with 6 hours of sweat sessions with the SIX Hour Burn down at the 3rd Street Promenade, giving you the opportunity to test drive 6 different workout classes for FREE! You can check out the classes here, and you can catch me at the Upper Body Blast followed by the Nike Training Club Class and I cant wait! #TGIF! 

Going No-Chella: 5 Things to Do in L.A. This Weekend

Come for Coachella, but party at #Nochella, now that's something I can get down with! While the line up is enticing and the fashion scene is hot, I am in no way in the fast lane on a trip to Coachella. NoChella on the other hand, count me in! Better yet, NoChella here in L.A. and can I just say, my commute down Wilshire blvd. last Friday as well as this morning was simply beautiful! Brokechella, ChouchChella or Coachella itslef however you frame it up, here are 5 Things to do this weekend in LA as Cochella whisks away some of the cities finest!

Be a Tourist in Your Own Town

source We Heart It

Santa Monica Pier, Hollywood and Highland, Disneyland heck Sprinkles Cupcakes! LA is your oyster this weekend!

    Take a Hike

credit Friends of Runyon Canyon

LA offers up some prime real-estate to both hike and run. However with the unfortunate downside of a fitness crazed city all locations become overwhelmingly populated during a weekend with good weather. With #NoChella in full effect, why not go for a hike this weekend without the rest of LA. Runyon Canyon, Santa Monica Stairs, Baldwin Hills Scenic Outlook… this is your time! Hike in peace!

   Host Your Own #NoChella Streaming Party

more Style Me drink recipes here 

With weekend 1 in the can, you can optimize your “steaming” efforts to include the bands of your choice. Stock your home bar, create a custom cocktail maybe a Mexican Mule subbing the vodka for Tequila. Tell guests to come dressed in their best festival attire (best dressed… wins!?) And then document it all via social media because if its not on Instagram, Snapp Chat, Twitter of Facebook it didn’t happen right?! And dont forget the hashtag #Nochella2015

   Go to The Grove

For more check out Twenty Four at Heart

Because retail therapy is never out of the question and The Grove is a great place when you can actually find a parking spot of walk without being pummeled by strollers or the trolley.

   Go For a Drive

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Hop in your car and take drive down PCH, up to the Griffith Observatory or even just across town. Drive all those places you have otherwise avoid because with a mass clearing of about 100,000 people (give or take a few) you may actually be able to drive those 7-10 beautiful miles in less than 45 minutes.    

Im thinking of a number...

Lets play a game! I'm thinking of a number between 1 and 100... Its an even number... It starts with a “th,”  and ends with a “y,” Oh yeah and it rhymes with “dirty.” If you happened to guess 30, you are correct (not that the above pic didn't give it away or anything)! I'm turning 30 this weekend, gracefully you hear and I will be the first to welcome myself to the club!

 

The truth is I have been anticipating this day with both dread and excitement. I think Im supposed to be freaking out or something according to those around me and their long winded reactions "th-irty huh! Wow! Big Birthday!"  And as I watch the last decade of my life fade into what seems to be some form of a mental rearview mirror, I can’t help but feel like I’m leaving an old friend behind... but only for a new adventure. 
 

My 20s were eventful, tough at times (but such is life), I made mistakes, and made some friends. I learned to cook and learned to take chances. I met an amazing man and rekindled some fizzling friendships and I am excited about my years to come! 
  
I've used the past 10 months to wrap my brain around the inevitable, but also to do my homework in enlisting my trusty friend Google to help me welcome this big day with open arms! So in no particular order the following is my web roundup of insightful advice to assist me in making this impending transition!

Oliva Wilde put it best! Do reap the benefits of accumulated wisdom. You're 30 after all. You know stuff now. Now you get to live with that knowledge under your belt. Also, make it a nice belt. You're 30. Stop dressing like a hobo.

If you lean in and meet life half way you can tango. Sometimes beautifully and often times like you have two left feet. Life has its incredible ups and downs, but for the most part we live in between the two extremes. Thank you Patrick Furlong, eloquently put.

Meg Jay's rhetoric that "30 is the new 20" trivializes what is actually the most transformative period of our adult lives is right on! 30 is NOT the new 21. And if you haven't watched her TED talk, please do!  

It important to know by this point in your life who you can trust, who you can’t, and why you shouldn’t take things personally.

Its still ok to channel your inner nine-year-old self and get excited about going to Disneyland and holidays like Halloween and Christmas as long as you continue putting one foot in front of the other.   

If you haven’t realized it already, than its time to recognize the obvious. Nobody gets away with smoking, drinking, doing drugs, or not flossing for very long. So pick a healthy habit and stick to it.

I plan on treating 30 like any other birthday. I'm going to put on a fun dress, have dinner with some close friends and family, drink myself silly with a little champagne and then tuck myself in, all the while being content with not knowing what is going to happen next.

So when I wake up on Sunday morning, I plan on channeling Molly Ringwald in Sixteen Candles and yet as I study myself in the mirror instead of looking for breasts, I will be searching for wrinkles. After all I'm turning 30, that's what you're supposed to do right (wink wink)!


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Girlfriends & Impromptu Visits

There are those you call to share a funny story, those you call to gossip {we have all done it, so you can stop pretend like you haven’t} those you call crying after a breakup and those you text fifty times a day. They’re your go-to gals and even your #1 fans when things get tough, maybe even your lifesavers, but no matter how you see them, your life wouldn’t be the same without them... because they’re your BFFs. And at one point in our lives we were seriously joined at the hips, but a little something called life has left us hundreds of miles away from each other. We all know that long-distance relationships friendships aren't easy…  but no matter the amount of distance between us there isn’t anything in this world that could keep me from forgetting about my best friends. There is nothing like a little impromptu visit to keep the spark alive and I had a blast with two of my closest gals this past weekend Jenny and Crystal you were sorely missed! Not to worry, our 4^th annual girls trip is just around the corner and Paso is calling our names {clearly seeing as the Universe has recently sent us a sign!} Always looking foward to making lasting memories with those nearest and dearest to heart! Heres to more impromptu visits in the future... cheers!    

{a little drinks and dancing with good company...}

{followed by a little love}

{everything looks better with a cherry on top... even if you don't eat it}

{we found love drinks in a hopeless place... kidding HB but really though sweat pant required}  

{you want it they got it}

{and a little r&r  with a mani pedi to end the weekend}

{like I said... I agree}

 

Super Bowl XLVII: Touchdown

Oh the Super Bowl… possibly the most celebrating sporting event of the year! Football fan or not this is the one day where acceptable party refreshments include the likes of potato chips, burgers, beer and anonymous bowls of mystery dip… effortless entertaining if you ask me. But while most of us are typically drawn to serving soiree clichés such as cheese dips and fried foods due to their convenience why not mix it up and host a party your guests don’t see coming! The Super Bowl or football for that matter isn’t typically a topic which provides much discourse from my perspective, however parties on the other hand and new ways to put your hostessing skills to the test… I'm all about it! (not to mention being a CA native I figured I would show some love seeing as the San Francisco 49ers are a stones throw away from my hometown) So even though I myself will not be throwing a fancy fete, I have created a web round up of what my perfect Super Bowl party would entail. Here’s to inspiring you to shake up your next house party on game day!

Invitations:

No matter how big or small the party an artistically crafted invite is essential. It not only makes your bash more official, but gets potential guests excited about attending too! I am a big fan of the iPhone app Red Stamp. Without going out and spending $$$ on fancy invites you can hop right on iTunes, download the app, select one of there awesome invitation templates, create and send away. You can even send these sweet little invitations via text! Convenient right?! Above are a couple I mocked up to inspire you!

Maximize Your Space:

Seating isn't optional to include when hosting a party for a room full of football fans. I'm not suggesting clearing the sofa from your living room and moving in a set of stadium bleachers, but its important to maximize your space for optimal seating, especially if you don't have enough chairs to go around. Make room for everyone and get this done before your guests arrive to ensure all attendees will have a great view of the game {or the commercials and halftime show depending on what they are into more...}

Put It On Ice:

So important and often times forgotten... ICE! Nothing can turn an otherwise amazing Super Bowl Party stale than a ton of luke warm beer...or soda, agree?! Don't forget the ice and lots of it! And coozies are always fun too! {You can encourage your guests to bring their own in honor of their favorite team even if their particular team is not one of the two playing in the Super Bowl.} Think of the coozies as game day wine tags! This will also limit the amount of half full beer cans you will be cleaning up once everyone has gone home.

Game Day Food:

Any football fan knows that top notch game day food is a must when throwing a successful Super Bowl party and without it, frankly you don't have much of a Super Bowl party. With hot wings, potato chips and various other fried and finger foods being the go-to items to serve... this can make for a rough Monday morning especially when a;; being washed down with beer. Instead try serving a few of the items I have included below. (For more Super Bowl Party inspiration don't forget to check me out Pinterest)

Cucumber Sandwich:

 

So simple and healthy too! Slice and dice and add your fave toppings to make these cute little health conscious treats!

Mini Spinach Football Pizza:

Rather than take-out/delivery pizza which can get greasy and unhealthy at times why not serve mini pita pizzas! Easier on the waist line and will score a touchdown with your guests because they are just so darn cute! 

 Burger-Potato Bites: 

 These bite size burgers are a great grab and go! Easy and just as yummy!

 Bacon Wrapped Jalapenos:

If you know anything about me... you know a reserve a big piece of my stomach heart for spicy foods! So obviously when I came across these hot mamas I couldn't pass up the chance to include them! 

Get Creative:

{49ers printable decorations avail by Hello My Sweet ETSY shop}

Once you've sent out the invites, thought about the best ways to maximize game day seating, chosen your menu, and added buying ice to your to do list now its time to get creative! Whether you choose a specific team for guide the theme of your party or just football in general HWTM has plenty of game day printable freebies! 

 Added entertainment is also great element, think Super Bowl Bingo! You can even use M&M's in the specified team colors {and yes, personalized NFL M&M's exist!} How fun, especially for those who aren't so savvy on the football speak, this will give them something to banter and cheer about!

Be sure to check out my Super Bowl Party Pinterest board for more inspo! Let the countdown begin! 

 

Weekend Road Trip: Green Valley Lake Getaway

Winter is in full swing which means it’s the perfect time of year for ski & snowboarding trips! Making a weekend of it while living within driving distance of the snowy mountains is something to be thankful for and this past weekend that’s exactly what we did, made a weekend of it! Tucked amidst the cool clean air of the San Bernardino Mountains is a quaint little community, Green Valley Lake. With an altitude of 7,200 ft. Green Valley Lake is the highest community of the San Bernardino Mountians providing some great heights to remedy your winter sports yearnings without the trouble of having to travel too far. And at that, just mere minutes from this charming little town is Snow Valley. 

{Map of the runs Snow Valley has to offer}

{the vets getting ready to show me how its done!}

After not skiing for several years {try 19 years or so} and even then having only hit the slopes on skis maybe 2 or 3 times Snow Valley is an ideal location for beginners and has made my transition from the snow board back to skis rather smooth. I have been lucky enough to visit the local slopes twice within the last month and am looking forward to going again.

Sunshine, snow and great company is the perfect way to sum up this past weekends getaway. With the beer and wine flowing we started the weekend off right! From master skills behind the barbecue, to perfectly crafted Manhattans we had a cabin full of various expertise to kick our Friday off right! Saturday morning, we fueled up with coffee and oh so tasty French Toast, hit the slopes right on time and got off to sunny snow filled start. After a morning of working on waking up my muscle memory {aadrenaline pumping as I tried to stay upright} we were all happy to spend a few moment to enjoy some nosh!

{unfortunately I forgot to snap an iPhone pic of our sammys, I was clearly hungry!}

Packing a lunch was key to refueling right before we skied into the later part of our day and what better way to refuel than with a finely curated turkey sandwich set up all the way down to the carefully selected ripe avocados. Ending our evening with a simple go to lasagna, cocktails and scatageories,it was a weekend to remember indeed!  I highly suggest, if you have a local getaway within arms-reach, you make a weekend of it! Here are some awesome tips {aka my suggestions} to help your weekend go off without a hitch, much like ours did!

·        Go with friends. Aside from the obvious fact, the more the merrier if you go with a group of friends, you can not only split the cost between food, gas and even lodging, but split the responsibility too!

·        Carpool. Speaking of going with friends, why not carpool too! Great company for the ride!

·        Getting your gear. Resort rentals are typically inflated prices. Sports Chalet has a ski pack (boots, skis and poles) for $28. If you pick up on Friday and ski on Saturday then return the rentals on Sunday you are only charged for 1 day.

·        Lift tickets. The online ski market place is your best bet. We used Liftopia.com.

·        Dine in. I mean who doesn’t like a home cooked meal and properly packed lunch. With proper planning and the right resources (stove, refrigerator, bbq, cooler etc.) dining in is not only tastier but easier on the wallet when it comes to resort food!

{sun-shiney day! see what I mean about not having to battle the lines}

{Checking right before these rippers hit the double black! I opted for a more bubble gum route. how does it go... Ride good or eat wood... right?!}

{Lift 2 next time for sure!}

A Walk in the Park: Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook

Scenic overlook, without a doubt, a walk in the park not so much… The Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook trail in Culver City may reside in a park, but this trail is anything but a walk in one. This past weekend I had the grueling pleasure (thanks to a certain special someone) to experience yet another wonderful, outdoor recreation space Los Angeles has to offer. Upon our arrival there was plenty of parking along the south side of Jefferson Boulevard and at first glance I thought to myself this looks fairly simple, but don’t be deceived as what lies ahead is actually quite a challenge.

With several options as to how to tackle this trail there is no wrong way to enjoy this hike and the unique perspective of the LA basin which waits for you at the top is a reward within itself. We decided to start our work out ascending along the paved walk up to the overlook. This gradual uphill climb (which was probably just short of a mile) made for nice warm up and definitely got our blood flowing and hearts pounding. The beautifully designed visitor center which sits at the top of hill was open this past Saturday (although we didn’t peek inside) and I was also pleasantly surprised that there were functioning restrooms atop which is not a standard hiking find!

The 500ft plus summit this scenic outlook resides upon certainly offers up some of the most breathtaking views which I think LA has to offer. We were lucky enough to go on an exceptionally clear day and were able to enjoy a front-row view from Santa Monica and the Pacific Ocean all the way to Downtown and beyond to the snowcapped mountains with many recognizable landmarks in between (all of this sans the typical smoggy layer hanging over the city)

{not a stich of smog in sight... such a beautiful day}

After taking a few moments to catch our breath, take in the sweeping views and rehydrate a bit we continued our sweat session heading down the stairs which sit in the middle of the park. 282 stairs to be exact, of recycled concrete each step offering up varying heights making for calf & thigh-burning challenge.

Once at the bottom of this ½ mile stone stair case we then geared up to continue our hike right back up those same stairs climbing at a pace which left me out of breath for sure once we reached the top! With a few moments of rest and bit more rehydration we finished up this great workout by making our way down the zigzagging unpaved dirt trail which stretches around the mountain side meeting the stairs again at various points. We took the dirt trail until it met up again with the stone stairs and ended our afternoon hike descending the bottom portion of the steps which put us right back at the bottom of the summit onto Jefferson Boulevard. All in all it was a perfect Saturday and I will definitely be back for more!