Boot Pocket

New thing today, used my long boots as a pocket for my work keycard & stuff. Lol I love using it as a pocket. 

Making Habits, Breaking Habits by Jeremy Dean

New thing today, finished the book Making Habits, Breaking Habits  -Why we do things, why we don't and how to make any changes stick by Jeremy Dean. The title sounded fabulous, but overall I felt it was lacking in the promise of "how to make changes stick" on the cover. It was a quick and easy read. Mainly it's a lot of essays about studies on psychology and how our habits work and what we do and what triggers us. A lot of it is fairly common knowledge stuff, at least to me. I didn't really learn a whole lot of new things about habits, although there were some good nuggets I'm going to share.

It delves into how our subconscious is actually influencing our daily habits, influenced by our environment and other factors. How our intentions cannot necessarily overcome some of the subconscious habits we have. It also talks about how small incremental habit updates are better than trying to do a complete makeover on things. Having a "if... then...." plan is helpful. Also just having reminders and environmental things to help trigger us to helpful behaviors are good. Being mindful was good. Overall some good stuff, but not wow-ing.

It was alright. I finished it in 3-4 nights reading through quickly. Like I said, easy enjoyable read, glazed over some parts, but talks about habits more than prescribes any good help with changing them. They are mentioned anecdotally and throughout, but it's all the common knowledge stuff we all know and have heard about, just all put together in this book. I'd give this a good read - maybe 6 or 7 out of 10. 

Baked Eggplant - Salting and Following Recipe

New thing today, tried baked eggplant following this recipe I found online. I made an incredibly successful baked eggplant a previous night impromptu, and decided to try salting and following the recipe for this eggplant. Turned out not good and not nearly as tasty as my own concoction. I salted the eggplant and drained out the extra water. Then baked it and added the olive oil with a brush, the salt and parmesan. They turned out way too salty and texture not as nice as I liked. Next time I will do it like I originally made it. This time, mine turned out better than the recipe :)

My Friend - Offer Accepted - House :)

New thing today, my friend got her offer for a house accepted!!!! :) She's in the process of getting a real home! She moved, she lives in a more affordable part of America (not Southern California) and well she's been in the market for houses, and now is on her way to becoming a homeowner!

She is the first of my friends to actually get her own house. Everyone else that's a close friend has a condo or an apartment. Ah the joys of Southern California affordability.

I am beyond excited for her, and this is pretty remarkable and awesome news.

CHEERS FRIEND!!!!! Congratulations and hope the home-making process is a good one!

So excited!

Battleship (2012)

New thing today, watched Battleship (2012). It was pretty awesome ridiculous and I enjoyed it! It's a very macho action alien fighting manly characters movie. I sort of really loved different parts. One was the opening scene where the guy is trying to impress the girl. I predicted a few plot turns, and there was a great part where they got the old guys to help kick some ass. No spoilers, but basically, this was a lot of action and I enjoyed it! Ridiculousness! BATTLESHIP! Pretty silly stuff, but ya, pretty great.

Baked Sweet Potatoes

New thing today, baked sweet potatoes. This was incredibly easy and we had a relative make it and it turned out delicious, so decided to try it ourselves. All you do is wash/scrub the potato whole, stab a few times with fork tines and bake at 400 for 45-60 minutes. We baked them around 60 minutes and they turned out super soft and mushy. I would probably bake it for less time in the future as I like them firmer, but overall they were way easy and tasty. We'll be doing this again - and it's easy and healthy! It's something that I'm going to go for this year with cooking.

This Is The End (2013)

New thing today, watched This Is The End (2013). I was surprised how much I liked this. It was so stupid and funny. It was an odd and interesting combination of funny and scary. Really really enjoyed it. Some great performances from the guys, and they were being ridiculous and funny. There were a ton of cameos too which were pretty great. I actually got surprised and screamed in the middle of one scene which was cool. I really really liked this. If you're in the mood for comedy and action and apocalypse, this is pretty great.

Baja Fresh - Tacos - Carnitas and Shrimp

New thing today, had Baja Fresh tacos for the first time ever, one carnitas and one shrimp. I was surprised how amazingly delicious they were. Super flavorful and way better than the burritos. Will be getting these again. Sorry no photos, but I'm sure you know where to find some. Carnitas were really amazing! Mmmmm.

The Kosher Palate - Marinated Grilled Veggie Malawach Wrap

New thing today, tried The Kosher Palate food truck - a Marinated Grilled Veggie Malawach Wrap. Never had it before and the idea of a Kosher truck wasn't super unappealing. BUT it looked like they had killer tator tots with a fried egg, corned beef and other goodies. I was good and got the Veggie wrap - it was delicious! It had some spice heat which was nice, but might be a bit much for the tame. I enjoyed it! I really liked the malawach bread and it was great. I will eat this again and it was awesome! Check out their stuff below.

My Veggie Wrap!

Baja Fresh - Steak Nachos

New thing today, had Baja Fresh Steak Nachos. Ya it was that kind of day and I wanted nachos. They hit the spot - delish! Loved the fresh tomatoes on top and I think I was craving/needing protein because I was spacey all day, and the idea of meat/beans was really good. So Thank You Nachos for fulfilling a hunger :) It was 14 Weight Watchers points for half an order. Sort of worth it.

Recognized Emotional Eating - Boredom

New thing today, recognized I was hungry from being bored. First day back after President's day long weekend. It's a little rough after a glorious 3 day weekend. I found myself craving food and getting hungry, even though I really shouldn't since I had breakfast. I payed attention as to why I was hungry, and realized I was bored. Work is boring. It can be monotonous and dull. So I realized I just wanted food for a "high" or something interesting to add to my day. It's a Weight Watchers topic from this week, so I'm paying attention to what drives me - emotional eating.

Anyway turns out Boredom is definitely one of my triggers. So when I recognized this, I decided to entertain my brain and listen to some Pandora Comedy while working, instead of snacking, to challenge the brain a bit. It worked! I got rid of the craving, was more productive at work, and didn't eat food just to feel entertained. Curiouser and Curiouser. I think that keeping my brain fed or entertained or stimulated is essential to my health. It's kind of cool finding that out and learning that. My body uses food to get high or entertained, rather than as a way to nourish myself. Learning to nourish myself :) New thing.

Catching Fire (2013) The Hunger Games

New thing today, saw Catching Fire - 2nd part of The Hunger Games trilogy. We saw it at our local cheap theater. It was quite good and enjoyable! It made me want to re-read the series, as the characters, action and storyline really took off in this movie. It is so much better than the first movie, and overall was just better.

I adore Finnick in the book series, and the actor Sam Claflin and the movie did a great job with him in the movie. They did a great job with Johanna's character played by Jena Malone. Overall the acting and editing was so much better in this movie. I also love the unfolding of the plot and everyone involved in the revolution. You really feel for the cause and their struggles together.

I was a little sad to see Philip Seymour Hoffman as the Head Gamemaker. I really like his character in the book and movie, and hope that they have enough footage for the third movie with him as the character.

Overall this one was excellent. I really really want to re-read the entire series now, so kudos to everyone involved in the film! The husband isn't really tuned into the story, and saw the first movie in the series and didn't like it, but he enjoyed this one. The only thing is, just like the book, the second movie ends where you want more and the story doesn't feel completed. It is a great in-between story. I seem to love middle movies done well. Can't wait for the third movie! Go see this one!

Butter Brickle Ice Cream

New thing today, tried Butter Brickle ice cream. Sister-in-law has an ice cream maker and has been making homemade ice cream. Today was a birthday, so we got to try her homemade butter brickle ice cream! It was wicked awesome delish! It's a toffee flavor and was pretty incredible. Mmmmmm.

Take-A-Break Massage - Coldwater Creek Spa Simi Valley

New thing today, got a Take-A-Break Massage at the Coldwater Creek Spa in Simi Valley. I think I'm hooked. I had a chiropractor appointment yesterday, and he mentioned that the best time to get a massage is 24 hours after my chiropractic appointment, because my bones were aligned so my muscles if massaged would be able to respond better to a massage and relax much longer after the massage. So I decided it was time and tried it out.

Holy smokes I was enjoying it. See I have trouble relaxing, I've realized. I find that the massage forces my tense muscles to loosen and forces me to unravel. It's a little ticklish and painful at times because I have tight knots here and there, but wow I'm still feeling the results and it's like I feel so relaxed 6 hours later from that 30 minute massage. It's fabulous! Feels very therapeutic and much needed for my body.

The overall treatment at the Coldwater Creek Spa was pretty fantastic as well! I'll be going a few times  a year at least, and massages will probably be my new treat to myself! Ahhhhhhhhh.

Took Mother-In-Law out for Valentines

New thing today, took out the mother-in-law for Valentines, at a food truck area. Husband and I started a tradition of celebrating Valentines day the day before, because our first Valentines together I had a flight on Feb 14, so we did Valentines on the 13th, and we've just kept up that tradition. Anyway mother-in-law would be alone and possibly lonely and sensitive, so we took her out for dinner and hung out. I think she enjoyed our company and we all had a nice time. It was casual, hanging out at a food truck area as a family.

Valentines day should be about love! Not just between a couple, but just love between any and all people. Share the love! Hope you all have a Happy Valentines Day :)

Chilean Seabass

New thing today, tried Chilean Seabass. Went to Market Broiler tonight and they had a new menu item - Asian inspired Chilean Seabass. We watch a lot of food shows and I've never had this so I wanted to try it. The dish itself was quite good. The seabass had an asian soy glaze with spinach and sushi rice. The sushi rice tasted a bit like coconut. The spinach was excellent. The seabass was good too. It wasn't great or my favorite fish, but it had a very rich fatty-ish texture and flavor. Overall it was nice. New thing I finally got to try :) 

Pineapple Cottage Cheese

New thing today, had LowFat Pineapple Cottage Cheese from Fresh & Easy. Holy smokes this stuff is great. Originally got it for the husband, but he found it too sugary sweet. I thought it was just right and so had some for breakfast with a few nuts sprinkled in. DELISH! It's probably a new favorite thing. It seems pretty healthy. So glad - new delicious discovery and regular favorite!

Don Jon (2013)

New thing today, watched Don Jon (2013). It was NOT what we expected, which was kind of neat. There was quite a bit of talk about porn, a bit more than we were expecting, but not overly porn-y. There were a lot of weird funny awkward moments. Plus the accents and the characters were entertaining as well.

Overall I wouldn't call it one of my favorite movies, but possibly one that has a few things that stick in your brain. There are some scenes which show how superficial his life is and what a mis-match things are at times. It also shows very human characters and it's not too indy and not too commercial, which is nice. I hate overly "independent" bizarre movies.

It's a movie about Jon and his evolution through love and life and finding love and what really matters. If you like the typical JGL you might be a little turned off by this character, but I was fine with it. Scarlett and Julianne did a FABULOUS job in this movie. I thought they were great characters and it was a good contrast to help Don find himself.

Not bad, but not a favorite either. I'd give it a… 7 out of 10. Cheers! Here's a trailer :)

White Rabbit Tacos

New thing today, tried the White Rabbit truck tacos. We ate at their restaurant location awhile back, and I was disappointed with the sisig burrito. So when the truck came, I was hoping it was just one bad experience. I was right! The tacos were delicious! Much better! I had the sisig, adobo and beefsteak tacos and they were super super yummy. The cabbage mix on top went really well with the tacos and it just came together nicely. Loved it! Go Pinoy!

Art Up

New thing today, put up 2 pieces of art in our house. 

We have a tendency to collect art, photos and cool stuff and never really put it up. Tonight I was feeling productive so decided to put these up. 

First one was a canvas I got as a results of supporting a Kickstarter Alice Otherlands project. I was psyched when I got the painting - so very very cool. I love the American McGee Alice art, and so when they let you add-on paintings, I really wanted this one. It was also signed, which I love! Anyway decided to put it up and enjoy it!

Another print I've had forever is the Hokusai wave. Got it in college and kept it in the plastic wrap and cardboard backing forever. Finally decided it needed a proper frame and display, so we did, and it turned out fabulous! We have an olive green bedroom and it looks great with the green wall!

Yeay art!

99C Store Finds

New thing today, got some new stuff from the 99C store. I don't know why we don't go here more. This place is awesome and I'm always loving the trip. It just never occurs to us to go. My mom was in town and wanted something from here so we decided to go with. On the way I found a few things. I always manage to find a few things. These were great!

PENS and STYLUS stuff. I got a rainbow stylus! I got a red bedazzled pen AND stylus. I also got a black pen with a fun print. 

The other new thing I got was a calendar. I know it's February and we already have calendars, but this was pretty awesome. It was a paper toy monsters calendar that you can put up and show off your monsters in 3D. The paper toy monsters didn't turn out as nice as the photos as you have to use glue and we only had stick glue. I might tape or wet glue them together sometime. Anyway here were January and February's monsters with the February backdrop. Love it :) 

We really need to go here more. Love all this stuff. And it was under $5! Seriously good stuff here.

Killing Floor by Lee Child

New thing today, finished Killing Floor by Lee Child. I watched the Jack Reacher movie and was interested in the character and thought the book series would be interesting. It was alright. I'd give it maybe a 7 out of 10. Definitely a mystery action thriller. His descriptive style is a little dry and monotonous, but it's the way his character is, very objective and detached. I sort of like how realistic this action hero is. He talks about strategy and fighting in a more realistic, gritty and unheroic way. I learned a few things about fighting that were interesting. Also, it's a little gory in the fight scenes, not much, just a bit. 

It was a good mystery thriller. I wasn't as hooked on it as other books. I'm not really dying to read the next book. There are other authors who are a lot more unstoppable page turners. Overall though the adventure and story were fairly interesting and I always like learning a little bit, and in this book I learned a bit about the scam they were uncovering and such. Don't want to give anything away.

Try it? If you're not hooked in the first 5 chapters, put it down. But overall it has a nice slow build and a fairly good ride. He is a pretty good character too. I think I might enjoy the series as it is long and there are a ton of books in this character's life. 

Linguine with Clam Sauce - Chi Chi's

New thing today, tried the clam Linguine with Clam Sauce with the White Cream sauce from Chi Chi's. This was delicious and a new favorite! Saucy, clammy and seafood goodness! Mmmmmm.

Griddle and Angus Grass Fed Beef

New thing today, two things actually, cooked with an iron skillet griddle and had grass fed beef. I was craving meat. Decided to get a cast iron griddle and some meat, rather than buy steak from a restaurant. Got the delicious meat from Pavilions, and I've always wanted to try grass fed beef. Got the griddle from Cost Plus.

Seasoned the skillet and put the steak on. Accidentally undercooked it, but the skillet was still warm so I was able to keep cooking some undercooked pieces. Overall it was a success. The grass fed beef was darker in color, and I found it tasty! Will be getting it again :) I also liked cooking on the skillet.

Yeay new things that work out! I will also cook it better next time too :) 

Teavanna Teas

New thing today, decided to try some new Teavanna teas - Dragonfruit Devotion, Cococaramel Sea Salt and Chocolate Bananas Foster. They were very fragrant in the store, and the guy oversold me as well, but they're pretty good. My favorite is the sea salt coco caramel one surprisingly. I will enjoy mixing and matching these :) 

Turkey Bacon wrapped Chicken

New thing today, decided to try some turkey bacon wrapped around chicken, fried in a skillet. Turned out alright. Didn't love it but the husband did. Didn't turn out horrible and it was edible and good. Success overall :) 

The Tell by Matthew Hertenstein

New thing today, finished The Tell by Matthew Hertenstein. I finished this book pretty quickly. I saw it at the library around a "Mentalist" flyer - a mentalist was coming to the library branch so they had books on predicting lies, reading tells and other such topics. This one looked interesting. Overall it was completely different than I thought it would be but it was still interesting.

I thought it would be about how to read people, but it ended up being a book based on psychology studies and how certain traits about people seem to correlate or be associated with seemingly unrelated things. It's not really a book on being able to "Tell" things about people, but more of our reactions or associations with things, people's looks and other traits.

If you're not interested by chapter 2 or 3, don't go any further. The entire book is very similar in tone. I was interested, even though it was different from what I expected. He's a little wordy, so I skimmed a lot of it, and he talks about some stuff I already knew so it was just sort of an elaboration of some of that stuff as well. 

It also talks about some of our instinctual gut reactions to things, and some of our superficial assumptions about things and people being pretty accurate - a sort of super intuition on people or things.  It also talks about how some of that can be completely wrong or biased. I did learn quite a few new interesting things. :) Lovely how books can do that!

Overall good :)

Mini Loaf Pan & Pumpkin Bread & Muffin Mix - Trader Joe's

New thing today, tried my mini loaf pan for the first time and made Pumpkin Bread & Muffin Mix from Trader Joe's. Using both for the first time, they turned out excellent! The muffins turned out delish, moist and firm in the pan, and the mix was easy and yummy. A win!