The Tiny Light

"Adventure is the best way to learn."

Thu, 23 May 2013 12:29:27 -0700

“Adventure is the best way to learn.”

Big Sur, CA - Pine Ridge Trail

Sun, 19 May 2013 19:53:00 -0700

This weekend I adventured to Big Sur for a backpacking trip - my first ever!

I had all the new gear, but none of the wisdom. After about eight miles of lugging my body and extra backpack weight uphill in the sun my feet were swollen and pinched with pain each step. What I thought was enough water became clear that it was going to be just enough. (Many experienced campers had water filtration systems with them and only carried a bottle or two, versus my method of stuffing my bag with as many water bottles as possible).

Regardless of the pain and lessons learned, the trip was a success. Beautiful scenery, refreshing creeks, and beautiful campsites. A trip to Big Sur is highly recommended!

A special shout out to REI for helping me buy all the right gear. Their customer service is a head above the rest!

My co-workers and I have a lot of similar clothing, so this week...

Fri, 17 May 2013 10:41:24 -0700

My co-workers and I have a lot of similar clothing, so this week we decided to put it to good use. Happy Friday!

Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try.

Tue, 14 May 2013 12:10:09 -0700

Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try.

If I could text my dog...

Mon, 13 May 2013 13:36:09 -0700

I was reading Postsecret a few weeks ago when I came across this secret:

It made me think, what would I text my dog?

I would text her I miss her and tell her when I would be home. The worst feeling is when they watch you leave the house each morning and they don’t know when you will return.

What would you say to your beloved furry friend?

Girls Weekend Getaway

Thu, 09 May 2013 14:42:00 -0700

Start with some refreshing scenery…

Pour yourself a glass of wine…

Who am I kidding, have a few glasses and then some cocktails…

Be sure to take the cute, formal pictures before…

…you’re found heavily sleeping on a raft that washed up on a shore surrounded by children.

That sums up my weekend with the girls at the lake - but I wouldn’t have changed a thing :)

The Best Burger You Will Ever Eat

Wed, 08 May 2013 13:23:11 -0700

There I am eating the best burger I have ever tasted. No need to Yelp this place, no need for a menu. Simply look up the Umami nearest to you and order the Truffle Burger. If you’re up for more try the Truffle French Fries.

You’re welcome - enjoy!

Santa Barbara, CA

Wed, 08 May 2013 13:17:57 -0700

Don’t underestimate the power of a mini-vacation! My initial thought of driving to Santa Barbara and back in one weekend was that it was a terrible waste of time driving for such a short visit. I was proven wrong though. My visit was both relaxing and fun-filled - and it ended up feeling like I was away for much longer! Here are a few shots from my mini-vacation:

Juice Cleanse - Yes or No?

Tue, 07 May 2013 13:59:42 -0700

Juice cleanses have been the latest fad. While I find the bottled organic juices to be a huge marketing ploy and weary of the actual health benefits, I do see the positive outcomes from a day or two away from solid food.

My co-worker and I decided to do a day of smoothies. Not only did I still have a large amount of energy, but I felt lighter and happier. The following day I was also more aware of what I put into my body. After a day of drinking fruit and veggies its hard to wake up and eat a bowl of sugar cereal or spread that thick layer of butter on a waffle.

So, what has your experience been with juicing? Would you do one?

PS. The green smoothie above is kale, spinach, pineapple, banana, and coconut water. The red-brownish smoothie pictured above is spinach, beets, ginger, carrots, apple, lemon and water.

"Worry gives small things a big shadow."

Thu, 02 May 2013 09:53:00 -0700

“Worry gives small things a big shadow.”

May Bucket List

Wed, 01 May 2013 22:29:00 -0700

May is here! Time for fresh fruit drinks, tanning out on my lawn with a good book, listening to a chill summer playlist while driving to the beach, and, unfortunately, allergies.

I won’t let my sneezing get in the way of my plans though, here’s a sneak peek of what my May calendar looks like:

- Backpack Big Sur. I’ve already picked out this trail.

- Make Bloody Mary cocktails

- Complete a 2-day juice cleanse

- Learn and practice a new vocabulary word

- Cook dinner for my parents

What will you be doing this month? Check out my April, March, February or January Bucket Lists for ideas!

Hit the ground running this week - or, in my case, hit the...

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 20:52:11 -0700

Hit the ground running this week - or, in my case, hit the ground and bike 12 miles after work. It is important to remember to get outside, be active, and do something you love!

The pictures above are from Sawyer Trial, something I had on my April bucket list.

repeatshuffle: Lana Del Rey - Young & Beautiful.

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 14:35:37 -0700

repeatshuffle:

Lana Del Rey - Young & Beautiful.

"May you always do what you are afraid to do."

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 14:05:51 -0700

“May you always do what you are afraid to do.”

Happy Friday tunes. Enjoy!

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 14:02:16 -0700

Happy Friday tunes. Enjoy!

The best guacamole you'll ever have

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 17:35:00 -0700

Really.

I didn’t believe it at first, but then I tried it for myself. While the pictures didn’t come out quite as nice as in the original blog where I found the recipe it truly was the best guacamole.

Don’t be deterred by these two surprising ingredients! The bright colors of the pomegranate and mango will make a memorable impression at the next party or potluck you attend (not to mention everyone’s taste buds will be thanking you).

Including the above original photo just so can you can compare it to mine and laugh at my iPhone photography skills (or lack of).

"I wish I’d done everything on earth with you."

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 16:40:04 -0700

“I wish I’d done everything on earth with you.”

- Great Gatsby

Plunge boldly into the thick of life, it is always interesting.

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 16:37:26 -0700

Plunge boldly into the thick of life, it is always interesting.

GoPro Stills

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 21:24:32 -0700

Today I went out Mountain Biking (MTB) and used my GoPro for the first time. Here are a few still shots I captured:

Cake decorating

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 15:20:59 -0700

Last night I took a Beginner’s Cake Decorating class at Kathy’s Kreative Kakes. We learned how to make perfect dots (harder than it sounds), how to pipe different borders on your cake, draw straight lines with frosting, as well as make roses!

See here for details from my Cupcake Decorating class.