a lifestyle blog
I, personally, love nothing more than a recipe that requires minimal cooking and comes together in a pinch. If you feel the same, then my smoked ahi rice bowls may be the dish for you since they’re the perfect meal after a long day, on a hot day, and every day in between. To top it off, these rice bowls are incredibly tasty and work for both lunch and dinner!
Continue reading “Quick & Easy, Smoked Ahi Tuna Rice Bowls”
I have always been fascinated by volcanoes so was thrilled to explore Volcanoes National Park during a recent trip to the Big Island of Hawaii. Keep reading for some tips and tricks on how to plan a first-time visit to this magical place.
Continue reading “Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park: A First-Time Visitors Guide”
Six years later, it still brings me so much joy sharing my mineral-based sunscreen finds with you all. And although I publish this annual post each summer, please know that every season is sunblock season in my humble opinion. As I’ve gotten older, I can genuinely say that I still believe that the best thing we as individuals can do for our skin is protect it from harmful UVA and UVB rays via the use of mineral-based sunscreens when spending time outside. If you’re equally as passionate about sun protection as I am or just looking to learn about some new SPF products, keep on reading.
Continue reading “The Best Mineral Sunscreens – 2026 Edition”
Whether these products are needed as a must-have condiment, a quick tasty snack, or an ingredient for a composed meal – it’s always wise to keep a variety of glassed goodies in your pantry. Olives, mustards, oils, pickles, and hot sauce make up the majority of the jarred and bottled items in my kitchen.
And now it’s finally time for the big reveal – the prized list of glassed, Trader Joe’s grocery items that I, personally, can’t live without!
Continue reading “The Top 15 Jarred & Glass Bottled Items I Consistently Buy From Trader Joe’s”
I’ve exfoliated in the shower with all-natural loofahs and cloths since I was a teenager, but I only started dry brushing in 2020 at the age of 35. And now, years later, it’s become a regular part of my skincare routine. If you have yet to fall in love with this ancient practice, keep reading to find out why I enjoy the act of dry brushing so much and why you should too!
Continue reading “10 Reasons Why I Love Dry Brushing”
As a fan of all things seafood including smoked fish, I almost always order a trout dip whenever I come across it on a restaurant menu. For some reason, however, I never made this savory dip at home until about a year ago despite always having smoked trout filets in my pantry.
This fish dip is incredibly simple to prepare, packed full of protein, teeming with Omega-3s, and bursting with flavor. It not only makes for the perfect appetizer on a warm, sunny day but also a great weekly staple when a healthy lunch or quick snack is in order.
Continue reading “Simply Divine, Smoked Trout Dip”
Whether they are needed as an ingredient for a composed meal, an item for a quick snack, or for emergency preparedness – it’s always wise to keep a variety of canned food in your pantry. Beans, peeled tomatoes, and tinned fish make up the majority of canned items in my kitchen. However, there are a few other staples from Trader Joe’s that I just can’t live without.
Continue reading “The Top 10 Canned Items I Consistently Buy From Trader Joe’s”
I have been a fan of the Cocokind brand for years & recently gave a few different products a try. Keep on reading for my honest review.
Continue reading “Cocokind: Skincare Review – Part 2”
Happy Holidays, Folks! If you’re still shopping for friends & family, feel free to check out my present recommendations below! Cheers to the joy of gifting.
Continue reading “Homemade In LA’s – 2025 Holiday Gift Guide”
It’s the middle of summer, and today’s high in Los Angeles is forecasted to be 90° which is a clear indicator that it is absolutely sunblock season! The best thing you can do for your skin, in my humble opinion, is lathering on an SPF-based product when heading outside. Don’t know where to start when it comes to sunscreens? No need to fret my friend. I’ve got plenty of great recommendations to share when it comes to mineral-based sunblocks since I’m incredibly passionate about sun protection.
Continue reading “The Best Mineral Sunscreens – 2025 Edition”
I have been wanting to try Odacité’s skincare products for years and finally took the plunge a few months ago. Keep on reading for my honest review.
Continue reading “Odacité: Skincare Review”
If it wasn’t already obvious from the title of my blog, I was born & raised in Los Angeles. The past few weeks have been nothing short of devastating and an incredibly overwhelming experience to say the least. It’s been five weeks since the Palisades & Eaton fires erupted. It’s been five weeks since we learned about the extent of the destruction that imprinted itself across our city in one short night and would continue to do so for days to follow. It’s been five weeks of panic, anxiety, shock, grief, resilience, fortitude, fear, struggle, strength, reflection, and deep hope for the future. On this Valentine’s Day – I felt compelled to write this post for my own emotional release, for everyone personally affected by these wildfires, for every single Angeleno, and for all those with deep ties to LA.
Continue reading “A Love Letter to Los Angeles Amidst the LA Wildfires”
Thanksgiving & Christmas may be long gone, but cranberry season is still in full effect around my household. So if you too are a fan of this seasonal berry and happen to be hosting a New Year’s Eve party this Tuesday, I’ve got a great two-ingredient, appetizer perfect for ringing in 2025!
Continue reading “Cranberry, Goat Cheese Pastries – The Perfect Holiday Appetizer”
As a San Gabriel Valley native, Trader Joe’s has literally been my neighborhood grocery store since youth and continues to be my grocery store of choice as an adult. Considering how much time and money I spend at Trader Joe’s each month, I figured it apropos to finally dedicate a section of my blog to this hallowed place.
Continue reading “Trader Joe’s – My Childhood Grocery Store Turned Grown-Up Sanctuary”
A while back, I kicked off a monthslong, solo trip to Europe with a quick visit to Lisbon. My good friend, Pat, was wrapping up a Portuguese cycling excursion with his family on the same day I was starting my journey abroad. For this reason alone, I made Lisbon my very first stop. Keep reading to see how I spent my time exploring The City of Seven Hills.
Continue reading “Here’s How I Spent 4 Nights In Lisbon”
A first-time trip to Lisbon is not complete without a day spent in the district of Belém. Located along an estuary of the Tagus River and directly to the west of the city center – Belém is a scenic hub teeming with monuments, museums, and the grandest of monasteries. Keep reading for a few tips and tricks on how to navigate this popular, Portuguese destination.
Continue reading “Your Guide To Exploring Belém – Lisbon’s Busiest Tourist Destination”
I am always striving to create less waste by using less plastic. One easy way I’m able to accomplish this is through the toothbrushes I choose to buy for myself. Keep reading to learn more about some of my favorite, oral care products that are not only great for my teeth but also great for the environment.
Continue reading “My Favorite, Eco-Friendly Toothbrushes”
I’m a nerd for research and looked into a variety of hotels and vacation rentals prior to my trip to Lisbon. After learning about the city’s various neighborhoods, countless hills, metro system, and tourist hotspots – I finally settled on a hotel in the neighborhood of Saldanha. I was really pleased with my decision at the time of my stay and still feel the same after reflecting on this fun, quick trip to Portugal’s capital city.
Continue reading “Heading To Lisbon? Here’s Where You Should Stay During Your Trip!”
Are you visiting Lisbon for the first time this year and searching for a cost-effective way to tour Portugal’s capital city? If so, the Lisboa Card may be just what you’re looking for. Keep reading to find out if the perks of this popular travel card are actually worth the price.
Continue reading “The Lisboa Card – Worth It Or Not – Your Guide to Visiting Lisbon”
During a recent trip to Europe, I was able to spend three full days in Portugal’s capital city. Although my time in Lisbon was quite short, I was lucky enough to stumble upon some truly delicious eats and equally tasty beverages during this quick visit.
Continue reading “The Best Things I Ate & Drank In Lisbon”
HOMEMADE IN LA 