Holiday Lights in South Park

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One of the things I love about this time of year are the Holiday Lights all over people's homes. I like to drive or walk around and look at them, after all they're shiny things and I get easily distracted by them. My neighborhood is next to South Park and going on 30th Street is always a treat.

If you take 30th street from Broadway after a few block, 30th turns into Fern Street and back to 30th, weird I know. Park around Fern & Ivy, get some coffee at Rebecca's and walk around looking at several nice displays, not to mention very cute stores in that area.

The following are not the best pictures I've taken, but you can always go and see the lights for yourself.

Hornblower Cruises & Events

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This year, my company's holiday party was held at a private Hornblower yacht called High Spirits, we had a cruise all over San Diego bay with dinner and dancing.

This is definitely something San Diego residents should do more than once. Even though the cruise was at night the views were breathtaking. We got to see the Hotel Del Coronado with holiday lights and were lucky enough to see fireworks just as we passed the U.S.S. Midway. Cruising under the Coronado bridge and looking at downtown truly gives you a sense of why this is America's Finest City....and we get to live in it!!

Because this was a Holiday Party I refused to compromise and wore my 5" heels, praying I wouldn't fall.

And I didn't! The ride was so smooth that I had no problems at all. Only the stairs proved to be a challenge but I survived without enduring any physical pain, and believe it or not, those shoes are very comfy.

The top of the ship was covered giving us a heated dinning room and a dance floor at the back. The front was uncovered so you can go outside to smell the ocean air and look at the views.

The inside of the ship was comfortable, although not very tall, some of the men over 6" had to be careful, I had no problems, even with my high heels.

The Hornblower offers many different event & wedding packages, dinner, brunch and whale watching. This is a great way to pass the afternoon or to take your out of town guests and make them even more jealous.

Lace Necklace

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As you know, I'm a guest writer for the fashion blog Style Bust, based in San Francisco. Recently the gals sent me a Lace Necklace as a gift and its one of my favorite pieces of jewelry.

Every single time I wear it, someone comments on it. At the store, in the street, at coffee shops, men and women, they all have something to say about it. The necklace is a piece of stiff lace that looks very unique and after a person praises it, they want to know what is it (great conversation starter). Some people think its made of thin wood, others think its a tattoo, and even from far away it gets noticed thanks to its unique shape.

So I wanted to give a special Thank You for the gift and if you are interested in getting one for yourself you can visit Leyna Lightman Etsy Store for other styles of necklaces and earrings.

At Ave 5 in Hillcrest/Bankers Hill

At The Ould Sod in Adams Ave.

MojoPages: Night at Ave 5

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I was invited to another MojoPages event, this time it was at Ave.5 located on 5th Avenue in the Bankers Hill / Hillcrest area, this is an amazing restaurant that is now among my favorites.


We were greeted by the Mojo Hostess and proceeded to be amazed by Mike Yen, Ave 5's Molecular Mixologist. First we had these crazy drinks on a spoon. The one that looks like an egg is made of peach something with something and something placed on this solution that turned it into the yellow ball. The white is made from a champagne reduction with something and something and once you "drank" it the yolk part popped inside your mouth and there was an aftertaste of Pop Rocks. Amazing!

The second spoon also tasted amazing with the little balls popping and releasing a really yummy drink. Mike explained how he made it and the ingredients, but thanks to many years in metal concerts, my hearing is not as it should be so I didn't catch some of the explanation.

Then he made us a drink without a name that contained Gin infused with green tea, lemon and honey, was processed in this canister. It was christening Mojo Tea, hope it catches on, it was awesome. And to finish off, we had a PumpkinTini...so cute and yummy.

Mike also made a drink called Cotton Candy Cuban, he served a martini glass with cotton candy (which he makes himself) and you pour the drink on top of it dissolving the candy. I didn't taste it, but it looked so cool.

Now the drinks are not the only great item in the restaurant, their menu is to die for. We met the Chef and Owner, he greeted us told us about the food we were about to try. We had risottos, salads, mussels, tortellini, fries and I can say each bite was amazing. Everybody cleared their plates....twice.

To finalize the event, we had pumpkin creme brulee topped with pomegranate seeds. The Chef explained how he likes to make layered creme brulee's and it really was very good.

Ave 5 prides itself with using locally grown food from their own garden located in Ramona, their menu is seasonal and I know I said it a lot, but it is amazing!

MojoPages VIP Reviewer Welcome Soiree

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For the last fours months I've been writing reviews for MojoPages; the first 50 reviews were from different places (mostly bars, pubs and restaurants) I've been to in San Diego. Eventually it got a little more difficult to remember places and names, so I started making it a point to visit new places (mostly bars, pubs and restaurants). Turns out my efforts have been noticed and tonight I was invited to the first ever VIP Reviewer Welcome Soiree, to do some wine tasting.

The event was held at Vin de Syrah, a Spirit and Wine Parlor located on the corner of 5th and E Street at the Gaslamp. The decor is unreal, first of all the door is hidden, this place is in the basement so you go down some stairs. Once you're down there it looks like a dead end, with three walls covered in street art and one solid wall of greenery, turns out that's the door. I was about to go back up when someone opened the door for me.

I went to the event by myself and felt overwhelmed when I saw there were a lot of people milling around, there was a charity event going on with several vendors. Of course, as the Super-Star Mingler that I am, the first thing I did was head to a corner, sit and hide with my cell phone. Fortunately, there was another poor soul in the corner, feeling just as awkward, if not more, than me. He went there for a speed dating event, but got the dates wrong. He offered to get me a drink and I declined (Damn it! Will I ever learn!), but I was there for an event and finally saw some people sitting with wine glasses in front of them and I was Home. Who knows what happened to that guy, my heart goes to him since I remember my Speed Dating Experience.

The event was very interesting, I learned about two different wines, had yummy appetizers and meet some of the people I've only seen in the website. In many ways it was a surreal experience since I still feel like a small town desert girl. And there I was in a great city, at a nice place, with pretty and confident people; thankfully I do look the part. I've spent so many years learning how to dress, accesorize, hair, makeup, etc and now its all coming together. Every time I felt out of place, all I did was do a quick glance to a mirror to realize I looked just fine.

When I arrived at the event I received a goodie bag with coupons from the different vendors, as well as samples of potato chips and an energy drink. And as a parting gift, MojoPages gave us a cupcake from Cupcake Love, it was so good and on top of the icing it had the logo of MojoPages printed in edible white chocolate.


Originally I thought this would be a big event and was surprised to see it was small and somewhat intimate, where we actually had a chance to talk and get to know each other. I am honored to be included in this group and really felt VIP.

Halloween Costumes and the Zombie Walk 2010

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My Halloween weekend was pretty interesting, this year I got to wear three costumes for different events. The cool thing is that it all came together a week before Halloween and I was able to use a lot items I already had from previous years.

On YouTube I saw a tutorial on how to do a Catrina or Day of the Dead makeup, very easy and unique, although time consuming, it took me nearly two hours to complete. I did this costume for the office Halloween lunch, this year lots of people dressed up, but I won first place (for the 2nd time in 5 years). I loved the costume even though I could not smile, eat or drink while wearing the makeup.

For this costume I used an old skirt I had from the days I used to perform Polynesian dances, paired with a red top, since the yellow top that came with the outfit no longer fits. The colorful rebozo was a gift brought to me from Oaxaca by a friend of mine. The necklace is a portrait of Frida Kahlo and put on nails that prevented me from doing any typing all day, and used a black wig so I could have the long braid with a red flower. 

The following night I went to a Halloween party with some friends and decided on an ironic costume, an angel. In this case my face was as natural as possible, I found the costume & wig at Walmart and pimped out the halo and wings with feathers and glitter. Received a lot of laughs and protests since this look was "not me" but it looks great in the pictures with all my friends. The funny thing is that mine was the scariest costume, the party was outdoors and while people were talking all of a sudden they would spot in the corner of their eyes something white approaching, more than one person jumped in fright!

The following day was the first Zombie Walk in Mexicali, Mexico organized by a friend of mine from High School. It was a great treat to participate, but also to see my friend. I felt a little awkward, definitely out of my comfort zone since I had to act like a zombie. Mainly all I did was walk as if I was asleep with a limp. I did manage to scare a cousin, an old lady and almost made a kid cry. Can't wait to do it again next year!

For this costume, I used a wedding dress I found at Salvation Army some years ago (good thing it still fit) smeared some blood in it and tore the veil. People at the event put on the makeup and a girl gave me the dead flowers since they looked better on me. This picture looks amazing, it was taken by some guy and found it on Facebook, he allowed me to tag it to my profile. Since the event I've heard from several relatives that they've seen me on TV....how embarrassing!

This was a successful, if small, Zombie Walk. 

I made this small video of the event and you can find more of them in YouTube by searching for Zombie Walk Mexicali 2010. 

Balboa Trails - Golden Hill Part 1 of 2

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About three months ago I took some pictures where I dressed up a la pin up girl, and the result was awful. I was shocked at how old, puffy and fat I looked. Granted the pictures were taken by an amateur at a very bad angle, still I was very shocked and the depression ruined my weekend; but did not completely destroy my ego.

So finally, when I got out of my depression, I decided to do something about it. On the getting old part, I'm already doing as much as I can without having surgery or botox, also I just incorporated facial exercises, especially for the sagging neck area. The other thing I could tackle is the getting fat part.

For my sister's wedding last year I went on a no beer diet for 2 months, didn't do any exercise or other special diets, but it worked even though it was two very boring months.

After that, between October and November I gained almost 20 lbs out of nowhere. This is something that happens every 5 years or so were I make a jump on my weight and no matter what I do, I can't get below that threshold. I wasn't too concerned on my previous weight jumps since I increased to a cup size C and my figure looked very curvy and sexy.

But now after the latest jump I decided not give in. This time it doesn't look cute and I refuse to buy bigger clothing. So by the time I decided to conquer my weight I was already eating better; with the disclaimer that I refuse to give up my daily cup of coke, beer, carbs and occasional fast food. So start exercising it is!

I have my priorities, and exercising cuts into my time for reading, writing, eating, drinking, doing my nails and watching TV. So in a normal day, only my fingers move, so I knew exercise was the way to go. Thanks to the great weather in San Diego, I decided not to spend any money on gyms and just go walking (I loathe jogging), and the Balboa Trails are perfect for that.

The website shows 3 maps with several trails with different levels of lenght and difficulty. I started with the Golden Hill Gateway since it's closer to home for me. At the beginning I could only do the trail that was 1/2 mile long and go around it 2 or 3 times and that was more than enough for me.

After a couple of weeks I began to tackle the trail that goes for 4.4 miles, this has been a gradual process where each time I would go a little further and come back. Let me show you some pictures of the trail scenery.

This is where the adventure begins.

At some parts of the trail, you will be walking near next to traffic, but the trail part has mulch all the way, so it's easy to walk on it.

This is where the nature walk part of the trail begins.

The first big hill where you go up and down using wood steps nailed to the earth.

The trails take you through a dog park, although you can't really see it from this photo. But this is one of those places magazines recommend to go and meet men, that is if you have a dog.

More freaking hills, but at this point I'm still going strong.

I was concerned on this spot, it looked too narrow, with room for only one person at a time and looks very deserted. And as I was hesitating I saw a jogger go through there, so I knew it was the right path.

I love this part, looks very creepy. But the wind blows nicely and it's good shade from the sun.

This hill is the hardest so far, the first time I climbed it I stopped to take a breath twice and spent 10 minutes resting before going back down. Also that first time I saw a guy running it up and down, he said he could do that 10 times.....he was insane.

You see? This horrible hill is a killer!! But some day soon I'll climb it without stopping to take a breath

I have conquered the trail #21, #22 and pretty soon #23. I started out by counting steps with a pedometer, started with 5,000 daily and every week increased it by 500. This pace has worked very well for me and now I don't use the pedometer anymore, I do the entire trail so I know I walk and do some mild hiking for 12 miles each week.

I wish I can say that I lost 50 lbs, am now a size 6 and all that stuff you read in magazines. But I definitely see and feel a difference and will keep at it until it gets too cold and sweaters will hide my shape anyway.

Style Bust: Tepezcohuite

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This week I added a post about my favorite beauty secret: Tepezcohuite.

In my Stylebust entry I sanitized a little why I used this product for the first time. The thing is I was really very extremely drunk that night in San Felipe, Mexico, fell down and scrapped my knee very badly with the sand and concrete when I arrived at the Hotel. I didn't notice it until the next afternoon when I woke up (still wearing my party clothes and makeup) and removed the covers...my knee was a bloody mess, but the hangover was so bad that the injury didn't hurt at all.

I remember with fondness that night, I actually stopped drinking for almost 6 months because I was so disgusted with alcohol.......ahh, the memories.

Anyway, click here to view the StyleBust entry.

Style Bust: Ojon Restorative Hair Treatment

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This week I wrote on Style Bust an article on Ojon, Restorative Hair Treatment. This is really an amazing product and I loved it....too bad the sample I got only lasted one treatment. I might go and ask for one more sample, but I'm pretty sure I'll be buying this product very soon.

To read about the product and its company, click the link below:

Ojon Restorative Hair Treatment

Style Bust: Living Proof No Frizz

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This week I reviewed Living Proof's No Frizz on the Style Bust blog....and I love this product, you can read more about it on the link below:

� Living Proof No Frizz Style Bust

Style Bust: OPI and Orly Summer Collection

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I just added a new posting on Style Bust...it's about one of my favorite things: nail polish. I really have to make myself not buy anymore, but the colors are so cute, I can't resist. Anyway, here is the link and enjoy:

� OPI and Orly Summer Collection Style Bust

Style Bust: Kat Von D Tattoo Concealer

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This week I blogged about my favorite product....Kat Von D's tattoo concealer. Love it and it's helped me keep my tattoo hidden from my Mom.

Sunday at Balboa Park

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One of my favorite things to do in San Diego is strolling in Balboa Park, sometimes I go just to walk and take pictures, other times I go to a specific museum or event. This last Saturday I went to the International Cottages, where several countries, such as England, France, Argentina, Sweden, Philippines and many others host a cottage. In it visitors can learn more about the country with a native person from those countries, it's really nice.

My main focus was the House of Ireland, hoping to see a cute Irish man there, except only saw Irish ladies. They offer Irish language lessons, free every Friday, so I'm very tempted to go.

Anyway, I wanted to share this video. There was an impromptu exercise class where anyone could join in and dance to Michael Jackson's Thriller. You will be able to hear a recorded voice giving the directions and the music is barely audible, but it was cool to watch.

Style Bust: Lancome Hypnose Drama

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This week I wrote about Lancome's Hypnose Drama mascara...originally I wanted to add something about shoes, but didn't feel inspired on that....right now my obsession is eyelashes