Griffith Observatory

Last weekend, I took Jared to the Griffith Observatory. Thankfully, I picked out a great day, since it had just rained, which meant we would get a great view of the L.A. skyscrapers. From the Griffith Observatory, you can get a good view of the Hollywood sign, as well. 

P.S.:  Rebel Without a Cause was filmed at the Griffith Observatory. I believe, Transformers was recently filmed there as well.

So, if  you're visiting L.A., definitely stop by the Griffith Observatory. It's a great place to view the city, but also to be out in Nature. There are a bunch of trails around the Observatory.

Christmas Eve

This year the holidays were kinda weird, as my parental units weren't in California this year. Not to mention, Jared had to work today as well. So, Nita and I threw together a last minute Christmas Eve dinner. I'm to lazy and tired to blog about it, so head over to Kitchen Stories by Nita. It's her cooking blog.

Tomorrow, oops actually today...wow, can't believe it's passed midnight already. But then again, it makes sense, since Nita and I went to the 10pm mass. Anyway, just got side tracked there, Jared and I are heading over to Nita's In-Law's. Can't wait for all the yummy food!!! My scale will hate, but I'm on holiday until Saturday. Then my work out routine starts again. =/

A Photo Recap

I need to get better at this blogging. With my long commute and work out schedule, I'm typically beat by the time I get home. And all I want to do is sit on the couch and watch mindless crap on TV. So here's a quick recap with photos, since we all love posts that includes pictures. =)

Gotta love the winter skies in California, not the traffic. haha. We were on our way to my Christmas dinner party.

The skylines of L.A. a clear night, after the rains we had a few weekend ago. Photo taken after, we returned from seeing How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

Some Christmas Light in downtown Riverside. We, along with the Austin Family, wanted to see the Festival of Lights at the Mission Inn. Unfortunately, a million other people had the same idea, and the wait to see the Lights was over an hour. Of course, we had no desire to stand in that line.
The next three photos are not mine. I found them on flickr, from user Steven Miller

 

The Mission Inn is an amazing place, and their brunch at the Hotel ~ simply divine! Hopefully, next year I'll plan better, and the bestie and her family didn't wast their time driving up. Also, here's the website to The Festival of Lights.

 A photo of me and the bestie Marlith.
Unfortunately, I didn't take any good photos of the "A" family that day. Marlith, might have taken some. So once she posts her photos, I'll steal a pic and post here.

Thanksgiving

This post comes few days late. Oh well. I was simply to lazy to blog, even though I didn't do much over the weekend. This was the first Thanksgiving, where Jared and I aren't dating. Amazing, huh? With my dad in Africa, my mom in Virgina, Jared's folks in MT, it was left up to Nita and I to cook Thanksgiving dinner. Now, I know why people order pre-cooked Thanksgiving dinner. It's soo much easier and you don't have to stand all day in the kitchen. Enjoy the photos. 

Roasted Turkey Breast

Ham

 

Broccoli-Cauliflower gratin

 

 Spinach Salad with apples, cranberries, candied pecans & walnuts. Dressing: Honey Dijon Mustard Vinegrette

Nita's homemade apple pie 

 The Austin Family , who I had invited to celebrate the holidays with us.

 Calvin & Spencer passed out in the Living Room.

I think Marlith and I were the only people awake after our Thanksgiving meal. Jared was passed out as well. Then again, that was to be expected, as he had worked the night before. And know surprise here, of course, Nita and & Nat were passed out upstairs. Other dishes incl.: Sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, homemade cranberry sauce, string beans with mushrooms & bacon, bruchetta, chocolate chip pie, baked macaroni casserole, platter of fresh fruits. If I'm not mistaken that was it.

Holiday Cards: The Austin Family

I created some holiday cards, for my best friend Marlith and her family. You can read more about the details of their photo shoot and cards on my photography blog here and here.