Good sign for a great weekend

Super weird weather we had here today. First it was cloudy, then it was hot, sunny and muggy, and then it was almost rainy. Those type of days always catch me by surprise, but the best thing about them is the sunsets. Today's sunset just happened to be on my drive home (Look who got out of work at a decent time, yay!). As I was driving down into Hollywood, the colors hit their peak and the sun rays were beaming, and I definitely mean beaming. You can make out the gorgeous rays of light coming through the cloud. I mean what is that?! It was those sun rays where you feel like a gospel or opera singer should be singing to the world to accompany the sight. On my right was the beautiful sunset and then to my left was a bright rainbow. This has to be a good sign. I took some pics on my phone, but the colors did not come out nearly as close as how amazing it truly was. I thought I was the only dork taking pictures of the sky, but as I was driving I saw people stopping and getting out with their cameras everywhere. Even standing in the middle of side streets to take their shots. I can't tell you how happy it made me feel to see Angelenos stop honking, stop yelling and stop furrowing their brows (I'm guilty of this constantly) if even for a moment to enjoy the beauty of the sky. That's what this town needs more of. Moments to appreciate where we live and appreciate that we can see this unbelievable sight.

This picture from my camera doesn't have the capability to show that the lower part of the sky was bright blue. It was truly amazing to see.

Here's to a great weekend!
-J

Rock Em Sock Em

My robot boxing t-shirt from Comic Con

Tonight we get to see a screening of one of our films: Real Steel. It releases to the public on October 7th. Everybody go out and see it. I promise you will be entertained and it directly helps Brian's and my own livelihood, haha! Sorta a two for one deal we have going on here. In all honesty, it is a good film and I am proud that we got the chance to work on it.

--J

Chargers with M&M

We finally got to experience a Charger game with Mel and Mike this past weekend. Honestly, one of the best times ever. And thank god, Chargers won too. :)

-J

Food Network vs. Cooking Channel

VS.

I am a lover of watching the Food Network. I can waste away most of the day watching them cut, dice, stir, making "yummy" noises when they have barely put the food in their mouth let alone enough time to taste the flavor. Even more so, I developed a crush on Giada's life (can I please have that kitchen, your view and a husband that works at Anthropologie?! Just kidding about that last part, B. No panties in a bunch here). And much to Brian's chagrin, I do watch a lot of the network but only a few recipes actually make it to my kitchen. The network has in the past couple years added more and more reality shows and the like and dropped off with the how-to cooking shows that I love. What gives? This is what made you who you are. Then along comes The Cooking Channel and saves the day. I think that they are related to each other, but haven't researched it. In much the same way that MTV stopped playing music videos and continuously played scripted and reality shows (shout out to Brian's Daria & Celebrity Deathmatch). They then finally heard the backlash and created MTV2, which played pretty much nothing but music videos for a time. I wonder if Food Network did the same thing here? Well whatever happened, I'm happier for it. I found a new person to anchor my watching on Cooking Channel: Kelsey Nixon (Kelsey's Essentials). She makes some stuff I would really like to try out, has a great apartment in New York with of course the amazing kitchen,  and she is young, cute and married. I'm all over this show. She makes all her dishes look pretty easy, but I still have yet to try one (I just started watching it, so no judging on me yet). So far so good. I also watched the Debi Mazar show (Extra Virgin), more so for the curiosity. Not my favorite, but there was one episode in Tuscany and that was worth watching just to get the feeling of it.

I look forward to more discoveries on this channel, although I of course still will be checking in to The Food Network (we've got some loyalty here).

Kelsey Nixon

--J

Wanderlust Wednesday

Today, we are pretending that we live in Austin, TX. Never been, but Brian tells me that's it amazing. So amazing that he almost bought a house there. It keeps popping up in my recent life in articles, tv shows and conversations. I think it's a sign. I think that I should try to head out there. What more could I ask for? Amazing food, cool food trucks, weird and eclectic design everywhere, fun outdoor activities and great people. B and I really want to take a long weekend and check it out. Rather, I will be checking it out and he will be checking back in. :)

I wanna keep it weird too, Austin!

 Picture Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4

-J

An Engaging Weekend

Brian and I couldn't be more excited. Our good friends (and fellow Charger Season Ticket holders) are finally engaged! We knew that Mike was going to propose to Melissa, we just didn't know when. We were already planning on coming down to celebrate Mike's birthday at brunch, and he popped the question on their morning hike before the whole family & friends all met up so birthday brunch also turned into engagement excitement. Such a beautiful and amazing couple, we knew from the moment we saw them together that they had found their partner in life. Cheers to their future life. :)

The old roomies

-J

Happy Birthday Kerry!

Happy Birthday to my sister. This past year has been a big one and hope the year to come will be your best yet! Thanks for all the support you give me. Love you!

--J

Wanderlust Wednesday

So today's idea for vacation is actually quite do-able. Not some super exotic place across the world, but right here in California: Avila Beach. I've never been but I read a article about taking a weekend there on Sunset Magazine's website. Sounds divine!

Here's the itinerary: You stay at the Sycamore Mineral Springs hotel which has hot tub mineral springs built into the side of the hill so while you're soaking and gettin all prune-like, you have a beautiful view of nature (not something we're used to here in Los Angeles). Also, if you don't want to soak on the hillside, each room comes with its own tub! Up next, maybe a bike ride through vineyards. Should we stop for a glass? I think so. Or perhaps we feel we need to be more healthy or something and we take a hike on a secret trail around a lighthouse.

Best part about this is that it's only about 3 hours away (well more cuz I might need to stop at the outlets).

Something to think about guys. ;)

Sunset article here.
Picture source.

--J

Memories of Amsterdam...

Ah, The buildings, the beer and the bikes (and the crepes). We heart Amsterdam.

Brian's old apartment that he rented in 2003

--J

And so it begins...

Football season is officially upon us. Not only was it the first regular season game yesterday but it also shared the 10th anniversary of 9/11. There was some beautiful and moving tributes to remember all those who gave their life that day, one of the more poignant moments being a bald eagle flying into the stadium during the national anthem, which you can see above.

The game itself was pretty close but thankfully, for both Brian's and my sake, the Chargers were able to pull it out in the end. Would be a very long ride home had they not won. ;)

It's always so fun to see Brian in his element, surrounded by one of his greatest passions. I can't help but admire his loyalty and ultimate excitement. Oh man, you've never seen a man so giddy. Pretty sure he would sleep in his seats if they let him.

 Here's to a fun season. :)

 --J

Birthday Bonanza

Yes, it has taken me a full week just to post pictures of last weekend. Yikes! Where has the time gone?! I think it was more so that we were recovering from the weekend of family, food and fun. Brian's family came down on Saturday and we all met up at the Little Spain restaurant in the Farmer's Market. The food ended up being pretty good and the restaurant was beyond helpful in celebrating B's birthday. The next day we continued the celebration at Pizzeria Mozza with part of my family and got to see Iris, the Cirque Du Soleil that recently opened in Los Angeles. So much fun and love all around. :)

--J

Wanderlust Wednesday

Today we are taking a trip to Hawaii (on our five minute mental vacation). Why are we going there, you ask? Well because we need it. We need some nice laying out on a beach with the only worry as "where is my next pina colada? I've finished this one". No sounds of car horns honking, or helicopters copting or mean people yelling. Just fresh, beautiful, sweet smelling air and warm, gentle waters. Maybe a dolphin or two thrown in for good measure. Ahhhhh, that's the life.

Two for me, please!

On a completely different matter, I have some pictures from this past weekend however I've been crazily tied up and exhausted so I will have to get to posting those in the next coming days. My apologies.

--J