Thursday, July 31, 2014

Career Advice | Lifestyle

Happy Thursday!! I found myself reading through this article in Cosmo while I was getting my hair done earlier and I thought It was some really great advice that I wanted to pass along. It's so important to get involved with things you're interested in. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!! XO, Erica


How I Became a Co-Host on Fox News

TV personality and former model Kimberly Guilfoyle shares her best career advice for young women.





Kimberly Guilfoyle, currently the co-host of the Fox News shows Outnumbered and The Five, attributes much of her success to the way she was raised. "My mother taught me early on not to be afraid to put myself out there — especially as a woman," Guilfoyle says. "She raised me to believe that anything a guy could do, I could do better." At 45, she's been a model (notably for the Victoria's Secret catalog), an assistant district attorney in Los Angeles and San Francisco, an anchor on Court TV, and a legal analyst for ABC News and CNN. Guilfoyle spoke with Cosmo for Latinas about how she got to where she is now.
Your mom was born in Puerto Rico. How did your Puerto Rican heritage influence the way you approach life and your career?
When my mom, Mercedes, and her younger sister, Juanita, first came from Puerto Rico, they were the youngest in the family. They had to jump into a new community and really learn English, assimilate, and adapt — and I saw that. I grew up in that community. My mother, oddly enough, really wanted to pursue a career in law, but at the time she had children and was working as a teacher. Being a teacher enabled her to be at home and really raise us in the way that she wanted. I really feel that I've carried on my mother's legacy. She had such a passion for justice. She was always working and doing outreach with groups that had been disenfranchised or underrepresented communities. We used to do a lot of volunteer work at Indian reservations. I grew up in the mission district in San Francisco, which was largely Hispanic at the time. I was raised in a household that was really welcoming to diversity and encouraging about different people's viewpoints and ideas and backgrounds. I think that helped me in law as a prosecutor and working with such a diverse background in terms of working with defense, working with the victims of crime — I understand people in these communities. It even helped to prepare me for when I was first lady of San Francisco. [Guilfoyle's ex-husband is former San Francisco mayor Gavin Newsom.] I knew those communities and neighborhoods. I knew the streets that everybody lived on because I [grew] up in that town.
Have you faced adversity because of your gender or ethnicity?
So far I think my reputation and my abilities have put to rest any doubts that one might have about me, about my background, about where I come from, or even my gender. I think it's been more of an issue of being a woman in a hard-charging field, like being a prosecutor, working with victims of violent crimes, working with gang units, working with homicide prosecutors. I have been in a very tough world where a lot of men are involved in these groups and these jobs. You really have to prove yourself and prove your worth. I didn't come from family that had been here for generations and had all these connections. What I've had to do was struggle and put myself through hard work. I still feel like I've got to prove myself.
How did your work as a model fit into all of this?
I knew I wanted to go to law school, and I wanted to have the funds to do so, so when I was in college at UC Davis, I had three jobs: I was working at the district attorney's office as an intern, I worked at the clothing store Clothestime, and I was modeling and doing different jobs in and around San Francisco and Sacramento. I was able to meet a tremendous [number] of interesting people through modeling, and I really learned a lot about self-confidence and self-esteem. I learned how to cue into my own autonomy as a woman. I don't have any regrets about all of the jobs in the different fields that I've worked in.
You have to share your point of view every day on TV. Were you always so comfortable sharing your opinion publicly?
I'll tell you a story: When I was in the second grade, I really wanted to play soccer, but there was no girls' soccer team at my school. So [my mother] met with the coach and said, "Please let Kimberly try out to play with the boys, but don't just take her because I'm asking you; take her if she's good enough. All I ask is that you give her a chance, make the exception, and make it an option for other girls." Well, I got the tryout, and I made the team. I really saw my mom advocate on my behalf and really say, "Hey, you're good enough." It was from her that I learned that just because something hasn't been done before, it doesn't mean it can't be done now. You have to speak up and you've got to assert yourself because it takes somebody to be the first one to make it happen.
So how did you reach out to someone new regarding an opportunity?
What I think you need to do is be aware and be your own best advocate. Get on the Internet, do your research, and find a group that you might be able to get involved with. Take advantage of some of these mentoring programs — there are plenty of them, especially within corporations where you can be assigned and hooked up with somebody who can guide you on your career path. You can't be shy about it. I would say, "Hey, do you know somebody who is in this field that I may be able to talk to and get some experience?" Trust me, it was a long time before I got a paycheck. It was life experience and work that was well worth it. The important thing is, you must give back. As good as you've been given, you must do for others as well. Somebody helped you. Who can you help too?
What is your advice to Latinas who want to stand out in their careers?
The one message I always send to young people is: Don't be afraid to try different things to see what feels right and what's a good fit. Then once you're in, if an opportunity presents itself, don't be afraid to go through that door and explore and see if it's something you could become excited about or that you go to bed at night and wake up in the morning and feel good about. If you do, then you know you're on the right track. And specifically for the Latinas out there, my advice would be: Be proud. Be strong. Be vocal. Go after it.

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

AUGUST FAVS | Lifestyle

I can't believe it's been 2 month's since I did my LAST FAVS POST! It literally seems like it was this time last month. I don't have too much to go over before I jump in but I did want to let you know that I updated some tabs so now there is an OBSESSED page. Every few weeks I will be updating it with links to things that I'm currently obsessed with. If you know about something you think I would like let me know and I will check it out!! Hope ya'll are having a great week :) XO, Erica

FAVORITE LOOK

FAVORITE BEAUTY LOOK

FAVORITE JEWELS

FAVORITE SHOE

FAVORITE CHOW

FAVORITE INTERIOR

FAVORITE EXTERIOR

FAVORITE ADVENTURE

FAVORITE QUOTE







All pictures can be found on my Pinterest - find a shortcut on the right side of the page.

Sunday, July 27, 2014

Yoga Flow | Health & Fitness

Happy Sunday! I hope you are all having a great weekend so far! I spent last night at a wedding with some of my closest friends and this morning running errands with my pup and cleaning my apartment. Sunday's are always my day to clean and relax and get all of my grocery shopping done for the week. What do you all spend your Sunday's doing? I wanted to share one of my FAV YOGI'S RACHEL BRATHENwith you today!! I first started following her on insta and loved seeing what she was going to do next. This is one of my favorite videos from her youtube channel. There are some exciting upcoming posts this week!! So stay tuned :) XO


Thursday, July 24, 2014

Skinny Chow | Re-Post

TOMORROW IS FRIDAY!! HALLELUJAH! I have some exciting plans for the next couple of weeks and I'm ready for it all to get started. First off I want to start by saying if you don't already follow the blog I'm doing a re-post on right now I suggest that you start!! I freaking love Rosie and I know you will too! So before I start rambling I'm just going to get straight to the point. XO

Skinny Crispy-Chicken Burrito Bowls


I'm just gunna throw this out there...
... I think burrito bowls are better than burritos.
There. I said it and I'm not taking it back.
Shoving a load of stuff into a wrap the size of a toddler's blanket & then hoovering it up all in one go isn't exactly good for you either.
You're much better off laying it all out, taking your time, building the perfect bowl of deliciousness and taking the time to enjoy it with a nice glass of something cold.
For my skinny bowls I've replaced rice with spicy cauliflower rice, the chicken is perfectly crispy but cooked without any added oils, the sour cream is greek yogurt & there aren't any white flour wraps in sight!
In terms of flavour, I think they spank any burrito bowl you've had before.
Look at all that crunchy, succulent chicken...
Creamy guac goes better in burrito bowls than the chunky stuff I usually make, but don't worry it doesn't need much more work.
Rushed photo of jalapeño & cherry tomato salsa!
The "rice".
Right! To make your own burrito bowl table for 2-3 people you'll need:
4 free range chicken thighs (bones in, skin on)
1 large cauliflower
2 ripe avocados
2 handfuls of cherry tomatoes
Handful of chives
Jar of sliced jalapeño peppers
2 heads of baby gem lettuce
Coriander (cilantro)
Greek yogurt
Sweetcorn
Grated cheddar
4 limes
2 lemons
Hot sauce
Red chillies
Salt + pepper
Paprika
Cayenne pepper
If possible start prepping the chicken at least an hour before you want to cook it. This'll give it time to get all delicious in it's marinade.
Use a pair of sharp scissors to carefully cut the bone away from the meat. Leave the skin on but trim off any dangly bits. When you're done you should have one flat piece of ugly chicken.
Do this to all of the pieces.
In a large, flat bottomed dish squeeze the juice of 1 lemon & 1 lime. Add a finely chopped red chilli, with the seeds. Place the chicken pieces meat-side down into the spicy juice, taking care not to splash it onto the skin-side. Leave these to marinade for at least an hour, if not a couple.
While you're waiting, prep your "rice".
Grate your cauliflower.
Pop the grated stuff onto a clean, dry tea towel.
Wring out the moisture over the sink, then spread it all out to dry a little. Then it can just relax & take it easy for about half an hour until you cook your chicken.
You, on the other hand, need to chop your lettuce & put it into a nice bowl on the table.
For the salsa: Finely chop 2 handfuls of cherry tomatoes, add finely snipped chives, handful of diced jalapeños. Mix with lime juice and a sprinkling of flaked salt. (Or just do it all in a food processor.) Put it into a little bowl on the table.
For the guacamole: Blend up two ripe avos with a big handful of coriander, lime juice and salt. Put it into a serving bowl and put one of the avocado pits in the middle to keep it from going brown.
Drain a can of corn & put it into a bowl.
Fill a bowl with greek yogurt.
Fill a bowl with sliced limes.
Grate some good strong cheddar (this bit isn't very skinny, but the stronger the cheese the less you'll need) and put that on the table too.
By now your chicken should be good 'n' juicy! Get a dry frying pan hot until it just starts to smoke. Place your chicken pieces skin-side down in the pan and relish the sizzle! Turn the heat down a little to medium. Cook for about 5mins, until the skin is golden brown (a bit longer if you like black bits like us). Flip it over & cook the meat-side for about 3-4mins. Once they're cooked through, rest them on a wire rack while you make your rice.
Pop your cauliflower into a dry saucepan on a medium heat. Sprinkle with salt, smoked paprika and a little cayenne pepper. Just keep heating it and stirring around until it's warmed through. Should only take a couple of moments.
Put your chicken onto a chopping board.
Slice it into strips (try really hard not to lick your fingers until you've done all of them, cheeky).
Pop it on the table, light a candle & you're ready to rock 'n' roll!
Now everyone can just get stuck in and build their own burrito bowl.
A mindblowing combo of flavours & textures that are sharp, spicy, salty and creamy, all at the same time!
It'll all disappear alarmingly quickly.
The recipe might look a bit long and time consuming, but it's all very easy. Once you've whipped it all up once, you'll be able to do it with your eyes closed!
I Mexi-can see this becoming your go-to supper in no time.

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Tulsa | City Guide

My city Guide To Tulsa:


Eskimo Joe's

Known around these parts as "Stillwater's Jumpin' Little Juke Joint!" It was voted Best College Post-Game Hangout by Sporting News, ranked #3 in "The Perfect 10 College Sports Bars" by Sports Illustrated and named in Playboy.com's Top 10 College Sports Bars. It's a great place to hang out with friends, shoot some pool and have some good food. 507 W. Elm Street, Stillwater, 405-372-8896



River City Trading Post

On rainy days, I love to venture into Jenks to raid treasure-filled home store River City Trading Post. It’s full of super-unique pieces—modern accents, midcentury furniture and antiques. 301 E. Main St, Jenks, 918-299-5998


Blue Rose Cafe

For sunset drinks, head to Blue Rose Cafe. You can’t beat that view of the Arkansas river, downtown Tulsa and Turkey Mountain — it’s the best place to watch the sun go down. 1924 Riverside Drive, Tulsa, 918-582-4600

Cherry Street Farmers Market

Everything here is guaranteed 100% locally grown, raised and crafted. On Saturdays you can find an awesome mix of local fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy and fresh ready-to-eat foods, artisan crafts and music. April-October (EVERY SATURDAY) from 7am-11am on Cherry Street, Tulsa



Cain's Ballroom

For a fun night out we’ll hit up Cain's Ballroom. It's a historic music venue built in 1924 and was originally used as a garage. In 1978 is was refurbished and since then has been the best music venue around. 423 N. Main St, Tulsa, 918-584-2306






MINT

The perfect afternoon starts with a walk down main street in Jenks and a trip to MINT. It has a fresh take on up and coming fashion trends and accessories. They only keep a few of each item so you won't see people around town wearing the same thing. 116 E. Main Street, Jenks, 918-299-2770






Utica Square

The best place to spend a day walking through the shops that offer famous local and national merchants, restaurants and park benches. Thursday night's during the summer host local bands and the holidays bring families together as we join to turn the lights on at Thanksgiving and sit on Santa's lap before Christmas. 1709 Utica Square, Tulsa, 918-742-5531


Monday, July 21, 2014

LIKE TO KNOW IT | Lifestyle

OH MY GOSH!! I've made a new discovery and I can't even wait another second to tell you all about it!! So I'm sure you follow peeps on Instagram that post all kinds of things from fashion to interior design and everything in between right? Well there is now a place that will tell you where you can buy those items!! It's called:



You can click on the logo above and it will bring you to their website where is will show you a video on how it all works. No more browsing through hundreds of comments trying to find out where you can buy it! PRAISE THE LORD - CAN I GET AN AMEN?! I mean really where has this place been all of my life? Now only if we could get something like this for Pinterest, my life would be absolutely complete. Hope you're having a great nigh!! XO



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Sunday, July 20, 2014

Make the most of it | Re-Post

Happy Sunday!! I'm so sorry that again I find myself realizing it's been almost a week before posting again. I've been so swamped at work and my weekends are spent running errands and going to weddings and parties. So I was able to sit down today and go through some blogs I follow and I came across a post Taralynn did a few weeks ago over at SIMPLY TARALYNN all about how to make the most of your life transitions. I thought this post was brilliant! Just having gone through a transitions myself I thought it was such a helpful post for those of you that might be on the verge of a transition. I hope you enjoy it and get as much out of it as i did! XO

How to Make the Most of Your Life Transitions


Happy Sunday!
Recently, I have been getting quite a few emails asking about my transition into this whole new me. The new me living on my own, away from my family, single, down south, and a couple other transitions I’ve been adjusting to. To be honest, it’s a challenge. It’s a challenge that will make me much happier in the long run, but one that takes some strength in the meantime. Nothing in life comes that easy. Good things come with anxiety, decision making, and contemplating. In time it’ll all fall into place, but staying strong while that happens is where it gets tough.
I’m constantly going back on my choices and wondering if I’m doing the right thing. Do I want to sign this lease next week? or do I want to spend a year traveling around the world? There are so many decisions that reflect my life that I’m making in a short period of time. I was reading a couple articles on the internet yesterday and came across this one written by Dr. Shannon Kolakowski. She puts a self-reflection guide together to help you feel better about your transitions. I thought it was very helpful and wanted to share it with you all.
Change-Quote
Major life transitions — moving to a new city, becoming a parent, retirement — can be an exciting and invigorating part of life. Yet transitions, even happy ones, can also be stressful and bring up mixed feelings.
The best way to prepare for major transitions is to take some time for self-reflection. Use the following guide to help you to embrace change and make the most of your new role:
1. Recognize that transitions are hard because they can shake your sense of identity.
We naturally define ourselves in part by our surroundings. When these surrounds change, it can be disorienting. Getting married changes your identity from a single person to a partner. Having a child changes your sense of identity from wife or daughter to now include being a mother. A new job changes your identity or role at work. Carrie, for example, was delighted to have been giving a promotion at her company. Her new position had more responsibility, which she liked, but as a manager she no longer had the peer team she was used to working with. She missed her former colleagues and felt overwhelmed. She worried, Am I really equipped for this job? Maybe I was better off before. It took some time for her to re-build her sense of identity in her new role. As she became more comfortable in her new duties and with new colleagues, her work identity was reestablished.
2. Being in transition is a wonderful opportunity for growth.
Take a look at the parts of yourself and your life that you most value– how can you bring those parts of yourself into your new role? Next, look at the areas of yourself that you’d like to make changes to. Perhaps you’ve been neglectful of some important area of your life. Transitions are an opportunity to begin practicing new habits and ways of interacting with others. For example, when Tracy got married to Heath, she used the wedding as a time to reflect on what kind of a partner she wanted to be and how she could work to make her marriage strong.
3. Remind yourself why you chose to make the change.
In the midst of feeling a little lost during a transition, it can be easy to regret your decision. Why did I break up with Dennis? I’m lonely and it’s hard to find someone new.When doubt creeps in, review the reasons you made your decision: I broke up with Dennis because he didn’t treat me very well and I wasn’t happy in our relationship. I knew I didn’t want to be with him long term, and wouldn’t be able to move on while I was involved still with him. When you see the big picture, it helps you move from feeling overwhelmed to understanding that this is a temporary adjustment, and while it’s difficult now, you are willing to go through some uncertainty and discomfort for the long term gain.
4. Recall other times in your life when you’ve successfully dealt with transitions.
What helped you get through that period in your life? Looking back, how do you feel about the past decisions you’ve made? What were you proud of, and what would you have done differently? Reflecting on your past can help you to make good decisions as you move forward.
5. When you’re in transition, it’s easy to become overly focused on yourself.
One way to shift your focus is to look at others who may need your help. If you’re at work, it may be a coworker who you notice is having a bad day. If you’re in a prenatal yoga class, reach out to another mom-to-be that seems like she is having a hard time. Making an effort to support others helps you remember that everyone struggles at times, and that human connection can be a powerful aid in helping get through it.
6. Part of what helps you feel secure in transition is having a support system.
Make an effort to stay connected; keep in touch with your family, call up an old friend who lives in the area you just moved to, volunteer or get involved in an organization, ask a new co-worked to join you for lunch. Find people who you can really talk to; whether it’s a trusted friend or close family member, being able to share how you’re really feeling can be a tremendous source of strength for you.
As you prepare for your new endeavors, know that the time you’ve taken to reflect and prepare for your next phase of life will help you live more fully and with purpose.
life_change_quotes_and_sayings
Think back on your life. What was the biggest decision you've ever had to make and how did you get through the transition?

Monday, July 14, 2014

Le Tote | Threads

Is it Monday already?! Holy cow do the weekends seem to FLY by nowadays. So over the weekend I was browsing my youtube subscriptions and I saw that the lovely NICOLE GUERRIERO had posted a video about the fab new box subscription LE TOTE!! You guys need to seriously check this out if you haven't ever seen or heard about it. I'm sure you have heard me rage about GLOSSY BOX before so now that there is a box subscription that sends you accessories and clothes!! FINALLY!! So I wanted to share this video so that you can see what she got in her box and all of the other little details. I hope you enjoy and are having a great Monday!! XO


Saturday, July 12, 2014

It's the Life | Lifestyle

I know that being busy is no excuse to go a WEEK without posting but let me just tell you that this last week has been just that. My family was in Gulf Shores so I had the pups for the week. Today started off at 8:30am - yes, today being Saturday... and I was off to work for a few hours then to run errands and pick up some needed kitchen items. If you didn't know I recently moved into a fabulous apartment all by myself and was surprised to find that I didn't have some basic kitchen necessities. A simple and speedy trip to Bed Bath and Beyond also ended up taking me through Ross & Marshals. Whoops! After that I was able to squeeze in a quick lunch and trip to target with my friend Kelsey. At this point all I wanted to do was take a nap but instead settled for ONE episode of Dawson's Creek on Netflix. YES I LOVE DAWSON'S CREEK!! I wasn't quite old enough to appreciate the late night teen soap in it's prime but I'm getting all caught up now. If you have never seen it, stop rolling your eyes and watch an episode. I'm telling you - IT'S THE BEST!! Then it was to work on cleaning and organizing the new chateau. I'm still unpacking...



So now that I have caught you up on just a little peek into part my day I wanted to share a little something that's been on my heart. A friend of mine posted this pic on Instagram a few weeks ago (SHOUTOUT @sedefhouston) and it really was one of those quotes that hit home with me. "LIFE IS GETTING UP AN HOUR EARLY TO LIVE AN HOUR MORE." Gaugh!! Just reading it again gives me this magical feeling like I have just discovered the answer to a question I didn't know I was asking. It makes me me want to set my alarm 2 hours early to wake up, make some tea or coffee and sit on the patio in the morning. It inspires me to do everything with more passion. To look beyond my busy schedule and spend time with the people that I love and spend time doing things that make my soul happy.  XO

Saturday, July 5, 2014

Make It A Double | Chow

Happy 4th of July weekend everybody!! I hope you all are having a fun safe time celebrating our independence :) I spent the most part of the day yesterday lighting fireworks and spending time with friends out in the country. The only thing that would have made it better was having a nice cold drink in my hand! I've been really into finding new drinks for the summer since this is about the only time of year that it's acceptable to eat fruit breakfast, lunch and dinner. So I decided that I wanted to share some of my new favs with you!! Drink up! XO


Pineapple Coolers
Ingredients
  • 4 cups pineapple chunks, chilled
  • 1 1/2 cups ice
  • 1/4 cup lime juice
  • 1/4 cup coconut milk
  • 1/3 cup rum
Instructions
  1. Blend all ingredients together until smooth.
  2. Garnish with a pineapple round, lime wedge, and sprig of mint!
  3. For a sweeter drink, add in simple syrup!



Strawberry Lime Agua Fresca
Recipe from Tacos, Tortas, and Tamales. Makes about 6 cups.
  • 1 lb. fresh strawberries, hulled
  • juice from 2 limes (about 1/3 cup)
  • 1/3 c. sugar
  • 4 c. water
  • ice

  • Add strawberries, lime juice, sugar, and water to a blender and blend until completely pureed and smooth. Pour through a strainer into a large pitcher, pressing the fruit pulp to get as much juice out if it as possible. Skim the foam off the top of the pitcher and discard. Taste the juice and add more lime or sugar to taste if necessary. Cover the pitcher and refrigerate until chilled. Stir before serving, then serve over ice, with a slice of lime and a fresh strawberry for garnish.


Watermelon Spritzer

              1/2 cup pureed watermelon
              Sparkling water, seltzer or lemonade
              Crushed Ice
              Slices of Lime

In a blender, puree watermelon and simple syrup (to make sorbet). Put into the freezer until frozen. Remove when you are ready to put your drink together. First add the puree into your glass... Top up with ice and add the lime slices. Lastly, add the sparkling water, seltzer or lemonade. Decorate with a small slice of watermelon.