Girl Meets World: NYC Edition

This summer , my sister, our friend, and I took a very interesting vacation together. After a year of planning and saving, it was decided we would visit New York, Virginia, and Florida--all for very different reasons. But this post is about New York and our adventures there. 

It started on July 16th at 11:00 a.m. when the three of us met at the airport. Ahead of us, we had a 3-hour fight to Japan, a 13-hour flight to Washington, and a 1-hour flight to New York. When at last we reached La Guardia Airport, NY, and took our shuttle to our B&B in Washington Heights, we were very ready to 1) eat real food, and 2) sleep horizontally. Our B&B host was wonderful and had bacon and orange juice waiting for us. 

Travel Hacks You Haven't Heard

There is a taboo on packing.

 But I believe that with the proper system packing can be completely stress free. When we have to pack our 21st century instinct is to hop online (like you are now) and discover all the possible ways to make it easier. But if you are like me and you've heard all the hacks before and are looking for something new I give you... TRAVEL HACKS YOU HAVEN'T HEARD!

1. TRAVEL BOOK

This little book should contain your airline login information, your flight conformation code, the number for you to call if your credit/debit card is stolen, etc. Keep it in writing. You never know what is going to happen to your phone. 

 

2. INFORMATION CARD

1 of these in every piece of luggage. What if you loose a bag? What if your luggage tag gets ripped off and they cannot locate you to return it? Keep this card INSIDE a pocket of your bags.

3. CHARGERS

The easiest thing to forget as they are often in the wall. Sharpie a checklist on a see-through bag to confirm they are all in there before you move to your next destination.  

Ultimate Summer Packing Guide

1. THE BIG SIX

Six essential tops for any summer getaway. Packing any variation of these tops insures that you have something for any occasion you may find yourself in. 

1. Pattern Tee: creates a dynamic, effortless outfit without layering. 

2. Plain White Tee: allows for styling up or down

3. Button Up: for more coverage

4. Warm Sweater: even on a tropical vacay you can find yourself in need of this  

5. Tank Top: a general must have

6. Denim Button Up: for layering to add flare 

                                                           2. BASIC BOTTOMS

These 4 bottoms and dress will cover all your bases. Never underestimate the power of packing a dress.     

How to do gluten free on Guam

               

For almost 2 years I have been gluten free due to an autoimmune disorder called Celiac disease. I wrote an article for the Pacific Daily News about being gluten free here on Guam. Read it here.

A Summer to Remember

               

Year after year you promise yourself this will be the summer to remember. And year after year there is always something to disappoint you. But here we are again, the days are getting longer and the nights shorter and you are making plans with your friends to have an unforgettable summer. But you can't help the little voice in your head that's saying "ya right, that's what you said last year". Well my friend, I'm here to tell you that this summer really will be the one to remember. Why? Because it's not last summer or the summer before that. Starting now past summers never even existed. It's time for new experiences, new memories, and new adventures. It's as simple as waking up and making everyday count. 2015 is your year and everyday you're just getting started.

Best Gluten Free Pizza

In 2013 I discovered I have Celiac decease and had to go entirely gluten free. This was extremely difficult because my two favorite foods are pasta and pizza. So after lots of trial and error I developed  the perfect gluten-free pizza crust. This recipe is incredibly simple and delicious.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup gluten-free baking flour
• 1/4 cup brown rice flour 
• 1/4 cup chia seeds 
• 3/4 cup warm milk
• 1 tbs. yeast
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 egg

OPTIONAL:
I like to season my crust with some granulated garlic and onion.

DIRECTIONS:
Mix all ingredients in a bowl with a spoon until it's a thick paste.
Drop dough onto floured surface and kneed.
Add flour until dough it dry enough to handle.
Spread onto greased pan with hands.
Add toppings and bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes.

Smoothie Bowl

The secret to any smoothie is FREEZING ALL YOUR FRUIT!

I never use ice in my smoothies, it waters them down and I don't get the consistency I want.

In this recipe you can use any fruit combination but I used:

INGREDIENTS:

• FROZEN bananas
• FROZEN blueberries
• milk
• whole almonds

Toss these in the blender, add bananas/blueberries until you have the consistency you want.

Crush almonds and slice bananas to top smoothie and you are done!

The Cure

If you are like me and don't want to waste days being sick then you will love this recipe! It all starts with a throat itch. The moment I feel the itch I whip up this drink and keep it on hand all day. Successfully prevents a cold from taking over and it's very simple.

You will need:

• Fresh or bottled orange juice
• Apple cider vinegar (Apple cider not Apple cider flavored)
• Mint leaves
• And ice

For every half cup of OJ you should put a table spoon of vinegar. And BAM! Just keep sipping all day long.

                               

Frozen Watermelon Pop

Simply cut your melon, stick a popsicle stick in, wrap it, and put it in the freezer. A few hours later BAM! Healthy, refreshing, fun snack!

A Hobby Turned Passion

Costume design and creation is, to me, the highest form of art. It moves, it breathes, it's very much a living art form. I am happiest when I'm wearing something I've poured time and thought into.

Let her sleep, for when she wakes she will move MOUNTAINS.

Sometimes babysitting looks like this

Babysitting takes me all kids of places, but never on a boat ride to a secluded beach. I spent the day swimming, playing, and collecting sea shells with the two kids I work with. Home-schooling allows me to have a flexible schedule and the freedom to do these kinds of things. So I 'll just keep collecting experiences and meeting new people. It seems to be working pretty well for me.

GOING BACK...and it feels so good!

My friends..... I THINK WE'RE GOING BACK! 

So I registered for Geeky Con today and I am so happy to be going back. Leaky Con 2014 was an experience I will never forget. There was just so much I CAN'T EVEN! Words cannot express the feeling you experience at Leaky Con (now Geeky Con). Can't wait to reunite with all the amazing people and friends! Geeky Con 2015! I'm going home, see you there!

Airport Adventures | Leaky Con 2014

Bucket List item 1

THE UNIVERSAL GLOBE!!!!!!!!!! Number 1 on my bucket list was checked off this summer when I traveled 8,244.4 miles via plane to Orlando, Florida and stepped through the gates of Universal Studios theme park. The whole experience was one I will never forget. As a film enthusiast Universal Studios was a dream come true. Dream big people!

An afternoon in LA

                                                                                                                    

                                           
                                                                               

                                                                                                                                               

We spent our Sunday afternoon touring Hollywood Boulevard and had lunch at Mel's diner. Mel's was such a great experience and I checked alot of things off my bucket list.

Big Bear Cabin

Part 1 of our trip to the cabin up on Big Bear Mountain, California 

Airport adventures!

After a 3 hour flight to Japan and a 10 hour flight to LA, we are on solid ground!