Throwing it back to the most +1'd posts!

Excuse my absence. Partially my fault. Half of it was because I was sick --either the cold or the flu, allergies, and chest pain! :/ I guess after going 10 months without being sick, it had to hit me hard, huh? ;) And the other half was because of my travel sickness and blank canvas. Had a hard time figuring out a topic, so I decided to take a step back, recollect my thoughts, and then come back feeling refreshed. I don't like to write when I don't know what to say! Has this happened to you?

So while I have been collecting my thoughts, I looked back on some of my old posts from Peace.Love. and Blueberries., I didn't realize how high some of these posts were +1'd! I was happy :) to see that! So I thought I'd put them up here to share with you all.

1) Shrimp and Nectarine Stir Fry +1'd 7,709 times!

It's that simple! I love fruit and seafood together. They marry beautifully. If you are a lover of the kitchen, get in there and sample this!

2) After traveling... +1'd 7,709 times!

Silly that this post was right after my Ecuador and Chile adventure. I made a butterfly cake for a friend and then I show you all my favorite restaurant in Southern California- North Los Angeles area - Carnival!

3) 3 Cities in Ecuador +1'd 5,038 times!

My favorite eats that I indulged in the lovely Ecuador.

4) Beautiful Landscape +1'd 306 times!

One of the many reasons why I loved Bolivia ----the landscape --the views! Just awe-inspiring.  Everything there is breathtaking. This is just one of my favorite shots in the mountains.

How I feel looking back on these posts? My writing style is a lot different now! :-p It's fun to look back and see how I used to write!!

Do you ever look back on your past posts and notice anything different between then and now? :)

Taking it back to 2013

What a year 2013 was! From deciding to restart my blog to leaving a job of 8 years to start planning my dream life and everything in between! The ups and downs, old and new experiences, and cannot forget the terrifying aspect of going jobless!

2013 was the year of change for me.

I'd say I changed a lot --in a good way. I finally stood up for what is right ---both at a job that I loved but came with unfair pay and constantly feeling exhausted. Friends who made me better and ones that went their own way in life. Even stood up for me and took better care of myself -- the inside and out. I've learned a lot that I am a giver. I give, give, and give some more. Maybe too much. I knew in the past but even more now, I've felt like I give more than what I get back. In life, I definitely need to give more. It's more of giving to those around me who may take me for granted. I never expect anything in turn but sometimes I wonder why I always have to be there for everyone but when I'm going through things, it just doesn't feel the same. As 2013 slowly came to an end, I realized what I needed in life. And I made it happen.

I took a step back from almost everyone in order to reteach myself these values I've always had but needed to learn how to put myself first. I realized that I didn't want everyone whom I haven't really seen or talked to in awhile on Facebook to see what I've been doing in my life so I changed that. I deactivated my account a few times and it felt great! I baked and cooked a lot more to bring my passion back. I took a Cross Country job to save my love of running, which I had missed so very much. I did say I'd be at the beach more often too but that didn't happen. :)) And I realized the value of friendship even more now than before, which allows me to surround myself by positive people who I love to be around.

When it came to money, I decided this year that I didn't want to be so self-reliant on it. Truthfully, you really can't do anything today without money, but I want to live a life without feeling so dependent on it. I think that would make the world a better place!

Basically, I changed a lot! But still remaining true to myself. :) That is the most important thing to me.

I really am looking forward to seeing what 2014 brings! Today (1st of January) may not have started out wonderful...to say the least but I am still hopeful for a better year.

I don't really have a resolution but I have a list of things I want to continue to build on this year:

1) Maintain better eating habits.
2) Keep my running going and finding ways to work out, especially when the weather here in SoCal starts to warm up---basically all year!
3) Buy a plane ticket!
4) Finalizing travel plans within the first couple months of this year.
5) Try dating again and putting myself out there. I'm ready!
6) Spending more time with the friends that mean the most to me.
7) Putting myself first.
8) Keep up on my Mandarin lessons! And continue to improve on my Spanish. 
9) Go to the beach more often.
10) Get fancier in my cooking skills!
11) Get a massage every month.
12) Consider facials too or at least every once in a while.
13) Post blog posts here more frequently!
14) Make new blogger friends. :)
15) And give more to the community.

 

 What are your resolutions for 2014?

Photo of the day - California love

Venice Beach, California

Just want to show California some love! We have great beaches and great weather! Venice is my favorite beach to head to, pull up a towel, and just chill. I think I'm long overdue for a beach date. The cross country season ends in a few weeks and I'll be at the beach to relax about running everyday for the last 7 months. My body could use the little break....and the sun! Gotta fix the runners tan lines!

*If you ever make it to Venice Beach, I HIGHLY recommend you visit the boardwalk. In particular, Sean's Cafe for the best burgers! Schulzies (featured on the Food Network) is also on the boardwalk and I love it! And there's a few more restaurants I can recommend if needed! :-)