2013 in Review

Oh my... how fast time flies. 

I can't believe a whole year has passed since I recapped the major events of 2012.

It's a great way to look back on the year and pay gratitude for what I've been fortunate enough to experience. 

So, without further ado, here are some of my favorite moments from 2013:

I kicked off the year by jetsetting to NYC for a girls weekend. Always a great experience, but I had an especially difficult time saying goodbye to the city this time around. Guess the only way to cure that heartache is by heading back to the big apple in 2014!

In February, Erik and I convinced our best friends to come on an impulsive trip to Hawaii with us. Our days were filled with snorkeling, spam and champagne. Now that's my type of vacation! Haha. 

Sometimes a girl just needs to get away. In March my bestie and I decided to do just that by escaping to LA for the weekend. 

Perhaps the most memorable experience from 2013 was our trip to Southeast Asia. Our first stop was Thailand, where we spent time in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Krabi. 

I am so glad we decided to visit Cambodia on this trip. It was the most humbling experience I may have ever had. The culture, the people, the ruins.. it was all so incredible!

Our next destination was Malaysia. A perfect balance of history and new age. 

Our last stop of the trip was in beautiful Singapore. The country of the future!

Soon after coming back to the states, I was itching for another girls trip. The ladies and I decided to check out Portland, and I'm so glad we did. The natural landscape there is absolutely stunning, and I was blown away by the foodie scene!

In October the husband and I celebrated our three year anniversary by spending a romantic weekend in Laguna Beach. 

October was a busy month. Soon after coming back from Laguna, I was off to Chicago for another girls trip. Our visit happened to fall on Halloween weekend, and we had plenty of fun celebrating in the windy city. 

2013 was a year for girlfriend bonding. In November, I spent a weekend in Denver helping one of my best friends pick out a dress for her upcoming wedding in Hawaii. 

As I look back on all the things that 2013 has blessed me with, I feel incridbly thankful. 

I think it's crucial to live every day like it's your last,

and I plan to carry through that life motto into 2014, and forever there after. 

I hope you had an amazing year as well,

and I wish you nothing but the BEST for 2014!

Happy New Year!

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - Part II

I love cities like Kuala Lumpur.

In one day, we were able to get lost in the serenity of Batu Caves,

a limestone hill that has a series of caves and temples that serve as one of the most popular Hindu shrines outside of India,

and a few hours later, we were looking up at the tallest twin buildings in the world. 

A beautiful contrast that reminds me why I love to travel so much. 

There's so much out there to discover... something different for everyone!

So a little warning to anyone planning to visit Batu Caves:

Do NOT feed the monkeys. 

Yeah, they may look cute and cuddly from a distance.. 

but your views will quickly change as soon as one of them jumps on your back and starts tearing your purse apart,

or better yet, 

just throws a coconut at your head. Haha!

Sure, it's funny now, but I'm not gonna lie, 

I was a little terrified of the little creatures as we were climbing the hundreds of stairs to the top of the hill. 

No need to climb stairs back in the city. 

The speedy elevators inside the Petronas Towers will shoot you to the top of the world in no time. 

Aren't they beautiful?

Truly stunning at night. 

The Hake

I hope everyone had a fabulous long weekend, 

full of delicious food and quality time with your loved ones. 

I, for one, managed to cook up a turkey that's practically half my size,

and it was damn good too. 

We now have leftovers for days, and the thought of eating more poultry is already ruining my mood. 

If you're like me, 

and are looking for a change of pace when it comes to your protein intake,

I highly recommend checking out The Hake. 

La Jolla's fairly new seafood brasserie offers up some fabulous seafood delicacies.

The husband and I checked it out this week during date night, 

and were both pleasantly surprised with the whole experience. 

The decor (took me straight back to Paris), the service and the food were all outstanding,

the sea scallop and the roasted octopus landing on the top of our list.

The restaurant also offers up a killer happy hour,

which I intend to take full advantage of in the very near future. 

Indian Summer cocktail & an Old Fashioned

Sea Scallop - cucumber, citrus, chipotle, olive oil. Lightly dressed sashimi style preparation.

Tuna Chicharron - onion, cilantro, soy butter dressing.

Roasted Octopus - olive oil poached potatoes, spicy mayo, smoked paprika.

Seared Tuna Burger - house dry rub, soy mayonnaise, cajun fries. 

The Hake 

1250 Prospect Street

La Jolla, CA 92037