monthly favorites

5 may favorites

May 30, 2014

Gone are the video recaps and in comes a new monthly series, where I tell you about 5 things—whether they be meals or moments—that made an impact in my life in the past month. I liked my monthly video recaps. I really did. But as a writer, I can’t help but want to explain the story behind what you see. So this is the monthly recap 2.0. Enjoy!

Imperial Beach, San Diego // My SoCal'd Life, a lifestyle blog

One Friday, at the end of a very painful heat wave, we piled into the car with Teddy and headed south for Imperial Beach. This sleepy, laid-back beach town doesn’t get enough credit. Being there felt like we were transported to a different place. Miami? A movie set perhaps? It seemed a little magical on that Friday, with the farmers market busy and melting San Diegans seeking solace in the cold ocean water. The beach was also an incredible place to watch the sunset. We even witnessed a trio of dolphins swimming across the horizon and then made a vow to make a lot more trips to IB.

My SoCal'd Life, a lifestyle blog

Going to Palm Springs (our first time!) was amazing for a lot of reasons, but one of them was getting to spend quality time with Eaman. You’d think we have all sorts of fun living together, working at home together, taking the dog out together, etc., but most of the time, we’re like two ships passing in the night (and day). We’re still very much building our careers from scratch, and the work consumes us more than our previous 9-5 jobs ever did. Quality time together is a rarity because when you freelance, there’s no true end of the day.

We both still had to work a little in Palm Springs, but the stay was filled with a lot of downtime, too. Just look at that photobooth strip taken at the Ace Hotel? That’s the look of two people happy to get away.

jacaranda tree // My SoCal'd Life, a lifestyle blog

Jacaranda trees are stunning this time of the year. It feels almost like a fairy tale when I walk along a sidewalk with the bright purple petals strewn about. I took this particular photo during a run yesterday near my apartment—and yes, I do consider myself extremely lucky to have this natural wonderland just a few blocks away.

Native Foods, a vegan restaurant // My SoCal'd Life, a lifestyle blog

I finally tried vegan chain Native Foods two nights ago at a media dinner held at the restaurant’s new Point Loma location. (Full disclosure: My meal was gratis.) Even if this weren’t a freebie, I’d tell you to go try this place right now. I’ve been to plenty of vegan restaurants in New York but always left feeling uneasy and unsatisfied; I never liked how “earthy” everything tasted. But Native Foods does an amazing job of making vegan eats for the masses. Even a carnivore like Eaman loved the dishes just as much, if not more, than their real-meat counterparts.

My favorite was the Bangkok Curry Bowl (pictured above), which was tossed with the most delicious ginger-coconut milk dressing. I also loved the lavender lemonade and double chocolate brownie. Their desserts are made sans refined sugar, and you can taste the difference. I polished off the whole (giant) thing while watching The Real Housewives of Orange County. Oh, I hate that Heather Dubrow!

golden retriever // My SoCal'd Life, a lifestyle blog

I’m (really) sad my stint at San Diego Magazine is over, but it’s been nice to work at home again with Eaman and Teddy. T has become extremely affectionate in the last few months—in the beginning he couldn’t be bothered with us—and having him around makes for wonderful breaks. Also, he sat in an empty Amazon box, and it was just so cute.

Have a good weekend!

7 thoughts on “5 may favorites

  1. Christine Pasalo

    I dug your video recaps, but I like that I now hear your thoughts behind the events. So, I look forward to more of these posts this year!

    Reply
  2. Adrienne

    I’ll have to venture to IB sometime (your description makes it sound truly magical)! And Teddy in the box is quite possibly the cutest thing ever.

    P.S. I’m glad you share a guilty pleasure of the RHOOC. And, I agree Heather is so terrible. Ick. :)

    Reply
    1. Archana Post author

      Thanks, Adrienne! I’m pretty loyal to OC because it was the Real Housewives that started them all, but I also dig Beverly Hills and New York. (New Jersey is too crazy for me–and I’m FROM New Jersey!)

      Reply
  3. Frances

    IB is great on Fridays with the farmer’s market! Grew up in that community and I’m glad to see the revamp that’s been happening. Although I don’t live there any more, my dad and I still drive down every now and then to go fishing. And, I’ve heard that Babycakes Cupcakes will also be opening their second shop in IB very soon!

    Reply

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