yagottahaveahobby
Feb 7, 2017
Fifty Shades Darker Girls’ Night co*cktail Party #FiftyShadesDarker
Disclosure: Today’s content is in partnership with Universal Pictures.
Ready to slip into something a shade darker this Valentine’s Day?
Get ready gals, because Fifty Shades Darker is coming to theaters this Friday, February 10th. The sexy phenomenon is back, with even more passion and mystery, just in time for Valentine’s Day.
Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan are back as Anastasia and Christian…
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yagottahaveahobby
Nov 24, 2016
DeGustaBox November + Cranberry Apple Moscow Mule Recipe
DeGustaBox November + Cranberry Apple Moscow MuleRecipe
Disclosure: I received this product free for purposes of reviewing, but all opinions are 100% my own.
Happy Thanksgiving!
The holiday meant just for eating is now here–I hope you’ve got your stretchy pants on. (You know I do!)
Today I thought I’d share my DeGustaBox for the month of November, since it’s dedicated to today’s favorite activity (and a favorite of yours and mine… at least I assume…
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yagottahaveahobby
Nov 23, 2016
Getting Holiday Ready with my New Air Wine Cooler + Easy Apple Cider Mimosa Recipe
Getting Holiday Ready with my New Air Wine Cooler + Easy Apple Cider MimosaRecipe
Disclosure: This post has been sponsored by NewAir. However, all opinions expressed are entirely my own.
The holidays are here, and I have never been more excited. For some reason this year I feel a little bit like a little kid again–but instead of being excited for the presents, I’m just excited for the whole season. I love cooking, baking, decorating, and entertaining this time of year. I…
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yagottahaveahobby
Nov 23, 2016
Disclosure: I received free tickets for LA Times’ The Taste, but as always, all opinions are 100% my own!
This year, I had the amazing opportunity to attend the LA Times’ yearly gathering of foodies and amazing chefs and restaurants from the LA area: The Taste. Five different events span three days, covering every inch of the culinary landscape of Los Angeles.
As a food lover and fan of many LA chefs, it was a dream come true for me to attend. If you follow me at all on Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, or have visited my YouTube channel, you’ve definitely seen all the fun that I had at the four events I attended. I thought it would be nice to bring a little recap to the blog after all that, though!
The first event I attended was “Field to Fork,” hosted by Amy Scattergood (Times food editor) and Michael Cimarusti (from Providence & Connie & Ted’s). The event featured the endless bounty of California’s local produce and our chefs’ love of seasonal cooking. There were so many vegetable-based dishes that were beyond anything I have ever tasted.
I loved Manhattan House’s crostini with fresh pesto and the brightest, most delicious cherry tomatoes I’ve ever seen.The Springs’ Vegan Ceviche and Kale salad was also amazing–and I’m learning that vegan ceviche is DEFINITELY one of my favorite things (thinking back to my Night Market experience, where the vegan ceviche was ALSO a fave!).
Another standout was Tart’s Carolina Gold Risotta, with Rainbow Cauliflower, Purple Microgreens, and Stone Ground Mustard Cream, as well as Circa 55’s Golden Beet Ceviche, with delicious and earthy golden beets.
My favorite by far, however, was Ceviche Nikkei from Firefly, with crispy roasted Brussels sprouts, mint, and kimchi sake sauce. I still have dreams about that one.
On Saturday night, foodies came out in droves for Dinner with a Twist, which combined LA’s greatest chefs with LA’s greatest co*cktail mixologists. The event was hosted by revered LA Times food critic Jonathan Gold, and featured restaurants ranging from Redbird to Broken Spanish to Vivianne and so much more.
My personal favorites included Vivianne’s Saffron Fried Rice with Duck Confit; Knob Creek’s Booker’s Bramble co*cktail with fresh blackberries, bourbon, and triple sec; and Komodo’s Paradise Pork Taco.
I loved getting a quick visit with my favorite ramen bar–Jinya–and also loved Faith & Flower’s Chocolate Hazelnut mousse for dessert.
Sunday included another full day of events, with the Block Party kicking off the day, and Flavors of LA closing out the evening. The Block Party brought backyard cookout-inspired dishes, with everything from buttermilk fried oysters (from L&E Oyster Bar) to s’mores ice cream sandwiches (from Hinoki & the Bird).
I loved the Thai Turkey Burger from Simmyz, the Ensaymada Project’s ube ensaymada (like a more bread-like cupcake), the delicious Egg & Avocado Breakfast Sandwich from The Hudson, Rainbow Cauliflower Taco from Trejo’s Tacos (you know, Danny Trejo? As in MACHETE???).
There were also plenty of co*cktails to be enjoyed, including more Knob Creek concoctions, Suntory Whisky, Ocean Vodka, and several wineries, including Coppola and Mark West.
The closing event, Flavors of LA, paid tribute to the diversity of the LA culinary scene, with Thai, Filipino, Korean, Italian, and Mexican cuisines being represented, just to name a few. I personally loved the lamb tacos from Aqui es Texcoco–and I’m pretty sure everyone else did too, judging by the line… and let me tell you–it was SO, SO worth it! Other hits of the night for me were the Slow & Low Indian Pork Curry from my fave guys at Badmaash, and the Chorizo Tostado at Guisados. I feel like you can never go wrong with either of those places–everything they make is just beyond amazing.
I also have to give it up for my favorite dish of the entire weekend–Chef Bruce Kahlman’s pork meatballs from Knead Bread & Pasta Co. Simple, amazingly flavorful, and just delicious beyond description. It doesn’t hurt that Chef Kahlman is just a super cool dude.
All in all, the weekend was an amazing success. That much culinary talent in one place is pretty much like heaven for a foodie for me!
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Check out my YouTube videos for more photos of this year’s 2016 The Taste:
LA Times’ The Taste2016 Disclosure: I received free tickets for LA Times' The Taste, but as always, all opinions are 100% my own!
yagottahaveahobby
Nov 21, 2016
Freedom, Truth, Beauty, and Love: BAZ Vegas Brings It All
Freedom, Truth, Beauty, and Love: BAZ Vegas Brings ItAll
Disclosure: I received free tickets to Baz: Star Crossed Love for purposes of this review, but all opinions are 100% my own.
Freedom, truth, beauty, and above all, LOVE–these are the ideals held dear at the new show stopping review, Baz: Star-Crossed Love at The Palazzo in Las Vegas.
Baz: Star-Crossed Love intertwines the stories of Baz Luhrman’s most popular movies: Romeo + Juliet, Moulin Rouge
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yagottahaveahobby
Sep 22, 2016
Block Party of the Century: Culver City Turns 100!
Block Party of the Century: Culver City Turns100!
If you’re looking for something fun this weekend, head to downtown Culver City for their 100th anniversary celebration–the Block Party of the Century!
This Saturday, September 24th from 12-4:30pm, the yearlong birthday celebration will have its exciting kickoff party! With entertainment ranging from samba dancers to indie musicians, face painting to chalk art, there will be fun for the whole…
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yagottahaveahobby
Sep 22, 2016
Lethal Weapon Premiere and Sneak Peek Party
Lethal Weapon Premiere and Sneak PeekParty
Disclosure: I attended the Lethal Weapon preview party as a sponsored VIP of Digital Media Management. I received no compensation for this review, and all opinions are 100% my own.
A couple weeks ago, I had the chance to preview the new Fox TV series Lethal Weapon. I also was treated to a sneak peek at the new show Pitch, as well as an exclusive new sneak of Empire season three.
I got to bring…
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yagottahaveahobby
Sep 8, 2016
Spicy Tomato Toasts with DegustaBox {August}
Spicy Tomato Toasts with DegustaBox{August}
Disclosure: I was provided a complimentary DegustaBox to facilitate this review and recipe, but as always, all opinions are 100% my own.
I’m a little late in posting my August DegustaBoxrecipe–but life has just been absolutely insane. If you’ve got a school-aged kids, go to school yourself, or work in education, I’m sure that you’ll understand that the first month back to school is just absolute…
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yagottahaveahobby
Sep 7, 2016
Roaring Nights at the LA Zoo: Fierce Food Trucks & Fun
Roaring Nights at the LA Zoo: Fierce Food Trucks &Fun
Disclosure: Thank you to the LA Zoo for hosting me for Roaring Nights at the LA Zoo! As always, all opinions are 100% my own.
The LA Zoo is taking advantage of the beautiful summer nights we’re blessed with here in Southern California and putting them to good use with their Roaring Nights at the LA Zoo series. On special Friday nights this summer, the LA Zoostays open late, and invites food…
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yagottahaveahobby
Sep 1, 2016
Easy Football Watching Party with Sam's Club Pizza Combo + DIY Football Mason Jars
Easy Football Watching Party with Sam’s Club Pizza Combo + DIY Football MasonJars
Disclosure: This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and The Coca-Cola Company. All opinions are mine alone.
#FamilyPizzaCombo #CollectiveBias
School is back in session, and that means my days and nights just got crazy and busy. It also means fall is right around the corner–and so is football season! Fall is my favorite for so many reasons, but especially for the crisp, cooler…
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yagottahaveahobby
Aug 31, 2016
Sunset & Dine 2016: The Best Hollywood Has to Offer!
Sunset & Dine 2016: The Best Hollywood Has toOffer!
This Thursday, September 1st, the Central Hollywood Coalition will present the fifth annual Sunset & Dine food festival.
The festival celebrates the very best that Hollywood has to offer, from restaurants to music to educational opportunities and so much more. Over 20 restaurants from the Sunset & Vine area of Hollywood will be showcased, with food and drink from restaurants such as Beso, Fabiol…
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yagottahaveahobby
Jul 29, 2016
Pop Up Picnics LA: The Perfect Way to Spend an LA Day
Pop Up Picnics LA: The Perfect Way to Spend an LADay
Disclosure: I received a complimentary picnic for purposes of this post, but as always, all opinions are 100% my own.
Picture this: a gorgeous picnic spread complete with cheese plate, tiny sandwiches, baskets of fruit, bottles of sparkling water, crackers and baguette, and even a tiny cupcake–all in the charming setting of one of the most gorgeous wineries that Malibu has to offer.
This dream…
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yagottahaveahobby
Jul 28, 2016
East LA Meets Napa 2016: A Latin Inspired Fiesta Under the Stars
East LA Meets Napa 2016: A Latin Inspired Fiesta Under theStars
Disclosure: I was a guest of AltaMed for East LA Meets Napa 2016, but as always, all opinions are 100% my own! Thank you, AltaMed!
I love Mexican food–how could I not? Growing up in the LA area with access to some of the BEST authentic Mexican restaurants around means that Mexican food is a HUGE part of my life. I also LOVE wine–give me a good glass of Pinot Noir, or a crisp, chilled rose, and…
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yagottahaveahobby
Jul 27, 2016
Live and Dine LA 2016 with Angeleno Magazine
Live and Dine LA 2016 with AngelenoMagazine
Disclosure: I received free tickets from Angeleno Magazine in exchange for this post.
If you’re a fan of the LA food scene, there are a few restaurant names that you know you can count on for delicious eats: Redbird, Viviane, and Broken Spanish–to name just a few. These are the restaurants that truly represent the deliciousness of the fantastic LA food scene. They’re some of my absolute…
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yagottahaveahobby
Jul 27, 2016
"Snaccident" Prevention: Five Tips for Healthier Snacking #FiberOneFlavor
“Snaccident” Prevention: Five Tips for Healthier Snacking#FiberOneFlavor
This post has been sponsored by Fiber One (available at @Walmart) and Acorn Influencers. As always, all thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. #FiberOneFlavor
I have a confession: I LOVE to snack. (I mean, really–who doesn’t?) Everyone who knows me knows I’m a foodie… but what they don’t know is this: sometimes I look forward more to snacks than the actual meal! I love it all–popcorn, chips, and…
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yagottahaveahobby
Jul 22, 2016
Sticky Honey Teriyaki Chicken Wings + June Degustabox Review
Sticky Honey Teriyaki Chicken Wings + June DegustaboxReview
Disclaimer: I received free product in exchange for this review, but as always, all opinions are 100% my own. #DegustaBoxUSA
Are you a foodie who loves trying out new, delicious products? Do you love getting surprises in the mail? Then do I have the subscription box for you! This month, I’ve been lucky enough to partner with DegustaBox for some foodie fun with some (new-to-me) products.
Degusta…
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yagottahaveahobby
Jul 21, 2016
Summer Road Trippin’: Five Healthier Must-Pack Snacks + A No-Bake Oatmeal Raisin Energy Bites Recipe
Summer Road Trippin’: Five Healthier Must-Pack Snacks + A No-Bake Oatmeal Raisin Energy BitesRecipe
This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #RoadTripOil #CollectiveBias
Ahhh, summer. Summer has always been and always will be my favorite time of year. I love the sunshine, warm weather, time spent at the beach, and of course, VACATION! One of my favorite trips I make every summer is a road trip to Las Vegas with my sister. We love…
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