The Oinkster

While watching a marathon of Diners Drive-Ins and Dives on Food Network I decided it was about time I visited one of the "best places to eat" near me. After a quick Google search I stumbled upon The Oinkster, and after a quick look at their menu I knew I had to try it!

I went with a friend who had been before and loved everything he tried. I opted for the BBQ Pulled Pork Sand-which (a favorite of mine that I typically order everywhere I go) and he had a salad and pastrami fries.

The "best pulled pork sand-which I have ever had" does not even begin to describe how amazing this sand-which was! There was no BBQ sauce on the sand-which unlike most I have had, but trust me I doesn't need any! This was the best pulled pork I have ever tried (I have yet to visit Texas though) and I would order it again in a heart beat! So much flavor in the meat along with the cabbage and grilled onions made it a perfect sand-which.

I went on a Friday night and it was packed with a line out the door, but well worth the wait! I will definitely be eating here again!

WeHo Bistro

Over the weekend I discovered an adorable bistro in West Hollywood called, WeHo Bistro. I was in West Hollywood for the first time and could not decide where to eat, so I checked Yelp and found the closest place with the highest rating (this place has 4.5/5) and headed over.

My friend and I were met at the door by the owner who welcomed us and seated us on the patio. It was exactly what I was looking for that day, it was sunny and beautiful out and this was the perfect lunch spot!
After bringing us complementary cups of their famous mushroom soup and bread we ordered their signature mimosas. (it's 5 o'clock somewhere right?) All of which were incredible! I cannot wait to go back for a bowl on a cool Fall day.

I ordered the croque monsieur and my friend tried their BLTC (bacon, lettuce, tomato and chicken sand-which). Mine came with the most delicious side salad that I think I've ever had and his with fries. I fell in love with croque monsieur's when I was in Paris, and order it every time I see one on the menu, but this surpassed all my expectations! It was utterly amazing, and must be tried by everyone who eats there.

The owners and staff were so friendly and helpful and made the afternoon so enjoyable, after all atmosphere is what makes the meal. It was the perfect  afternoon in Southern California.

"I have been blessed, with so much more than I deserve" 

-Martina McBride

Surviving the Office

I spend my work week in an office with 10-15 colleges, depending on the day. Working in an office environment definiently has its perks, (a set schedule, air conditioning, and co-workers near by to chat with, just to name a few) but also has its downfalls. For me the largest downfall was learning to adjust to spending 8 hours a day with so many people, and in front of a computer. In doing so, I've found some helpful tips to survive office life and avoid the ruts and pitfalls that so many fall into.

1. Hand Sanitizer is Your Friend

It is crazy how quickly a cold or flu spreads in an office. I fell victim to one of the illnesses that traveled from co-worker to co-worker and after that week I realized how important it is to stay sanitized! I wash my hands every time before I eat, and in between I sanitize after being away from my desk or using common items such as the fax, copier, or envelope sealer. That is my daily routine, but when someone is actually sick in the office I step it up by using sanitizing wipes on all the machines and wiping down my desk daily. So far it's been working for me, I have avoided the last three bouts of illness going around.

2. Literally Pick Yourself Up

Get up! So often I find myself half asleep at that 2-3pm slump and I crash. This is when I wish I liked coffee, sadly though it's not my thing. After sitting and working for so long, you hit a wall. I used to fight this by snacking on chips, cookies, popcorn, or whatever I had. Do not fall into this trap! Get up! When I start hitting that wall now I stand up, stretch, and take a short walk around the office. This wakes up your mind and has the same effect having a snack or soda would (for me anyway). Another perk: you don',t feel guilty for consuming the extra calories at the end of the day. I also try walking on my lunch break near my office, after I don't feel the slump hit me quite as early as if I just sit at lunch or run errands.

3. Make Plans

Having something to look forward to during the week really impacts my outlook at work that day. It could be dinner with friends, trying a new recipe I found, or meeting up with people and working out, any plans help me perk up! Knowing you will be out later helps you stay focused and the day pass quicker. Don't wait for the weekend to have all your fun, space out events throughout the week so you have more to look forward to!

4. Avoid the Drama
The most surprising thing I noticed my first week on the job: an office environment is high school for adults. Spending so much time with one another, with so many personalities, seems to breed gossip. College, my experience at least, was completely different and I was not expecting these high school situations to relapse into my life. My best advice in dealing with this? Stay out of it...as best you can. No matter how tempting it is. This is not to say avoid it entirely. The social scene is vital in an office environment, people help people they like. Just be careful not to invest too full in what others are saying about one another. And always remember: if they talk to you about someone, they are probably talking about you to someone.

5. Set Daily Goals

These goals can be work related or in your personal life. I try to set work goals at the start of each day once I evaluate my work load for that day. When I want to finish things, how much I want to accomplish, and so on. This helps me stay on track and avoid becoming overwhelmed. I also set goals for accomplishments outside of work. Typically these are small such as walking my dog, cleaning up my room, laundry or knocking out a goal on my "must organize" list. These small attainable goals make me feel accomplished and keep me motivated.

I hope these tips help, let me know some things you rely on to survive your work week!

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters" 

Colossians 3:23