Health and Beauty

So, the butterflies have emerged once again now that the weather has warmed quite a bit. They are everywhere, BUT I have discovered the mother of all butterflies dens. A truely magical place hidden away from the main paths. While out for a bike ride today I decided to take a semi-dirt path, almost completely hidden off the main street. I had accidentally stumbled across it before, but hadn't the time to explore it. Today upen entering the bike path, off Burbank Blvd, I was completely taken aback by the sheer amount of butterflies, seemingly attracted to the bright yellow wild flowers growing along both sides of the path. I stopped for quite a long while to video tape them, but upon viewing the footage, I realized it does not compare / do the place justice. I hopped back on my bike and rode a little further, which is when I saw a closed off (barred) path to my right, with a small opening, large enough to walk a bike through. This hidden jem of a path contained even more ...

By Dahlia Acevedo You don't need me to tell you that exercising on a regular basis has many benefits. I am simply trying to make a case for it, and perhaps help inspire you to get out and move that body. I've found it is easier to stick to a routine, when you make it just that: Something you do every day. It is easy to skip one day, easier to skip two, and much easier to skip three. You get the picture. Below I have touched on four benefits of exercise that have a more immediate affect on a person's well being. Better Sleep and Less aches and Pains. It sucks getting older doesn't it? Well, I remember a time not too long ago, when I had gotten super lazy and stopped exercising altogether. During the day I was experiencing back and neck pain, soreness in my belly and sides. Probably because I sit all day at work. Since I have started exercising again, which is most days. I am pretty much falling asleep right away and sleeping through the night (the body is tire...

By Dahlia Acevedo My mother was actually the first person to enlighten me about intermittent fasting. I remember her being really excited about the prospect of not being on an actual diet, and having to constantly think about what you put in your mouth. She explained that participants in a recent study continuously lost weight every week without changing anything about their daily routine (this includes what they ate and how often they ate). They simply stuck to a 12 hour on / 12 hour off fasting period. For example, if they had their first meal or snack at 9am, and their last meal or snack at 9pm. They would then refrain from ingesting anything but water, from 9pm until 9am. This means, no liquids (milk, juice, soda), no alcohol, and no sugar. And let me tell you, this is doable! The last time I saw my mother (a few weeks back), she told me she has lost seven pounds fasting twelve hours a day. I was so excited for her! Now, to be fair, I  asked if she has been eating any dif...

By Dahlia Acevedo Okay, I never get excited about makeup anything. It's just a part of my daily routine, and I don't go anywhere, including to the grocery store, without it. BUT!, when I saw the advertisement for the soon to be released Disney Villains Makeup Line, I actually felt like I wanted to try it! I'm sure a lot of it has to do with me being a pretty big Disney fan. Well, who isn't, am I right?!, and come on, we especially LOVE the villains. They are what make the movies fun! Now, I'm not one to make a bold statement, as I don't like attention, so I purchased the Dr. Facilier Lux cream lipstick. A perfect combination of rose and brown.  It is a more natural color that looks great on. Let me tell you, I have searched high and low for this color. It is actually really hard to find. I love how you get a color that is more like a mat and less like a gloss. That lasts for many hours through various meals, snacks and drinks. I normally wear gloss, as ...

By Dahlia Acevedo Today we visited Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook in Culver City. I find it hard to believe we have lived in Los Angeles County our whole lives and have never been to this awesome place. When you first arrive you see people walking up the incredibly steep and lengthy hill. Although I felt tempted to do so, I knew I am pretty much out of shape and couldn't possibly handle it. Instead we drove to the top of the hill and parked in the lot. Parking is two dollars per hour or six dollars for the day. The whole place is a scenic overlook offering 360 views of Marina Del Ray (we could see the ocean!), Culver city, and Down Town LA. It was hot, but because of the ocean breeze hikes were tolerable. Every single path we took was short, and lined with lush greenery and yellow wild flowers. In addition, yellow wild flower covered hillsides are abundant. At one point while stopping to take a picture I noticed the mountains peaks were covered in snow. Oh!, and one very cool fe...

Ready to begin a beautiful and satisfying bike ride? Lake Balboa is so lovely this time of year. Full of wonderful parks like The Japanese Garden, and Lake Balboa Park. I hope you enjoy the following awesome bike ride around my neighborhood. To begin your ride, park at the orange line station located just off Sepulveda Blvd. and Oxnard. The station is bursting with bright pink cherry trees. A beautiful start to your adventure. As you bike along you will go under a bridge and arrive at Victory blvd. Continue on this very green and stunning bike path, lined with yellow, pink and purple wild flowers, as well as cherry trees, until you come to Balboa Blvd. Cross the street and make a left (don't forget to stop and take a picture of the orange tulips. You can't miss it), so that you continue down Balboa blvd until you arrive at Balboa Sports Park. There are always teams playing soccer. Make a right into the park to continue onto the bike path, and veer right. Continue on this bike...