The Law of the Garbage Truck

“Many people are like garbage trucks. They run around full of garbage, full of frustration, full of anger, and full of disappointment. As their garbage piles up, they look for a place to dump it. And if you let them, they’ll dump it on you. So when someone wants to dump on you, don’t take it personally. Just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on. Believe me. You’ll be happier.”

Joel Osteen refers to this theory in his book, “Everyday a Friday”, which is actually a book written by the author David P. Jollay. Do you ever notice that when an argument is occurring, the person who appears to be more choleric increasingly becomes angrier because the other person is placid and collected? From my experience, I know that if you’re able to control your emotions, you’re less likely to say something that you will regret later down the road. Don’t make permanent decisions over temporary feelings. Although you might have said something in the heat of the moment, the other person will ALWAYS remember what you said (don’t you?). What do you benefit from being angry or getting upset? If you’re able to touch on subjects in a cordial and respectable manner amongst your peers, I’m sure that you’ll either reach a compromise or you might even get what you want (go figure). However, by screaming, cursing, or disrespecting the other person, you’re more susceptible to lose that battle. Put your ego aside, it’s not worth it.

If somebody drops a load of garbage on you, don’t be upset, angry, or offended. If you let them drop a load on you, you’ll make the same mistake as they did and you’ll end up dropping a load on someone else. Put a lid on it. Recycle the garbage. If you constantly are emptying the trash, you won’t have any garbage and you’ll be able to carry on with your life. If you do have garbage and you don’t think that you can take it out by yourself or recycle it, don’t be afraid to call upon a friend or a family member and help you release the garbage. Sometimes all you need is someone there that will take the time to assist you. For some people, they don’t even need someone to talk. Just listen. We let insults bother us because we feel that someone failed to show us the respect and the approval that we believe we need. Just smile, wave, and move on. They’re looking for a response and when you let them know that they got to you, you’re reinforcing their actions which is the last thing you need to light their fuel.

Date (Group) Idea- Street Food Cinema

First and foremost, I’d like to wish all you amazing mothers a blessed Mother’s Day! If there is a role that I respect the most, it’s that of a mother. 🙂

Now that clearly summer is right around the corner, what other activities are there in Los Angeles besides the beach? Well, don’t I have a treat for you. Street Food Cinema is produced by TIL Lifestyle Marketing and Events which features food trucks, bands, and a movie on a huge lawn. Beginning May 25th for 18 weeks during the summer months, they host these events every Saturday in multiple locations in Downtown LA (primarily Exposition Park). We definitely need more events such as these in LA since it appears to be rather prevalent in other southern states (ex. Blues on the Green in Austin, TX).

Beginning at 5:30PM every Saturday until about 10:30-11:00PM (or whenever the movie is over), you’re able to experience the food truck craze while vibin’ out to some live bands and finally topped off by a movie. You’re able to purchase tickets online or at the door but I highly suggest that you purchase them ahead of time. Here is some additional information for these events:

Parking: $10 Lot Parking
Tickets: $10 General Admission. $15 Reserved Seating.  Children (6-12) $5. Children 5 and under Free. Four Pack (4 Tickets) $32.
Details: Doors Open 5:30pm  Band 6:30pm  Movie 8:00pm (sunset)
Facebook: Street Food Cinemas
Twitter: @stfoodcinema
Website: http://streetfoodcinema.com/

After reading several reviews, I was able to compile several suggestions when attending these events to make the experience as enjoyable as possible.

• Bring blankets (specifically something thicker with more padding as the lawn tends to get damp at night. I heard comforters do the job)
• Do NOT bring high lawn chairs (You can bring small beach chairs and but you’ll be sitting on the left/right side of the lawn as the middle section is designated for people with blankets)
• Pillows- To rest that pretty little head of yours
• Alcohol- beers or wine coolers will suffice and this is perfect for this time of year
• Food- Although they’ll have food trucks at the venue, perhaps it would be a good idea to pack a small picnic for a date?
• Get there early! It starts to get packed around 7:00PM but you want to submerge yourself in the whole experience AND get a great seat for the movie so you should try to get there around 5:30-6PM
• Bring cash for the food trucks
• Have fun!

Some friends and I are planning to go on June 15th to watch Pitch Perfect, so if you’d be interested in coming along please let me know so we can buy tickets. We should be able to get a group rate if we have enough people.

Get your mind right before you get your body right

I’m not sure if it’s because of the age range I’m in or if people really have their priorities messed up (could be both), but riddle me this: Why are people so concerned with their physical image when they don’t have their other priorities sorted out? If I go on any social network, I’m sure one of the first images or status updates is in relation to the gym or showing the world a “new and improved you”. Congrats, now what? Are you going to graduate college with that body? Perhaps you might even find a career with that physique. This is me venting.

I’m not by any means knocking people who are fit and successful in their respective fields but I don’t believe you should be more concerned about the way you look if you don’t have the rest of your life together. I’m all for working out and maintaining a healthy lifestyle as long as you have all of your priorities in line. Am I saying that you should binge on fast food and not work out until you have your life together? No. I am saying that you need to realize what your priorities are. Think about it.. if you dedicated just as much time going to the gym as you did on studying or finding a career, perhaps you’d graduate by now or have a career. As someone in their 20’s and living in Los Angeles, I found that you’re constantly in an uphill battle to look better and to have more luxurious items than everyone else. Stop focusing on what other people look like or have and worry about yourself, because those other people that you’re comparing yourself to are probably looking at others and doing the same thing. It’s a never ending cycle.

Focus on what matters the most in your life. What do you value the most in your life? If you’re going to complain that you’re taking forever to graduate or find a stable career, look at where your time is going. Is it being used as efficiently as possible? Can you sacrifice things in order to achieve what you want? You need to be able to assess what you want in life and what you need because what you want is not always going to translate into what you need. Get your mind right before you get your body right and if you’re amazing at multi- tasking, do both! However, don’t get so caught in the way that you look that you sweep all your other priorities under the rug. You need to focus on your main goal and can’t be sidetracked by temporary pleasures (this pertains to everything in life).

Focus.

Date Idea- Color Me Mine

I’ve always been somewhat creative but that doesn’t mean I’ve been great at what I actually created. I was the sort of kid that never colored inside the lines, my art was more abstract than anything (and not on purpose), and used colors that were probably not the actual color of the drawing I had in front of me. Now that I’m older and I’m able to focus a bit more, I’m still not able color inside the lines, my art is still abstract, and I’ll choose a red crayon to make an orange (I’m special).

Well, that’s great Christian but why are other people supposed to care? I’m not quite sure to be honest but you and a date should hit up Color Me Mine. Their concept is simple. You pick any item that you would like to paint and you pay for it. You’re really able to see how creative someone is based on what they choose to paint and how they paint it. The idea of color me mine is that it’s a pottery studio where you’re able to select mugs, plates, Disney characters, pots, etc. and paint it accordingly. Once you’ve painted the item, they will tell you when to come back and purchase your new (and glossed) item. This makes for a great group date or even something intimate between you and a significant other. Bring out the creative side of you and throw paint on each other.. unless she’s wearing some sort of dress and expensive shoes. You’ll probably end up paying as much as you would for a dinner but it’s more- so the experience and acting like a child that you’re paying for. I highly doubt you wear clothes that you don’t mind getting a bit dirty. Lord knows I end up having paint on the back of my ear. Weird, right?!

http://www.colormemine.com/

Act your wage

How often do we see people wearing the most exorbitant designer brands, driving exotic sport cars, living in multi- million dollar mansions, etc.? How about going to a club in Hollywood and seeing people with bottle service? I’m positive that if you’re a person living in Los Angeles, you’ve been exposed to either of these situations and if you haven’t, I’m sure you’ve seen something rather germane in the media. At some point you have either consciously or subconsciously asked yourself, “I wonder what they do for a living to live that sort of lifestyle”, or probably something along the lines as, “Where did they get that type of money to afford that”?. I believe it’s safe to assume that there’s a considerable amount of people that can’t actually afford that sort of lifestyle which leads me to this concept of acting your wage.

This concept is extremely simple and I don’t want people to think that there’s more to it . It essentially just means that your lifestyle should be a reflection of what you make. I’m not by any means stating that you shouldn’t reward yourself with luxurious items or with an expensive spa treatment, but if you’re someone that is in their early to mid 20’s, I think it’s safe to assume that investing in these items on a consistent basis is not reflective of what you make. There’s always going to be exceptions to this rule, but I just want to encourage those to not get caught up in these materialistic items. Being someone in your 20’s, more often than not your trying to establish your identity in life and you’re looking to find out who you really are. Somewhere along this process temptation becomes more prevalent and people will let these items of materialistic nature define who they are. They’re so caught up in who’s wearing what, who’s driving what, and who’s going where that they’re more focused on others than they are on themselves. This is one of my favorite quotes that sums up this concept of acting your wage:

“We spend money that we do not have, on things we do not need, to impress people who do not care.”

There’s an abundance of young adults who are financially illiterate and due to external factors they’re easily convinced that they need validation from others in order to define who they are. Being someone that is adequately simple but can appreciate the finer things in life, I’m constantly being tempted to indulge in something that I know I can’t realistically afford but I’ve learned that it takes a person with discipline to resist the temptation. It always goes back to what people value in their life. Some people don’t mind spending hundreds of dollars going to events like Coachella while others rather use that money on a plane ticket somewhere. Some people rather spend hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars getting bottle service while others rather spend it on a wine tasting tour in the Santa Ynez Valley. I can’t knock anyone for their values, but if you’re not making “baller” money you shouldn’t be living a “baller” lifestyle. You have champagne taste but have beer money.

Date Idea- iPic Theaters

iPic Theaters

How many of us absolutely love lounging around and watching a movie while binge eating every food item that we shouldn’t eat? I know I do. Especially Sunday nights. Actually any night of the day would suffice. The worst part about movie theaters is that not only is the food crap but you’re not able to lay down (that sounds hella pretentious). The worst part about watching a movie on your couch is that you don’t have a giant screen in front of you- this obviously doesn’t pertain to everyone (pretentious again). What if you could recline your chair, have a blanket and a pillow, and press a button which calls upon your own personal waiter? Sounds like a dream, right? Wrong.

With 10 locations across the nation, iPic Theaters brings an experience which combines a dinner experience while watching a movie.. with luxury. If you’re someone who enjoys the convenience of things and you’re willing to spend a little extra on a date, I’d highly suggest attending a movie at one of their locations. This date idea is more for an older audience (and by older, I mean out of college) due to the amount you’d probably spend here.. if you do it correctly. You’re essentially paying for both the experience and the service here and you can easily get lost in the enjoyment of both. Just bring cash and leave your wallet in the car is what I mean.

The Los Angeles location is in Pasadena and they’re opening their Westwood location shortly as well. As soon as you walk into the venue you immediately realize that this isn’t your Pacific Theaters or AMC. I’m not saying this because it’s covered in gold or anything, but it’s actually extremely simple which is unusual for what the actual experience is. They have a bar and a lounge where you’re able to purchase food and drinks (alcoholic and non- alcoholic) before the movie starts (if you get there reasonably early) and you can either close out your tab with the bartender/waiter or just transfer it to your seat in the theater. When you walk into the actual theater, orange seats are arranged in pairs which makes this a perfect date idea. By the way, I’d highly suggest if you come with a group, you make sure you’re not the 3rd wheel. As you sit down you’re met with a menu and your personal waiter who assists you through the movie. You’re able to recline your chair almost 180 degrees and you’re even able to request your own blanket and pillow (swoon). The food items are more aperitifs if anything, so you’re able to order a little bit of everything. For non- members the movie ticket is $29 and for members the movie ticket is $24. You can easily become a member by joining their website!

Free Giveaways!!!- April winner will be announced on 4/14

This month’s giveaway will just be a review of either a previous article I’ve posted or of my blog in general. I’m very appreciative of all the feedback I’ve received about my blog since launching last month and I would love to hear what you think. Just let me know what I’ve been doing right, what can I improve on, what you’d like to see and so forth. The more detailed the better! Depending on the responses, I may choose more than one winner this month. 🙂 Please see the rules of the giveaway below:

• Share this post on Facebook, Twitter, and/or Instagram (if using Instagram, please “mention” me so that I know it’s being referenced).
• Like my page VibeWithMe
• E-mail info@vibewithme.com with your reply to that month’s giveaway.
  • Please include your name, phone number, and your username to either of the social networks listed above so that I can shout you out! Well, maybe not your phone number.
• After the 7 day window of that month’s giveaway, I’ll select one winner (maybe more depending on the responses) and announce it on the website.
• Redeem your prize!

Here are the gift cards and/or tickets that I’ll be giving away:

• $100- Victoria’s Secret
• $100- Bebe
• $100- Mac
• $100- Burke Williams
• 2 tickets to a Clipper game (because it’s Lob City all day. Everyday.)
• 2 tickets to a Dodger game
• $100- Foot Locker
• $100- Zara

A Woman’s Worth

“A woman is often measured by the things she cannot control. She is measured by the way her body curves or doesn’t curve, by where she is flat or straight or round. She is measured by 36-24-36 and inches and ages and numbers, by all the outside things that don’t ever add up to who she is on the inside. And so if a woman is to be measured, let her be measured by the things she can control, by who she is and who she is trying to become. Because as every woman knows, measurements are only statistics. and STATISTICS LIE.”
–Nike

How is a man supposed to know a woman’s worth if she doesn’t? Know your worth because if you don’t, no one else will. Ladies, how often are you shown images by the media that makes you believe that you may be lacking something? With all the multiple advertising platforms such as digital, print, and the television, I’m sure you’re constantly being reminded that you don’t have a certain breast size, you don’t weigh a certain amount, you don’t earn a certain amount, you’re not as successful as the next woman, and so forth. What is a woman’s worth? Is it qualitative? Is it quantitative? Is it tangible? Can you be married into it? Is it something that is contrived? Are you born into it?  Depending on the culture, generation, and perspective, the answers to these questions are subjective which leads me to one objective conclsuion- you define your worth.

“A woman isn’t beautiful because of fashion or stuff,
Or the color of her hair or the shape of her butt…
She is beautiful when she nurtures her self
Takes care with her soul, her heart, and her health
For when a woman is nurtured, inside and out
Her true beauty is something we can’t be without.”

A woman’s worth is undeniable, yet I see that a woman’s self- esteem and self- respect fluctuates and they tend to seek approval from others which fuels the meter. You may be thinking, “what does being insecure have anything to do with their self worth?” It has everything to do with it. If you constantly need to seek the approval of those around you (even those who you don’t know), then you’re being defined by what they think and not actually by who you are. Let me explain. How many of you have friends on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram who post pictures of themselves half- naked or some variation of it? I’m sure we all do and I’m sure those pictures receive the most “likes” and the most “comments”. If you don’t believe me, go to their profile and compare a provocative picture against a picture of some food item (or whatever you feel like). Fellas, let’s not lie and say we won’t “like” it because if we could “like” it more than once, I’m sure we would. Let’s keep it real. The point of this example is that women will continue to post these pictures because they feel it gets them the most attention (which it does), but why can’t you receive the same amount of feedback with more clothes on?

When people love you, embrace that sh*t. You define your worth. If you have a successful career along along with a beautiful family. That’s your worth. If you choose to sleep around and choose to do drugs. That’s your worth. That’s the beauty of life! Your worth is and your destiny is dependent on your choices that you make now and the perspective you have. A woman’s worth is what she makes of it. The world will tell you that your worth is determined by the tag on your purse or the number on the scale, but when you embrace the person within you’ll never be insecure. You’re not perfect, so stop trying to be. Someone that values the person you are will accept you for everything you have to offer- flaws and all.

The best example of how a mother helps her daughter identify her worth and her identity is  how Jada Smith speaks upon the choices Willow has made about her physical appearance (particularly shaving her head):

“The question why I would let Willow cut her hair, first the let must be challenged,” says Pinkett Smith. “This is a world where women [and] girls are constantly reminded that they don’t belong to themselves — that their bodies are not their own, nor their power or self-determination. I made a promise to endow my little girl with the power to always know that her body, spirit and her mind are her domain.”

Jada is empowering her daughter to embrace herself so that she (Willow), can be secure with her body/mind and know her worth. In doing so, Willow will be able to disregard societies construed vision of what the “norm” is and be comfortable in her own skin. I couldn’t agree more with this style of parenting. No women’s hair defines her worth. 

The cruel reality is that women live in a man’s world BUT women really do rule the world. They just haven’t figured it out yet. When they do, and they will, we’re all in big trouble.

Happy Easter ya’ll!

Most beautiful places in the world

**Grand Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia pictured above

Seeing that as I love to travel (or should I say the thought of traveling), I’m always scouring the internet for unique places that most people might not have heard of. I’ll go to sites like  Buzzfeed, Huffington Post, Examiner, etc. where they sometimes feature articles of some enchanting places. After compiling my top 10 places, which was more difficult than selecting my favorite cafes, I’ve listed them for you below. If you’ve been to any of these places, I’d love to hear your feedback as to how your experience was. This reminds me that I need a travel buddy to hopefully visit half of these places. They’re just magical. Almost Disney magical.

1. “Tunnel of Love” Kleven Ukraine

   

2. Antelope Canyon, Arizona

   

3. Blue Lagoon Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

   

4. Havasu Falls Grand Canyon National Park

   

5. Hitachi Seaside Park, Ibaraki

   

6. Wisteria Tunnel Kawachi Fuji Gardens, Japan

   

7. Sea Cliffs Varadero, Cuba

   

8. Maldives

   

9. Ice Canyons, Greenland

   10. Plitvice Lakes, Croatia
   
   

Date idea- Couples Cooking Class

Do you love food? Clearly this is a rhetorical question because who doesn’t love food? Most of the date ideas I have or will be providing will be encompassed around some sort of food item (yes, because I’m fat and food makes me happy). Whether you’ve been in a relationship for moons (for future reference this just means a very long time) or this is your first date, I would certainly recommend doing some sort of variation of this. If you didn’t know, there’s a plethora of cooking classes such: pastry making, pasta making, cooking for beginners, organic, sushi making, etc right here in LA! The options you have to choose from is incredible, so you’re able to tailor your date accordingly.

Here in Los Angeles, we’re fortunate enough to have numerous options for dates but we often commit to just dinner and a movie. The reason I would suggest a culinary class for a date is that it takes you out of your “comfortable” element and it gets you out of routine that you might usually have with your significant other. I guarantee you that if you’re planning this and it actually follows through, the other person will be eating something off of you at the end of the night. Bet. Eh. Well, if it’s a first date then I’m not sure but for sure if you’ve been dating awhile! You’re able to learn how open- minded the other person is and most important, you’re able to assess if they have the potential of being a good chef in the future. Unless you enjoy take out or frozen food, I suggest you and your significant other learn how to cook AND cook well.

I actually have not had the opportunity to try any cooking classes but I’d be more than willing to go with anyone that would like to accompany me. My treat! Everyone has a bucket list and this is definitely on there. Being in a family of chefs (both professional and recreational), I’ve always had an itch to learn how to cook. I mean I can make a mean grilled cheese and a scrumptious PB&J… just kidding. I can make simple things like pasta, enchiladas, lasagna, etc. but I’d like to make more sophisticated dishes.You never know when you might meet someone and that may completely win them over. Oh, and so that you can whip something up when you have guest over and you’ll look hella awesome in front of them. I did some research and I found several classes that have had the best reviews:

1. EATZ (La Brea/Melrose, Los Angeles)- This might actually be a solid place to go with a group of friends or even have a “grown up” birthday since the max amount of people per class is 16. From what I’ve heard they fill up pretty fast, so I suggest that you book early. It’s not like college where you crash the class in hopes that the professor chooses you for that empty seat. Actually, they might do that. Disregard that. They have classes for both beginners and those who are advances as well as how to make pizza from scratch, cocktail bash, food from bacon, seafood and many more!
   
2. Sur La Table (Fairfax/3rd St, Beverly Hills)- Sur La Table actually hosts all things for kitchen and bathroom related but they also host cooking classes! The location of this place is amazing since it’s nestled in between The Grove and The Farmer’s Market so you’re able to do additional activities before or after your cooking class (movies, shopping, etc). I’ve had previous co- workers try these classes and they always rave about how much they enjoyed it. From what I hear, these classes are well organized, friendly, and fun which is essentially all you need when taking culinary classes. They have classes for Macrons, healthy living, secret sauces, french pastries and have other great selections to choose from.
3. Hipcooks (Robertson/Venice, Los Angeles)- There’s a Hipcooks West and a Hipcooks East, so regardless what side of LA you live on you should have access to either of these places. The reviews mention that this place is ideal for those who are culinary novices and enjoy the hands- on experience. People constantly rave how enthusiastic the instructors are, which for me, can make or break the experience. Similar to the previous culinary classes I mentioned they host classes such as “The Cheeze Wiz”, “A romantic dinner for two”, “Pasta in Casa” and other various classes with unique names.