Jasmin Loves Coffee

Dancing's Back!

noreply@blogger.com (Jasmin) — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 04:22:00 +0000

My favorite fall show is back: Dancing with the Stars! I'm rooting for these two couples (what can I say, I couldn't choose a favorite!):

J.R. Martinez

Ricki Lake

Missoni Madness

noreply@blogger.com (Jasmin) — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 05:44:00 +0000

Missoni, the legendary Italian fashion house that has been around since 1953, recently collaborated with Target to release a limited edition collection. I was super excited for this collection (Missoni at Target prices? Yes please!), until I heard that upon launch, it sold out in about 15 minutes everywhere. It was reportedly like Black Friday for Target, who had massive lines outside and whose website crashed that day due to the high demand of products.

While I'm not a fan of the clothing too much (too many zig zags), I did manage to snag a few pieces for my home:

Missoni for Target Large Vase

Missoni for Target Glass Platter

I did, however, buy one shirt which I liked, though not the shorts...it's too matchy matchy and the shorts are uber short.

Three Month Recap

noreply@blogger.com (Jasmin) — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 17:12:00 +0000

For those wondering (and for my future kids, should they read this one day, ha), here is a recap of the last three months that I've been away:

June
Graduated and finally completed my MPH degree. Graduation was amazing! Our faculty and distinguished speakers sat on stage, and we were each called up by our individual programs. Two years of hard work led up to one wonderful day.

July
Went to my most beloved California city, San Francisco, for 4th of July. I can never get enough of the Warf, the sourdough, or the fact that everything in that city is accessible by foot. Oh, and did I mention the amazing coffee? I discovered possibly the best coffee I'd ever had: Blue Bottle Coffee. Dear Blue Bottle Coffee Corporation: Can you please open some shops in SoCal? Your New Orleans Iced Coffee = love in a cup.

Some shots of the city:

And since I obsessively take photos of all my food (don't judge), here are some SF highlights:

French toast...for dessert! Why not?

Another dessert, aka 3 hours in the gym

Duck dish

Fish dish of some sort...I forget the name. It's been too long.

Kobe beef burger (drool)

TRUFFLES! Holy moly, truffles are pricy.

August
Went to Las Vegas with my mama, where we both saw the most amazing singer: Celine Dion. I grew up listening to all her CDs, and got goose bumps when I heard her perform live for the first time ever. Her voice is AH-MAY-ZING live. She was born with that voice, folks, 'cause there's nothing in the world that can make it that way. Nope. She has mad pipes.

Even more awesome was the fact that her husband was in the audience and was gracious enough after to mingle with us common folk. I was only able to snap a quick picture of him. Can you spot his head? I have no other exciting pictures to show of the concert, as all photography and videoagraphy (is that even a word?) is banned.

August was the month of concerts for me, because I also saw the love of my life, Josh Groban. You can read all about my love for Josh here. Little did I know when I booked tickets for the floor section that I would literally be a about 10 feet away from a small stage set up in the middle of the arena where he opened up the concert. ~~Amazing x 100!~~ Amazing x 1,000!

August is also my birthday month. My dad is traveling this month and was traveling last month as well, but he sent me the cutest bouquet of flowers in the mail. I can see my dad looking at the bouquet online and thinking, "It's cute, it's fuzzy, she'll like it!" And like it I did.

Hope y'all had a great summer, because I sure did. Topic for later this week: house hunting stories. And decorating! Where are the best places to go to for home decor? Please share! I've already discovered The Container Store, Home Goods, Pier 1 Imports, and Urban Home, but I'd love to know where you guys shop for home trinkets.

I'm Back!

noreply@blogger.com (Jasmin) — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 05:02:00 +0000

I've been away from my blog for over three months! Canyabelieveit?? I've have truly missed the blogging world, especially reading everyone else's blogs and comments. Here I was thinking I'd have so much more free time after graduating to blog, yet I started something new: house hunting! I'm happy to report I will be moving in the very near future. My love for decorating, The Container Store, and furniture shopping has grown at an alarming rate. ;) More updates to come tomorrow.

In related news, my diploma came today. Hooray! It is truly official now. *Tear*

The Day Has Come!

noreply@blogger.com (Jasmin) — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 04:59:00 +0000

I graduate tomorrow! I cannot wait. This has been two long years in the making. I will be receiving my MPH (Masters in Public Health) degree. I will try and post pictures if I'm able to snap some during the ceremony. Or I will be tweeting!

My work today surprised me with a luncheon in honor of my graduation...it was awesome! Can you say sugar overload? I think my lunch consisted primarily of cake, cheesecake, and flan. Here are some pictures:

And last but not least, to kick off the summer blockbuster movie season, I wanted to pass along an awesome bargain:

Get two tickets to the movies via Fandango for only $9 total! I just bought mine using the link below. It's through the website Living Social, which I LOVE-- they always have awesome deals, especially ones for vacations in various big cities. Happy movie going!

http://livingsocial.com/deals/57725-two-movie-tickets

Royal Wedding

noreply@blogger.com (Jasmin) — Thu, 19 May 2011 04:34:00 +0000

I finish grad school in 23 days!!! I can't believe it. I've been MIA and unable to post about all the happens in the world (i.e. Royal Wedding, killing of Bin Ladin, etc).

But on the topic of the Royal Wedding, I didn't even get to watch it all. I had my comprehensive exam that day (boo!) so I was slaving away.

Here's something circulating the web that I thought was funny (and it a bit spooky). I wonder if the sisters are wishing they had rethought their choice of clothing color after seeing this...

Senioritis has arrived

noreply@blogger.com (Jasmin) — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 06:19:00 +0000

Throughout grad school, I stressed and moaned and groaned about grades, making sure to always do well. And now that it's down to my last quarter, which starts tomorrow, I could care less. Assigned reading? Not even remotely done...in fact, I have yet to read anything. Ordering my books? Not done...do I even NEED a book since it's my last quarter? Ha. Assigned papers? I have yet to even think about them. Oh my. Who have I become?

In other news, here is my official one sentence movie review for some movies I've seen recently:

True Grit
Surprisingly good, and I don't usually like Westerns.

The King's Speech
Perhaps the best movie of the year. Colin Firth, I love thee so.

Limitless
Shot kind of like a high intensity MTV music video, but awesome-- you can't go wrong with Bradley Cooper AND Robert De Nro, right?

Battle Los Angeles
Totally cliche and predictable-- big bad aliens get defeated, just like every other sci fi alien movie ever done.

Rango
AWESOME. That is all. I'd even see it again.

Retail Therapy

noreply@blogger.com (Jasmin) — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 05:32:00 +0000

I graduate in a little over two months (eeeek!), but my last quarter starts next week, AND I have my comprehensive exam in exactly 30 days (double eeeek!).

So in honor of my rare downtime and my anticipated grueling last few months, I did some damage at the mall this past weekend. I hadn't shopped in so long-- it felt a bit weird. I was in one department store and the music was blaring SO loud that I left after 5 minutes. I felt like a mother. When I was younger and would go shopping with my mom, she'd always complain about the loud music and wait outside the store. I can totally relate now!! Am I getting old, or what?

BUT, I braved the loud music and found lots of cute dresses! It seems that dresses are now the norm instead of jeans, huh? RIP jeans.

Japan

noreply@blogger.com (Jasmin) — Sun, 20 Mar 2011 06:25:00 +0000

It's been over a week since the Japan disaster occurred and I still find myself unable to tear away from the TV or the internet. It's so incredibly sad-- it's as if everything that could possibly go wrong did, no matter how prepared Japan was. And perhaps it's a reminder of the strength of mother nature and that we are not in control of the world.

Please pray and donate to the relief efforts. I donated last week and I wish I had read this post by a fellow blogger before donating. Ah well. I'm hoping my Red Cross donation will still benefit.

And finally, it's important to remember during this time to plan ahead and be prepared should a similar disaster like this hit at home. Living in California, which is considered an earthquake state, I realize how often we take for granted the days where nothing happens.

Christmas in March

noreply@blogger.com (Jasmin) — Sat, 05 Mar 2011 22:11:00 +0000

I am like a little kid at Christmas today! I just bought tickets to the Josh Groban concert--I woke up early this morning, as they went on sale at 10 am. He will be coming to L.A. on August 17th. I'm super excited-- he has an amazing voice! He could sing about trash cans and it would still sound amazing, I'm sure. I saw him briefly a few years ago when he was inducted into the Hollywood Bowl Hall of Fame, but sadly, he only sang a couple of songs.

Every Christmas, I play his 'Noel' album non-stop. What a voice! I'm counting down the days. Happy weekend everyone!

Oscar fashion: yay or nay?

noreply@blogger.com (Jasmin) — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 06:22:00 +0000

I must admit, I was a little disappointed in the Oscar dresses this year. I didn't spot too many that stood out and made me say "Wow!" Here are my favorites from last night:

In other news, I'm officially DONE with my master's thesis! It feels so good! And, I ended up correctly picking 3 of the 5 winners last night...not too shabby, eh?

Oscar might need a jacket

noreply@blogger.com (Jasmin) — Sun, 27 Feb 2011 07:46:00 +0000

It's been hailing (or rather, graupling I should say) and SNOWING in L.A. this past weekend, and it's 32 degrees outside right now as I type this. Seriously, where am I?

The stars are going to freeze tomorrow in their pretty Oscar dresses! I'm not sure if I'll be watching yet (my thesis is due Monday), though I want to. I've seen 6 of the 10 movies nominated for best picture this year. Here's who I think is going to win:

Best Picture - The King's Speech
Best Actor - Collin Firth
Best Actress - Natalie Portman
Best Supporting Actor - Geoffrey Rush
Best Supporting Actress - Hailee Steinfeld

Happy President's Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Jasmin) — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 01:58:00 +0000

So much for a fun-filled 3-day weekend for moi...I've been home sick since Saturday! The only good thing to come of this is that it forced me to be productive and work on my master's thesis, which is due at the end of this month. Only 7 pages to go! I will be super excited once done. Let the countdown begin!! :D

Feet, don't fail me now!

noreply@blogger.com (Jasmin) — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 07:35:00 +0000

I started running again today after buying new shoes. Once upon a time, I could run 10 miles at a time. The thought of me running 10 miles now makes me want to crawl under blankets and vege out. I ran a mere 3 miles today and I already feel sore. I can feel my good 'ole running muscles slowly stirring back to life. My goal is to be up to 10 miles again by May, just in time for graduation AND summer time.

My new Saucony shoes are awesome! They feel like you are walking on clouds. I bought them from the Roadrunner Sports store. They have this nifty service where you can walk on a treadmill and they see how your foot pronates, rotates, steps, etc, and from that, they recommend what type of shoe you need and if you need certain inserts (which I did-- apparently my arch is too high).

Now if only my shoes came in pink! :)

P.S. How was everyone's Super Bowl Sunday? I rooter for Green Bay because...I LOVE cheese. That is all.

I need me some summertime!

noreply@blogger.com (Jasmin) — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 16:16:00 +0000

It's only Tuesday! How can that be? :( I'd rather be here right now...happy memories. :) Can't wait for summer!

Benny said it best

noreply@blogger.com (Jasmin) — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 07:40:00 +0000

My taxes are DONE! Who knew Mondays could be so productive? Take *that,* Uncle Sam.

"Nothing is certain but death and taxes." -Benjamin Franklin

Rainy Day Shopping

noreply@blogger.com (Jasmin) — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 00:14:00 +0000

It's been raining on and off the whole day, so instead of doing the logical thing, which would have been working on my thesis, I went shopping instead. My bad. I have been steadily learning the art of procrastination throughout grad school. And now that I'm home, I'm blogging and eating gummy bears instead of working on my thesis.

I ended up buying some shoes. Aren't these pretty? I love the color AND they're super comfy! They're from Circa Joan & David. I love the brand because most all their shoes are stylish, yet comfy.

A Twist on Frozen Bananas

noreply@blogger.com (Jasmin) — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 05:45:00 +0000

I usually never order dessert at a restaurant, but these sounded too good to pass up a few weeks ago: Frozen bananas rolled in peanut butter, then coasted in chocolate, then sprinkled with peanuts, and served with fresh whipped cream.

SO GOOD and worth every calorie. I'm going to try and make these sometime.

For those in the L.A. area wishing to try this dessert, here's the location:

Larchmont Grill
5750 Melrose Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90038
www.larchmontgrill.com

Read restaurant reviews for Larchmont Grill here.

Golden Globes

noreply@blogger.com (Jasmin) — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 07:21:00 +0000

Did anyone watch the Golden Globe Awards last night? I actually drove by the Beverly Hills Hilton where the show takes place on my way home from school got a glimpse of the red carpet from the car...exciting! Sadly, no movie star sighting. All I saw were a bunch of photographers, security guards, and assistants.

I usually love seeing all the gowns more so than the actual awards show. Below are my favs from this year:

Olivia Wilde in Marchesa

Kyra Sedgwick in Emilio Pucci

Mila Kunis in Vera Wang

Anne Hathaway in Armani Prive

Giuliana Rancic in Zac Posen

Hello 2011!

noreply@blogger.com (Jasmin) — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 02:04:00 +0000

Happy New Year! Hope you rang in 2011 with much happiness.

This year I resolve to:

1. Graduate grad school (6 more months!!!)
2. Exercise more
3. Sleep earlier
4. Read! I have a zillion books...yet grad school makes it hard to read. So hopefully this will happen after graduation.

I start work tomorrow...here's a little something for you west coast peeps sure to make the workday a bit better from participating Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf stores:

When: Tuesday, January 4th 2011, 4pm-7pm
Where: Participating The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® store locations*

*Only valid at participating The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® store locations in CA, AZ and TX. Exclude Ralphs locations. Valid only on January 4, 2011 from 4pm to 7pm. Offer applies to one (1) 12oz. Scottish Breakfast Tea Latte, one (1) 12oz. English Breakfast Tea Latte, or one (1) 12oz. Vanilla Latte. Only No Sugar Added Powder substitution allowed. Cannot be combined with other offers.Limit one complimentary drink per customer.

Wondering what to do with those Christmas cards?

noreply@blogger.com (Jasmin) — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 09:48:00 +0000

You can now recycle your Christmas and other holiday cards by sending them to St. Jude's Ranch. More info can be found by clicking here.

St. Jude's Ranch for Children Card Donating Tips

* All types of greeting cards, including Christmas are used (no photo greeting cards though).

* Only the card front can be used (please check that the back side is clear of any writing, etc.)

* We cannot accept Hallmark, Disney or American Greeting cards.

* 5" x 7" size or smaller is preferred.

Recycled Card Program History

Over thirty years ago, wishing to show our donors appreciation for making St. Jude’s Ranch for Children possible, the idea was conceived for turning the previous year’s Christmas cards into "new" cards for the coming season. The recipients were so delighted with their unique "thank you," they requested the children sell them the special cards. And so, the St. Jude’s Ranch Recycled Card Program was born.

Since then, the program expanded to include all occasion greeting cards…just about anything that starts with a used greeting card. People from all over the world have sent us their used cards!

Operated by Kids, Corp., a program for the children at St. Jude’s Ranch to learn entrepreneurship skills, the children participate in making the new cards by removing the front and attaching a new back. The result is a beautiful new card made by the children and volunteers. The benefits are two-fold: customers receive "green" holiday cards for use and the children receive payment for their work and learn the benefits and importance of "going green".

The ongoing support for the Recycled Card Program has been overwhelming! The Program grew and soon we were receiving over one million cards. We have since redesigned the process to more efficiently manage the increased production from the increased volume and we welcome your submissions!

Merry Christ-mas!

noreply@blogger.com (Jasmin) — Sat, 25 Dec 2010 17:03:00 +0000

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." -Isaiah 9:6

Let Freedom Reign!

noreply@blogger.com (Jasmin) — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 06:26:00 +0000

I'm officially DONE with finals! Rejoice! Five quarters down; two to go! :)

It's the yum

noreply@blogger.com (Jasmin) — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 06:32:00 +0000

Today I tried the new Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate from Starbucks...and it is to die for. So good. So delish. So yum. Try it!

P.S. WHERE did the year go?? It's December! Eek!

Who even knew there was such!

noreply@blogger.com (Jasmin) — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 07:04:00 +0000

I'm taking about National Bundt Day. What a great idea...let the sugar rush begin!

On Monday, November 15th, stop by any Nothing Bundt Cakes store and get a free bundtlet. I guess that's baby for bundt. Bon appetit!