Rasselbock German Kitchen & Beer Garden

As a native to the 5-6-2 district, I am blessed to be surrounded by works of arts on every wall, parties at every hour, and a dose of culture at every corner. Long Beach is a flourishing culture hub full of exciting new businesses waiting to be discovered. When I discovered Rasselbock German Kitchen & Beer Garden in Bixby Knolls last week (thank you Postmates), I knew I had to stop in. 

The Rasselbock menu boasts of 35 German & Belgian beers, homemade sangrias, and a wide selection of German and Californian wines. In addition, its specialty selections of delicious German food with a modern twist are perfect for those longing to have experienced Oktoberfest or those with Oktoberfest withdrawals. It's a great way to get a taste of German culture close to home.

Pictured above:
Sausage Platter- Bratwurst, Kasetrainer & Chicken Spicy Mango Jalapeño Sausage served with homemade mustards 
A Dude's Salad- German fries topped with feta cheese, cucumber, tomato, red onion, pepperocinis, bell pepper, black olives, and garlic aioli 
(delicious if you're a salad and fries lover! A perfect mix of comfort food and veggies)
Elk Sausage Plate paired with Sauerkraut and German Potato Salad 

The Best of K-Beauty Brands Summer 2019

Korean beauty, a.k.a "K-beauty". The uprising of Kpop and all things Korean-related has taken the world by storm. Understandably, the beauty industry has taken notice. Dewy skin, radiant glows, and youthful luminosity- it seems the Korean beauty industry knows a thing or two about skincare. Thanks to Mattson Global, I had an inside look at some of the top K-beauty brands out there. When it comes to skincare, I have be extremely cautious. I have both sensitive and acne-prone skin- that combination leaves me quite vulnerable to the unfortunate consequences of irritated skin. So when it comes to testing out products, you can understand why I can be very hesitant. After a few trials of a few gifted K-beauty products, I have rounded up a shortlist of my favorites and why. 

Coachella Photo Diary 2019- The Festival Fashion Roundup

This year, I had purchased a Coachella weekend one pass early on when payment plans came out. I'll figure out plans later. It'll all work out. Come time for Coachella, turns out none of my close friends nor my boyfriend were able to take time off to go with me. So here I was, with a festival ticket, high hopes, and no "festie-bestie" to tag along with. However, I was determined to get my festival outfits in this year. (Last year was a flop as well) I had already requested the weekend off from work so festival or not, I had the time off. I reached out to a few blogger friends of mine and set up a few photo collaborations and set out for the desert- solo dolo. 

This weekend turned out to be the most wild turn of events of my life. As I fluttered from group to group, I met a whole lot of personalities that either clashed or blended with mine. Long story short- I had intended to be out in the desert for the VAMPPED party and to create content. I found myself partying at the Zenyara estate, had to skip the NYLON party, and later went to the REVOLVE festival the next day. I had such a great time, I simply forgot all about shooting content for myself! 

A huge lesson I took away from this entire experience is: Don't be afraid to venture out solo sometimes and to do what's uncomfortable. Sometimes the best experiences come naturally- whether it be fate or just pure luck. Let it be. Sit back and enjoy life as it comes because every breath is a blessing- so make it count! This year, I vow to myself to say YES to every opportunity and NO to the comfort zone. 

Here are a few snaps of the last-minute outfits I pieced together from what I had in the trunk of my car. Shop the looks below! 

Forever 21 hat (similar here and here)

Forever 21 fanny pack (similar here and here)

Aldo Statement necklace (similar here)

Fashion Nova fringe top (similar here)

Calvin Klein denim blocked jacket (splurge here | save here)

Kate Spade Glitter Boots (save here)

White Moto Jacket (splurge here | save here)

Aldo necklace (similar here)

Keepsake the Label Morning Rain Romper (shop here | similar here)

Kate Spade Glitter Boots (save here)

Snake Print Skirt & Sheer Robe c/o Freedom Boutique 

Silver Statement Necklace & Bracelet c/o The Songbird Co. 

Quay sunglasses (similar here) 

Braids by Braids Etc

This Season's Hottest Boots: El Vaquero

Spring is right around the corner! Start the season off right with a killer set of Authentic Italian leather boots by El Vaquero. From ankle boots to thigh highs, El Vaquero boots are designed to take the modern woman from a casual morning brunch to a trendy night out without skipping a beat. The sophisticated designs speak to the free-spirit in every woman- characterized by fringe detailing and metallic accents. Each pair of boots are made to stand the test time with its 100% calf leather composition. 

Established in 1975 by designer Valerio Giuntoli, El Vaquero specializes in hand-made leather boots for the contemporary woman. Each pair is hand-crafted with utmost scrutiny by artisans and expert shoemakers to ensure the resulting product is embodied in Tuscany heritage and boasts an authentic vintage spirit. El Vaquero luxury shoes and accessories are priced from $269 to $704 and available for purchase here as well as at select retailers worldwide. 

New York: The Most Insta-Worthy Brunch spots

Root & Bone NYC

 200 E 3rd St, New York, NY 10009

WEEKEND BRUNCH
Saturday & Sunday | 10:30am to 4:00pm

Look no further for the best of Southern comfort. Nothing starts off Sunday better than a big ol' basket of fried chicken, waffle benedict, and the classic mac and cheese. Located in Manhattan's East Village, it's the perfect place to start if you're planning on wandering around the block afterwards. (Trust me, you're going to need it.) There are some seasonal changes to the menu, so be sure to check out their website before you pay a visit! For you instagrammers- try to grab a window or outdoor seating if you can for best lighting. Plan on getting there early because brunch is only served on the weekends here- it gets packed.

Okonomi

150 Ainslie St, Brooklyn, NY 11211

This adorable hole-in-the-wall restaurant serves up refined Japanese breakfast and lunch sets daily. Located in a residential part of Brooklyn, the area is home to many study-friendly cafes and insta-worthy neighborhoods. The restaurant's homely interior is picturesque at every angle, but if you want to achieve a nice backdrop for your post, shoot for a corner seat at the bar or take a far-angle photo at one of their bigger tables. Their larger tables are community seating so be aware if you come with just one other person, you may be seated with another pair of strangers. To guarantee your private eating space, just opt to sit at the bar- just be aware that this means you're agreeing to a longer wait!

Chalait

1216 Broadway, New York, NY 10001

Located by NYC's Koreatown, Chalet is a small cafe dedicated to the art of Japanese Matcha. This grab-and-go matcha bar is a great spot for a quick pick-me-up or a light lunch in between classes and the gym. With its minimal interior and aesthetically pleasing nutritional quick bites, Chalait is the Insta-foodies' dream. Although most do not sit down to eat here, there is a bar table provided for those who choose to or for those who want to snap a photo. (guilty!)

Ludlow Coffee Supply

176 Ludlow St, New York, NY 10002

MON - FRI  | 7:00AM – 11:00PM

SAT & SUN | 7:00AM – 11:00PM

Two words: photo haven. This homely location is an Instagram dream. Located in an artsy red brick building and decorated with marble tables, wooden notes, and leafy greens, it's a heavenly combination of vintage-meets-modern in an airy setting that will make you never want to leave. Ludlow sports a woodsy, naturally-lit coffee bar which opens up into a cozy lounge area with artsy magazine racks and a records selection (photo props anyone?).  

Coffee Project New York

239 E 5th St, New York, NY 10003

Just when coffee couldn't get anymore prolific, Coffee Project New York formulates The Deconstructed Latte for the curious coffee-tastemaker. Built for coffee enthusiasts and connoisseurs, the platter whittles the art of coffee into three distinct phases- the espresso, the milk, and finally a fully composed latte. A small bite and a glass of water is provided to cleanse the palate between each step. Head on over to this hole-in-the-wall spot in the East Village to earn your coffee-connoisseur-of-the-year stamp award (self-provided) in your travel journey. 

Ayza Wine & Chocolate Bar

11 W 31st St, New York, NY 10001

Located next to my favorite boutique hotel of all time, Life Hotel New York. This romantic tavern boasts a vast menu of over 90 wines and champagnes with a delectable selection of wine and chocolate flight pairings. Drinks and desserts aside, their food and appetizers are both tasteful and satisfying. Pictured above are a variety of their appetizers. The moody lighting indoors makes for an ideal first date, while the bright outdoor seating is an exquisite casual atmosphere for meeting up with friends after work. 

All photos taken by me.