Tag: lifestyle

Happier Bellies in 2025

Lisa Ann PinelliLeave a comment

I don’t know about you, but food makes me happy! There is an art to good food, a certain type of magic when you take a bite of something that leaves you speechless yet your taste buds are dancing with joy. This year I pledge to myself to make my belly happier with even more amazing VEGAN delicacies.

So let’s get to it shall we. I started this wonderful new year of 2025 at my FAVORITE ramen restaurant in Fountain Valley, California. It’s called Kin Craft Ramen & Izakaya. I know, it’s not something new, but I just thought I should tell you about it. I literally come to this restaurant once a week. IT’S THAT GOOD! It is not a full vegan restaurant, in fact, the vegan selection is pretty small, but don’t let that change your mind.

I originally found this restaurant randomly one night searching Google and Yelp. The reviews were good and they had 1 vegan ramen option, so I thought, “Let’s give it a try!” Boy oh boy I am so happy I did.

Okay, let’s get to the fun part. THE FOOD! Like I said before, it’s not a vegan restaurant so if that’s not your thing then I hope you live what you order. However if you are here for that sweet vegan goodness, I’ve got you covered!

Appetizers! Let’s start off with some simple EDEMANE. Their EDEMANE is steamed perfectly. Not too soft, not too hard, and topped with nice chunks of shaved salt. Every single piece you pick up somehow looks perfect. I rarely ever see any imperfections on any of the little pods. Maybe they have a magical leprechaun in the back sorting out the less than perfect pieces, but whatever it is, they are fabulous.

Next up we have the FURIKAKE FRIES. Why are these fries so good!? They have sesame seeds and seaweed bits on top. I know traditional furikake can contain fish, but I have been told that these fries and their furikake bestie does not have any fish ingredients. They also come with a spicy mayo dipping sauce which contains dairy and eggs so I do not use this sauce. Behold, the photos!

Simply delicious !

Now for the main course, yep you guessed it, THE VEGAN RAMEN.

The vegan ramen is made from a vegetable broth with Mostly to make it a little bit creamer. No bland water based broth here! Inside this big bowl you will find yourself munching on ramen noodles, 2 large pieces of tofu, bean sprouts, shiitake mushrooms, menma or bamboo shoots, green onions, and napa cabbage. Did I mention RAMEN NOODLES? Silly me, of course I did, but I didn’t mention that the ramen noodles are unlimited. That’s right, slurp up those delicious noodles, save some broth, and ask for a refill.

Now here’s the spicy part. If you are like me, you like it HOT! You like your mouth burning, nose running, gripping onto that glass of water for support kind of spicy. If you too are as spice crazy as me, you are a reader of my own heart. Ask for the SPICY CHILI PASTE.

They will bring you a small pouring bowl that you can adjust your spice level to your own preference. I like the burn so I pour the whole thing inside that sweet bowl of warm veggie bliss.

Now grab those chip sticks and spoon, slurp it up, and enjoy! If you visit KIN I’d love to hear your thoughts on their food and drinks!

HAPPY NEW YEAR and happy eating

An Open Book

Lisa Ann PinelliLeave a comment

Hello, Hello!

It has been a while since I have written, shared, reviewed, rambled about anything on here. I want to change that. So HERE WE GO!

       We are in a time of  uncertainty. A lot of us are living in daily fear, anxiety, and depression. Some of us have found a way to excel and overcome the obstacles. Regardless of what mindset and situation YOU are in, we are all doing this together.

Isn’t it odd to think that the whole world is experiencing EXACTLY the same thing you are?

       I find it oddly refreshing.

Not because I want others to suffer, but rather because the feeling that you are not alone in something so huge. We are all United!

       That brings you back to my blog space. I want this to be a space where I can share my real feelings, my honest reviews, my “let’s ramble about something”. For the longest time, I was afraid to share my thoughts. I was terrified about what others would think of me. If someone I know in real life read my words, what would they say?

       I am tired of “hiding” and I am going to start sharing!

I encourage you to leave honest words in the comments. Share your stories, feelings, thoughts, and life with me. Let’s UNITE in a creative way. This IS a safe place and I am ready to share without posting as private 🤦🏼‍♀️🤷🏼‍♀️

Until the next post, STAY STRONG!

Xo

Lisa

Disconnected

Lisa Ann PinelliLeave a comment

Technology is just an illusion, a world of confusion.

Social media tells us to be social and embrace our friendships.

The act of being social, yet somehow still alone.

Having a conversation with 5 others right there on your phone

Seems convenient enough, but did you forget about the one sitting right in front of you?

Can you look her in the eye?

Can you hold a conversation without feeling anxiety?

Or will the pressure be too much and that phone will be your savor.

Right back to your hand again to scroll through other’s shared moment.

While she is sitting there, looking at you, not understanding what she did wrong.

Stop telling hundreds what you’ve just done, because You should sharing this moment, with just one.

When you put down that device, your world opens up again

When you are too busy looking down, you wont see the chances you missed

That friend whom you haven’t seen in years just walked by

Your soul mate is sitting next to you on the train

You’re stuck on Instagram scrolling your life away.

Pick up your eyes, so you don’t live in regret

We are not promised a specific time in this life

We are not guaranteed damn thing

But what you did with the time you are given, is what you will remember when your time is up

Will you look back and remember great food, traveling, meaningful conversations that lasted for hours.

Or will you remember what Sally Sue did when she went on vacation?

Will you remember how many “friends” liked your post?

Here’s a tough one

Will you remember that last dinner conversation that the family had with grandpa the day before he passed?

Of course not, you were too busy looking at your Snaps.

What has become of this generation?

Why is someone else’s life on a screen, more important than your own.

Why do conversations feel like such a taboo and eye contact could raise the dead

We are living in a world with smart phones and stupid people.

As technology grows we become more disconnected.

Is it worth the Neck strains and loss of cognitive functions,

The time lost and memories that never happened?

Stop reading this blog and shut off that phone.

BE PRESENT in a world that is disconnected.

Your ghost

Lisa Ann PinelliLeave a comment

I feel a little sad today
My head’s on fire and the memories are choking me alive.
I never asked you what you wanted, what you needed.

I never looked close enough.
If only I had known there was a hell of a storm you needed to weather.
Something rumbling deep inside.
Something that a little bit of sunshine could have subsided.
I know I was less than ok at this, but people can change.

We can be better.
If I let my steel walls come down.
Stop running this marathon of nowhere, as fast as I can.
We can be better
We waited til it was too late
How could you have known

We both crossed that line
I’m acting like I don’t care
But I swear I’m just scared
Deep down this is killing me
I still feel your ghost from time to time
…All the time
Time can heal but this wont
I guess misery loves company

And your ghost will always be with me.

Steel walls never came down.
Running, running getting nowhere fast
Could haves
Should haves
How could you have known
We both crossed that line
We just let this go

…but your ghost will always be a part of me.

MAY: Mental Health Awarness

Lisa Ann PinelliLeave a comment

As you all know, MAY is mental health awarness month, and today I felt like Raven; a big ball of crazy chaotic, all over the place emotions so I felt the need to write.

Raven Cosplay made by me

First off, I’m not writing this for you to say feel better, I’m sorry. None of that is necessary. I’m writing this to say hey, I’m just like you, and you, anddddd YOU!
So please don’t

My whole life, people have put me down. Made fun of me. Picked on me, because I wasn’t just like them. I learned to accept it and know that there was nothing I could do. I didn’t turn into a Mega Beeee. I didn’t go on a murder everyone in sight spree either. However, I did develope pretty bad anxiety, depression, and self hate. I’ve struggled with this for so long. I didn’t speak. Literally, I was silent. I had no friends, and the ones I had, knew I didn’t say very much. I had eating disorders because people told me as fat. I didn’t want smile because people told me my teeth looked like vampire teeth. I hated who I was and didn’t understand why thought I was so awful. My depress got he best of me and I went into a pretty intense time in my life where I cut myself just to feel something more. I do not recommend this, don’t do it! All of this, all of these battles made me stronger, even though at the time I thought I was falling towards the pavement full speed. I personally think I have come a long way. I’m not perfect. I still struggle so hard sometimes, but I’m ok!

Today I had a thought. A thought that moved to a lot of thoughts, pain, and regret. Thoughts that made me question others and have such a heavy heart for a situation. I as in absolute tears. Balling my eyes out. I won’t go into details, but the reasoning for this is down below.
….still reading?
Good!!
Lesson time
–

Don’t let others opinions dictate your life. Over the decade plus time I have worked in this industry, used social media, grown as an adult, I have learned that it doesn’t matter who you are, what you do, where you live, what you eat, or who you are in a relationship with…. People will have opinions. Some good, some bad. Some people will hear rumors and go with it, expand on it, cry wolf. So many ways for people to attack, and trust me, they will.

Judgement without context
Judgement because of rumors
Judgement because … Judgement
This judgement will drown your bliss if you listen.
Don’t listen.

Don’t give in to the absolutely rediculous things people say. I open my DMs and read the most awful messages daily. For no reason. People find some form of joy, thinking that they hurt you. Don’t let them. Your happiness is important. You shouldn’t be scared to live your life. You only have this one, so live it. Live it for yourself and no one else.

–
As for the “giving” end.
Do not distroy others. One should not attack others until they are physically broken. No matter what. Be adults.

.

.

With that being said. If you EVER need to talk, I am always a click and type type type away 😁

Drifting away

Lisa Ann PinelliLeave a comment

I LOVE SUNDAYS!!!!

Sunday afternoons are meant to be spent relaxing and enjoying life. What better of a way to do it, then to spend it lounging around in a Drift Hammock.

PicsArt_01-28-02.57.43

When I woke up today, it was warm and windy. It was a nice change of pace from the cold we have been having recently. I jumped out of bed and said, “today is the day, I’m going to the park.” It is time to unwind and relax! I grabbed my Drift Hammocks and headed out!

This was the first time I had ever used a hammock. I was beyond eager to see how this would pan out. Drift Hammocks are made with high quality gorgeous fabric, that can hold up to 400 pounds. They come in a wide range of vibrant color options. My particular hammock is called The Caribbean Storm (fitting for the weather today).

Tree Straps: Each Drift hammock comes with a set of 2 9.5 feet tree straps. These straps are extremely easy to use and very strong.

set of 2 Drift tree straps
full package

Carry Case: Drift hammocks are brilliantly packaged in its own little carry case that unfolds and is attached to the hammock itself. You can use the pouch as a item holder while laying in the hammock.

Carry case becomes a item pouch

So like I mentioned above, this was my first hammock experience. I was a bit iffy climbing in. I’ve seen the cartoons and movies when the person climbs in the hammock and the whole thing flips over. I really did not want to fall on my butt today and the wind gave me a bit of an experience.

Okay Lisa, you can do it! Be smarter than the hammock.

I leaned over and climbed on in!

That was it!

Easy!!

My Caribbean Storm is a double. It was very roomy and breathable. I did not get hot or unconformable from the fabric. The wind even slightly rocked me as I lay inside the vibrant cocoon of comfort.  I LOVE MY DRIFT HAMMOCK. Now I need to plant some trees in my backyard so I can lounge  in my Drift, everyday.

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Lounging made easy

If you would like to check out more information about Drift Hammocks, please visit their website at

Official Drift Hammock Website

Instagram

Facebook

Drift is certain you will LOVE what you buy, they offers a lifetime guarantee on ALL products. You have nothing to lose, except a few hours you might start spending in your new Drift Hammock.

 

-xo Lisa

“Every moment has a Moon”

Lisa Ann PinelliLeave a comment

Selenophile (n).

A person who loves the moon.


The moon.

 Something so complex. Billions of years old. Over 200,000 miles away. Constantly orbiting planet Earth and yet most of us forget about it. It’s always there! Always shining down on us even in the day when it’s virtually invisible to the human eye. The Moon is there for every moment in your life. Now isn’t that a fun thought?!

I am beyond atonished when I think of space. I love it more than words can express. So when I came across this company who makes custom jewelery with the moon as the main design, I had to check them out. 

Moon Glow is a company that customizes your jewelery to your special day. Their Moto is “every moment has a moon.” Now think about it. The day you were born, what moon was shining in that sky?  My moon was hardly showing. It was a 3% visible Waxing Cresent. 

-The bigger picture!!

Pretty cool to think about huh? Now imagine every day of your life. That moon changes. And Moon Glow that’s that special day you choose and figures out which moon phase happened that day.

10/22/2016 The day my boyfriend asked me to be his. The day that changed my whole life. The day I knew I wanted to be a better person, trust more, love more, and the day I believed in soul mates. He asked me at a candle lit dinner outside, under the moon. Only makes sense that I have a moon to represent it. 

Moon Glow has so many different design options as well as different types of jewelery to in case your special moon. What would your special day be? Your birthday? Your child’s birthday? Maybe the day you won’t a special award, or got married?

Whatever your moment, there is a moon for it. And I am sure you will just as excited as I was to have your special moon with you everyday. I love my Moon Glow necklace to the Moon and back.

Happy Holidays 🌒

Where to find Moon Glow

Moon Glow Offical Website
Instagram: @MoonGlowJewelry

Fields of burning flowers

Lisa Ann PinelliLeave a comment

We have all been there! Big or small. White or dark. We have all experienced this some time in our lives. Sometimes it’s innocent. It comes across as a safety net to catch you when you fall. Or maybe a little bit of lip stick to make you look a little better. But sometimes. Sometimes someone lights a match to one dying flower and sets the whole field ablaze. The fire keeps spreading, and spreading out of control. Which one have you experienced? How far has it gone. What do you do when you are standing in that field with fire all around you? Do you hunt for water? Do you run away? Or where you the one who started the chaos?

We all have all been there. We have all stood in that field. We either told a lie, or have been lied to. Not all those who told a lie meant to hurt you. But does fire mean to burn those who touch it? No. I am not saying that every lie is innocent. But I am saying that some mean to be, but still do damage. 

We all need to take a look at ourselves. You know the classic saying that mom would tell you, “do to others as you wish upon yourself.” Would you really want someone to lie to you? Even something so simple as “Does this make me look fat?” If it does, say YES!! Why lie and let the individual find out another way and be even more hurt? We all need to stop being so afraid of honesty. Stop fearing truth and confrontation. If more people expressed their feeling, fears, and emotions and actually tried to have a conversation instead of Facebook posts and Tender swipes- the world would be far less confusing. 

SAY IT! Say what is on your mind. Stop covering up the truth. Stop safety netting every step you make. Friends, Family, and strangers. Everyone deserves honesty. And if you truly care about someone, not one word of dishonesty should come out of those lips.

Let’s start today.

Make a pact with yourself to stop the lies. Together we can do this. Together we can create a world so beautiful and re-grow those lost fields.

Neurons of Chaotic Intent

Lisa Ann PinelliLeave a comment

It hurts. I’ve got this storm that’s crashing inside of me. A gentle rain to those around, but a hell of a tsunami drowning me from the inside out. Waves crashing upon my tired body. A feeling so cold. The sting like that of torns smacking across every inch of my skin. Something so chaotic, yet no one can see. No one can hear my screams. The tears are invisible. Almost as this was all part of my imagination.

It hurts. Ive given up so much. Always have. Probably always will. That’s just who I am. I put others first. I sacrifice my dreams. My journey. My potential. All in the hopes that happiness will shine upon others. Glow in ways I never could. But I’ve given too much. I can not replenish these pockets of mine.

It hurts. Im walking slowly down this road. There is a cross road ahead and I must make a choice. One says “Do as you have done.” And the other says “Do something for you.” I can see the outcomes spread out like a deck of cards on a table in front of me. Occasional Jokers and Wilds, but I can see my hand. So I finally do something for me and hurt so many people around me, or do I continue to tread water and gasp for air in this tsunami.

It’s hurts. Not knowing what to do. It hurts. It hurts.