LaPocketListings.com

As American as Apple Pie!

Do you have a free Saturday or Sunday when you'd like to get away?  Fresh air, to-die-for apple pie and fun holiday festivities is what this place is all about!

Me, Sis & Mama Warbucks hit the Forum Shops in LAS VEGAS!!

Oh my goodness! Hide your kids and your wallets....me and my sis, Crys, are running loose in the streets of Las Vegas....rockin' our rompers. Featuring me doing the classic 90's dance "The Butterfly". Special thanks to our mom, Diana Ojeda, for being our brave camera woman and our mythological  Mama Warbuck$.

Ojeda Girls Enjoying the Forum Shops (apparently the guy next to us is having a great time, too!)

Important Info you should know when Buying or Selling your Home

The New Face of LApocketlistings.com :)

The Positivity Experiment

They say you catch more bees with honey....I thought I'd try spending my day giving off nothing but POSITIVE vibes!  Stay tuned for the outcome...

Laguna Beach Shoot Sept. 2012 :)

Photos & Video by Ernesto Stivalet aka Jotographo (Instagram)

Was at a family birthday brunch this past weekend, and my cousin asked me "Hey, Val...what do you plan on doing with all these pictures your taking?".   Good question, Cuz...definitely got me thinking...maybe I'll do a calendar to get myself some exposure??  Hey - worst-case scenario, I print some up, nobody likeee, nobody buys and I'm left with Christmas gifts for friends n family! :) Hey, I may be onto something.!....Hmmm......

Vision Board Update - Wow!! This Thing Works!!

So this is pretty interesting.  To my surprise, pretty much EVERY image I've placed on my board almost 5 months ago has come true, in some way shape or form - and  I can prove it!!!  Check out my video, then take a look at the mermaid photo below.  I had placed it on my Vision Board - for no reason in particular, other than I thought it was beautiful and it makes me feel good when I look at it.  It was a birthday card from my sister, Crystal. :)  I really didn't conceive the idea of anything mermaid-related coming from it.  I mean, come on!  Mermaid?!? What are the chances??  UNTIL....

About 3 months later I heard from a friend I hadn't spoken to in years...he tells me he is now into "painting mermaids".  We did a photo shoot recently, and the bottom two photos are the playful & beautiful end results.  More evidence of the Power of the Vision Board!! Dun-dun-DUN!!!! So what are you waiting for?!? Get on it! :)

Petting a dolphin - of course!

San Diego Sunset

Seeking Health & Wellness Professionals for My New Segment!

Get in touch!  - Valentina@craigsewing.com

Impromptu Interview w/ Congressional Candidate, Michael Crimmins

I happened to meet Michael recently while at a family gathering.  I used this as an opportunity to get a peek into the mind of a local politician.  I knew nothing about him, or his district. This interview is 100% impromptu and unscripted.  As a matter of fact, I guess you can say this was my first experience sitting down to chat with a political candidate.  You can probably tell, my phone was used to film (that's why we're squeezed into the frame).  I strongly encourage you to watch the video in its entirety - especially if you happen to live in the 51st District. .
**My goal was to remain, as UNBIASED as possible, to allow YOU to draw your OWN conclusions.** I will say that the views expressed by Mr. Crimmins in NO WAY reflect my own beliefs or political views.  What I will say, is that it certainly lit a fire under me to find out: WHICH district do I fall under? WHO is running in my district?? WHAT do they stand for?? Have I registered to vote?? So that come election time, I am able to make informed choices and be heard - instead of complaining after-the-fact about issues that effect the lives of me and my loved ones.

If you live in San Diego, CHECK YOUR REGISTRATION STATUS and other voting-related info: http://www.sdcounty.ca.gov/voters/Eng/Ereg.shtml

Bikini Photo Shoot - Sept. 2012

It's Cold!!

 It had been nearly 5 years since I did my first photo shoot with my dear friend, Michael Peak.  We recently reconnected and produced some great shots.  Thank you, Michael, for making me look good. :)

This One's for The Troops! :)

XoXo

                                 

America's Finest City!!!

1st Audition...How Did It Go?

My Very 1st Hollywood Audition!

DON'T DREAM IT, BE IT!!! Setting my fears aside and going for one of my long-time dreams of being in the entertainment industry! Come with me for the ride....it should be an interesting one!!! :)

Let's get Ready for Halloween!

Me and Ernesto talk about his cooky costumes fom past Halloweens & brainstorm ideas for this year.  We also highlight a couple of Chiquita's costumes - naughty nurse & ram :)  Don't be left scrambling for a last-minute get-up.  Get on the ball and start planning now!http://www.youtube.com/user/MsValentinaOjeda?feature=mhee 

Never-Before-Seen Footage/Photos of our India Adventure! w/ Ernesto!

Meet my Groy Bestie, Ernesto!  We're sharing behind the scenes video and never-before-seen photos from our March 2012 India Experience.  I hope you guys get a kick out of this one! :) http://www.youtube.com/user/MsValentinaOjeda?feature=mhee 

Cooking Breakfast...Au Natural!

Who has time for make-up?? Hungry like a wolf after a run...time to make some mushroom and cheese omelettes! I am not a doc - just sharing some tasty recipes.
P.s. Take OUT the lemon pepper from this recipe...too much!! fine without it, trust me :)

Me, Mom & Sis Say Bye-Bye to Vegas!

After a long weekend in Vegas, there's one thing that you want to remember to do.  Your skin and body will thank you later.

Chanelling La Revolucionaria Valentina

The title says it all! We're out in the SoCal desert and I'm giving it my best, well...shot. Channeling my inner-Revolucionaria. Kids, do NOT try this at home.

Getting Back on Track - Yummy Breakfast Ideas!

Grrr...I let my little trip to Vegas threw me off from my exercise and eating routine. It's all about consistency...so time to get back on track! Let's talk healthy, tasty breakfast meals. I'm not a doctor or nutritionist - merely sharing some yummy food ideas :)

Honey, I'm Home!! What's for Dinner?

Just got back from the grocery store....let's talk healthy, tasty lunch and dinner meals that WON'T leave you hungry!  I'm not a doctor or nutritionist - merely sharing some yummy food ideas :)

Strolling the Strip...

You never know what characters you'll find on the Las Vegas Strip! Here we encounter "Ahmed" from Long Beach. :) Subscribe to my YouTube channel; http://www.youtube.com/user/MsValentinaOjeda?feature=mhee

Poolside in Sin City...Don't Forget Your Sunscreen!

Las Vegas Heat = Time to put on your sunscreen!  We're poolside in Vegas.  I discuss the importance of sun protection while in Sin City. Check out my YouTube channel :) http://www.youtube.com/user/MsValentinaOjeda?feature=mhee

Getting (Chocolate) Wasted in Vegas!

My sister, Crystal, Mom & I are crazy about chocolate!  We're taking you inside the famous Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory in Las Vegas.  If you've got a sweet tooth, this video is sure to leave you drooling! Check out my YouTube channel :) http://www.youtube.com/user/MsValentinaOjeda?feature=mhee

Powders, Concealers, Eye Shadows....Oh, My!

This video is PROOF that shopping highs DO exist!!! Julia and I are fresh off of a trip to Sephora aka our "Shopping Fix Wonderland"!  We reveal what's in our goodie bags & share specifics a few of our fave products:  Bare Minerals Customizable 8-Piece Starter Kit (Original formulation in Golden Medium). Smashbox High Definition Concealer (in Medium). Buxom Stay Put Eyeshadow (in Shnauzer) & Buxom Eye Pallet (in Swing).  More specific vlogs with step-by-step makeup application tips to come, Ladies! :) Check out my YouTube channel :) http://www.youtube.com/user/MsValentinaOjeda?feature=mhee

How Do I know if a Loved One has O.C.D.?

Julia and I discuss O.C.D. Sometimes is so hard to recognize the symptoms of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.  What's a joke for some, can be a real-life self-imposed prison to those who REALLY have it. How can we know if someone needs help, and where do we go? Visit Julia's vlog for real, first-hand experience, great resources and help for family and friends: www.ocddiary.wordpress.com.  This is unconventional, great info, all in one place. Plus...Julia is AMAZING! :)

No More Procrastinating!!!

Ok, enough watching life pass you by!  B-O-R-I-N-G! It's time to grab life by the horns and start doing things that TRULY make you happy.  I'm my experience and a small suggestion on how to get the ball rolling with new projects, hobbies and  adventures. P.S. I may look like it, but I'm NOT vlogging naked! Hahahaahaaa...Mental note:  Don't wear strapless shirt while vlogging :)
Check out my YouTube channel :) http://www.youtube.com/user/MsValentinaOjeda?feature=mhee

Why Should I be Eating Organic Food?

Julia and I discuss organic foods and products.  Is it REALLY better for you? What are the benefits? Why should we spend the extra money in such a tough economy?  We are not doctors - just speaking from personal experience.

Soy...Friend or Foe? Nutrition w/ Julia

The government has purpetuated the idea that "all-things soy" are good for you, and provide excellent health benefits.  Julia and I discuss why this might not necessarily be true.  We are not doctors - only speaking from personal experience.

Food Facts & Fiction - Nutrition w/ Julia

Julia's sharing the truth about veggies, sodas and artificial sweeteners.  Who knew frozen spinach is better than fresh?  Or that diet soda is worse than regular soda? We are not doctors - only speaking from our own experience and research.

If You Can't Beat 'em...Join 'em!

Never thought such a small investment could improve one's quality of life in such a major way...Bye-bye terrible traffic and pesky parking tickets!  Hello sunkissed skin and luscious, lean legs!! 

Vision Board - Myth or Must-Have???

I'm sharing my first vision board experience! What is a vision board? Do they work? Should you spend time creating one? I give you the inside scoop.

How to Get Long, Glamorous Hair - Just Like the Celebrities!

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use clip-in (yes, clip-in!!) hair extensions to achieve the dramatic length and fullness you desire.  Not sure where to purchase hair?  Check out Beauty Supply Wearhouse - 2901 University Ave. http://www.yelp.com/biz/beauty-supply-warehouse-san-diego-3 You do NOT have to be a licensed professional to shop at this store.  Don't expect exceptional customer service, DO expect a great assortment of choices in hair and other beauty products.  Also, to expedite natural hair growth - I recommend Biotin supplements (gel) daily.  I noticed a difference after taking them for a couple of months. *I am not a doctor, and am merely speaking from personal experience :)

On Our Way to See Bodies Being Burned...OMG!

My magical friend, Jim, and I are headed to the Ganges River in Varanasi, India.  This is truly a spiritual experience of a lifetime, and definitely one of the highlights of our trip!  Hindus believe that of your dead body is burned at the River, it will expedite the transition into your next life.  It's also considered the "ultimate blessing" to swim in the body of water.  You better believe we jumped in - utterly invigorating.  I also believe that this particular part of my trip changed my life.
"The Ganges is the most sacred river to Hindus and is also a lifeline to millions of Indians who live along its course and depend on it for their daily needs. It is worshiped as the goddess Ganga in Hinduism.The Ganges was ranked among the five most polluted rivers of the world in 2007, with fecal coliform levels in the river near Varanasi more than one hundred times the official Indian government limits" - per Wikipedia...WHOA!! More info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ganges_River

Hide Your Children!! Taj Majal, here we come...

This had to be one of my all-time favorite moments from the trip.  We were in a little rickshaw, on our way to see "The Monument of LOVE"! We were being total goofballs and having the absolute time of our lives. I never knew how incredibly romantic the backstory is on the Taj. A prince built the breathtaking monument to pay homage to his favorite wife who died during childbirth.  The result? What is now known as one of the Seven Wonders of the World.  If that's not romantic, I don't know what is! For more history on the Taj, check out:  http://www.tajmahal.org.uk/history.html

Dancing with Elephants

Oh, yes we did!!!! Hey, the music was so good, we couldn't resist!! At this point, it was our 3rd or 4th day into the trip...the other people on our tour (I'm convinced) probably thought we were on drugs.  But we definately kept things lively, and eventually they affectionately nicknamed us "The Kids" - which we gladly accepted. :) For centuries, Indian royalty has embellished elephants - historically used as a regal mode of transportation.  It was so cool to see the gorgeous, bright colors on such big, beautiful creatures. And they seemed to be pretty content, no weird animal cruelty stuff going on that we could see. 

Amber Palace - Jaipur, India

Ok, so here if I look tired...I WAS! Long night the night before...grocery bags were in full effect.  But I love this video because it shows My Groys (Ernesto & Ramon) in all their glory.  Dancing while riding an elephant. Only in India, Baby!

Gettin Down n Dirty...

Holi Festival - The Calm Before the Storm

This was the morning of the Holi Festival, still in New Delhi. The common salutation on this day is "Happy Holi", just like "Merry Christmas".  The offering that we left on the bed, from what we were told, is common practice.  It is believed that the more you give, the more good karma you will receive for the year.  Business owners offer generous discounts on this day, and most people (whether wealthy or extremely poor)  make an offering in some form.  We had been there for a couple nights...it was time to hit the road and move on to our next city.  Little did I know, I was about to get ambushed..!

Searching for Ammunition on the mean streets of india

Moving right along with adventures in Incredible India...this was (I think!) Day 2 in New Delhi, situated in Northern India. We had planned this trip around The Holi Festival of Colors.  Similar to India's Christmas, it is a nationally recognized holiday - the most auspicious and important day in the Hindu culture.  In India, the word "auspicious" is used frequently.  I'd like to think that I have a pretty robust vocab, but I honestly hadn't heard the word used too much, and was curious.  So much so, that I had to ask our guide exactly what it meant in the context of their daily life.  He response:  "of great importance, special meaning, good luck, good karma".  So the sheer fact that we were in India to experience the holiday was "good karma".  He was cool enough to take us after-hours (separate from our tour) to search for colors, or colored powders. Which, as all Indian peeps know, is a MUST on Holi.  Not having colors on Holi is like going to battle without ammo!  Only in this battle, it's all LOVE.  To find out more about this awesome holiday, check out this link:  http://www.holifestival.org/festival-of-colours.html

Just Do It...Take a Trip!!!

Ok, so some of you may have seen pictures from my recent trip to India/Nepal.  That trip actually came about when I finally decided to grow some balls and join my friends, Ernesto & Ramon (my Groys) on their next adventure! Well...it was definately a life-changer, perspective-changer...way beyond any expectations I had. Any pictures you've seen hardly scratch the surface, and really don't do justice to how much fun we had. I was soo blessed to have experienced such breath-taking beauty (what stands out most in my mind is the warmth and selflessness of the Indian people), and witness with my own eyes the countries' rich history (Kama Sutra temples, Ganghis River, Taj Majal, Himalayas).  I'll be sharing videos from my trip, hoping to inspire you to go on your OWN adventure.  Check out www.smartours.com.  That's the travel company we went through - rockstar, knowledgable guides, reasonable prices (yup! You can make monthly payments!), 5-star hotels, a good balance of site-seeing and exploring the authentic native culture.
Do YOU have any interesting stories to share about your own life-changing trip?  Ohh, Daaawwlliiing.....do tell!!!
       

Get Your Fitness On!

Welcome, Friends! :)

 

You: Enhanced Version

Well, once upon a time I embarked on a blogging journey...here we are, almost 3 yrs later, and I still like to talk! A lot.  I recently made some changes in my life that have broadened my horizons and opened my eyes and heart to a world of opportunities. I've decided to dedicate this blog to everyone and anyone who is looking to become an enhanced, "new & improved" version of his or herself. 

We already know we're amazing - what are some things that we can do to enhance our lives, fulfill our dreams and become a more beautiful INSIDE and out? 

I'll be sharing everything from workouts, make-up tips, cool events, delicious recipes or basically anything going on in my life that I feel will contribute to you being the BEST YOU ever!! I'm especially eager to hear your ideas, suggestions, thoughts and experiences.

Thanks for sharing in this personal journey...Welcome to Valentinaland!