One to Nothin'

Layers All Day

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Have you guys ever heard of Raynaud’s disease? No? Well, I hadn’t either until a few short months ago. A day that now seems long, long ago because I drank wine in a bikini all day while floating on a giant blow up boat, and now I’m sitting inside my apartment watching my breath come out of my mouth as steam. 


The sun was hot, but the water most certainly was not. Northern California doesn’t quite get that the whole point of having beautiful bodies of water everywhere is to be able to swim, splash and enjoy them. Nope, instead everywhere you dip your toes into freezes you down to your core. So on this fateful day, I was comfortably numb from the waist down before climbing onto the raft where a friend of mine so kindly pointed out the odd color of my feet. She diagnosed me with Raynaud’s after I explained that I spend all of the cold months with toes that feel like rocks in my shoes. She may not be a doctor, but according to the Internet, it’s where your arteries restrict blood circulation to your extremities resulting in the feeling of numbness and a white/yellow appearance. Yep, sounds about right.

The Internet also lovingly informed me that there is no cure except to not get cold. I guess I was kind of onto something by living in Florida for the first 23 years of my life, but now I need a strategy. There’s not much I can do when it comes to summer days on an ice cold lake, but when your heater breaks and your dog only wants to lay across your torso, you have to rely on layers.
Layering out here is essential, not because it actually gets cold (I mean when the thermometer goes under 60 INSIDE, I am cold, but not compared to places where it truly gets cold), but because it gets considerably less cold as the day goes by. When I wake up to a frozen tundra of an apartment and walk a mile in the sun to a train packed with candescent bodies, my toes are still frozen but the rest of me is sweaty.  
Then, after the time change, it’s practically midnight by the time I leave the office and cross the bridge to get back home in the dead of winter. Which means my apartment is once again an igloo, which is why I emphatically said, “YAAAS” when Cuddl Duds offered to send me warm, cozy layers in stretchy materials. That’s where the leggings and two long sleeve tees worn in these photos came from, and I am into it. 
They’re perfect for wearing under a grandpa sweater and beanie or paired with a leather jacket and ridiculously bright lipstick–but probably most importantly, they’re perfect for cuddling up on the couch and watching “Stranger Things.” 
Check ’em out in action in this awkward montage below.

Sooo how much do you people who live in actual winter wonderlands hate me rn?

Exploring After Dark

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The Exploratorium at Pier 15 in SF is kind of a big deal. It’s this incredible hands-on science museum where you get to play with all the things while you passively learn all the things as well. I’ve been a big fan of this place ever since I moved here, and last Thursday was my third time (fourth if you include the time I brought my nanny kids to play in the gift shop because the museum was closed).  

Last week I found myself at The Exploratorium After Dark. Every Thursday night they open the museum from 6pm-10pm for adults only. Not only are tickets cheaper and you don’t have to fight germy babies for the exhibits, but they have special presenters, films and a bar with signature cocktails. 

I went a couple months ago, and I just tried to play as much as physically possible, so this time around I made sure to take advantage of the special exhibits. There’s a tactile dome where you can’t see a thing and are encouraged to feel your way through the exhibit. I played catch wearing perspective-skewing goggles, watched a map of my body temperature and snapped macro shots of water dropping into a coffee cup. It really brings out the child inside playing with the furriest magnets, making lots of noise, creating electricity and defying logic.  
Thursday they showed Emmy award winning Virtual Reality film “Collisions” created by Lynette Wallworth. Unfortunately I didn’t get a chance to see it, but I did get to hear Wallworth talk about the inspiration behind it.
“Collisions is a virtual reality journey to the land of indigenous elder Nyarri Morgan and the Martu tribe in the remote Western Australian desert. Nyarri’s first contact with Western culture came in the 1950’s via a dramatic collision between his traditional world view and the cutting edge of Western science and technology. 65 years later Wallworth carried cutting edge video technology into the desert so Mr. Morgan could share his story. Reflecting on the event, in this most magical of immersive experiences, Nyarri offers to viewers his experience of the impact of destructive technology and the Martu perspective on caring for the planet for future generations.”
They offered free admission to see the film within the next few weeks. I can’t wait to go back and get the full experience. After watching this filmmaker’s moving presentation, I grabbed dinner at SeaGlass cafe where I had approximately 12 minutes to scarf down some Korean BBQ and play on the outdoor exhibits (I still have bruises from where I tried to cross a bridge that was haphazardly put together, by me). 

If you’re local, I highly recommend you check out the Exploratorium After Dark. You can use the code FUTUREFOOD to get 5% off individual admission through Nov 30 and an additional $5 off a membership package. I’m thinking about getting a membership myself because it’s literally impossible to see ALL the things. Who wants to come with me next time?! 

Fall Quinoa Salad Recipe

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Happy fall, friends!
Even though I’ve never really lived in a seasonally heterogeneous area, I’ve become considerably more enamored with autumn since moving to Northern California. We see changing leaves, dropping of temps (not just at night), and legit apple-picking farms.
Last year I got to enjoy the fall season in a snuggly way that only a part-time nanny turned full-time office dweller can feel nostalgic about. Since I won’t be scooping up two blondies and dressing them in all orange everything to explore every pumpkin patch possible (at least not while getting paid), I’m going to have to make up for it somehow this year. Probably in the form of food and hot beverages.
While I’m sure I’ll have plenty of grown up cider and lactose-free white Russians coming your way soon, right now I’m still trying to ride this clean-eating wave (this might be my longest MyFitnessPal streak ever). While I’ve been obsessed with soup lately–no joke, I ate cauliflower soup for breakfast every morning last week–I thought I’d try a pretty, autumnal salad featuring truRoots sprouted quinoa.

Ingredients:
1 cup water
1 large sweet potato
2 cucumbers
1 small red onion
Goat milk feta
A bunch of fresh cilantro
Dressing of choice
Method:
It’s pretty self-explanatory, but cook the quinoa first–combine water and quinoa in a bowl over the stove. Bring it to a boil and then turn the heat down to low, let simmer for 15 minutes (I love quick cook quinoa and this one is nice and fluffy). Then transfer to the fridge while you prep the rest of the ingredients. Set the oven to 450 and slice the sweet potato into teensy pieces. Fold aluminum foil over a pan and toss the potato pieces in olive oil, salt and pepper. Bake for about 15 minutes, or when the pieces are starting to turn brown. Set aside to cool while you chop the rest of the ingredients. Combine and toss with dressing of your choice. I planned on making my own with olive oil, lemon juice, etc. but I wasn’t home so I used this one and it was delicious. 
This was probably the prettiest, most delicious salad I’ve ever made. Not to brag, but… it was pretty phenomenal. I highly recommend you get on it. And if you’d like to try the truRoots ancient grains sprouted quinoa, shop at Target with your Cartwheel app to get this discount. 
How are you celebrating fall?

Sheep Milk Yogurt Parfaits FTW

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There’s a slight chance that all the alcohol-sponsored posts I’ve been slaving over lately (this looks like hard work, right?) have taken a toll on my bod. Homegirl isn’t training for a marathon or chasing after toddlers all day anymore, so I’ve been feeling all the sugar and sitting during the week. 

While I did treat myself to a swanky ass gym membership a few months ago (helloooo, eucalyptus towels), I haven’t quite found the motivation Kensie of 2013 OTN had. Remember #OperationShakirabod? Ah, the good ol’ days.

No matter how many times I do it and feel great about it, waking up at 5:30am to workout never gets easier, so I finally accepted that it needs to be a combined effort. I’m cleaning up the diet. On Amazon Prime day I impulse-bought a Magic Bullet, and it’s my new favorite thing ever. I’ve been making protein smoothies for breakfast several days a week for a while now, and I’m an avid double-tapper of elaborate smoothie art, so I thought I’d give a smoothie parfait a go.  

 Let me tell you, that shit is way harder than it looks. Getting pieces of fruit to stick to the sides of a mason jar is a skill one simply cannot master in the wee hours of the morning. But I digress.

Here’s what you need for two servings:

1/4 cup chia seeds
2 cups almond milk
1 banana
1/4 cup frozen mixed berries
several figs
honey
Combine the chia seeds and one cup of almond milk and let them sit in the fridge overnight. The next morning, blend the banana, berries and another cup of almond milk and slice the figs. Place a dab of honey on the fig slices and stick them to the insides of the jar (be patient and let them dry lying on their sides if you have time), then pour half the smoothie mixture followed by chia pudding and vanilla yogurt. Top with more figs, chia seeds and whatever other goodies you may have lying around, and enjoy. 
If you’re interested in trying this yogurt, use this coupon here and check the website to see where they sell it near you. I found mine at Sprouts. This stuff is delicious, and they are partnering with the Whole Kids Foundation during the month of September and donating $1 of every cup of yogurt sold to support schools and help improve children’s nutrition and wellness. So it’s a win-win. 

Have you ever tried sheep milk? And more importantly, have you ever successfully stuck figs to the sides of your smoothie?

5 Steps to Curing the Adulting Blues

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We’ve already established that adulting is hard. It’s all work, laundry, bills, nuclear war-induced anxiety attacks, emotional eating and more work. But I’m about to pass on a game-changing life hack. Are you ready? Five steps to pure, grownup, college-style bliss. Let’s go. 
Step 1: Purchase Fancy AF Tequila
Literally the only preparation you need is a trip to the liquor store. Purchase Gran Centenario tequila, Agavero Orange liqueur, lime juice, and a couple oranges. Bring it home and leave it on the dining room table so your roommates think it’s their idea when you subtly drop the hint that you’ll be making margaritas tomorrow night. 
Step 2: Check In With the Amigos

Maybe send out a group text around 3pm (that’s when they’re weakest) to said roommates, like: “Laaaadies, it’s been a long day. Expect margs on the patio this evening.” If they happen to be amazing, like my own, they might even offer to pick up TJ’s microwavable tacos on the way home from work. 
Step 3: Let the Preparations Begin
Stick those deliciously simple tacos in the microwave and bring a cup of water and a cup of sugar to a boil on the stove, turn down the heat and let cool. Combine the following in a cocktail shaker (or two tumblers if you’re also not a fully developed adult) with ice for batch number one:
.75 parts lime juice
.5 parts simple syrup
Orange slices for garnish 
Step 4: Dress to Match Your Setting

Again, it’ll depend on how cool your roomies are, but mine were all, “Let’s wear matching floral dresses and play in the garden!” and I realized that I’ve once again won the Craig’s List roomie-finding game. 
After you finish your first glass of these margs, you won’t want to stop because a) they’re delicious (even if you’re not a tequila person), b) it only takes one to feel tipsy and c) by the time you’re finished, drink #2 sounds like a great idea and no one remembers that it’s a school night. I must warn you, however, that once you and your ladies get through batch #2, there will be early morning next-day repercussions (just another side effect of adulting) in the form of needing greasy food and ibuprofen stat. #worthit 

Learn mas about my lovely sponsors here, and let me know if you try this fool-proof plan.

You want a pizza me?

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Are you guys feeling my room’s new look?! It’s not done yet, but I’ve definitely been zenning out with my new candles, rainforest plants and blackout curtains. It’s coming together, so I thought I’d show a little sneak peek while having a picnic.

And while we’re at it, let’s talk about dietary restrictions, shall we? My crew has a lot of them, and it’s rough. When my college pals and I travel together, it’s kind of a nightmare when we go out to eat. We cringe as we let the server know that yes, we are in fact THAT table. 

One’s a pescetarian, one’s a vegetarian, one’s gluten intolerant and, of course, I’m lactose intolerant. These are the kinds of prerequisites that elicit eye rolls (not to mention the struggle at the end of dinner when we spend an hour trying to split the bill). It’s takes some dedication and patience, but we persist (and we l-o-v-e tipping big when the server embraces the challenge). Still though, it makes dinner parties (and drunken late night munchies) a big ol’ hassle because there has to be an option for everyone.
Back in college we trashed our bodies and didn’t think twice about the pain our digestive systems were often in, but in our late twenties it’s a different story. These days we need options, which is why the last time I ordered an actual regular-person pizza  was probably back in 2010. This, my friends, is why i was intrigued when Papa John’s invited me to try their new ancient grains gluten-free pizza crust and I realized I could easily order it without cheese online (without even having to talk to a real live person–YAS!).

I ordered mine with veggies and added crumbled truffle goat cheese (because it’s lactose-free and I’m fancy), and I love the idea of bigger pizza joints embracing food restrictions like this. Next time my gluten-free friends are over, we’ll have munchies for everyone. 

When was the last time you tried a Papa John’s pizza? 

Life Updates

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Flo-Rida — I went to visit my family in Cedar Key a couple weekends ago and we played on the beach, swam in the pool, stepped on oyster shells, drank champagne and laughed from Thursday until Monday when I flew back to SF. The trip was way too short, but it was amazing seeing my family for my dad’s birthday (closely followed by my parents’ anniversary and my birthday, which leads me to…).

I’m 28! — My birthday was on Tuesday and holy shit, I’m only 24 months away from 30! I have a lot of thoughts about this, which I think will be another post for another day, but I celebrated all week long with champagne, vegan chocolate cakes, flowers, happy hours, sushi and this weekend we’ll be rounding off a beautifully prolonged birthday week with a wine tasting adventure all over Oakland. I’m definitely feeling grateful for year 27, and–at the risk of sounding like a big, fat cheeseball–I can’t wait to see what happens before 29. This is another one of those years. I can feel the changes a’comin’. 

GOOD MORNING, VIETNAM — I booked a flight to Vietnam, guys. For real. While y’all are here stuffing your faces with turkey and disgusting sweet potato casserole filled with marshmallows (WHY.), I’ll be shopping at floating markets, hiking in rice fields, eating street pho and basically living my best life. Yas, kweens, I’m spending Thanksgiving in Asia. This will be the first time I leave the good ol’ US of A since I was 15. I’m potentially doing this trip solo, too. SO MANY FIRSTS. I just applied for a new passport and let me tell you, I look 0% cute when a Walgreen’s employee tells me I cannot smile in a photo. I’m so freakin’ excited.

Room Makeover — The last time I felt inspired to decorate my room, chevron and mustard yellow were viable bedding choices for me and I created wall art with glitter and old planner pages. It was beyond time for a redo. I poured over Pinterest (obvs), and decided to make the most Free People-Basic room of all time (think WHITE walls, rainforest plants and mid-century furniture), but with prints on prints on prints of things that are uniquely, unapologetically me (think: Labyrinth, Nate Ruess and possums). This is the first non-work project I’ve been genuinely excited about in months, so I went balls deep. Like, I have no money now, which is kind of a problem considering that whole Vietnam trip thing coming up. Good thing I’ve got six months to save. Let the Ramen noodle dinners begin! I’ll post a full before and after situation soon, but in the meantime feast your eyes on the half-assed interior decorating projects I’ve attempted in the past here, here, here.

Work, Work, Work, Work, Work — I love my job. Dudes, I never thought that would be a thing I could genuinely say. Like, I saw and heard people saying they enjoyed their 9-5s in the past and every single time I rolled my eyes with the same vehemence I should reserve only for newly engaged couples drunk on love. NOT ANYMORE. It’s a real thing. You really can feel fulfilled, excited, challenged and effing PUMPED about your job. People always say not to settle for your spouse or whatever, but I’m here to say don’t settle for a shit job. You gotta do what you gotta do when you’re starting out–I most certainly did my time in less-than-ideal work settings, but when you’re committing over 40 hours a week to a company, that is A LOT of life minutes. Those minutes should not be spent hating your job, bitching about your job or feeling crippling anxiety about having to go to your job again the second the clock strikes Sunday. (ICYMI: I am a writer at Sephora HQ in San Francisco these days–everyone is impossibly fashionable, creative, intelligent, supportive and all-around badass.)

SHAMELESS PLUG: I now work on the PLAY! by Sephora subscription box, so if you want to see some of my work first-hand (and try some amazing products for just $10 a month), sign up here!

Party in the USA — Miley and Ke$ha are back, guys, and they’re both disturbingly lacking in the glitter-puke department. They’re both calm AF and I’m confused and excited at the same time. Also, Noah Cyrus is my jam these days. Have you heard this one? I’m constantly updating my 2017 playlist based on my faves from New Music Friday on Spotify, so follow along here if you’re into that kind of thing.

I think that’s about it for now, but if you want to see behind the scenes business, follow along on Instagram. I’ve been obnoxiously into oversharing on my IG story lately, so come say hello.

What’s new in YOUR life? 

Perks of Not Being a Wife or Mom

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The feeling when… when you wake up closer to 30 than 20 and your fridge is covered not just in wedding save the dates, but baby announcements. I’m turning the big 2-8 in a few weeks, and while sometimes it feels like I didn’t get the “we’re grown ups now” memo, other times, the self-indulgent, because-I-can, f*ck yea times, are pretty fantastic.  
When I  splurge on sushi dinners because a) I’m not on a wedding diet b) I’m not saving up for a honeymoon and c) I don’t have to buy diapers. Those times I book impulsive out-of-country flights because I literally have no one I need to consult about finances with.  
The times I have too many glasses of wine and can sleep it off the next morning because only my dog can judge me. When I wander into Nordstrom while my car is getting washed and buy all the clothes because, again, I don’t have to send a little human to college any time soon. Don’t get me wrong, hopefully one of these days I will be joy crying as I announce to you internet friends that I’m engaged or preggo, but as for now? It’s my selfish time to do me.  
I work hard at life despite not maintaining a marriage or family. I make money, I exercise, I cook and sometimes I get burnt out, so I make time for the things I love. The self-care things that keep me from going crazy or dwelling on what I don’t have (sometimes I get impatient—biological clocks are a bitch, am I right?). Things like going to concerts and music festivals, traveling just for funsies, reading (whether it’s the cutest graphic novel of my life or ALL the Audible books), painting my nails, drinking wine and obviously doing all these things with my girlfriends. 

Human connection is one of the most precious things in life, and I haven’t always recognized the true value of it. Since moving to Cali and meeting SO many different people, I’ve come to realize just how important it is to open up, be real and just hang out with other humans. We’re all in this together, and we’re not all on the same path. Not everyone of a certain age needs a ring on their finger or a fetus in their belly. Not everyone needs to work in an office or earn a college degree. But we all do need to make room and time to love ourselves and others.  
I am so grateful for the friends I’ve found all over the country, but especially the ones who make my life infinitely better every day on the West Coast. Oh, and of course that fluffy sausage pup who has been my #1 for seven years now. Isn’t she a model?! 

Day Drinking for America

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Happy Independence Day!

When I first started working in a big Silicon Valley office with a latte machine and beers on tap, I was terrified. Of course I was stoked to be there (and working with bloggers no less), but every time I’d have to go to the bathroom or kitchen, I’d get a jolt of anxiety. Not only did I not know anyone’s names, but I was actually scared that I would get lost and be wandering around the office like an idiot.

Luckily it was only a few weeks before Devyn started working there and sat at the desk right next to mine. She immediately became my extroverted counterpart, my number one confidante and the easiest way to connect with people since she can literally talk to anyone. She quickly transformed from my work BFF to one of my best friends IRL too. We spent about a year sitting next to each other, constantly typing to each other on Skype and taking our time together for granted. 

I was so bummed when I had to switch teams and move desks, but at least I could still see her every day at lunch… then I left for a better job opportunity (or so I thought) and we saw each other less and less. Luckily she moved from the City to the East Bay (Oakland represent) and she knows how to party.

We celebrated the Fourth of July early on Sunday and enjoyed the sunshine while we drank French wine and ate French foods. After one bottle we started munching on chips and cheese, and by bottle two we were throwing watermelon and smashing cupcakes into our faces. 

I’m so grateful to have a friend who is willing to haul a whole bunch of heavy supplies, deal with douchey Lyft drivers, defend our spread from boys trying to holler and have a blast while we make costume changes and take zillions of photos. Thanks for being the best, Dev.

Picnics have definitely become my favorite summer activity.

So about that spread–The French Ministry of Agriculture sent us four bottles of wine from Beaujolaid and Loire, two cheeses from Normany and Auvergne, and the most delicious salts from the Medditerranean Sea and Guérande.

Since we forgot the patriotic cupcakes, we got crazy with them once we got back to the house–unfortunately those bottles of wine compromised our ability to get the actual cake smashing properly documented, but I assure you it was a delicious mess.

Big thanks to the French Ministry of Agriculture for sponsoring this post and an even bigger thanks to Devyn for making my Fourth of July one to remember. 

How are you celebrating this year?

Let’s give ’em something to taco ’bout

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Before I get into this post, I need you to know that I have literally eaten tacos for every single meal since Sunday, and I’m still not sick of them. I think that makes me an actual official Californian. We love our tacos on the West coast–I even dress my dog up as one (and I’m pretty sure I need this shirt, but I digress).

I also ate my fair share of incredible tacos in Austin, and Mexico is on my list of travel destinations, so get ready to hear me rave about that in the near future. But for now, let’s talk about these beauties.

The La Victoria brand is celebrating its 100th anniversary, so they’re throwing rad foodie events all over the country. Last week they had Chef Gustavo Romero create duck confit tacos with jicama, avocado mousse and orange-cherry salsa in San Francisco. Unfortunately I wasn’t there to experience it myself, but the photos make my mouth water (if you live in Portland, be sure to check out the event coming to you on July 13 at the Pioneer Courthouse Square). So in lieu of eating a famous chef’s famous duck, I used my own West Coast vibez to create these taco creations. 
Since I decided to go pescetarian for June (…I love a challenge, and I’m definitely finding myself making better, lighter and more thoughtful decisions because of it), I went with shrimp and fried cod tacos made with La Victoria diced green chiles and topped with La Victoria Cilantro Salsa. These were probably the most elaborate tacos I’ve ever made–tartar sauce made from scratch and homemade “frying flour” assembled with oregano, salt, chile powder and pepper. We even topped them with crumbled goat feta (lactose-free!) and plain Greek yogurt (aka lactose-free sour cream). 

Then I completely stuffed my face, and it was glorious. I feel a full-on vegetarian month coming on soon, and this recipe for roasted cauliflower steaks with verde chimichurri looks BOMB.

Please tell me, what are the best tacos you’ve ever had? When? Where? And how do I get some? 

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