May 30, 2014

FRIDAY LINKS


I have been working on practicing gratitude this week. I try to take at least a moment each day to feel thankful, and this week has felt especially important to do so. No matter what is going on in your life, I encourage you to do the same. It can give you great perspective when times are tough.



May 29, 2014

REVIEW: OLAY PRO-X BRUSH

My skin is very dry and got pretty dull from all the cold weather through the winter, so I was ready to try something new. I decided to give the Olay Clarisonic-esque brush a go a couple months ago and I've been using the brush a few times a week since I got it. I use Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Cleanser with the brush instead of the cleanser that comes with it. Since using the Pro-X, my skin has definitely improved. The brush does a great job of gently exfoliating your skin. My skin has become brighter, softer, and has more even skin tone now. I also feel like it has reduced breakouts. I have not used a Clarisonic, so I can't give an opinion on how they compare, but for $22 the Olay brush is 100% worth it.


REVIEW: OLAY PRO-X BRUSH

I did a quick scan of a few websites, and the best price for the brush is on Amazon for $22.


*This post was not sponsored by Olay. I purchased the brush myself and think it is a great product.

May 28, 2014

PERSONAL SHOPPING: EAST COAST BEACH VACATION

This summer, my family is taking a long beach vacation to the East Coast. Since Spring and Summer clothes are already in stores, my sister asked me to put together a few ideas of bathing suits and clothes for vacation. As much as I wanted to pick out a bunch of "preppy" beachwear, chock full of monograms and Lily prints, that really is just not my sisters style (or mine for that matter). Instead, I went for pieces I could see her wearing long after the vacation ended. Our beach vacations don't require much, since our schedule is basically wake up, beach, eat lunch, beach, happy hour and dinner, repeat. It's the best lazy vacation and I'm counting down the days.

Side note: I usually try to keep items on my blog under $50, but since this was a personal shopping task, I allowed for a larger budget. I picked out a mix of high and low so there is still plenty of affordable items.

SWIM
Top Row: Eberjay $165 - French Connection $95 - Vix $190
Bottom Row: Robin Piccone $150 - J.Crew - $95 - American Eagle $65


beachwear


Hat, Kash $25 - Sunglasses, Sole Society $25 - Beach Towel, Lacoste $42
Cardigan, Calypso St. Barth $150 - Stripe Dress, J. Crew $58
Lace Shorts, H&M $18 - Chino Shorts, Merona $20 - Maxi Dress, TopShop $36
Tote, Gap $45 - Espadrilles, Soludos $43 - Sandals, Gap $40

May 23, 2014

FRIDAY LINKS


TGIF Everybody! The last few weeks have been completely exhausting and I am so happy to have a break. Plus, my best friend is visiting this weekend and my sister and brother-in-law are visiting next week! I really can't wait to spend time with all of them and stuff their faces full of all my favorite food in SF, drink overpriced cocktails, and have plenty of girl (and brother) time. 


May 22, 2014

CROP TOPS

You know what? I really just want to wear crop tops and skirts all spring and summer. I have serious problems with keeping my shirt tucked in or having the hem of the shirt showing through my skirt. I know I'm a bit late to the crop top game, I just never saw one in a store and thought "Yeah, I would wear that". Cause I seriously despise high waisted shorts and crop tops. The one below shows a little more skin, but the stripes with the cut are so cute.

OUTFIT

Crop Top, River Island $44
Skirt, Dorothy Perkins $49
Sandals, Topshop $45
Bag, Target $40

Earrings, Banana Republic $45 (40% off with code BRHEAT)
Sunglasses, A.J. Morgan $24



May 16, 2014

FRIDAY LINKS

This week was 90+ degrees in SF. I honestly couldn't believe it. I miss uncomfortably warm weather. Most people hate it, but I really enjoy sweltering weather. I will admit that the amount of walking that I do does not go well with warm weather, but it's worth it. Oh, so worth it. 



-I love this article by Zosia Mamet. I am all for leaning in, but on your own terms.
-Burger porn? Count me in!
-I laughed endlessly at this. Mostly the Twitter exchange.
-The Cannes red carpet is the best in my opinion. See all this years looks here.
-This maxi is perfect for SF "summer"

May 15, 2014

TASTE OF POTRERO RECAP


Beef Tartare from Lolinda, drool.

I had SUCH a good time at Taste of Potrero last week. As I mentioned in my last post, San Francisco has an insane amount of great restaurants, and it gets tough on the budget to go out to eat all the time. Taste of Potrero was awesome because you get to try multiple restaurants in one night and save some cash. At the event, almost every restaurant that participated was new to me, so I was freaking stoked to sample all of their food.  

Homemade Burrata from Precita Park Cafe. 

I had to gather some liquid courage to eat this taco. Because it has alligator in it. I like to pretend that I am an adventurous eater, but I have little experience to back that up. After a few glasses of wine I gave the taco a go, and it was good. REALLY good. 


The Del Popolo pizza truck was also at the event. Del Popolo is one of my favorite food trucks in the city and I paid them several visits throughout the night. Unfortunately, I ate my pizza before I could remember to take photos. 


I truly can't wait until Taste of Potrero next year.
Thank you so much  to the event organizers and Collectively Inc.!

May 9, 2014

FRIDAY LINKS

I had such a good time at Taste of Potrero last night! I'm still full. Really, like a big ol' food baby. In other news, I'm back on an interior decor bender and getting verrrrry jealous of all these outdoor patios that have been popping up in my Pinterest feed. Living in a 7x7 square mile city means not tons of backyards and personal outdoor space. So for now, all my dream patios will just have to live on a Pinterest board.

sigh.

May 7, 2014

SUMMER FITNESS ESSENTIALS

After being cooped up in the gym all winter and fall, I can't wait to get back to running outdoors, hiking, yoga, and tennis. Plus, I hate working out in heavy clothing so I'm glad to be back to shorts and tanks as well. A few key points in summer activewear:

  • If you're going on a long run, make sure to wear socks specifically designed for running. In the heat, your feet will swell and sweat more, making you more prone to blisters. Running socks have extra padding in blister areas to keep your feet safe
  • Wear compression shorts under your running shorts. I have a pair of Nike shorts with built in spandex, and the Target pair below has them built in too. It will save you from chafing.
  • If you're using an exercise mat, make sure to clean it. All that sweat will make it stinky and full of bacteria. You don't want all that on your face.
  • PUT ON YOUR SUNSCREEN! Duh. I have embraced my pale bay area complexion, and I put on sunscreen everyday. It is especially essential if you're going to be active outdoors all day. Coola makes a great face sunscreen that is not too heavy or greasy.



SUMMER FITNESS ESSENTIALS

Tank, Athleta $39 - Water Bottle, Miu Color $19

Running:
Socks, Thorlo $15 - Shorts, C9 by Champion $19 - Sunscreen, Coola $32 - Sports Bra, Nike $35
Yoga:
Mat Cleaner, Manduka $10 - Headwrap, Urban Outfitters $16 - Pants, Zella $48 - Mat, Gaiam $22


Since it is obviously very important to stay hydrated, especially during the hotter months, I'm going to take this moment for a PSA: Do not buy plastic water bottles. One time use or resusable, just stay away from them. Although tons of companies touted removing Bisphenol-A (BPA) from their plastics to make them safe to drink out of, the reality is they exchanged them with other harmful chemicals. Just stick to glass or stainless steal okay? There are so many cute options. I even found five for you so you don't have to do any work.WATERBOTTLES

Camelback $24 - Dopper $28 - BKR $30 - Swell $35

May 5, 2014

BEST DRESSED MET GALA

Well, this is two years in a row I have been very disappointed by the Met Gala. I don't really understand how "white tie" qualifies as a theme, but I was bored to tears by the lackluster ball gowns worn by most of the attendees. Every year I have such high hopes, there are so many amazing designers and spectacular gowns, why pick something boring?  On the other end of the spectrum, some attendees dressed just way too weird. It was not high fashion, it was not a risk, it was just plain ugly. There was a few standouts of the night for me, and all these well-dressed ladies seem to be regulars on my best dressed lists.

Hailey Steinfeld in Prabal Gurung 
Simple and pretty. But I wish she wore different shoes!

Suki Waterhouse in Burberry

 Emmy Rossum in Carolina Herrera
A pretty print in beautiful colors, bravo Emmy! This is a ball gown done right.

Leighton Meester (or should I say Brody!) in Emilio Pucci
Leighton can do no wrong in my book. She nails high fashion red carpet after red carpet. I love the bohemian look in contrast to all the stiff ball gowns.

Emma Stone in Thakoon
This is the second time Emma Stone has worn colorblocking in the red and pink family. I like that she doesn't shy away from those colors because her red hair. She looks radiant.

Chloe Moretz Grace in Chanel
So cute, and so age appropriate. She is one of my favorites to watch her style evolve.

Olivia Munn in Diane Von Furstenburg

Lake Bell in Tommy Hilfiger
YEAH! My favorite funny lady and her adorable baby bump look wonderful. The train...no words.

Beyonce in Givenchy
Yonce was the only risk taker who had it work in her favor. It's a bit over the top, but ain't she always?

Blake Lively in Gucci
Ugh. The cape, the hair, the beading. Flawless.

Naomi Watts in Givenchy
I'm just sitting here clapping. The simple hair is perfect with her dress. The ombre looks amazing, and the sheer panels are beautiful. Just yes. A+.

Kristin Wiig in Balenciaga and Alexander Wang
Another risk that really worked. I have not seen Kristin Wiig look so fashion forward ever before. I barely recognized her! But the cut of the top around the shoulders and the slim pants work so well on her frame.

CINCO DE MAYO EATS

Oh man, is there anything I love more than a good Margarita? No, absolutely not. When I take a sip of that perfect trifecta of salt, sweet, and lime, I am in my happy place. Living in California, I have no shortage of mexican restaurants to indulge in tacos and margaritas, but they are also among my favorite things to whip up at home. Mostly because they are so easy! Since today is Cinco de Mayo, I want to share my favorite taco and margarita recipes with you. I was a part of a Spanish immersion program from Kindergarten until I graduated high school, so Latin American culture was a large part of my education. Cinco de Mayo has been one of my favorite holidays for a long time, and now that I'm old enough to add in the margs, it's even better.

Sweet Potato and Chorizo Taco recipe is from my favorite food blog, Half Baked Harvest! and the Margarita recipe is from Camille Styles. There are so many different margarita recipes out there, with lots of flavors and ingredients, but I love the simplicity of Camille's margaritas. When they are good, they are good and don't need anything fancy.

CINCO DE MAYO
Taco Image via Half-Baked HarvestMargarita Image via Camille Styles



Sweet Potato and Chorizo Tacos (via Half Baked Harvest, original recipe post here)

Ingredients
  • 1 sweet potato, cut into thick sticks or chopped (if roasting in the oven)
  • 1 pound ground mexican chorizo
  • 1 clove garlic, minced or grated
  • 4 ounces pepper jack cheese, grated
  • 4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated
  • 2 corn or flour tortillas, warmed
  • 1 cup cooked black beans
  • 2 ears grilled corn
  • 1 cup grape tomatoes, quartered
  • 1 jalapeno, seeds removed and chopped
  • 1/3 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 3 green onions, chopped
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • salt + pepper, to taste
  • 1 avocado, skin and pit removed + chopped or sliced
  • 1/4 cup greek yogurt
  • 1 poblano pepper
  • 2 teaspoon hot sauce (I use Franks)
  • 2 limes, juiced
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • salt and pepper, taste


Instructions
1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Add garlic and sweet potatoes and stir.
Cover and cook for 20 minutes, until sweet potatoes are just softened. Crumble in the chorizo
and cook until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. I like to really grind up the
meat with a wooden spoon to make sure the meat gets cooked and browned evenly.
2. While the sweet potatoes are cooking make the roasted poblano crema, remove the core and
seeds from peppers and slice in half. Lay on a baking sheet and preheat the broiler on your
oven. Place under the broiler skin-side up until skins are completely charred and black – this
took about 5 minutes for me, but sometimes is can go faster or shorter. I like to check them
every 2 or 3 minutes and rotate if needed. Immediately remove peppers from oven and using
kitchen tongs, quickly place in a bowl and cover with plastic wrap (obviously being sure to not
let plastic wrap touch peppers). Set aside for 15 minutes. Or you can grill the peppers directly
on the grill until charred.
3. While the peppers cool throw the salsa together. In a medium size bowl add the black beans,
grilled corn, jalapeno, cilantro, green onions, lime juice and cumin. Season with salt and
pepper and toss well. Set aside
4. Once the peppers are cool remove some of the charred skin (I like to leave some of the skin on,
but that is up to you) and place the pepper, avocado, greek yogurt, lime juice and hot sauce in
the bowl of a food processor. Add a pinch of salt and pepper and process until smooth. Taste
and season to your liking.
5. To assemble, place generous spoonfuls of the sweet potato + chorizo mixture in warm tortillas.
Top with shredded cheese, then black bean and corn salsa and roasted poblano crema.


Ingredients
  • 1 lime wedge
  • Kosher salt
  • Ice
  • 2 ounces silver tequila
  • 1 ounce fresh lime juice
  • 1 ounce light agave nectar
Instructions
Moisten half of the outer rim of a glass with the lime wedge (that way, you get salty on one side, but it doesn’t overpower the drink!) and twist the edge into a saucer full of kosher salt . Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the tequila, lime juice and agave nectar. Shake well and strain into the glass. Bottoms up!

May 2, 2014

FRIDAY LINKS

Today I'm up in Napa on a mini wine tasting getaway. I'm looking forward to taking a breath away from the city, and spending time with my boyfriend and his family. Wine country is one of my favorite things about California -- Napa and Santa Barbara are both incredible -- and I highly suggest planning a visit to either if you haven't already.



-Holy heat wave. It's been in the 80s in SF. This article captures my feelings perfectly.
-Old school A&F ads. I can't believe how many celebrities are in their ads.
-More dog videos. I hope I can train my dog to do this one day.
-Are you wondering if it's ice coffee weather? Click here.
-Pretty beach blanket made from textiles produced by women in developing countries. YEAH!
-This AirBnB has got me thinking that Joshua Tree is my next vacation.

May 1, 2014

TASTE OF POTRERO

Hands down one of my favorite things about San Francisco is the great food. It feels like there are endless fantastic restaurants and even more popping up daily. As most of you know, eating out at restaurants is pretty tough on the wallet. Lucky for us San Franciscans, we have Taste of Potrero to try tons of restaurants and bars all in one place. I'm very excited to be attending this year, there are a few restaurants that I have tried already (and loved!) and a very, very long list of restaurants that will be new to my tastebuds. Plus, the event is a fundraiser for Daniel Webster Elementary, so you get to eat and drink for a good cause!