Travels

Happiness Files: Hawaii

November 13, 2014

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It has become a bit of a tradition for J and I to sneak away to Hawaii for his birthday weekend and this year was a one for the books!  I felt it fitting for a long overdue Happiness Files.

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Our first Hawaiian meal tradition

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 The crew

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 The gorgeous view from the Lobby at the Montage Kapalua Bay

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The best nachos I’ve ever had – topped with Kahlua Pork (need I say more!?)

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My favorite spot at the Montage’s Serenity pool (by day)

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 The view (by night)

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Turtle time!

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Our fridges were stocked with these delicious lemonades.

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Coconut macadamia nut pancakes at Gazebo.

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The coolest walk-in hot tubs at the resort’s pool.

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 Celebrating the birthday boy with some friends – new and old 🙂

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But first…

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…let’s take…

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…a selfie (80th times a charm).

Until next time Hawaii!

Sip

Bowl of Soul

November 12, 2014

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I’m not a coffee drinker but sometimes I crave that richness that tea just can’t give you.  The Bowl of Soul from my favorite coffee shop – Verve, hits the spot!  Here is my copy cat recipe:

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Bowl of Soul 

  • 1 cup vanilla soy or almond milk
  • loose leaf tea (I prefer coconut or chamomile)
  • honey
  • nutmeg
  1. Heat up milk over medium heat in a small saucepan.
  2. Let come to low boil (until milk gets a little frothy) and turn off heat.
  3. Place 2 tablespoons of loose leaf tea into a tea filter.
  4. Let tea steep in warm milk and cover saucepan with a lid. Let sit for 10 minutes.
  5. Add a bit of honey (depending on your sweetness preferences) to the bottom of a mug and top with tea/milk mixture.
  6. Sprinkle with a dash of nutmeg.

* If you have a milk frother, giving it a whirl after step 5 would be a great addition!

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My favorite coconut tea right now is this one.  I also love these tea filters!

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Domestic

Happy Veteran’s Day

November 11, 2014

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Taking today to honor and thank those that serve our country and protect our freedom.  Thank you for your service!

Domestic

Nekter Juice Bar – Mountain View

November 10, 2014

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After discovering acai bowls on this trip, I was very excited to be invited to try out a local Nekter Juice Bar in my neck of the woods.  With the help of my favorite juice loving gal pal – Erin, we were able to indulge in a crash course of Nekter’s bestsellers… and now we want to share them with you!

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First up on our tasting menu – Acai Bowls.  Erin and I tried (and LOVED) the Pitaya Bowl and the PB Bowl.  The Pitaya is made with dragon fruit, pineapple, coconut butter, banana, coconut water, hempseed granola, and raw coconut flakes, and while super delicious and refreshing, it was the gorgeous color that made this my favorite.  The PB Bowl made with acai, peanut butter, strawberries, dates, housemade vanilla cashew milk, granola and fresh berries was equally delicious but a little more on the indulgent side (definitely share worthy).

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This place could survive on their acai bowls alone (as proved by the throngs of people leaving with them), but I am so happy they don’t!  Next up – juice.  Griffin, our all-star Nekter guru, educated us on their processing methods (HPP), and that their juice needs to be consumed within 15 minutes (the nutrients deteriorates by 70% after that window).  They also offer cold pressed juices (depicted below) that have a longer shelf life and are great for on-the-go.  Another perk? You can pick up a 1, 2, 3 or 5 day cleanse at their stores or online (classic or advanced)!

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Erin and I enjoyed the Greenie (with light parsley) and The Glow.  Griffin let us know The Glow was going to help our skin look great, so naturally we ordered that immediately.  The carrot based juice was yummy but we didn’t love it as much as the Greenie – a green juice with a hint of apple and lemon, that was super refreshing and light.  I also loved that you can customize your orders (add ginger, carrot, etc.) – so everyone is bound to find something they love!

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We also enjoyed one of their ginger shots – mixed with lemon, strawberries and a dash of cayenne pepper.  It definitely cleared the senses, but (supposedly) gives you an energy boost… Between the great space, green juice, amazing customer service and overall great zibe, the energy level was already off to a great start!

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We were able to finish with a couple of their smoothies.  We went with the Tropical Cooler and the Date Nut.  The Tropical Cooler  is like a pina colada meets green juice (pineapple, coconut butter, banana, kale, spinach and coconut water) and is equal parts refreshing and fulfilling.  The Date Nut (vanilla cashew milk with dates and bananas) was like a “healthy milkshake” – super tasty and perfect way to treat yo self.

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I couldn’t find enough nice things to say about this place – super clean, attentive staff, amazing food, great selection… such a great way to start your day!   And come on… tell me Griffin isn’t cuter than your Starbucks barista!?

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So be sure to click here to find a Nekter nearest you… and if you are in Northern California be sure to check out their newest location in Mill Valley (right in the Strawberry Village Shopping Center)!

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Travels

Guide to Los Altos

October 27, 2014

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This summer I vowed to work on being more “adventurous,” but with pool weather calling my name, I got a little side tracked.  Now that fall is finally upon us, I’ve dedicated to start visiting local towns and learning about where I live! First up? Los Altos.

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The goal of the day was to visit First & Main Sports Lounge to watch J’s favorite team in action.  While this was a great sports bar, my idea of a fun day does not include 4 hours of beer, football and no windows, so my bestie Erin and I were able to break away for a little exploring and girls time.

Here were some of the highlights:

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 Iced Pomegranate Tea at Red Berry Coffee Bar

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My new favorite store – The Botanist/The Makery

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Making succulent bowls to take home!

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My favorite colored door

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Enjoying rose macrons from Satura Cakes

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Enjoying some shopping at one of my favorite college shops – Therapy

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Bumble – the cutest little fark-to-fork restaurant

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Another cute downtown restaurant – Forest on First

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Between Los Altos Grill, Alys Grace and Voyageur du Temps all of your dining, shopping and coffee needs will be met! Which should be my next town to explore? Suggestions welcome!