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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!

Sip

Cucumber Press

October 24, 2014

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Anyone who has dined with my husband and I, will never know what I am going to order and will ALWAYS know what J will order.  In honor of the soon to be birthday boy, I am sharing his favorite (and only) cocktail – the vodka press.  This was my first ever “Fun Drink Friday” post, but in honor of “Fall Back Friday” I thought I’d update the pictures (sans flash… ouff) and give everyone a reminder of this amazingly refreshing drink.

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Vodka Press with Muddled Cucumber

  • 1 inch of cucumber, sliced
  • 2 oz vodka
  • 4 oz club soda
  • Sprite
  1. Muddle cucumber slices in the bottom of a cocktail shaker until juices are released.
  2. Add vodka, ice and shake.
  3. Strain into an ice filled glass and add club soda.
  4. Top with a splash of Sprite.
  5. Stir and cheers to J’s birthday!

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This cocktail is also great on its own (without cucumber) or try subbing different fruit in place of the cucumber.  Our favorites? Blueberries, strawberries or peaches… but it’s really hard to go wrong!

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PS We’ve yet to find someone who doesn’t like this drink… vodka lover or not…. so definitely try it if you haven’t (and your 21+ of course!)

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Domestic

Christmas Card Shopping with Minted

October 23, 2014

Christmas Card

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I can’t believe that we will be celebrating Christmas in 2 months!

The funny thing is, even as I type out that sentence I can’t help but think “Two months… What’s the big deal? I have time! It isn’t even Halloween yet!” But as I have big plans each and every year to carve pumpkins, cut down my own Christmas tree and host a holiday cookie decorating party, every year life seems to zoom by and I have yet to accomplish any of that.

BUT, when Minted reached out to me with their gorgeous holiday card designs, I thought now is as good as any time to get everyone in the holiday spirit and let’s get rolling on our holiday to-do lists! First up? Christmas cards!

Whether your style is more classic or funky, festive or fancy, I love that with over 1,000 designs, you are sure to find something you love.  My favorite part? Most of the designs allow you to swap out colors, shapes, etc. to completely customize your holiday cards.

So do your stress level a factor and start perusing your options now… or better yet, put them in your cart! With free recipient address printing and 10% off your holiday card order (use code: JOY2014 by 10/27) – this is way easier than figuring out what to get your sister in law for Christmas!

Also how cute are their foil pressed and  ornament cards?!

Tasty

Pear Chips

October 22, 2014

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My CSA box has sent me an influx of pears lately and I was a little overwhelmed with what to do with them. Thankfully Martha Stewart steered me in the right direction (per usual) and I am excited to have a new fall friendly (and gluten free) appetizer option!

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Pear Chips

  • 2 pears (firm, under ripe)
  1. Preheat oven to 225 degrees.
  2. Use a mandolin to thinly slice pears (you don’t have to de-seed or de-stem them).
  3. Arrange them in a single layer on a parchment lined baking sheet.
  4. Bake pear slices for 1 1/2 hours.
  5. Flip slices them bake 1+ hour more or until edges have started to curl.
  6. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool.

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These taste best when served with a triple cream cheese and pecans!

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