the 3 best paleo breakfasts.

As some of you may know, I am currently doing a “paleo challenge” with some friends of mine from my gym.  I’m 2.5 weeks in and am actually loving it.  I’ll save all of my thoughts for a later post, but I wanted to share my current favorite paleo-friendly breakfast options.

Pre-paleo, I basically lived for oatmeal.  I can do bacon and eggs or a veggie scramble occasionally, but sometimes I want something sweet in the morning.  I’ve been researching and experimenting with some substitutes and have found a few I am loving.

(1) Chia Seed Pudding

Chia seed pudding is SO easy.  The night before, I combine equal parts non-fat greek yogurt and coconut milk in a container with 1/4 cup of chia seeds and a little bit of stevia.  The chia seeds soak up the moisture, creating a tapioca-pudding like texture.  In the morning, I add some topping, stir, and go to town.  I love adding nut butter, a couple of berries, seeds, or coconut flakes.  The above concoction features blackberries, organic coconut flakes, and sunflower butter. NOM.

(2) Pumpkin Oatmeal Minus the Oats

topped with almond butter, cinnamon, chia seeds, and pepitas.

I started making Tina‘s “Oatmeal Minus the Oats” a couple of years ago, and really loved it —  the finished product doesn’t really taste eggy.  I recently subbed out banana for about 1/2 cup of canned pumpkin and am now obsessed.  This is my favorite breakfast.  

Combine the pumpkin, 3 egg whites, 1/2 cup almond milk, 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon in a bowl and whisk together.  Then cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until you reach the desired consistency — it will be fluffier than scrambled eggs.  I top mine with everything under the sun.

 

with blackberries, pepitas, pumpkin pie spice, almond butter, coconut flakes, and pecans.

 

(3) Coconut Paleo Porridge

My last concoction is from Practical Paleo.  In a mixing bowl, I combine 1/4 cup fresh shredded coconut (I cut off slices and blend for a little), six tablespoons coconut milk, 2 tablespoons almond butter, a little stevia, 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon.  I top with nuts, seeds, berries, and a little more cinnamon.  Delicious!

What is your favorite breakfast?  What should I add to this list? 

 

 

monday mojo.

Happy Monday everyone!  I thought I didn’t have anything blog-worthy going on and then I forgot that I am really good at being over-dramatic and hyperbolizing things. Alas, a blog post was born!

Today is the first day of #Elf4Health — a healthy living challenge taking over the blogosphere (hosted by Lindsay @ The Lean Green Bean  and Elle @ Nutritionella).  The four-week challenge includes a task or goal for each day, and we have two different “elves” we’re matched with (each one for two weeks).

Today kicked things off with “Meatless Monday.”  I was at school almost all day (finals season), so my cooking “skills” didn’t get to shine, but I can’t wait to try some of the recipes I’ve seen floating around.

Speaking of meatless Monday, this is my latest obsession: three eggs scrambled with some kale, topped with avocado and pico de gallo. Get in my belly.

It has been fun starting to get to know my “elf,” Nicole @ Fruit ‘n’ Fitness, as well.  I’m looking forward to “unsubscribing” tomorrow — I get SO much junk mail and love Cori‘s idea to use a website called unroll.me.

In other news, I was the lucky winner of Whitney’s #Movember contest over at To Live and Diet in LA.  I showed off my Mustache Dache medal, made a dork of myself, and get to go to heaven Soul-Cycle for free! Thanks, Whitney!

anything in the name men’s health and tapping. it. back.

On Saturday, my 7:30 alarm came mighty early —  Friday night consisted of my final trial in my Trial Advocacy class, a fabulous dinner with Aviva at Little Bear, and celebrating my roommate becoming a member of the CA bar!

I started the day by leading my DTLA running group in a 6.5 miler.  We met downtown, headed out to Boyle Height’s Mariachi Plaza, and high-tailed it back. We ran at about an 8:10-8:15 pace which was fun and relaxed. Noel snapped this great show on the 1st Street Bridge.

photo credit: instagram.com/nottirednoel

After my run, I scarfed down some oatmeal (with peanut butter + chocolate protein powder, a.k.a my daily staple) and headed out to teach a little spin. I LOVE when the class is full, the regulars are there ready to work hard, and people sing along.

Current favorite song for a seated hill? Sorry I’m not sorry…

I delayed starting the Wills & Trusts outlining fiesta by actually blowdrying my hair for once and taking a selfie.  The real star of this show is obviously my new iPhone.

After logging 4+ long hours in the library teaching myself a lot of boring things, I picked up my friend Aviva and met my parents at a West Hollywood institution — The Troubadour.  My brother manages a band, Dewey and the Peoples, and they had a show there on Saturday (along with Cisco Adler and Radical Something).  The show was a blast and I had a great time.  It was also great to see my brother in his element.

On Sunday, I logged some hours in the gym with body pump + spin, back to back. I love the regulars at my gym — they fill me in on the gossip and joke around, and push me to work harder.  A new friend of mine from law school happened to be in class so she suggested we grab smoothies at Juice Crafters afterward.

I’m all about refueling post-workout, and often opt for a smoothie from my gym’s smoothie bar (my favorite has banana and peanut butter, duh), or make the legendary Green Monster at home. Juice Crafters was pricier, but delicious.  I opted for the “Lily w/ Strawbs” which consisted of fresh strawberries, almond milk, dates, granola, walnuts, and probably something else delicious I am forgetting.

I spent the rest of the day hanging out at school — it is finals time.  The last two years I have been crazy-diligent about being on top of everything, but I have slacked more this semester.  I have two finals in early-mid December, so the next few weeks is Operation: Learn Everything I Should Have Been Learning Since August, and Haven’t.

Just a heads up my posting might be even spottier than usual…

at least this is the view from campus…

Hit me with:

Your favorite meatless recipe.

Your favorite smoothie.

Have you ever done an internet/blog/twitter “challenge”? 

spin. run. repeat.

I’m sorry I’ve been so MIA this week!  I wish I had an excuse other than laziness.  Yes, law school finals are approaching, but I’m a 3L remember.  (Read: I am actually nervous about how laidback and relaxed I am feeling as finals approach.  And don’t think that’s because I’m already prepared.  Not even close.)

Anyway, here’s what’s been going on in my fitness world the last week or so:

Running with Back on My Feet LA.  You can read more about my experience here.  I am loving getting to know all of the members, and watching them grow and gain confidence.

I also had a lot of fun last Thursday at a BOMF Happy Hour in the Palms/Culver City area at a swanky little bar called Oldfield’s Liquor Room. It was a cool little spot and fun to meet some of the other volunteers from other BOMF teams.

BoMFLA

Spinning. My blog friend (now real life friend) Katherine  came and took my class and wrote the sweetest blog post about it. I am so grateful for the support of the blog and fitness communities, and I love that Katherine and I became friends through our blogs. We’re so 2013.

Me and Katherine.

My Saturday class was also stocked with supportive friends — my law school friends Armita, Jackie, and Alexis all came and crushed it, and my friend Dominique (who I know through my BFF, Whitney) came and took her very first spin class , ever, with me!

Me and Dom.

The most amazing healthy fat combo, ever. 

On Thursday, I had dinner with Whitney at Tinga, a bougie Mexican place in Santa Monica.  The best thing we have both have ever experienced was guacamole with BACON in it. Yes, you read that right.

Mustache Dache.  On Sunday morning I did a little race in Elysian Park after one of my DTLA Running Group friends suggested it.  I was more nervous for a 5k than I am for most half marathons (running fast is scary).

I had a lot of mixed feelings about the event — namely, the race was 0.5 miles short so the total mileage was 2.66 miles. (not a 5k).  While it was awesome to see a 18:55 on my Garmin, the race is essentially meaningless because of the distance.  What the race lacked in legitimacy it made up for in fun, though.  It had an impressive pre and post race expo, and a Sierra Nevada beer garden. We easily spent 5x as much time at the beer garden then we did racing, but whatever.

Things that are jokes, this alleged pace per mile.  Try again, Mustache Dache.

Hahahaha.

I’m happy with my place and “time” (my miles were in the 6:45-7:00 range, I think).   All in all, it was a fun event, just poorly managed.

Champagne Brunch at Barnsdall Art Park.

After my “race,” I met up with my friend Armita, Eric, and Eric’s friend Alex for an event at Barsndall Art Park. For $25, we sipped on 3 different champagnes, and had a delicious lunch from a food truck they brought in.  Also, the weather in LA is (still) gorgeous.

That’s all the news for now — on deck for this week is my final trial in my Trial Advocacy class — and you guessed it, more spinning and running (and probably drinking).

goings on.

The last week has been filled to the brim with Dodger excitement, a couple of good runs, and some even better eats.  I’ve also been busy with school stuff — but that’s not nearly as fun to read about.

On Thursday, I watched NLDS (National League Division Series) Game #1 at Yardhouse and sipped a couple of IPAs. Dodgers beat the Braves — the series was off to an exciting and good start for the Boys in Blue in the ATL!

The next game was the following day.  Armita, Aviva, and I started off watching the game at Big Wangs and I had my first “beergarita.” I didn’t like it, but Armita insisted this one was not very good. When PS 612 finally opened at 4 we transitioned over there where I had some gift cards to cash in. (They sent me $40 after I wrote this Yelp review).

But anyway, I digress.  We had some delicious apps and zerts at PS 612, kicked it with some law school friends, and sadly watched the Braves defeat the Doyers.

On Sunday, I went to NLDS Game #3 at home.  This game was insane — the rally towels, the post-season vibe, the #MockTheChop.  The Dodgers won 13-6 and the Dodgers were truly playing like the Dodgers.  This Bill Plaschke column said it best: Yasiel Puig was Yasiel Puiging.

Also —  a quick note about my own fandom to clear up any bandwagon speculation: I grew up a Dodger fan and grew up going to games, but I have never really made the decision to “follow” any sport at all.  Early this summer, however, I started getting more into following the team.  This can partially be explained by my living 3 miles from Dodger Stadium, and partially by witnessing Puig’s MLB Debut on June 3.  From that point forward I have followed the ups and downs of the team this season — and will continue to do so when this season ends.  Also, for the record, when I became  a more serious fan the Dodgers were in last place in the NL West, and 5 games out of first. (It got wayyyy worse before it got better).

On Monday, I ditched one of my classes to see the Dodgers clinch the NLDS.  The game started at 6:37, but my Dad wanted to ensure we had no LA Traffic problems.  We were at the stadium before the gates opened at 3:30.  Needless to say, we had plenty of time to walk around and chow down on Dodger dogs and beer before the game got going. 

Our seats were in the Top Deck which I actually like — it’s less crowded than some of the lower sections. Also, the Elysian Park Grill on the Top Deck serves Point the Way IPA. They don’t do that at Anaheim. [Inside joke for my Dad. Really they don’t serve IPAs in just about any other food stand in all of Dodger stadium]. 

The game was incredible. Morale was low for a little while there — and it looked like we were going to lose 3-2 to the Braves, despite two home runs by Carl Crawford.  Finally, after Puig puig’d his way to a double, Uribe knocked out a homer and the Dodgers clinched it, 4-3.

I found a shot of my family from this cool feature on MLB.com:

nervousssss.

Making this even sweeter was the fact that the W gets attributed to relief pitcher and former orange-and-black wearing Brian Wilson (Juan Uribe is also a former Giant).  Seeing them win was awesome — there was an excitement that is hard to describe, and a general buzz in LA about the Dodgers that is unlike anything I have seen in my lifetime.

Looking forward to seeing how the Dodgers fare against the St. Louis Cardinals in the NLCS. GO DODGERS.

I also went on a couple of great runs this week.  On Saturday, I met up for a bright and early 8 miler down through DTLA and Chinatown and back across the hidden pedestrian path along the 110 freeway.

Tuesday’s run featured a speedy jaunt up to Vista Hermosa Park, down through Echo Park Lake, and back along Sunset and then Grand Ave.  We raged afterward with some brews (IPA, duh) and some tacos. These people are fun to run with + have made me faster, no doubt.

Despite all the dodger dogs, I’ve had a couple of good eats and new drinks lately as well.

On Saturday, September 28th, I joined my BFF Whitney at Septemberfest for some beer in the Indian Summer sunshine. These are our “omg we are trying PEANUT BUTTER beer” faces.  [Belching Beaver Peanut Butter Milk Stout, Vista, CA].

Last Saturday,  Whitney came to Gold’s to take my spin class.  Afterward, we hit up Tiara Cafe for brunch. Whitney and I agreed the Breakfast Pizette nearly changed our lives.  The “bearded” french toast was tasty, but it needed an extra kick. 

This afternoon, I got my fall fix with a Pumpkin Pie Protein Smoothie. I used this recipe from Julie over at Peanut Butter Fingers, and modified it slightly.

Combine the following in your blender (or other smoothie making device?)

1/3 c. canned pumpkin

10 ice cubes

1 scoop of vanilla protein powder

1 banana

3/4 cup almond milk

1 tsp pumpkin pie spice

This hit the spot LIKE WHOA.  It gets a full-fledged #endorse.  I will be making this again — especially when I get a pumpkin or PSL craving. (Also, I had a PSL the other day and it was OVERLY sweet to the point where I thought “you need to remember you don’t actually like this and never order it again”… so I’ll be making this instead.)

If you made it this far — answer one of the following please:

(1) Is your baseball team still in the playoffs? Who is your team?

Yes they are. Dodgers, duh!

(2) Do you have any races coming up?

I’m running the Long Beach 13.1 on Sunday! Then the Rock n Roll LA Half on 10/27, and Santa to the Sea on 12/8.  I told you fall racing season hit me HARD.

(3) Favorite Pumpkin recipe/treat?

This smoothie will be up there, but nothing tops my mom’s pumpkin bread.

a weekend in nyc.

Last weekend, I flew to NYC to spend a long weekend.  I spent Thursday morning through Sunday exploring Manhattan and Brooklyn with three of my best friends from my sorority, and I also got to visit my aunt!

It all started late Wednesday night when I took the red eye from LAX to JFK. Red eyes are scary-sounding, but I actually totally recommend flying that way. I slept almost the entire way, and felt energized when I landed! (I couldn’t have done it without my neck pillow, eye mask, and ear plugs though, let’s be real).

My aunt Cheri picked me up at JFK – we got a little bit lost en route to her apartment, but a little while later we made it to Brooklyn. Our first order of business (no joke) was to watch the previous night’s episode of Real World/Road Rules: The Challenge (Rivals 2).  My aunt and I have shared this obsession for years, so before we got the day started I routed for my favs, Emily and Paula and Jordan and Marlon. Once we were all ready, my aunt Cheri, her wife Janet, and I headed out to explore their borough.

I consulted the Brooklyn guide of one of my favorite blogs, C’est Christine, and found a couple of places I wanted to check off the list. First on the list was the Brooklyn Heights Promenade. I loved strolling the walkway and getting glimpses of Manhattan:

Next, we cruised by One Girl Cookies in Cobble Hill (also a rec from C’est Christine). The place was so cute and hit the spot big time. My aunt said she loved “small foods” and “sugar” so she was game to try them out. I loved how the cookie shop had girls’ names for each cookie. I can’t remember which one was my favorite – they were all delicious.

Before I took the subway across the river to meet my friends in the East Village/Lower East side part of town, my aunt, Janet, and I did a couple of margaritas at a local taco place they like.  I sent my mom a photo (I still maintain that my eyes were red-eyes and not drunk-eyes) because she loved the margaritas on her last visit.  It was the perfect Brooklyn send-off!

Janet and me. Ignore the haggardness, I was still in my red-eye clothes.

On the way to the subway, my aunt pointed of the Barclay Center where the VMAs were held earlier this year. You know, #WeCan’tStop? My inner (outer?) MTV nerd was stoked.

I took the subway into the East Village and met my friends at the rental we had secured through Air BnB.  I have used VRBO before but this was my first venture into Air BnB. Our place had a good location, but it definitely just felt like two guys decided to vacate their apartment for the weekend.  There were no guest amenities and their fridge was stocked…with their stuff.  The place was perfectly fine, it just wasn’t nice.

I was meeting my friends Michelle, Kathleen, and Kate — three of my closest friends from my sorority daze. They all live in SF, and while we see each other when we can, it is still not enough!

The first order of business was dinner in the West Village with their friend, Michael, at a place called Tortilla Flats. The guacamole and margaritas were incredible, and Michael was funny, friendly, and super generous!

We also hit up a couple of other local bars — Upright Brew House (loved) and a super swanky place aptly titled “Employees Only.” (I have already instructed my friend Ryan, lover of all things bougie, to go there on his next NYC trip).

michelle, kate, a very washed out me, and kathleen ready to get our beer drinking on.

On Friday morning, Michelle and I had a very important #SoulDate at the Union Square Soul Cycle. We loved our class with Anthony F., and I may have incorporated his closing track (Kaskade – Atmosphere) into my latest spin playlist. It was a great way to the start the day, and not TOO touristy.

Later, Michelle and I stumbled upon a fabulous brunch spot — Friend of a Farmer — for some post-spin fuel. We then met up with Kathleen and had a couple of drinks in Bryant Park. The weather was GORGEOUS.

day drinking in Bryant Park. Doesn’t get a whole lot better than that.

Kate had to work (the plight of the Googler), but we met up with her that night for a trip to Yankee Stadium to watch the Yanks crush the SF Giants. Our seats were out in the boonies, but we saw A-Rod beat Lou Gherig’s grand slam record, scored a Nathan’s hot dog, and soaked up the fun Yankees Stadium atmosphere. That place is incredible.

#1 Reason Yankee Stadium > Wrigley Field. They let you put ketchup on your stinkin’ hot dogs!

I have officially checked off 10 MLB parks  off my bucket list. (if you count both old and new Yankee stadiums as separate…I do). I have been to all 5 in CA, Safeco Field (Mariners), Wrigley Field, Fenway Park, and both the old and new Yankee stadiums. I am not sure what #11 will be. Any suggestions? 

love these girls!

On the subway ride out of the Bronx, I got into it with a Giants fan who overheard me talking about the Dodgers. I was recounting a meme I had seen where Brian Wilson (now a Dodger) was accidentally rooting for the Giants, and was laughing about his confusion.

This woman got all offended that I wasn’t respecting Wilson and that I should be happy to have him. I insisted I was, and also explained that her little organization didn’t want him anymore. Giants fans…god.

Saturday morning started for me and my fellow fittie, Michelle, with a low-key 4-miler along the East River. It was a little humid but a fabulous way to start the morning. Thanks for being my running bud, Michelle!

We hustled to get ready for brunch in Chelsea at Crema Restaurante. We met up with Amy, who was in town from Beijing (!), as well as Kiira, Trisha, and Kelly, friends from our sorority who live in NYC. It was great catching up with them over mimosas and delicious Mexican-inspired, family style brunch fare.

Amy, me, Kate, and Kathleen brunching it up.

I was obsessed with the french toast dish, but all of it was delicious!

After brunch, Kate and I headed out for a few hours. We explored Chelsea Market, walked the High Line, and stopped for a beer at the beer garden at The Standard. Such a fun afternoon!

view from the High Line.

it was super windy.

beer garden time with Kate 🙂

Later that night, I went out with Kathleen to a super legit beer garden in Brooklyn. We ordered kas spaetlze and it brought me right back to Vienna. And it was delicious. We got hit with a little bit of rain on Saturday, but it was all cleared up by Sunday.

My last day in NYC started with a delicious NY bagel, coffee, and a stroll through Central Park with Kathleen.

We stumbled upon a cute little Farmers Market in the Upper West — the $2 piece of pizza I had was perfect.  We mozied back to our AirBnB place, finished packing, and I grabbed a shuttle with Michelle back to JFK for our respective flights. The shuttle took FOREVER and was sort of uncomfortably hot and quiet — are all Super Shuttle experiences like that? This was my first.

I made it to my gate with only 15 minutes or so to spare.  I enjoyed the 5.5 hour flight back to LAX — I listened to some music and finally got back in the law school grind.

always gunning.

My friend Aviva was super generous and picked me up (who needs Super Shuttle when you have nice friends?). And with that, my whirlwind of a weekend came to a close!

I had a fabulous weekend in NYC with some awesome people, but I was so excited to wake up in my own bed on Monday morning and to go on a run through DTLA 🙂

What is your favorite thing about NYC? 

could I be any more LA?

I realized the other day that I was “so LA” when I was out to dinner with my friend/neighbor/walk-to-work buddy Peter and his new roommate, Fadi, at Sugarfish (the best sushi I’ve ever had).  My schedule this year is really laid-back (#3LFreeL or #3LOL will be used a lot in the next year), so I have a lot of time to do fun things and generally be obnoxious.  In between bites of halibut, Peter asked me what I had planned for the next day.

This was my response: “Well, in the morning I’m going on a #SOULDate with my friend Katherine.  We met through each other’s respective blogs and became friends in real life. And then later that day I’m meeting a law school friend in Malibu to do some snorkeling.” It then dawned on me…I could not, if I tried, be any more “LA.” HOW DID THIS HAPPEN. Whatever, LA is the best.

Sugarfish was incredible.  I am new to delicious sushi. I only really realized I liked it in the last few years – I used to be weirded out by the idea of eating raw fish, and before that I didn’t even like COOKED seafood.  I ordered the $30 fixed-price meal called the “Trust Me.” All of it was delicious, but the halibut was my fav.

The next morning, I set my alarm for 7 to make it to Soul Cycle in Santa Monica to meet Katherine for the 8:30 class.  I left at 7:35 and got there an HOUR later, walking into the class a solid 10 minutes late.  As heartbreaking as that was, I enjoyed the class and liked the instructor, Molly, a lot, although she’s no Laura Crago (mine and Katherine’s fav ever). Katherine and I grabbed coffee after and she filled me in on super important (not sarcasm) healthy living blog gossip.

Although I joke about my LA hobbies (spinning, blogging for two) I love the fact that my blog and social media obsession has allowed me to get to know people and make real friends! Katherine and I have gone spinning together at least 4-5 times now and have definitely become friends in the process.  One of these times we’ll take a photo together – but post-spin is never when I am looking my greatest. Anyway, Soul Cycle is the best.

After our spin fest, Katherine and I parted ways and I drove down PCH a little to meet one of my law school budz, Taylor, at his parents’ house.  He has all kinds of weird hobbies, the latest being spear-fishing.  Since we both don’t have Thursday class, I jumped at the chance to snorkel/be in the water while he tried to kill some stuff.  Multiple victories were had:  I fit into a wetsuit made for a tiny child, I saw a bunch of fish and MULTIPLE seals, and Taylor did not puncture me with his harpoon. Yay!  The visibility wasn’t awesome as the day went on so no fish tacos were consumed, but all in all it was great to be out there!

I left the ‘Bu and headed back to DTLA where Loyola was having its first “Turf Club” of the year. Yes, I went to school by choice when I didn’t have class, but it was because they were literally giving out free beer.  And, as my friend Ross pointed out, they weren’t keeping to the prior “two drink” minimum.  Beers were had and “networking” was conducted.  A win for all!  Also – HUGE upgrade on my law school’s part for switching from Coors Light to Golden Road’s Hef this year for a beer option.  Clearly my priorities are in order.

source: instagram.com/loyolalawschool

Other “LA” things I’ve done recently include seeing the Dodgers lose (sadly) to the Red Sox last Sunday, and going on a run to U$C with my running group.  Although I didn’t go there, running a couple of laps around their track is pretty magical. Eww did I just say that?

My status as an annoying social media…enthusiast was revealed today when I went to pick up a package for my subscription-box obsessed roommate. (She’s on vacation and has 4 boxes of loot waiting for when she gets back. Everyone has their vices.  I am not judging).  Anyway, there was a package for me too – my own bag of loot c/o Klout!  KIND bars sent me a bunch of bars to sample and INCREDIBLE high-quality incase brand headphones.  I will never use earbuds again for anything other than running.

 

That’s about all the news I have. I’m off to sub a spin class in a couple of hours and then beat the heat by (probably) listening to Miley Cyrus “We Can’t Stop” remixes at length.

Oh, last thing, I binge-watched Orange is the New Black in the last week after making fun of my mom for doing the same thing. SO good.  And of course, someone told me I look like Piper Chapman so now I have completely internalized the show.  The other day I thought I saw Crazy Eyes on my run to SC.  Nope, Gillian, you are not Piper Chapman, the show is fictional, and fake prisoners are not roaming the streets.

Have a great Labor Day weekend y’all!

Fav LA stereotype? I probably embody it, let’s be real. 

now obsessing over…

I was going to make this one very long Facebook status, but figured it merited a blog post once I realized I had a lot to say about each thing.  Here are my current obsessions – in no particular order.

1.  Lyft. If you haven’t heard about Lyft, it is a ride-sharing app that functions like a taxi.  You request a “lyft” using the app, and a driver appears within minutes, in his or her own car (but you recognize it as a lyft because it has a mustache on the outside of the car).  The person is paid through the company – not by the passengers, so there is no transfer of funds to the individual driving, you pay through the app once you get out of the car.  I had been a passenger in a lyft before and marveled at how nice, friendly, and normal the drivers are, but I used the app for the first time myself last night.  It is WAY cheaper than a cab, more comfortable/less awkward, and faster. I am all about it, but unfortunately relatively late to the party.

source: google images

2. Forty Days of Dating

This “experiment” by long term friends reads more like a soap opera – and I am hooked.  Jessica Walsh and Timothy Goodman set out to date each other for 40 days and documented the experience, one day at a time, on their blog.  The experiment is over, but there are 5 or so days left of the experiment.  Posts will resume again on their website on September 3rd, and the pair has recently signed with CAA.  You can say you knew them (online) when…

Sometimes they do things like pour glue on themselves. You know, artist stuff.

3. This song, currently rocking my spin classes.  HUGE shoutout to my friend Ryan for forwarding this to me. Ob-freaking-sessed. Why doesn’t love a little Miley?

4. The Lemon Ricotta Pancakes at Bottega Louie.  Wowie.

What app, blog, song, or food item are your currently obsessing over? 

(favorite) days of summer.

Tomorrow is the first day of my last year of law school.  Even typing that is UNREAL.  I am oddly sad to start my last year of school, ever.  I have always loved school and love law school the most of all, so it’s definitely bittersweet. (I know, #nerdalert like whoaaaa).

I had a fabulous summer and wanted to capture some of my very favorite moments:

Running a Marathon

Running a marathon has been on my “bucket list” of goals for forever.  After I was sidelined from running the LA Marathon in 2012 due to a gnarly IT-band injury, I decided this year was the year after running a strong half in May.  I trained for it in less than a month (I wouldn’t recommend that, but hey).  I felt like I wasn’t going to ever walk again and may have lost a toenail or two, but I completed my first marathon this summer in 3:49.  It was probably the thing about this summer I am most proud of, although it wasn’t necessarily the most “fun.”

Teaching Spin 

I was really on a roll with checking off fitness goals this summer.  Ever since I REALLY got into spinning (2007/2008), I’ve had the eventual goal of getting certified.  I’ve been meaning to do a full post about this, but I spent a day getting certified in late June, took a test online, and a week or so later I started co-teaching at my local Gold’s Gym.  I’m now an official employee and teach Saturday mornings.  It has been fun and challenging, and I am grateful Gold’s took me on.  My favorite instructor is my mentor and has guided me and given me great advice.  Now I just need to try and sound like less of a dork when I speak on the mic.

Los Doyers 

One of my favorite things this summer was going to a TON of Dodger games.  I RANDOMLY happened to be at Dodger Stadium the night Yasiel Puig made his MLB debut, and this season has been straight-up magic so far.   I’ve been lucky to go with law school friends, high school friends, a study abroad/hostel friend,  my parents, work friends…etc. It’s been an awesome summer for my Dodger game attendance, and for the boys in blue. #AllTheyDoIsWin

Chicago. 

One highlight of the summer was going to Chicago for my friends’ AK and Andrea’s wedding, and then spending a few more days there doing Chi-town things.

Santa Cruz for Reid’s Graduation

My parents and I had a great time spending a relaxing weekend in Santa Cruz to watch my brother graduate.  I especially loved the short run I squeezed in along the coast and exploring my brother’s neighborhood!

Outdoor picnics/boozing.

I loved going to Street Food Cinema‘s movie nights at Exposition Park this summer – I managed to make it there twice.  I also discovered a new love – the Wine Tasting Fridays at Barsndall Art Park. The 4th Annual DTLA Craft Beer Crawl merits its own post as well – so fun.

law school friends at Street Food Cinema.

Barnsdall.

beer crawling.

Paddleboarding.

I only did this once, but it was great.  I’m adding “getting on the water” as a new fitness/life goal.  I want to own a paddleboard, especially one that says “YOLO” on it.  

DTLA Running Group. 

Although technically I started running with these guys in the spring, I started really getting into it this summer.  I average one run a week with a group I found through meetup.com. I’ve explored some awesome areas near downtown: Vista Hermosa Park, Echo Park Lake, Boyle Heights, and LA State Historic Park.  I’ve also met some great people – last week we did beer and tacos after!

I’m looking forward to this semester and hope to tackle some goals, learn a lot, and have a lot of fun. #ThreeLFreeL may be the relevant hashtag.

What is your favorite summer memory?

DTLA eats.

One of (many) perks to my job this summer as a Summer Associate at a “big law” firm downtown was the opportunity to try out many new-to-me restaurants during our lunch hour.  I tried so many delicious things and wanted to share a few of my favorites here.

• Sticky Rice at Grand Central Market –  During out first week, a few attorneys took a couple of other summer associates and me to Grand Central Market for some delicious thai food.  I tried mango sticky rice for the first time and fell. in. love.
• Mo-Chica. Mo-Chica is innovative peruvian food from Chef Richard Zarate.  I loved this place.  I ordered the tallarines con camarones, which featured grilled black tiger prawns, tagliatelle, peanuts, and a peruvian black mint pesto.  We also sampled a few appetizers…I remember all of them being delectable.
• Café Pinot.  I’d been to Café Pinot once before (with my mom last summer for dinner), but this time we feasted on the DineLA menu.  I thoroughly enjoyed the gazpacho, corn risotto with shrimp, and a strawberries & cream desert topped with Café Pinot’s own version of pop rocks.  Although one of the summers didn’t care for the pop rocks, I loved and marveled at the inventive flavor.  Win!
• Blue Cow. Blue Cow restaurant is right across the street from our office, so we ate here many times.  I can whole-heartedly recommend the Vietnamese Chicken salad, as well as the kale caesar and brick chicken entree, and you cannot go there without getting the “baked then fried” potatoes. This place is owned by the same guys who do Mendocino Farms, so essentially everything is delicious.
• Chaya Downtown.  Located in the Paul Hastings building, Chaya is one of the fancier lunch options downtown.  I love their whimsical chandelier made of what looks like children’s toys.  I enjoyed both the Coffee Spiced Jidori Chicken Breast & Organic Butter Lettuce Salad as well as the Chaya Chopped Cajun Shrimp Salad.
• Barista Society. One random day, an attorney e-mailed all of the summers asking “Who wants coffee like they’ve never had it before?” Obviously I jumped at that chance.  Barista Society had coffee by both Blue Bottle AND Stumptown Coffee Roasters and innovative lattes and pastries.  I will definitely seek this place out again — it was located in the US Bank building on Bunker Hill.
• Cole’s.  Cole’s claims to be the originator of the french dip sandwich — something I have always loved — but the true originator may be Philippe’s.  On our last week, we headed to Cole’s and FEASTED.  The building itself was so historic – it’s worth a visit for that alone. (There’s also a bar in the back called The Varnish.  I haven’t been but I’ve heard good things!).

This summer was a lot of fun – and I definitely expanded my culinary horizons.

Anywhere else in DTLA I need to try?? What’s your favorite??

tripping [chicago].

After the wedding on Sunday, my parents and I had until Thursday to sight-see and take in the city.  First on the agenda was a guided boat cruise of Chicago architecture with everyone who was still in town for the wedding – including the bride and groom!

It was a great tour – Chicago’s architecture is truly the most captivating of any city I’ve been to, at least in the U.S.  We snapped photos and learned about modernism’s “austerity” vs. post-modernism’s “contextualism.”  Cue a new obsession forming for me…I looooove me some post-modernism.

one day married!

After the cruise, a bunch of us went to lunch along the river.  I had a Revolution Anti-Hero IPA.  No, waiter, I will not shy away when you warn me that it’s “pretty hoppy.”  It was excellent.

That evening, my family, Ryan’s family, and Justin’s family headed out to Wrigleyville to watch the lackluster Cubs take on the equally uninspiring Brewers. It was awesome catching  a game in Wrigley – although I do prefer Dodger stadium’s feel.  I had an Old Style and a hot dog, which apparently you’re not supposed to eat with ketchup.  I guess I learned that one the hard way.

Instead of staying at the Hyatt again, my parents rented a brownstone in Chicago’s Gold Coast neighborhood using VRBO.  It was cool to check out a different (adorable) neighborhood and to see the city from a different angle.

On Tuesday, I slept in and may have used the morning to catch up on The Bachelorette, after I had heard the internet exploded.  I have HATEEEED this season.  Des is the least interesting Bachelorette, ever, but reading Reality Steve’s spoilers have kept in mildly interesting.  Once my pop-culture prowess was restored, we set off for more Chicago tourist jaunts.  First up on the list was another deep-dish place, Uno.  Delicioussss. I took my parents by “the bean” and Jay Pritzker Pavilion, my new favorite Frank Gehry piece.  If you haven’t gathered by now, I am FG obsesssssed.  He designed my law school, the Walt Disney Concert Hall, Bilbao’s Guggenheim, and a building in Prague I loved (the Fred and Ginger House).  He’s super funky and whimsical, and now when I go to a new city I Google “Frank Gehry” there to make sure I stop by and see whatever it is he’s designed. [Note: I get quite a bit of flack for this, a lot of people think Gehry is “weird.” Nope, I love him].  I am bummed I didn’t make it to an outdoor concert here.  I guess there’s always next time!

Also on Tuesday, we headed to Chicago’s Art Institute.  They had a lot of great pieces, but I was especially drawn to the Van Goghs and Monets.

Monet – Wheat stacks

Monet – Water lilies

Van Gogh – The Drinkers

It was also really great seeing American Gothic and A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte in person as well.

That evening, my parents and I had a couple of drinks on the 96th floor of the John Hancock building.  Although it’s not quite as high as the observation deck on the Willis (formerly known as Sears) Tower, I’d heard the views were far superior.  The views of the city from the Signature Lounge at the John Hancock could truly not be beat. Tip: If you go, make SURE you check out the restrooms.  Some of the best views are in there!

We also hopped around Navy Pier and walked around the city a lot.

On Wednesday, I went on a run to Lincoln Park and then did a little exploring back over by the bean.  One of my law school friends, Greg, gave me a whole list of recommendations (more on that later) so I was determined to check a few of his suggestions off my list.  Later, I met back up with my parents for some more eating + drinks by the river.  My parents ordered a bottle of wine and ended up giving the rest of it to the people at the table next to us, who had *just* finished taking the Illinois bar.  I explained that that will be me in a year and one responded “Oh god, California is THREE DAYS.”  Yupppp.

On Thursday, we left the Brownstone, headed out to one last foodie pit-stop in the West Loop, and made our way to Midway.

It was a fantastic trip, and we tasted some delicious food.  Here’s a quick break-down of my fav eats:

1. Revolution Anti-Hero IPA (Chicago, Illinois).  Nice and hoppy. Read: Loooooove.

2. Uno’s Pizza. I later learned this is my friend AK’s favorite pizza place in Chicago.  I asked a few locals what their favorite pizza joint was, and this was always at the top of the list.  It did not disappoint.

3. Raspberry Guacamole at Rick Bayless’ Frontera Grill.  This was one of my very favorite things.  It was essentially guac with added raspberries.  It sounded weird at first (my dad was a little shifty-eyed when I suggested it) but the flavors blended together perfectly.  I need to recreate this.  We also tried an out-of-this-world mole tamale and the ceviche was perfect.

4. Intelligentsia Coffee.  This was high up on Greg’s list of recommendations.  Intelligentsia is all over LA, but I had no idea it  originated in Chicago.  In my mind, it’s LA’s answer to SF’s Blue Bottle or Portland’s Stumptown Coffee roasters.  I got a “Summer Solstice” blend to take with me to Millennium Park.  Along with my coffee, I took another of Greg’s suggestions and hit up Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine Bar for a sandwich.  I asked the guy behind the counter what their signature sandwich is and promptly ordered the “Blue Pig ‘n’ Fig” which consisted of serrano ham, figs, arugula, and blue cheese. So good.

5. Churros con chocolate at Rick Bayless’ Xoco.  Next door to Frontera Grill is a smaller Rick Bayless place called Xoco – so obviously we had to go back for dessert.  My churros con chocolate were pretty delicious – but so were my mom’s dulce de leche enchilada and my dad’s ice cream. Nom.

6.  Lou Malnati’s Pizza.  We went back here a second time after the rehearsal dinner and ordered the “chicago classic” which had sausage, was super cheesy, and had a delicious sauce.  I’m not really sure which I liked better – Lou Malnati’s or Uno’s, but I think this dish might have won.

7. Little Goat Bread.  The last place I checked off Greg’s list was Little Goat Bread.  He’d reminded me Stephanie Izard, a past winner of Top Chef, has a James Bead-winning restaurant, The Girl and the Goat, in Chicago.  She also has a small diner (Little Goat Diner) and an even smaller sandwich place called Little Goat Bread.   I had an insanely delectable turkey sandwich, and then went back and grabbed a lemon and chocolate scone and a triple chocolate cookie for my parents.  All were amazing.  We ranked that meal the highlight of the trip.

I was sad to end such a great vacation – but enjoyed my travel classic of ginger ale on the airplane, and powered my way through a new book, aptly about Chicago. (I’m reading The Devil in the White City.)

Alright…let me hear your favorite Chicago places!