Looking forward to strength and persistence in 2015.
Sunday Stroll
We took a break today to visit the Berkeley Pier. It was a beautiful sunny day and the fisherman were out in full force. Not this guy though, he was too busy taking photos of me taking photos of him.
The Next Level of Personalized Music
Here's something that's going to make you move and groove: the Aether Cone wi-fi speaker ($399). Dubbed the "thinking music player," the beautifully designed Aether Cone Speaker uses a complex algorithm to personalize your playlists as you listen. The system currently streams music from Rdio which has a library of over 30 million songs. The Aether Cone Speaker takes voice commands and can airplay your music from existing streams (like Spotify). I am waiting for Aether to partner up with multiple streaming services before I invest in this product, but if you're open to listening to something new, this is it!
If You're Thirsty, It's Too Late!
No moisturizer can fix your skin like water can.
Drinking 3 liters of water throughout the day (the recommended amount) has always been a battle for me and I'm finally starting to realize the importance of staying hydrated. After reading several articles from everyday women about their "water transformation," I've renewed my vows to drink more water. Before and after photos are proof in itself — disappearing wrinkles, diminishing dark circles and just an overall healthier look. Staying hydrated helps you look and feel better. Common problems like headaches, migraines and lack of energy can be attributed to dehydration. Instead of taking drugs to combat these affects, just drink more water!
Staying hydrated has given me a massive boost in energy level. My 2:30 pm fatigue has pretty much disappeared. I haven't experienced any headaches, helping me stay more focused and efficient. I learned that it's better to drink water throughout the day and not just binge on a 3 liter water bender. (My sister was laughing at my protruding water belly. Not a good look!)
In the words of the great, Jerry Seinfeld, "If you're thirsty, it's too late"! So Drink UP!
Weather the Storm
This is the most rain we've seen in the bay area in years! I'm one of those people who enjoy wet and gloomy weather, but one of my biggest pet peeves is a bad umbrella. You know, the ones that flip inside out with just the slightest wind gust. In comes the Senz umbrella to the rescue. Not only does it look good, but the asymmetrical shape gives it a unique aerodynamic ability - it can withstand up to 60 mph winds! It's not cheap, but think of all the money you waste on those crappy ones you get at Walgreen's every season. Wet head no more, I'm sold!
Get Me to Geta!
I am a creature of habit — especially when it comes to eating out. On a recent fall evening, we ventured out of our realm and tried out a Japanese restaurant in Piedmont called Geta. It was delicious! We ordered agedashi tofu (one of my favorite appetizers!), a few simple rolls (hamachi, salmon, tuna) and teriyaki chicken donburi. Everything was perfectly prepared, from the fresh fish to the grilled poultry. The prices were reasonable and the service was friendly and efficient. Geta has become one of our new go-to spots when we don't feel like cooking at home, which happens to be a lot these days . . . The restaurant is tiny, so if you want to get a table, prepare for a wait. A better idea is to call in your order, pick it up 15 minutes later and eat where ever the mood takes you. Sunset picnic anyone?
Craft Cocktails With a Twist — And One Amazing Tip That Will Change the Way You Garnish Forever
With alfresco entertaining in full swing, it's time to up the ante with a few delicious signature cocktails. We came across two refreshing recipes during an amazing experience at Domaine Chandon in Napa Valley.
Ian Winget (mixologist, sommelier, and Domaine Chandon alum), personally taught us how to whip up two cocktails that literally took two minutes to make. The first drink was called a Summer Sweet and Savory — Summer savory is actually an herb that resembles rosemary. Made with sweet fruit and and Ian's famous strawberry rhubarb bitters, this crisp concoction is perfect for brunch outdoors or early evening cocktails.
If you really want to show off your hipster cocktail cred, the Blackberry Crush was made for you. Devised of muddled mint, blackberry, and served in a cool mini mason jar, this drink is sure to impress your friends. The secret to getting all of that great flavor and smell from cocktail herbs? SLAP IT. Yes, it sounded a little strange when Ian told us to slap our herbs (in this case, mint), but once we "slapped" it, the herbal essence was much stronger and flavorful. Here are the recipes below. Thank you Ian and Domaine Chandon for the wonderful evening!
Summer Sweet and Savory Recipe: Makes one cocktail
3 oz strawberry lemonade 3 dashes of strawberry rhubarb bitters 2 to 3 oz Chandon Blanc de Noirs Spring of fresh Summer Savory 2 large strawberries, quartered
Pour strawberry lemonade into a shaker. Add the bitters and ice. Shake. Strain into a coupe or other decorative glass. Add the Summer Savory and strawberries. Top with Blanc de Noirs and serve.
Blackberry Crush Recipe: Makes one cocktail
7 ripe blackberries 5 mint leaves 1/2 oz agave syrup (or simple syrup) 2-3 oz Chandon Brut Classic 1 lemon slice
Put the blackberries, mint, and agave syrup in the bottom of a rocks glass. Muddle until crushed (be careful not to overdo it!) Add the Brut Classic and then stir. Garnish with lemon slice and serve.