Friday Love.

www.pinterest.com 80db8142e00116e6f9c6da5795f43743

It’s Friday my friends! This week seemed like it flew by faster than usual possibly because the sun was shining a bright 80 degrees?? Unreal.  I feel accomplished, healthy and grateful that the weekend is here. My workouts were on point (I’m feeling pretty sore) as I am trying to get back on track from taking some time off. You never realize how in shape you are until you don’t work out for a while. Never again am I letting this happen.  I took some time off for the month of December because I was in charge of opening a new restaurant in Los Gatos. Man, I am not sure how I survived the long days and not being able to workout. Being continuously busy from when you rise to when you go to sleep is not the business and I am glad to have a couple more hours out of my day that I can spend as “me time.” In a few weeks I will be jet setting to Phili + NYC for a best friends birthday. She will be turning 29…..crazy! Who said getting older can come so fast! It will be 4 of us reuniting and I couldn’t be more excited. Good friends, girl talk, catching up, lots of wine and making new adventures….does life get any better!? I am wishing all of you a happy weekend!

Advertisement

Look Back at 4th of July.

20130710-153219.jpg

20130710-153237.jpg

20130710-153311.jpg

20130710-153350.jpg

20130710-153403.jpg

20130710-153421.jpg

20130710-153433.jpg

20130710-153447.jpg

20130710-153458.jpg

Happy Wednesday! I know I am a couple days overdue, but here is a little look back at the fourth of July holiday weekend. Much of the weekend was spent lounging around because we were struck with a week long heat wave. Temperatures in the 100’s will make for lots of tanning, pool time or maybe even catching up some indoor exercise. It’s easy to fall off track with any holiday weekend but it’s important to not beat yourself up over it. If you work hard than you should be able to enjoy yourself…in moderation. While many enjoyed hamburgers and hot dogs (I didn’t because I am vegetarian) I opted for a delicious portobello mushroom and halibut filet! Both were grilled to perfection thanks to my friends bf! BBQ is easy- throw on some marinade and your good to go! Now it’s back to the grind! More working out and eating clean. Let’s get after it.

NYC Recap.

IMG_2422

IMG_2430IMG_2434

IMG_2506

IMG_2486

IMG_2497First day back from NYC and I already can’t wait to get back there. Other than the fact that I was attacked by the first allergies in this history of my life the trip was amazing. Friday night Yahoo kicked off their “On the Road” tour and thanks to my cousin  I was able to see John Legend perform. I have seen him once before the last time I was in New York during an outdoor festival, but he only came out for one song. I was feet away while shooting that picture. I mean, how many concerts have you been to that you could just walk up and snap a pic? It was unreal. The following day I  had lunch at Mercer Kitchen in SOHO and did a little bit of shopping. Nothing beats the food in NYC. It’s fresh, it’s seasonal and it is SO good! Saturday night I met up with some good girlfriends for dinner and drinks, which then followed a sighting of Rihanna at the club  Yes, that’s right…Rihanna! We were about to leave and when we walked up the stairs we saw about 3 Black SUV’s which clearly meant she was headed in. We turned around only to be followed by her entourage. She walked RIGHT next to me while proceeding into the club. Only in NY would this happen! Sunday was Cinco De Mayo- so we did a day brunch and enjoyed the weather. The whole weekend was beautiful- sunshine and 70ish. If you have been to NYC you know that is perfect. But hey- when you’re in that city what is not to love?!! I will share more pics tomorrow. Hope you all have a blessed week and are thankful for the life you live.

 

 

NYC On My Mind.

NYC

Love me some NYC. In about a week I will be heading out to the big city. This is a very impromptu trip, but I have decided those are the best kind of trips. Not quite enough time to think about the logistics of it. My cousin will be out there for work and kindly invited me to tag along. I also have two best friends who live in and near NYC, and another good friend who just spent the last 4 months traveling across the United States chasing the dream that we all aspire to live. That dream consisting of actually doing the things we want to do NOW instead of waiting until that right time. Is it ever the right time? It seems like some of us ( I am guilty) will be waiting until forever when it is the “right” time. I had an epiphany last week about my life and the direction that it is headed. Don’t be alarmed- that last sentence sounds sort of serious! Ha. I am completely happy with who I am, who I am becoming and how I am leading a life that will hopefully inspire others to make better choices with prevention and their personal health overall. Many times we get stuck in the same routine and our thought process day in and day out becomes our habit. This might be great if we are on the right track- or just the opposite if we are constantly surrounded by Debbie Downers. Let’s be honest, we all have a few of those in our life. My friend who recently made it to NYC did this with not a single dollar in his pocket.I know, crazy right? That’s what most would say- and well, I said the same thing when I heard the news that he was going to do this. When I thought about it some more, it really came down to the fact that I wished I could stop my entire routine and pick up and go. In reality, why can’t I? For fear that I won’t be making the right choice…or fear that people are going to judge me for not doing the “normal” things we are supposed to be doing? By this I mean getting married, career, and well for some having children. THIS is crazy. I think people get so wrapped up in chasing these things that they forget to fulfill their own personal goals. The more I think about it the more I realize I am in control of my life and choices no matter what they are. From here on out- if I am confident in my decision I am going to do it without the objectives of others. Forget everyone else. It’s my life and only I have to live it. So, back to my epiphany. I have been wanting to move to New York City for some time now- probably over a year or so. I went a couple of years ago and instantly felt like I needed to do it. Do it as in move. Some places we visit and are satisfied, others we visit and we want more. My favorite part about the city is that it is composed of people from all over the United States! Eclectic. That’s what comes to mind. It’s change, and most importantly a challenge. The thought of change alone freaks me out but with that I know comes growth and ability to adjust to a new situation. I have some exciting plans for my blog in the next couple of months- both personal and for my followers. I promise to start posting on a regular basis once my classes are over. For now, biology and nutrition are taking over my life. In a week it’s NYC and then three weeks until summer. Can’t wait to share pictures upon my return.

Cheers. xo

 

Go Now and Live.

Go Now and Live.

I am embracing these words for some Friday inspiration. I feel like everything can seem to be going right and then all of a sudden something happens, or someone says something that might throw you off track. This can lead to questioning everything in your life: job, friends, purpose, relationships and everything in between. I know for myself writing down some key words that I am feeling when I am in contact with certain people can better help me understand whether they should be in my life- or if it’s time to move on. I read this quote the other day, “If you’re brave to say goodbye, life will reward you with a new hello.” It’s interesting how people can flow in an out of your life to teach you a little something. Sometimes you are rewarded with amazing friends who are unconditional and other times you gain everything that is needed from that person and move forward. Just know we all go through this from time to time! I am so ready for a new year and the new possibilities that lie ahead. Life is about learning and if you don’t choose to listen and learn…..it will teach you again and again! ( I am guilty of this!) “Keep your heart open, your head high and your spirit free.”

Hope you are having a fabulous Friday!

-Sarah

Just A Little Glimpse

Wowee! Is it me or did this 4 day weekend fly by? Between volunteering, Turkey Trot, and eating too much I am ready to get back into the grind. Don’t get me wrong, I love holidays but by the end of the weekend it seems like I overdid myself and need some reality in my life. This including a good workout. I woke up today feeling a little under the weather, but am determined to pump myself with some wheatgrass shots, vitamins, and lots of hot tea. I will NOT get sick! Here are some pictures from my Thanksgiving. As always, it was a great time cooking, chatting and enjoying time with family. There was an excess of veggies (obviously)- my cousin made the coconut shrimp, and a delicious butternut squash/quinoa dish (recipe to come). I made a beet salad, veggie saute, mushroom gravy, brussel sprouts annnnd pumpkin cheesecake. It was amazing. Believe it or not, there was even a Turkey! I hope you all had a great holiday, ate too much and are ready to get back into Monday! Another opportunity for a great week.

Birthdays Are Made For…

{Such A Cute Brewery}

{Let The Tasting Begin}

{In Between Snack and Onto The Next…Thanks Laura}

{Love These Girls}

{Birthday Girl}

{Who’s Counting}

{Pretty Sunset On Our Way To Dinner}

{Group Shot}

Friends! This weekend was a blast. Saturday I headed out to Santa Cruz for a good friends birthday for some beer tasting. This was my first time ever beer tasting, and it was so much fun. They predicted stormy like weather, but we lucked out with some amazing sunshine and not a single drop of rain. We went to two places to taste, and then ventured to 99 Bottles for dinner. The night ended with some cake, and an extremely intense game of charades. If there was a professional team, some of these girls would be on it (Sarah/Diana) haha. I love a weekend full of laughing, good weather, great friends and memorable moments. Happy Birthday Kelly, Hope you enjoyed your day! 🙂

Sunday Farmers’ Market

Happy Monday! Hope you all had a great 2 days off. My weekend was great- a concert Friday night, a gathering with long time girlfriends on Saturday followed by a relaxing Sunday. It was just what I needed after a fully scheduled last week. My favorite part of the weekend is Sunday Farmers Market. It’s an excuse to get out of the house, listen to some great music (this week was ragae) and support our local farmers, otherwise known as CSA (Community Supported Agriculture.) The best part is that EVERYTHING is in season, mostly organically grown (SO IMPORTANT) which means it probably looks a little different than your average grocery store, not to mention it’s cheaper. If you go towards closing time that is when the deals happen. Sometimes they will even do 2 for 1 just to get rid of the item. When I attend I usually go to the Campbell farmers market. This will soon be my new place of residence so it will just be a bike ride away. If you are one of those people who can’t see going to Whole Foods to pay the “high price” of organically/in season produce, I highly reccomend you attend your next farmers market. They are usually thoughout the week- some on Wednesday’s, Fridays, Saturday and Sundays. This is a great way to show community support as well as show that you care about what you are eating. As organic food is beyond important so is knowing where your food comes from. The idea that you actually know where your food is coming from and when it was picked is a far stretch from your standard grocery store where food is often flavorless + picked and shipped weeks before it hits the store or the dinner table. You are probably so used to the lack of flavor that you consider it normal. Imagine that…YUK!

What is your favorite Farmers Market?

List of Bay Area Farmers Markets

What is GMO?

Food for Thought…

Locally grown food tastes better- Food grown in your own community was probably picked within the past day or two. It’s crisp, sweet and loaded with flavor. Food studies show that the average distance food travels from farm to plate is about 1,500 miles. Wow!

Local Food is GMO free- Although biotechnology companies have been trying to commercialze genetically motified fruits and vegetables, they are currently liscensing them out to only large factory-style farms. Local farmers don’t have access to genetically motified sees, and most wouldn’t use if they could.

Local food supports local farm families– With fewer than 1 million Americans now claiming farming as their primary occupation, farmers are a vanishing breed and no wonder commodity prices are at historic lows, often below the cost of food production. The farmer now gets less than 10 cents of the retail food dollar. Local farmers who sell direct to consumers cut out the middlemand and get full retail price for their food- which means farm families can affort to stay on the farm doing what they love.

Local food is about the future– By supporting local farmers today, you can help ensure that their will be farms in your community tomorrow & the future generations will have access to nourishing, flavorful & abundant food.