Lifestyle/Wellness

April 14, 2017

Venice Beach Diaries, Part One

A few weeks ago, I took my first day trip to Venice Beach. FINALLY! I have been dying to go for a very long time, and I can say it was one hundred percent worth the wait. If you are a foodie and a wellness-obsessed babe like me, put VB on your list of places to travel.

I only spent a half day there, but still tried to squeeze in as much goodness as possible. I’m breaking down the list of places I highly recommend based off my trip. Another visit is essential, because you really can’t hit all the best places for brunch/lunch/potions/smoothies/elixirs in one day. Let’s talk VB!

Salt Air

The lunch situation at Salt Air has all the airy coastal California vibes you could ask for. The menu focuses on seasonal and coastal cuisine, so naturally I had to go for some oysters (the best I’ve ever had guys!). And since it was a weekend brunch, of course I decided to try the fresh-made mimosa. There is something so romantic about a bartender squeezing the fruit juice right in front of you. I almost wonder if I could have hand-selected my oranges and grapefruits straight from the countertop bowls! Doesn’t get any better than that!

Salt Air gets a lot of buzz for their pea tartine- talk about the epitome of spring! I love a good toast moment, and this one did not disappoint! Smashed peas, creamy ricotta, lemon, and pea tendrils on a toasty slice of sourdough. Get it. You won’t want to share!

If you are in a seafood/sandwich mood, my brunch date (hey mama) ordered the lobster roll. What more could you want than a mountain of lobster piled into a brioche bun? It tasted nice and light since it was brightened up with fresh herbs and the cooling crunch of celery. Very east coast -meets-west coast.

For a little afternoon pep, we ordered espresso. A strong and simple ending to our fab meal. Salt Air gets busy, so if you can’t nab a table, don’t hesitate to sit at the bar- the light from the skylights is so cheery, and it’s a bit quieter than the tables at the front of the restaurant (perfect for insta-storying your meal).

Erewhon

I could gush on and on about this place for years. Shall I name my firstborn after it? (Or sell my firstborn to pay for the grocery bill, which is probably more likely.) And if I didn’t live in San Diego, Erewhon Market would be my grocery store bae. It’s a true wellness- lover’s paradise. In a word, it is the grocery store mecca for superfoods, elixirs, and the healthiest pre-made deli selections. Picnic #goals would be to pick up some of the various salads and proteins, then hit the beach.

I stocked up on miso-fermented kale chips, pearl powder, coconut rose water, and a reishi-cacao “cappuccino” for the road. Holyyyy cow, if you stop in for one thing, head straight to the elixir bar and order a hot tonic- matcha, turmeric lattes, and cacao with MCT oils- the amazing list goes on.

Zenbunni

In a somewhat hidden “rabbit hole” off of Abbot Kinney lies Zenbunni chocolate. They sell their own handmade, biodynamic, organic, vegan, refined sugar-free (yes, all the things) chocolate creations. You can find everything from drinking chocolates to bite-sized bars. Try the Shiva Rose (like eating chocolate straight from the garden) or the Abuela Azteca chocolate (spicy and smoky, like Mexican hot chocolate).

So, what are the next stops on the VB bucket list? I hope to venture north soon to hit up these beauts, obvi still within the theme of wellness and pure foodie delight:

Moon Juice

I’m an avid user and lover of their “moon dusts”, especially the beauty dust. I would love to try some of their fresh pressed bevvies and maybe their plant protein powder to experiment with at home. Have you tried the Moon Juice products before? Would love to know what you think!

Kreation Juicery

OH MY LANTA, I have been to Kreation one time at the location in Manhattan beach, and it was smoothie/juice heaven. I distinctly remember falling in love with their vegan dessert pots (chocolate and matcha were involved) and the unique variety of green juices they have. The Venice Beach location is a lot larger and boasts a dreamy cafe menu for when you feel like dining in.

Gjelina

Need to get here for dinner! This place will be worthy of a blog post in and of itself. The menu is inventive and artistic, and I can hardly stand the anticipation of someday trying it for myself. Any Gjelina fans out there? I must know how your experience was!

Have you tried any of these glorious stops in Venice Beach? Did I miss any that need to be added to the list? I’m headed to Wanderlust tomorrow, so it will be a day full of running, yoga, mediation, and pure bliss. Can’t think of a better way to enjoy a Saturday!

XO,
Alexandra

January 20, 2017

Spearmint Tea: Major Skin Saver

Hello, hello hello! It has been raining a whole lot in SoCal lately, which has me reaching for the biggest cup of tea, cozy socks, and all the blankets. Does anyone else feel like snuggling up with a good book and an oversized sweater when it’s raining out? Don’t ask me to be productive, because it simply won’t happen. Grad school life vs rainy day life: ughhh, basically it’s trouble if they fall on the same day. Sometimes I feel like I’m solar powered, and grey skies literally drain me. Please give advice if you have a way to get over this!!

Anyway, if you are a major tea lover like me (especially on rainy days), today’s post is gonna be right up your alley. We are talking about the benefits of spearmint tea. Technically it is a tisane, or an herbal tea, because there are no tea leaves and no caffeine. Let’s dive right into the benefits and research, and then I will fill you in on this game-changer of a tea based on my personal experience.

Why spearmint tea?

First, let me stress that this applies only to spearmint tea. It has to be spearmint. Not peppermint, not citrus mint, not winter minty mocha (teas are getting really fancy these days haha). Just plain ol’ organic spearmint tea. My go-to is this one.

Spearmint tea is such a rockstar because it has been shown to have anti-androgen affects. Androgens include hormones like testosterone and androstenedione. Both men and women make these hormones, but when they are in excess, hormonal imbalances and undesired physical symptoms can arise, especially in women.

Elevated testosterone in women can lead to excess hair growth (formally called hirsutism), hair thinning and loss where you actually want it (your head, obvi), and increased sebum production and acne. Basically all the things no woman wants to deal with. Wasn’t puberty enough?!

Of note, those who may struggle with these problems and benefit greatly from spearmint tea are women with PCOS. Do your research and find a good endocrine doctor who can advise you. Get your lab work done so you know where your hormone levels stand. If free/total testosterone is high, get on the spearmint tea train ASAP.

Spearmint tea is still being researched, but some initial studies have found it to be quite affective at androgen-suppression. This study found that women who drank spearmint tea twice a day for one month compared to a placebo group had significantly reduced free and total testosterone levels as well as increased LH and FSH. Patients also subjectively reported improvements in their hirsutism.

Another study in women found that drinking spearmint tea twice a day reduced hirsutism, and free testosterone, and increased LH, FSH, and estradiol. The studies both looked at small population sizes, but the results prompt the urgency to keep researching across large groups of women, since the improvements for the women were clinically and subjectively notable.

Something as easy as drinking tea should not be overlooked as a way to help combat androgen-heavy hormone imbalances. It is gentle on the body, and can not only improve several really shame-filled symptoms, but it can boost self-esteem once you start to experience the improvements. Every sip of spearmint tea is going straight to the soul, making you feel better and more balanced from the inside out. #plantpower

Having dealt with hormonal imbalances, hirsutism, and hormonal acne, I can tell you drinking spearmint tea has made a major difference and improvement for me. I have been drinking spearmint twice a day since May 2016, and it has definitely earned its rightful spot in my arsenal against all things hormone imbalance-related.

It has been a long, uphill battle for me, but the consistency has paid off, and I am not breaking out to the degree and quantity that I was a year or two ago. My pimples are less “angry” when I get them, and the sides of my face and chin (notorious areas for hormonal breakouts) are not as spotty. I’m gonna keep on sippin’ while I suppress those excess androgens!

I highly recommend drinking spearmint tea twice daily for at least a month if you find that your struggles are androgen-related. It’s completely safe and natural, and very inexpensive, so you really can’t go wrong. PS, you don’t have to drink it plain- I always add another tea of some sort while it’s steeping to mix up the flavors.

I guess skincare has been on my mind a lot lately, but this tea tip is just too good not to share it with you. I know how many women are going through similar struggles, so share this post with your girlfriends/sisters/daughters, because the information could be super valuable for them to learn about!

Any natural hormone-balancing tips and tricks you have been loving? Let me know! Talk soon!

XO,

Alexandra

Psssst…Shop my chic insulated tumbler here.

January 12, 2017

Miracle Routine for Clear, Youthful Skin

Today’s topic is a bit of a sensitive one for me: skincare. I have struggled with acne (mostly hormonal) for too many years, and I have tried every product under the sun to help me keep the breakouts at bay. I could write a whole book on my experiences. Have a question about what has worked and what hasn’t, especially for hormonal acne? Email me.

Quick note on nutrition- diet is crucial to skincare. There are amazing foods that can help banish breakouts and keep skin bright and plump. On the other hand, there are so many foods that can do more harm than good, and they are not the same for everyone. I highly recommend doing a food/skin journal to find your trigger foods. Simply write down what you eat every day for a week or two, and how your skin looks and feels. I promise you, it will teach you a lot!

Now back to what we put on our face, because that has a major impact, too.

I’ve now hit that lovely point in life where the battle shifts from fighting breakouts to fighting breakouts and wrinkles. It is no easy task to keep your youth while simultaneously trying to banish the bane of your youth, am I right? Tell me I’m not the only one in this boat!

Anyway, after years of experimentation (full of countless duds and a few successes), I have hit a sweet spot in my skincare routine. The combination of products I’m sharing today has not only helped me to keep my skin clear, but it’s also helped me fade post-acne marks, and keep my skin glowy and youthful.

1. Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Mask

This mask saves my face! It does wonders for breakouts, clogged and enlarged pores, and hyper-pigmentation. I use this once a week to keep my skin clear, and to help fade post-acne marks. My post-acne spots have definitely faded as a result of using this mask! Plus it smells like pumpkin, so there’s an added bonus

2. The Face Shop Firming Moisture Mist

I am low-key obsessed with K-beauty aka Korean skincare. Korean women have such amazing skin, and if you have never googled “10-step Korean skincare routine”, prepare to have your mind blown. This is a really nice toner that I just spray on morning and night before my moisturizer. It helps keep everything looking smooth and plump.

3. Yes to Coconut Ultra Hydrating Overnight Eye Balm

This eye cream hits all the points I was looking for: 1. All natural with no icky ingredients 2. Really good price point (not about to break the bank for eye cream) 3. Does what it says it does. Are the results jaw-on-the-floor dramatic? No, but I wake up with undereyes that are well hydrated, which is key for making those fiiiiine little lines less noticeable. Right now, my anti-aging philosophy is about prevention, not seeking out the fountain of youth.

4. The Face Shop White Seed Brightening Lotion

Again with the K-beauty (surprise, surprise). I have always been one to back away slowly from moisturizer, because as an oily-skinned girl, I have tried too many that left me feeling oilier and like I was wearing a thick, pore-clogging mask #notcute. Which led to breakouts and then discontinuing the use of said moisturizer. SO not the case with this one. This is truly the first moisturizer that has not broken me out and actually enhances my skin. It goes on feeling very light (almost like a serum), and over time I have noticed my skin tone looking brighter and more even. Game changer, for sure.

5. Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Pink Grapefruit Scrub

Ahhh yes, the good old standby from my freshman year of college. I used this several years back and my skin was great at the time, so I figured why mess with a good thing? It’s a trusty cleanser that isn’t too harsh or abrasive, and the salicylic acid keeps my pores from getting clogged. If this was good enough to hold precious real estate in my shower caddy back then, it can surely hold a place in my post-dorm shower now.

Please know how much this subject means to me. If you are someone who has, or still is dealing with acne and breakouts, I feel you! It can shake your self-esteem to the core and consume your thoughts all.day.long. I am so particular about what goes on my skin, so you can be assured that these products are real deal game-changers. If this post helps even one person, I am sooooo thrilled!

Let’s keep the convo going- do you have any ride-or-die skincare products that have totally changed your skin for the better? Anything that I should try? Tell, tell!

XO,

Alexandra

October 13, 2016

Healthy Eats in Manhattan Beach

Hello! Happy almost-weekend! I’m sitting here with a cup of cinnamon pear herbal tea (seasonal Republic of Tea flavor-highly recommend!), listening to the French indie pop playlist on Spotify. Random? Yes. But it’s got a really fun vibe! When I want to listen to music and concentrate at the same time, I have to listen to music that has no lyrics or that I don’t know well enough to sing along. Otherwise it turns into a dance party, and dance parties are not conducive for getting *studious* things done.

Anyway, this post has been on the back burner for a bit, but the info is valuable (I hope!) nonetheless. If you are ever lucky enough to visit/live/stop for a bite in Manhattan Beach, I thought I would put together a mini eatery guide of restaurants and cafes that have good food and nutritious options. Let’s dive in!

First up in the heart of downtown, we have Le Pain Quotidian. With French cafe vibes and a relaxed atmosphere, this place is perfect for all of your brunching needs. They have beautiful tartines, a seasonally changing menu, and some simply satisfying salads. I got one of their seasonal special salads with kale, cukes, farro, radishes, sprig peas, chicken, and of course avo! Healthy fats, protein, veggies, and whole grains. What’s not to love?

Next up is a little Japanese sushi restaurant called Rice. It’s an intimate, dimly lit (ahem, pardon the photo quality) restaurant that does not disappoint! I looove their food philosophy: “No chemical preservatives, no artificial color, and no chemical seasonings when we select products. Vegetables and all ingredients are organic whenever possible.” They even have menu items that are vegan-friendly and anything-but-bland. Everyone can find something on the menu they will enjoy.

I ended up ordering some of their specials that night: Uni from Santa Barbara that was so fresh over a cucumber salad, and an octopus carpaccio with yuzu-pepper sauce that I finished in about 2 seconds flat. They have some amazing veggie-centered dishes that should not be missed (shishito peppers or garlic kabocha squash, anyone?). And you didn’t hear it from me, but the house-made gobo root chips are amaze.

For a beachy, lounge-y experience, head to Zinc @ Shade. Shade hotel is a cool boutique hotel in MB with quite the nightlife in their restaurant. Think live music and other fun nighttime events. It is has a relaxed vibe, but don’t let that fool you- they know how to churn out some delicious dishes.

The fresh ceviche is a fresh, zesty option that is nice and light with citrus-marinated fish and pico de gallo. How festive does that look?!

Their menu shifts to reflect what is in season, but you can’t go wrong with one of their salad options. You can add avocado and your choice of protein, which I love. Not on the menu at this time of the year, but I had an asparagus-farro risotto with seared scallops and a perfectly poached egg. Who else is in the #PutAnEggOnIt camp? I just can’t get enough!

A few other great options while cruising around MB:

The Tuesday Farmer’s Market
Paradise Bowls- yummy acai bowls
Kreation Juice- may all of your juice and healthy snack dreams come true! I could drop a pretty penny in this place. It’s the best for unique juices!
The Strand House- Upscale menu. Highly recommended by locals. Honey, if you are going to dine, then diiiiiine.

There you have it! Are there any places I’ve missed? I’m always looking for new restaurants to try! We’ve almost made it through the week- have a great weekend!

PS- listen to this French indie pop playlist with me. Tell me what you think lol.

XO,

Alexandra

April 3, 2016

Weekend Adventures: What to do in SB

With spring break in full force, and summer right around the corner, I thought it would be the perfect time to share a few fun things to eat/see/do around Santa Barbara. These places are perfect for a girl’s weekend, a family road trip, or even a day-date with your significant other. My sister and I love these places for our “girl’s days out” when she comes to visit, so I hope you will, too! (Should you ever be in the Santa Barbara neck of the woods.)

First on the list: take a drive up to Solvang! Less than an hour away from Santa Barbara proper, Solvang is the cutest Danish town. It truly feels like you are not in California anymore. I recommend spending a full day here, so you can take in and explore all that the town has to offer. My sister and I went during the Taste of Solvang event a few weekends ago. Let me tell ya, we ate our way around the town!

We got the “tasting passport”, which allowed us to walk to restaurants and bakeries all over town and try little samples of their specialty food. If you’re a foodie, this event would be perfect for you. (Plan a trip for the event next year!) We even got to try the famous aebleskivers (pictured above), which are little spherical Danish pancakes. They are actually hollow, so its like biting into a puffy pancake cloud. What’s not to love? Thank goodness we did a lot of walking to work up an appetite! We didn’t even try the samples at half of the places on the passport because we. were. stuffed.

More Danish pastries- a cinnamon crisp!

To break up the struggle (lol) of trying all the foods on our passport, we had a scavenger hunt around town. (Thank you to my mom for the idea!) We had such a blast running around taking selfies with all the items on the list. I can only imagine how fun this would be with teams of friends and/or family. Some of the items on our list:

try the aebleskivers ( obvious sustenance-of-choice for the rest of the scavenger hunting)
find all 4 windmills (there is one hard-to-find windmill, but I promise there are four large, major windmills in Solvang)
find the big red shoe
find the mermaid fountain
go to the mission
visit the Hans Christen Andersen museum
sit on the gossip bench
find the clock tower
find the round tower
take a picture of the most Danish architecture you can find

So fun, right? Plus, with all the running around, you work up an appetite=more Danish food! It’s basically a win-win.

Moving back down to Santa Barbara proper: Next on the list is Lilac Patisserie, which is on State Street, right downtown. This dedicated gluten free bakery/ cafe is a beautiful stop for brunch or afternoon tea. The desserts are stunning, but for something more savory, they have a lovely cafe menu with everything from quiches, to sandwiches, to salads.I got a veggie-tomato soup and the kalamata grapefruit salad, which were both specials the day I went there. I want to replicate these recipes at home, because they were so flavorful and healthy!

PS, in case you were wondering, yes, Lilac Patisserie does have a lilac color scheme. So sweet!

Now for my favorite place to stop when I want to feel transported to France: Renaud’s! This patisserie/bistro is authentically French in everything from food to aesthetics. Their quiche is to die for, and they have all sorts of sweet and savory dishes to satisfy any francophile. Think croquet monsieur, pain bagnat, and fresh brioche and baguettes like you wouldn’t believe.

Of course, a stop to Renaud’s wouldn’t be complete without a tea or latte and a macaron! Renaud’s makes the best macarons in all of SB, so there really is no comparison if you are on the hunt for the little French pastry. (And really, if you didn’t photograph your macaron, did you even have one at all?)

Looking for something a little more active and adventurous? The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden is like a magical oasis hidden away in the SB hills! This was a recent discovery of mine, and I couldn’t believe that I didn’t know this place existed! (A former local recommended that I go here ASAP. She was right.) The grounds are stunning and offer plenty of places to hike and simply take in the scenery. Definitely bring a camera to capture all of the natural beauty- though I would argue that photos don’t do the garden justice. Just go and see for yourself!

Do you see the little upside-down heart? Love is all around if we just stop to look!

Having a nature-oneness moment in the botanical gardens.

Tell me- do you have any favorite places to take family and friends in SB? Where are your must-stop places on weekends, road trips, or vacations in the area? I’m always looking for new place to explore! And if you live somewhere else, what are the spots to hit up in that area? The travel bug might just bite me to stop there someday. Have a fabulous week!

XO,

Alexandra

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