FOOD I LIFESTYLE I TRAVEL & MORE
super simple espresso coconut banana smoothie
recipe
base:
3/4 cup zola espresso coconut water
1/2 cup ice
2 bananas, frozen
1 tablespoon peanut butter
garnish:
1 handful of coconut flakes
1 handful of blueberries
1 handful of granola
2 strawberries
1/2 bananas, sliced
1 teaspoon chia seeds
instructions:
this is my first ever electric toothbrush so i had to share.
i like the simple & sleek design. i’m not that into colors so a little splash of color (or just black, white or gold) is ideal for me.
the colors available are: midnight, goby blue, magenta & tangerine.
the brush kit comes with a magnetic usb charger + outlet adapter + hygenic stand.
the magnetic usb charger can be used on its own to charge the toothbrush, making it very portable.
or it also can slide into the hygenic stand when you are at home. [shown in midnight & magenta]
i like how it pauses each time you have to switch quadrants. and there is an indicator light that comes on to remind me to replace my brush head.
the brush kit is very affordable ($65) & $50 if you subscribe to their brush replacement package.
also, Goby donates a percentage of all sales to help provide dental services to people around the world which is great!
This is my second year attending the Fancy Food Show in SF.
I had the pleasure of meeting the people at Wild Garden, which brings the taste of the mediterranean to your home.
Ziyad is the parent company, specializing in mediterranean & middle eastern products.
wild garden is based in chicago & was originally known for their hummus.
they started branching out to quick marinades & heat + serve pilafs.
i had a chance to sample their persian & chicken shawarma. they were loaded with flavor.
wild garden uses natural and healthy ingredients, which is a plus.
they sent me a tasting box to try & i can’t wait to try them.
you can purchase their products online or find them through a store locator on their site.
Happy 2017!!
I had a terrible experience with @Airbnb this past trip to LA.
When I got to the rental, someone was already staying there.
End result: could not find a last minute replacement through them. I had three dogs with me so that made the task extra difficult.
Luckily, discovered that The Standard is pet friendly [& they stay for free!].
there is valet and two self parking lots behind the hotel. the lower level is cheaper by a few dollars.
when I was there it was $20 for valet, $15 for one of the lots & $10 for the other.
the back of the hotel. there is a small seating area with a fireplace and foosball.
the ‘huge’ room
420-square-foot, king platform bed, tons of natural light, open plan room with soaking bathtub, sitting area, extra closet space, and extra-long desk.
the shower/tub divides the room & bathroom. there is a separate room with toilet.
next to this tub is where the tv/minibar/closet space is. Overall, very roomy for a couple and their two small dogs + medium-sized dog. 🙂
The hotel is surprisingly pretty quiet. You may hear doors shutting and an occasional siren, though. But that’s just expected in LA.
Hopefully, next time I can try the 24/7 restaurant, Hermanos coffee shop, and maybe even the salon. I’ve been to The Rooftop (but it’s been ages!) which has nice views, music, and drinks.
They have a thing called “Standard Time” where you can pick your check-in/out time (for a small fee).
I’ll probably skip the Airbnb next time (I’ve had WAY too many horrible experiences) and just book a room here next time.
#NotSponsoredJustGrateful
got to enjoy walking around DTLA near the hotel.
***
550 South Flower Street
Los Angeles, CA 90071
Happy Holidays!
I have had this place bookmarked for YEARS and I was so glad that I finally got the chance to try them.
It’s not a retail store with cookies on display but they do allow walk-ins; you would have to choose from whatever they have available at the time and sometimes they sell out so it is probably good to call before heading over.
If you call a few hours ahead during nonpeak days, they may be able to prepare the cookies you want! Shhh!
this is where you pick up the cookies. (it is their HQ.)
this is the stairway that leads to their offices/pick-up location/kitchen.
love the handmade hat box. perfect for gifting.
classics
cinnamon brûlée
chocolate decadence
chocolate chip
oatmeal raisin
peanut butter
peanut butter chocolate
couture (changes seasonally)
white chocolate macadamia nut cranberry
ginger spice
chocolate peppermint
red velvet chocolate brownie
butterscotch blondie
vegan
vegan gluten-free chocolate chip
special edition
chocolate bing cherry (Spielberg’s fave!)
These DeLicious DeLuscious cookies are available for pick-up, hand delivery, and they even ship internationally.
I also like that they also do a lot of charity events; they give back to the community.
My faves: chocolate chip, cinnamon brûlée, chocolate bing cherry. They are crispy around the edges and chewy in the center. The bing cherry surprisingly goes well with the chocolate.
Owner, Lydia Shayne, is a self-taught baker who takes pride in her cookies. She does not use preservatives and uses the best ingredients possible in these hand-crafted cookies. FYI, the bing cherries used the the chocolate bing cherry cookie are from washington. She also creates her own blend of quinoa and rice flours for the gluten-free options.
I will definitely be back to try more of their flavors.
***
DeLuscious Cookies & Milk
829 Highland Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90038
Sanrio and Box Lunch Collab = #HelloSanrio
the collab features blankets, notebooks, clothes, blind boxes, pillows, etc.
I went to the preview event (12/8) and came home with this goodie bag.
their next event is in Irvine on 12/17.
so cute! love the packaging.
the inside contents:
hello sanrio memo tabs, gudetama toilet paper & key cap, sanrio character cookies, a sticker and their little catalog.
every $10 you spend, @boxlunchgifts will provide a meal to a person in need.
my only question was: where’s pochacco?
***
Box Lunch
69 Powell St
San Francisco, CA 94102
Missin’ LA so here’s a post about what I ate the last time I was there. I tried a few new-ish spots mixed in with some old regular spots.
Day 5 Eats:
Chosun Galbee (my favorite KBBQ place)
I usually get their Chosun Galbee, or their flower meat. All prime cuts. melts in your mouth!
Homibing
very cute presentation. not sure if i loved the mango shaved snow, though.
Choe Kang Jip
another celeb chef baek jong won restaurant. the spicy jok bal is spicy for most and has an herbal-y taste. not enough meat and a lot of bone and skin. the sundae guk was not impressive.
The Kimbap
the owner of gaju kimbap opened this new place and their tuna kimbap [add cheese] is still good!
they modernized the decor and also updated their menu.
Day 6 Eats:
M Grill
an oldie but goodie. better than other Brazilian BBQ spots. all the meats are well seasoned and not salty. pictured is their top sirloin. love their pão de queijo and their grilled pineapple is a MUST!
***
3330 W Olympic Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90019
3300 W 6th St
Los Angeles, CA 90020
3470 W 6th St
Los Angeles, CA 90020
400 S Western Ave #102
Los Angeles, CA 90020
3832 Wilshire Blvd #202
Los Angeles, CA 90010
This Milan-based restaurant has stores in London, Tokyo, & Hong Kong.
…and Cupertino gets their first location in the US!
located inside Main Street Cupertino
cute lights
look at all that cured meat!
They also have a variety of cheeses. My fave was the 27 month aged Parmigiano Reggiano.
My fave from these is the schiacciata calabra because I like a little heat in my cured meats.
Got to try two Michelin-starred Paninis created by Claudio Sadler**
**Milano 2015: 26 months Parma ham, romaine, artichoke cream, parmigiano reggiano cream, balsamic vinegar flakes, arugula, black pepper
**Madras: Roast turkey breast, baby spinach, tomato, toasted almonds, black rice, Madras curry mayonnaise
Giusto: Prosciutto cotto, Mozzarella, anchovy, tomato, mustard sauce
They will be coming soon to San Francisco & Los Angeles as well!
19469 Stevens Creek Blvd
Cupertino, CA 95014
Last month, I was lucky enough to preview their Fireside Social Hour.
Fireside Social Hour:
Last one is THIS Thursday, 11/17 (5p-7p)
[$15 for a glass of wine, apps, and cozy fireplace]
so cute
they also have pizza!
pizza with a view
some of their wines
this is their private outlooks, which are available for private tastings. there’s a nice view of their vineyard and the wetlands.
Visit their website for more details + the different kinds of tastings they have to offer.
25200 Arnold Drive
Sonoma, CA 95476
LA Day 4 Photo Diary
I am sooo behind! But here is my photo diary [day 4] from my last trip to my home [LA! I refuse to call it anything else] . I tried quite a few new places… well, new to me at least!
Day 4 Eats:
Relax & Go Cappuccino [chamomile, lavender, espresso, condensed milk] I thought this was lovely if you love lavender and a little sweetness to your capp.
Got a repost for this photo from Daniel Wellington!
the menu
a really photogenic drink! but i think the taste could have been better.
they revamped the old jinju gomtang into a healthier version using organic ingredients. it is not the original owner but from a former employee who got permission to open shop.
This churro truck makes churros fresh in front of your eyes.
[they were right next to the churro boss so had to try]
Don’t you just hate it when the boba to drink ratio is off? Well you don’t have to worry about that here because this truck has a self-serve toppings bar. I added boba, aloe, chia, basil seeds & lychee jelly!
***
Love Coffee Bar
1732 Ocean Park Blvd
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Mondo Taco
2200 Colorado Ave
Santa Monica, CA 90404
Pearls Finest Tea
523 N Fairfax Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90048
Sulga House of Beef Soup
4451 Beverly Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90004
Churro Boss
226-252 N Atlantic Blvd
Monterey Park, CA 91754
Milk + T [Check schedule]
330 N Atlantic Blvd
Monterey Park, CA 91754