Taking a step backward after taking a step forward isn’t always a disaster; it’s more like a cha cha. And that’s how I choose to view the last month on the road readying a new product for launch. En route to Colorado from Austin, we side stepped our way to Santa Fe. It was only a day, but it was filled with play! Whether you have 24 hours or 2-4 days, Santa Fe is a playground for artists, foodies and fitness aficionados alike! Cha cha your way to my top picks below!

You can sure work up a hunger on the 11-hr drive from Austin to Santa Fe. Bring snacks, but not too many because Santa Fe is a feast for foodies. Expect dishes featuring local ingredients like red and green chile (also known as Christmas chile), blue corn tortillas and even donuts, prickly pair margaritas (yes, there is a margarita trail!) and sopaipilla (fried bread pockets to soak up that chile).There’s something to fill your fancy morning, noon and night. Here’s what I fancied during my stay in Santa Fe:

Food You Should Fancy in Santa Fe:

Morning Food: Visit the Santa Fe Farmer’s Market from 7am-1pm on Tuesdays and Saturdays for a plethora of fresh foods. Thought Santa Fe was in a desert? Sure is, but you couldn’t tell from all the fresh produce. Dare I say one of the best farmer’s markets I’ve been to? Yes, I dare. Make sure to tickle your sweet tooth with a Lavender Blue Corn Donut from Whoo’s Donuts. You can nibble on one at Sky Coffee Co while taking in the views of the railyard on the patio overlooking the market. They serve a legit brew from Onyx Coffee Lab out of Fayetteville.

Noon Food: By this point, you’ve worked up a hunger and probably need more caffeine to fuel your day. Visit Iconik Coffee Roasters for a Horchata Latte and some seriously fresh breakfast food that is unexpectedly good from a coffee shop. I feasted on a Brunch Ratatouille loaded with eggplant, greens, creamy grits and poached eggs. It’s a neighborhood joint with ample parking and a quiet patio for dining al fresco if quarantine still has you uncomfortable with indoor dining.

Night Food: A visit to Santa Fe isn’t complete without trying the infamous green chile and margaritas! My top pick: the Christmas Chile Enchiladas and Prickly Pear Frozen Margarita from La Choza. It’s a twofer – why choose red or green chile when you can have both ladled over loaded enchiladas (vegetarian, carne adovada, chicken or beef) made with local blue corn tortillas? It’s a filling plate paired with a side salad, posole, pinto beans and choice of sopaipilla, French bread or tortillas. I chose the vegetarian tamales filled with sauteed broccoli, mushrooms, zucchini and yellow squash paired with sopaipilla – a puffy friend bread pocket to soak up the red and green chili. Wash it down with a vibrant pink prickly pear margarita. Hubs went with carne adovada – chicken slowly cooked in a rich marinade of chile caribe, oregano and spices.

While there’s plenty to eat, there’s certainly plenty to do in Santa Fe, even in times of quarantine. Whether you’re an art, history or fitness buff, you can find all three in Santa Fe. And yes, you can hit it all in a single day! Here’s my activity guide for some breathtaking art, history and wilderness.

Sites to See with 24 Hours in Santa Fe

Breathtaking Art: Take a stroll down Canyon Road for a plethora of art galleries, gorgeous pueblo-style architecture, native plants and gorgeous gardens. The road is home to more than 100 galleries, boutiques and restaurants in just a 1/2 mile stretch. We took our stroll by car on our way to the next site!

Invigorating Hiking: If you’re looking for some fresh air, stunning views of the city and a way to work off those enchiladas, visit the Santa Fe Canyon Preserve – 575 acres of nature and trails located just minutes outside of downtown Santa Fe on Upper Canyon Road. At the Cerro Gordo Trailhead, you can access the Santa Fe Dale Balls Trails with 25 miles worth of hiking through the foothills. Head south for more mountainous terrain scattered by Ponderosa pine trees or venture north for more shrubland in the lower, dryer terrain.

Plentiful History: Stimulate the mind after all that hiking by checking out the ample museums in Santa Fe. Some, like the Institute of American Indian Arts, are now closed due to quarantine, but still offer gorgeous sites of architecture and art from the exterior. Santa Fe is also home to the Georgia O’Keefe Museum, the Santa Fe Opera House, the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi and the Museum of International Folk Art. Many of these sites can be seen with a stroll around the Santa Fe Plaza. Check websites to confirm the sites that are open during quarantine, because unfortunately the popular Meow Wolf contemporary art exhibit is not.

While quarantine may limit some activities, road trips are not cancelled and Santa Fe is a welcome oasis of activity, food and culture. You bet I’ll be back! Have reco’s for my next visit? Oh do share!

The post Santa Fe In a Day appeared first on The Shooks Life.

One weekend and one plan: see all the sites of Seattle…in 40 hours. What can I say, I like a good challenge? Was there meticulous planning? Nope. Was there some curiosity-induced wandering? You betcha. Did I get a few tips from the locals? Yes indeed. It was a whirlwind of a weekend. From Pike’s Place to Bainbridge Island to the Space Needle and neighborhood gems, suffice to say that I’m 100% satisfied with all the sites, sips and eats of Seattle. Read on for my top 10 of all the touristy and not-so-touristy spots!

Mission: make the most of a work trip to Seattle and see all the sites…in 40 hours or less. We had little to no plans, but with a few well-planned conversations with Seattle friends and the help of Google, the hubs and I mastered all there was to see. Did it feel rushed? Surprisingly, no. Were we efficient task masters? Yes. Was there any social media posting? Nope. Because we were living in the moment and latergramming to our hearts desire! So let’s start, shall we?

1.) Friday night dinner at Tavolàta

Tavolàta is a cozy little Italian spot in Belltown, which was just a mile walk from the W Seattle where we were staying downtown. Bonus points for walking because 1.) pre-pasta exercise and 2.) pre-dinner drinks and people watching ath the Taproom at Pike Place. We met a couple of our local friends at Tavolàta, one of a few locations run by Chef Ethan Stole. Quaint, dark and cozy with Italian food at its finest. The surprise hit? Roasted pistachios as an appetizer with calabrian chile, lime and salt seasoning. Never would have picked it, but think of it as a fancier version of warm peanuts with more complex flavors. The hands down favorite? My husband’s ribbons of pappardelle pasta in a house ragu of pork and beef. The miss? My halibut in a bland bath – note: if something is online, but not on the paper menu…there’s probably a reason! Sugar covered donut holes with a lemon curd finished the night in a sweet splendor before a busy day ahead!

2.) Saturday Morning Coffee at Ghost Alley

Jump to Saturday morning and we were ready to explore Pike’s Place Market! But first, coffee. Right as you enter the market by the infamous fish stand, there is a discreet staircase with a sign for Ghost Alley Coffee. Down below you’ll find a tiny coffee shop with superb espresso and a mystery mocha – you decide white or dark chocolate, the barista will ask you a few questions about your preferences and the rest is a mystery! And as you’re on your merry way, you’ll find quite possibly the most disgusting, gum filled wall along Post Alley. In fact, it’s been named one of the top 5 germiest tourist attractions, second to the Blarney Stone. Turns the tradition started in the early 90’s when people waiting for shows outside the Market Theatre stuck gum to the wall. And the tradition…stuck.

3.) Must-See Spots at the Market: Fish Stand, Ellenos Greek Yogurt, Beecher’s Cheese

On to the more appealing aspects of the market. Top spots to hit in the market are of course the infamous fish stand where the workers fling fish back and forth chanting in unison as customers place orders. Then, there’s Ellenos Greek yogurt, a local favorite for its family recipes of creamy fruit-filled yogurts like the passion fruit (crowd favorite) and lemon cheesecake (my personal fav). And finally, you must visit Beecher’s where you can see literally tons of fresh cheese curds being made on-site daily. (Also, pick up some rainier cherries, which have a thinner skin and are sweeter than regular cherries.)

Things to skip at the market? The original Starbucks store – expect massive lines for not much special. Instead…

4.) Visit the Starbucks Roastery in Capitol Hill

The Starbucks Roastery & Tasting Room in Capitol Hill is amazing. There you can do a self-guided tour to see the beans being roasted, visit the cold brew bar to get a custom cold bevy, do a tasting of unique blends like a whiskey-barrel-aged coffee, then dine on pastries like chocolate tortes, cannolis and even freshly made pizza. And, hardly any lines, even on a Sunday morning. My brew of choice? The Bianco Latte made with a pistachio and hazelnut-infused milk. Super creamy, slightly sweet and even better, you can’t find it at your average Starbucks.

5.) Chowder with a View at Ray’s Cafe

After seeing all the fresh seafood at the market, we had a hankering for some chowder. Our friends suggested a drive up to Ballard to get a feel for a hip neighborhood, the coastline and some of the parks. Along the way, we spotted Ray’s Cafe and Boathouse right off of Elliot Bay. Hot deal alert: we each got a bowl of chowder (mine salmon, my husband’s clam), a side of asparagus and rolls for $20! Plus, the view of the bay off the porch was stunning! Win and win.

6.) Travel the Seas on the Ferry to Bainbridge Island

After being on our feet and on the road, the next obvious choice for our Saturday afternoon was a ferry ride to Bainbridge Island. We brought our car so we could drive around the island, but there’s plenty of cafe’s and shops within walking distance, too. For the two of us, it cost about $30 to ride the ferry with our car, but the views were worth it and we were able to venture a bit off of the beaten path once we got to the island. The actual ferry ride was only about 30 minutes and you could sit on the sundeck or get coverage in plenty of spaces, but the loading added another 30 minutes to the trip. Once there, we stopped at Blackbird Bakery for some sweet treats and cold brew coffee. The hub’s multi-seed sticky bun comes highly recommended!

7.) A Must-Stop On the Island: Eleven Winery

If you have a car, definitely venture north to visit 1.) some of the gorgeous parks and 2.) round out the afternoon at Eleven Winery. It’s the only winery on the island that only uses Washington grapes and has won a multitude of awards for every hue of wine. You’ll get a tasting of 5 wines for $10 and if they really like you, you might get a 2 for 1 deal like we did on the tasting! Another tip: buy a bottle, drink a glass while you take in the nature on-site, then cork it and save it for the ferry ride back.

8.) A Return to Post Alley for Dinner at Pink Door

With no dinner plans, we figured the market was a good bet for some wandering. We happened upon Pink Door on Post Alley, an eclectic Italian restaurant that supposedly hosts trapeze and burlesque shows, along with views of the bay. We were able to get a seat right away because this place is HUGE! The winners of the night were the fresh spring pea risotto with shrimp and rhubarb-filled donut holes with lemon cream. Sensing a theme? What can I say, I like pasta and donuts?

9.) Sunday Morning Spin at SLU Followed By Brunch at Portage Bay

After two nights in a row of pasta, I had a hankering for something more active than our random wanderings across the city. And I’m always up for an early morning dance party at SoulCycle! Tip: bring your shoes to avoid the $3 rental fee and take a class with Earl! That double tap roll was on point and who doesn’t love a little Missy Elliot in the morning? Afterwards, hit up the brunch bar at Portage Bay to pile your pancakes with mountains of fresh berries and whipped cream. Tip: split an order of pancakes because these are MASSIVE! The restaurant also sources a majority of its ingredients locally with a focus on organic and sustainably grown foods – yes even those heirloom wheat pancakes.

10.) It’s Not a Visit to Seattle Without the Space Needle!

And finally, the most obvious destination: the space needed. We visited on a sunny Sunday morning as our final destination. We couldn’t quite get there in time to get the pre-10:00 a.m. discount of $5 per ticket, but the brunch was worth it. And so were the views! You can buy tickets in advance for a specific time slot, but we didn’t really see the benefit after doing so – there were plenty of kiosks and registers on site; most of the wait was once you had tickets. The line was probably 20-30 minutes, but there were interesting factoids along the way. Once you get up to the viewing deck, the views are stunning. And, they have lots of fun features in the app that allow you to take cool selfies and videos at various points completely free. The really cool part is the rotation glass deck just a few floors down. Talk about trippy being able to see the ground beneath you!

Holy, moly! That’s a wrap on 10 spots in 40 hours. We definitely left with a sense of accomplishment and absolutely no regrets. Sure, a hike would have been nice, but let me tell ya, those city hills are something else! Onto the next adventure to…who knows where next!

The post Seattle Favorites in 40 Hours appeared first on The Shooks Life.

Things are about to get weird for the Shookman’s…because we’re moving to Austin! After 6 years in Chicago and a lifetime of midwestern winters, it’s time to fly south – for good! I’m excited to trade in my snow boots for the kind cowboys wear and Moose doesn’t know it yet, but he’s living for the days he can lay belly up in the sun, beached whale style. More to come on what’s bringing us to Austin (a girl can’t divulge all her secrets at once), but in the meantime, I’m sharing my growing list of Austin favorites — food, fitness and fashion spots. Read on for the full list and help a newbie Texan out – share some of your favorites in Austin!

I was just taking a trip down memory lane, scrolling through my Insta feed reminiscing about my time in Chicago and lo and behold – almost three years ago exactly, I posted a photo from our first trip to Austin with the hashtag, #whencanimovehere? Little did I know that I’d make that pondering a reality just a few years later. On that trip, Jeb and I fell in love with the freedom of biking along Lady Bird Lake (which isn’t even a lake, but that’s Austin for ya) and the thrill of hunting down the best Tex Mex in the city (current front-runner: Chuy’s). Since then, I’ve taken a half dozen trips to Austin, but have barely scratched the surface. All I know, is I’m gonna like this place.

To set the record straight, I’m by no means an Austin expert. However, my husband can attest to my obsessive nature for finding the best of the best when I travel to new places. FOMO, is my biggest fear. And working in food innovation, means it’s literally my job to hunt down what’s trending and what’s worth the hype. So drumroll, here it is, my top 10 in food, fitness and fashion in Austin.

Austin Top 10

1.) But First, Coffee at Picnik
Or really, just about anything at Picnik will give you that breakfast fix. From the butter coffee to the golden milk matcha latte (shown above) to the Siete breakfast tacos and gluten-free avocado toast (also shown above), you really can’t go wrong. Picnik is known for their butter coffee though, which is a blend of organic coffee, grass-fed butter and MCT oil that is creamy and has major staying power, without a caffeine crash. Food-wise, get there early since once they’re out, they’re out. Personal favs are the chorizo frittata and avocado toast (a half order was perfect with a butter coffee). Everything on the menu is gluten-free, corn-free-peanut-free and soy-free for anyone with allergies. And the scene at the South Lamar food truck is quintessential Austin – rustic wooden trailer with an attached patio and space heaters for those rare 50-degree mornings. There’s a standalone restaurant too, but I’ve yet to venture to that neck of the woods.

2.) Then Let’s Taco ‘Bout Tacos at Veracruz
It’s high praise for a Chicagoan who just got back from Mexico to say…literally, these are the best tacos I’ve ever had! This food truck is conveniently situated next to Radio Coffee & Beer in South Lamar. At first I was appalled by the hour-long wait on a Saturday afternoon, but there was plenty of coffee and beer to keep us company while we waited. And the wait – so worth it. I ordered the Migas Originales (shown above) and La Reyna on the house-made corn tortillas. Both of these breakfast tacos were exploding with the fixin’s. The Migas was a creamy crunchy mix of eggs, tortilla chips, Monterey jack cheese, tomatoes and avocado – the texture was like the best crunch wrap you’ve never had. La Reyna was brimming with egg whites and the kitchen sink of vegetables – mushrooms, carrots, spinach, bell peppers and avocado mixed with melted Monterey jack cheese. I’m drooling just reminiscing about these tacos again. 

3.) After We Eat, We Crush It With some HIIT
Austin is one of the fittest cities according to Shape magazine, so I knew I’d find some killer workouts and studios in the city. One that I go back to every time I’m in Austin is Crush Fitness, a high intensity interval training workout that alternates between treadmill drills and weight-based exercises on the floor. I went big the first time I visited the studio, signing up for the 75-minute class on a Saturday morning after indulging a bit too much during my food explorations earlier in the week. The dark room with red lights added to the intensity…and also allowed for some anonymity. If you’ve been to a Barry’s Bootcamp or Shred415, the format will be familiar. While the “red room” may look intimidating, you can make the workout as intense as you want – you control the speed of the treadmill and choose the weights. Good for all levels and a spot I look forward to checking out on the reg – plus, Picnik is a scooter ride down the road. Just sayin’…

4.) Back to Ridin’ the Sugar Wave at Gourdough’s
The donuts at Gourdough’s can be defined as fried art with some Texas sass. This donut truck is anything but just another Airstream on South First. The donuts are fried up fresh with inventive flavors and cheeky names like Blue Balls (shown above) and Dirty Strawberry. My favorite: the Blue Balls – donut holes with a crispy exterior drowning in blueberry filling and blue cream cheese icing. Hubs preferred the Dirty Strawberry – a donut bathed in chocolate and grilled strawberries.

5.) Worth the Venture for Vegan Milkshakes at Milky Way
If you’re on campus, this food truck parked behind the Spider House won’t be as much of a trek. If you’re not, it’s worth the trek. The shakes are made with a blend of almond and coconut milk, making them 100% vegan and still 100% delicious (and yes, this is coming from a dairy-loving Wisconsin native). The shakes have psychedelic flavors like Oreo Borealis (mint, fudge, Oreos and glitter star sprinkles) and Violet Beauregarde (blueberry, lavender, meringues and a candied violet, shown above). The edible glitters and house-made meringues are totally Insta-worthy, but even if they weren’t so pretty, I’d make the journey again.

6.) Wholly Portabella Bun at Wholly Cow Burgers
When I visited Austin in January, I was on Day 25 of Whole30 and was dreading eating salads all weekend long, but dedicated to finishing out the challenge. Then, I came across this gem – a Paleo/Whole30 burger made with grass-fed beef between two portabella mushrooms buns and gushing with mustard, lettuce, tomato and pickles. It made all my Whole30 dreams come true. The joint is situated in a totally divvy convenience store, but don’t let the facade fool you. This might be the best hidden gem in Austin.

7.) Then I Was Mesmerized By Donuts Again at Voodoo Doughnuts
While walking down 6th Street, I couldn’t help but be drawn into the pink exterior of Voodoo Doughnuts. What can I say? I have a weak spot for donuts and bright colors. It’s hard not to be mesmerized by the turnstile at the counter with a rotation of cereal, sprinkle and candy-coated donuts in all shapes and sizes (yes, there was one the size of a small pizza). I went for the fruity Viscous Hibiscus with black sprinkles, but had my eye on the School Daze PB&J for next time (a raspberry jelly filled yeast donut topped with peanut butter and a side dip of crushed peanuts).

8.) If I Still Fit in My Clothes, I’ll Probably Buy Everything at Austin Rocks
I happened upon Austin Rocks, a clothing shop on 2nd, on my way to dinner one night at La Condesa. It’s always dangerous when I have time to kill before a reservation with shiny objects sparkling in clothing store windows. Like this rainbow skirt that absolutely HAD to come home with me, especially when paired with a neon yellow wire knit sweater. The store has an eclectic array of music-inspired t-shirts, over-sized sweaters, artsy dresses, skirts and jewelry that will inspire you to put together unexpected outfits.

9.) The Best Southern Biscuits at Fixe
It’s funny how something as simple as a biscuit can be mind-blowingly good. Like at Fixe Southern House, where the biscuits are golden and buttery on the exterior and arrive soft and warm on your plate. They’re paired with lightly whipped butter, house-made jam and local honey, but honestly they don’t need much to melt in your mouth. The whiskey cocktails are also note-worthy, so I just might make a thing of biscuits & whiskey.

10.) When Your Heart Wants to Dance and Your Body Wants to Bike, RIDE
This former spin instructor definitely felt at home at RIDE Indoor Cycling in downtown Austin. Even at 6am it felt like an all-night rave during the 45-minute rhythmic ride. For those looking for a more performance-driven ride with stats to validate, Flywheel is probably more your speed (and some days, mine too). But if you just want to feel the beat and ride with everything you’ve got, this is the place to be.

This Midwesterner is reeling with excitement about making Austin home – especially if finds like this are just the start of the fun. Got other recos on food spots, fitness studios and places I should hit up? Help a sister out because this newbie is rolling into Austin in two short weeks!  What are your Austin Favorites?

The post Austin Favorites appeared first on The Shooks Life.

The most reliable way to predict the future is to create it. And woah was I inspired by all the creators stirring up the food industry at last week’s Natural Foods Expo West. What’s truly powerful though, is realizing that you aren’t just a bystander. You have the power to create whatever reality you desire. All these innovations started with one step into the unknown. One brave soul had the courage to listen to the hollerings of their heart and stomp on any doubts, missteps or naysayers and charge ahead to create something completely new to the world. Pretty cool, huh?

As a brand marketer & food enthusiast, I’m taking inspo from all the creative juices flowing at last week’s natural & organics food show. Want a sip? Read on for my take on the top 2019 food trends at Natural Foods Expo West, along with my fav new products you’ll soon find on shelves.

In case you’re new to the biz, Natural Foods Expo West is the largest natural & organics trade show in the country focused on up and coming 2019 food trends, including beverage, beauty and household goods. It’s essentially a crystal ball into the future of food. Representatives from major research firms like New Hope Network and SPINS share their perspective on industry 2019 food trends and major CPG (consumer packaged goods) companies debut their newest product launches. Though I’ve worked in CPG marketing for 6 years and spent another 6 years in advertising for major food companies, this was my first time at “the big show”. And it is ginormous. It’s a multi-day affair that started Tuesday, March 5, and wrapped this past Saturday, March 9. Yes, I’m still recovering.

So let’s cut to the chase – here’s my take on the big themes, best of show and honorable mentions!

Top Trends of Natural Foods Expo West 2019

1.) FAT IS FRIEND, SUGAR IS FOE
It’s the return of the fat with coconut, avocados and nuts ruling the roost. As the Keto diet grows in popularity, so do high fat and low carb new product launches.

One example of the growing infatuation with fat is the pili nut. The pili nut (pronounced “peel-y”) reigns from Southeast Asia and is best described as a combination of the macadamia nut and cashew. It’s touted as having the highest fat and lowest carb ratio of any other nut, making this buttery nut a fan favorite for Keto followers.

BEST OF SHOW
My favorites in fat at the show were Pili Hunters Lions Mane Pili Nut Butter with Pumpkin Spice and Lavva plant-based yogurt made with a combination of pili nuts, coconut coconut cream, plantains and vegan probiotics. Trust me, I’ve tried plenty of non-dairy yogurts (and have been far from satisfied). This one is the creamiest, most legit version.

OTHER NOTABLES
-Modern Pop Avocado Based Ice Cream Bars
-Dang Keto Bars
-Picnik Butter Coffee
-Bonafide Keto Broth
-Vital Farms Pasture-Raised Ghee

2.) Plants Gone Wild
More and more people are evolving the Meatless Monday trend into Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and beyond. While true vegans and vegetarians are still a small segment of the population, a growing segment describes themselves as “flexitarians” who are trying to consume less meat for a variety of health, environmental and sustainability reasons.

Meat analogs have gained a lot of attention recently with launches from Beyond Meat, Impossible Burger and Good Catch. Thanks to science, these products deliver plant-based interpretations of meat that replicate the taste, texture, and visual of traditional meat ….and even seafood. And for those not ready to leap into vegetarian versions of their favorite burgers and sausages, there’s an emerging category of Blended Meats that include a combination of traditional meat with vegetables, grains or beans.

BEST OF SHOW
The Beyond Burger continues to be my OG favorite for it’s smoky flavor and juicy patty colored with beet juice. New this year is Beyond Beef, which replicates traditional ground beef, lending versatility to this pea protein meat analog. On the blended front, Teton Waters Ranch recently launched Burger Blends patties that are made with grass-fed beef and mushrooms. As a mushroom lover, I was immediately sold on the big flavor and didn’t notice a significant textural difference. Shrooms alone were another popular ingredient showing up everyone at Expo.

OTHER NOTABLES
-Good Catch Plant-Based Tuna (such a killer replica)
-Just Eggs Plant-Based Eggs (texture on point, but flavor needs work)
-Oat Milks from Elmhurst, Quaker and Pacific Foods

3.) A Microbiome Feeding Frenzy: Probiotics on Fleek
Whole Foods included probiotics in their list of top trends and it was clear at Expo that probiotics are getting the same fanfare as protein received the past couple of years. Are probiotics the new protein? The answer is yes. Consumers are increasingly interested in digestive health and seeking probiotics beyond the traditional yogurts.

In particular, new strains of probiotics are making shelf stable application possible in everything from granolas like that from Purely Elizabeth (shown above) to nut butters and soups. Expect for probiotics to infiltrate other unexpected categories like cleaners and skincare, too.

BEST OF SHOW
The most surprising source of probiotics for me? A line of probiotic cleansing tonics from Counter Culture. In the same way that probiotics work to clean your digestive track, they also help to break down dirt and grease. Who new?

For a more expected (and delicious) source of probiotics, you absolutely MUST try Clio Greek yogurt bars. These bars are like decadent cheesecake. Made with full-fat Greek yogurt (remember fat = friend)  that is enrobed in a thin layer of chocolate (sugar = foe) with only 150 calories and 8g of protein.

OTHER NOTABLES
-Gutzy fruit & botanical snacks
-Odwalla Smoobucha smoothie and kambucha blend
-Culture Repupblik probiotic ice cream
-Mother Dirt probiotic skincare

4.) Reduce Reuse & Upcycle
There’s ever evolving concern for the environment and it goes beyond the reduce, reuse and recycle of yesteryear. Upcycling is the new recycling.

Not familiar with upcycling? You’re not alone. We all know the definition of recycling – the practice of processing an item for reuse, returning it back to the cycle of contributing to society rather than becoming trash. But when we recycle something like a plastic bottle, it often becomes yet another thing that will eventually go to a landfill. Upcycling, on the other hand, makes use of material without degrading the quality or composition of the material for future use. While recycling prolongs the inevitable (destination, landfill), upcycling retains the integrity of an item. Upcycling not only reduces waste, but also reduces the need to create new input material. It’s a win, win.

BEST OF SHOW
Regrained Supergrains leverages upcycling by rescuing grains that would otherwise go to waste in the brewing process. The brewing process reduces the sugars in the grains and makes available a high protein, high fiber and micronutrient rich grain that is then made into a Supergrain flour. That prebiotic flour, becomes a delicious granola bar like the Honey Cinnamon IPA Immunity Bar made with additional immunity boosting foods like Manuka honey and turmeric.

OTHER NOTABLES
-Barnana new plantain chips
-OrganicGirl cold-pressed juices
-Alvarado St. Bakery sprouted wheat and coffee flour bread

5.) Experiential Nutrition
The lines between food and supplement are blurring as people seek more from the foods they eat. Think immunity, sleep and stress aids. And yes, that includes the latest buzz: CBD.

People are on the go more than ever and to counteract the flurry of activity, 80% say they’re looking for functional benefits in foods and beverages rather than supplements.  As a result, the $60 billion functional food and beverage category is growing at 8%. Notable are the wealth of experiential beverage “shooters” that deliver instant gratification via tiny bottles of single-use elixirs, the application of adaptogens in packaged goods like Purely Elizabeth Granola and Navitas superfood lattes, as well as sweets infused with CBD or sleep-enhancing melatonin.

BEST OF SHOW
Nestle debuted Goodnight snack clusters at Natural Foods Expo West to help consumers sleep better via sweet treats formulated with magnesium, L-theanine and casein protein. The bite-sized snacks include a marshmallow-like cherry interior that’s lightly coated in milk or dark chocolate. I’m already day dreaming of having another one of these permissible bedtime chocolates.

OTHER NOTABLES
–Vital Proteins Collagen Shots
–Siren Snacks R&R Bites with CBD
–Navitas Superfood Wellness Shots and Latte Mixes

ROUNDING OUT THE TOP TEN – HONORABLE MENTION TRENDS
6.) Allergen Intolerance: foods are getting a clean sweep from allergens with a multitude of grain-free pastas, tortillas, chips and noodles made from chickpeas, lentils and peas, delivering an amplified benefit of protein. Examples include Banza’s new rice made from legumes, Lesser Evil Egg White Curls and Maria Ricardo’s Cauliflower, Sweet Potato and Zucchini Tortillas.

7.) Grown Up Kid Food: kids snacks are getting the adult treatment with Super Food Bites from Kashi and plant-based probiotic yogurt from Tiny Giants.

8.) Regenerative Agriculture: companies like Applegate Farms and General Mills are investing behind regenerative agriculture, which supports biological diversity, natural resources and soil fertility to create a better future for the world and the farming industry.

9.) Science is Sexy: new technology is unlocking the world of food science bringing advancements like SZENT, a Los Angeles-based brand of bottled water that delivers a flavor experience through sense of smell.

10.) Transitional Support Programs: brands like Living Intentions and Kashi are supporting farmers in their journey towards gaining organic certification.

Parting Thoughts

Noticeably absent from the show were more fresh, whole-food based offerings that ladder up to the #eatrealfood movement. However, this is a packaged foods show and a lot of positive headway is being made to clean up ingredient decks and clean up packaging. It’s worth celebrating this evolution and the creative minds that are charging the path ahead for positive developments in the future of food.

So what are your thoughts on the show and the future of food? Anything I missed? What new developments are you celebrating….or shunning? Let’s keep the dialogue going!

The post The Future of Food Is Now: Expo West 2019 Recap appeared first on The Shooks Life.

This is the true story of a small-town girl who picked to live in a big city, and put her life on social media, to find out what happens when she starts a blog and sh*t starts getting real. Thank YOU for coming along on this journey with me around the sun. It’s that time of year to rest…and reflect on our epic presence. Yes, YOUR epic presence, too. Whether 2018 seemed like the best year yet or pretty meh, I promise there is a lot to be grateful for. Sometimes you just need to look a bit hard. Read on for the positive affirmations I’ll be taking with me into 2019 and tips on setting your best intentions for another amazing year.

Holy Nikes 2018 was a BIG year! I took a leap of faith 8 months ago and launched The Shooks Life. I traded teaching spin for exploring more fitness gems across the city, started developing my own recipes and actually made it in the top 20 for a national recipe contest (recipe here) and started simplifying my life by moving from a 4-bedroom house to a 2-bedroom apartment. And that my friends, is going to continue to be my mantra for 2019: Do more things that set you free, and less that hold you down.

Here are the affirmations that will be my guiding light in 2019:

1.) Let’s STOP priding ourselves in how busy we are and START bragging about how little we have to do.

2.) Let’s START making room for things that matter and STOP adding things that don’t.

3..) Let’s STOP making oodles of resolutions we won’t keep and START taking action towards one.

4.) Let’s START being content with what we have and STOP being envious of the things we don’t.

5.) Let’s STOP the outward comparison and START the obsession with loving ourselves.

Now it’s your turn to put your mark on 2019. What will your legacy be in the coming year? And if “legacy” feels a bit over dramatic, think about how your recap will read at the end of next year. Getting started is the first step. Your welcome. Genius, I know. Read on for a few less obvious steps to setting your intentions for an epic 2019.

Setting Up 2019 to Be the Most Epic Year, Yet!

Step 1: Envision your best day ever. What time do you wake up? Where are you? Who are you with and what do you do that makes your heart swell? If you’re working, what are you doing? How would you sustain this lifestyle? Details matter! Write that sh*t down.

Step 2: What values light you up? What are the words or feelings that describe your best day ever? These are the values that you seek. For me, it was “Free”, “Inspired” “Challenged” and “Connected”. Try to keep it to single words, active words to drive specificity and focus.

Step 3: Create a mood board. Yes, this will require either the old school approach of cutting out pictures from magazines or using the Google images search. Include images that reflect your best day every and those values. This will serve two purposes: 1.) it can be a reminder throughout the year of your goals and 2.) ask someone else to look at the mood board and describe it to see if there’s any values you may have missed. Perhaps someone else will look at your board and say ‘woah’ there’s a lot of movement and activity. Maybe you’re someone who needs to live an “Active” life. Or maybe it’s the polar opposite and exuding “Calm” is your thing.

Step 4: Set 3 goals that will help you live those values. First Goal: How can you exude those values today, in your current profession? What more can you do within the present constraints? Second Goal: How could you exude those values tomorrow, perhaps in another profession or role? What would you being doing outside of the present constraints to sustain a life you love? Third Goal: How could you exude those values without any constraints? What if money was endless and you could do whatever you wanted, wherever you wanted, with whomever you wanted?

Step 5: Make a game plan. Write down at least three specific steps that will help you achieve each of those goals. What ACTIONS do you need to take to get closer to those goals? What RESOURCES do you need to get there? WHO can help you get there? Be specific, action-oriented and set deadlines for each of those steps. I know, dreaded deadlines. But if it’s not measurable, there isn’t accountability. And YOU are the only one that is in charge of your future. So take charge! If it’s helpful, use the START, STOP and CONTINUE framework. What do you need to START doing, what should you STOP doing and what should you CONTINUE to do to achieve these goals?

Now start setting those intentions! Cheers to living, breathing and ACTING upon these mantras in 2019! And if you ever need accountability, your girl has your back! Feel free to comment below with your goals or one thing you’ll stop, start and continue below. Writing it down is the first step towards accountability.

Thanks again for coming along on this journey.

There is SO MUCH MORE to come in 2019!

The post Here’s Looking at You, 2018! appeared first on The Shooks Life.

When life gives you Monday, dip it in glitter and shine all day. Feeling shiny and new after a few days exploring NOLA, followed by a family and food extravaganza over the Thanksgiving holiday. So much thanks to give this time of year…for the man behind the camera who humors my every whim (and photo request), explorations in new cities and a cuddly pile of wrinkles who’s always thrilled when his pawrents come home.

New Orleans was filled with newfound treasures that had me throwing gratitude like confetti on the jazz-filled streets. Read on for my favorite food and fitness finds!

P.S. Jump to the bottom if you just want the top 10 list. 

New Orleans is probably best known for Bourbon Street and Mardi Gras, but we wanted to get a vibe for how the locals live day-to-day. For the first two days, we spent out time in a quaint Airbnb in the Uptown neighborhood on the east bank of the Mississippi River. Most of the homes were built in the 19th century and still feature a lot of the quintessential architecture like intricate ironwork, colonial style homes and gas lanterns that flicker all day and night. We were just a few blocks from Magazine Street, which featured rows of locally owned shops, restaurants and art galleries. We were also just a few skips from St. Charles Avenue, where streetcars still run past some of the most renown mansions. You can ride the streetcar for just $1.25 to the French Quarter or buy a day pass for just $3.

Another surprising oasis in Uptown was Audubon Park, which was filled with centuries old Oak trees, a 1.8 trail that looped around the exterior of the park and Oschner Island, better known as Bird Island for the hundreds of birds that nest there. It was a welcome retreat for a morning run as well as a meditation walk the next day to the Labyrinth and Tree of Life. The stone Labyrinth was laid to symbolize healing following Hurricane Katrina and the Tree of Life is 280-year-old tree that is a local favorite for climbing and potential giraffe sight-seeing since it grows alongside the giraffe complex at the Audubon Zoo. We hadn’t read up on the giraffe sighting beforehand so we were pleasantly surprised to spot the clan on our walk!

After our jaunt through the park, we happened upon Max Well on Magazine Street, a plant-based cafe serving veggie-filled bowls, salad and fresh pressed juices. If there are greens to be found in New Orleans, you bet I will find them. Currently obsessed with the kitchari that topped my salad adorned with spirals of raw beets, carrots, red cabbage and avo. Check out my post on kitchari to find out more about this cleansing Ayurveda dish.

If you fancy white table cloths or just like being fancy, La Petite Grocery was an adorable corner spot on Magazine Street for a traditional dinner. The restaurant was home to a grocery store in the early 1900’s and features creative spins on traditional Louisiana dishes like the Turtle Bolognese I enjoyed with hand cut linguine and a fried, soft-boiled egg.

Honorable mention also goes to Toast for delectable little Aebleskivers, puffed pancake balls that are a traditional Danish dessert served with a variety of sauces for dunking, like the lemon curd shown.

We enjoyed our low-key time in Uptown, but had to experience the quintessential French Quarter. Our trip ventured to an Airbnb in the Central Business District, a few blocks from the hub bub of Bourbon Street. And what did we do first? Indulge in the infamous beignets at Cafe du Monde. We visited in the middle of the day, so the line out the door was expected, but relatively fast-moving and only a 15 minute wait for a small table under the canopied patio. We ordered the traditional chicory coffee and order of beignets, which included 3 pillowy pastries the size of a palm. Light, fluffy and slightly crispy from the fryer, it was worth the trip and the hype. Interestingly enough, we learned that the inclusion of chicory in coffee was a cost-savings venture during the American Civil War when the port was blockaded from receiving coffee shipments. The chicory root delivers a similar flavor, but without the caffeine. It’s a tradition that has since stuck over time.

Next, we had to find some traditional Creole/Cajun food. And not the touristy stuff or the new age spins at fancy restaurants. The legit, down home soul food. Post beignets, we took a walking tour and our guide tipped us off to Coop’s Place for the ultimate soul food sampling. Zagat even says Coop’s is “where the not-so-elite go to eat”. We split the Coop’s Taste Plate to get a sampling that included a cup of seafood gumbo, shrimp creole, cajun fried chicken, red beans & rice and sausage jambalaya. We were scraping for more after that teaser of a feast and ordered what was the best thing I ate the entire trip: Jambalaya Supreme. This wasn’t your average jambalaya as this was embellished with shrimp crawfish and the game changer: tasso, a smoky cut of pork that was juicy, smoky and crisp on the edges. If you have just one day in New Orleans, this is a must.

We were filled to the brim post our visit to Coop’s, so what else other than to work it off the next morning? I discovered that we were staying just a half mile from Tour Cycle Studio in the Central Business District, known as the CBD. If you follow my blog, you’ll know that I have pretty high standards for spin studios since I taught for many years and this studio lived up to those standards. I was able to sign up the night before on class pass and the studio offers free shoes (a bonus for travelers and those used to paying at studios like Soul Cycle). The 45-minute high intensity class was a combination of performance driven sprints and climbs measured by computers that tracked your rpm’s and resistance, as well as more rhythmic moves like jumps, tap backs and presses. The class also lit up with a cosmic array of lights in the dark room orchestrated by the instructor, which electrified the sprints and choreography throughout class. This is the place to spin in NOLA.

A workout deserves a sweet treat and Willa Jean is the place to indulge. While Willa’s is on every list for the best of brunch, the gem to order is the cookies and milk. This plate is only $5 and comes with three salty sweet warm chocolate chip cookies laced with salted caramel and a glass of vanilla sweetened milk to wash it all down. There’s not cherry on top, but there is a whisk laden with cookie dough for those of you who prefer your cookies in dough form. Definition: yum.

All good trips must come to an end and we saved the best for last: Bacchanal. This isn’t just a wine shop, but a passage to the best backyard patio in the city. Situated in the Bywater neighborhood, but it’s worth the hike for a low key evening outside while sipping wine and indulging in the charcuterie plate of your dreams. Here’s how it works: enter through the wine shop to select from an array of bottles, then choose a couple of cheeses and meats for the kitchen to create a masterpiece of a plate. We selected a genoa salame, proscuitto, goat’s milk cheese and an aged cheddar that the kitchen then paired with warm slices of bread, a Valencia orange chutney, sundried tomato spread, black olives and sweet pickles. It was the perfect relaxing way to end a trip that was filled with open air music and food that will have us coming back for more soon.

Looking for the Cliff’s Notes of our trip? Here’s the short list of the top 10 hits.

NOLA FAVORITES

Uptown Neighborhood
1.) St. Charles Streetcar for a ride down Millionaire road in style.
2.) Audubon Park for an urban oasis including the Labyrinth and Tree of Life
3.) Max Well for fresh plant-based eats
4.) La Petite Grocery for a creative spin on traditional Louisiana fare
5.) Toast Cafe for pancake puff pastries that are heaven-sent

French Quarter / Central Business District
1.) Cafe du Monde for the infamous chicory coffee and beignets
2.) Coop’s Place for a sampling of the best cajun/creole food
3.) TOUR Cycle Studio for a high intensity, illuminated spin class
4.) Willa Jean’s for the milk & cookies
5.) Bachannal for the wine, charcuterie plates and backyard tunes

Yes, we ventured down Bourbon Street and it’s absolutely worth the stroll too, but these were some of the less obvious corners of New Orleans that made our trip.

Did we miss anything? If so, would love to hear your tips for our next visit!

The post New Orleans Favorites appeared first on The Shooks Life.

There’s magic in new beginnings.

New week, new month and so much new to be grateful for. A new job that has my creative juices flowing again, a new home and a new hood to explore! They say good things comes in 3’s, but I’m not ready to stop at 3. In fact, I’m going for 10 with my monthly roundup of all my favorite things from October. Check out the list below!

October marked the start of a new season, so here’s a list of the top 10 things that had me falling for fall this past month!

1.) Favorite Fall Breakfast: Pumpkin Chia Pudding

Wasting leftover pumpkin puree is absolutely out of the question. What to do with it? Behold Pumpkin Chia Pudding layered with Greek yogurt, date syrup, bananas and grain-free granola. You’re welcome.

Here’s how to whip up this dreamy grab ‘n go breakfast:

Pumpkin Chia Pudding
– 1 C Libby’s pumpkin puree
– 1/4 C Mamma Chia chia seeds
– 1 1/2 C unsweetened vanilla almond milk
– 2 T maple syrup
– 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice

Mix all the ingredients in a mason jar and place in the fridge overnight (or at least 4 hours). Good enough to eat on its own, but isn’t life really about the toppings?

Want that extra touch of sweetness? Here’s how to make the two-ingredient date syrup.

Date Syrup
– 1 cup of medjool dates
– 1 1/2 C water
– 1 tsp apple cider vinegar

Blend all the ingredients in a food processor until smooth. Use as a syrup for pancakes or to sweeten chia pudding, yogurt, oatmeal, ice cream, you name it. Dates. The wonder sweetener.

2.) Favorite Zen Space: Ritual Yoga

If there was a mash-up between a spa, a hip hop concert and a yoga retreat, it would manifest as Ritual Yoga. This new(ish) yoga studio in Chicago’s River North is a full-service zen experience that feels like a treat to the mind, body and soul. When you visit, you’ll be welcomed by the concierge and offered tea in the lounge area if you’d like to sip ‘n savor after or get in the mood beforehand. The studio itself is pitch black with candles lighting the way to the rows of mats that will be your playland for the next 50 minutes. Not only will you have 1 yogi to guide you through the flow, but also a second yoga instructor to check form throughout. And don’t stress about remembering a towel or water because everything’s included. Is your mind blown yet? If not, imagine flowing to “Gangsta’s Paradise” and you’ll find the high vibe I was feeling. This studio is a must visit and welcome oasis!

3.) Favorite Self Care: Boscia Luminizing Black Mask

Beyond going to Ritual, one of my other rituals for the month of October was trying a new mask every Sunday for a little self-care. I also have about a year’s worth of free samples from Sephora and Ulta and am a complete hoarder, so I refuse to let them go until they’ve all been tried. My favorite so far is the Boscia Luminizing Black Mask. The pearlescent black lacquer goes on thick and dries to form a smooth glossy finish over the entire face that is infused with detoxifying charcoal. The coolest part was slowly peeling off the mask, which comes off in a singular piece almost like a rubber mask. It extracts buildup as you peel it away, revealing luminescent skin beneath. It left me feeling shiny and new!

4.) Favorite Jams: Fall Favorites on Spotify

While I’m taking a break from teaching spin, I never take a break from collecting bomb tunes for long runs, or long commutes. My favorite amp up track right now is “Get Loud for Me” by Gizzle. Check out the rest of the list on Spotify!

5.) Favorite People: aSweatLife Fit Fam!

If you’re looking to live your best life, then the aSweatLife community is your kinda people! I was recently inaugurated as an ambassador for this group that focuses on creating connections, trying new things and setting goals…in and out of the gym. I was first introduced to the group about a year ago when a fellow instructor mentioned the upcoming Sweat Week – a week entirely devoted to sweatastic events like yoga at Willis Tower and a relay race across the city. I didn’t know a soul at that first yoga event, but doing yoga 110 stories above ground tends to bring people together. The motto of aSweatLife is #everythingisbetterwithfriends. I love that mentality and am so happy to have found a group of bad*ss people who are equally obsessed with fitness and goal-setting!

6.) Favorite Snack: Biena Chickpeas

If you find that hangry feeling creeping up mid-afternoon, slay that monster with these crunchy toasted chickpea snacks from Biena. My favorite is the sweet and salty combo of the Honey Roasted variety, which are reminiscent of the honey roasted peanuts you used to get on flights. But imagine a lighter, crispier and healthier version with only 4g of sugar, 78% less fat and 5g of protein. The sea salt variety reminds me of freshly popped popcorn and the barbecue flavor fits the bill if you’re looking for something more savory. Be forewarned, once you pop, you might not stop.

7.) Favorite New Restaurant: Tomi Sushi

A few weeks ago, I got the chance to see how new venue Tomi Sushi is changing up the sushi game in Chicago. The vivid sushi rolls highlight superfood infused rice like this spicy tuna roll (left) infused with charcoal and coconut. Unlike traditional spicy rolls, this one features a smoky heat that was oh so good. The middle roll (my fav) is pretty in pink with dragon fruit infused rice enrobing the fresh scallops. The flavor was especially bright when paired with yuzu sauce and had a hit of citrus. You also can’t go wrong with an avocado roll (right), especially when it’s wrapped in golden berry rice. Don’t worry, the rice isn’t fruity, just pretty and delicious. And if that wasn’t cool enough, the sushi is actually made by robots! Check it out at Revival Food Hall, stat.

8.) Favorite Workout: Crosstown Fitness

I’ve been visiting this cardio, strength and mobility gym on the reg for the last 6 weeks and haven’t had a repeat workout yet. The hour-long classes are station-based with either strength or cardio-oriented movements. Think kettle bell thrusts, box jumps, pull-ups and things my abs will never forget. The time flies with all the variety, which is always a good sign! Check it out in the West Loop, Roscoe Village or the Northside. Note: parking can be hard to find in the West Loops, so book extra time!

9.) Favorite Comfort Food: Savory Oats

Sleep = a time machine to breakfast, amiright? I don’t know why it took me so long to get over the fact that oats don’t have to be sweet. And after Halloween, someone needs to cut back on sugar and that someone is me.

Here’s how I created this mastery of creamy, savory oats:

Savory Oatmeal Bowl
–Quaker original organic instant oats (2 packets)
-8 oz of Pacific Foods organic vegetable broth
-Sauteed portobello mushrooms
–Wholly Guacamole
-1 Vital Farms pasture-raised eggs, the way you like ’em
-Sprinkle of pea shoots

Heat the vegetable broth in the microwave until boiling (about 4 minutes). Add the boiling broth to a bowl with the oats. Cover the bowl with a plate to keep it warm and soak up the broth while you make the eggs. Once the eggs are ready, remove the plate, stir and add the guacamole, mushrooms, egg and pea shoots. This makes for one hearty breakfast, so you may only need 1 packet of oatmeal, or, share this bowl with someone you love!

10.) Favorite Sweet Treat: Pumpkin Cannoli

This Norwegian made pumpkin cannoli that would make any Italian mother proud. And the real showstopper is the dairy-free pumpkin ricotta made from creamy cashews soaked overnight and blended with almond milk, maple syrup and a touch of vanilla and pumpkin puree. Top with some carob chips and you wouldn’t know there isn’t an ounce of Italian in me. Find the recipe here.

That’s a wrap on October! As we enter November, remember that when one door (or month) closes, there’s always a new door that awaits where the grass is greener. Don’t believe the b.s. The grass is always greener. Sometimes you just have to wait a bit longer for the seeds of your labor to sprouts. Here’s to growth in November!

The post October Favorites appeared first on The Shooks Life.

So this is September. Feeling a lot of gratitude these days as we enter a new moon and an opportunity for a reset. I don’t know about you, but August was rather tumultuous for me with Mercury in retrograde and a swirl of emotion that had me contemplating a lot of personal decisions about career, family and…purpose. Like, am I mindlessly climbing the ladder…or am I truly following my passions, the things that light me up? It reminded me that what truly excites me is not random. It’s connected to my purpose. And I needed to follow those passions. Like reigniting my passion for travel, my passion for driving innovation and my passion for creating connections. Read on for what sparked my clarity and creativity while in Venice Beach.

What better way to express gratitude than through food? At Cafe Gratitude all of the plant-based dishes are named for inspiring feelings like “Nourished”, “Bountiful” and “Restored”. Flavorful dishes like the “Evolved” bowl (shown above) feature local, organic produce like the oyster mushroom bulgogi, daikon, cucumber, kim chee and chickpea frittatas that top the crispy brown rice with bibimpap sauce. So much texture and flavor going on! These dishes live up to their names. But also, isn’t it amazing how just a name like “Restored” can reset your entire mood?

My lust for travel…and ice cream was fulfilled and then some at Wanderlust Creamery. This artisinal ice cream shop on Lincoln features flavors inspired by global travels. Each scoop takes you to a new destination like the Ube Malted Crunch (above, purple) inspired by the Philippines and featuring sweet purple yams with malted milk pieces. The bottom layer (green) is a Japanese Neapolitan with layers of matcha, hojicha (a more mellow green tea than matcha, with a slight nutty flavor) and black sesame seed ice cream. I have no desire to site on a flight for 10+hours to visit Japan, but I will take a walk to this ice cream shop again!

If you’ve been watching my Instagram feed, you know my new obsession with Erewhon Market. This pizza is what raw food dreams are made of. Erewhon may be “nowhere” spelled backwards, but the name of this organic grocery store and cafe might as well be spelled h-e-a-v-e-n. The crust is a crispy blend of buckwheat, sunflower seeds and flax that is topped with a creamy cashew “ricotta”, walnut pesto, cherry tomatoes and olive tapenade. This is the kind of pizza you could eat every dang day.

This gourmet grocery store is a Mecca of healthy foods that’s named after the book with the same name in which the world is a utopia where everyone is responsible for their own health. The market continues to be a pioneer in functional foods with a tonic bar (where I ordered an activated coffee of ghee, collagen peptides and…), raw food bar and aisles filled with everything under the sun from local produce to every adaptogen you can name.

The Class by Taryn Toomey may have a generic name, but it’s anything but generic. This was my second time returning to The Class, this time at The Space, formerly know as Cardio Barre. I wanted to see if it could carry the same luster the second time around and whether it would be as insanely hard, or if that was a one-time event at Wanderlust Hollywood. The verdict? Just as mentally, emotionally and physically exhausting…in a good way. Check out my prior post for a low down on what to expect.

The Butcher’s Daughter featured vegetarian fare just as clever as the name. I’ll be dreaming about the Spaghetti Squash Carbonara for days. Carbonara is a classic turned plant forward with a bed of “angel hair” spaghetti squash layered with the most decadent and creamy cashew “ricotta”, adzuki “bacon” and a soft poached egg nestled amidst spinach and seared cherry tomatoes.

Adzuki might sound like something you would sneeze, but it’s actually a red bean that is indigenous to the Himalayas. It has a relatively neutral flavor that pairs well with buckwheat and liquid smoke to create a bacon-like flavor and texture. It’s not quite as crumbly as the real deal, but I can’t wait to try making it on my own!

The Venice Canals were my serenity on this vacation. It was a quiet and calm oasis of gorgeous homes lining these man-made canals off the coastline. The canals were developed back in the early 1900’s, but were left to erode. In the early 1990’s they were resurrected to their current state of beauty for the public to wander the sidewalks and dream of Italian Villas.

The theme of my trip was really wanderment (yes, I made up that word). I so often plan every minute detail of my life, and my trips, that it sometimes takes away the joy of discovery. I happened upon this exotic sausage shop and beer hall on my way back from yoga. Now that I’m working in innovation again, I take every opportunity to discover new foods, like this rattlesnake rabbit jalapeno sausage. Like I’ve heard before, the rattlesnake tasted surprisingly like…chicken. And the jalapeno was just the kicker to spice things up.

Usually when I run out of time during my weeks, the first thing to go to the wayside is yoga. On this trip, I cultivated the time for some much-needed introspection at Love Yoga. The practice at Love Yoga is a blend of Katonah Yoga, Iynegar and Vinyasa with inspiration-laden narrative winding through challenging poses. The hands-on practice made it personalized and was especially needed for some of the unique movements. Ultimately, I left feeling radiant, transformed and ready to take on September!

The post Venice Beach Favorites appeared first on The Shooks Life.

 Do more of what you love . A new month and a new opportunity to set an intention to do more of what you love and less of…the other stuff. One of my favorite aspects of my blog is a commitment to try new things and find new inspiration each month. And that comes to light in my monthly favorites. This month’s list has an LA flavor. Get the list below!

Here’s the roundup of my favorites July discoveries, inspired by my visit to LA a few weeks ago.

1.) Favorite Place: Hollywood Farmer’s Market

This market fulfilled all my produce dreams with rainbows of carrots, beets, and things I didn’t even know existed, like cherriums. Here are a few of the fancy pants newfangled fruits I found at the market:

-Cherriums: a cross between a cherry and a plum. Looks like a cherry, tastes like a plum. Woah.
-Pluots: a mix of plum and apricot. They don’t have the bitter taste of a plum and come in a plentitude of varieties like the juicy Emerald Green and the sweet Dapple Jack with a dusty rose flesh. Fancy.
-Plums: even this standard fruit gets a re-branding with funky names like the Elephant Heart. Who date?

2.) Favorite Fitness Class: “The Class” by Taryn Toomey

“The Class” at Wanderlust West Hollywood was definitely the first and only time I will ever do 7 1/2 minutes of burpees. That is not a typo, my friends. 7 and 1/2 frickin’ minutes. I had read that this workout brings people to tears, but I thought that was only for the disciples who got overly worked up by the heavy emo tracks and self reflection that makes this workout famous with celeb types. Descriptions of the class online are relatively vague – it’s described as “a practice of self study through physical conditioning” that includes “simple, repetitive calisthenics and plyometrics”. If you read between the lines, those “simple, repetitive calisthenics” = burpees until you’re a tangled mess of noodles. Each exercise on its own is simple enough – mountain climbers, split lunges, etc. But when those movements are on repeat for 5-6 minutes, you feel all the feels emotionally and physically. Yes, I wanted to scream and walk out when mountain climbers were the last move of the morning (there is nothing more I hate than mountain climbers), but I stuck it out and felt like an accomplished warrior goddess afterwards (well, after I gathered my bearings and sought nourishment).

3.) Favorite Start to the Day: Backyard Bowls

The acai and oatmeal bowls at Backyard Bowls were exactly the nourishment I needed for days after workouts like “The Class”. What makes Backyard Bowls a standout, is that they have a soundproof room with viewing windows for you to watch all the smooth magic. It’s a haven of quietude despite all the blending happening behind closed doors. Featured above is the Anchor Oatmeal filled to the brim with steel-cut oats, soaked in cashew milk and pea protein, then loaded up with almonds, bananas, blueberries, goji berries, hemp seeds, cinnamon and honey. I created a simpler version on my Insta in case you want to concoct your own.

4.) Favorite Outdoor Space: Los Liones Trail, Pacific Palisades

The Los Liones Trail had me jumping for joy with all the coastal views of the Pacific. This hikes weaves up a lush canyon at the south end of Topanga State Park, just a mile from the Pacific Ocean. The ivy and chaparral-lined hike offers glimpses of Santa Monica Bay. After 1.3 miles and 550 feet of elevation gain, Los Liones Trail arrives at a clearing on a ridge at a bench that looks down on the Pacific Palisades, Santa Monica, and the ocean beyond.

5.) Favorite Frills: Glossier Cloud Paint

This cream-based blush is my favorite beauty find of the moment. The pillowy texture of Cloud Paint glides on like a dream and is light as a feather, especially good in the summer months. It’s super easy to apply (if you can finger paint, you can apply this like a champ) and intended for layering so that it’s near impossible to add too much. The shades come in every hue of the sunset and work on just about every complexion. I discovered Glossier on my trip to LA where the one and only live store exists (they started their following online). It was a COMPLETE SCENE with a line out the door. Now I know why. This cult favorite is worth the hype. When I returned to Chicago, I was lucky enough to get glammed up by Glossier at the Nike Chicago Air Max pop-up shop before rocking out to Pitchfork. Not just a blush, this cream color can add a glow to the eyes and a warmth to lids that is ooo la la gorgeous.

6.) Favorite Sweet Treat: Salt & Straw

The avocado ice cream at Salt & Straw was a creamy dream that tasted nothing like avocados and everything like the honey lavender lacing of your dreams. Salt & Straw is known for their unique flavor pairings and this one definitely delivered! You can find all kinds of seasonal fun flavors across their stores in Los Angeles, Portland, Seattle, San Diego and San Franscisco. Right now, their seasonal binge is all about vegetables – yup, vegetable-inspired ice cream flavors like carrot cake batter, freckled chocolate zucchini bread and beet red velvet cake.

7.) Favorite Coffee Joint / New Tech: Carrera Cafe custom latte art by Coffee Ripples

I went absolutely bananas when I heard about the custom latte art from Coffee Ripples, which is available at coffee shops across the country via the Ripples app. Just download the app, upload your custom art and locate the nearest cafe with the printing capabilities. The “ink” is made of very fine layers of coffee extract that sit on top of the foam. I’m not much into tech, but this is tech I can get behind.

8.) Favorite Snack: Dang Stick Rice Chips

Dang those Dang Sticky Rice Chips are good. Crispy little discs of organic Thai sticky rice soaked in watermelon juice and crisped up to take just like the “bottom-of-the-pan” rice. The original is slightly sweet due to the watermelon juice and the sriracha brings just the right amount of heat to these chips. Bonus: 30% less fat than the old standard potato chips. Win!

9.) Favorite Hidden Gem: Frog Hollow Farms

This is a bit pre-conceived, but I have excellent sources that tell me Frog Hollow Farm has THE BEST peaches and I can’t WAIT for my order of Cal Red peaches to arrive. People, these peaches are only available 2 weeks out of the year and need to be pre-ordered because they’re so juicy good. I’ve been utterly depressed by the peach offerings in Chicago so I’m counting down the days until I get to bite into these juicy jems! Even the New York Times says these are, “Good Enough to Make Farm Stand Peaches Blush”.

10.) Favorite Recipe: Paleo Strawberry Rhubarb Cobbler

And it wouldn’t be a favorites list without a highlight of my favorite recipe of the month: this Paleo Strawberry Rhubarb Cobbler that I made for the hubster on his birthday. It’s a grain-free and healthier spin on the usual with a crumble made of coconut flour and almond flour, then sweetened with pure maple syrup. It’s a must-try, must-make for the summer months. Get the dEATs here!

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And…that’s a wrap. Set an intention to do more of what you love this month and make it your best August ever because…why wouldn’t you?

The post July Favorites appeared first on The Shooks Life.

Serendipity is finding exactly what you’re looking for, without looking for it. Like this mural I happened upon while wandering Logan Square. It was serendipitous that 1.) the wall perfectly matched my fav new heels and 2.) it started pouring 2 seconds after this photo was taken. When it rains it pours and June was jam-packed with a flurry of activity. It’s those moments of joy before you even know what’s coming at you that make the journey though. Let’s flashback to a few of my June favorites over the last month below.

Every month I like to take a moment to reminisce on all the little discoveries that brought joy to my day, whether a workout that left me inspired or a meal that I’ll remember forever. Here’s the rundown on June Favorites:

1.) Favorite Fashion Finds: A New Day Michaela Pumps

Not sure whether it’s happenstance or the Target curse, but I found myself meandering through an array of cute new sandals at Target this past weekend and walked away with two pairs when all I really came for were some sandwich bags – oops. These bright red block heels can add a pump of color whether dressed up or casual. And get this, they’re less than $30! Plus, Target is running a 20% off sale now through July 4! Super comfortable, though note these run a bit narrow – so don’t feel shy to go with the wide cut.

2.) Favorite Breakfast: Purely Elizabeth Vibrant Oats

I LIVE for color and these bold, superfood-filled oats from Purely Elizabeth are EVERYTHING. I happened upon these while perusing Plum Market in Old Town after a Soul Cycle class. It was like the universe wanted me to try them with that bright “on sale” sign saying, try me! buy me! I’m a sucker for marketing (even though I work in marketing), so I bought every kind. The one above gets its vibrant blue hue from spirulina, a superfood loaded with antioxidants and known to detoxify, lower blood pressure and boost energy. They’re also relatively low in sugar (6g from coconut sugar) and come with a crunchy granola topping (the Purely Elizabeth granola is pure crack).

3.) Favorite Refreshment: Limitless Lightly Caffeinated Sparkling Water

Limitless Coffee is known for sourcing beans from farms that are wet washed so they’re free of contaminants (more on that here). I’m a big fan of their cold brew coffee and iced matcha, so I was thrilled to see a new offering when they exhibited at the asweatlife Fitness Festival a couple weeks ago. This sparkling water gets a bit of a caffeinated kick from green coffee beans. No calories, no sugar and no artificial ingredients makes this a hybrid between LaCroix and green tea, which has about the same amount of caffeine (35mg). I tried the Blood Orange and Cucumber Pear – both oh so good without being overpowering flavor-wise.

4.) Favorite Snack: Purely Pecans Sweet Potater Pecan Butter

I visited the Smart Foods Expo last week to explore the latest in the better for you and plant based food arena. There’s a lot of exciting stuff underway, but my favorite of the show was this Purely Pecan Sweet Potater Pecan Butter made with pecans, sweet potatoes and a touch of maple and cinnamon. Tastes just like pecan pie in a jar! Also, some fun facts: pecans are the most antioxidant-rich tree nut and the copper in pecans helps to reduce inflammation, like that caused by arthritis. I smothered these apples slices with pecan butter, shredded coconut and extra pecans for a healthy take on a “cookie” that was a super easy afternoon snack.

5.) Favorite Workout: 606 Workout with Shred415 and Lululemon

Every summer, Shred415 and Lululemon partner to offer free outdoor workouts across the city. The workouts are taught by Shred415 instructors and follow a similar high intensity interval training format, alternating between running exercises and body weight strength training. I went to the workout on the 606 trail in Bucktown last week and it was a scorcher – the weather and the workout! Four trainers split the group of 30-40 in half with one group focusing on running drills for the first half of the hour-long session while the other group did strengthening exercises like curtsies and split jumps for some cardio. Everyone who attended not only got the workout for free, but also got a free session at Shred415 – score! Plus, there was a burpee competition at the end and well, I’m always in it to win it, so I scored a bonus 5-pack. I’ll be going again next Thursday, July 12, if you want to join me!

6.) Favorite Recipe: Paleo Pop Tarts with Strawberry Chia Jam

This was my first foray into baking with alternative flours and it did not disappoint! Mashed banana added just the right amount of natural sweetness and stickiness to keep this dough together. The pop tarts are filled with a strawberry chia jam that takes roughly 10 minutes to make and can be added to everything from oatmeal to yogurt. The real eye pop is the Pearl Butter Smarty Pants coconut butter, which serves as the icing. This one’s a bit time consuming, but a fun morning activity and a definite show-stopper!

7.) Favorite Plant-Based Meal: Beyond Burger Lettuce Wraps

Before Beyond Meat came along, veggie burgers were mostly bean or soy-based flimsy patties that tasted nothing like the real thing. That’s fine and good for some, but if you’re craving a better version of a thick and juicy burger, Beyond Burger will straight-up fool you. The texture is on point and the beet juice gives it a tenderness and pink color before cooking that will leave you in awe. I paired mine with a butter lettuce “bun”, a juicy beef steak tomato and creamy avocado slices for a hearty plant-based meal that rivaled even the best burger joints.

8.) Favorite New Restaurant: Pacific Standard Time

I visited Pacific Standard Time in Chicago’s River North a few weeks ago for a work event and was awed by every bite, but especially the desserts from Natalie Saben, former pastry chef at Grace. Saben even earned a 30 under 30 award from Zagat at her prior gig, so it’s no surprise that she continues to bring it at Pacific Standard Time. This new American restaurant opened about 2 months ago under the helm of Erling Wu-Bower (opening chef of Nico Osteria) and Joshua Tilden (former director of strategic operations at One Off Hospitality). Favorites of the night were the bright sungold tomatoes with creamy burrata, crispy chicken with pistachio aillade and the toasted vanilla macaron with banana semifreddo and candied hazelnuts (shown above).

9.) Favorite Workout Jams: Spin Class – June 2018 on Spotify

This was my last month of teaching on the reg at Cycle X Studio before taking the summer off to do more outdoor biking. Just in time, Cardi B and Drake dropped some mega hits to add to my list of favorite songs for the month. Even though I’ll be taking the summer off from teaching, I’ll still keep my monthly playlists running. Follow me on Spotify (search for Meghan Shookman) to always have a fresh list of songs to power you through your workouts.

10.) Favorite Bar: Parson’s Chicken & Fish

There are three reasons I love Parson’s: 1.) it’s a dog-friendly patio, which means Moose gets to join in the fun 2.) it’s a block and a half from my house and 3.) they serve the best dang frozen beverages in town, including the negroni and an always-rotating specialty frozen cocktail. It’s a hipster scene for sure, but always filled with adorable puppies and their loving furparents on sunny days.

That’s a wrap on June! Can’t wait to see what July has in store!

The post June Favorites appeared first on The Shooks Life.