Pound Cake [[Honey + Lemon + Greek Yogurt]]

Last night I had the urge to bake a cake. With some vanilla yogurt I had in the fridge, I found this recipe and thought I would give it a go. I made mine in a loaf pan instead of individual servings. So add another 10-15 minutes to your bake time. Just for fun, I thought I would ribbon some blackberry preserves through the top. I think lemon and blackberry pair really well together because of the sweet and tart flavors. Good thing my co-workers always try my concoctions. I'm not sure if they are being supportive or if they just love food... Either way, I don't have a cake staring at me for the remainder of the week and I get my baking fix. 

win // win!!

Wants On Wednesday ♥

In an effort to unleash my inner geek. I thought I might entice you with some finds that have caught my eye lately. The first one on my list may or may not come with a tutor. wink wink. And the mini instagram projector was thrown in because I find it amusing how obsessed people are with instagram!! Myself included It's probably my favorite form of social media. Because.. well, lets face it, I love pictures. So keep snapping away.. some of these gadgets may come in handy. xo 

HTML for Dummies $2 on my kindle :: Olloclip Camera Lens $70 

  Logitech Washable Keyboard (I'm really clumsy) $40 :: Photo jojo bikepod  $45 

Crux360 iPad Case $100 :: Bike Spike $150 

Projecteo instagram projector $25 :: GoPro HERO3 Camera $399

Let Go Sharks

We want the Win!!!

tour the school

Since its 1915 opening, this historic elementary school has been a beloved fixture of its Northeast Portland neighborhood. When the structure was deemed unsafe, the district had to close the school and made plans for its demolition. After a protest was held by parents, teachers, students, PTA members and other local officials, the community decided not to tear down the building. McMenamins came in and renovated the once-abandoned scholastic gem and turned it into Portland's most unique hotel. To this day the original artwork and vintage pictures line it's walls. The cafeteria is now the restaurant and the auditorium is now a movie theater (you can even bring beer to your flick)  The boiler and detention rooms have been changed into bars and the teachers lounge is the hotel pool. Our suite still had the original chalkboards around the room. This hotel is one that you should not miss if you are on vacation to Portland. My sister and I enjoyed our stay and would recommend it to anyone based on its charm, history, location and staff!

Street Style

Sitting on the plane and looking over some outfit inspiration on the iPad. Gawd, I'm lucky to have this little gem.

 I came across this blog and immediately fell in love. Urban Weeds is a Portland based street style blog by photographer Lisa Warninger. She litterally meets locals on the street and snaps their style on the spot.  Clever Nettle is a blog by Anja Louise Verdugo and documents everything she loves; photography, vintage finds and fashion.  You should check out both these women, they have some amazing work. 

W. O. W.

I'll be taking off for a few days to somewhere a bit more gloomy, just my style.

Keep up with my sister and I on our adventure 

 instagram @devonfoster

assorted Hipster beanies $17 Marfa Leather Bag $135 iPad $399 Lace Up Boots $130 

Good Luck Elephants $15 (for the plane ride, I'm superstitious)

  ASOS Parka with Leather Hood $186.67 Pack This List $8 Dreamer sweatshirt  $42.43 

Printed Black Dress $108 Natural Scarf $19 Mint Dress $45 Blue Oxfords $20 

Rebecca Minkoff Carry All $395 Umbrella $75 

while on a walk

walking in the early morning, with dew still on the blades

view of the Bay

Walking to the Vinters Market inside Fort Mason, was an adventure of its own. After my first experience attempting to hop on a muni, I figured anything else would be a cakewalk. But learning the ropes has proven to be a whole ordeal. I thought I was a pro at riding the lightrail, but I have found that in the world of public transportation.. that equates to the about the level of training wheels. Will I ever get the hang of it? Who knows? But take everything in stride, one day at a time.  

Have you checked out Groupon or Living Social lately? I am on a "Yes Man" trip and have been trying anything that someone offers me. These sites have been helping in the planning process and helps your wallet too. check them out, if you haven't already. 

If I want to do something, I plan it. If I want to try something new, I grab it. If I want to say something, I yell it. There is a sense of empowerment went you allow yourself out of your comfort zone. So I challenge you to do something "out of the box" this week too!! You will find something out about yourself, even if it's just the fact that you like your regular routine. 

trying new lipsticks, with my short hair- I've been loving the dark shades

spontaneous trips

San Francisco

loving these girls <3

get your weekend on

 8th annual Maker Faire Bay Area 2013 

 May 18 & 19

10 am- 6pm

San Mateo Fairgrounds
2495 S Delaware St
San Mateo, CA 94403

Celebration of DIY, Creativity, and Ingenuity.  With an incredible variety of attractions, exhibits, talks, demonstrations, and performances bridging science, technology, arts and crafts--most of them hands-on and all of them engaging.

artMRKT San Francisco : Contemporary & Modern Art Fair

May 16- 19

all day 'till 7 pm

Fort Mason

Buchanan St & Marina Blvd
San Francisco, CA 9412

With a smart juxtaposition of well respected veteran dealers alongside innovative up-and-comers, artMRKT San Francisco--the Bay Area's premier contemporary and modern art fair

ticket prices start at $35 for one day admission and $150 for the entire weekend

Live 105 BFD

Sunday May 19

11 am- 11pm

Shoreline Ampetheater

1 Amphitheatre Pkwy
Mountain View, CA 94043

I went to this concert last year and minus the sunburn, I had a great time. I was introduced to a multitude of new bands and music styles and walked away with some free swag. For $35 lawn seats it was a great all day activity. tickets can be purchased here 

the line up:

Thirty Seconds To Mars
Passion Pit
Of Monsters and Men
Silversun Pickups
AWOLNATION
Jimmy Eat World
The Airborne Toxic Event
Fitz & The Tantrums
Capital Cities
Atlas Genius
Youngblood Hawke
twenty one pilots
The Neighbourhood
Wavves
The Mowgli's
Gold Fields
Diplo
Crystal Method
DJ Shadow
Wallpaper.
Robert Delong
Justin Martin
C2c

Big Wow!! Comicfest

 May 18, 2013 10:00 am - 6:00 pm 

San Jose Convention Center

150 W San Carlos St

San Jose, CA 95109

If your into Comics, Costume, and Cosplay.. this event is for you. And side note-  Wonder Con will NOT be in San Francisco.. so to get your fix, you might want to check out tickets for this event here. 

The Color Run

May 18, 2013 10:00 am

Guadalupe Gardens

438 Coleman Ave
San Jose, CA 95110

The Color Run™ 5k is going down in San Jose, CA

The Color Run  is a 5k paint race event.. meaning you wear all white ensembles to this run and paint will be thrown on you. The end result is a giant tie- dyed person. Maybe goggles should be included in your outfit. This is a fun one!!

Simply Smile :: San Francisco

Finishing up my trip to SF this week, and I don't really want to leave. I went out to Mamacita with some girls last night in the Marina. We started the evening with chips and guac [[ duh ]] but as I was telling a friend, it is never spicy enough!! The decision was made to keep hot sauce in my purse, just for occasions like the one I encountered last night. I sipped a fabulous grapefruit cocktail, that tasted like I was biting into the actual fruit! The food and atmosphere was unreal and I will for sure be back!! These are some shots from around the city, just some tasty samples for your visual pleasure. Goodbye San Francisco, until we meet again... Xo

Greetings from San Francisco

 

I'm up here all week pretending to be a local :: aka walking everywhere, eating as much as I can and enjoying the sights and sounds of the City. San Francisco is so close to home and I've visited here a million times.. but I have yet to see it all. But really, with all the different neighborhoods, how can you expect to visit each nook and cranny of the City. I ate an La Fusion last night and my experience was off the the charts. When you're traveling by yourself, sit at the bar because the bar tender will always entertain you. I enjoyed the pork tenderloin with kale and their house sangria. I have also been instructed to come back for their chicken, but I'm not sure its worth two visits to the same place. We'll have to see.. Tonight it's off to the mission with this hottie! Cheers xo

I'm superstitious, and stuck on the "13th " floor.. awesome

ditch the Soda

I never drink soda or artificially flavored drinks. Ok, I shouldn't say never. Because if I go to Wing Stop I usually get a diet Dr. pepper... but that's it, I swear 

This is a great option if you are looking for a way to entice yourself to drink more water. You should be drinking the recommended 8 glasses a day but I know that some people find it hard to get them . Adding fruit to your water is a natural way to add flavor and health benefits! So pick your passion. <3

Fitness Focus :: Noelle Sebastian

This is a girl who is dedicated to her workout and her lifestyle. I have known her for many years and so excited to be featuring her on my blog. She is a fitness guru and a total sweet heart. I have also pulled 3 delicious and nutritious recipes from her Facebook Page, which you can check out for more healthy tips, recipes and fitspiration. Thanks Noelle for letting me interview. I hope your hard work inspires others to get healthy!! xo

1. Post Workout Tacos~
2 extra thin corn tortilla
4oz steak
Salsa
Red onion
Bell pepper
Avocado
Lettuce
Cilantro

Pasta Night~
1 cup of spaghetti squash
1 small roma tomato
3 sauteed baby bella mushrooms
2 garlic cloves
1/4 cup sauteed white onion
3.5 oz chicken
Parmesan cheese
Mrs. Dash Tomato basil
Salt and pepper

I used chicken leftover from lunch. Steam spaghetti squash in microwave till soft ~10+ min. Saute onions, mushrooms, and garlic. Chop roma tomatoes and add to sauteed mixture at end to soften. Mix all together in bowl and top with Parmesan cheese


3. Healthy Fried Rice~
1 egg white
1 whole egg
2 oz protein (chicken here)
1 cup veggies (frozen mix and fresh bok choy here)
1/3 cup cooked and cooled brown rice

Heat pan and spray with pam. Cook eggs and set aside, stir fry veggies, add rice and protein. Add eggs back in and I top w/1 tbsp of low sodium soy sauce

1. what is more important to you.. what you eat or how you exercise?

I honestly believe that what you eat is more important. Not being able to workout 100% because of an injury is a setback but if you keep your food clean, you will feel better about what you can do. Eating clean and healthy is a lifestyle not just a fad.

2. What is your favorite protein packed meal? and maybe share your recipe..

I have so many! Lol. I can’t pick just one. Right now I love Clean Tacos with any kind of protein, fish, chicken, steak, shrimp. I use Mission extra thin corn tortilla (80 cals for 2 tortillas) and fresh fruit salsa 

3. Which is more important.. pre workout or post workout nutrition?

I find that both are equally important. Pre workout, I’ll have something small like toast and tablespoon of peanut butter or protein shake. I work out early so I don’t want too much. I can run faster, higher and workout longer with proper pre-workout food. Post workout, I will eat a meal. Sometimes I will have a shake if I am not going to eat right after but I prefer food. Balance of protein, carbs, fats

4. What are your thought on juice cleanses.. good, bad or fad?

Juice cleanses….. Not a fan. I like to eat my food not drink it. I would rather eat a bowl of fruit, enjoy each bite, get the nutrients and fiber in a natural state. 

5. Are you on the paleo diet?

I am not on the paleo diet or any diet but some “paleo” type foods and meals are really yummy.

6. What kind of shoes do you wear when you workout, are you into matching your gym outfits or are you a "throw whatever on, and go" kinda girl?

When in the gym, I love Nike Frees. When outside, I am still trying to find the best shoes. I love matching my shoes with shirts. I always wear black pants so it makes it easy. If I had more money to spend on shoes, I would have a fabulous collection of coordinating pieces. I almost always wear  a racerback style tank, a hat, black pants and cute shoes  That is my gym style.

7. What motivation do you use on days when you really don't feel up to hitting the gym?

I just go anyways. Usually, the hardest part is walking through the door. Once I am in, I usually have an awesome workout.

8. Do you like working out alone or with friends?

I enjoy both. Sometimes I like to be alone with my headphones turned all the way up enjoying my personal time. Sometimes, I enjoy the company of a buddy as long as I get a good workout in and I don’t talk too much.

9. What are you thoughts on manufactured protein, example- shakes, bars and powder?

I like to use protein powder in powder form and make my own shakes. A lot of commercial premade shakes are really full of extra stuff that I don’t really care about. Same thing with bars, some bars have more calories and fat than a McDonald’s cheeseburger and less protein. I would still rather eat real food instead of a protein bar. I love to eat.

10. Do you switch up your workout (crossfit, yoga, hiking) or do you like to stick you a regular routine. 

I love to switch it up. I have done everything at least once, even if I suck. (suck at zumba). I love the gym and weights, short trail runs, hiking, kickboxing.  My little secret….. Sometimes when I am in a bored of my regular routine, I will switch gyms but only for a free week pass. In my area, I may try 4-5 different  gyms that offer different things and be occupied for a few weeks with a great change of pace, scenery, etc.

11. Are you still doing competitions for fitness modeling? if yes- what is the hardest part and the best part?

At the moment, I am not doing fitness competitions because of my shoulder. Its in the process of rehabbing but its moving slow and I cannot lift weights. I am still staying lean and training the rest of my body because I still have things to stay in shape for  I want to schedule some fitness photo shoots soon to build portfolio and because its fun. I will also be working the San Jose Fit Expo in July with All American EFX.