Friday Folio

Tumblr Source: like-fairy-tales

Hello!

I hope that you all have had a lovely week and are excited for the weekend!  I'm am still away, so do forgive me if I am not able to crank out a full weeks worth of posts next week.  Here are some of my favorite pictures from Tumblr this week.

I love how everything flows together really well on this rack, Tumblr Source: neverlaandss

Chiarioscuro | Tumblr Source: dailyglamorous

I love the minimalist interior design of this living room, Tumblr Source: gracespain

Tumblr Source: delta-breezes

xx,

GG

Picture Pic of the Day

DONUTS!!! Tumblr Source: minimalclassy

Living in LA: My Favorite Resturants

background image via killdot

Hello!

Last week I shared with you my top picks for trendy and Instagram-friendly places to visit in LA(you can view the post here).  This week, I would like to share with you my personal favorite restaurants in LA.  There is such a wide variety of cuisine in Los Angeles that I often take for granted.  It's not until I travel to places that are not as urban as LA that I really miss the diversity in food.  For example, Yellowstone literally only had burgers, I did not want to see another burger for a month.  My family and I actually drove an hour away for a change in food.  That being said there are so many different restaurants to choose from, here are some of my favorites.

1. Sakura

nigiri sushi assortment and edamame | Instagram Source: sway_ade

I have been coming to this restaurant for as long as I can remember.  As a child this was the only Japanese restaurant I ever went to.  For the longest time I have been ordering the tenzaru which is soba noodles with an assortment of tempura.  They also have amazing sashimi and sushi, one of my favorites is the unagi (fresh water eel).  I highly recommend this place; however, be wary, for this place is always crowded.  I believe it's less crowded at lunch, but unless you plan to come right when Sakura opens for dinner, prepare to wait for a table.

Try: the tenzaru, unagi nigiri sushi, udon, dynamite scallop

2. Pitfire Artisan Pizza(Multiple Locations)

Hail Kale and Margarita Pizzas admist other dishes | Instagram Source: pitfirepizza

I believe I first came here for a school fundraiser, and I have been coming back ever since.  They have really unique pizzas, great salads, and a large assortment of drinks.  I used to get the white pie but they don't have that on their menu anymore.  Usually I'll get the burrata with vegan cheese and no pesto.  Before I started to consciously eat more vegan I also got the big sur, margarita, and pesto chicken pizzas. Their mac and cheese is also very good.

Try: the burrata, steak salad, smothered cookie, and arnold palmer(you can choose the lemonade and the tea)

3. Louise's Trattoria(Multiple Locations)

Pomodoro(I believe) | Instagram Source: amikaf16

I think I first came here after my brother's class had a field trip here to see how pizza is made.  They have really good pizzas, pastas, and salads.  I really enjoy their chopped salad because they really do chop everything up and you do not have to use a knife(which I appreciate).  I also really enjoy their focaccia bread which they bring to your table with oil, vinegar, and herbs, it's so good.  The last time that I was here my mom got the sea bass that came with pasta in marinara sauce, but that might have been a special.

Try: their chopped salad, margarita pizza(or your preference, mine was always margarita), and their tiramisu

4. My Juice Spot

A Green Juice | Instagram Source: je.chloe

Really good smoothies and acai bowls.  I love how they use mainly fresh ingredients, unlike some other smoothie places(I'm looking at you caldining Freshens smoothies, which BTW I highly do not recommend).  They have my favorite green smoothie, the mighty kale, which I occasionally get with coconut water instead of apple juice.  Into this green smoothie they put actual greens(kale and spinach) opposed to a powdered mix(can you tell I'm still really upset by the smoothies the on campus eateries offered).  Their acai bowls are also really good, and I appreciate that they use almond milk.

Try: their mighty kale smoothie or acai bowl

5.Kay n' Daves(Multiple Locations)

Beautifully plated dessert(sorry I can't quite tell what it is) | Instagram Source: thedailyjenny

I am a little embarrassed to admit this, but I think that I've ordered the grilled chicken on the kids menu here the most(mind you that this a Mexican restaurant).  I also almost always ordered the tres leches cake for dessert, it is so good.  The last few times I have been here it hasn't been on the menu, but we've asked and they have still had it(is it possibly a secret menu item?).  I really like their veggie taco as well, the vegetables are really well seasoned.  My parents say that they also make good drinks, I can vouch for their shirley temples.

Try: their chicken mole oaxaqueno, squash blossom chile relleno, and tres leches cake(fingers-crossed that they still serve it)

Hopefully you will be able to visit one of my favorites if you ever find yourself in Los Angeles.  I am hoping to eventually compile a food diary because those are one of my favorite posts to read—reading about what people consume in a week is just so intriguing to me.

xx,

GG


Picture Pic of the Day

Pretty flower bouquets, Tumblr Source: minimalclassy

Links I Love

background photo via minimalclassy on tumblr

Hello!

Here are a few links from around the web that I have been loving.  This installment of Links I Love unintentionally features a lot of food.

1. Here's What a Muslim Dietitian Eats During Ramadan

I have always wondered how Muslims were able to fast during the day for an entire month. This article adds in an even more interesting aspect by having a dietitian explain what she eats during a typical day of Ramadan.

2. 10 Women Reveal Their First Salaries Out of College

This is super interesting to me because I'm currently still in college, and uncertain of my exact career path.  But it is also interesting to see how much rent differs in different cities, just coming off of an apartment hunt in Berkeley(which is really expensive for a college town).

3. A Week in New York on a $135,000 Salary

I think I'm kind of obsessed with this series.  I got very excited when I saw that a new "money diaries" was posted on Refinery29.  I did a post on this series here.

4. Bakers Are Cashing in on Instagram's Cake Obsession

Interesting article on the cake bakers of Instagram.  I have witnessed such a surge in cake making/decorating videos on Instagram and I really enjoy watching them.  I think that people just have a fascination with food, and all of the work and effort that goes into making something so aesthetically pleasing.

5. Gwyneth Paltrow: A Day in the Life

Photo via Vogue

I was confused how she was able to remember one of her days in such great detail from way back when, but as I was creating this link I realized that goop's LinkedIn account just promoted a post from 6+ years ago.  Still interesting, but why promote something written so long ago?

6. The $9 Nail Polish Queen Elizabeth Always Wears

I also love a soft pink for everyday wear.  When I went to away to college this year that was the only color that I took(I love Revlon Colorstay Gel Envy in "Up in Charms").  Maybe I'm more like the queen than I ever thought(totally kidding).  I know a lot of people who swear by a subtle but pretty shade.  I think that it's nice to have a go to shade, then you do not need to spend a ton of money on nail polish.  Also a soft pink literally goes with everything, so you never have to worry about your nail polish clashing with your wardrobe.

7. What Food Geniuses Eat for Lunch

I am just infatuated with what other people eat for lunch, and this compilation of lunches from people that work in the food industry is so interesting.  I love the great variety, and it's full of lunch inspiration.  When I was in high school I used to eat pita chips and hummus almost every single day for lunch.  Freshman year I would also have almonds, or one of the Trader Joe's trail mix single serving packs.  Senior year I would usually have a Chinese chicken salad from Trader Joes's(I would eat half of the container for lunch, split over the course of two days.

8. 7 Ways to Support the Women Around You

I am definitely guilty of feeling jealous about other women's successes, even if I don't even personally know them(e.g. some celebrities).  I think that it is important to empower one another, and to not put one woman down in order to get ahead.  Especially in an age where it is clear that we must all stick together, not only women, but all of those that firmly believe in equality.  That being said, this article offers some truly excellent tips.

9. All of the Celebrity Diets We've Tried(and a Few We Haven't)

Can you tell that I'm a little obsessed with what people eat?  I just love food, and I am the type of person who wakes up early just to eat breakfast.  Some celebrities have some crazy diets and nutrition regimes, and it's always interesting when a non-celebrity tries one of them out.

xx,

GG

Picture Pic of the Day

This bed just looks so darn cozy | Tumblr Source: jessica154blog

Best of Berkeley: Food

background via The Daily California

Hello!

I have decided to launch a new series dedicated to the city in which I attend school in: Berkeley!  Berkeley is such a fun and ever changing city, with a unique element and vibe because it's largely composed of college students.  I feel so lucky to be able to experience all of the culture and food that is available within Berkeley; however, I am sad that I don't have enough time to try all of the restaurants that I want to (especially Cheeseboard that always has super long lines).  This is the first installment of the series, and I have decided to kick it off with one of my favorite things: food!

Note: I have also raved about some of these places in my Spring Semester Recap.

1. Sliver

A Whole Vegan Pie...Doesn't it look SO good?

I don't know if I've already made it clear, but I am obsessed with Sliver.  And I know I'm not the only one, lots of my teammates are also obsessed, because it's that good.  Sliver makes one kind of vegetarian pizza per day, and they post their schedule for the week on their website.  Lately they have been having a lot of new creations, but they usually rotate through a series of pizzas.  Their corn pizza is very popular, it has corn, chile pasilla, onions, mozzarella, French feta cheese and is topped with cilantro, garlic olive oil, and limes.  I usually order an entire vegan pizza (call ahead of time if you want a vegan pizza), which is their pizza of the day with no cheese and extra vegetables.  My favorite rotating pizza is the potato one which I believe is pictured above.  I feel healthier eating it because it is covered in greens.

Try: Their pizza of the day (or vegan version), don't forget to get some of their "pesto sauce" (actually  called serrano cilantro hot sauce)

2. Cinnaholic

Cream Cheese Frosting & Strawberries

Cinnaholic was a place that I knew about before coming to Berkeley and was on my to do list.  I first passed by Cinnaholic when I was walking to Trader Joe's on University from Saturn Cafe.  I finally got the chance to try Cinnaholic during fall semester dead week and fell in love.  They have cinnamon rolls that are vegan and pillowy and delectable.  They warm them up for you so they are soft on the inside, with a slight toasted outside.  They are totally customizable with frosting options ranging from cream cheese to cotton candy, and they have toppings galore.  I have tried their cream cheese and amaretto frostings, and they are both delicious.

Try: A cinnamon roll with cream cheese frosting and strawberries and/or oreos, one of their featured combinations in the front display case, or make up your own creation

3. Gather

Beautifully Plated Roasted Beets | Image Source: Yelp

As you can probably already tell by the picture of one of their dishes, Gather is not a place that I frequent.  It is a perfect place to go when you have guests in town though.  I do recommend making reservations in advance, as they do book up very quickly.  I went when my Uncle came to visit me, and it just all happened to work out for us, because he got off of BART a bit early and talked to the hostess who was able to save two seats at the "bar" for us.  I believe that we got a little gem salad, the crispy brussel sprouts, stuffed eggplant, fontinella pizza, and panna cotta.  It was all very good.  Their menu changes seasonally and is different for lunch and dinner, I believe that they also serve brunch on the weekends.

Try: the crispy brussel sprouts, one of their pizzas, their toast of the day

4. Imm Thai Street Food

(top to bottom) duck noodle soup, crispy tofu, and fresh rolls | Instagram Source: jessica_e.t.e

I first had Imm on one of my roommates birthdays, when one of our kind floormates graciously traveled all the way to university to get the food for us.  We all got pad thai because we just all love to twin(not actually, my roommate would disagree).  This pad thai is definitely a step above Thai Basil (which all Berkeley students know is great Thai food for a cheap price).  I have also gotten the fresh rolls with peanut sauce of course, because the peanut sauce is what makes it so great.  I enjoyed the addition of avocado within the roll, which I have never seen before.  When I went with my committee, several of my committee members ordered the sweet chicken; however, this chicken was not so sweet, because when the dish arrived it was mostly breading.  I miraculously finished my meal early, and looked over to the table next to me to see that someone else had ordered the sweet chicken, and it actually resembled chicken!  So, maybe don't order the sweet chicken, because it seems like you either get chicken or you don't.  I also ordered the mango with sticky rice, which is always good.

Try: the duck over rice, duck noodle soup(pictured above), yen ta foh noodle soup, fresh rolls(also pictured above), and mango w/ sticky rice

5. Toss Noodle Bar

Instagram Source: daisysfashiongarden

Toss Noodle Bar has a very trendy interior, perfect for the world of Instagram and Snapchat.  They also have totally customizable noodle and rice dishes.  You get to pick a sauce from three categories that determine how your noodles or rice is going to be prepared: stir-fry, soup, or curry.  And then you get to pick from either a list of noodles or a shorter list of rices.  Finally you choose your protein.  They also have Thai iced tea with a coconut milk option, which was very much appreciated.  I believe that I have gotten the hokkien noodles with laksa soup and tofu.  It was super yummy, and I had leftovers which I took home.

Try: a stir-fry with hokkien noodles and chicken(that seems to be the most popular) and a Thai tea

I hope that I get to try new fun places this upcoming year, although maybe I won't because I'm going to have an actual kitchen this year.  Hopefully my new location will encourage me to expand the restaurants that I go to, because as you can probably tell, I usually just stick to Sliver(it's just that good).

xx,

GG

Picture Pic of the Day

I'm a sucker for flowers and a white background... | Tumblr Source: l-e-a-b-o

My Summer Plans

Tumblr Source: shinebythree

Hello!

I know that a lot of schools are still in session, but I have been on break as of three weeks ago.  Unfortunately, on my first week of break I came down with the flu and was stuck in bed.  Last summer break I didn't really do much, my "plans" were not that substantial, you can read about some of them here.  Hopefully my summer plans this year will be more beneficial to me.


Travel

Tumblr Source: ensue

I am super excited for being able to travel to Melbourne, Australia this summer! When this post is posted I should hopefully be in Melbourne already.  I am super excited to be traveling to a city this year, as opposed to a national park(see here).  I do not know that much about Australian culture, but I am excited to be immersed in it.  I will hopefully be able to see some kangaroos and koala bears.

School

Tumblr Source: studyfulltime

For the first time ever, I will be attending summer school.  I am going to take a class at my local community college that covers a breadth(basically a general elective requirement at Berkeley).  I debated throughout the year on which class to take and I settled on intro to nutritional science(fulfills biological science).  I have never taken a class over the summer before, so this should be interesting.

Other

Tumblr Source: witanddelight

I hope to continue to deep-clean my room this summer(something I could have been doing the past two weeks).  I also hope to further some of the technical skills that I acquired whilst in a business association this past semester(e.g. excel, photoshop, lightroom).  I also want to get back onto the fitness train, with a goal of working out at least three times a week.  I tried doing a ballet beautiful video yesterday, and I really felt the burn so I stopped because I did not want to be super sore for the plane ride.  However, when I woke up this morning is was still sore.  I also am going to be going to the ice rink more consistently this summer, probably 2+ times a week for me.  I went this morning and could really feel the affects of not going for a month and a half.

Hopefully everything goes to plan!

xx,

GG

Picture Pic of the Day

Doggo! | Tumblr Source: http://casadpraia.tumblr.com

Friday Folio

This whole photo is so aesthetic, Tumblr Source: wildestlovers

Hello all!

I am so proud of myself for making it to the end of the week.  I feel so accomplished.  It's been awhile since I did a Friday Folio, and I had such a fun time compiling together this one.  Enjoy!
Note: Sorry for the late upload yesterday, I made an error when scheduling the post.  I hope that you will forgive the technical difficulties.

Dreamy city and skies, Tumblr Source: eggpuffs

This puppy is so precious, Tumblr Source: awwww-cute

Such a pretty kitchen splashboard, Tumblr Source: witanddelight

This deck area is gorgeous, Tumblr Source: minimalclassy

Have a lovely weekend!

xx,

GG

Picture Pic of the Day

Tumblr Source: dailyglamourous

5 Trendy LA Places to Eat(& Instagram) at

See 5 for this location, Tumblr Source: minimalclassy, Instagram Source: majamalnar

Hello!

LA is full of places that you are likely to see all over your Instagram feed and Tumblr.  I usually do not go to these places unless they are supposed to have amazing food as well.  Here are some very trendy places in LA that you can capture a fabulous picture for your Instagram, as well as grab a bite to eat (or food to pose with).

1. Urth Caffé (multiple locations)

Pretty fruit platter and margarita pizza, Instagram Source: niamhnelsonn

The infamous blended green tea boba, Tumblr Source: past-waves

Urth Caffé can be found all over Instagram and Tumblr.  Kylie Jenner used to frequent Urth, and their  boba and lattes have likely been seen by everyone.  I like Urth because they have a large assortment of food as well as pastries, and they have a good selection of coffees and teas.  You can either order for there or to go, and they have locations all over the city.  I usually go to the one in Santa Monica on Main Street, because it's close to shops, Third Street Promenade, and the ocean.  It is a very popular brunch spot.

Try: Their green tea boba blended(you can also choose soy or almond milk if you'd like), pizzas(wide array to choose from), paninis, or salads.

2.Pressed Juicery (Multiple Locations)

A Pressed Juice Freeze, Instagram Source: jennyvieiras

One of their special Vogue collaboration lemonades, Instagram Source: themindfulchef

I feel like Pressed Juicery is an LA staple.  If you want to try some over-priced juice or one of their juice freezes you should definitely visit.  Although there are locations all over the country, there is something special about going to a get a juice in LA.

Try: A customizable juice freeze or one of their many juices.

3. Lemonade (Multiple Locations)

An assortment of foods and lemonades, Instagram Source: ariofcourse

Presumably cucumber mint lemonade at the Venice location, Instagram Source: saratoufali

Although there are multiple locations, I recommend checking out the one on Abbot Kinney—I believe it's the biggest, with more seating and a larger menu and assortment of food.  They have a large variety of lemonades, all of which you can combine with iced tea to make an arnold palmer.  It is cafeteria style, and you can always ask to sample virtually anything.  They have a great assortment of healthy seasonal foods, as well as more indulgent ones like their mac and cheese and their huge macaroons.

Try: Their cucumber mint lemonade, mac and cheese(they also have a truffle version), and watermelon radish salad.

4. California Donuts (Koreatown)

Instagram Source: hungrygirl325

Instagram Source: dolkii

California Donuts is the literal definition of Instagram famous donuts.  Their panda donuts are so cute, and they are filled with cookies and creme filling.  Buzzfeed shot part of one of their videos here, Shane Dawson did a taste test, the donuts are featured in MyLifeAsEva's viral music video, these donuts are everywhere.  Before I went I researched a little bit about the place(mainly to figure out where exactly the donut shop was located) and I read that this place gets crazy crowded at night(it's open 24 hours).  I was a little apprehensive about going with my mom(because of the crazy lines), but when we went at around 2pm on a weekday the line was not bad at all.  My favorite was the cronut with banana and nutella.

Try: The cookies and cream panda donut, snickers bar donut(with an actual snickers bar inside), blueberry crunch donut(has cinnamon toast crunch cereal on top of it), and maple bacon donut.  If you want to take a nice Instagram you can also get a cereal topped one, but for eating I recommend others.

5. Sprinkles Cupcake ATM

Instagram Source: sarahappherself

Instagram Source: lanablakely

Instagram Source: suzzieq__

So Sprinkles Cupcakes has many location all over the US, but in Beverly Hills there is not only a Sprinkles Cupcakes, but also a Sprinkles Ice Cream and Cupcake ATM all right next to each other!  So many Instagram possibilities...  Sprinkles Ice Cream offers a Sprinkles Sundae(pictured above) which is a scoop of ice cream between a cupcake top and bottom.  Sprinkles is actually the first-ever cupcake shop, and their selection varies daily but they have their cupcake schedule on their website.

Try: A cupcake from the first ever Cupcake ATM, a Sprinkles Sundae, red velvet waffle cone, or a red velvet cupcake.

xx,

GG

Picture Pic of the Day

Such a pretty flower market, Tumblr Source: birkinsandbaseball