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Guest Blogger: Selena {Nom Nom Crunch}

Hi my little bunnies!
I am still on vacation, so while I’m exploring the Netherlands I have some fabulous guest bloggers for you to meet! Thank you so much to everyone who submitted to be a guest blogger! I had no idea that I would have such a huge response from readers and bloggers, and I was so excited to hear from you guys! If you weren’t selected this time, don’t worry because I am keeping  everyone’s submissions in mind for my next vacay!

Today, I’d like to introduce you to Selena from Nom Nom Crunch! Not only is Selena gorgeous and a fabulous foodie, but she is also a friend and sorority sister of mine! I die over her recipes. I mean seriously, can you come and cook for me everyday Selena?!
A fun little fact: Nom Nom Crunch was started on my couch! What can I say, my house is blog central!

Hello from NomNomCrunch.com

Hi Bunnies!

I’m Selena and I blog over at NomNomCrunch.com.

Since I was little, I always struggled with weight. I was always trying new diets, everything from the cabbage soup diet (which I swear forever scarred my taste buds for any soup with cabbage in it) to Weight Watchers to Paleo. I have probably tried them all.

Well my weight loss journey is far from over but I have definitely learned a thing or two. But the most important thing I have learned after trying diet after diet is that there isn’t a diet in the world out there that’s one-size-fits-all. I learned more about myself and my own habits when I stopped playing with yo-yos and just ate better, as a lifestyle.

I struggle with portion control. I like to making excuses. I am a social eater. I like to enjoy a Slurpee or Starbucks just because it seems like a good day for one. People say that recognizing your weaknesses is the hardest part, but I think the day-to-day struggle to fight these old habits and make a change is where your determination and strength are really put to the test.

So my blog is all about my journey to lose weight. I like to share my healthy recipes and fitness endeavors. If you want to know more about me, check out the “About Me” section on my blog.

in progress

For now, I’m going to tell you a little secret: I never liked oats.

Recently I started working out with a new trainer and she asked me if I liked oats because that’s what she was planning for my daily breakfast. I told her, “of course I like oats!” But the truth is, I only WANT to like oats. I never actually made it to the point of actually liking them yet…. until I got creative. I have a sweet tooth so you’ll notice I added stevia in EVERYTHING!

For my oat customization recipes, use Catherine’s Fluffy Oats Recipe as the base.

Fluffy Oats
Serves 1

1/4 cup whole rolled oats
1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
1/4 cup water
1 egg white (1 egg white = 2 tbs if you’re using it from a carton)

Whisk the egg until it gets a little fluffy/foamy. Combine with oats, water, and almond milk in a saucepan and bring heat to medium. Whisk the mixture until it starts to simmer. Raise the heat to high and continue whisking for a couple of minutes until it starts to thicken. Reduce heat back to medium and whisk until most of the liquid is soaked. Transfer to a bowl and enjoy with toppings!
Note: Be sure to whisk the egg before combining with other ingredients!

Now for the customizing…

Customize Your Oats via NomNomCrunch.com

Berry Bliss

When you are combining the oats, water and almond milk together:
+ 2 tsp of vanilla extract
+ 2 tsp of stevia

Top it off with a berry reduction:
Put a handful of mixed berries into a food processor or blender. (I used raspberries and strawberries.) Then pour into a sauce pan, add 1 tsp of stevia and bring your stove to high heat, slowly stirring the mixture consistently. When the sauce begins to bubble and the color darkens, reduce to medium heat and continue to stir to prevent burning. After about 2-3 minutes, it’s ready to pour onto your oats. The sauce will be the consistency of olive oil.

Berry Bliss Oats via NomNomCrunch.com

Berry Bliss Oats via NomNomCrunch.com

Berry Bliss Oats via NomNomCrunch.com

PB&J

When you are combining the oats, water and almond milk together:
+ 3 tsp of PB2 or another powdered peanut butter alternative
+ 2 tsp of stevia

Top it off with a spoonful of your fav jam or jelly. I used a natural huckleberry jam I got from while on vacation in Yellowstone. Just keep in mind when adding your jam/jelly, many of them have added sugars so you don’t want to go crazy with it.

PB&J Oats via NomNomCrunch.com

PB&J Oats via NomNomCrunch.com

Choconut

When you are combining the oats, water and almond milk together:
+ 1 tbs of unsweetened coco powder
+ 3 tsp of stevia
SWAP the water for coconut water

Top it off with some coconut shreds and almonds.

Choconut Oats via NomNomCrunch.com

Choconut Oats via NomNomCrunch.com

Apple Pie

When you are combining the oats, water and almond milk together:
+ 1 tsp cinnamon
+1 tsp vanilla extract
+ 3 tsp of stevia

Top it off with caramelized apples:
Heat up 1/2 tsp of coconut oil and 1 tsp of honey in a small skillet on high heat. Once the oil and honey are warm, add half of an apple to the skillet, chopped or sliced. Any type of apple will do. Traditionally apple pie is made with McIntosh apples (according to Eating Well), but I just like to use whatever is on hand. I used HoneyCrisp. With a wooden spoon, stir the apples around until they are completely coated in the oil and honey. Continue to stir until the apple begins to soften and turns to a golden brown. Then pour onto your oats.

Note: Because this recipe has real sugar (honey) in the mix, it will burn a lot easier than the berry recipe. Keep an eye on your apples and keep stirring. Burned honey on your pan can mean death to your pan.

Apple Pie Oats via NomNomCrunch.com

Apple Pie Oats via NomNomCrunch.com

 

Follow Selena on:

Bunny Babes of the Month: Melissa & Kelsie from Beckley

Happy May everybunny!
I am so honored to be a guest on the Beckley Blog today!
Head on over to BeckleyBlog.com to read my Interview with the Beckley girls!

Today marks my very first Bunny Babe of the Month interview!
Meet Melissa Richardson Akkaway & Kelsie Hayes, the beauties behind BeckleybyMelissa and Beckley Boutique in Los Angeles and Las Vegas!

BeckleyByMelissa has been seen on celebrities such as: Alexis Bledel, Selena Gomez, Jessica Alba, Zoe Saldana, Jenna Dewan, Selma Blair, Busy Phillips, and Emmy Rossum!

These two are always on the go whether it be Fashion Week in NY, managing production in LA, or traveling around the world to find inspiration for their next collection. Find out how these two power women stay healthy and ultra chic with their busy schedules!

 

Beckley By Melissa

Melissa Richareson-Kelsie Hayes-Beckley-Bunny Babes-Interview


+ Tell us about yourself

MRA: I am a mom, wife and the owner of Beckley Boutiques in LA and LV as well as the owner for BeckleybyMelissa, which is much more than just a private label line for our stores. Its truly a lifestyle contemporary brand specializing in stylish silhouettes, quality fabrics and custom designed prints every girl wants to own to elevate her cool girl persona.
KH: I live and work in NYC as BeckleybyMelissa’s senior designer. Each season Melissa and I conceptualize what story our “girl” is telling and I turn our concepts into a full 50 piece collection that we sell in our stores as well as wholesale out to other boutiques across the country. Aside from BBM, I work with Melissa on the creative side of the Beckley Brand. With Melissa in LA and myself in New York, we both get to travel coast to coast and get the best of both worlds!


+ Style Icon

MRA: Depends on my mood but I typically channel Sarah Jessica Parker, Zooey Deschanel, and Miranda Kerr.
KH: Lately I’ve loved following the model-off-duty looks from Cara Delevingne and Karlie Kloss. They have access to the best fashion that money can’t even buy- and it’s interesting to see the twist they put on it. Olivia Wilde can do no wrong in my book and I’ve loved her style dating all the way back to the OC days.


+ Favorite BeckleybyMelissa Item

MRA: Its hard to choose but am currently obsessing over our caramel color leather leggings and beetle print blouses.
KH: Sleeveless Athletic Anorak is my favorite because it’s the most wearable. You can wear it so many different ways whether its with denim and the matching skirt. I’ve found myself wearing it leaving yoga and with leather leggings at night. It’s so versatile.
Beckley By Melissa Pieces


+ How many times per month are you traveling for BBM?

MRA: 1 time per month sometimes upwards of 3 during busy times.
KH: 1-3 times as well depending on how busy we are. If we have a lot going on I like to spend at least 2 weeks in LA to accomplish everything at once!


+ Favorite place you have visited

MRA: In the US I would say Post Ranch Inn in Carmel, CA. For beaches, it would be Costa Rica and major city would have to be Paris.
KH: I absolutely love London and could see myself living there eventually.


+ Favorite travel snacks

MRA: Pistachios and water. I am currently writing this from the plane and happen to have both next to me.
KH: As much as I travel, I am still an unorganized hot mess. I’m usually throwing a granola bar in my bag, but if I forget I go for the protein box from Starbucks, or a fruit bowl from another cafe in the airport.
travel snacks


+ How do you stay healthy while traveling around the globe?

MRA: I drink lots of water almost double I drink at home. I also try to take a run when I land or the next day. It allows me to kick the jet lag as well as get a quick overview of the city I am visiting.
KH: The key for me is to keep up with my vitamins and stay hydrated. If I’m going to LA I try to get one full night of 12 hours of sleep once I get there because chances are I’m totally sleep deprived.


+ Favorite hotel room/travel/vacation workout

MRA: I love doing yoga in my room. A few down dogs, sun salutations and stretching is an easy quick way to get your body moving especially after a long flight. Plus its great for your mind to relax.
KH: I’ve been doing this squat challenge (day 25!!). It helps for me to do challenges like that because it keeps me motivated no matter where I am.


+ Ideal workout outfit

MRA: I am a big fan of Lululemon. Its on trend in color and fit plus wears well. I have some items that are well over 5 years old and still in great condition.
KH: I was a volleyball player and cheerleader most of my life- so I love spandex and always will.


+ Best stylish gym bag

MRA: I tend to carry a lot of big bags so I would say my large Goyard carry all tote is a great day bag for me to throw in my work out gear and iPod.
KH: My shark bag from Little Tokyo in LA.
Goyard Tote & Shark Bag

+ Motivation to stay in shape
MRA: I have worked out for as long as I can remember.Its just a part of my life like taking a shower or brushing my teeth. I really enjoy working out as it provides me with a way to get out my stress and decompress mentally.
KH: I live in New York, surrounded by models. Enough motivation for me. On a serious note, as hard as it is to fit a workout in- I know it will energize me the rest of the day.


+ Favorite natural beauty remedy

MRA: I occasionally get an in home facial and my facialist mixes me a face mask after each treatment that is thermal so when it is applied to the face it heats up. Its my go to when I need a beauty fix while traveling.
KH: Oribe Hair Treatments once a month are my favorite.


+ Quick easy healthy recipe

MRA: I am a big smoothie person. I like to use non flavored protein powder, flax seed oil, ice, handful of frozen spinach, tablespoon of peanut butter, one banana and water. It is a healthy and tasty on the go snack/drink for me.
KH: Super mom Melissa is putting me to shame here. If I need to make something quick I usually just do a hard boiled egg.


+ Favorite skinny cocktail

MRA: I love a citrus vodka and soda with a lime. Its refreshing but definitely relaxes me.
KH: Vodka soda + 2 limes.


+ How do you maintain balance between your job and healthy lifestyle?

MRA: I make myself take a break from my phone and computer when I get home so I can spend quality time with my husband and son. It allows us to play, talk, make dinner and just be out of touch for a while.
KH: My job is definitely a huge part of my life because I love what I do so much. I am away from my family so I make sure to talk to my mom and sister once a day either in the morning or at night. I am slowly learning to turn my phone on silent while I sleep- but we work with so many people across the world so I have to stay connected! Basically, I am only 23 and I am still working out a healthy balance between work, social life, and rest.


+ Best advice for a busy fashionista

MRA: Fashion and trends are always changing so stay true to yourself and your lifestyle and make choices that work for you!
KH: Try to establish what your “uniform” is- and invest in it. If you like how you feel in a certain look- it makes it easier to get dressed if you stick to it and change it up with accessories!!


+ Embarrassing workout story

MRA: I ran track in college at Georgetown and I was running an extremely tiring cross country race and peed my pants. It was terrible but my team mates were super supportive and we laughed it off later. Sometimes your body just has enough!
KH: I went into a wrong class at yogaworks one day- and ended up being in a super advanced class. I figured this out when I was in a backbend for 5 minutes. I stuck it out but it was definitely not easy to keep up!

 

Selma Blair, Busy Phillips, Melissa Richardson Akkaway, Jenna Dewan and Emmy Rossum
From left: Selma Blair, Busy Phillips, Melissa Richardson Akkaway, Jenna Dewan and Emmy Rossum

Veronika Borchers, Melissa Akkaway, Alexis Bledel, Kelsie HayesFrom left: Veronika Borchers, Melissa Akkaway, Alexis Bledel, and Kelsie Hayes.


+ Where to find Melissa & Kelsie
Melissa’s Instagram:
 @MelissaBeckley
Kelsie’s Instagram:
 @KelsieHayes
Beckley Blog:
 BeckleyBlog.com

+Beckley By Melissa
Website: BeckleyByMelissa.com
Facebook: Facebook.com/BeckleyByMelissa
Instagram: 
@BeckleyByMeliss

+Beckley Boutique
Website: 
BeckleyBoutique.com
Facebook: Facebook.com/BeckleyBoutique
Twitter: @Beckley Boutique
Instagram: @BeckleyBoutique
Beckley Blog: BeckleyBlog.com

+Giveaway
Melissa and Kelsie love you little bunnies so much that they are giving away a BeckleybyMelissa Spring 2013 Signature Beetle Print Scarf from Beckley Boutique so you can go to yoga class in style! Tie it around your chic gym bag or throw it on after leaving a workout class as you head to lunch with this adorable spring bug scarf!
Kelsie designed the print herself!

BeckleybyMelissa Beetle Print Scarf
For your chance to win (you can earn up to 2 entries!!!):

  1. Leave a comment on this post telling me your favorite travel snack or travel workout.
  2. Earn another entry by tweeting “ Enter the #giveaway hosted by @EatRabbitFood for a chance to #win a #BeckleybyMelissa #scarf from @BeckleyBoutique! http://bit.ly/101RVNv ”
    – Complete your Twitter entry by leaving a separate comment on this post with a link to your tweet.
  • That means you can earn up to 2 entries: comment on this post, follow on Instagram, follow on Facebook, follow on Twitter, and  tweet!
  • All entries must use a valid email address.
  • Contest open to U.S. residents only (I’m sorry international bunnies!)
  • All entries must be posted by Sunday, May 5 at 11:59pm (PST).
  • winner will be announced on Monday, May 6.

Good Luck! xo

* The giveaway has ended, and the winner will be announced on Monday, May 6.
** Congratulations to the winner: Celina!

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in SF

Hi bunnies!
Oh my gosh I have been so busy busy busy! I have house guests visiting from out of state so I’ve been playing tour guide and hostess with the mostess this week, hence the very delayed post! I haven’t had two seconds to go onto my blog this week, but I am so happy to be back today!

Since I missed my usual Monday post, here is your Motivation Monday quote, a la Thursday!
Motivation Monday (now it’s a Throwback Thursday quote haha): “You are what you eat. So don’t be fast, cheap, easy, or fake!”

My trip to San Francisco for the Produce for Better Health: Consumer Connection Annual Conference was so much fun. By the end of the conference I didn’t want to go home!

I love being surround by others who are passionate about healthy eating and excellent produce! My panel was moderated by Bob Ochsner from DGWB who gave an outstanding presentation about blogger outreach and forming long lasting relationships with bloggers and brands. As Bob said…“Bloggers are the rockstars of the future…” It’s pretty amazing how blogging has evolved from an “online journal” to a full time career and main source of advertising for many brands. It has been such an honor to work with Selena and Bob at DGWB, DOLE Salads, DOLE Bananas, and Bard Valley Natural Delights Dates. I feel like the luckiest little bunny in the world!

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San Francisco

I never imagined a conference being so much fun. I got to chat with some excellent produce lovers from marketing and PR professionals, family farmers, dietitians, produce sales representatives, and of course blog idols! The second Selena told me that Kathy Patalsky from Healthy. Happy. Life. was speaking on my same panel, I nearly had a fan girl moment! I have been reading and swooning over Kathy’s mouth watering vegan recipes for over a year now, and meeting her in person was surreal! On my second day at the conference, I walked back to the hotel and saw Kathy relaxing in the lobby with her (you guessed it, soy matcha latte). Of course me and my overly excited self walked right up to her and said “Kathy? I’m Catherine!” and the rest was history. Just kidding, but really. We sat and chatted in the lobby for a couple of hours until we realized what time it was! I was so intimidated meeting one of my favorite bloggers face-to-face (hello, she’s like serious celeb status!), but she is as sweet as a peach, and so much fun to be around. When the conference was over, we spent the entire cab ride to the airport brainstorming T-shirt ideas to promote Kathy’s blog and book 365 Vegan Smoothies that is coming out this June! I’m so excited to help her with her shirts, they’re going to be sooooo cute!

I ended up with way more photos than I originally thought, but here they are!

PREP DAY: TUESDAY BEFORE MY TRIP

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoThe trip started off with some night before travel snack shopping at Mother’s Market. I ended up with a basket of Alive & Radiant Kale Krunch: Tarragon Dijon flavorGo Raw Spirulina Super ChipsJustin’s Almond Butter packets, and a handful of Larabars.

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoPrinted a bunch of new business cards. They were a big hit at the conference!

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoEnded up making a special RFFMBT shirt to wear for my panel. At midnight… haha Can you say procrastinating to avoid packing?

DAY 1: TRAVEL & MYCOPIA GOURMET MUSHROOM TOUR

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoI was up early on Wednesday morning to fly up to San Francisco. Needless to say after my night of procrastinating, business card making, and shirt creating, I needed a Skinny Vanilla Latte from Starbucks.

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoBoarded the plane in style… on the tarmac! Off we went to SF!

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoI arrived at the W San Francisco just in time to check into my gorg room and change clothes for the “veggie tour!”

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoMy office away from home for a few days!

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoHow beautiful is this view? My room looked right at the Bay Bridge!

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoI found Waldo on top of one of the buildings!

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoChecked in at registration and met Sharese Alston who coordinated my trip and the event! It was so fun to meet her and finally put a face to the lovely lady behind all of our emails! I wish I got a picture with her, she is the cutest thing and full of energy. Once I checked in, I got my name badge and ran to the bus for our tour.

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoI couldn’t have arrived on a more beautiful day. The sun was shining, the sky was bright blue, and the two hour drive to our tour destination was absolutely stunning.

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoOur tour destination: Mycopia Gourmet Mushroom farm.

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoSo pumped when they brought out these suhhh-weeet hairnets for us to wear. Nothing says sexy like a hairnet.

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoSnapshot of all our the tour attendees entering Mycopia in their super chic hairnets.

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoBefore each room/area we went to in the farm, we had to dip our shoes in little tubs of a bleach mixture to prevent any spores from being transferred into the farm.

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoGetting an intro to the soil and planting process. So not what I was expecting! I thought we would drive up to vineyards of mushrooms outside! Ha! Boy was I wrong!

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoJars of soil and growing mushrooms. Totally not how I imagined mushrooms being grown.

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoInside the “farm!”

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoFull grown mushrooms.

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoI felt like I was in wonderland when I walked into this room!

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoI’ve never thought of mushrooms as gorgeous until this day.

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoHad to refrain from touching them haha they look so soft and… pretty!

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoGetting a demo of how the mushrooms are “picked” from their jars. No cutting needed.

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoMushroom packaging room.

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoDelicious mushroom snacks for us! The chef sautéed three different types of mushrooms in olive oil with a little bit of salt and pepper and it was absolutely to die for. On a side note, how cute are these mushroom bouquets?! Call me crazy, but I’m tempted to throw a mushroom partayyy and have some adorable mushroom center pieces! They’re too cute! Huge thank you to Mycopia Gourmet Mushrooms for the awesome tour!

DAY 2: EXPLORING SF & DINNER WITH FRIENDS

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoDay two started off with a nice lonnnnggggg walk. I really worked my glutes and calves on all of those hills haha.

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoWouldn’t be SF without a cable car photo.

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoMy favorite Chinatown. Ever.

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoAnother cable car photo.

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoVisited my old stomping grounds at FIDM SF (although I did go to the LA campus)!

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoAfter several hours of walking up hills I went back to the hotel for some hydration… andddd met the amazing Kathy from Healthy. Happy. Life.!

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San Franciscoand dove into my snacks!  Alive & Radiant Kale Krunch: Tarragon Dijon flavor & Go Raw Spirulina Super Chips. Accompanied by some work on my laptop.

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoLater Thursday night I met up with two of my friends Michaela and Katherine from home! We enjoyed tons of laughs, a bottle of wine, and amazing Italian food at Ristorante Milano. It was so great catching up with them. Missed these girls so much!

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoIt took us about 10 tries to get a photo of all of us in the cab.

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoAnd here’s the final product. Look how clear the photo is! Hahaha We tried.

DAY 3: BLOGGER PANEL & DINNER AND FUN WITH KATHY

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoPre-panel selfie! I was really proud of my hair that day haha and my bunny phone case obviously needed to be shown off!

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoGolden kale necklace and custom handmade “EAT MORE RABBIT FOOD” shirt!

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoBefore the panel, Kathy and I met in the lobby and explored the conference room!

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoMy name badge and “SPEAKER” ribbon! Ahhhh!

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoKathy’s pre-panel tea. Loved how the leaf on the tea bag peaked out of the mug!

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoFeatured speakers for the interactive blogger panel!

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoSpeaking with Amy Sherman from Cooking with Amy, Kathy Patalsky of Healthy. Happy. Life., and Jess Goldman Foung from Sodium Girl!

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoAfter our panel, Kathy and I hopped in a cab and made our way to Saha for some Arabic fusion! When Kathy visited Veg News, they told her she must try Saha, and now we know why! If you are in San Francisco, you must go! plus It’s very veggie and vegan friendly. It’s safe to say that Kathy and I arrived at Saha with quite an appetite. Our feast (not exaggerating) consisted of: Cauliflower Coconut Lavender Soup, Stuffed Artichoke Hearts, Kale Quinoa Tofu Salad, Vegan Mushroom Ravioli (omg. melt in your mouth. so good that I ate them before I could even take a photo.), Vegan Tagine, Vegan Baklava, and Vegan Knaffe. See, I told you we ordered a feast!

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoWe arrived at 5:30 for our 6pm reservation hoping to be seated early… until we found out that Saha opened at 6! Can you tell that we were starving?

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoKathy and I at Saha.

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoKale Quinoa Tofu Salad with cooked peaches. The menu had me at kale.

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoStuffed artichoke. To die for! It was cooked to perfection and at first bite was reminiscent of a portobello mushroom.

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoOh yes, I’d like to order the “Slap Yo Mama.” I couldn’t resist taking a photo.

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoVegan Baklava. Holy yum. I’m such a sucker for Baklava. It’s totally my Armenian roots coming out! Love how they were cooked as individual treats!

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoVegan Knaffe, an Arabic dessert!

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoCompletely stuffed from dinner at Saha, we went back to the W… and got stuck in the revolving door. Yes, you read that right! For the brief time we were stuck, I had visions of SFFD having to come break the glass and rescue us! What was probably seconds felt like hours as the entire lobby of guests were staring! I could not stop laughing, it was so epic! This scene from the movie Anchorman can give you a great idea of what we looked like in that glass revolving door.

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoAfter the revolving door incident we decided to go get Soy Matcha Green Tea Lattes and go on a stroll to Union Square.

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoI told Kathy that we had to go in the glass elevator a.k.a. Oz at the St. Francis hotel to see the gorgeous city view! …and then we eded up getting stuck in the elevator. There were no buttons inside. total. fail. We had to ride it until someone else got in and pressed “lobby” with their hotel key from the outside! For a hot second, I though’t we were going to be stuck in yet another glass case of emotion.

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoWe got back to the W and watched the new lights/light show on the bay bridge. It felt like I was at Disneyland every night watching World of Color!

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoIt wouldn’t be the W without super out-there decor! When I got back to my room the first night, I noticed a pink and purple light glowing from above the desk. I laughed hysterically because at the Chobani dinnerAmy Keefe was telling me about the glowing Buddha when se stayed at the W SF! Of course I had to email her a photo of it right away haha. This little guy changed colors all night and I literally couldn’t turn it off! Buddha was glowing in all of his glory until I found out that he had a little door that hid him haha.

DAY 4: HOMEWARD BOUND
PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoSaturday morning, Kathy and I packed our bags and met up in the lobby.

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoSince we both had flights around the same time, we shared a cab to SFO and got to hangout together at the gate before departing. We found an awesome cafe at the airport that was loaded with healthy options – so rare in the airport world. They had a yogurt bar with nonfat, 1%, and 2% Greek strained yogurt, soy yogurt, and your choice of toppings along with a big selection of Kombucha! Multi-Green Kombucha, nonfat Greek yogurt with kiwis and granola for me, and Synergy Kombucha for Kathy! It was an excellent way to end the trip!

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoWhile on my flight, I opened up my book to find a hand written note from Kathy. I totally started tearing up on the plane while reading this. She is so genuine and kind. Still speechless, I’m framing this!

Thank you so much to the Produce for Better Health Foundation for including me in your Consumer Connection Conference and for sponsoring my travel and stay at the W!

P.S. Look what just arrived!!! Can’t even contain my enthusiasm right now! I can’t wait to get them photographed and onto my online store asap!
PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San Francisco

Chobani LA Dinner

Yesterday I had the honor of attending a Chobani dinner with Amy Keefe (Chobani) and some über awesome LA bloggers! Dinner was held at Hatfield’s in West Hollywood for an evening of nothing but good food and drinks, complete with Chobani-inspired dishes specially prepared by acclaimed chef Quinn Hatfield. I entered the restaurant to see a group of lively bloggers and Amy, the girl behind the Chobani emails! It’s so exciting when you finally get to put a face to the name of someone you have been talking to via email. Amy is hilarious and so much fun to chat with! After dinner, we decided we were long lost soul sisters. I definitely need to make a trip to the Chobani SoHo Yogurt Bar in the big apple and say hi to all of my other email pen pals at Chobani! CHO has the funniest bunch of employees I have ever worked with.

I was so excited to meet some blogger pen pals and new bloggy friends like the adorable Jessica from What Would Jessica Eat?,  Kelly from Foodie Fiasco (um ya, this little powerhouse is a freshman in high school. She is so inspiring and wise beyond her years! Needless to say I am obsessed with her), and Adrianna of A Cozy Kitchen. Adrianna and I found out that we both have tri-colored Corgis and after that… there was tons of squealing, picture showing, and “awwwws” going on until wee hours into the night. Proud corgi mommas. Oh, and I decided that my Corgi Teddy and her Corgi Amelia are dating. It’s love.

Why do I love Chobani so much?
Besides their awesome employees, I love that their yogurt is natural and Greek strained. It’s made with only milk and cultures with the addition of real fruit and cane sugar in flavored options. Some brands market their product as Greek yogurt, but in fact it isn’t true Greek strained yogurt. Be aware that “Greek-Style” yogurt is not the same. Greek-style yogurts contain additives, milk concentrate, and added whey protein to make the yogurt taste and mimic the texture of authentic Greek yogurt.

So what is Greek Yogurt?
The word Greek refers to the straining process which gives the yogurt it’s thick texture and high protein content. True Greek yogurt only contains milk and live & active cultures.

Did you know that Chobani uses 3 pounds of milk for every 1 pound of Chobani Greek Yogurt? Thats where that high protein rich creaminess comes from!

Chobani LA Dinner
#1 Chobani community coordinator Amy Keefe and I! If you love cats & Chobani, you will def love Amy!
 

Chobani LA Dinner
Finally met one of my favorite healthy living pen pals: personal trainer Bree Bond!
Bree and I have been exchanging tweets for almost a year! You have to checkout her Instagram. She is so inspiring, and girl has a sweet six pack!
I told Bree she needs to start training me haha
Bree’s Instagram & Twitter.

Chobani LA DinnerChobani LA bloggers!

Chobani LA Dinner“It’s time to treat CHOself!”

Chobani LA DinnerFIVE courses of Chobani inspired nom noms! Ohhhh my gosh, checkout that menu!

Chobani LA DinnerAnd of course, the wine pairing. Because Chobani goes all out!

Chobani LA DinnerThe night started with a small crab salad.

Chobani LA DinnerFirst Course: Raw Marinated Kanpachi
Marinated baby radish, herbed Chobani Yogurt, fresh horseradish.

Chobani LA DinnerSecond Course: Butternut Squash Soup
Roasted apple, pancetta, hon shimeji mushrooms, Chobani yogurt crema.
 – took a photo of Amy’s soup to show you guys since I’m allergic and couldn’t have it! –

Chobani LA DinnerModified Second Course: Arugula Salad
Marisa Sheep Cheese and Pecans.
Since I found out the hard way that I am in fact 200% allergic to squash a couple of weeks ago… the sous chef made me a fresh salad! Simple and delicious.

Chobani LA DinnerThird Course: Sous Vide Chicken in Greek Yogurt
Roasted Fennel, Chobani creamy barley, apple salad, whiskey prune smear.
I’m pretty much vegetarian, but I really wanted to give all of the menu items a try. The Creamy Chobani Barley was insanely amazing. I NEED to learn how to make this! Totally inspiring me to make a Chobani Risotto. Or shall I say RiCHOtto!

Chobani LA DinnerFourth Course: Thirty-Six Hour Braised Beef Rib
Smoked Chobani yogurt potatoes.
Once again, I’m not really a meat eater at all, especially red meat, but I’ll try anything once. I like to live life on the edge! haha. The potatoes and roasted broccolini were out of this world. Oh. my. gosh. Absolutely mouthwatering!

Chobani LA DinnerFifth Course: Meyer Lemon and Chobani Yogurt Meringue Tart
Grapefruit confit, mint, huckleberry.
Minus the huckleberry because of my allergy!

Chobani LA DinnerAfter dinner coffee, a must!

Chobani LA DinnerChobani swag bag: Love this bag, upcycled from a burlap coffee bag! Inside the bag was a sweet reusable Chobani water bottle, wooden spoon to get my cookin’ on, Chobani Nike Dry-Fit shirt, and a magnet with conversions for cooking with CHO
Chobani LA DinnerConversions for cooking with Chobani!
Simple swaps to make any meal even healthier! #justaddgood

Aren’t you totally inspired to cook something with Chobani now?
Checkout their awesome recipes and get inspired


Huge thank you to Chobani and Hatfield’s for the amazing dinner!