What I Ate: SHUCK. Oysters + Caviar at [esc] at The Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley at East Palo Alto

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Do you ever just want to hit the [esc] button and get the fu*ck out of the city?

(this question is for my San Francisco friends)

Well…I do and this past weekend I did it. I loaded up my mini with my dog + my fancy clothes and headed down south to Palo Alto. Now, Palo Alto is not far from San Francisco (just over 30 miles), but those 30 miles on the 101 are like a breath of fresh air. Now, that air may be filled with Silicon Valley traffic but it is a welcome escape from foggy San Francisco.

I joined the AMAZING team at the Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley at East Palo Alto for the weekend and kicked it off with their Friday night SHUCK service.

What is SHUCK?

SHUCK is a Friday evening of tartines, charcuterie, locally produced cheeses, domestically cultivated oysters, ethically produced caviar and selected seafood in an eclectic yet sophisticated setting at [esc]. The mix of cutting-edge sounds by the hotel’s resident DJ, Bellosound kicks off the weekend in MAJOR style – #TrustMe I felt cool.

The crowd is filled with Silicon Valley’s finest sipping champagne + eating caviar…

#COOL

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Caviar is served by the ounce with traditional accompaniments. I live for a good blini + caviar – especially when they are serving my favorite caviar from my girls over at The Caviar Company.

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Fresh oysters are perfectly chilled + shucked to order.

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SHUCK @ [esc]

Oysters & Caviar Night

6:00pm – 11:00pm

Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley at East Palo Alto

2050 University Ave CA 94303 (650) 470-3848

 

 

 

Tuesday Shoesday: The Sam Edelman Brandie Lace-Up Flat

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UPDATE:

[THEY ARE ON SALE ON GILT IN BLACK, ORANGE PRINT + PINK]

It is a very RARE situation when I decide to buy a pair of shoes at FULL PRICE, but the Sam Edelman Brandie flats got me and I couldn’t be more pleased with this purchase.

The ballet-inspired pointed-toe shoes are available in five gorgeous colorways, one of which is a cheerfully bright floral print (next on my shopping list). I went with the sunset yellow silk fabric (pictured above with my go-to Marrin Costello anklet) and could not be more pleased.

Lovely design aside, the best part is the price tag—a reasonable $90—and the fact that I can wear them with just about anything from a pair of frayed jeans to a white cotton skirt (below). Their silk-satin fabrication gives them an elegant edge, and the pointed toe elevates the sleek factor on these beauties. Who needs fancy heels when you can jazz up your look all season long with a pair of these stylish, comfy flats?

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I say treat yourself soon! These bad boys have already sold out once.

WHAT I ATE: CARNE ASADA TACOS WITH MY L.A. CHEF + LA TOURANGELLE

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Here we go, guys! Another recipe from my friend Michael, of My L.A. Chef. This time around we decided to use Coconut Oil for his signature carne asada taco recipe. If you haven’t tried Coconut Oil – have you been hiding underneath a rock?

But why stop there? If you’re eager to explore more tantalizing taco fillings and exciting American food recipes, head over to https://thisamericanplate.com/ for a treasure trove of culinary inspiration. Discover a world of flavors and dive into the art of creating delicious and authentic tacos that will leave your taste buds craving for more. So, grab your tortillas, gather your favorite ingredients, and let the taco fiesta begin! Don’t forget to visit This American Plate for more exciting taco ideas and recipe inspirations.

I use Coconut Oil for EVERYTHING!

I use it in the kitchen and throughout my beauty routine. This Coconut Oil from La Tourangelle is rich with a fresh and pure coconut taste and texture. This raw, lightly filtered coconut oil is a delicious replacement for butter, and it adds a nutty flavor to any dish. A smooth and natural moisturizer, this silky oil also protects and nourishes skin and hair.

Now, let’s talk about how I use it in my beauty routine – A smooth and natural moisturizer, this silky oil also protects and nourishes skin and hair. And with that in mind, I simply put it all over my body. I use it as shaving cream, body lotion, as a hair mask and for oil pulling.

What is oil pulling?

Oil pulling is the act of swishing oil in the mouth for up to 20 minutes to improve oral health. Oil pulling is an age-old remedy rooted in Ayurvedic medicine that uses natural substances to clean and detoxify teeth and gums. It has the added effect of whitening teeth naturally and evidence even shows that it may be beneficial for gum health and that it may help fight harmful bacteria in the mouth!

Not quite sure if oil pulling works yet – I have been doing it on and off for about two weeks. I will be sure to report back at the end of the month!

Until then – check out this seriously delicious recipe.

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La Tourangelle Carne Asada Tacos with

Coconut Oil

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Ingredients:

  • 1 lb skirt steak
  • 1⁄2 cup asada dry rub
  • La Tourangelle Coconut Oil (Melted)
  • 1 cup arugula
  • 1 jalapeno thinly sliced
  • 4 radishes, thinly sliced
  • 1 red onion, quartered
  • 4 corn or flour tortillas
  • 1⁄2 cup each of, cilantro & parsley
  • 2 cloves of garlic, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 2 limes
  • 2 avocados, diced

 Instructions:

  • Rub steak with dry rub and set aside to rest (recipe below)
  • Preheat grill to high, or a grill pan to medium high
  • Using a blender, blend garlic, lime, parsley and cilantro until a fine green salsa is made
  • Brush meat & onions with melted coconut oil
  • Place on grill for 3-4 min on each side, basting every 2 min
  • Remove meat and onions from grill and let meat rest 5 min before slicing
  • Slice meat thin, against the grain, and chop onions
  • Warm tortillas, add meat and grilled onions to the tacos with arugula and all of the garnishes
  • Enjoy!

Spice Rub Mix

  • 1⁄4 cup granulated garlic
  • 1⁄4 cup chili powder
  • 1 Tbs ground cumin
  • 1 T ground celery seed
  • 3 Tbs onion powder
  • 1 Tbs ground oregano
  • 1⁄2 cup paprika
  • 1⁄4 cup ground black pepper
  • 1 Tbs ground coriander
  • 2 Tbs salt

Instructions:

  • Mix all together, store extra in an airtight container in a cool dark place

And let me know what you think! Have you cooked with Coconut Oil? Have you ever tried oil pulling? Let me know in the comments!

 

Tuesday Shoesday: The Everlane Leather Street Shoe

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[shoes, bag + towel]

I did it! I said goodbye to my trusty everyday Stan Smith sneakers and a big HELLO to the Leather Street Shoe from Everlane. The Everlane Street Shoe serves it up in a luxurious + durable full-grain leather. The elastic at the shoe tongue allows for an easy fit + hand cut soles made from four layers of foam elevates the shoes. That little boost in the sole makes it the perfect shoe for your commute to work, work + after work.

Now I’ve had these shoes for about two months and during those two months, I’ve worn them to the airport multiple times. If you travel a lot these shoes are an absolute must! They are super simple to slide on and off (insert airport security friendly) and elevate your look just enough to make you look like you didn’t just roll out of bed…even though 90% of the time I am at the airport I just rolled out of bed and am panic jogging from security to my gate.

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Snag them in EVERY color!

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Snag your sneakers now. The Everlane website states that these shoes are selling fast!

Friday Forecast: The Rossi & Rei Artisanal Hat Kickstarter + Weekend Sales

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My mother always told me that I had a hat head…and I clearly I believe her.

I have yet to find a hat that I don’t love including this hat from the ladies of Rossi & Rei. Now, this isn’t just any hat. This is an artisanal hat that’s made in Italy and finished by hand in Paris.

Love it?

Check out their Kickstarter here.

It is very simple! This is the first of (hopefully) many Kickstarter initiatives for Rossi & Rei.

1. They showcase the most talented Italian artisans and their best-selling products.

2. Each product can be customized to your personal taste.

3. Their artisans will craft your bespoke item, and ship it directly to you.

and if you don’t have a hat head don’t worry – there are plenty of weekend sales to keep you busy!

Weekend Sales I’m Shopping

Rebecca Minkoff Sample Sale // Up to 70% off

J. Crew 25% off your purchase and take an extra 30% off sale with the code: SHOPNOW

Ann Taylor extra 40% off  (almost everything) with the code: FORYOU

Anthropologie 20% off with the code: WOWMOM

Banana Republic – All dresses $75

LOFT 30% off everything with the code: LOVEMOM

GAP 40% off your purchase with the code: WKND