Five Things

Posted on September 24, 2014 by 4evamaria

Hello everyone!

Despite what I initially stated on Monday’s post, yesterday was, in fact, the first day of Autumn. Whoops! Either way, things have been continuing the same as always, and it’s still absurdly warm here in the Bay Area. So, while cooking alive in my little apartment despite having all my fans going, I give you: Five Things.

This past Saturday was our school’s annual trip to San Francisco for the newest pointe students. This is a huge rite of passage, and often something a dancer remembers for the rest of her life. I was so glad to be a part of it this year. I was feeling creative and snagged a fun picture of everyone on the escalator.

My dance outfit of the day, also a workplace selfie. I’m sporting my newest Sonoya style Yumiko leotard. It’s wonderfully comfortable, and a fabulous replacement for one I lost earlier this month. Please ignore my frightening dancer feet.

A beautiful little piece of graffiti art found on last week’s hike. The view while sitting in this decorated bench was just as lovely, if not more so.

Photo c/o Gimme Some Oven

I recently made these coconut oil chocolate chip cookies from food blogger Ali Ebright at Gimme Some Oven. Despite the lack of butter, they were utterly amazing! You can find the recipe here. The coconut oil added some fantastic flavor, and I don’t feel badly about eating more than one…or two…or five, whatever!

And, lastly, on a more serious note…

UN Goodwill Ambassador for UN Women Emma Watson is so genuine and eloquent in her speech advocating for gender equality. You absolutely need to watch this. It’s my honest belief that many people don’t, in fact, understand the true meaning of the term ‘feminist.’ It’s uncomplicated, and fundamentally a human rights issue, above all else.

Food for thought.

EVA♥

[Redacted]

Posted on September 23, 2014 by 4evamaria

Hello everyone!

I’m not sure if many of you remember this, but a while back I wrote a biting review of the Tinder app (you can find it here)? And I told you all about how it wasn’t “better than real life,” how it was superficial, and how the majority of men on there were poorly presented?

Well… I have a confession to make.

I sort of found one on there. And by found, I mean, I’ve been seeing a guy I met on Tinder for the last six months or so. You may have seen his disembodied hand here and there, or perhaps noticed that I’ve been stealing his photos for some of my most recent posts. I know some bloggers feel a bit dicey about sharing too much of their personal lives in their writing, and yet I put all this other ridiculous life-related nonsense on here so why not? I was the one that decided to be all high and mighty and share my opinions in the first place, so here goes nothing!

I began my original Tinder post with the disclaimer that this was all for blog-related purposes, yadda yadda. I downloaded and deleted it, only to download it again, to later delete it. Long story short, Tinder made a great recreational, post-cocktail bonding activity for myself and my girlfriends. Who doesn’t like some good old-fashioned ogling and complaining about members of the opposite sex? I know men do this too, although perhaps sans complaining. It’s admittedly quite fun to hand your best girlfriend your phone and tell her to “have at it!” Let’s be honest, I haven’t had the best track record, but I keep trying and things keep getting better, so I must be doing something right.

I had struck up a few conversations with people I had been “matched” with, and I was pleasantly surprised at how polite the majority of them were. Once again, this wouldn’t be hard to do in real life. However, I’ve been told by male friends of mine that I’m somehow “scary” for men to talk to, or some such nonsense. Anyway, I decided to meet one of my matches for a quick lunch one day while I was commuting to work in San Francisco. I made sure to tell one of my girlfriends about my plans, lest I find myself in need of a fake emergency in case of the dreaded really bad date. Maybe I was a tiny bit obsessive about it, but you never know. He looked almost exactly like his photos. Typical first date awkwardness ensued; I had a big bowl of carrot soup and he ate kale salad before dropping me back off at the office. I saw him again that Saturday, and again the week after that, and the week after that. It’s funny how these things work sometimes. I wasn’t necessarily looking for anything, but had apparently found something wonderful. Now, whenever someone complains that online dating is weird, or that Tinder is “just for hookups,” all my girlfriends are quick to make an example of me: “Eva met her guy on Tinder! And he’s great! Not crazy or anything…that we know of. Eva! Show them a picture!”

Am suddenly shining example of strange dating success. Sure, it can get awkward when people ask how we met. Depending on how either of us is feeling, we’ll either tell people the truth or say we met somewhere horribly mundane, like Starbucks. Yet, I’m pleasantly surprised at how many people are quick to share their positive dating-app experiences. The game has certainly changed since my parents age, and I feel like technology has quite a bit to do with it. But I don’t think any amount of new websites or apps will ever help us figure some things out. I’m fairly certain that men will always be bizarre and puzzling to me, but then again, most would probably say the same things about me. Meanwhile, I can always leave them in a corner somewhere while I go shopping.

Just kidding….sort of.

EVA♥

Life Lately

Posted on September 22, 2014 by 4evamaria

Hello everyone,

Today is the first official day of Fall! We’re obviously horribly spoiled here in California, because rather than the autumn chill I expected this morning, things are typical: 70 degrees and sunny. The grass is always greener I suppose, because I’m dying to pull out all my soft, over-sized sweaters and boots. We may not have the traditional autumns here, with only a few turning leaves, but I’m looking forward to a little much-needed rain and chill.

A weekday morning hike in Tilden Park filled with beautiful views.

Shrimp on my pizza at Jupiter in Berkeley.

Nighttime sight-seeing on the Cal campus with family.

Hers & His at Capone’s Speakeasy in Alameda.

Photo c/o Patrick Baron. I mean…c’mon, I wish my camera was this nice!

Beautiful chandeliers at Capone’s.

I feel as if I’ve been rather quiet on the blog front lately, and that’s primarily due to the fact that both my phone and my computer are on their last legs. I awoke this morning to a cryptic message that my iPhone storage was just about at capacity, and I’m pretty sure I’m the only blogger and 20-something in existence that still uses an HP laptop circa 2008. No exaggeration; my battery is so shot that I’m constantly chained to the outlet with a frayed cord that looks slightly like a fire hazard. It’s definitely time to upgrade.

In other news, I’ve been attempting to find that “work/life balance” everyone’s always talking about. When I’m not working much, all I want to do is work, and vice versa. I’m still jumping through hoops trying to get myself into teaching at the local public schools; I look forward to the day when I can write about my first day and my experiences there. In the meantime, I’ve been trying to be out and about, but in a different way. Not so much “cocktailing and sample sale-ing,” but more family dinners and calm walks with friends. This is, of course, not to say that I’ve removed myself from the local nightlife completely. I recently visited the long-anticipated new speakeasy, which, despite some of the not so stellar things I’ve heard, was a pleasant surprise! It gets the requisite bonus points for being walking distance from home. I’m attempting to become more of a homebody into the fall and winter, so this is the closest I’m going to get. That and visiting other people’s’ homes. Good food, good company, as I oft say.

Happy Autumn!

EVA♥

The Plate

Posted on September 18, 2014 by 4evamaria

Hello everyone!

Today, I wanted to share a bit of wisdom that has been imparted on me recently by the boss lady.

Ladies…this one’s for you.

Yes…it’s the plate emoji.

Ever get into one of those infuriating points in your relationship where you find yourself Googling: “My boyfriend is being a [redacted]?” Or, how about “What to do when men can’t multi-task/pay attention/listen/be more…(insert adjective here)?” I know I can’t be the only one that does this. Unfortunately, while the internet can be fun and helpful on many levels, it kind of sucks when it comes to relationship advice. Sure, there are the occasionally insightful Huffington Post articles, but you’ll have to weed your way through dozens of inane Cosmopolitan lists to get to them. I know that as women, we’re often prone to looking the other way, or making excuses for the sometimes obnoxious behavior of people we care about in an attempt to avoid coming off as bitchy, or even being given the dreaded “mommy” label. No one wants to be in a relationship with their nagging mother. So what’s a girl to do? I may be far from having all the answers, but the following analogy has helped me more than anything:

Imagine that you and your significant other are at a restaurant. You order your meals, and wait in anticipation. Then, the moment comes when your plates are set down in front of you. You look at your beautiful plate and begin to think: would anyone else like a taste? Maybe this needs more salt? Perhaps you should have ordered something else? Oh, wait! The table across from you has some delicious looking thing on theirs. Maybe you should have ordered that? This portion is huge, so maybe you’ll take some of it home? And your date, does he like his food? Does he mind if you pick off of his plate? Maybe you’re gluten intolerant like your friend suggested? Maybe you should eat less protein and more carbs? That’s a thing, right? Etc, etc, etc.

Meanwhile, you look over at your partner, and all you can see is the top of his head. He’s too engrossed in his full plate to notice anything else. Granted, he may come up for air to give you the “my plate is too full” eyes, but that’s all you’re going to get from him. That’s it. Until he finishes eating, he will be completely engrossed in it. The same goes for life. At times, his life will present him with one big plate of food, and he will be unable to handle or comprehend all the things you think about or want. It’s perhaps a silly analogy, but it’s more true than anything else I’ve heard lately. So, when you’re thinking he’s being an insensitive jerk for not returning your text or call in a timely manner, or can’t seem to find a balance between work and leisure, never fear. Try not to take it personally, because it’s not you. You, after all, can do and think all the things at once without having a complete meltdown. It’s his damn plate.

EVA♥

Five Things

Posted on September 17, 2014 by 4evamaria

Hi everyone!

Between running boring, adult errands (fingerprinting and insurance, anyone?), watching complete drivel on Youtube, and teaching what feels like constant ballet classes, I’ve come across a few little gems throughout the week. First off, I’ve been lucky enough to have a mailbox full of notes recently, which is a refreshing change from the junk/bills I usually get. Below is one of my favorites:

My friend Emily sent me this surprise “just because” postcard in the mail! Love the diamond in the middle. She knows me so well.

I’m relishing the last remnants of summer with my produce lately. I cut into this beautiful nectarine the other morning and its natural heart shape made just me happy.

Apparently Yan-Yan now has “educational” phrases on each cookie, stick…thing. Star+Fish.

Also, I have giant hands. It’s not an illusion at all.

The most delicious seared ahi tuna and avocado taco at Garaje in San Francisco. I highly recommend.

and finally,

15 Career Tips from Smart Women

as featured on the amazing, and oft-frequented Joanna Goddard’s blog, “A Cup of Jo.” I think my favorite tip is from Hilary Rodham Clinton on the “perfectionist gene.” It’s something that I can wholeheartedly relate to. Do you think men worry about wearing the wrong shoes in a meeting? Um, no. Go forth, ladies, and conquer!

EVA♥

Sparkles and such…

Posted on September 16, 2014 by 4evamaria

Hello everyone!

Though I would usually classify myself as a lover of simple, delicate pieces of jewelry that can be worn everyday, I’ve acquired a few new bits and baubles recently. Then again, those of you who have read my previous blog on my giant tangle of a jewelry “box,” you know how much I like my fun, over-the-top pieces.

From left to right: Marrin Costello Bowzer bracelet, Bauble Bar 360 studs, and the Marrin Costello Melrose hand chain. Pardon my dust. Black furniture is really hard to keep clean- I’ve learned that the hard way.

The man has dubbed my new pearl studs my “backwards earrings.” I like to explain them as the perfect earring for ballet class: they’re just as pretty from the front as from the back, even interesting mid-pirouette!

These pieces are, without a doubt, my newest favorites. They’re all quite unique, and I have yet to see them out and about. They’re also quite different from each other, although that doesn’t stop me from piling them on altogether! While I was a bit trepidatious about deviating from my comfort zone, (that gold is really….well, gold) the girlfriend I was with when I bought them insisted that matching metals was too “90’s anyway.” So, when I’m feeling a little spunky, or in need of some heavy-duty armor, I slap on my bowzer bracelet. Feeling feminine and proper? On go the pearls. And the hand chain is just the wild card, of course. If I feel like really confusing myself and other people, I pair it with my rose gold Michael Kors watch or my favorite turquoise ring. I’m not entirely sure of how this looks, but it sure feels good.

EVA♥

Bay Area Living

Posted on September 16, 2014 by 4evamaria

Hello everyone and happy Monday.

An Eva in her natural habitat. Photo c/o Patrick Baron

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!

I thought I’d share some photos with you from my latest adventures across the bay. I finally got to visit the Wave Organ installation in the Marina recently. It’s quite unique, made with recycled stone from the old Laurel Hill cemetery, and home to some beautiful views of the bay and the Golden Gate bridge. I anticipate many a day spent out on the hidden stone bench, with a cup of coffee from my favorite doughnut place right around the corner.

Those of you that have visited, or may live in the Bay Area, know that San Francisco is entirely its own creature. That’s what so many people like about it. It’s a veritable melting pot of people, home to the beautiful and the bizarre. Despite having grown up in this area, the last five years of my life spent here have been filled with new neighborhoods, restaurants, and people. And while I’m entirely taken with the city, and everything it has to offer, I sometimes find myself wishing that I wasn’t as “lucky” to have grown up here. Most of us have a desire that drives us to start our adult lives elsewhere, away from our parents and the quiet streets we grew up on in the urge to create something entirely our own. I can’t really complain. When I get restless, I have the luxury of getting in my car and driving somewhere entirely new, where no one knows me. There, among the unfamiliar faces, I can act as much of an idiot as I want. If I feel like being the girl in the impossible shoes, teetering around like a baby giraffe, I can. If I feel like having pink hair and thrifting my afternoons away, I can. If I feel like wearing no makeup and only my favorite Lululemon, I can. I can temporarily reinvent myself as many times as I wish, all I need to do is pick a new city, or a different neighborhood. As much as Bay Area transplants feel as if they belong here, in whatever city they find themselves, with little wiggle room, I feel as if I can belong anywhere. Does that make sense? Or is this just the combination of insomnia and too many Tv Land re-runs?

Just some thoughts.

EVA♥

I’m a Dancer.

Posted on September 11, 2014 by 4evamaria

Hello everyone!

We all know that today is a day of reflection for many people, myself included. There’s every reason to be sad about what today commemorates. There’s no denying that there’s been a huge shift, and the world that we currently live in is not and has not been the world of thirteen years ago. If we dwell on this too much, it can be horribly upsetting, but then again, the only guaranteed thing in life is change. What I like to think about is the fact that this week marks another time that’s been significant in my life.

firstdap

This photo was taken six years ago- almost to the day.

It’s a photo of the very first dance class that I taught. I still have the same leotard (I wore it today, in fact!), and I still roll one pant leg up in that silly dancer style. Like the very first dance class I ever took, this day stands out in my memory. I’ll also never forget being accepted into the BFA program in college, as our ballet teacher told us that we could call ourselves dancers now. While I vividly remember every production that I’ve ever done, these moments in my life stand out to me completely. I remember being cast in my favorite rolls, the many hours spent backstage, and the stab of relief mingled with melancholy as a show run draws to a close. When people ask me what I do, I feel the need to explain things away. I feel odd saying: “I’m a dancer.” But, it’s the truth. I’m not a teacher, turned dance-enthusiast. I was a dancer before everything else.

I’ve found joy, and a solidarity in teaching. I didn’t decide to teach right off the bat, to be quite honest. I did the audition circuit, I took classes, and I ran around because I didn’t entirely know what to do. Sometimes I feel as if I get as much from my students as I’m giving them. The lack of judgement and the kindness they show me sometimes makes me wonder why the rest of life can’t be like it is in the studio. Growing up, you generally tend to cultivate a talent and passion for something. What they don’t teach you is that you can, logistically, make your passion your life, your way of making a living. It may not always come in the way you thought it would, but it’s possible.

There will come a day where I’ll be unable to dance like I do now. And probably a day where I feel cumbersome in a leotard and tights. But, that will never make me less of a dancer. As Martha Graham said, “”I have spent all my life with dance and being a dancer. It’s permitting life to use you in a very intense way. Sometimes it is not pleasant. Sometimes it is fearful. But nevertheless it is inevitable.”

This has been dubbed the “most graceful selfie” ever. Playing dress up. In this way, I hope I’ll never grow up.

In a tutu. Because I can.

It’s inevitable.

EVA♥

Five Things

Posted on September 10, 2014 by 4evamaria

Hi everyone!

I’m gonna be frank: this first week back to teaching is rough. I’m sure many of you can agree with me, perhaps not on the teaching front, but on the fact that it’s always a bit of a stretch when returning to a long-established routine. No matter- I’m so excited to get back to dancing everyday. The excitement is exacerbated when you consider that you’re greeted with so many familiar, equally excited faces. But, even excitement can’t discount for the fact that I come home every evening entirely wiped out. So much so that even lifting my fingers to type this seems like the biggest chore.

Totally kidding.

I try to write a little bit before bed everyday, even when I don’t entirely feel like it. Like any routine or ritual, it’s wonderfully grounding, and somehow makes me feel like I’ve done something good and productive with my day. With that being said, let’s get to my weekly Wednesday ritual of Five Things!

A beautiful mural I found while taking a stroll near the Haight in San Francisco. I take such beautiful old homes for granted sometimes. Reason #749 why living in the Bay Area is wonderful.

Did you know, readers, that I have some mean cappuccino-making skills? Because I do. Back in my college days you would get a latte if ever you visited my cozy home.

A refreshing breakfast of raspberries, almonds, and vanilla yogurt from this last week. My favorite combination has always been freshly cut strawberries and Trader Joe’s vanilla bean yogurt. So yummy!

A hallway selfie, and Outfit of the Night (OOTN). I was particularly impressed with myself that evening, as I managed to throw this ensemble together in 5 minutes. No joke, I even timed myself! I have my trusty Le Pliage bag from Longchamps, denim blazer from Juicy Couture, my favorite tank from H&M, skirt from J.Crew, and sandals from DV by Dolce Vita. I even managed to haphazardly slap some makeup on my face before running out the door.

This is the part of my blog that features insufferably cute things. This week, we see The Adventures of Charlie Bronson the French Bulldog. I have a bit of an obsession with Frenchies, in case you haven’t noticed. Especially Frenchies with “real person” names. The baby also ups the cute factor. So cute, you may not want to look.

EVA♥

My Little Pony Hair.

Posted on September 8, 2014 by 4evamaria

Hello everyone, and happy Monday!

I hope everyone had a fantastic weekend, I did, but not in the ways I usually do. There were no epic travels or adventures, but just some tea, takeout sushi, and a good book. It was rejuvenating, and very much needed. On the other hand, I did manage to do things like eat cake for breakfast and color my hair a ridiculous shade of hot pink.

…because I can.

The hair chalk craze is nothing new, but I finally caved and picked up a little Color Pop from Dippity Do (Ha! remember that?) which seems a close dupe for the slightly more expensive Kevin Murphy Color Bug.

The whole process was quite easy, really. I knew I wanted to concentrate the color on the ends of my hair for a dip-dyed effect. Throw a towel over your shoulders to protect your clothing, and rub rub rub with the chalk. My hands quickly turned a shocking shade of magenta, but it washed right off with a bit of soap and water.

Before… …After

After shaking all the excess powder from my hair, I was quite pleased with the results. Being totally temporary in nature, I had quite a bit of fun with it. It was almost as much fun washing it out in the shower, as it made all the suds from my shampoo a quite vivid pink. It’s good to change up your look every-once-in-a-while. Just a little bit of fun to brighten up any Saturday! It’s also a really fun excuse to take a barrage of selfies to show off the new “do.”

EVA♥