Five Things

Posted on July 15, 2015 by 4evamaria

Hey all!

Welcome to Five Things, the vacation version! Even though it’s been a while since I’ve gone on a legitimate vacation outside of California, but my pictures lately certainly make me feel like I’ve gone on my share of adventures lately. You could also think of this week’s Five Things as a visual vacation- I like to think of chocolates,wine, and the beach when I need a zen moment.

Commence relaxation in 3, 2, 1…

I can’t get over the color of the water by Santa Barbara’s East Beach. It was also so clear, you could see the kelp forests coming up through the water.

I visited Mumm Napa for the first time recently. It’s set up just like a restaurant, with groups of tables and assigned servers, except the only thing on the menu is sparkling wine. So, it’s pretty much my favorite new place. I’m contemplating being a real adult and joining their wine club.

Photo c/o instagram.com/zoella

I’m excited to give my hair a much-needed cut, and a little extra blonde to get me through the summer. Adorable Brit blogger, Zoella, has been my go-to for ombré hair inspiration.

This beautiful piece of art hangs in the entryway of Hall winery, and is made entirely of vintage beaded costumes and sweaters. It’s quite large (floor to ceiling) and stunning in person.

I fell in love with the chocolate case at Dean and Deluca this last weekend. While I have no problem eating entire boxes of chocolates in one sitting, I couldn’t imagine eating one of these beautifully detailed little marzipan animals!

Happy almost-Thursday!

EVA♥

Five Things

Posted on July 8, 2015 by 4evamaria

Hello everyone!

This week has been a week of many firsts. I recently returned from a long weekend in Santa Barbara, which marks the first time I had been back to visit since I graduating from UCSB. I went to my first yoga class in a while, and was referred to as a yogi by the teacher(!) for my exemplary shoulder stand. So…I can basically add “Yogi”on my list of skills on my resume now, right? In less fun news, I also set something on fire in my kitchen for the first time. RIP potholder, you were a good one. And with that rather odd introduction, here are some more things, all of them firsts:

I give you: the Brian Boitano, frozen yogurt blended with coconut and fresh blueberries. It was the name that sold it, really. It was my first time visiting Loving Cup in Hayes Valley, and I’m certainly going to have to go back to sample some of their amazing looking rice pudding.

I recently discovered this music video on Youtube by Money. I just think it’s a beautiful depiction of the strength and dedication of ballet.

This moment of weirdly color-coordinated accessories was a complete coincidence, I swear! Not pictured: my matching blue phone case. Gee, I must really like this color.

This last week I went to Whole Foods to pick up something healthy, as most people do, and ended up getting this raspberry-filled 5 pound doughnut-thing, also known as a Berliner. It had fruit inside, so I kept telling myself that it totally was well-balanced breakfast. One of my co-workers left our office recently, and while we’re all going to miss him, I’m sure he’s off on big adventures! I thought there was no better time than the moment to order a dozen fresh-baked sea salt and chocolate chip cookies from Doughbies as part of his send-off. Living in the San Francisco Bay Area may be tricky at times, but where else can you get a man to deliver cookies to your office in just a few clicks?

Until next time!

EVA♥

Five Things

Posted on June 24, 2015 by 4evamaria

Hello all!

It’s time for Five Things, yet again. Quite honestly, life can get so cyclical sometimes that collecting my Five Things of the week acts as a time-stamp of sorts. Oh look- another week’s gone by! To give you all a quick, unbidden update, things have been quite interesting over the last few days. With the dance studio on summer schedule, I suddenly find myself working only one job. You know, a 9-to-5, like a normal person. What is this nonsense? I get to go home, and sit down? Highly unnatural behavior in Watch-Me-Juggle-land. It always takes a bit of getting used to, but the positive side is that I can sleep in two days in a row now, if I so choose. I can also check out that stand-up paddle boarding lesson off my to-do list this summer. I’m determined. It’s going to happen. Stay tuned for embarrassing photos of me falling off a surfboard.

In the meantime, here are this week’s Five Things as entertainment.

Once upon a time, I worked in a flower shop. I spent my days arranging flowers and even creating bridal bouquets. Though I found myself only with bunches of flowers and some ribbon (no floral tape, no pearl-topped pins) I made it work! There is something amazingly therapeutic about working with flowers, and I must do it more often.

In between answering phone calls, chugging coffee, and staring at spreadsheets today, I managed to find time to buy these spunky red flats from Topshop. They’re dead-ringers for Aquazzura’s Christy flats that retail for a whopping $675.

Did you know that my little island town is home to a winery? Because it is! Rock Wall winery has incredible views of the San Francisco skyline, and a mighty fine happy hour. While I’m not one to jump on the rosé bandwagon, their sparkling rosé is delicious.

I’ve found myself reminiscing over the goodies at Gayle’s Bakery in Capitola. A day trip is very much in store this summer.

Ever wonder how the marzipan in the Nutcracker get their multicolored shoes? Pointe shoes come in very few colors, and most companies have to special order their shoes if they need something other than the traditional pink satin. But, even then the options are limited. Two words: spray paint. It’s very high tech, I know.

Happy Wednesday everyone!

EVA♥

Five Things

Posted on June 3, 2015 by 4evamaria

Hello all!

It’s Wednesday! (Hooray…?) This halfway point in the week tends to bring out a little crazy in the best of us. To reference that infamous Geico commercial: it’s Hump Day! One thing I do look forward at this point in the week is being able to put all the little things that I collect on my phone in one place. I enjoy that my Five Things doesn’t have to be thematic, or even make much sense. They’re here just for the heck of it, sort of like an inspiration board, or, for those of you social media fanatics, a vastly simplified version of Pinterest.

We’ll start at Thing #1, and go from there!

I had the most wonderful latte pick-me-up this afternoon at 20th Century Cafe in San Francisco. This European-style cafe is only a few blocks from my office, and couldn’t be more charming.

After a particularly long few weeks at the office, my kind coworkers surprised me with this card and some flowers. I love that we’re an office of many talents; my coworker Ruth does the most amazing pet portraits, and, knowing about my mild obsession with French Bulldogs, created this original ink sketch for me! This sleeping puppy lives at my desk and makes me happy.

On my latest trip to St. Helena, I visited the tasting room at Merryvale Vineyards. Aside from their very likable staff and lovely wines, they had some very interesting literature on display. Yes, there’s an entire book dedicated to the cats that prowl around the local vineyards. There’s also a Wine Dogs, just in case you were wondering.

My friends and I recently had a blast-from-the-past with dinner at Woodstock’s Pizza, one of the popular college haunts in Santa Barbara. What I love the best is their Cinnabread. I would always order way too much and eat the leftovers for breakfast the next day. I have no regrets.

IMG_3672 (1)

While I’m lamenting the lack of sun here in the Bay Area, I can still reminisce about my recent beach vacation. Did you know that the beaches in Capitola (pictured above) have been a tourist destination since the early 1900s? Not much has changed, really. It’s still such a beautiful place.

Here’s to another week well done!

(Almost!)

EVA♥

Five Things

Posted on May 20, 2015 by 4evamaria

Hi everyone!

After a slight hiatus, Five Things is finally back! This last week, or few weeks, rather, has been a parade of gloomy weather, breakfasts on the run, and re-runs of my favorite tv shows. Not too inspiring, I’ll be quite honest. I have, however, had a bit of time to catch up with some of my favorite blogs before bedtime. I’ve been particularly enjoying The Other Juliette, buy now blog later, and Hello October, just to name a few. There’s a wealth of amazing blogging inspiration out there. Although, there’s nothing quite like writing your own.

On that note, here are this week’s Five Things!

Nothing is a better end to a long day than spending time with a few friends and a couple of chocolate milkshakes. I’ve long written about my “happy place” in St. Helena, and it turns out there’s a little bit of it in San Francisco proper.

I recently treated myself to a manicure with Essie’s A Splash of Grenadine polish. It’s such a happy, orchid sort-of purple I decided to paint my toes to match. On another note, I’m in desperate need of a new organizational system for my makeup. Or perhaps just a little spring cleaning?

I’ve been newly introduced to the popular Mac Mineralize Skinfinish in Soft & Gentle. It’s such a pretty highlight- I’m sure I probably abuse by generally applying it everywhere.

Swimsuit season is upon us! I recently purchased two new swimsuits at Nordstrom, both from Blush by Profile. I just love their flattering styles and fun prints. I’m determined to get as much use out of them as possible in the coming months, gloom or not!

One of the perks of my work schedule is that I can take the San Francisco Bay Ferry at least once a week, if not more. It’s really a great way to get to and from San Francisco. The ferry typically ventures through the port of Oakland before going under the Bay Bridge and docking at the Ferry Building in San Francisco’s Financial District. This last week, I even had the pleasure of seeing the USS Potomac, FDR’s historic presidential yacht usually docked in Oakland, out and about in the Bay.

Something new every day!

EVA♥

Five Things

Posted on April 16, 2015 by 4evamaria

Hello everyone!

Of course I’m not writing to you today already in my pajamas, in bed, watching horrible TLC reality shows. And I certainly didn’t do breakfast-for-dinner today either. I’m much to refined for that.

In all seriousness, I’ve heard a number of people (including myself) say that it’s been quite the crazy week. Is it the weather here in the bay area? Something in the air (besides pollen)? I don’t know. What I do know is that it doesn’t feel quite the same without my Five Things. In the meantime, I’m sitting on a number of posts that are long overdue. Remember the 20th Anniversary Smuin Ballet Gala I attended last year? Well, yours truly worked at this year’s very same gala. I’ve also conducted my very first interview ever, and have done quite a bit of thrifting and cocktailing as well. In the meantime, take a look at these five things from my life:

I had my first pavlova ever at my family’s Easter dinner. At first an entirely meringue-based desert seems like it might be a little bland, but I was totally wrong. Topped with lemon and berry mousse, it’s like eating delicious air. Which means negative calories, right?

I scored some fantastic seats for San Francisco Ballet’s Program 7 this week. Go check out The List, if you’re not already on it. Who can say no to $25 ballet tickets?!

While dashing through life, this beautiful rose given to me by the boss lady somehow ended up in a coffee cup. I meant for this to be only a temporary vase, but liked it so much I decided to leave it be. I can’t get over how beautiful the colors look together.

I’ve been hearing a lot about these trendy Quay Sunglasses from Australia. I snapped this selfie the other day hoping to get a friend’s opinion on them, and I must say, I quickly realized they were a little too over-sized for my pea head. I do love how unique their designs are, nonetheless.

It’s been a while since my plus-sized cat, Buttercup, found her way onto Watch Me Juggle. I believe she made her first appearance on my very first “Five Things” ever. She’s so photogenic, I’m convinced she knows exactly when a camera is near.

Until next time,

EVA♥

Five Things

Posted on April 8, 2015 by 4evamaria

Hi everyone!

Five Things has quickly become the milepost of my week, that and Jenna Marbles’ videos, the joys of Wednesday! This week has been an interesting one, punctuated with sighs from yours truly. It’s a funny thing that I’ve noticed about myself lately. Whenever I find I have a lot on my mind, or if I’m feeling down-in-the-dumps, I’ll let out a big sigh. I didn’t notice it until recently, when the woman sitting next to me on my day-to-day commute started looking at me oddly. I get so preoccupied sometimes I think I forget to take deep breaths. Does this happen to any of you, dear readers? Like many things, I guess it could be worse.

I digress, as always, but Five Things means that there are pictures of puppies and/or cocktails that have come to save the day! Let’s get to it…

I’ve been mildly fascinated with the Parisian-style macaroons at Chantal Guillon in San Francisco, as of late. I really enjoy all the creative flavors, and will one day need to find an excuse to buy a whole box full. They sure are pretty to look at.

Photo c/o PopSugar

I’ve been fascinated with these trendy Flash tattoos as of late. I’m just dying to get my hands on pack and go completely overboard. It’s like semi-permanent jewelry! I can just imagine myself teaching ballet class in a leotard and entirely gold arms. As if my students don’t think I’m quirky enough already…

Adventures of Maddie the Dog return. In this episode, Maddie enjoys being tucked in while simultaneously taking up the whole couch. Bless her, she’s a funny one.

My girlfriends and I discovered another quintessentially hipster bar in downtown Oakland over the weekend. We had a hard time finding the Double Standard, but enjoyed it once we got past the rather foreboding, graffiti covered entrance.

Meanwhile, I introduced the boss lady to some of the finer points of Pinterest, and her pinning enthusiasm has worn off on me. You can find my Pinterest boards here. hey’re a work in progress, and I sense quite a bit more to come! My personal favorite has to be my “Notable Quotes. Quotable Notes” board- it’s where I keep the simple quote above. It’s a beautiful reminder that everyone needs now and again.

Until next time,

EVA♥

Five Things

Posted on April 1, 2015 by 4evamaria

Hey all!

Remember last week when I said that my Five Things was the place where all the random things of my life go to live on the internet? Well, while I was getting this week’s post together, I realized a pattern I seemed to have. Just take a fancy looking cocktail, something cute (preferably a puppy), and something I bought this week, and voilà! You have Watch Me Juggle. I might be horribly predictable, but I’d like to think I’m fun nonetheless.

I tried to mix it up a bit this week…see, no cocktail picture! But I did run around San Francisco and go shopping- gradual change is good.

I’ve been keeping an eye out for everything mermaid-related lately, seeing as we’re performing our own rendition of The Little Mermaid for this year’s “Big Show.” This shirt from H&M made me laugh.

So, my singular Alex & Ani bangle was looking awfully lonely. My latest edition is the “Love” bangle. Pretty self explanatory- I love jewelry with a little message.

I spend an awful lot of time attending ballets at the SF Opera House, and, hence, I spend an awful lot of time looking at the City Hall building. It’s quite beautiful, though. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

I was recently at the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts for work and had to take a photo (albeit a blurry one…can’t wait for a new camera!) of this statue in the lobby. It’s beautiful, and always catches my eye.

I’ve been really loving I Am Her Tribe on Instagram as of late. I find their posts inspiring, and not overly schmaltz-y. They’re a great combination of both the serious and the light-hearted. Go check them out!

EVA♥

Five Things

Posted on March 11, 2015 by 4evamaria

Hello dear readers!

I can’t believe it’s already a week since the last “Five Things!” I feel like I begin almost all my blogs the same way, but it’s true. This week I’ve found myself inundated with choreography and planning a gala. That’s right- I’m helping plan a gala. Has there ever been a more hoity-toity phrase spoken? All the legitimate hard work aside, I’m quite excited. Stay tuned to see snapshots on Watch Me Juggle!

In the meantime, here’s this weeks Five Things!

I recently bough two bouquets of daffodils for no reason in particular. They’ve made my house smell so amazing! They’re quite cheerful sight when I come home after a long day.
I showed my new Alex & Ani mermaid bracelet off on Five Things a few weeks ago. I decided she was lonely and bought this starfish to keep her company! I love what it represents.
This may look a rather underwhelming blob of soap, but it’s so much more. This is the new “Honey I Washed my Hair” shampoo bar from Lush. I can’t say enough good things about it; it lathers like crazy, and smells like the most delicious honey toffee. I’ve even rubbed it on my skin in lieu of perfume! I’ve been doing some mild redecorating at my place, and decided that I would put a few of my most favorite pair of shoes on display. It’s an unabashedly girly move, I must say.

I’m a shameless hoarder of shopping bags. This wouldn’t really be problematic, except for the things I buy that live in these bags. I originally needed some very practical things at Lush, which then turned into me raiding the sale section at J.Crew. I like to leave my new things in the bags for as long as possible, to preserve that “newness.” Does anyone else do this?

Until next time!

EVA<3

Five Things

Posted on March 4, 2015 by 4evamaria

Hello all!

I’m not sure what it is lately, but I’ve had a number of people ask me about my writing ability. As odd as that sounds, it’s even more odd to attempt to answer a question posed as “how’s your grasp of the English language?” or, even simply “are you a good writer?” Well, I probably spend far too much time crafting well-thought out emails at the office, and I write purely for my own enjoyment almost every day. So, yes, I would hope I’m at least a decent writer. Hey readers, you would tell me if my writing is awful, right?

Right?!

It’s an interesting thing when people you’re just getting to know ask you about your relationship to things you strongly identify with. These are awfully deep thoughts for a Wednesday night, I must say. With that being said, it’s time for Five Things. This week, it’s very food-heavy, what can I say? I, uh, apparently ate some fabulous looking things and thought I would over-share with you all. Off we go!

La Marca prosecco has become my absolute favorite. When I see it on a menu, I almost always order it. So, when my group of girls took over the rooftop bar W Hotel, I skipped the overpriced cocktails and went straight for a bottle of bubbly. They got bonus points for the lovely strawberries perched on top!

I find that photos never do the San Francisco skyline justice, but this was my view of the moon as I waited for my ferry this evening. It was a remarkably clear day, so I couldn’t help but take a picture.

I treated myself to a little Smitten Ice Cream in Hayes Valley this afternoon. I had seen the crowds outside of this place, but never understood the hype. Pictured is their seasonal blood orange and pistachio cookie flavor, that’s made to order. That’s right, every time you order a scoop, they cook it up just for you with their crazy, nitrogen-laced ice cream making contraptions.

Against my better judgement, I made a whole batch of cinnamon rolls for myself this past lazy Sunday. No, they weren’t from scratch, but they were darn delicious, nevertheless.

And, lastly, my cousin Lisa came back from visiting our family with a big bag of chocolates and wine straight from Austria. I’ve been eating Milka chocolates for a long time now, and never thought I would see the day when good, German chocolate partnered with Oreo. Two opposite ends of the dessert spectrum coming together to make something amazing.

Who would have thought?

EVA♥