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 March 25, 2015 by 4evamaria

Hi all!

If you’re relatively new to Watch Me Juggle, there’s a distinct pattern here you might notice. Every week, usually on a Wednesday, I like to do a little post called “Five Things.” Originally inspired by one of my favorite blogs, Cupcakes and Cashmere, these generally feature five glimpses into my life. Glimpses of things that have caught my eye, made me laugh, or made me think- sometimes a combination of all three. Oh, and also “Five Things” sometimes turns into a stream-of-consciousness post that contains everything that possibly comes to mind at the moment. Makes sense, right? We all have to put those things somewhere.

This week’s “Five Things” contains a little bit of everything from my many moments out and about. So.. let’s get to it!

In the wake of the big gala I helped organize at work, I took myself out for a little mani-pedi. I’m the worst when it comes to committing to a color (it’s embarrassing how long it takes me, really), so, I thought it was only appropriate to do a ballet-themed manicure. The two colors pictured are from OPI: I Love Applause, topped with Pirouette My Whistle. Maybe it’s totally crazy, but it made me happy!

On my way to work one afternoon, I decided to treat myself to a little Pinkberry. I don’t tend to vary my toppings up too much. I’m a fan of the chocolate-strawberry combination, if you couldn’t already tell! it turned out so beautifully, I had to be a ridiculous girl and take a picture of my yogurt. Again, embarrassing behavior, I know…

(Excuse my scary dancer feet- they’re not as bad as they used to be!)

My sore feet and I finally caved and bought some “practical” shoes at the Nordstrom triple point sale this last weekend. These are the Silver and Pearl White Gizeh sandals from Birkenstock. I ended up buying the white and love how comfortable they are!

Deal of the day! Nordstrom has been featuring these exclusive, pre-set Mac Pro-palettes lately. If I didn’t already own more eyeshadow than I knew what to do with, I would have absolutely snatched this beautiful, neutral palette up.

There’s a new trend beginning in restaurants: tip-included dining. I experienced this first-hand on my visit to Bar Agricole in San Francisco over the weekend. Carefully-crafted cocktails and a rustic food menu make it well worth a trip. Pictured above is their signature brandy “Sleepyhead” cocktail. Brady, champagne, ginger and mint- delicious!

EVA♥

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♥

Nun Puffs

Posted on March 3, 2015 by 4evamaria

Hi everyone!

Today, I wanted to share a cherished recipe that I first stumbled upon in my junior year of college. It was a Sunday morning, and I was the first one up in the little house I shared with three friends. I knew I wanted to treat myself for breakfast, preferably to something dessert-like, like pancakes or muffins, but didn’t have too many ingredients in the pantry. Luckily, we had a few basics, along with a massive Better Homes and Gardens Cookbook I could refer to for inspiration. I had no idea what these “nun’s puffs” were supposed to be, or how they would turn out, and I certainly didn’t think that they would become a tradition years later. I’ve made these so many times, I’ve memorized the recipe!

Photo c/o Brooke Perisho

All you need is:

1 stick of butter (1/2 cup)
3/4 cup flour
4 eggs
1 cup milk
A few tablespoons of sugar to taste

Preheat your oven to 375º, and grease a muffin tin. Fully melt your stick of butter in a saucepan, and then add 1 cup milk. When the mixture comes to a boil, add flour, and stir quickly over heat until dough forms a ball. Take mixture off the stovetop, and let cool for five minutes. Stir in eggs, one at a time, until fully incorporated. Spoon egg batter into muffin cups, 2/3rds full. Sprinkle sugar over each puff and bake for 30 minutes. Done! (Best enjoyed fresh out of the oven. Especially delicious with honey.)

….

My girlfriends and I had planned to whip these together for breakfast during our San Diego adventures, but, alas, the condo we were staying in had no muffin tins. So, we improvised. Turns out, four ramekins are all you need to make a mighty impressive looking breakfast souffle-like thing. They’re something we’ve enjoyed together for years- we even made some for my friend Brooke’s bridal shower! They’re simple enough to whip up at a moments notice, and almost foolproof. Also, it’s a great little recipe to have up your sleeve if you’re looking to impress someone.

So, next time you find yourself with a little extra time on your hands in the morning, try whipping up a batch of nun puffs. Share them with your significant other (ick, yes, I just used that term), friends, or even your neighbors. No one can resist the puffs! And, as to why they’re called “nun’s puffs,” I have no idea. Flying nun reference, anyone?

EVA♥

Where’s St. Helena?

Posted on March 1, 2015 by 4evamaria

Hello everyone!

I’m writing from the comfort of my home today, wishing you all a happy Sunday. We had some amazing weather here lately, but not necessarily in the traditional sense. Yesterday, we had a few sudden thunderstorms followed by a beautiful sunset, and today we’ve had our usual sunshine. I honestly feel guilty when I choose to stay in and lay low on beautiful days like today, so I do try to get out and about when I can.

Recently, a few friends and I went up to St. Helena, which, for those of you who are wondering, is a lovely little city in Napa County. And, yes, you’ve probably seen a glimpse of my favorite restaurant and their amazing cheeseburgers in previous posts.

Gott’s Roadside (formerly Taylor’s Automatic Refresher) almost always has a colossal line. What few people seem to take advantage of is the small bar off to the side of the restaurant. It’s become the standard to grab a few menus, as well as a bottle of wine to share while we wait.

We were by far the most fun people standing in line that day. Just saying. Does wine with lunch make it brunch, by default?

After stuffing ourselves, we took a walk around the downtown area, located just a few blocks from Gott’s. We enjoyed the sunshine, and all the shoes we found at Footcandy, obviously.

It’s quite a charming place, littered with boutiques, art galleries, and historic hotels. It’s fantastic for window shopping, and I love to stop by the stores selling estate jewelry to ogle all the unique designs. Oh, and there’s wine. You’ll find dozens of wineries just driving into town. Whenever I find myself with no plans on a beautiful day, St. Helena is my go to for a quick getaway.

EVA♥

Five Things

Posted on February 24, 2015 by 4evamaria

Hello all!

This week I have a slightly thematic Five Things lined up. That’s right, it’s Five Things: The San Diego addition.

We were all sitting in a circle chatting, as you do, and my girlfriend Brooke very effortlessly busted out this incredible braided hairstyle. I watched her do it, and still have no idea how it’s done. A bit of braid-inspiration for your day!

My friend Devyn and I spent our last day in San Diego enjoying gelato from Pappalecco’s in lieu of a proper lunch. I had strawberry and the signature pappalecco gelato, which is a combination of chocolate and crushed amaretti cookies. My only regret was that I didn’t get a bigger cup…

A view of the USS Midway just next to Seaport Village. Californians are so spoiled; I still can’t believe this was a beautiful February day.

Look at all this beautiful pasta I found at the Mona Lisa Deli in Little Italy! Never seen striped Farfalle quite like that before. Seems a shame to cover it up with sauce…

and, lastly, if you need a good laugh.

My friend Rachel was having a particularly stressful day at work the other day, which she and a few coworkers remedied by watching ridiculous Youtube videos. I can’t remember the last time I’ve laughed so hard. Sometimes a good laugh is all you need.

EVA♥

Five Things

Posted on February 11, 2015 by 4evamaria

Hello all!

Happy Wednesday! We’ve officially made it halfway through the week. Who else has a long weekend to look forward at the end of Friday? While I’m still teaching classes as usual, I’m glad to have a little time to breathe on Monday before diving back into my routine. Meanwhile, the final thing on today’s very long agenda was to finish off with this week’s Five Things. (Hint: it’s rather food/San Francisco-heavy. Pretty typical for Watch Me Juggle at this point!) Hope you enjoy!

Voilà! A peek at my Sunday brunch! I love salmon and cucumbers, so why not together? I was surprised at how beautiful it all looked.

This is what I did on my lunch break today.

A quick trip to Chantal Guillon for macarons could instantly cheer anyone up. The Persian rose flavor there was so amazing!

A girlfriend of mine sent this to me via Instagram the other day. It melted my heart. Yes, I give myself a pep talk sometimes, just like that chubby bunny.

I was on a phone call today and sat down in a rather unassuming courtyard in the financial district of San Francisco. It wasn’t until I started looking around that I really appreciated this fantastic view.

There’s a fabulous new ballet documentary coming out this Friday! Who’s coming with me to see it?

Until next time,

EVA♥

Five Things

Posted on January 29, 2015 by 4evamaria

Hello all!

It’s rare that I miss a “Five Things” Wednesday. Of course, I’m typing this on Thursday, so that’s slightly embarrassing in and of itself. I’ve had quite the whirlwind of a week. That’s the best way to describe it, I’ve found. Many exciting and interesting things going on behind the scenes at Watch Me Juggle. Stay tuned for updates!

Today, I just want to share five little things that I stumbled across during the course of the chaos. Luckily, no flat tires were included!

I recently visited Monk’s Kettle in the Mission district of SF. They have a fantastic beer selection and possibly one of the best burgers I’ve ever had. I’m sure I’ll be back.

“What exactly is this a picture of?” you might ask. I decided to get a little creative and snap a shot of the illuminated dome inside city hall during last week’s San Francisco Ballet opening night after party. It’s beautiful from all angles, really.

A fabulous shirt I got as a Christmas gift from my friend, Rachel. I wore it today with pride, accompanied by wet hair and a bare face. It felt quite good.

This week, my lovely students gifted me my very first Alex & Ani bangle. It’s a mermaid, in honor of our upcoming performance. It was such a sweet gesture. I’ve worn it everyday since receiving it.

Photo c/o Foodie Fiasco.

I’m totally inspired by Foodie Fiasco’s extensive food blog. Exactly how can one make delicious cinnamon rolls in 30 minutes and with a few simple ingredients?! They really do look amazing. Join me in some kitchen experiments and try out the recipe here. I will report back!

EVA♥

Five Things

Posted on January 21, 2015 by 4evamaria

Hello all!

I must say, it’s really hard to multitask when you want to be 100% engrossed in all of the things you’re attending to. Do any of you ever experience this? I certainly do. It’s, unfortunately, the reason why it takes me at least three times longer than usually to finish whatever I’m writing. It’s because, in the meantime, I’m attempting to watch “Game of Thrones,” make tea, and clean my house . So far, the tv is paused and my hot water has yet to make it into the cup where the teabag is. Hey, I tried.

I did, however, manage to crank out this week’s “Five Things,” so let’s hop to it!

It’s official. I now own work swag. Not only do I love the company, but their hoodies are the most cozy things ever. I’ve been trying not to live in it on a daily basis.

I was looking through some pictures from my hike up Mt. Tam the other day, and lo-and-behold, a photo-bomber! Hi Gary! I just had to share.

My girlfriends and I had a mid-week dinner date at Chino SF the other day. They boast an interesting take on Chinese cuisine. My favorite (although slightly gimmicky) thing was the boba cocktail. Quite refreshing, actually.

Tiny cupcakes courtesy of my friend Sarah. Cute and delicious, although I must say that the ones topped with chocolate chips seemed a tad inappropriate.

And, in case you haven’t seen it yet, here’s my new favorite Instagram account:

Photo c/o: @omgliterallydead.

It’s the infamous: Omg Literally Dead. A fabulous 30-something out there thought it would be poignant to spoof all those Instagram-abusers out there, overusing hashtags and all. The photo above was captioned: “Ugh, #Starbucks barista fails again! It’s Skellie, idiots.#starbucksfail #psl #whothehellisskully.” As you can see Skellie is, in fact, literally dead. So take that!

EVA♥

Five Things

Posted on January 14, 2015 by 4evamaria

Hello all!

I hope your weeks are off to a good start! My weekend absolutely flew by, and I’m not entirely sure how it came to be Wednesday, but there you have it. I’ve attempted to cram as much work into this week as possible, and I do think I’ve almost succeeded. I’ve been teaching, dancing, and trying to put together a show simultaneously. Yes, it’s that time of year again: the Big Show planning has begun at my studio. This year we’re doing “The Little Mermaid,” or our version of it, anyway. It’s been one of my favorite stories since I was little, and I’m quite excited to be able to put my own creative spin on it. Because I’ve been so busy this week, I’ve really been trying to take good care of myself during my downtime. That being said, I’m planning on having a pampering, quiet evening and going to bed early in preparation for the long Thursday ahead.

So, as always, here’s a peek at this week’s Five Things:

Remember when I said no more jewelry purchases for 2015? It’s come to the point where I’ve started stacking my rings. I’m running out of fingers, people! These are two of my favorites.

I was poking around Target the other day, and found this little book quite out of place. It felt a bit like a sign, so I picked it up and began reading it. Best. Decision. I assumed it would be horribly cheesy, but was quite the opposite. Highly recommend.

You can always count on the cute Starbuck’s baristas to brighten your day. I was joking when I told him to put this on my cup, just so you know.

I give you the ultimate lazy brunch. I planned on taking myself out for a lazy Sunday morning, and found my neighborhood coffee shop much too crowded. Voilà! Take-out waffles.

and, lastly, I was recently informed that my favorite female comedienne, Anjelah Johnson, has a few music videos. This is my absolute favorite:

If you haven’t already seen her Nail Salon stand-up check it out here. Sometimes we just need a laugh.

EVA♥