A Way to Start the Day

Posted on June 12, 2014 by 4evamaria

Hello all!

I’m not entirely sure where today went! My writing this this evening marks the first time I’ve been home almost all day. Now on my list of things to do between catching up on my emails, errands, and favorite blogs, is a recap of one of my favorite breakfasts of all time. That’s saying quite a bit for me, since I’m wholeheartedly on the side of Team Breakfast.La Note is a Provencal French restaurant in the heart of downtown Berkeley that I’ve frequented over the years. I love the cozy atmosphere, hand painted pottery, beautiful gardens, and delicious food. Today, I opted for some cinnamon brioche pain perdu (french toast, if you’re not overly fancy, like me) topped with lavender honey. And, who doesn’t love a mocha served in an excessively large bowl? What makes this drink so special is the high quality cocoa they combine with espresso- whipped to a frothy finish, it’s the best thing you can warm your hands with first thing in the morning. I’ve celebrated many a birthday here, and it is my go-to place to bring friends for a breakfast out. Pair with your favorite scarf (hello, leopard print!) and you’ve got yourself an enjoyable start to any day. This I can vouch for.

EVA ♥

Five Things

Posted on June 11, 2014 by 4evamaria

Hello everyone!

I can’t believe it’s already Wednesday. Where has the week gone? Oddly enough, I keep plodding along under the assumption that today is somehow Thursday, and therefore the weekend is much closer than it actually is. In the meantime, our Wonderland show is progressing beautifully with only 10 more days of rehearsal left to go! Yours truly is performing in a very slick-looking green unitard, which has proven to be the ultimate motivation. Speaking of costumes, this show is going to be visually stunning, with a signature Dance Arts Project style, of course. Here’s a sneak peek:

All the best ballerinas have a little edge. Hence the Dr. Marten’s on Alice. With Sparkle laces, of course.

A glimpse of some beautiful street art in Portland. I love how inadvertently monochromatic this particular photo turned out.

I’ve been incredibly in to braided hairstyles lately, and while my job sometimes doesn’t allow for me to have my hair hanging in braids (too much of a hair explosion liability), I love checking out the creative styles some of my students or my favorite beauty bloggers come up with. Hint: check out Instabraid on Instagram.

Forgive the ambient blur, but I apparently couldn’t hold still long enough to capture these delicious kumamoto oysters. I’m a relatively new fan of oysters, and the many types of oysters available often intimidate me. Kumamoto oysters are some of the few I know I enjoy.

I have too many shoes. Said no woman ever.

I must admit that I have a few pairs that I haven’t gotten a chance to wear quite yet. Like the above beauties I purchased on super-sale at J.Crew. They’re bright and fun- perfect for summer.

EVA ♥

Necessary Skills for Adults

Posted on June 10, 2014 by 4evamaria

Alright, everyone.

We all know I’m the authority on adulthood (just kidding). Regardless of the fact that I’m an adult with one foot unabashedly in kid land, I’m dedicating a post to things that I’ve learned and found particularly useful over the last few years.

…

Learn how to poach an egg

If you’re anything like me, doing dishes isn’t the most entertaining thing in the entire world. This is also a lifesaver if you want to have a quick, filling breakfast that doesn’t require much prep in the kitchen. I’ll admit, I’ve failed many times in my attempts to poach an egg. Most of the time I ended up with a bizarre soup- a disembodied yolk floating in a web of spidery egg white. The few tips I can give are to only have a few inches of water in the pot and to not create too vigorous of a boil. Drop the egg in slowly and carefully, and, if all else fails, use a spoon to encourage it to stick together. Slap it on a piece of toast and voilà! Breakfast.

Learn how to write a check

Don’t be that person. It’s really embarrassing. Ask a close friend if you’re having issues with this one. Also, work on your legible printing.

Learn how to take a decent photo

I personally feel like I’m the least photogenic person imaginable. Photos are probably the fastest way to lower my self-esteem. That being said, grab your phone and start taking selfies. Find an angle and expression you’re comfortable with so you’ll have the slightest idea of what to do when someone busts out a camera at your next big event. I, for example, consider my best side to be the side to be the one with all my real teeth. I would find that more amusing if it wasn’t true. On a side note, learn to laugh at yourself. Life is going to be really difficult for you if you can’t smile about the ridiculous things that tend to happen.

Learn how to clean without cleaning…

Pick your clothes up off the floor/chair/bed/wherever you tend to toss them. Rinse the sink out after you use it, and wash the really easy dishes right away. You’ll never be left with a horrible mess of a house if you master the 5 second clean up. It’s much easier to deep clean your space if you don’t have to clean before you clean. Make sense?

Learn how to make a good cup of coffee

We can’t be friends if you don’t know how. I’m sorry. It’s all about the water-to-grounds ratio. If you’re unsure, always err on the side of too much coffee, as it’s easier to add hot water than to attempt to salvage an entire pot of dirty dishwater.

Learn how not to be the office jerkface

Nobody likes that person. I don’t care that it may be six o’clock in the morning and that you’re my boss. “Good Morning” is still an acceptable greeting on this planet. Try smiling every-once-in-a-while, brushing your hair, and not swearing before noon, at the very least. In other news, no one wants to discuss work related things with you on the phone during the weekend unless the office is on fire. That’s the only exception, quite honestly.

Learn how and when to say “No.”

There are times when you need to take a step back and listen to yourself. If you’re feeling tired, overwhelmed, or stressed 99% of the time, you need to allow yourself to take a break. Stick up for yourself when you need to.

and, lastly

Learn how to deal with disappointment

I know…I know…this is the least fun one of all. Adult life isn’t necessarily going to go the way you planned. Rents get raised, not everyone will like you, and you might not get that job you always dreamed of. It’s ok. Really! There are things about the world that aren’t fun, but remind yourself that disappointment is something that everyone can relate to. Every successful adult I know has dealt with it at some point or another. Don’t let it stop you from being happy.

…

My two cents for the day! I hope you find it helpful, dear readers.

Love,

EVA♥

Delicious Things

Posted on June 9, 2014 by 4evamaria

Hello everyone and happy Monday!

If my previous posts are any indication, it’s pretty obvious that I like sweet things. Especially doughnuts. Now, I’m not necessarily referring to those sugary, doughy lumps you remember from your childhood (although, there is a time and a place for those). Although there’s a special place in my heart for those pre-packaged, sugar covered cakes, since returning to the Bay Area, I’ve discovered the world of gourmet doughnuts. Now, I’m aware that I’m late on the “National Doughnut Day” bandwagon, but I beg you to cut me a little slack. Our annual show is coming up quickly at the dance studio, and my brain has been utterly consumed by all things Alice in Wonderland.This also happens to be my excuse for my recent doughnut obsession. The fascination has blossomed to the extent that girlfriends of mine thought of me upon hearing that there was a national event celebrating doughnuts. My love of sweets with peculiar flavors, however, is not strictly relegated to doughnuts. Give me flower-scented ice cream, chocolate, or cocktails any day. Now, I’m not saying to go out and get a box of doughnuts on the regular, but there’s something wonderful about spending a lazy Sunday morning with adventurous, sugary treats and good strong coffee. Think of it as a vacation for your taste buds- they deserve a weekend, too. Even better if you have good company and a good view to enjoy them with.

Cheers,

EVA♥

#CaseyandDevyn

Posted on June 5, 2014 by 4evamaria

Hello all!

This last weekend, I had the pleasure of attending a longtime friend’s country wedding. Devyn and I go way back, and meeting her is perhaps one of my favorite memories from my first year in college. My roommate and I were having a few people over in our dorm room when Devyn walked in with a mutual friend. I remember her friendly and likable demeanor, and how, as we decided to walk to Isla Vista to another friends house, I decided that I would befriend her. She just instantly seemed like the kind of person you wanted as your confidant, as your friend. Later that evening, we bonded over our unfamiliarity of gin and of how it smelled very reminiscent of Christmas trees. When I needed to find some roommates for the next year, my mind immediately went to Devyn, and my fate was sealed. Through her, I ended up meeting some of the best friends I’ve ever had in my life- I consider them family, more than anything. But, I digress. In short, Devyn’s wedding was perhaps one of the loveliest, least contrived weddings I’ve ever been to. I hope the bride and groom had as much fun as we did.

For those of you that have been following my blog for a while, you’ll recognize the vintage dress I snapped up at the White Elephant Sale a few months ago!

We figured we were her alternate set of bridesmaids, in blue lace. My mother referred to us as the “Three Grace,” which I think is an appropriate comparison.

The ceremony space was just adjacent of the vineyards, and a beautiful vegetable garden.

There was delicious food, fantastic company, and even some break dancing on the poolside dancefloor. Of course, we were those people at the wedding- the requisite table full of tipsy, happy single gals. Aside from a slight mishap that involved a tray of full champagne flutes being dumped on yours truly (I was reimbursed with more champagne, which I had no problem with), we had one heck of a time. It’s wonderful life events like these that make me wish our whole group of friends lived closer, or, at the very least, within the same state. Until next time, ladies.

EVA♥

Five Things

Posted on June 4, 2014 by 4evamaria

Hello everyone!

It’s Wednesday already, and time for my weekly ritual of Five Things. Unfortunately, I’m horribly predictable and this week’s theme seems to be food, coffee, and cute things. I’m perhaps doomed to be a horribly girly individual for the rest of my days. I’m hoping that some of my readers, like me, will appreciate the little things in life. Like latte art. That’s totally relevant to being a 20-something urbanite, right?

This, unabashedly, was my dinner yesterday. Flourless chocolate cake covered in creme anglaise. I came late to a birthday dinner, missed the meal, and thought, “Screw it! I’m having desert anyway.”

I found myself sharing this amazing little guy from Instagram with many people yesterday. Having a bad day? LOOK AT THIS. I dare you to be upset while staring at this winking dog. The cherry on the sundae was when one of my teenage student’s exclaimed: “Where’s his eye?!”

I attended my dear friend Devyn’s wedding this last weekend (post coming soon!) and couldn’t stop admiring this little girl. Possibly one of the most beautiful toddlers I have ever seen- like a real life Precious Moments doll. Remember those?

When Portland’s Salt and Straw is closed in the morning (and hence not a possible breakfast option) make a dash to Barista, the coffee shop across the street. Road trip fuel!

It’s that time of year again! When my favorite salad in the whole world is back at Panera. I look forward to their massive Strawberry Poppyseed Chicken salad every summer. It’s the freshest, most delicious thing I can think of for lunch on a hot day.

EVA♥

And the adventure continues…

Posted on June 3, 2014 by 4evamaria

Hello everyone!

Continuing on from yesterday’s post “Portland Adventures,” I bring you the “Seattle Adventures” episode of Watch Me Juggle! Things in Seattle have changed quite a bit since my trip up five years ago. On my last visit following college graduation, my dear friend Brooke was getting married; on this trip, I got to visit her beautiful home and meet her son Cooper, who is now already six months old! Another friend of mine, Kelsey hosted us in her cozy apartment, and took us for a night out on Seattle’s Capitol Hill. I frankly can’t imagine how we crammed so many activities in a day-and-a-half, but we did! We ate delicious food, went wine tasting, went sailing, and perused Pike’s Place Market. I even played skee-ball for the first time in my young life. People seemed perturbed when I told them this: “Didn’t you ever go to Chuck E.Cheese as a kid?!” Yes, yes I did. But, I was far too busy playing in the ball pit to worry about things that involved any sort of hand-eye coordination. Now, dear readers, brace yourself for many photos:

We made life vests look good.

Beautiful views of Downtown Seattle while sailing about.

Apparently the boats have the right of way when it comes to navigating the waters. Sea planes took off on a regular basis all around us. Quite wonderful to watch.

The famous fish market at Pike’s Place. I got to see the fish fly on many occasions!

Huge bouquets at the flower market. I wished I could have taken them home with me…

My very favorite: beautiful peonies.

Hey! Looks like Rachel’s love of ginger finally paid off!

We discovered a welcoming winery near the market that had local wines and board games. What more could you ask for?

Our flights. I had the sparkling wines, naturally. After a game of Apples to Apples (the girls won!), we decided it would be much more entertaining to play with the boy. He was an enthusiastic sport.

Sweetest face ever.

Blurry photo with phantom hand! The decor here seemed like exotic hunting lodge meets carnival. Iiiiinteresting.

Ladies out on the town at Unicorn Bar. As seen on the Macklemore Thrift Shop music video. The bar, not the ladies…

Delicious, but sweet cocktails with very inappropriate names.

I miss it already. Until next time, Seattle!

EVA♥

Portland Adventures

Posted on June 2, 2014 by 4evamaria

Hello ladies and gentlemen!

I’m honestly a bit behind on updating Watch Me Juggle as of late. Not that I haven’t been posting, but I’ve had such a busy last two weeks, I’ve had such an influx of material/thoughts/adventures I haven’t been able to keep up! I’m well aware that this isn’t really a problem. So, today’s post features a long overdue look at my time spent in Portland over this last Memorial Day weekend. Also fondly known as: “That time we ate all the things.”

That’s right, dear readers. The itinerary for Portland, aside from spending time with some good friends, was to eat as many delicious, Portland-specific culinary concoctions we could find. We were very successful.

A glimpse at Rogue Brewing Company as we drive by…

The first Portland hipster sighting!

Portland is undoubtedly home to some lovely looking Victorians- not unlike my hometown!

The bar at the Barrel Room. In case you’re unable to find it. Upon arriving here, our unruly group was absolutely convinced that we had annoyed our poor taxi driver to his wit’s end and that he was throwing us out.

A moment between friends.

One of my very favorite stops had to be Salt and Straw. I’m a fan of artisan ice creams on any occasion, and had a big bowl of both honey lavender and sea salt caramel ripple ice cream. A phenomenal combination. This was also the place I’ve tasted one of the most peculiar things of my life: mint leaf and sea urchin ice cream. Yes, it was actually quite tasty.

As an alternative to the ever-crowded Voodoo Doughnuts, our lovely host took us to the delicious Blue Star Donuts. They had a plethora of intriguing flavors, including a Cointreau-laced crème brûlée, with a beaker of Cointreau literally stuck in the donut itself.

Meyer lemon with key lime custard, and blackberry compote with peanut butter powdered sugar. Delicious.

My choice of the morning: Blueberry, bourbon, basil. Breakfast of Champions.

Not pictured are our many forays in to food truck dining- complete with American-Moroccan fusion food in the form of spiced Basmati rice topped with the makings of a Philly cheese steak. In short, even if you aren’t a foodie, I highly recommend spending some time in this part of the Pacific Northwest. Its small town feel and tree-lined streets are beautiful and worth taking in any time of year.

EVA♥

Es un día trieste

Posted on May 29, 2014 by 4evamaria

Hello everyone.

photo c/o Kelsey Tinkham. The only recorded history of Freebird’s being closed.

I’m writing today with a heavy heart, but I hope that in doing so, I’m helping myself, and maybe some others heal even just the slightest bit. Yesterday, I attended one of many candlelight vigils held across the state in remembrance of the lives lost on Friday. Hundreds of people came to pay their respects- UCSB sweatshirts as far as the eye could see. Despite the number of people gathered, it was utterly silent. As beautiful as it was to see, I hate that we are all bonded by this atrocity now. As people stepped up to speak on the steps of Memorial Glade on the UC Berkeley campus, I was amazed by how many people knew the victims directly. They spoke of their kindness, their goofiness, their love of baking. I was brought to tears when so many people recalled their time at Santa Barbara as having experienced some of the hardest times of their lives, directly followed by some of the best. This mimicked my experience there. When I felt utterly alone and broken, the people I met there helped me through my struggles, most without even realizing it. The only solace we have is that we are never alone as we experience the loss and the emotions that come with it. Berkeley’s Vice Chancellor Claude M. Steele, in honor of those that passed all too soon, and in the great Maya Angelou’s words, said it best:

“And when great souls die,
after a period peace blooms,
slowly and always
irregularly. Spaces fill
with a kind of
soothing electric vibration.
Our senses, restored, never
to be the same, whisper to us.
They existed. They existed.
We can be. Be and be
better. For they existed.”

Love,

EVA♥

Weekend Rituals

Posted on May 22, 2014 by 4evamaria

Hello everyone,

One of my favorite things to do on restless Sundays (as I’ve written about previously) is going to local farmer’s markets. Now that we’re approaching summer, I find myself earnestly looking forward to all the seasonal fruit at my favorite waterfront market in Oakland. This last run, I stocked up on stone fruit and some vine-ripened tomatoes. One thing that I can never pass up, however, are the big fragrant bunches of basil you can find for little over a dollar. Of course, I then have to think of new and creative ways to use said basil. My go-to is always a little Caprese salad, or, in this case, Caprese salad wedged in a fresh-baked ciabatta roll with a dollop of olive oil on the side for dipping. The perfect warm-weather meal, if you ask me.

Cheers,

EVA♥