A Side of Sweet

Ways to Improve Energy Efficiency at Home

Easy ways to improve energy efficiency at home, while saving time and money. Help the environment and your wallet at the same time with these ideas!

I hope with Earth Day coming up this month you’re feeling inspired to make changes at home to be more environmentally friendly! The great thing is, many of these green changes will also save you money. We’ve been focusing on improving our energy efficiency to decrease our dependence on fossil fuels and also save money on our monthly energy bill. It’s been so rewarding to see our energy bill decrease by almost 50% with the easy changes we’ve made…. Read More »

Savory Asparagus Goat Cheese Galettes

Asparagus goat cheese galettes are a great savory breakfast idea. This easy recipe features a make ahead dough and is topped with a runny egg yolk.

Raise your hand if you’re obsessed with galettes!
(crickets)

Am I the only one that goes crazy for galette recipes? I feel like Gretchen Weiners over here. “Stop trying to make galettes happen!”… Read More »

Chickpea Salad with Beets & Radish

Gluten Free Vegetarian Vegan

A healthy chickpea salad recipe with beets, celery, radishes, and red onions. It’s gluten-free and a vegan option is provided. A great picnic or BBQ recipe!

Longer days mean it’s time to think about eating outside. There’s something about outdoor dining that makes even the most basic meal feel like an occasion.

Luckily, this healthy chickpea salad is easy to make, and anything but basic. It’s a great alternative to a cold pasta salad for your next barbecue or picnic. I actually made this for a recent bike ride with a picnic stop at the halfway point. It was perfect for the occasion…. Read More »

Okinawa Food & Restaurant Guide // Japan

An Okinawa food guide from my trip to Japan. What foods to try, explanation of traditional Okinawan food and restaurant recommendations!

Okinawa, Japan is a foodie’s paradise. If you were following me on Instagram during my trip last month, you’ll know that every meal I ate on the island was an actual feast, for the eyes and for the belly. The food there is unlike anywhere else in the world, even mainland Japan.

The Okinawan people have one of the longest life expectancies in the world. Why exactly is a mystery that researchers are still trying to crack, but much of it has been credited to their diet.

Read on for what to eat in Okinawa with some video inspiration too!… Read More »

Lemon Cake with Meyer Lemon Infused Algae Oil

Dairy Free Nut Free Vegetarian

A light and airy lemon cake recipe made with Meyer lemon-infused algae oil. Algae oil has healthy fats and is great for everything from roasting to baking.

Infusing oils is my new favorite thing. It’s incredibly easy and is such a fun way to breathe new life into old recipes. We have a Meyer lemon tree in our backyard, so I took some of the peels and infused a bottle of algae oil. The entire process takes about 15 minutes from start to finish.

I am using my Meyer lemon-infused oil in everything, from a lemon vinaigrette salad dressing to lemony popcorn. It’s also the star of the incredible light and fluffy lemon cake you see here.

Curious? You can learn how to make Meyer lemon-infused oil in my latest YouTube video! I’m also sharing a few of my favorite recipes that feature it.

Biking Across the Golden Gate Bridge San Francisco

An easy guide to biking across the Golden Gate bridge in San Francisco, CA. Information on cycling routes, bike rentals, what to wear and general tips.

One of my favorite adventures in San Francisco is biking across the Golden Gate Bridge. There are many options for routes, depending on your level of fitness – and level of ambition. Visitors from out-of-town are always asking me for advice on how best to see Golden Gate Bridge, and for sure it’s on a bicycle! I want to share with you all of my tips and tricks to help you have the best – and safest – time. You’ll find everything you need in this handy guide, inspired by a recent ride that Cynthia and I did…. Read More »