A Side of Sweet

Adding Natural Beauty Products to Your Routine

How often do you read the labels of the beauty products that you use every day? Do you understand the ingredient list or is it a mile long? Over time, I’ve added more and more natural beauty products to my daily routine. All natural beauty products becoming more widely available. There’s even a store opening in San Francisco that is entirely dedicated to natural beauty!

Still, the process of figuring out what to use that is good for my health and for the environment can be tough. It’s hard not to be overwhelmed by the glitzy labels and too-good-to-be-true promises. One of the most useful tools that I’ve found for choosing natural products is the Environmental Working Group.

The EWG is a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to protecting human health and the environment. They have guide the provide ratings and ingredient breakdowns for thousands of products.

I will literally bring their website up in the store when I’m choosing a new product, for everything from natural beauty products to cleaning products. Their guides are excellent and very thorough. You might be surprised to learn that that product you thought was natural and green is actually filled with harmful ingredients! … Read More »

Pisco Cocktail with Anise Simple Syrup

Pisco is a spirit made from distilled grape wine. In this pretty cocktail, it’s paired with an anise simple syrup that gives just the right bite without being overpowering.

Part of being a great hostess is having what I call a back pocket cocktail. You know, a signature recipe you have in your back pocket for entertaining. We always have a stash of wine and good beer on hand, but there’s just something about mixing up a great cocktail that makes any gathering an occasion.

Pisco is popping up in cocktails everywhere right now. Formerly, this spirit that was traditionally distilled from grape wine in Chile and Peru was usually found in Pisco Sours. Pisco Sours feature egg white and lime and are pretty dang delicious. But it’s really time for a new star (anise? I’m so punny, right?).

This Chilcano de Anis Pisco cocktail features pisco and the aromatic flavors of anise. I’ve never been one for anise or fennel. Most of the time it’s just too strong and overpowers whatever dish it’s in.

The Chilcano de Anis Pisco cocktail is completely different. A bit of sweetness and the bite of ginger beer mellow out the anise so it’s much more subtle and pleasant than you might expect. Also, how pretty are those anise pods floating in it?… Read More »

Teva Sandals DIY + San Francisco Workshop!

I’m a huge fan of Teva sandals. They are my go anywhere adventure foot wear of choice. I was absolutely over the moon when I found out that they are doing workshops around the country that allow Teva fans to customize their Tevas with everything from embroidery thread to Swarovski crystals. You heard that right – now you can add Swarovski bling to you straps! How cool is that?

For all you San Francisco peeps, there is a DIY Teva workshop in San Francisco this Saturday at Shoe Biz in Noe Valley from 11am to 3pm. I’m partnering with Teva to host the event. If you’re in town, I’d love to see you come out for this awesome event! See the Eventbrite for more information and to register! In addition, all Teva sandals will be 40% off!

If you can’t make the workshop, you can still get in on the fun. This quick and easy upcycled sandal DIY is a spin on the friendship bracelets I’m sure you used to make back in the day. All you need is a pair of sandals and some embroidery thread…. Read More »

Healthy Spiralized Pasta + How to Carb Load

Tips for carb loading, plus an easy pasta recipe that is great for carb loading before Bay to Breakers or your next race. Add healthy protein in an unexpected way by using Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream or cheese!

You guys, I can’t even tell you how excited I am! San Francisco Zappos Bay to Breakers is coming up this weekend. Bay to Breakers is a 12K race that spans the city – from the Bay to Ocean Beach (where the breakers crash). B2B is a running event that encompasses everything I love about this amazing city.

It’s flamboyant, colorful, over-the-top and a truly special day. It’s also more of a parade or a festival than a race. There are a handful of people who actually ‘race’ Bay to Breakers, but they are followed by thousands of people who dress up in costumes and complete the course at a more leisurely pace. There’s also a fair amount of nudity at Bay to Breakers. Seriously – this is pretty much a given in San Francisco any sort of festivity or festival. People really dig their birthday suits…. Read More »

Macy’s American Icons Event

Just a quick one for you today guys! I just wanted to give you a heads up about a fun event that’s happening this weekend in San Francisco and other locations around the country.

I hope you’ll join me at Macy’s Union Square from 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm this Saturday, May 16th for an awesome event. Macy’s and Got Your 6 are celebrating American icons all over the country just in time for Armed Service Day!

The San Francisco Union Square Macy’s will be host to Pitch Perfect 2 and The Mindy Project costume designer Salvador Perez. The event starts with a fashion show and finishes with a party with sips and bites with a live DJ.

Event details:

#AmericanSelfie Event at Macy’s
Saturday, May 16th from 2:30-3:30pm
Macy’s Union Square
San Francisco, CA
… Read More »

Greek Yogurt Buttermilk Biscuits

Traditional buttermilk biscuits get a tasty and tangy upgrade with the addition of Greek yogurt! It’s a great way to add a bit of healthy protein in an unexpected way.

I think I’m one of those people who gets less done when they aren’t completely overstretched and overcommitted. This past month has been a relatively light one at work and I haven’t had a ton of side projects going on either.

Turns out, my sleep ‘sweet spot’ without setting an alarm is nine hours. Who has time to sleep nine hours? Turns out I do. Guess what’s not getting done when I sleep for nine hours? Cooking, cleaning, exercising, taking photographs, and writing blog posts…. Read More »