The Sunny Side Up Recipes

Fresh. Clean. Radiant. Living life on the sunny side.

SoulCycle: Everything You Need to Know

by Leave a Comment


The Experience: If you haven’t been to a SoulCycle class before–or a formal spin class for that matter–your first class will definitely be a new experience. Dim lights, loud music, and candles all help to create an oasis away from everyday life. Each class runs for 45 minutes and includes a short warm-up (usually 2 songs), a 3-minute arms section (using 2, 3, and 5 lb. weights), and a short stretch at the end. While it’s a full-out cardio workout, instructors also aim to make the class fun and inspiring, and set all of their moves to a unique playlist. Don’t be alarmed if you see a lot of combo moves, like crunches, push-ups, and tap-backs to get your heart rate up–do you, and over time you’ll work up to moving with everyone else in the class.

What should I bring?: Expect to sweat–a lot. SoulCycle also provides special shoes that clip into your bike (free for your firs ride!), so make sure to bring socks, and wear moisture-wicking clothing since classes can get very hot. Also, make sure to bring water with you (!) or buy some at the front desk.

Power up: Like any HIIT or intense cardio workout, try not to eat a large meal within two hours of class. Go for a light carb one to two hours ahead class, like oatmeal or a banana, and after class recharge tired muscles with a balanced meal containing protein and complex carbs. Make to drink plenty of water before/after to class to stay hydrated, and go for some electrolytes after class if it’s especially hot!

Facilities: While SoulCycle can be a bit pricey, one of the best perks is their amazing facilities. SoulCycle locations have a fully stocked locker room with showers and all the amenities you’ll need, including everything from shampoo/conditioner to lotion, razors, and hair ties.

Instructors: Love Taylor Swift? Or are you more into hip-hop? Each instructor brings their own flair (and playlist!) to class, so I recommend checking trying several different instructors to find the style that’s best for you.

How do I sign up?: Ready to try it out? Great! All sign ups go through the SoulCycle website, where you get to reserve a specific bike. For your first ride, I recommend avoiding the first row, which is usually best for more experienced riders who can follow all of the instructor’s cues and “lead” the rest of the class. On the day of your first ride, make sure to arrive 15 minutes early to sign a consent form, put your things away, and have ample time to set up your bike and weights before class. Good luck!

 

 

 

Santa Monica Farmer’s Market

by Leave a Comment

If you’re in the LA area, the Santa Monica Farmer’s Market is a definite must! It has the best variety of any market I’ve been to and is also one of the most beautiful, just overlooking the ocean in downtown Santa Monica. Here are my favorite produce items to store up on this fall! 

  1. Strawberries:  These are at the end of the season in California, but you can still get them from my favorite vendor, Harry’s Berries. Their strawberries are literally better than candy–so good that there’s always a line right when the market opens. Make sure you get there right at 8:30 to get your share and try the gaviota ones if you can. 
  2.  Dates: Dates are so versatile and a great alternative if you’re looking for a natural sugar substitute. I love to soak them and use them in baked goods, or have them as a snack if I’m looking for something really sweet. Try the honey dates from Dates by Davall! 
  3. Fresh Herbs: Using fresh herbs  adds amazing flavor and color to any recipe, so I always make sure we have basil, mint, and cilantro in the house to add to salads and dishes throughout the week. To keep them fresh, place them in the fridge in a ziplock bag with a moist paper towel, and they’ll last all week! 
  4. Florals: If you know me well,  you’ll know that I am slightly obsessed with flowers and always have some in the house 🙂 Look out for deals at the end of the market (around 1:00 pm) and mix in some lavender for a fresh touch.
  5. Leafy Greens:  Need more greens in your diet? I like to experiment with new ones and rotate them every few weeks, like bok choy and rainbow chard. Sautee with a little olive oil and garlic, and you’re good to go! 
  6. Local Honey: Did you know that regularly consuming local, unprocessed honey can help to relieve allergy symptoms? Try some of the orange blossom variety from any local vendor and add to chamomile or green tea as a coffee substitute. 

IMG_3908

img_3287

img_3880

img_3291

img_3912

img_3983 img_3712IMG_3915

img_3921

 

 

 

 

 

Salmon Tacos with Mango Avocado Salsa

by Leave a Comment

IMG_3815

I am so excited to share today’s recipe with you! This week, a few friends and I got together for an amazing girls night in and had the best night laughing and sharing stories out on their patio, enjoying these last few bits of summer!

We knew we wanted to have a taco night, but these salmon tacos with black rice and mango guacamole (adapted from Ambitious Kitchen) were extra special and are definitely one of my all time FAVORITE recipes on the blog so far! I know you’ll love them!

IMG_3745

IMG_3762

 FISH TACOS

Salmon Tacos with Mango Avocado Salsa
 
Save Print
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • For the rice:
  • 1 cup black (forbidden) rice
  • For the salmon:
  • 1 pound salmon (can use fresh or frozen)
  • ¾ tsp cumin
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ chilli powder
  • 1 tbs olive oil
  • For the mango guacamole:
  • 1 avocado, diced in large chunks
  • ½ cup red onion, diced
  • ½ cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
  • ¼ cup fresh mint, finely chopped
  • 1 ripe mango, diced
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 8 corn tortillas
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. Cook rice on the stovetop according to the directions on the package, and set aside (note: the rice will take 40-45 minutes to cook, so I recommend cooking it in advance and storing in an airtight container).
  2. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Place salmon in lined baking dish, rub with olive oil, and season with cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and chili powder mixture. Bake for 35 - 45 minutes or until cooked medium.
  3. While salmon is cooking, lightly toss avocado, red onion, cilantro, mango, and lime juice. Let sit for 10-15 minutes.
  4. Once salmon is done cooking, flake it with a fork assemble tacos on warm corn tortillas as desired.

 

DIY Bruschetta Bar

by Leave a Comment

IMG_3630

Hello friends! If you’ve been following the blog recently, you’ve probably noticed that I’ve been taking full advantage of some of the beautiful summer produce out there (see last week’s peach, avocado and heirloom tomato salad  and this quinoa salad !), and this week is no exception. 

After grabbing some produce at the Farmer’s Market, I recently stopped by one of my favorite markets in LA, Bay Cities, to pick up fresh bread and burrata cheese for a lunchtime bruschetta bar. They bake homemade ciabatta bread every afternoon and have some of the best selections of imported cheese and meats in the city–so good that my Greek grandmother used to go there back in the day for her ingredients! It’s quick and easy to assemble, and a great option for entertaining since everyone can make their own bruschetta combination 🙂 

Here are my top three combinations:

1. Sweet: Ciabatta, burrata cheese, sweet yellow peaches, basil, mint, olive oil 

2. Savory: Ciabatta, burratta cheese, prosciutto, pesto, olive oil 

3. Classic: Ciabatta, burratta, sliced tomatoes, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, finely chopped basil 

IMG_3548

IMG_3616

IMG_3639

 IMG_3581

IMG_3593 IMG_3578

 

Superfoods for Glowing Skin

by Leave a Comment

The change in seasons can have a lot of negative affects on our body (hello, colds!) and even our skin. The good news is that our diet can help to anchor us and a diet full of good fats, antioxidants, vitamin C, and amino acids can give you a glowing complexion all year long. Here are my top 5 picks to help you get that bright, glowing skin you’ve always wanted:

Avocado

There’s a reason avocados are known as amazing skin savers.  High in poly- and monounsaturated fatty acids, they keep skin looking firm and dewy, help regenerate damaged skin cells, and reduce redness and irritation. Avocado is also a popular ingredient in face and hair masks in case you have any left over afterwards! Try my super easy Avocado Toast: 

IMG_0978 - Version 2

Salmon

Salmon is packed with omega 3’s that protect the skin from sun exposure, help repair already damaged skin, and keep cell membranes healthy and hydrated, keeping toxins out and your skin looking soft and glowing.  Some dermatologists recommend eating salmon up to three times a week, although it’s important to make sure that it’s wild-caught. Try my Baked Salmon with Mustard Dill Sauce: 

IMG_1183

 

Berries

Antioxidants and Vitamin C help fight and neutralize free radicals, which are known to damage skin cells and collagen, causing wrinkles, dry skin, and a host of other aging skin factors. Blueberries in particular are full of vitamin A, which helps normalize oil levels in your skin, and is very helpful in naturally clearing up acne-prone skin, and are some of the most antioxidant-rich fruits you can eat. Try my Acai Smoothie Bowls: 

IMG_1755

Lemon

Most citrus fruits are packed with Vitamin C, which helps neutralize free radicals and helps us make collagen and elastin (which bind skin cells together, giving us firm, younger-looking skin), but it’s also one of the most alkalizing foods available. Try my Ginger Lemon Tea instead of coffee when you wake up each morning: 

Ginger and lemon tea in glass cup

Leafy Greens

Leafy greens are great for basically everything when it comes to nutrition- no surprise there. Kale in particular is packed with Vitamin A, which fights against free radicals and repairs skin tissue. Try my Kale and Mango Salad: 

IMG_1085

Easter Entertaining

by Leave a Comment

PEONIES

Easter is one of my favorite days of the year! Here’s a roundup of some of my favorite entertaining tips to make the day extra colorful:

Sweet: I love the idea of using this recipe from Barefoot Contessa–the most heavenly coconut cupcakes with cream cheese frosting–and topping them with little candy eggs.

cupcake

Image courtesy of Cupcakes & Cashmere 

Savory: I’m also loving this feature from The Everygirl on building the perfect cheese board, including everything you need to know about cheese types, presentation, and pairings.

 

cheese board

Image Courtesy of The Everygirl

Eat: Since I’m half Greek, I grew up trying a lot of different recipes for Greek Easter. My absolute favorites are this recipe for traditional Greek bread and this recipe for rack of lamb lamb and slow-roasted potatoes. We let it cook all afternoon with some oregano, olive oil, and lemon and it’s one of my favorite meals all year long.

Decorate: The simplest (and most budget friendly) centerpiece: 

flowers

Image Courtesy of The Casual Craftlete

P.S. Have extra peeps left over and don’t know what to do with them?  I’m not a big fan of them, but these peeps s’mores are pretty adorable.

smores

Image Courtesy of Yumm Alert

6 Ways to Get A Better Night’s Sleep

by Leave a Comment

Unmade bed

Recently, it seems like everyone has been talking about sleep. Case and point: Arianna Huffington’s “sleep revolution” claims that 40% of the US population gets less than 6 hours each night, resulting in 60 million sleeping pill prescriptions annually (!). 

It’s no secret that sleep is key to a healthy lifestyle and beauty routine, but we all know that in practice it can be tough, especially with a busy schedule.  Here are my top tips to help catch some Zs this week: 

  1. Turn of all electronics by 9 pm: I know, I know, we all have our poison—email, Facebook, Instagram—that keeps us up. But swapping electronics with a book or magazine is necessary to a good night’s sleep since these devices can suppress melatonin production (a sleep hormone). BONUS: Leaving your phone on the other side of the room will make you even more willing to turn off that alarm in the morning. Win win. 
  2. Meditation and deep breathing: Even a few minutes of deep breathing, light stretching, or yoga system goes a long way to calm the nervous system. Here’s a quick routine you can practice right before bed.
  3. Sip chamomile tea: Or ginger, or peppermint, or any other kind of herbal tea that suits your fancy. A steaming cup of tea has a power-down effect and is a great treat to help train you brain to calm down. Not a tea drinker? Warm milk with a pinch of salt and cinnamon should also do the trick.
  4. Stay active: Studies show that moving more during the day has a positive correlation with better and deeper sleep at night. It doesn’t have to be a crazy Soul Cycle class—even a nice long brisk walk with the dog is enough to train your mind to calm down when it’s time for bed. 
  5. List it out: That is, it’s often helpful to jot down any tasks or things you didn’t get done and set it aside in a journal on your nightstand. 
  6. Monitor your midnight snacks: This is probably the #1 reason why most people struggle with sleep. Try setting a cut-off for heavy or sugary foods–especially sweets–a few hours before bed. When your blood sugar spikes, it causes that awful tossing and turning that will keep you all through the night. Nobody wants that! If you do need a snack, try something protein rich with healthy fats, like a handful of nuts or my favorite, turkey slices with avocado.

Valentine’s Day Entertaining

by Leave a Comment

Valentine’s Day is one of those love it or hate it kind of days. But regardless of how you feel about the holiday, I find that it’s a great mid-winter excuse to entertain friends,  not to mention to pull out the chocolate and some sweet pink flowers, a few of my favorite things!

This year, I’m putting together a French-themed dinner party for a few dear girlfriends in the city. Here are some of my favorite tablescape ideas to inspire you as you plan your own Valentine’s Day bash.

florals 2

Image courtesy of Fair Exchange

Something pink: Flowers can be expensive–especially in the winter!–but I love this idea from the Flair Exchange of making mini customized bouquets for friends. For those of you who feel more ambitious or want ideas for a dinner party table, a guide on how to make your own professional-looking floral arrangement here. Teaser: scotch tape is your new best friend:)

pink

Image courtesy of Etsy

….something sparkly: I love these simple garlands from Etsy. They’re fun but elegant at the same time, and I always have a spare set tucked away for spontaneous celebrations and parties.

tart

Image courtesy of The Cook’s Atelie

…something sweet:  I recently discovered the most lovely food blog, Tiger in a Jar, who collaborated with The Cook’s Atelier for a lovely feature on homemade raspberry tarts. They are absolutely gorgeous, and the video in itself is worth watching even if you don’t consider yourself a baker.

tartlettes

Image courtesy of Love and Lemons

I also love these darling tart cherry tartelletes from Love and Lemons…

hearts

Image courtesy of Martha Stewart magazine.

…or these conversation heart cookies from Martha Stewart.

valentine

Image courtesy of Cupcakes and Cashmere.

…and some words of kindness: Emily Schuman from Cupcakes & Cashmere does it again! These little DIY valentines are so creative and better, budget-friendly.

What are your favorite Valentine’s Day traditions? I’d love to hear in the comment section below!

 

 

 

Healthy Blogs to Fuel Your 2016

by Leave a Comment

Screen Shot 2016-01-23 at 1.56.20 AM

  1. Jessica Sepel: 

    Oh, how I love this site! Jessica is one of my favorite nutritionists–I love that her recipes are so simple but have incredible flavor, with lots of fresh herbs and spices (check out her cookbook here). She also has superb posts on redefining our relationships with food/emotional eating, mindfulness, and a series of short 2 week restart-plans that I’ve enjoyed. Did I mention that she also has a beautiful Instagram account with killer travel photos?

  2. Ambitious Kitchen: 

    If you have a killer sweet tooth like me, Monique is your girl. I love her healthy remakes of some of my favorite recipes, like her guilt-free Flourless Chocolate Chip Chickpea Blondies (trust me, they’re even better than the original).

  3. Madeline Shaw: 

    Madeline is adorable. I love her video tutorials that make recipes I wouldn’t usually try, like zoodles (“zuchinni noodles”) look so easy. Who knew using a spiralizer was so simple? Throw in some pesto and I’m in.

  4. Nutrition Stripped: 

    Her green smoothie will change your life. A delicious, easy way to get in all my greens

  5. Oh She Glows: 

    Angela Liddon is one of the top vegan chefs out there. Her cookbook is really phenomenal if you want to experiment with adding more greens to your diet, even if you consider yourself a total carnivore.

  6. My New Roots: 

    Also plant-based, this blog has one of my favorite recipes that I make when I want to mix things up (or confession: impress someone), Moroccan carrot ribbons and black lentils.  The beautiful vegan tacos that I made a while back also came from this site.

  7. The Everygirl: 

    This is actually a lifestyle blog, but they have beautiful healthy recipes as well as great tips on entertaining and the professional realm. I love their salads and breakfast ideas!

  8. Half Baked Harvest: 

    Some of the most beautiful food photography I’ve ever come across, hands down.

  9. Love and Lemons: 

    Their airy, colorful photos and designs make me want to try everything! Check out their most recent post, Sunshine Citrus Chia Bowls.

  10. Green Kitchen Stories:

    Beautiful vegetarian recipes and baked goods.

 

*Image: Creative Market

The Joy of Simplicity

by Leave a Comment

Do you ever set a list of ambitious New Year’s Resolutions on January 1, only to see them totally fall apart by the end of the first week of a year?

Here’s a tip for this year: give yourself permission not to. 

It’s such a great thing to set aside time to focus on goal setting and long-term planning, whether we want to get healthier, lose weight, or just make life a little simpler. But rather than setting the bar far too high–and setting us up for guilt and stress down the road–give yourself permission to be gentler with yourself this year.

First, let’s take a step back. What direction are you going in? What direction have you been going in this past year? Does your life right now make room for fun, joy, stillness, rest, exploration and adventure–things that will make life richer? And to what extent are they based on the things that you feel others expect of you, rather than the things that are most life giving to you? Are you finding time for stillness, for calm, and for creativity? Are you creating or consuming? Are you taking enough time to practice gratitude, intentionality, and simplicity in your every day life and your relationships?

Now comes a (little) goal making. What are some small goals you can set in your relationships, financially, professionally, or in regards to health and fitness, that you can actually measure (and better yet, reward yourself for), and that will help you to get there?  For example, rather than starting with big ticket items like running a marathon, how about setting an intention to join a running group and building relationships with a great group of running buddies, or signing up for a fun, themed 5k race just to get back to the sheer enjoyment of running that made you start in the first place?

At the end of next year, keep in mind that who we are becoming and how we grow in love and service to others is far more important that what we accomplish.

Setting goals is great–but perhaps this year, simplicity is even better. Give yourself permission to live simply, focusing more on your character than your to-do list. 2017 will thank you. And, a bonus…you might just get some of those big ticket items crossed off your list with even greater success than you could have envisioned to begin with.