BEST OF VEGAN CHEESE

vegan charcuterie board from Rebel Cheese in Austin, TX – a vegan deli

Cheese is probably my favorite food of all time but unfortunately, my sensitivity to dairy makes it hard to enjoy it without stomach pains. Oh the joys of getting older!! FORTUNATELY though for us, there are so many alternatives out there now. It’s amazing and honestly mind blowing. Here are the best of the best!

Kite Hill Cream Cheese

My first love. This almond milk based cream cheese has the texture of cream cheese and the taste will have you wondering if you accidentally had the real thing. I am obsessed with the jalapeño flavor!

Miyoko’s Kitchen Cheese Wheel

An absolute MUST for any vegan OR non-vegan charcuterie board. The flavors are absolutely insane and they are the true reason why I could do without real cheese. The double cream chive, garlic herb, and sundried tomato garlic are all BOMB.

Miyoko’s Kitchen Mozzarella

IT MELTS. I REPEAT. IT MELTS. This cheese is my favorite to top on pizzas and tastes amazing in Caprese salads too!

Spero Goaty Chevre

If you’re a goat cheese lover, you are freaking welcome. One of the best plant based cheeses I have ever had, period. Clean ingredients. Win, win, win!

Field Roast Creamy Original Chao Slices

One of my favorite plant based sliced cheeses. I prefer to have it melted in a sandwich versus cold but still good either way!

Violife Just Like Smoked Provolone Slices

Super tasty hot or cold. Kind of crazy how they nail the taste of Provolone.. just not gonna question it.

Kite Hill Ricotta

I find that vegan ricotta is one of the easiest cheeses to make, but if you don’t have the time, this one is a WINNER. Taste and texture on point.

Rind Paprika Brie

The ONLY reason why this isn’t at the top of the list is because it’s so hard to get your hands on. I tried it for the first time at Rebel Cheese, a vegan deli shop (equipped with vegan charcuterie boards) in Austin and I just can’t stop thinking about it. I have been dying for a Brie that actually tastes like Brie, and well, this is it.

Siete Spicy Blanco Cashew Queso

The name speaks for itself. It’s spicy and delicious and the list of ingredients is one of my favorite things about this brand. Absolutely ZERO fillers and junk!

The Honest Stand Cheddar Style Dip

WOW. JUST WOW. My favorite lazy day mac and cheese recipe has been brown rice elbows, two large spoonfuls of this dip, a splash of non-dairy milk, salt, and pepper. You won’t believe your eyes or your taste buds!

Hope this wasn’t too CHEESY. If you’re skeptical, just give one of these a try. I promise your mind will be blown. All the love!

TOP 5 OF SEATTLE (FOOD EDITION)

Buddha Bowl at Heartbeet Organic Superfoods Cafe

THE MOMENT WE’VE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR! I have been dying to put together a Seattle guide for a long freaking time. The issue is, I get overwhelmed when I look at city guides and in the end, resort to Yelp. So I decided to put together a different take on a city guide. Here are my top 5s of my hometown, Seattle.

TOP 5 FAST CASUAL EATS

  • Homegrown – Farm to table style soups, salads, and sandwiches. // Sprinkled all around the city, Bellevue, and Mercer Island
  • Café Yumm – A tastier Chipotle (in my opinion) with plant based options. // 7th & Pine
  • Bounty Kitchen – Local, organic, and lots of variety! // Queen Anne and Denny Triangle
  • Vinason Pho & Grill – Vietnamese food made locally and sustainably. Vegetarian/vegan and keto options available! // South Lake Union
  • Eltana – If you need a bagel spot in Seattle, this is it. // Capitol Hill and Seattle Center

TOP 5 PLANT BASED EATS

  • Heartbeet Organic Superfoods Cafe – Amazing salads, warm bowls, juices, and tasty raw vegan treats. // Queen Anne
  • Plum Bistro – Three words. MAC AND YEEZY. The tastiest vegan comfort food in the city. // Capitol Hill
  • Cafe Flora – Amazing brunch. Best cinnamon roll ever and if you can’t get enough, they have a location in the airport in between the A & B gates. // Madison Valley
  • Juicebox Cafe – Unique flavors and twists on simple eats. Try their savory oats! // Capitol Hill
  • Harvest Beat – Definitely a splurge but such an amazing experience of local and eco-friendly eats in the art of a 5 course meal. // Wallingford

TOP 5 BRUNCH EATS

  • Super Six – Hawaiian fusion with the best morning adult bevvies. // Columbia City
  • Cafe Opla – Vietnamese fusion, banh mi in a skillet. Unique and amazing. // On the Pier
  • Oddfellows Cafe – Simple menu, great ambience. // Capitol Hill
  • Mr. West Cafe & Bar – They have charcuterie boards. I REPEAT. They have charcuterie boards!! // Westlake
  • The Fat Hen // If you enjoy eggs and a simple menu, check this spot out. Fair warning, the space is small so there will most likely be a wait. But worth it! // Ballard

TOP 5 SWEET EATS

  • Frankie and Jo’s – The best ice cream in the city. All vegan and fun flavors. // Ballard and Capitol Hill.
  • Ellenos Yogurt – The most amazing Greek yogurt ever, tastes like melted cheesecake. Local. // Pike Place Market and Georgetown
  • The Flying Apron – A vegan and gluten free bakery! AMAZING. // West Seattle and Fremont
  • Mighty-O Donuts – The yummiest doughnuts that just HAPPEN to be vegan. // Capitol Hill, Greenlake, Ballard, and Denny Triangle
  • Hot Cakes – Homemade molten cakes. Unreal. // Ballard and Capitol Hill

TOP 5 COFFEESHOPS

  • Cafe An’Clair – A French inspired cafe with amazing pastries, naturally. // South Lake Union
  • Retreat – Wellness latte galore! They also have lots of amazing food options and turns into a bar later in the day. // Greenlake
  • Stone Way Cafe – Amazing coffee, great food, and live music in the evening! // Fremont
  • Storyville Coffee – Great local coffee and ambience for work space. // Downtown, Capitol Hill, and Pike Place
  • Atulea – For you non-coffee drinkers, my favorite matcha shop makes amazing matcha lattes and bubble tea! Super cute and makes me feel like I’m in California. // Capitol Hill

TOP 5 HAPPY HOUR

  • Toulouse Petit – The tastiest creole food made affordable with their incredible happy hour menu. Incredible first date-y ambience. // Queen Anne
  • Pablo y Pablo – Great happy hour menu with lots of food and drink options. Vegetarian/vegan options available! GET THE SPICY MARGS. // Wallingford
  • M Bar – Rooftop bar with a unique menu. Worth it for the view alone. // South Lake Union
  • Lunchbox Laboratory – Not the healthiest, but definitely one of the most delicious. I dream of their totchos. // South Lake Union and Greenlake
  • Japonessa – Seattle’s best sushi happy hour, hands down. The hours alone are amazing but the menu actually has a great selection and the drinks are amazing too. // Downtown

FOODS I EAT AND AVOID WHEN I FLY

The facts are facts. You bloat when you fly. It was kind of eye opening for me when I was a brand new flight attendant and a senior mama pointed out a water bottle to me and said something along the lines of, “see that? That’s your body right now,” as the water bottle expanded before our eyes. I realized then that I am sacrificing a lot for this job. Being punished for eating veggies and hummus? ABSURD. But this is my life, and I want to share with you what I eat and avoid when I fly to feel good when I land.

EAT EAT EAT

  • GREENS! This one is kind of a no brainer. There are so many vitamins we get from greens so whether it’s a $10 green juice from the airport, packed salad from home, or greens tablets (Amazing Grass makes great ones), get em in!
  • Berries. They are full of vitamins and are such a hydrating fruit. Perfect to snack on midflight.
  • Citrus. Vitamin C + hydration. Winner winner chicken dinner.
  • Melon. Another hydrating fruit. Noticing a pattern here?
  • Cucumber. Eat you water!
  • Charcoal. Detoxify as you fly.
  • Ginger. Ever notice why ginger ale is such a popular beverage on flights? It’s great for your tummy! Bring ginger tea to avoid all the sugar.
  • Turmeric. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, I like to sprinkle a bit over veggies (+black pepper to activate the curcumin) or have a golden milk latte midflight!
  • No-legume dips. Listen. I love hummus as much as the next person. In fact, so much that I will sacrifice stomachaches for it sometimes. But the more I fly, the more I realize it’s not worth it, especially not on long flights. I’d rather opt for other dips that are just as good! Bitchin Sauce and Baba Ghanouj are some of my favorites! Kite Hill makes awesome dairy-free dips too.
  • Coconut water. It’s got a lot of electrolytes and great for extra hydration.
  • Kraut. Your digestive system gets confused when you fly, so one of the best things you could do is pay extra attention to your gut!
  • Gluten free oats. I love having oats because it leaves me feeling satiated which keeps me from mindless snacking. (Pro tip: prep your oats in a jar, then ask your flight attendant for hot water! That way you can create your own dream oats and avoid added sugars.)

AVOID AVOID AVOID

  • Legumes. It’s tragic, I know. Especially being plant based. Beans, lentils, chickpeas – I’ll see you when I land.
  • Cruciferous vegetables. Now this is just cruel. We are being punished for eating veggies and it sucks. But here’s the thing – broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale, arugula, and cauliflower have fibers and raffinose which cause extreme bloating. And that is no bueno when you fly.
  • Carbonated beverages. I stopped drinking soda awhile ago, but I also stopped drinking sparkling water a little bit ago because of the bloat caused by little air bubbles. Think about it. You’re basically drinking air!
  • Dairy. I don’t consume dairy often anyway, but I especially try to avoid it when I fly because it upsets my stomach.

I should also add that I am not a nutritionist or a professional. For the past five years, my body has been a real life experiment and this is just what works for me. Also note that you should drink A LOT of water. More than you think you’d need. I also love to add FLIGHTFŪD to my water when I fly! I’ve noticed that when I take it, I land less bloated and fatigue. It’s like magic. As always, I hope this helps!! All the (gut) love.

FLIGHT ATTENDANT MUST HAVES (FOOD/HEALTH)

We all know how exhausting flying can be. Imagine doing it for a living!! Yep, I chose this life and I have no regrets. But that doesn’t mean I don’t get tired, fatigue, or jet lagged. There is no magic pill when it comes to traveling and every trip is different. Here are some things I like to keep on hand to make life a little easier, smoother, and more stress-free.

  • coffee – 3am wake ups are no joke. I love Bulletproof’s cold brew because it’s convenient, hassle free, SUGAR FREE but still tasty, and their packaging is recyclable which is super important to me.
  • greens – preferably in tabs because they pack well. I love the ones from Amazing Grass!
  • collagen sticks – I take collage daily because it helps with my joints (I like to run and do HIIT workouts) and because I open so many soda cans, I need my nails to be hella strong.
  • ginger and peppermint tea – both aid digestion. Flying always throws my digestion off.
  • healthy snacks – this goes without saying. Fruits, veggies, nuts, the less processed the better! But sometimes I will opt for a high fiber, high protein bar with low sugar.
  • charcoal pills – helps with bloating on the plane.
  • propolis throat spray – to help prevent sickness! I use it the second I feel off.
  • apple cider vinegar – so many benefits to taking ACV daily! I always have some in a little reusable jar.
  • adaptogens – I love carrying ashwagandha on me. It really helps me cope with stress!

*pro tip: stay hydrated, chew slowly, avoid carbonated beverages, and only eat when you’re hungry to avoid bloat! Our bodies bloat naturally when we fly but doing these things will prevent from maximum bloatage.

Hope you found this useful! All of the love and safest of travels!

THE WHOLE 30: THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN

mason jar meal with sautéed bok choy in coconut aminos, red bell pepper, carrots, roasted sweet potato, baked salmon, roasted zucchini, and microgreens

As a disclaimer, this is me sharing MY personal experience (word vomit style). I am not saying that you will feel this way if/when you try the Whole 30. Everybody is different and reacts to things differently!

THE GOOD GOOD

I loved eating WHOLESOME, REAL foods. It was nice to cut the processed foods and snacks and focus on eating foods that we grow.

The creativity I gained from this experience was incredible. I felt uninspired with my food prep, Instagram posts, and meals in general, so using ingredients like coconut aminos, watermelon radish, and edible flowers made cooking exciting again.

I noticed that after the Whole 30, my taste was enhanced. Everything tasted so flavorful and so sweet!

I saved SO much money not eating out and not drinking alcohol!

I realized I don’t need alcohol to have fun, even when hanging out with my flight crew on layovers! Also felt REALLY GOOD not having alcohol for 30 days!

I noticed that getting out of bed was easier! I woke up with a good amount of energy in the morning which made me feel really good!

It made me realize how sugar is snuck into so many things – condiments, protein bars, juices, etc. I’ve always checked labels even before doing the Whole 30, but I became more knowledgeable and investigative when it came to unfamiliar ingredients.

THE NOT SO GOOD

I became obsessive. Just as a little back story, I have a little bit of an obsessive personality. Whether it be a hobby or food trends, I get sucked in easily and become.. well.. obsessed. I was obsessed with the food restrictions and became fixated on what I could and couldn’t have. That was awful for my mental state. I never seemed satisfied with what I was having if I was actually craving pizza or a cookie.

I ate SO MUCH SUGAR. I don’t normally have a ton of sugar on an every day basis. My smoothies mostly contain steamed then frozen veggies and starting my day with a high protein/fiber/fat/greens smoothie really keeps me on track with a low sugar diet. Since I didn’t get to start my days this way, I ended up consuming a lot of fruit. I also snacked on dried fruit in between meals and having them for dessert too. I noticed the sugar was breaking me out and made me want more sugar too.

I ate more than I should have. I feel like I was ALWAYS snacking. I don’t know if it’s because I was constantly thinking about food or what, but I noticed that I ate more than I normally do.

Social gatherings were sometimes hard. It got easier and easier to hangout with friends and crews without eating the chips and salsa everyone else was having, but sometimes you just to be included. Hard to admit, but food IS so social.

Eating out was really annoying. Making a million food modifications and asking what was in the salad dressing made me feel really annoying and a hassle to work with. I always ended up tipping extra!

Having to explain what the Whole 30 was to people could sometimes be difficult. “Are you doing it to lose weight?” was one of the most annoying questions I got. It was also hard to explain why I was doing it since I ate Whole 30-esque to begin with.

As a recipe developer, I missed baking and creating recipes with “non Whole 30 compliant” ingredients.

THE IN BETWEEN

My crew cooler staples: Chomp bars, Lara bars (dangerous- tried to have them in moderation/half a bar at a time), Epic bars, baby carrots, an assortment of nuts, GT’s kombucha (the only kombucha I could find without any added sugars), Suja green juice, tea (so much tea), nut butter, apples, collagen peptides packs, cucumber slices, avocado.

I started drinking coffee again in place of my natural pre-workout in the morning (it has stevia in it). I noticed that my body responded well to it! I usually had it with a splash of homemade almond milk or coconut milk, and sometimes a scoop of collagen.

The words “it’s only 30 days” really kept me going!

I’d HIGHLY recommend doing the Whole 30 with someone you are close with/live with! The support is what kept me going but it definitely would have been a lot more fun and easier if I was cooking all of my meals with someone else and had someone to relate with on a daily basis.

FAVORITE MEALS CREATED ON THE WHOLE 30

BREAKFAST

breakfast plate with an egg frittata, greens, roasted purple sweet potatoes, and berries
egg bake with pasture-raised eggs, zucchini, purple radish, brussel sprouts, snow peas, and avocado
sweet potato toast with roasted japanese sweet potato, smashed avocado, watermelon radish, a pasture raised egg made omelet, smoked salmon, microgreens, and kraut
shakshuka with pasture-raised eggs, brussel sprouts, purple sweet potato, tomato sauce, avocado, watermelon radish, cilantro, and cashew cheeze sauce drizzle

LUNCH

sweet potato bun sliders with turkey burgers, red onion, kraut microgreens, dill, and a side salad
a giant salad made with mixed greens, sweet potato ribbons, chicken sausage, purple radish, hemp seed crusted avo, dill, and edible flowers
grown up kid snack plate with almond flour crusted air fried chicken nuggets, kale salad, sweet potato fries, zucchini fries, and avocado
a niçoise inspired salad with arugula, jammy egg, smoked salmon, roasted sweet potato, cherry tomatoes, kraut, olives, sautéed green beans, and lemon

DINNER

vegetable stir fry with green beans, brussel sprouts, red onion, watermelon radish, zucchini noodles, mushrooms, and microgreens with a creamy almond butter tahini sauce
sweet potato lasagna made with thinly sliced sweet potato, zucchini, almond ricotta, chicken sausage, marinara sauce, microgreens, and edible flowers
pan seared salmon with roasted sweet potato, mushrooms, crispy brussel sprouts, microgreens, side salad, kraut, and pumpkin seeds
fajita bowl with cauliflower lime rice, ground turkey, mushrooms, arugula, red peppers, microgreens, and edible flowers

For recipes and more, visit my Instagram feed at @kaleintheclouds

I hope this gave you a little insight of what being on the Whole 30 could be like! I would encourage it if you are rely heavily on processed foods AND have a relatively healthy relationship with food. I realized that for me, intuitive eating is so important and more my style. All the love!

TRAVEL GUIDE: AUSTRALIA

SYDNEY

Where I stayed:

We found an Airbnb in the business district, which was super convenient for getting around. We walked a lot and took the public transport (get an Opal card) when needed.

avocado bruschetta with poached eggs at Manly Wine

Food:

  • The Harrison* (central) – decent happy hour
  • Playfield Cafe* (central) – located in the Rocks, great stop for an epic sandwich if you’re there for the market
  • Grill’d* (Surry Hills) – it’s a healthy fast food chain with amazing zucchini fries, paleo buns, vegetarian/vegan options. highly recommend enjoying with a glass of rosé!
  • Fishbowl* (Bondi) – poké chain. so fresh and their fish are sustainably sourced!
  • Berri Patch* (Bondi) – great smoothies and smoothie bowls!
  • Lil Darlin’* (Darlinghurst) – the best meal I had in Sydney! their salmon is AMAZING. fun drinks, fun vibes! you get $10 off your drink for posting on your IG about them
  • Gelato Messina* (Darlinghurst) – there was a constant line out the door for obvious reasons. it was soooo good! they have vegan options too
  • Verd* (Manly) – think plant based Sweetgreen, they have vegan bulletproof coffee too!
  • Manly Wine* (Manly) – such a cute spot for brunch!
  • Fish Market – highly recommended by multiple people
  • Mug Life – colorful burgers
  • Flower Child Cafe
  • Orchard Street Cafe – shop and cafe with adaptogens, wish I had gone!
  • The Grounds – whimsical vibes
  • Son of a Baker
  • V Lounge
  • Two Sis
  • Henry Lee’s
  • Morning Owl
  • Chimichuri
  • Little Turtle – Thai food
  • Treetop Cafe
  • The Mews Mosman
  • Bondi Health Market (Surry Hills)
  • Al Taglio (Surry Hills) – pizza owned by two young men, highly recommended by a friend
  • Green Dream (Bondi)
  • Icebergs Club (Bondi) – such a great spot for a view and a drink. there’s a dress code!
  • Trio (Bondi) – highly recommended to me, wish I had gone!
  • Paris (Bondi)
  • Preach (Bondi)
  • Bare Naked Bowls – açaí bowl chain
  • Market Street Cafe (Manly) – best coffee
  • Manly Skiff Club (Manly) – food with a great view of the water and boats
  • Four Points (Manly) – local brewery

Activities & Tips:

  • The Rocks Farmers Market on Fridays and Saturdays*
  • Ferry to Manly* – such a cute little beach town
  • Explore Darlinghurst and Surry Hills* – these were my favorite parts of the city
  • North head looking out Manly* – trails and caves
  • Hike Blue Mountains* – gorgeous park, plan to make it a day trip. pack lots of snacks and water!
  • Bus to Bondi Beach* – super busy and touristy but really fun!
  • Eco hopper ferry – like a free tour of Manly to the Quay
  • The Rocks Walking Tour – free
  • If you’re dying to hold koalas, know that you can’t in the city of Sydney. They have a law against it to protect the animals. Plan around this if that’s important to you!
  • If you’re not a huge city person, I wouldn’t recommend staying in central. It’s really busy! If I were to go back, I would stay in Manly (still lots to do, eat, and see) and stay close to the beaches, then ferry into the city.

BRISBANE

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Where I stayed:

I stayed at an Airbnb south of the city, around Southbank. I loved the area! I just took public transport (get a go card) to get around, north of the city, as well as to and from Lone Pine. I loved walking to West End too! Such a fun area and about 2 miles away from where I stayed. Message me if you want details on where I stayed! I had the best host – super kind and welcoming.

snickers smoothie bowl at Cardamom Pod

Food:

  • Miss Bliss Whole Foods* (West End) – so good, went here twice! the bliss bowl without grains and peas, add salmon was my go to order! they also have amazing raw vegan treats, as do many of these places!
  • Paw Paw Cafe* (South) – Asian fusion healthy food. the curry was amazing. vegan/gluten free options available!
  • NoDo Donuts* (Newstead) – awesome brunch spot with the best gluten free donuts. AMAZING. their gluten free and vegan sourdough hot cake was really tasty too
  • Brew Wine Cafe* (central) – speakeasy vibes, vegan/vegetarian options, great spot for a drink
  • The Pantry* (Southbank) – tiny little health food store with fresh produce/deli/juice
  • Whole Health* (West End) – HIGHLY RECOMMEND! I made a stop here a few times to pick up some fun health food items. they have an amazing bulk section with loving earth chocolate bars you can buy for baking too!
  • The Cruelty Free Shop* (West End) – such a cute little vegan/cruelty free shop. mostly food, some clothing, books, etc.
  • Marcia’s* (West End) – sustainably friendly shop with some food in the back. they have really amazing ice cream sandwiches that are vegan, gluten free, and refined sugar free!
  • The Green Grocer* (West End) – little health food shop
  • Cardamom Pod* (Gold Coast) – HIGHLY RECOMMEND. plant based. the most beautiful smoothie bowls ever and they taste amazing
  • Vegerama – vegan
  • Pando Cafe
  • Miss Jones
  • Bare Naked Bowls
  • Mylk + Co – great brekky
  • Sacred Taste Organic Cacao Bar (Gold Coast) – organic, plant based, gluten free, refined sugar free desserts
  • The Nude Sisters (Gold Coast)
  • Bskt Cafe (Gold Coast)

Activities & Tips:

  • West End Markets on the weekends* – search for Davies Park on google maps
  • Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary******* – HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!! Funny story, I originally had just a 7 hour layover in Brisbane, just enough time to travel to Lone Pine to cuddle the koalas, right? Wrong. We got there and were told that they were no longer doing koala cuddles and photos and to come back in the morning. I decided to cancel my flight to Cairns and stay so I could hold the koalas. Worth it. These animals are really taken care of here and I felt really happy supporting an organization that’s so passionate about animals.
  • Train to Gold Coast* – go south if you want quieter beaches, but I wanted to see the madness since I was making a day trip out of it. I went to Surfer’s Paradise and it was beautiful. Be careful though! I got stung by a jellyfish here!
  • I regret not making time to make it to Byron Bay. Next time, I would definitely rent a car and drive there to see the beaches and amazing healthy foods!

MELBOURNE

Hosier Lane

Where I stayed:

I stayed in a beautiful apartment I found on Airbnb in the Docklands, where the marina is. 10/10 would recommend! It was so nice getting to walk over to the marina to read my book and watch the sunset. There’s also a free trolley that runs in that area into the city! It’s not a bad walk either! Uber pool is available for really cheap too.

gluten free pancakes, matcha burger, and latte flight at Matcha Mylkbar

Food:

  • Cocobei* (Docklands) – amazing cafe next door to my Airbnb. I literally pulled up a photo they had on their IG and said, “I’d like to order this!” it was something off their menu with modifications. super bright and calming atmosphere. they also offer barista and latte art classes!
  • Aunt Maggie’s* (Fitzroy) – like a little Whole Foods. the best part is all of their raw vegan treats and loco love chocolates at the checkout! AMAZING.
  • Matcha Mylkbar* (St Kilda) – highly recommend!!! plant based brunch spot. the most beautiful food and super tasty too!
  • Combi* (Elwood) – got a coffee here but their smoothies looked amazing
  • Leaf* (Elwood) – little health food store. amazing finds!
  • Manchester Press* (central) – amazing open face bagel toast
  • Laneway Greens* (central) – similar to Sweetgreen
  • Ronnie and the Fabulous Juice* (central) – located at the Queen Victoria market. I got the Charlie Brown smoothie without agave and it was delicious!
  • Little Green – vegan
  • Serotonin Dealer
  • Tall Timber
  • Weirdoughs – plant based baked goods
  • Barry – coffee and food
  • Lune Croissanterie – best croissants in the world
  • Green Cup
  • This Is Life
  • Little Sunflower
  • Elwood Bathers (Elwood)
  • The Turtle (Elwood)
  • Who is Bunker Spreckles (Elwood) – cool surf vibes cafe
  • Foxes Den (Elwood) – healthy take out
  • Plain Sailing (Elwood) – highly recommended by a friend
  • Penta Elsternwick
  • Top Paddock
  • Coin Laundry
  • Left Field
  • Mr. Patterson
  • Gin Palace (central) – a must if you enjoy gin
  • Heartbreaker (central) – cool spot for a drink
  • Madame Brussels (central) – rooftop bar
  • Toff in Town (central) – rooftop bar

Activities & Tips:

  • Queen Victoria Market* – such a fun market with lots to see! great place to get souvenirs
  • Sucker Love Tattoo* – Bobbie is amazing especially if you’re into fine line tattoos!
  • Hosier Lane* – famous spot for legal graffiti
  • Walk Fitzroy* – lots of quirky shops and restaurants
  • Explore Elwood* – tons of cute little shops and cafes
  • Free trolley in and around the city
  • City Gallery – free art museum
  • NGV Australia – free art museum, abstract art
  • Robert Gordon Ceramics – local to Melbourne and he has an outlet shop an hour away from the city
  • Botanical Gardens
  • Flinders Lane – lots of shops
  • Brunswick Street – shops
  • Walk around Crown Casino
  • Crown Fire Show
  • Drive the Great Ocean Road – if I could go back, I’d make time for this!

* = places I’ve been. no * & no note = instagrammable spot I found via word of mouth or on @bestfood IG accounts

Quick tips for solo travel:

  • bring a good book, or two! I finally found and made time to read and it felt amazing
  • download offline mode maps. T-Mobile is my service provider and they offer unlimited international roaming but it’s SLOW
  • bring a little cash. most places accept card but some market vendors only take cash
  • don’t be afraid to ask locals for help! your Airbnb hosts are great resources too. locals love sharing info about their favorite spots and little tips with getting around the city
  • be comfortable with making friends everywhere you go. solo travel can get lonely! I made friends with my servers, random people out and about at pubs, shops, and restaurants, the cabin crews, etc. your confidence will build too!
  • make a list of your priorities and make them happen! make note of their location, how long it would get there from where you’re staying, and when they close. don’t leave without any regrets!
  • bring some American goodies for cabin crew, Airbnb hosts, random people you meet! I packed a ton of chocolate, protein bars, thank you cards, and Seattle pins from home to share!
  • be cautious, mindful, and smart! be aware of your surroundings and say “no” when your gut tells you to in any situation
  • I used tinder as a way to meet locals and have someone to grab coffee with. didn’t have the best experience but I don’t regret doing it either
  • made friends by having a power bank on me. just an idea!

I know this is heaps of information but it was seriously one of the best places I have ever visited. The people are so kind, warm, and welcoming! I never really felt alone even whilst traveling solo. Have fun, be safe, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions!

TRAVEL GUIDE: SOUTH AFRICA

Starting a series that’s way overdue, a travel guide series! I’m starting off with South Africa because I just spent a week in Cape Town and had the time of my life. Here are some things I did, things I ate, and everything in between!

ACCOMMODATION

I stayed in an Airbnb the heart of Cape Town, conveniently located next to a bunch of shops and only minutes away from our favorite restaurants located on Bree Street. I really wanted to stay in a place that felt homey, so I picked out a loft I felt best suited me: large windows for natural lighting overlooking Lion’s Head, a kitchen with everything you could possibly need, and just the right amount of space for my best friend and me.

ACTIVITIES

HIKES

A MUST. Lion’s Head and Table Mountain are both centrally located and were only about $5 USD uber rides to the start of the trail from where we stayed.

  • Lion’s Head took about 2 hours round trip, but prepared to do some major rock climbing towards the top. There are handles and chains for guidance but don’t let those intimidate you! The bigger rocks towards the top are quite slippery as well, so just be very cautious and try to avoid going when it’s wet or when it’s dark out, unless you have the proper equipment for it.

  •  Table Mountain was SO MUCH FUN. It was paved very well and felt completely safe all the way up, but as always, proceed with caution. The steps get steep pretty quick but it’s basically a straight shot all the way up. There are alternative routes as well if you prefer switchbacks. Or, you can also take the cable car up! We decided to hike up, which took about 2 hours, and took the cable car down.

CITY SIGHTSEEING BUS

The city sightseeing bus is hop on hop off double decker bus and is a perfect way to get a tour of the city. We did this on our first full day and had so much fun seeing a glimpse of the city as well as getting to stop at the waterfront. A ticket for a full day is R180 and you and hop on and hop off at different stops the entire day. Just make sure to check the bus schedule online to plan accordingly!

THE WHARF WATERFRONT

The waterfront is a really fun and lively part of Cape Town. A perfect place to get souvenirs with loads of local and handmade vendors. There was also a mall with lots of shopping in case you need to pick up something you forgot to pack. The V&A Food Market is also located at the waterfront and it’s amazing!

THE WINE TRAM

One of my favorite things we did in South Africa! We hopped on a wine tram in Franschhoek which took us from vineyard to vineyard. We paid R220 for a ticket on the train and the tastings at the vineyards cost about $5-$10 USD at each place. Some vineyards didn’t charge a tasting fee if you bought a bottle. They’ll let you know if that’s the case! We caught on uber to and back from where you need to meet to catch the train, which was cheaper than their prearranged charter bus. Bring water and snacks! We hopped on the green line and LOVED it.

BOULDER’S BEACH

Boulder’s Beach is a beautiful beach filled with wild penguins. Definitely recommend checking it out, but just know that it’s very touristy and you will not be able to get too close to the penguins or pet them. There’s a fee to get into the park. We got to Boulder’s Beach and Cape of Good Hope via the City Sightseeing Bus. Another option is to rent a car. We also packed lunches and snacks for our road trip day, which I’d highly recommend doing.

CAPE OF GOOD HOPE

This is where the most southwestern spot of Africa is and it was absolutely stunning and serene. Luckily for us, it was a stop on our City Sightseeing Bus itinerary.

BO KAAP

The strip of bright and colorful houses located in downtown Cape Town is a must see. A really good spot for photos as well!

FOOD

V&A FOOD MARKET

They’ve got everything from poke bowls to local South African cheeses to lamb wraps. You’re bound to find something here! The hard part is deciding WHAT.

HAIL PIZZA

One of the best pizzas I’ve ever had was from Hail Pizza. I got their mushroom pizza add zucchini and eggplant. SO GOOD. On Wednesdays, they have buy one get one free pizzas from 6-8PM and reservations in advance are recommended as they do have limited seating!

KAUAI

The best little spot for breakfast or brunch! I got a smoothie bowl and a mushroom toast here and they were both so delicious.

THREE WISE MONKEYS

THE BEST RAMEN. They also make amazing sushi donuts and baos.

CLARKE’S BAR AND DINING ROOM

We grabbed drinks and a appetizers here. Good ambience and great vibes!

BURGERS & LOBSTERS

Their happy hour is amazing. Buy one get one free on some really unique and handcrafted cocktails.

EASTERN FOOD BAZAAR

We grabbed some curry at a spot behind our Airbnb. It was like a food court made up of about 5 different vendors of Asian and Middle Eastern food. Super delicious, affordable, and the portions were massive – lasted us 3 meals!

WOOLWORTHS FOOD & SPAR

We shopped for foods we could make for breakfast and have for snacks to save some money. Woolworths Food was blocks away from our Airbnb so it was pretty convenient, but if you can, get to Spar! They had a lot of health foods like kombucha, and grain free and sugar free baked goods and protein bars.

OUMEUL BAKERY

Snagged some freshly baked sourdough bread here!

BREE STREET

A strip of amazing restaurants and bars. Hail Mary, Burgers and Lobsters, and Clarke’s are all located on Bree St.

GETTING AROUND

UBER

Uber rides are extremely cheap in Cape Town and there is always a driver just minutes away. Super convenient and saved us from renting a car!

CITY SIGHTSEEING BUS

A really great way of getting around especially if you plan on hopping around the city the entire day. We also utilized their services going to Boulder’s Beach and Cape of Good Hope!

WALKING

Since we stayed downtown, everything was pretty close and in walking distance. However, be cautious walking around after dark. Certain streets can get pretty sketchy. Always walk with a buddy if you can.

TIPS

  • Ask locals for recommendations! I like to do this whenever I travel. My Airbnb host ended up giving us lots of advice on places to go based on our preferences and interests.
  • Find an Airbnb with a washer/dryer so you can pack less clothes.
  • Pack a jacket, leggings, and comfy shoes. The hikes are no joke and I cringed watching people hike in jeans. Don’t do that to yourself! It also gets cold higher up on the mountains.
  • Cook meals at home to save money. It’s fun to go out and have local cuisine, but waking up and having your usual breakfast made at home will not only save you money, but it will also help with your digestion.
  • We were traveling during a drought so we limited our water usage by using hand sanitizer and taking really quick showers.
  • The travel journey is long. From Seattle, you spend about 27 hours in the air. I’d recommend drinking of water at the airport, bringing detox tea and greens tabs with you. For more tips on flying, see this blog post.
  • Flight attendants: I non-reved via Emirates connecting through Dubai there and back. It was super easy and I got a seat on every flight!

I hope if you are considering making a trip to South Africa that this has convinced you to do it. It was such a beautiful place with loads to do and although it was bummed to leave, I feel like spending one week there was the perfect amount of time.

TURMER-KICK TUNA SALAD RECIPE

You’ve probably heard turmeric this, turmeric that, but what exactly is it and why do we love it so much? Turmeric comes from a root (you can find it at your local grocery store!). This herb is pretty much like magic, but backed by science. Many studies have shown that turmeric has been found to:

  • act as an antioxidant
  • be anti-inflammatory
  • aid digestion
  • boost memory
  • lift your mood
  • prevent heart problems, diabetes, and cancer

Needless to say, I like to try and sneak turmeric in EVERYTHING. By everything, I mean roasted veggies, salad dressings, cookies, tea, chicken and fish marinades, you get the idea. I am also a lover of golden milk lattes! But this recipe is one I wanted to share because 1. I have yet to see one like it and 2. IT’S FREAKING DELICIOUS. Give it a try and let me know what you think!

Here’s what you need:

  • 1 can of tuna
  • 2 TBSP shredded carrots
  • 2 TBSP minced red onion
  • 1 TBSP avocado oil mayonnaise (I use Primal Kitchen Foods)
  • 1/2 finely chopped dill pickle
  • 1 TSP turmeric
  • 1 TSP paprika
  • 1/2 TSP cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 TSP tarragon
  • 1/4 TSP crushed red pepper
  • 1/4 TSP cumin
  • black pepper
  • pink salt to taste

Feel free to add more avocado oil mayonnaise as you go to achieve your ideal consistency. Subbing mayonnaise for mashed avocado is also pretty tasty! You can also sub veggies around to your liking, but I found these veggies create the perfect taste and texture! I love flexible recipes though and I encourage that you change things up until you love it. Thanks for tuna-ing in and I hope you have a fantuna-stic day!

SUGAR DETOX RECAP (+ RECIPES!)

I just wanted to check in with you guys and share my experience doing a 7-day sugar detox (for the first time!) inspired by Rachael’s Good Eats. After reading her blog post on the 7-day sugar detox, I decided to give it a shot. How bad could it be right? As some of you may know, I’ve fallen into the trap of many cleanses in the past. My last cleanse was regrettably a juice cleanse and it was a bit of a disaster. However after educating myself so much more, I decided this sugar detox would be a great reset for me. The idea of maintaining your blood sugar levels is something that should be a part of your daily life – I learned this after reading Body Love by Kelly Leveque (highly recommend read). I find that avoiding sugars in the morning (replacing with healthy fats and protein instead), helps me stay energized, satisfied, and keeps me from crashing. IE: instead of having a bowl of fruit for breakfast, I’d have avocado toast or a Fab 4 Smoothie (Kelly’s Leveque’s signature swear by shake – contains protein, fat, greens, and fiber).

So since I don’t have a ton of sugar on the regs, this detox wasn’t extremely difficult for me. However, I STILL struggled every now and then but more so in social settings. It also tested my will power  when I got packages in the mail with new treats to try out from incredibly generous and wonderful companies. Confession: I actually slipped my first day because I totally forgot I was even doing the detox until I was reading the amount of sugar was in each serving. Yikes!

WHAT WORKED

Out of sight, out of mind! I found that my cravings would go away if I just avoided the sugary aisles at the grocery store. This was extremely hard though with all the holiday baking posts on Instagram. Although I will say it did get easier as the week went on!

The benefits? Personally, I experienced no crash and I didn’t have craving. This also meant less snacking! My grapefruit tasted like candy and that in itself was pretty incredible.

WHAT HELPED

Here are some quick tips if you’re looking to try a sugar detox:

  • Using pomegranate seeds in salads – just a little sprinkle but it was so satisfying!
  • Berries in oats/smoothies. They’re not as sweet as bananas and  I actually prefer the tartness in berries over bananas.
  • Bulletproof chocolate with nut butter. I craved chocolate more than I craved anything else! This is sugar detox friendly and did the trick.
  • Eating small portions of fruit and then seeing if my body wanted more before investing in the entire piece. I did this with grapefruit especially and at most, I had half at a time.
  • Cacao and cinnamon everything! For all of my chocolate lovers, it will help so much.
  • Bulletproof matcha/coffee. I prefer my coffee black anyway so by adding some brain octane and healthy fats into my morning drink, I start my day off on a good start. I tried to avoid having fruit first thing in the morning because I didn’t want it to make me feel like I needed more.
  • Lee From America’s coconut fat balls! SO DELISH.
  • Again, out of sight out of mind! If there’s a plate of cookies in front of you, move it or walk away. Don’t let it taunt you!

RECIPES

Here are some quick recipes that became staples this week! Honestly, they have become combinations of things that I enjoy and prefer them over sugary alternatives.

NO FRUIT PROTEIN SHAKE

  • 2 scoops collagen peptides (I used Vital Proteins)
  • steamed purple sweet potato
  • Trader Joes frozen kombocha squash
  • spinach
  • 2 tbsp flax meal
  • 1 tbsp cacao powder (I used Navitas Organics)
  • 2 tsp açaí powder (I used Sari Foods Company)
  • 1 tsp ashwaghandam (I used Maju Superfoods)
  • topped with Lee from America’s coconut fat ball, bee pollen, and cinnamon

QUICK POST WORKOUT SHAKE

  • 2 scoops collagen peptides
  • 2 tbsp cacao powder
  • 2 tbsp flax meal
  • 2 tsp cinnamon

OVERNIGHT OATS

  • 1/4 cup rolled oats (I used Bob’s Red Mill)
  • 1 scoop collagen peptides
  • 2 tbsp chia seeds
  • 1 tbsp cacao powder
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • Lee from America’s fat ball
  • sprinkle of blackberries
  • water

Final verdict? YES. DO IT. I am already excited to do this again in January. I felt so good after the week was through and although I thought I’d be so excited to have sugar again… I didn’t. I woke up the next morning and made my Bulletproof matcha and added one scoop of Terra Origin’s Greens Superfoods in mint and it was SO SWEET. I couldn’t believe it. My taste buds were totally in heaven. Also wanted to note, before I started the detox I wanted to bake EVERY treat on my IG feed, but now I don’t have much of a desire to. Part of that is due to laziness but I just don’t have that crazy desire to anymore.

Have you guys tried a sugar detox? I know it’s not for everyone but I’d love to know what you think!