LIVING SOLO ON A BUDGET

After spending about a year home hunting for a condo in downtown Seattle, I threw in the towel and decided to rent a 475 square foot apartment in the city to test the waters. Living alone in downtown Seattle has been such a dream. Sometimes lonely. Scary. But magical and has allowed so much growth. This was also my first time living alone and I thought I would share some tips and tricks on how to do it on a budget and also share about some of my favorite apartment pieces!

THRIFT LIKE IT’S YOUR JOB

Thrifting became my favorite hobby when I first moved into my apartment. I thrifted so much it started to feel like a job. I figured the things I wanted to save money on were things that you couldn’t see, IE: akeware, drawer organizers, shelf risers, over the door hooks, and lazy susans. However, my favorite things to thrift for were furniture, antiques, and decor. It’s such a fun way to make your space look one of a kind while still saving a ton of money. I went to chains such as Goodwill and Value Village, but I also went to flea markets, the Fremont farmers market, and utilizing online secondhand resources such as Craigslist, Let Go, OfferUp, Buy Nothing, and Facebook Market.

INVEST ON ESSENTIALS TO LAST

There are some items worth investing in to prevent repurchasing in the near future. For me, these were my bed frame, mattress, and television. These were my essential items I absolutely knew that I was going to reuse for years no matter where I end up living. It helps to make a list of things you need a circling these key items, then doing research on what websites have the best deals while keeping your max budget for each item in mind.

SAVE ON TRENDY PIECES

I think it’s so important to honor your taste and style in the moment, even if that means donating or selling the trendier pieces upon moving out. However, budget on these items!! They may not be your forever pieces, so I just feel like pinching pennies makes sense here. Trendy pieces I saved on: my velvet chaise lounge I got on Amazon versus Urban Outfitters or Anthropologie, my tiny home media console I got on Amazon versus West Elm, my bar stools I got on sale at Target versus everywhere else because bar stools are EXPENSIVE.

LIVEN IT UP WITH PLANTS!

Living alone can be isolating and feel extremely lonely. One easy way to liven your space (along with keeping a rolling queue of podcasts playing) is with plants. It’s nice to have something to take care of and it honestly just changes the energy of your home. Plants are also relatively affordable. One of my favorite places to get them is Trader Joe’s. I also enjoy supporting local nurseries, but try to avoid the trendier ones because I find it can get pricey pretty quick.

DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR WHAT YOU NEED

I know this may seem like weird advice, but think of ALL THE THINGS you have in storage or just in the corner of your room collecting dust because you don’t remember the last time you used it. And by no means am I telling you to go around asking all your friends for a TV, but I don’t think it would hurt to mention that you are in search of one. I mentioned that I was looking for a shoe rack to a friend and she just happened to have one that she wasn’t using! Never hurts to mention or ask!

UPCYCLE WHEN YOU CAN

I mean, there’s a reason why there are so many wedding and home decor DIYs on Pinterest, right? It saves you SO MUCH MONEY. One of my favorite DIYs for my apartment was upcycling old jars of all shapes and sizes (nut butters, marinara sauce, etc.) and turning them into pantry staple containers. Containers from The Container Store, Amazon, and even TJ Maxx really adds up. I ordered a label maker off of Amazon and turned it into a really cute and fun project! Upcycling jars and containers is a great way to prevent waste too!

HAVE PATIENCE AND TAKE ADVANTAGE OF SALES

This is kind of a no brainer but I can’t stress this enough. WAIT FOR SALES. I saved so much money on some of my favorite pieces that I couldn’t say no to, but couldn’t justify paying full price for, IE: my rug from Urban Outfitters, my bar stools from Target, my television from Amazon, my Stasher bags, and my decorative pillows from Urban Outfitters. Turn on your e-mail alerts especially when you know your favorite shops always have sales.

I hope this helps! If you have any other questions or want to know more about my experience living alone or in the city, let me know! Until next time. All the love. <3

MY APARTMENT ESSENTIALS

As promised, I am sharing my apartment essentials with links to where to purchase! I apologize in advance if I can’t find the exact product but I will definitely link the closest thing I can find at the same price point.

LIVING ROOM

VINTAGE PENDANT LIGHT KIT // AMAZON

TASSELS PARTY BANNER // TARGET

PLANT STAND // AMAZON

RUBY TUFTED RUG // URBAN OUTFITTERS

NATHAN JAMES MEDIA CONSOLE // AMAZON

TOSHIBA FIRE TV // AMAZON

MOROCCAN POUF // AMAZON

KNIT FLOOR PILLOW // URBAN OUTFITTERS

IVORY THROW WITH TASSELS // NORDSTROM RACK

IKEA POÄNG ARMCHAIR // THRIFTED FOR $8, LINKING FROM IKEA

VELVET CHAISE LOUNGE // AMAZON, LINKING SIMILAR

PET FRIENDLY SOFA COVER // AMAZON

KNITTED THROW // TARGET

ACCENT TABLE // TARGET

SLEEP SPACE

BED FRAME // AMAZON

MATTRESS // TUFT & NEEDLE

WAKE UP LIGHT THERAPY ALARM CLOCK // AMAZON

MACRAME // AMAZON

THROW PILLOWS // URBAN OUTFITTERS, NORDSTROM RACK, AND TARGET

SILK PILLOW CASE // BROOKLINEN

KITCHEN

SHELF RAISERS // THRIFTED FOR ~$3 EACH, LINKING SIMILAR

STASHER BAGS // STASHERBAG

BEESWAX WRAPS // BEESWRAP – USE CODE ‘ROSIE20’ FOR 20% OFF

CORNER COUNTERTOP ORGANIZER // THRIFTED FOR $5, LINKING SIMILAR

LAZY SUSAN // THRIFTED FOR ~$3, LINKING SIMILAR

FRIDGE ORGANIZER CONTAINERS // THRIFTED FOR ~$3 EACH, LINKING SIMILAR

BRIM POUR OVER COFFEEMAKER // CRATE & BARREL

BRIM ESPRESSO MACHINE // WILLIAMS SONOMA

ELECTRIC KETTLE // AMAZON

SMEG TOASTER // WILLIAMS SONOMA

ALMOND COW MILK MACHINE // ALMOND COW

AIR FRYER // BELLA

VITAMIX // AMAZON – SNAGGED ON SALE ON AMAZON DAY

DISH SCRUB // AMAZON

KITCHEN MAT // WORLD MARKET

BATHROOM

AMBER GLASS JAR // TARGET

EVERYTHING SOAP // FOLLAIN

SHOWER CURTAIN // TJ MAXX, LINKING SIMILAR

TASSLE BATH RUG // WORLD MARKET, LINKING SIMILAR

REED DIFFUSER IN SANDALWOOD ROSE // NORDSTROM

JEWELRY BOX // NORDSTROM, LINKING SIMILAR

CERAMIC JEWELRY DISHES // THRIFTED FOR $1 EACH, LINKING SIMILAR

OVER THE CABINET TOWEL BAR // THRIFTED FOR $3, LINKING SIMILAR

OVER THE CABINET APPLIANCE ORGANIZER // THRIFTED FOR $5, LINKING SIMILAR

OVER THE DOOR HOOKS // THRIFTED FOR $7, LINKING SIMILAR

MISC.

LABEL MAKER // AMAZON

SHOE RACK // IKEA

FULL LENGTH MIRROR // IKEA

LUGGAGE STAND // THRIFTED FOR $3, LINKING SIMILAR

DRESSER // AMAZON

FURBO DOG CAMERA // AMAZON

RECYCLE BIN // TARGET

PANTRY CARTS // IKEA

ORGANIZING BINS // THRIFTED FOR ~$2 EACH, LINKING SIMILAR

VINTAGE PAN AM PRINT // AMAZON

WOODEN PRINT HANGER // URBAN OUTFITTERS

BAR STOOLS // TARGET

WOOD LETTER BOARD // TARGET

VASE // IKEA

CLEANING SUPPLIES // BRANCH BASICS

COOK BOOKS // HALF PRICED BOOKS, AMAZON, LOCAL SHOPS

CRYSTALS // MOSTLY FROM MOORE THAN ROCKS IN KENT, WA

CANDLES // MOSTLY ANTHROPOLOGIE AND TRADER JOE’S

All of these products brought my little 465 square foot studio apartment to life! I recorded and shared an apartment tour on YouTube, which you can watch here. Hope this helps and gives you some space saving and budgeting ideas for your big or little space! All the love.

ACCOUNTABILITY IN 2020

As we get ready to wrap up another year, I can’t help but get so excited for 2020. Perhaps it’s my love for even numbers or just the fact that I love the feeling of a fresh start, but either way it inspires me to set goals for myself. I know we should never wait for a new year to set intentions or goals, but I feel like it’s always a good idea to reflect and see what else you can do differently to make yourself proud. Here are some of mine!

  • travel out of the country once a quarter/season
  • call one friend I’ve lost touch with just to say hi at least once a month
  • use a recipe from a cookbook once every two weeks
  • sleep for at least 8 hours a night
  • go on at least one solo trip
  • see a therapist
  • take a new workout class once a month
  • cook for a friend once a month
  • give myself one day off at least once a week (no flying, instagram, emails, etc.)
  • shop at the farmers market at least once every two weeks
  • stay in a treehouse
  • volunteer at least once a month
  • give myself enough time to meditate and journal every morning (even if it’s just for a few minutes)
  • go to at least one concert every few months
  • take mom to italy
  • read one book a month
  • take a lesson in something

This next year, I really want to focus on my growth. I have noticed that I’ve plateaued in my learning and I want to devote more time to learning new recipes, workouts, languages, cultures, activities. As much as I think we should honor where we are today, I think it’s also healthy to set attainable and measurable goals to challenge ourselves. Change can be so good, if we let it. I’d recommend making some small attainable goals of your own. Remember to be specific so you can hold yourself accountable and that way, it’s not as overwhelming too. And remember that less is more! All the love!

A WORD FROM THE WISE – TRAVEL TIPS FROM FLIGHT ATTENDANTS

“Sleep when you’re tired, eat when you’re hungry.” – Christie, SEA based.

“Pack slippers because Airbnbs can be dirty.” – Vina, ORD based.

“Whenever traveling to a different time zone, immediately put yourself in that time frame, even if it means pushing through exhaustion. Because then when it is time to go to sleep, you can have a full night’s rest and then be ready to go and fully on that time zone without the jet lag.” – Sean, SEA based.

“Bring snacks!!!!!” – Lindsey, ANC based.

“Pack snacks, bring your sleep kits (eye mask and neck pillow). Plan travel around an event, a race or concert or festival.” – Megan, SEA based.

“Try not to stress about the small things. Getting there is the hardest part! Drink water. Eat your veggies. Smiles go a long way!” – Allie, LAX based.

“Be prepared! Keep a small bag that fits under your seat for easy access with a pen, water bottle, and big scarf to use as a blanket.” – Amber, SEA based.

“Travel light.” – Marina, HKG based.

“Say yes! Try everything, do everything, and don’t hold back! Also, drink water and utilize melatonin. And find travel companions! Cause they elevate every experience and make it even more memorable.” – Kristina, SAN based.

“Always pack a cocktail dress and a pair of heels. You just never know.” – Fay, SEA based.

“Always keep a small bag with headphones, Advil, toothbrush and paste, moisturizer, etc. with you that you can keep under your seat so you don’t have to dig things out of your bigger bag (if it wasn’t checked). I like to do this since I like window seats. I don’t have to disturb others.” – Josh, SEA based.

“I always have a change of clothes in my carry on bag (I’ve been spilled on or had ‘misplaced’ luggage several times and that has totally saved me! Also I (almost) always have my hydroflask on me to cut down on single use plastics and I #FillBeforeIFly” – Justin, SEA based.

“Use packing cubes. I’m the messiest with my clothes and it keeps me organized, even once I get to my destination.. and they keep me from overpacking!” – Vanessa, SFO based.

“Always bring your own hand soap and hand lotion.” – Ashley, SEA based.

“Bring your own healthy snacks and water bottle to fill up past security.” – Shelby, SFO based.

“Travel light by wearing Merino wool and be flexible.” – Sean C., SEA based.

“Show up early. I’d rather enjoy a drink before a flight instead of stressing out in rushing to your flight. Travel can be so unpredictable these days. I think in general, try to incorporate my daily habits into travel. So I can enjoy traveling without feeling any ‘guilt’.” – Rosella, SEA based.

“Less is MORE. When I flew to Greece from my honeymoon, I was fully prepared. Fuzzy socks, toothbrush, mouth wash, eye mask, neck pillow, headphones, snacks, a tablet, the whoolleeee meal deal. Once I sat in my tiny seat I quickly realized i brought WAY too much. Now I know to condense and only bring what I really need! Not only do you have more space around you having not brought as much, but you’re less likely to forget things on the plane! I bring my water bottle, headphones, tablet, a snack or two and call it good!” – Jane, SEA based.

“Treat others with respect. Kindness goes a long way. It’s not what you say, it’s how you say it.” – Victor, SFO based.

“For health: Vitamin C. In general: get a massage right before a long flight, don’t plan your entire trip out, spend time every day at a cafe and people watch.” – Patty, SEA based.

“Take the local bus and talk to locals always. On the bus, in stores, everywhere. They will tell you secret places and unique things to see.” – Sarah, ANC based.

“Layer. [for the plane] and bring chapstick.” – Celina, SEA based.

“RESERVE your meals! So helpful on both ends!” – Justine, PDX based.

“Utilize your pockets in the TSA line. If you’re wearing a jacket, vest, or hoodie, throw all those electronics/odds and ends in those pockets. That way, when you get to the front of the line, you can just put your vest/hoodie/jacket thing in the bin and then take it out and run for that flight you’re probably late to.” – Khai, SEA based.

“Smart and light packing. Trust your gut.” – JS, FRA based.

“It’s a part of travel but my best tip would be NOT to put our suitcase on your bed when packing. The wheels are soooo gross!!” – Suzanne, SEA based.

You heard it hear first! All the love and safe travels!

WHAT I’VE LEARNED LIVING ALONE

Me? Living alone? HA. That would’ve been the joke of the century only just last year. I’ve always relied on my family and friends for support – which is perfectly normal and acceptable, except that I also leaned on them when I was lost in my own city. 3AM phone calls because Maps wasn’t cooperating. I WAS THAT FRIEND. I decided to live on my own when I gained the confidence with my job as a flight attendant. It’s the most amazing thing I have gained, ever, and I just wanted to share some of the things I’ve learned since.

  • No one cares if your dishes and silverware don’t match. It’s quirky, and fun, so save your money and let go of the stress.
  • Location is key. Living somewhere that brings you so much joy is crucial.
  • Find your community. Whether it’s your gym, work place, coffeeshop, or book club. Find em and cherish em.
  • Your friends love you and want to hangout with you. But YOU need to be the one to initiate it sometimes. I actually learned this when I started flying and noticed my friends were hanging out without me because they never knew when I was home or flying!
  • THRIFT YO SHIT. I thrifted my pantry organizers (storage cubes, shelf risers, jars, etc), some furniture, baskets, bakeware, mixing bowls, and plant pots, and saved so much money. Buy Nothing Facebook groups, Craigslist, and Facebook marketplace are also worth checking out!
  • Investment pieces should be items you will need when you eventually move out. IE: bed, mattress, some furniture, TV.
  • Change doesn’t happen overnight. Your place doesn’t need to look perfect right after moving in. In fact, 4 months later and I still don’t have anything hung up on my walls. Cut yourself some slack.
  • Using Instagram and Pinterest as inspiration is fun, but can set unrealistic expectations. Work within your means and do the best you can to create a cozy space for YOU.
  • Having a small space has some perks – like sweeping taking a total of 10 minutes.
  • Having a dog helps with loneliness. Same with plants.
  • Accept loneliness and know that you are NOT ALONE in feeling that way. Also learned this with my flying gig.
  • When the loneliness kicks in, get out. Go outside. Recharge with the outdoors. I also feel great being surrounded by people (even though they are strangers and even when I’m not speaking to anyone) in places like coffeeshops, the library, the park, and grocery stores.
  • Making the bed is the most adulting thing you could ever do, especially since you’re not doing it for anyone else. Do it for you.
  • Meal prep with or for friends to save some money. And that way, you won’t get sick of the same meals.
  • You’re just gonna have to ask people to take their shoes off if you want them off. Just gotta do it.
  • It’s okay if it doesn’t feel like home just yet. What makes it feel home is the time spent with your friends and family in your space. Creating memories. Sleepovers. Dance parties. Movie nights. The corner where your first Christmas tree was. This is probably the most important thing I realized.

If you’re living alone too, props to you. It’s not always easy, but damn does it feel good to come home to your own slob and decorate your sanctuary to be 100% YOU. All the love.

TRAVEL SMART FOR THE HOLIDAYS

‘Tis the season! Between family, friends, work, and extra time to vacation, we’re here, there, and everywhere. I love working this time of year because it warms my heart seeing families reunited. Hearing stories about why people are traveling: whose grandparents we’re visiting to introduce baby to or what our unaccompanied minors are most looking forward to when visiting dad. It’s so special to be a small part of the journey. This time of year also brings new travelers and I just thought I’d share some tips to traveling smart this time of year (but also all the time).

  • Get to the airport early to fill your water bottle, get food, and use the restroom all before your flight. Plus, it’s nice to not be rushed!
  • Plan ahead if you have dietary restrictions and/or allergies. Pack what works for you and never assume the airport/airline will have a gluten free, vegan, kosher, nondairy, keto, whole 30, etc option.
  • Ask friends for music, podcast, movie, and book recommendations and come prepared with pre-downloaded material. Don’t forget your headphones!
  • Give yourself more than enough time for connecting flights to save yourself the stress later.
  • Essential oils work wonders for nausea, stomachaches, headaches. Just be mindful of others.
  • Have empathy and patience for airport employees, airline employees, your fellow travelers, and yourself. You don’t know what someone is going through and everyone will be much happier that way.
  • Stay hydrated and bring your favorite snacks!
  • Pack leftovers after visiting family and friends. You’re allowed to bring any food items with the exception of things like yogurt and soup.
  • Please and thank you goes a long way. Be courteous with your seat mate, cab drivers, hotel staff, flight attendants, gate agents, and TSA agents. So many people sacrifice family time to work during the holidays.
  • Don’t forget to pack your vitamins! Keeping your routines consistent is important especially to combat jet lag.
  • Extra supplements I like to take while flying are: Flight Fūd (inflight elixir, helps fight fatigue, jet lag, and other negative side effects of flying), greens tablets (I like the ones from Amazing Grass, Nuun (boost of hydration), and ginger tea to help aid digestion. These are not necessary but I’ve noticed a difference in how I feel when I land especially after long flights.
  • If you are an anxious flyer, check out my previous blog post written for anxious flyers here.

As always, I’m here for you! You can best reach me via DMs at @kaleintheclouds. Fly safe, fly happy, and fly smart. All the love.

SUPPLEMENTS ON THE FLY

I love taking care of my body by getting lots of sleep and eating tons of veggies – but when I fly? Let’s just say my body needs a little extra TLC. Between working redeye flights and living half of my life at 30,000 ft., I find myself feeling sleep deprived, bloated, fatigue, lethargic, and stressed. All of these symptoms can put me in a little funk, and that’s not okay! I am a happy person and I want to keep it that way.

I started experimenting with supplements about a year ago. I tried everything from charcoal pills, digestive enzymes, and probiotics in all shapes and sizes (pill form, plant based yogurts, kombucha, etc.). I couldn’t find a routine that would stick and it was hard to determine what fixed what. I also feel like I was constantly being my own guinea pig based on random bits of information that I would receive from other flight attendants, blogs, and influencers.

I was really intrigued to try some of Body Bio‘s supplements for one main reason: it’s backed by science. I LOVE SCIENCE. There’s nothing better than seeing scientific evidence backing why something works versus hearing someone rave about a product “just because.” Body Bio proudly announces on their website’s homepage that they have 45 years of research behind their product development, and rightfully so! Because they are a science and research-based company, many physicians back their products.

So, I decided to be my own guinea pig again. This time, with more confidence and hope! A couple of weeks ago, I received my Foundational Kit in the mail and have been using them ever since. The products I’ve been implementing into my daily routine are:

  • Sodium Butyrate: detoxifier of ammonia and neurotoxins to promote digestion and a healthy liver
  • Balance Oil: healthy Omega fats to aid heart and brain health
  • PC (Phosphatidylcholine): produces liposomes in the body which supports brain function and memory

All of these three key supplements combined are able to support me during times of stress while working 2 jobs and constantly being on the go, and most importantly, aiding my “permanent bloat.” Here are the main differences that I’ve noticed:

  • LESS BLOAT!!!! This is HUGE for me. As a flight attendant, I’ve joked about accepting the fact that I will be permanently bloated, but all the while being somewhat serious about it too. Since using Sodium Butyrate on a regular basis and ESPECIALLY while flying, I’ve noticed a drastic difference in how I feel. My stomach doesn’t hurt as much and I’m not as uncomfortable and inflamed when I fly. That said, I still have been avoiding processed foods (especially foods high in sodium), been drinking lots of water, and avoiding carbonated beverages. It also helps to chew slower when you eat to aid your digestion.
  • More clarity. Balancing two jobs is not easy, but I’m handling it like a pro thanks to PC and balance oil. I’m usually a bit disorganized and scatterbrained, but I feel like I’ve been able to handle keeping a booked schedule pretty well. Instead of spacing out and stressing about what I have to do, I’ve turned to meditation and creating an abundance of to do lists.
  • Less stress. With more clarity and feeling better physically, I’ve been less stressed. Stress is linked to so many diseases and illnesses. Personally, I feel like staying calm and stress-free is the key to living a positive and healthy life.
  • More energy. I’ve been able to get up earlier to get my day started and getting so much done before going to work, which makes me feel super productive and happy!
  • Better communication. Sometimes, I might need some help with words or I’m unsure of how to approach a situation, but lately, I’ve been able to communicate pretty well. I’ve been able to crank out business e-mails, as well as strengthening my problem solving skills at work with both jobs.
  • Detoxify. This is not a benefit I can see or feel, but based on research and knowing what these properties are meant to do, I know that these supplements are helping detoxify my body from toxins from flying. As a flight attendant, I am exposed to a crazy amount of toxins IE: radiation, so I’m glad to know that these supplements are naturally detoxifying my body!

It’s safe to say, I’m really happy with my results so far and I plan on taking these supplements to aid my mental and physical health for a long time. I’m so glad that there are products out there (BACKED BY RESEARCH!) made to make my life as a flight attendant just that much more enjoyable! I hope you find this useful and that you can try it out for yourself to see the difference it can make. If you want to learn more, click here! All the 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!

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2018

Let’s just jump right in, shall we?


  1. Homesick Candle / price varies. Send your loved one off with a little piece of home! There are a ton of different scents that will make them feel at home.
  2. Amazon Fire Stick / $25. Nothing like Netflix and chill in the hotel room to make ’em feel right at home. I love how compact it is too!
  3. Manduka Travel Yoga Mat / $32. A travel yoga mat is everything your traveler never knew they needed for that morning flow! No one wants to go down to the dodgy hotel gym at 6am to grab a mat.
  4. Hot Logic Food Warmer / $45. This is especially convenient for those who like to pack their own food while on the go, IE: flight attendants and frequent flyers!
  5. Saje Travel Cloud Oil Diffuser / $70. Give the gift of zen with this portable essential oil diffuser! Love that it comes with a convenient travel case too.
  1. Blanquil Weighted Blanket / $169. Weighted blankets are all the rage right now and you can use code “NYC20” for a nice little discount!
  2. Cozy Mock Neck Sweater / $40. Nothing is cozier than a chunky mock neck sweater! My favorite one is from Nordstrom Rack (they have so many in stock right now) by a brand called John & Jenn.
  3. Kikki. K 365 Journal / $43. My absolute favorite journal. It puts me in a super snuggly mood, grabbing this journal with a cup of tea before bed.
  4. Kirkland Slippers / $20. I got one word for ya: DEALZ. I got these slippers for a few of my favorite people (and for myself) this year!
  5. Ceremonial Matcha Bowl Set / $35. My matcha enthusiasts know that making a morning matcha is a peaceful art. It’s more than just tea – it’s a calming and mindful ritual.
  1. Rose Quartz Gua Sha + Lapis Oil Mini / $18 + $24. I started incorporating Gua Sha into my morning routine and I absolutely love it. I apply Herbivore’s Lapis oil prior to using the teardrop tool. My face is so much brighter and smoother afterwards!
  2. Sun Potion Ashwagandha / $43. Ashwagandha is my secret weapon to dealing with life’s daily stressors. I swear by it.
  3. Tru Wild Motion Pre-Workout / $38. This is my favorite all natural pre-workout. The ingredients are amazing and it gives me just the right amount of energy for a killer workout! Use code “KALEWILD15” for a discount!
  4. Mantra Band Grateful Ring / $22. I’m not a bracelet person, so when I saw that Mantra Band started making rings, I was ALL ABOUT IT. This GRATEFUL ring is the perfect reminder to make anyone smile.
  5. Vital Proteins Holiday Sampler Box / $16. Collagen is my favorite holiday gift especially for those who are curious about it but won’t bite the bullet to get it. It has enhanced my skincare, gut health, digestion, and bone and joint health immensely!
  1. Thrive Market Membership / $60. Honestly, I never knew what I was missing out until I signed up for Thrive. Your fellow foodie will save SO much money versus dangerous trips to Whole Foods.
  2. Avocado Necklace / $35. HOW FREAKING CUTE, RIGHT?! Or get them a necklace of their favorite food!
  3. Marble Pastry Board / $22. These boards are gorgeous to photograph with and they also make really nice charcuterie boards!
  4. Instant Pot / $70. My life was forever changed after using my Instant Pot for the first time. Go on and change someone’s life.
  5. Microgreens Starter Kit / $25. These kits are so fun and are incredibly affordable too!
  1. Pasta, Pretty Please Cook Book / $19. Seattle-based Chef Linda Nicholson‘s cook book is everything your fellow foodie needs. Her gorgeous colorful pasta creations are mind blowing and can now be in the kitchen, even if it’s in paper form!
  2. The Dank Crystal / $14. Not only do these candles smell amazing, but they’re named after some special spots in the Seattle area, AND there’s a crystal inside the candle! win/win/win.
  3. Girlfriend Collective Activewear / price varies. This activewear line uses recycled materials to create their clothing. Nothing is more badass than that.
  4. Frankie & Jo’s Ice Cream / $52. If you know, YOU KNOW. And if you don’t, get it for a pal and ask them to share.
  5. Bulletproof Coffee Starter Kit / $35. The perfect gift for your keto (or keto-curious) friend! There’s a kit that comes with their ghee too, which you can find here

I genuinely love this time of year. I love gift giving and I LIVE to watch reactions of my loved ones whilst opening their “I-thought-of-you-and-had-to” gifts. But what’s more important than that is the time spent together. The slowness of the holidays, hot chocolate, cheesy Christmas movie marathons, the extra long and tight embraces, making new memories and laughing about old ones. Those are the true gifts. All the love, jingles, and cookies for Santa!