First Timer

Yesterday was one of the best days I've had in the three years of living in San Diego. I stepped out of my comfort zone and saw how beautiful life was in a completely different aspect.

I asked my most adventurous and active friend, Kevin, to go hiking with me and after discussing going somewhere that was easy and intermediate (as I'm not terribly in shape) *I* decided we would hike to the highest point in San Diego, Cowles Mountain. It was a great workout, not bad for beginners and once we got to the top the lookout was breathtaking. I felt an accomplishment I hadn't felt since hiking (real mountains) in Salt Lake City so long ago.











Afterward Kevin wanted to show me his new hobby of slacklining so we headed to Balboa Park and found some trees to tie up to. Even though I'm the most unbalanced person I know, this was A LOT harder than I imagined. Walking across without falling over or needing to hold Kevin's hand proved to be most difficult and unfortunately didn't even get as far as one solitary step by myself. Glad I tried and can now cross that off my bucket list.





We then packed up and decided to meet my coworker for my very first yoga class. If you caught the hint above that I'm not balanced whatsoever, you can probably understand why I was so intimidated and actually needed talking into to attend public yoga. But seriously, men and women, if you've never tried, please go! I felt amazinggggg afterward. Sure I fell over a few times and the instructor came over to correct my alignment three times... But it truly does your body and mind a world of good. Every stress and worry I had went out the window when I focused on stretching and breathing, it was great!


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Yoga works up your appetite, so Kevin and I grabbed some Noodles & Company for dinner. I can't think of a better way to end my night. So thanks again Kevin and Aja, if you're reading this, you are fantastic human beings!



For those of you who live around a Core Power location, I highly suggest you check it out! The first week is free (no obligations) and they offer beginners classes and even hot yoga!

Foodie Friday: (gelatin-free) Golden Graham Treats

When I worked at Aveda in 2009 one of my coworkers brought this vegetarian-friendly treat into work and I swear if no one was looking, I would have devoured it all. It goes without saying that I immediately asked her for the recipe. It's a bit sticky, but a good replacement for the regular ol' Rice Krispies treats ;)



What you will need:

1/4 cup butter
1 jar Jet-Puffed marshmallow creme
4-6 cups Golden Graham cereal
1/4 cup chocolate chips (optional)



Directions:

1. In a medium saucepan, stir butter and marshmallow creme on medium heat until smooth.

2. Turn off heat and mix in cereal right away.

3. Pour into 8x8" pan/casserole dish and add chocolate chips.

4. If you're making them into individual bars, press in pan with buttered back of spoon. Cool completely and cut into bars.







(I chose not to add chocolate chips to this batch as I'm not a huge fan of chocolate and these were pretty much all for me)