Water Kefir

I realize that Monday’s post was on a drink (hibiscus tea) but now I have to tell you all about water kefir — my newest obsession! And yes, apparently I am on a drink kick! And makes sense because it has been over 100 degrees the past week in Oregon….yes, I have been melting! In any case, I have always had a love hate relationship with kombucha. I love it, but it has made me (violently) sick and so I had to quit for a decade. I have successfully only had good batches in the past year, but I still am weary about it. That said, I always love looking at the drink aisle in the hippy dippy grocery stores because they always have the best products. And lo and behold, that is how I first found out about water kefir — a probiotic water. It is similar to kombucha, as they are both fermented and probiotic rich. But they taste slightly different and as of now, I am preferring water kefir.

 

This was one of the brands that I love — made in Oregon, great flavor of ginger and lime. Fizzy, delicious, and hydrating.

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Thanksgiving 2016- Breitenbush Hot Springs

We just returned from the Best / West Coast where we spent a whirlwind holiday weekend outside in nature with my side of the family. It is best summed up by Ken’s instagram post:

 

#Truth

#YesBingeBeforeCleanse

My parents have spent the past 20 Thanksgivings at Breitenbush Hot Springs, at the base of Oregon’s Cascade Mountains.  So instead of indulging in food, turkey, booze, and football, we spent Thanksgiving off the grid in natural hot springs, rain, lush forests, and togetherness (vegetarian togetherness). My brother and his family have gone the past seven years, so this year, we decided to make the trek out to Oregon. It was quite the haul, but it was a special and joyous time for the cousins and all of us to be together.

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Mexican Cheese

My family loves cheese — cheddar, soft , fancy, creamy, stinky, messy, and Mexican. I know, right? Who knows about Mexican cheese? Definitely not the French.  But it is delicious and perfect for everyday eating. Our newest type of Mexican cheese is the “Oaxaca.” It’s similar in looks and flavor to queso fresca, and also has a string cheese like quality to it. Basically it is a saltier and more flavored version of string cheese, rolled up into something equivalent to a ball of yarn.

 

Softball?

Softball?

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Ace and Jig / Ali

When I find something I love, I become obsessed. And that has officially happened with “Ace & Jig“.  I am head over heels in love and want absolutely everything in the collection. EVERYTHING. This fun, happy clothing line is part hippy, part urban, part country, ever so comfortable, totally stylish, and a must-have for everyone.

Screen Shot 2013-04-20 at 6.55.35 AMAce & Jig’s collection is made with the most comfortable, soft yarn-dye woven fabric from India. It is the type of clothing that is so uber wearable, that you never want to take it off.

UP CLOSE LOOK at the material. Soft, thick, substantial, and smooth.

UP CLOSE LOOK at the material. Soft, thick, substantial, and smooth.

Each piece of clothing has a stripe in the pattern. Some are solid vibrant stripes, whereas some are more subtle pops of color. And who doesn’t love stripes?

My parents with Baby Z. It is no surprise that I became a fan of stripes....

My parents with Baby Z last summer. It is no surprise that I love stripes….

Stripes (from a tank top)

Stripes (from a tank top)

Stripes on pants. With some sparkle and glitter. Even better!

Stripes on pants. With some sparkle and glitter. Even better!

Cary Vaughan and Jenna Wilson, the designers of Ace & Jig, describe their clothing as “aesthetically beautiful yet functional… Accessible clothes that are not overstyled, pieces that you keep forever and love.” And it is so true.  True love! And the price point is perfect, making it possible to buy not just one of their shirts or dresses, but multiple!

Call me a hoarder. Or obsessive. OR RAD!

Call me a hoarder. Or obsessive. OR RAD!

Some of the current Ace and Jig items that I am drooling over.

Some of the current Ace and Jig items that I am drooling over.

I love this tank. Effortless, easy, hippy, styling.

I love this tank. Effortless, easy, hippy stylin’.

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