Kale chips a la my brilliant Nutritionist, Christine Fikany.
Drizzle a little olive oil and sprinkle salt on one bunch of Kale. Preheat oven to 375 and bake for 12-15 min. I know it may not seem possible, but this plate of "salad" tastes like chips. These will change your life.
Christine and I will be meeting every two weeks for the next 6 months. I am so so excited to leave my 20s in the best shape possible and plan on documenting the process on my blog! Christine is amazing. I have met with several nutritionists throughout the years and she is by far the best I have worked with. Christine offers a few packages and can meet with anyone, anywhere. If you are interested in working with her, tweet to her or contact me and I will put the two of you in touch.
Fresh hydrangeas. Keep these in HOT water and change the water every day!
A little pop of color in this neutral space
Water always tastes better in a mason jar. With a little cucumber, of course.
Meet Harper, my BFF's baby girl. I love her already and cannot wait to meet her!
A few other things:
I love Chicago. It is a beautiful city and I have created a nice little life for myself. But at the end of the day I am alone and there are times I miss my family and the familiarity/warm weather back in LA. I am so thankful for Sarah's pep talk Wed. night & the fact that Audrey checked up on me yesterday. While it isn't always easy, I do love my life here. There are just moments where I look outside the window and wonder how I got here/what I was thinking moving to Chicago. It has been a surreal experience.
This is the last weekend of January which means that we are getting closer and closer to the launch of The Everygirl! We will launch post Valentine's Day, so we have a few weeks to go! Excited for some photo shoots & a little down time this weekend!
A few other things:
I love Chicago. It is a beautiful city and I have created a nice little life for myself. But at the end of the day I am alone and there are times I miss my family and the familiarity/warm weather back in LA. I am so thankful for Sarah's pep talk Wed. night & the fact that Audrey checked up on me yesterday. While it isn't always easy, I do love my life here. There are just moments where I look outside the window and wonder how I got here/what I was thinking moving to Chicago. It has been a surreal experience.
This is the last weekend of January which means that we are getting closer and closer to the launch of The Everygirl! We will launch post Valentine's Day, so we have a few weeks to go! Excited for some photo shoots & a little down time this weekend!
Last night Alaina and I attended an event for Cheeky Chicago where we met The Girls of Lincoln Park. I wore heels on a Thurs! But let's keep it real. I had to take my heels off to make it back to the car without having my feet shatter in to a million pieces. I really love flats.
My good friend Anne planned a beautiful wedding & shared photos on her blog. I have such talented/creative friends.
Have you see this video?
Any movie recommendations for me? I want to rent something and haven't seen any of the oscar nominated movies (so unlike me). I need to get on it!
My good friend Anne planned a beautiful wedding & shared photos on her blog. I have such talented/creative friends.
Have you see this video?
Any movie recommendations for me? I want to rent something and haven't seen any of the oscar nominated movies (so unlike me). I need to get on it!
I love kale chips but I always eat them as I'm making them and I don't think that's how it's supposed to go down, you know? Also, you reminded me that I need to keep more fresh flowers around. And lastly, have you seen the S*it LA people say?
ReplyDeleteThe hydrangeas are gorgeous, and yes, I have seen that video. Too, too good. Glad you're sticking it out in the Midwest. We're happy to have you hear! Enjoy a relaxing weekend-let me know if you find any good movies!
ReplyDeleteHarper is so adorable!!! Chicago is a little brutal in the winter months and I know exactly how you feel.
ReplyDeleteI love hydrangeas and they last forever in hot water! I have been on a kale kick so I will definitely try these! If you haven't seen Ides of March I would recommend also Midnight in Paris.
http://champagnecocktailscashmeredreams.blogspot.com
a. baby is adorable. just want to take in her baby scent
ReplyDeleteb. i am obsessed with mason jars lately...it's my new way to drink coffee
c. trying the kale chips this weekend
d. thx for sharing! xoxo
That video is too perfect. It's scary to uproot yourself from what your familiar with but think of all the amazing opportunities to come in life. As for movies, I'd recommend Drive, Midnight in Paris, and The Descendants. All really good!
ReplyDeletemade kale chips last weekend for the first time! So good! I put lemon juice on them too and it added a nice flavor! You've got mail is my all time favorite movie.
ReplyDeleteKale chips are the best. I can't help myself from eating an entire batch. I, too, am getting ready (six months from Wed) to leave my 20's. I am also VERY determined to do it in kick ass shape so I look forward to learning from your journey as well. Enjoy the weekend!
ReplyDeleteYEP kale chips rock!! I did a little shout out to them in my post today too..:)
ReplyDeleteyay for the weekend!! valentines day - cannot wait!!
ReplyDeleteps - im glad you're here in chicago ;)
oh my, what an adorable baby!
ReplyDeleteI love your roundups of the week! And what an unbelievably cute baby!!!! Have a great weekend and stay warm ;)
ReplyDeleteI'm from NC and sometimes feel the same way about living in Chicago. Sometimes my heart just swells with love for this city. But othertimes, I just want my mom. Love reading your blog and following your tweets! xo!
ReplyDeleteHarper is adorable!! So so sweet! :)
ReplyDeleteI totally know what you mean about looking out the window and wondering how you got here! Even being from the midwest originally, sometimes I wonder why I chose Chicago and if it was the right decision for me. I think that's one of the strangest but also most exciting things about our 20s - we can move anywhere we want, take our lives in any direction we want, and there's no "right" answer. But then again, there's also no wrong answer either! I'm just trying to go with what my heart is telling me to do now, and to remember that I can always change my mind down the road.
ReplyDeleteI just watched the video and almost fell of the chair laughing. Sooo funny :)I'm so glad you found the dream nutritionist. Keep up the good work :)
ReplyDeleteI'm definitely going to try kale chips this weekend. While initially they don't sound good (at all), I felt the same way about spaghetti squash and made if for the first time last night and loved it so I'm willing to take a chance on kale chips! Also - love all your fresh flowers, perfect for cheering you up on those days when your mind wanders back to LA.
ReplyDeleteI love the SH*T fashion girls say videos! I hadn't seen the 2nd one til just now- hilarious! I am glad you are sharing your occasional struggles with us. I think there is power in honesty.
ReplyDeleteWishing you a lovely weekend!
XO,
Sam
www.ThePeakofTresChic.com
I LOVE fresh kale but I've never made kale chips. SOO going to have to try it now!
ReplyDeleteYou are NEVER alone in this city my friend. Happy Friday! :)
ReplyDeleteSo many awesome things here. And interesting tip about the flowers. I did not know that.
ReplyDeleteKale chips are delicious! Such an easy and healthy snack to prepare! The video was also hilarious!
ReplyDeletehttp://lindseyyoung.net
I know this isn't rentable, but I saw the Artist last weekend and it is absolutely wonderful! Put any preconceptions about silent films aside...this movie is such a treat and will freeze a smile onto your face the entire time you're in the theater (with the exception of a few tears). It's definitely worth the trip!
ReplyDeleteI had no idea that's how to care for hydrangeas. thank you so much.
ReplyDeleteHave you seen Ides of March yet? So unlike me to love a political drama, but Clooney, Giamatti AND Gosling? It's like the ultimate trifecta. (And Evan Rachel Wood is a stunner.) - And Midnight In Paris is a must. Absolutely a must - I think you'll love it!
ReplyDeleteI love your blog! I read everyday and basically want to live your life. lol! I just made steamed kale and quinoa last night for dinner and it was amazing! Can't wait to try the kale chips. The hydrangeas are GORG! I had no idea about hot water... thanks for the tip! Obsessed with the Sh*t Fashion Girls Say videos... Just posted the first one on my blog this week. Come stop by if you get a chance!
ReplyDelete- Amanda from Pretty Little Things
I am going to have to try the kale chips! I recently sautéd some kale with vegetable stock, onions, garlic, and mushrooms- and it was so good! Thanks for the new idea. Your blog is fantastic.
ReplyDeleteI wish I could afford a nutritionist! That would probably help me tremendously!! How exciting for you! I'm hoping to steal some tips from you ;)
ReplyDeleteI want cucumber water now..ha!
You are incredibly strong and inspiring for picking up your life and moving to Chicago! I'm sure it gets lonely without your dearest family and friends but I love how you've made some amazing friendships while in the windy city! <3 and you're living one of your DREAMS!!
Have a wonderful weekend, Danielle!
Hello Darling D! Thanks for mentioning my sweet wedding!
ReplyDeleteMOst of all thank you for helping me learn how to leave a comment ! lol!
I LOVE YOU!
There is nothing worse than missing loved ones. Hang in there, you eventually will be so happy and you won't even imagine being anywhere else. And next time you attend a cheeky event you shouldn't be in good enough shape to drive home! Get loose and Go crazy!!!!
ReplyDeleteSometimes I feel like I want to get out and move too but Chicago really is fantastic and the people here are unreal. Though it'd be fun to move, I'm a midwest Chicago girl through and through. I'm glad you're sticking with it and loving it even though it can be tough. You're a strong person! Have a fantastic weekend!
ReplyDeleteI love Kale chips and usually just purchase them but I love this idea of making them on my own! Thanks for sharing this! Also, I agree, water really DOES always taste better in a mason jar :)
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh, those sh*t fashion girls say videos are the best things of my life. Seriously.
ReplyDeleteLove all your vignettes around your home!
I'm so glad you posted about how to make kale chips! I had been looking to buy them but I couldn't find them at whole foods. I am originally from Chicago, so it was nice to come back after college. But I have friends who are going through the same thing as you. I think at the end of the day you have to remember that you are trying something exciting and new. If it doesn't work out, you can always go home or wherever you want. But better to say that you tried. Plus, you never know what might happen :) Sounds like you have exciting things coming up, so focus on the positive!!
ReplyDeletewww.thewhitlistblog.blogspot.com
I loved the whole post, but I just wanted to comment that I can entirely understand how you feel about that surreal feeling when you end up somewhere you didn't plan on. I get those same feelings, pretty often. But then I try to remind myself how much I'm growing when I make decisions to leave my comfort zone. You only live once. It's an amazing thing to have challenging, exciting, new adventures under your belt. LA will never leave, and it will always be there for your return one day when you're ready.
ReplyDeleteHope you're having a wonderful weekend!
LOL!!! That is so funny!!
ReplyDeletejen
http://blankwhiteframes.blogspot.com
must try your kale chips recipe!!! thanks for sharing it
ReplyDeleteI love these little glimpses into your world! Great photos, as usual :)
ReplyDeletethis post is so beautiful and filled with so many things I love... kale chips, fresh flowers, flavored water. love it!
ReplyDelete