wonder women

So not too long ago, a good friend of mine asked if I'd help her out by dressing up in a little photo shoot for a project she's working on.  While I pretended I needed coaxing ("Oh little old, plain jane me?"), I was secretly salivating at the thought of playing model for a couple of hours.  Who doesn't love getting all dolled up and having their picture taken?  Okay, fine: a good amount of people, but not me - I love it.

The day was everything I had imagined and more (including a whole lotta exhaustion come 4pm), but the thing that was the most extraordinary was being surrounded by so many truly remarkable, inspiring women.

First off, there was Melanie, aka. the fashion miracle worker, whose launching her own bridal styling business.  The photo shoot was to showcase a sampling of her rocking work, and boy, did she hit it out of the park.

Me modeling "Quirky Formal Bride"

Note my failed "model face" attempt

I stuck to mostly smiles from then on

The above iPhone photo doesn't do Mel's work justice, but you're just going to have to wait for her website's launch to see the real deal. 

Then there was the fact that the shoot prep was hosted at the charming home of fellow model Sarah Jenks - self-made weight loss guru extraordinaire.  She gushed about how she's just wrapping up enrollment for her unbelievably awesome new program - Live More, Weigh Less - where she teaches women to live a life they can't get enough of, while they watch the weight just fall off.  No, seriously.  I'm not joking. 

 

Then there was friend and fellow model Claudine - caterer, chef, and cardio conqueror.  In addition to running her own catering and cooking business, teaching a full suite of different exercise classes, and writing a blog, she's launching a new business to help women be their absolute best in the kitchen. 

She showcased her talents that night as she hosted 10+ hungry people for a three-course, home-cooked meal with wine pairings AFTER spending 8 hours modeling around San Francisco and BEFORE having to teach a 7am spin class the next morning.

And the spread did not disappoint.  Stefan was all over that beautiful cheese platter.

All in all, a fabulous way to spend a Sunday. 

xoxo

KK

thrifty thursday: pop purification

When we ate out while I was growing up, there was an unspoken rule that the Kriegs do not order drinks.  No soda or milkshakes or lemonade for us kids; water was just fine.  And so knowing that was that and there was nothing to be done about it, we drank water and it was just fine.  Delicious in fact.

Over the years, however, I developed an affinity for non-water beverages. (I'm talking non-alcoholic here, although you all know my love for the Napa Valley nectar cannot be denied.) 

It started innocently - ordering a little lavender lemonade to compliment my lunch-time sandwich, or swinging by the corner store for an ice-cold Diet Coke mid-afternoon, or picking up a six-pack of Sprite Zero to quench my thirst after a long run (yes, I hate to admit it, but my favorite post-work-out drink was such) - but after enough time, my taste for water - straight up, on the rocks - disappeared. 

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Anytime I was thirsty I went for a soda: Diet Coke, Sprite Zero, Fresca, Diet Cream Soda, you name it.  This habit wasn't only hurting my wallet, it was hurting my health.

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So two weeks ago I went cold turkey: absolutely no soda. 
(And no artificial sweeteners either.  And let me tell you: I was a heavy-hitter when it came to those little yellow packets.)

At first it was excruciating - what DO I drink? 
But then I realized that was that and there was nothing to be done about it, so I drank water and it was just fine. Delicious in fact.  Especially ice-cold out of a beautiful glass pitcher straight from the fridge with some fresh lemon and a bit of mint.

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And two weeks later, I must admit, I can totally feel it.  It could be just mental, but I feel lighter, fresher, more pure.  And there's no doubt I've saved a boatload of cash.

So if you're a soda junkie like me, consider taking the plunge.  I promise it will be worth the (temporary) pain.  Your body and your bank account will thank you. 

xoxo
KK

gratitude in a gift

So I hate to be a downer, but I have to get something off my chest:
With all the excitement and anticipation of planning a wedding comes a fair amount of guilt. 

Not just guilt for the insane amount of money one's parents pour into a few-day event (and trust me, there is a whole lotta that), but also guilt for the sacrifice of every single person in attendance.  Attending a wedding is no small undertaking for guests, especially when it takes place in a pricey destination to which they must fly (guilty as charged).  There's days off and plane tickets and hotel rooms and rental cars and wedding attire, not to mention gifts. 

And then you can multiply that by three for your bridal party and closest family and friends because they do the whole thing all over again for your engagement party, bachelorette, and bridal shower.  A wedding is a serious investment, not just for the bride and groom's families, but for all those involved.

So this past weekend I wanted to do something a little special to show my three bridesmaids how much I appreciated all the things they're doing to honor me this summer.  I wanted them to know that I didn't take for granted the fact that they had to take a precious Friday off and buy a plane ticket and rent a car and treat me to a killer line-up of activities, cocktails, and meals.

So I put together a little treat for them:

A Weekend-at-the-Beach Goodie Bag

I picked up three different waterproof bags from my fav store on Chestnut Street: Toss Designs.

I then stocked up on my fav beach-weekend goodies (with a little menu of contents, of course).

I then couldn't resist giving each babe a little bridesmaids update on their duties the weekend-of.  One side of my update outlined the wedding weekend schedule while the other contained a personal love letter from yours truly.

All together it was one cute little package.

While the girls loved their goodies, it quickly became apparent that there had been no need.  They're the kind of friends who leap at the chance to indulge in such a celebration and don't need to be reminded that you're grateful.  As my wise, other bride-to-be friend said, "your closest friends enjoy doing these things for you, let them."

Despite the lack of need for gifts, however, I was glad I am gave them.  Especially when the first day in the sun left us (well, mainly me and my sister) red as lobsters and in desperate need of that little tube of Banana Boat.

xoxo
KK

back-to-basics bachelorette

I know things have been quiet around here of late but I have good reason: I've been off celebrating my bachelorette with my three favorite girlfriends - my sister and my two college roommates.  While you may be picturing crazy nights out, boatloads of babes in stretch limos, and strippers galore:

NOT us

The truth is, that just isn't me.  So in keeping with my just-a-bit-more-low-key style, the four of us went back-to-basics and headed down to sunny Gasparilla Island, Florida for a weekend of splendid surprises.

There were all my favorites:

Walks into town for brunch at Innlet,

yoga on the beach,

Our super sweet teacher headed back post class

drinks at the Gasparilla Inn,

and dinner at the Pink Elephant.

Not to mention:
my sister's killer fresh fish off the grill,
a bike ride followed by Dark & Stormies at Miller's Dockside Marina to watch the boats come in,
lunch at the Pass Club,
swimming in the pool,
and lots of right-up-my-alley games.

Like guess the wine varietal and price:

Where we failed miserably by guessing the cheapest was the most expensive,

and the Malbec was the Cab

And another where the gals tested how well I knew Stefan. 
While I knocked most questions out of the park, when it came to his fav and least fav dishes of mine, I struggled.  I categorized this polenta as a fav while he gave it a big thumbs down.  At least he likes my cheesecakes.  (But perhaps that's only because he's obsessed with anything cheese.  Good thing he isn't marrying me for my culinary talents.)

The best part of the whole weekend, however, was getting to spend three glorious days with these three fabulous babes.  Even with the coast to coast separation between us for close to two and half years now, it felt like no time had passed since we were silly, bubbly roommates back at school.  I am counting down the days until we do it all over again in the Hamptons for Jessie's bachelorette in just a few short, short weeks.

xoxo
KK

simple spring supper

So not too long ago, we had some vegetarian, gluten-free guests over for dinner.  While my traditional veggie go-to is a delicious and easy-to-make-ahead lasanga, the gluten aspect really threw me for a loop.  How could I make something savory and satisfying without meat nor wheat?

As luck would have it, my new fav food blog - My New Roots - was featuring a Spring Spirit Polenta that very day.  And polenta happens to be 100% gluten free.

The recipe could not have been simplier, so I decided to create a modified version of my own.

Chop up some fresh asparagus.

And then toss with frozen (yes, frozen!) peas, frozen edamame, and a splash of good olive oil.  Right before serving, pan fry them with a pinch of salt.

Next, pick up a bag of polenta from your local grocer and follow the instructions on the back.  Only don't add any butter, milk, or cream, even if your polenta variety calls for it.  Just the corn mill, water, a splash of EVOO, and a dash of salt will do the trick for a blend that is completely creamy, yet light as can be.

When your polenta and green goodies are ready, it's time to assemble.  Scoop some polenta in a dish, toss on your spring vegetables, and sprinkle some freshly shaved parmesan on top.  Sans parm, the recipe is totally vegan, but we're real cheese lovers around these parts so we couldn't do without a bit of that decadence.

And then finally, enjoy guilt free!

xoxo
KK

dry creek distractions

By the end of last week, Stefan and I were in desperate need of some serious distraction.  A trip up to northern wine country seemed to be just what the doctor ordered.

We've been on a Dry Creek wine kick of late - sharing a half bottle of UNTI at Sociale, enjoying some Fritz with friends in our apartment, ordering a Dry Creek Vineyard Zin at A16.  The idea of visiting the very spots that produced these beauties felt like the perfect way to get our minds off of all kinds of stress.

To make the trip more of a getaway, we decided to spend the night.  And not just anywhere.  At a very romantic, little, five-room B&B.

Our quaint cabin, complete with fireplace

The main house where we dined on baked Parmesan eggs, chive butter scones,

warm currant muffins and fresh fruit alongside fellow guests

Their fresh vegetable garden

The B&B owners greeted us with smiles and warm chocolate chip cookies before giving us the rundown on their favorite wineries, lunch spots, and dinner locales.  The two days were a total home run as we not only visited the homes of our previous finds: UNTI, Fritz, and Dry Creek (decent, fabulous, and excellent),

...we also stopped by Mauritson (unfriendly and overpriced), Quivira (divine dinner table wines), Nalle (only open on Saturdays by the winemaker himself), Bella (beautiful spot, decent wines), and SIMI (overpriced cabs but a succulent Cuvee). 

Stefan rearranging our trunk to make our purchases fit

We also did a long lunch at the County General Store, not by choice...

Their 45-minute line to pay was out of control!

...and a long dinner at Dry Creek Kitchen, by choice.
Scallop En Croute, Alaskan Halibut, a Bottle of Rafanelli (another Dry Creek favorite whose tasting room is booked with appointments until mid-June!) finished off a complimentary dessert sampler?  Yes please.

So if you're debating a trip to the wine country, consider trekking up the extra half hour to Dry Creek.  The lack of crowds and the little town feel will make you happy you took the time.

xoxo
KK

last minute mom's day

So since mama's day is a mere 48 hours away, this Friday I'm bringing you my fav last-minute mom gifts so even if you've totally dropped the ball on getting yours something fabulous, you can still wow her like never before.

For the breakfast lover:

Simply assemble freshly baked banana bread,

softened butter, organic coffee beans, and

a new kitchen towel in a gorgeous basket

(from everyday occasions)

For the gardener:

Plant her favorite bulbs

in some vintage tin cans

(from here)

For the gal with a sweet tooth:

Whip her up this Rustic Lemon & Rosemary Tart

Pretty AND delicious

For the traveler:

Gift her some credit at JETSETTER

so she can steal away to a fabulous hotel

of her choosing for a night or two

For the health-nut whose always in the kitchen:

Cook HER something fabulous that she feels good about devouring

like roasted asparagus with black rice, avocado, and radish sprouts

find it at coconut and quinoa

For the reader (and sultry seductress):

Too bad my mom has already read the entire series

AND gifted it to me and my sis

If you don't know what the hype is all about,

find out HERE

For the mom who has it all:

You can never go wrong with some beautiful blooms

Peonies couldn't prettier these days

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Happy Mother's Day!

xoxo

KK

thrifty thursday: bike + dance through SF

So this past weekend, my mom, dad, and sis were in town for a bit of wedding fun (mainly tastings galore), decadent dining, and San Francisco exploration.  We could not have been luckier with the weather - 80s and sunny were all we saw. 

They've come to visit a handful of times (and since us Kriegs hate a moment of downtime), we've really tried the gamut of things to do in and around the city: the Farmer's Market, Fisherman's Wharf, running the Golden Gate, Go-karts (totally NOT worth it!), Alcatrez Audio Tour, exploring Chrissy Field, trips up to wine country, trips down to Half Moon Bay - you name it.  But more on all of that another time.

This time we opted for an adventure that was so fun, yet so cheap, I just had to save it for this week's thrifty tip.

First step: rent bikes from Sports Basement at Chrissy Field.
While a typical touristy rental spot will run you $50ish for a bike per day, the Basement will let you rent in three hour chunks at $10 a pop.  (And if you happen to be with a San Franciscan Crunch Gym member like Stefan and I, they knock another buck off the price so you're down to $9.)

Dad was already a fan.

Step two: Bike through the Presidio and over to the Pacific coast to get some of the best views the city has to offer, all for the bargain price of nil.

Step three: Cruise over to Ocean Beach for a glimpse of the historic Cliff House perched atop some more stunning views.

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Not quite the wonder it was back in the day,

but still a sight to be seen!

Step four: Make your way into Golden Gate Park to bike past the Dutch Windmill, the Buffalo Paddock, Japanese Tea Garden and plethora of San Franciscans enjoying an outdoor barbeque or soccer game. 

Step five: Loosen those legs with some free swing dancing lessons, available every Sunday 12-2pm.

We weren't quite as good as the experts strutting their stuff in front, but we certainly looked awesome dancing with our super cool helmets.

The day left us exhausted and sun-burned, but satisfied, with plenty of pennies to spare for a delicious dinner that evening.

xoxo

KK