Lately

Friends! I’ve missed you so.

I was at the beach last week with my family, so I took the opportunity to unplug and go all-in on this summer thing.

As a blogger / millennial / person who is nosey about pretty much everything, it’s hard to unplug. But oh-so necessary.

So today we’re easin’ back into things with a little life update! Nothing too exciting and amazing to report, just making the most of this summer this year!

Here’s what’s been goin’ down:

using: My new phone!! Up until about a month ago, I was using an iPhone 6.

Every time I had to take a picture with my phone, I was hesitant and a little bit bummed because phone cameras are just SO good right now. And the iPhone 6 camera just didn’t even sort of compare.

Also, my Verizon bill was cray. Nearly $70 for one line (my phone was paid off).

So I decided to give Project Fi (Google’s phone plan) a try! And upgraded to a Google Pixel 2!

And omg the pictures I take of Maya are so much better now!!! Proof:

ps. that’s a low lighting situation right there. I took this at like, 10:00 at night sitting in a near-dark room. Amazing, right?!

But seriously, the camera rocks. And I was slightly nervous to switch from iOS to Android, but it’s been great so far!

And Project Fi has been surprisingly awesome and affordable. I haven’t noticed a difference in call quality, so I’m happy! If you’re wanting to check it out, this link will get you a $20 credit to your account, and here’s a more comprehensive review if you want to learn more.

Also argan oil has been amazing for keeping my skin and hair soft! I buy mine at Trader Joe’s because it’s organic and cheap!

growing: Oh man. Our little garden seriously struggled this past week while we were gone. Between not getting watered and some uninvited slumber party guests (I’m looking at you, beetles), our tiny garden is…even tinier.

That said, before we went on vacation, we had a lot of fun stuff growing! Tomatoes, basil, rosemary, thyme, cilantro, and…PURPLE PEPPERS.

We’re proud pepper parents.

doing: Just got back from the beach where I ate, drank, and sat way too much.

It. Was. Glorious.

We go with my dad’s side of the family every year, and it was the first year Mark came with us! We had a blast reading on the beach, hanging out at the pool, singing songs on the deck at 11 at night, drinking beer and rosé, and doing absolutely nothing.

I always look forward to beach week, and it was fun having Mark tag along this year! My family can be slightly crazy, but spending a full week with them is always the highlight of the summer!

Another big highlight: I’ve started volunteering at an animal shelter!! I don’t have a ton of time to go at the moment, but when I do go, it’s the best thing ever. I hang out with dogs and cats and I don’t think I’ve ever been happier in my life.

I mean…

working: Out! Still loving Classpass like woah (you can get $30 off here). I found a new studio that I’m loving (Beat Fitness, if you’re local)! It’s getting me to use heavier weights and different techniques, and I’m learning a ton. Brian, the instructor, is the best. My form is total crap, but he’s helping me refine it and get stronger every time I go!

Also still loving barre and total body conditioning and still hating spin!

reading: Because of Beach Week, I have been reading a lot lately! In no particular order (psst. they’re all affiliate links too):

• Dark Matter by Blake Crouch: Reaaaalllllly liked this one until the end (which was a bit of a let-down in my opinion). It’s suspense-meets-sci-fi-meets-mystery. An easy, entertaining read!
• Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl: A recommendation from my boss! It’s very good and inspiring and humbling, it’s just a bit heavy. I read about a chapter a week, but definitely recommended.
• Sharp Objects and Dark Places by Gillian Flynn: Man oh man. I’d love to know what happened to Gillian to make her think and write like she does. But I guess I can’t judge because I love these books. I devour them. I read Sharp Objects in one day. Jaw-droppingly insane and suspenseful.
• The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood: Yep. Jumping on that bandwagon. Honestly, I tried watching the Hulu series and omg. I was totally horrified by the first episode and couldn’t watch any more. But for some reason, I’m okay with reading it I think? I’m just really curious about the story, so I’m about 50 pages into it. Margaret’s writing style is super interesting, and I appreciate the change!

drinking: Almond milk by the actual gallon. For some reason I have been CRAVING a cold glass of it at night. Typically after a workout. I have no idea why, but that thirst is real.

Especially when paired with the million dessert recipes I’ve been posting lately. Ha.

Also! I’m getting more into coffee. And by that, I mean trying to figure out flavor notes and correct brew styles and stuff. We’ll see.

I started a subscription with Blue Bottle Coffee recently (if you wanna try, here’s a $10 off link), and it’s been fun! I’ve only brewed it twice, but it’s good. I don’t have anything to compare it to because I only got one kind (Bella Donovan) so far, but my next coffee comes this week!

I also had to buy a grinder! Because I’ve heard that grinding your own beans really makes a difference when brewing at home. I’m too early in the experiment to actually tell whether or not it makes enough of a difference, but it’s been fun!

I got a manual one (here’s the link [it’s an affiliate link]) so I can workout for my coffee. Win-win!

I’m keeping a notebook of coffee stuff, and I’m wanting to post something about my coffee experiences on the blog soon. Thoughts on that? Something like, “Navigating the crazy world of coffee as a total newb.”

eating: Bread. Like so much bread, guys. You’ll see a new and pretty recipe soon!

Also: ALL THE ITALIAN FOOD. I’ve been working with DeLallo recently (one of my favorite Pittsburgh-based companies!), so I’ve had to partake in quite a lot of pasta, veggie marinades, olives, and (my favorite) lupini. Being a food blogger is tough. ;)

needing: New glasses! I haven’t had my eyes checked since 2014. Ha.

So I went to the eye doctor (Costco ftw!), and my eye site actually got better? So I need new glasses! Anyone have any suggestions on where to find some cheap, cute ones. I love the look of Ray-Bans but woah $$$.

wearing: So, bathing suit season is the actual worst. I just hate putting on a bathing suit because I feel weird and naked and like I’d rather be wrapped up in a fuzzy blanket in the air conditioning.

BUT. I found a super cute suit from Target that I’m loving! It’s high-waisted, the top actually supports what it needs to support, and the print is fun!

Also got to try on my uncle’s Super Bowl ring! It’s gigantic and amazing and we’re all so proud of him!

planning: We’re going to Portland again! So I’m planning on making a huuuuge resource for all the vegan things in PDX! If you have any favorite spots, let us know!

I know I want to go back to a few places (Departure, Bibi2go, etc.), but I’m open to new experiences too! Gimme all your recs.

loving: The way Maya kept waking me up the night we got home from vacation because she wanted pet, mint-chocolate anything, fresh-baked bread, the first pair of shorts I’ve bought since college, new organization methods, the fact that I’m actually (maybe) going to clean my closet this weekend, anything furry and cute, and you.

Thanks for reading, friend. More plant-based yum to come!

Oh, here’s one more floof picture for the road. Did you know cats hate bandanas? No? Well, now you do.

ps. None of this is sponsored! Just a fun life update. There are some affiliate links above, which is just a fancy way of saying that Fooduzzi will earn some money if you click on and purchase the products that are linked (at no extra cost to you).