I recently was given tickets by Bay Area Buzz to attend We Players' Romeo & Juliet: The Capulet Ball at Impact Hub Oakland. This urban masquerade ball fused together theatrical performances with a formal event. While guests enjoyed the party the acting troupe performed Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet Act I and the Juliet's balcony scene with Romeo. 

Experience: 

Guests were welcomed at the door with a selection of gifted masks to wear, hors d’oeuvres, and an open bar of wine and blackberry mead (my chosen drink of the night). The dinner-theatre-style performance started as soon as we arrived. The actors interacted with the crowds in full costume and character. Romeo became fast buddies with my boyfriend (if you're new to the blog: I call him Mr. Darcy). They shared jokes and poked fun at the Capulets. Once the scripted performance began the actors moved in and out of the crowd, involving the party-goers. It was as if we were the very guests of the Capulet family-witnessing Romeo and Juliet's first encounter. You can see from some of the photos how enraptured the audience was. 

Dancing: 

A few time period dances were taught to us before the main performance. One involved the entire ballroom to participate and loop in and out of our rows. It was a fun way to see all the guests at a fast pace and start dancing without much skill required. After the We Players stopped performing the live band played a myriad music to dance to. My favorite, of course, was the latin ballroom. Dancing makes me feel so happy and alive in a way only few things can. 

Clothing: 

We were encouraged to "go all out" with our evening wear or to come dressed in "late Italian Renaissance" period clothing. While Mr. Darcy and I chose to go the formal route most of our fellow party goers chose the latter or to sport their own unique sense of what I might call, "urban ball wear."

              

We recently went on vacation in LA and were able to spend a day at one of my favorite locations: Venice Beach, CA. I specifically love escaping to Abbot Kinney and the Venice Canals. 

Of the many gems and coffee selections my favorite is Intelligenstia. Never have I had a better cappuccino than at this SoCal treasure. They even know how to make one properly with almond milk (almond/soy/coconut milk can't be steamed at the same temperature as normal milk for espresso drinks else they burn or curdle). The atmosphere is bright and busy. Screenplay writers sit around working madly on scripts while joggers and surfers relax after their morning exertions. It's marries the fast pace of LA with the offbeat and devil-may-care attitude of Venice in perfect union. 

We visited Muir Woods when a couple friends from LA came up for part of the weekend to explore Northern California. There are numerous trails that you can take-depending on your goals and fitness level. Wanting variety we selected attempted to go on the ocean view trail-which was a combination of the red woods, mountains, and views of the Pacific Ocean. However, somewhere along the way we missed the part of the trail leading to the ocean and just went to the mountain/valley view (oops!). No complaints here though. It was stunning. 

I only brought my iPhone to take pictures because I didn't feel like carrying heavier equipment (I do slightly regret this, however. My camera would have done a better job of capturing the majestic wilderness and overwhelming red woods). It was impossible to capture the scale of the trees or even get half of their full height in the photos. 

The hike took a little over 8 hours and it was worth the sore feelings in my calves and glutes afterwards. I recommend you go on a cool but clear day to maximize the views. Great day activity to do with your significant other or a group of friends. 

Tip: Wear good hiking/walking shoes and bring snacks and water. This is a real hike. 

I recently met other bloggers in downtown Los Altos for The Blog Exchange and revisited some of my old stomping grounds. While Voyageur du Temps is not my favorite place for food* or coffee (I started off as a barista way back in the day so I can be pretty coffee house/grounds snobby) I really enjoy the ambiance and character. 

Cool earth tones, grays, and a sea of white greet you as you walk up to the quaint former train station turned cafe. Inside, rustic wood tables and modern industrial metal accents offset and balance one another. It's a blogger's joy to photograph. The glass wall to the bakery is like breaking the fourth wall so you can watch the bakers knead dough while sipping your cappuccino. Even the bathrooms have a craftsman's touch. The porcelain sinks and white penny tile are so drool worthy I couldn't resist a shoefie (shoe + selfie)!  

288 1ST STREET.

LOS ALTOS, CA 94022

MON - SUN: 7AM - 6PM

*Allergies Note: Not a very food allergy friendly/diet sensitive location. They don't have a lot of food alternatives or training with their staff around allergies. If this is a concern for you (like it is for me) I'd suggest starting with a drink and not relying on them for a meal. 

(Backstory): I once went hungry after they got my order wrong twice in relation to my allergies and I just had to let my boyfriend, "Mr. Darcy," eat it instead since we had to be somewhere and they were understaffed and backed up (The bonus was he was stoked to get two meals at once. haha).

One of our favorite places to brunch in the South Bay-and my number one choice for Mexican Brunch-is Zona Rosa. It's a tiny hole in the wall gem, located in the Rose Garden district, that makes you keep coming back for more. Its atmosphere has a romantic, spanish flair that makes you long for a cool drink and a Mexican wedding dress. The food is so incredible that I feel tempted to try to as many things as I can each time we go. Mr. Darcy always gives me a dirty look if I try to sneak some tastes of his dish. It is just so good though I always chance it anyways.   

In my attempt to eat healthier and get back to my best self I have been seeking out new snacking options. Something that is easy and prepared ahead of time works best for me with my work schedule. I find I also need a combination of carbs and protein to tie me over between meals in order to avoid getting hangry. Enter: Roasted Honey Rosemary Almonds. They're simple to make, easy to store, and a perfect combination of energy, protein, and flavor. I can even store them in tuppaware on my desk so I don't have to worry about starving while stuck on a conference call. 

RECIPE

Last week on our trip to SoCal we stumbled upon a great little place off of Abbot Kinney (essentially one of my favorite places in the world) in Venice Beach, California called "The Tasting Kitchen." It was appropriately named. There was a great variety of farm to table style dining. Our party had brunch and it was a myriad breakfast options from eggs, baked goods, healthy options like house-made granola and yogurt. The menu said they didn't do any substitutions, however, when they learned of my allergies there was no issue of accommodating me. 

They treat their patrons very well. After making quick friends with the hostess (we both had a love of shopping at Loft, and I told her about Lou & Grey) she seated us exclusively upstairs and we were treated like family. Excellent service, care, and aesthetics.  

Speaking of aesthetics...the atmosphere was gorgeous and so visually appealing they could have called it, "Tasting for the Eyes," for all I took in. Everywhere you looked the tiniest details were celebrated. No corner was neglected. As you can see, I had a hard time editing back all the photos I took of this fantastic spot. We would love to go again on our next visit. 

Text is from The Tasting Kitchen's "About" page, explaining their approach to creating their menu and dining experience. (Yet another example of their attention to detail and design)