San FranCelia

It’s officially Oscar season, and while I don’t usually enter pools or contests surrounding this illustrious period, I’ve found some great contests through my friend Jamie that are fun and easy.  Why not win something for time online that you know you’d have normally spent messing around on StumbleUpon?

Factery Labs, which is a cool site that delivers ‘just the facts’ of any given news story is giving away $25 iTunes gift cards daily all next week, and all you have to do is provide them with your juiciest Oscar fact in answer to the daily question on their Facebook or Twitter page (half of you probably know more than you think – you know how the Oscars go…. Sometimes it feels like the whole year is awards season with us talking about who wore what well into the next season.  Its great.  Sick a little bit, but GREAT!).  Just be sure to use #Oscars and #FacteryLabs if you’re on Twitter.  Super simple – and again, why not enter a contest via Facebook or Twitter instead of stalking that guy you knew in middle school who just started dating that new girl and now you know ALL about their budding relationship even though you haven’t talked to him in 10 years (yes, we all do it, but a contest is way more productive and fun, right?!).

Another site giving into our Oscar lust is Square Eyes, which gives great articles and introspection on shows that we’re watching.  Their Starry Eyes Oscar prediction contest starting on March 2^nd gives you a chance to win 6 months worth of Netflix.  I know I always have an opinion, so why not get something free out of it?  Just be sure to visit their site on the 2^nd to get all the details.

These two contests seemed fun and easy, and are a great way to bring the excitement of Oscar season into your daily life.  Plus winning free stuff is always awesome.  Good luck!

Peace and love Xo

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I’ve recently tried to cut down on my meat consumption, mostly for health reasons, but also because industrial farming gets worse and worse by the day, and it just makes me sad (and sick to know what I’m eating via animal fat…seriously.  Watch Food, Inc. Ew.).   During this valiant effort, I’ve gotten to check out some great vegetarian restaurants, which is a definite bonus!  One of the best parts of eating out in San Francisco is the ambiance.  Each neighborhood is so unique and has it’s own vivacious glow that pulls you in every time.  One of my favorite districts, which is kind of random but super central and hip, is NOPA (that’s north of the Panhandle for all of you out of towners).  There are some great stores, restaurants, and even a great Sunday Farmer’s Market in this little pocket of the City.

I recently tried the vegetarian eatery Herbivore in this locale, and it was delicious and super fresh.  They have a massive menu, so you don’t feel limited, and there are options for people on more than just a veggie diet – gluten-free, dairy-free, etc.  Very awesome!  I had a delicious salad full of rice noodles, fruit, and nuts, paired with a fresh organic berry smoothie.  I felt healthier after eating, which if you are like me is usually not the case.  It’s affordable, too, at under $10 for most lunch options.   And remember that ambiance is key – outside patio seating is available in the back AND front at this trendy joint.  Eating in the back is slightly more subdued than the front, which in this neighborhood allows for some great people watching.  And trust me, in this region of the City, you will NOT be disappointed at the people to watch – and lucky for us, with a spot like Herbivore, you won’t be with the food either.

Peace and love Xo

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There are many reasons to be stressed, but none of them is more important than your health.  In my recent state of health flux, I have definitely felt this to the fullest extent, and decided that being healthy needs to encompass not just my body, but my mind, as well (I mean, we all know this, but what do we really do about it?).  All this being said, I’ve been trying to meditate and be super calm, but as you can imagine, this is always a hard prospect.  Determining that I could not do it alone, I decided to pull out the big guns in the form of a meditation class.  I found a great one near where I live in the Richmond District, and best of all, it’s free (donations encouraged, of course).  What a great way to bring everything back to center and create inner peace!  I am a San Franciscan, after all, and you know we’re about the peace.  The class I took is through Urban Dharma and is held at the Cultural Integration Fellowship center on Fulton Street.

As you walk into the center, a sense of calm washes over you.  The people attending are friendly and ready to relax their minds. Good vibes abound.  Once the instructor comes in (we had Gene, who was AMAZING.  What a comforting presence, and a cute smile, to boot…), you set straight to meditating.  It’s guided, so initially, Gene led our breathing.  Then you meditate on your own – take whatever thought comes in and reflect, observe.  An almost trans-like state comes over you as this occurs, and it’s truly empowering.  Taking 30 minutes to feel your body and feel your mind is incredible.  Why we never do this is now beyond me.

After the meditation ended, Gene led a discussion on participant questions, observations, etc.  Being a gifted orator, in my opinion, he brought humor, emotion, and comfort to all aspects of what he taught.  It was truly amazing to hear him clarify questions we all had on how and why to meditate.

This is one of those experiences that I feel blessed to have had.  Best part is, it’s every Friday at 7:30pm, and so I’m able to go back time and time again.  Definitely check it out if you are feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or if you need to find some clarity.  The calm that meditation brings to the mind is a true gift, and thankfully for me, I’ve now opened the box.

Peace and love Xo

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