What's in a Year? My 2017 Fitness Recap

Earlier this year I partnered with The Bay Club to test our their facilities and get my butt in shape. It was a 3-month partnership, but because I loved the facilities so much, I decided to join. It's now December and I've made it one whole year at the gym. Because you guys have heard me rave about my reignited love for the gym, I decided to round out the year by telling you guys how I tracked against my fitness goals. So, let's get to it, shall we? 

Stacker Style: Christmas Cheer

Keeping this post short and sticky sweet. Wishing you and yours a very joyous holiday season! I'm so grateful to have this little place on the internet, and more than that, I'm thankful to have a community that supports my work. With the year wrapping up, I am looking forward to another fresh start with more good things to come. I hope you guys are all taking some time today to slow down and enjoy time with your loved ones. Happy Holidays!

Food Friday: Robin

Robin 620 Gough Street San Francisco, CA 94102



If there's one thing that you've probably learned about me over these past seven years, it's that my favorite cuisine is Japanese. My boyfriend, who also happens to be half-Japanese, declared very early on that he doesn't know anyone else who eats as much sushi as me. In fact, if I'm remembering correctly, he also stated that it's honestly a wonder that I don't already have mercury poisoning. This last statement, although troubling, should give you an accurate depiction of just how much I love sushi. Luckily for me, my boyfriend also loves sushi and humors me, every time I "surprise" him with a sushi restaurant (or a restaurant that offers sushi, lol) to take him to for his birthday. Our first year together, I took him to Roka Akor, our second year together I took him to Mama's Fish House, and just a few weeks ago, I took him to San Francisco's latest omakase hot spot, Robin.

Robin, which opened in July, is a "hip," omakase-only (meaning chef's choice) restaurant located in Hayes Valley. Its interior is beautiful - shades of pink tiles adorn the wall behind the sushi bar, gold paint drips from the walls, and vibrant plateware stand out once placed against the rest of the restaurant's blacktop tables. Even the wooden spoons used for dessert are cute enough to stick in your pocket (don't worry; I didn't). Omakase begins at $79 a pop and can run all the way up to $179, depending on your hunger levels. For San Francisco standards, $79 for 10-11 bites isn't terrible -- that is, so long as the food is good and you're decently satisfied. So, where does Robin stack up against the bunch? My review, after the jump.
 

Stacker Style: That '70s Girl

I love pulling out these retro-style brown boots because they always make me feel like I'm living in the 70's. And with the boots, comes this suede shearling vest, because the two just go together so, so well. I am almost certain that the last time I styled these boots for the blog, I pulled out the vest to go with. (Updated, I did and here is the post, lol.) Alas, I am the queen of rewearing my "old" clothes, but I think that's ok because this is real life, after all. This time around, instead of wearing some blue jeans, I opted for, well, a blue denim dress. I think browns look really classic when paired with denim... especially denim with brown stitching. I layered another striped long sleeve under my dress, because as I said before, stripes go with everything. Invest in a good quality striped piece, if you haven't already. This one is from Amour Vert and it's sustainably made. Not only does it feel good to wear, but it feels great knowing I'm being smart with my style.

A Visit to the Atrio Spa at Las Alcobas, Napa Valley

Let's be real - the holidays are stressful. There are holiday parties, end of the year deadlines, races to finish work before vacation hits, and presents - a whole lotta presents to buy for a whole lotta people. I tend to enjoy the season because everyone's in a much more tangibly happier mood. People smile and move a little slower, generosity is doubled, and I'm also super into holiday honey-baked hams (just being honest). That being said, just like you, I, too crave moments of tranquility. I would be lying to you if I said that I didn't methodically plan when to hit the grocery store or shopping mall just to ensure encounters with people were as minimal as possible. (Again, just being honest, lol.) So, what's the perfect relief for getting away from it all? For me, it's wine country. Ask my friends - they'll all joke about how I am practically a resident of the area because I am there so often.

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of visiting the Atrio Spa the Las Alcobas property for the first time. If you're unfamiliar, the property is a little over a year old and located in the heart of St. Helena.  It boasts a whopping 68 rooms and suites, a beautiful pool that overlooks the vineyards, a yoga room, and the Acacia House restaurant by none other than Chris Cosentino of San Francisco's Cockscomb. Oh, and one more thing to note - the hotel is an adult-only retreat. So kiddies under 16 have to stay at home. Do you see where I'm going with this post yet? Basically, Las Alcobas is the perfect getaway or treat before/after the holiday rush. Whether it's a gift for you (because #treatyoself), or a present for someone special (they gon' love it, and you), it's a no-brainer.

Stacker Style: THIS DRESS... Again

Alright, alright. Yes, it's this dress again, but I told you I would show you how to style it three ways, right? How else will you believe me when I say that it's the most versatile silk slip dress around? The first time you saw this dress here, I was channeling a summer casual vibe. The second time was just last week, here, and I'd say it was still more "fall" than winter. Now, this time around, I decided to style this silk slip dress with OTK/knee high boots and a chunky turtleneck sweater, so there would be no question about what season I was dressing for. The sweater, by J.Jill is one of my absolute favs. I received it from the brand a few seasons back. Along with the two other sweaters that I have from them, this one stays in heavy rotation. Nothing says "winter" quite like a turtleneck, right? These boots go well over the knee, but for this look, I folded down the cuff to show you a little bit of leg. I love long maxis and midis with slits; they're a great way to add a little somethin' somethin' to otherwise basic pieces. I received these boots from C.Wonder before they folded a little while back, but I linked a few very similar (and affordable!) options at the end of this post. 

Friendly reminder, if you want to snag this dress, you can use my sign-up and get 10% off once you make your first purchase. Again, this isn't sponsored, I just really, really love this dress. (I believe it's automatically applied at checkout, but should you have any issues, holler at your girl.)

So, which look is your favorite? 

Stacker Style: Layer Up

These days, I've been very into layering. More often than not, a turtleneck is involved. In this case, I pulled out an old, old (like 2015 old) sleeveless one and decided to layer it with one of my trusty striped long sleeves. If there's one thing you guys need in your closet (aside from a versatile slip dress), it's a good ole long sleeve. I have three and they're all in variations of black, white or navy (shocker), so methinks it's definitely time to get one with some color... in the new year. I topped off my top half with this faux shearling aviator jacket that is trés chic and warm. I even wore it to Outside Lands, so you know it's made for warmth (ha!). It comes in a million other colors (all of which have slight variations to them) including burgundy, a really fabulous dusty pink, and this contrast tone one. I'm a sucker for distressed jeans, even in the winter, so I couldn't resist my high waist wedgie jeans (that you guys originally saw, here). Finished off the look with my trusty day heels - these suckers been getting me around town since I got them.

Stacker Style: The Most Versatile Slip Dress

I am about to show you every single way to wear this versatile slip dress that I got a little while back. You first saw it, here, when I wore it with a long cardi and my casual sneaks. Now, you're seeing it here with leopard booties and my favorite poncho (from two seasons ago, that's still for sale online...and under $40!). Not to spoil the fun, but you're about to see it again in a post coming up next week, lol. (I'm not one for keeping secrets!) But in all seriousness, this silk dress is the best $79 investment I've made yet. It comes in a handful of colors, but you know you're girl stays steady rockin' that black and white. I'll likely cop it in red next! If you so choose to add this one to your cart, you can grab 10% off through this sign-up link. Not sponsored - just real love for this closet staple!

Food Friday: Plaj

Plaj 333 Fulton Street San Francisco, CA 94102

When you hear "Swedish meatballs," your first thought really shouldn't be Ikea. And if it is, that's okay - I'm here to help change that. Cue Plaj (pronounced "play"), a San Francisco Scandinavian spot that you maybe haven't heard of yet. And if you have, then you're already ahead of the game! Plaj, tucked away inside the Inn at the Opera, is the perfect place to stop by before heading to the ballet or the symphony. Better yet, it's the perfect place to stop by if you're looking to spice things up and try something different. I don't know about you guys, but I haven't had a lot of Scandinavian cuisine in my life. (That is, aside from my favorite cake of all time - princess cake!) So, before Plaj, I didn't really know what to expect. If you're nodding along and thinking "me too," then this post is for you.

Stacker Style: Girls To The Front

I wasn't lying when I told you that I wear these pants to death. I'm literally in one of my pairs at least twice a week. I wear them to meetings, when I've got to look a little more polished, and I wear them with sneakers (like in this look), when I am moseying around town. Highly recommend. As for this cute tee, I picked it up a few months back when I was in Austin. I had been eyeing it at other shops for a while, and finally decided to go for it. I wear it when I'm feeling a little sassier than usual. Given my sass levels, it's a wonder that I'm not in it more...