5 Daily Affirmations: Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life

Tricia Huffman is the only joyologist we've ever met. We'd love to hire her, as mindful rockers like Jason Mraz do, to prepare our daily workspace for the utmost positive experience possible. Whether that includes her skills as a raw, vegan chef, setting the tone and creating a comfortable, happy environment or keeping the surrounding team in tune and at peace. Sound deeply hippy? Maybe, we could all benefit from having a gal like Tricia around to keep the peace and bring the best of us to the surface. Tricia's latest project is a sweet and simple deck of 'affirmation' cards - a fun and beautiful looking desk accessory to keep around the house or office to keep the best possible thoughts flowing. We asked Tricia to throw a few good vibes our way and share ideas that will help each of us shift into a more positive mindset daily. Here are Tricia's simple swaps for the negative daily thoughts we too often drag around... Our thoughts carry a lot of weight. Often times things are swirling around our heads that aren’t even real. We create doubts, fears and worries about the smallest things, like reading into what an unanswered email means or the look a stranger gives us. Our brain’s are constantly working, and often times being too hard on ourselves. Think about it, If you tell yourself, “This is so hard!” It is most likely going to be hard, but if you tell yourself “I can do anything I put my mind to.” It feels doable and even exciting. Here are five common daily thoughts to shift into a more positive place. Everyone battles these negative thought patterns, even the people who have manifested their biggest dreams and who seemingly have it all. Trust me, I’ve seen it firsthand. They have doubts, fears and worries, too. That is why I created the Own Your Awesome affirmation deck. Affirmations are quick, to the point, easily digestible nuggets of wisdom to lift you up. Whenever you are feeling stuck, lost, or uninspired pick a card to shut down all of the negative thoughts that are swirling around in your head and turn your day and attitude around.



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Make It By Monday: A Block Printing DIY For The Weekend

We love a good DIY. Okay, only sometimes actually. There are some things that should be left to the pros. We love the hand-made look...but in a well-styled way. Enter Darby Smart, the brand new purveyor of custom DIY kits created by various designers to provide you with everything you need to complete just one specific project. We're loving them as a resource for fun, if slightly lazy, craft nights with your friends (get everyone a kit and you've got everything you need!) or for scratching that DIY itch without getting tangled up in several ideas at the art store. We've all been there: "I want to weave a dream catcher...but maybe with an art canvas in it that I'll paint and tie in...and maybe there will be an aromatherapy element..." -- Darby Smart kits help to streamline those creative inklings and bring you into a happily productive crafting place quickly. This block-printing kit is one of our favorite projects on the site. Whether for a table runner, an apron, or an entire tablecloth, we can imagine endless versions of these block-printed fabrics. Pick a favorite pattern and cut your own stamps using the directions below, then hone your skills by creating a second cutting and a new stamp for your next project. We love the idea of this natural fabric with block-prints in silver or gold. Take notes from Darby Smart's tutorial below, then try to free-wheel it at home, or enter to win the Block Printing Starter Set we're giving away at the end of this story! [olists num=1] [olists num=2]



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Juice At Home: 12 Kitchen Essentials To Make Juicing Easy

Making juice at home is fun, delicious...and a ton of work. No one is more aware of this than the founders of Pressed Juicery who've created their bottled green goodness in order to make juicing easy. In their new book, JUICE, you'll find juice recipes, tips and inspiration all designed to make the juicing process easier, healthier and more fun. To getourselves geared up for the launch of JUICE, hitting the shelves in less than one month, we've shared our top juicers at every price point, the most beautiful home goods straight from its pages and now a few kitchen essentials that will help to make the whole process just a little easier. From slicers and dicers to baskets and bowls, take your home juicing tool chest to the next level and snag a few of these kitchen must-haves for summer and beyond...



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Superfood Spotlight: Guanabana Plant

What you need to know: Also known as graviola or soursop, the guanabana plant grows on young branches in the tropics of South America, Africa, and Southeast Asia. It has a fleshy white pulp that's both sweet and sour to the taste, and is a common ingredient used in fruit juice, sorbet and ice cream. Rich in vitamins B and C, guanabana fruit is considered to be anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-diabetic and anti-cancer when eaten. Why you should try it: Guanabana is traditionally used to heal ulcers, lower blood pressure, and kill parasites - but its highest potential might just lie it its ability to fight cancer. In a 1996 research study, a compound from the guanabana was able to kill cancer cells without causing damage to healthy cells - and what's even more impressive, it proved to be ten thousand times more potent than the common (and harmful) anti-cancer drug called andriamycin! In two other studies, one from 2011 and another from 1998, its extract was effective in destroying cancer of the pancreas, prostate, lung, colon and breast tissue. The jury is still out as far as setting a conclusion in stone, but we know that we'll be adding this unique superfood to our diet as much as possible. Let's get together: Having a flavor that resembles both citrus and pineapple, this fruit lends itself to creating sippable, sweet concoctions. Join the masses of guanabana believers by consuming this fruit as a "milk," simply blending it and adding a little vanilla extract. What's even more perfect for these hot summer months, however, is guanabana sherbet. Why not take a healing food and turn it into the perfect summer dessert? Try this mint lime guanabana sherbet and eat your way to health...



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A New Way To Juice: Introducing 6 Incredible Flavors of Pressed Juicery Freeze

Hold on to your yoga mats, people. If you haven't heard the news yet, we're telling you now --and you're about to flip your pretty little lid! Just this weekend, Pressed Juicery launched its latest and coolest juice project yet: Pressed Juicery Freeze. If you'd told us at age six that our favorite frozen treat flavor as an adult would be kale and cucumber, we'd have thought you were crazy. But, lo and behold, here we are slurping up the best dessert of summer in all its green, frozen glory. You're going to love this stuff. Here's how it came to be... The Pressed Juicery team likes to push the envelope, no question (just wait until you see the new summer juice flavors.) We're always looking for healthy, new flavor profiles and new neighborhoods to offer them in. We've watched in excitement as green juice has become the new must-have beverage of it's time, replacing the sugary caramel lattes and sugary teas that came before them with a dose of intense nutrition. Green juice is here to stay and we couldn't be happier to provide our friends, families, and communities with healthy drinks that actually tastes this delicious. Green juice is a daily habit, and we crave one every afternoon, but our team at Pressed Juicery HQ also has a wicked sweet-tooth. Sending an intern out for yogurt is a weekly occurrence and it was only a matter of time before we connected the dots - and our made our version of frozen sweetness into a reality. With the best-tasting green juice in one hand and our uber-creamy almond milk in the other, our founders realized it was only a hop, skip and a jump to turn our favorite healthy juices into the kind of healthy frozen treat we crave. That dream finally materialized this weekend as lines of juice-crazed folks wound around the block to celebrate our first Pressed Juicery Freeze opening in innovation-friendly Palo Alto. Squeezed in alongside our rainbow-colored juice fridge, hundreds of Pressed Juicery lovers streamed in for a first glance (and free taste!) of our juice, swirled into a heavenly concoction of vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, soft-serve magic. Here are the soft, cold facts: [olists num=1]

We're taking your summer to the next level. Join us in Palo Alto at our Pressed Juicery location inside the Stanford Shopping Mall and be one of the first to taste the latest craze in juice!

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Osteopath Vicky Vlachonis’ 5 Essential Oils to Relieve Pain

No pain, no gain? Quite the opposite. Vicky Vlachonis, author and pain expert, is passionate about teaching others how to release the pain and stress in their lives to make room for vibrant health and happiness. We've read Vicky's new book, The Body Doesn't Lie , cover to cover and can't wait to share her healing wisdom with you each month. Everyone, from our own founders to a few of our favorite wellness warriors like Dr. Junger, Gweneth Paltrow and Cameron Diaz, have fallen in love with Vicky's practical, yet powerful practice. Vicky teaches her clients that pain is about far more than just joints and muscles - that body pain is both physical and emotional and has to be dealt with on both levels. Here's Vicky on one aspect of her practice that's easy to incorporate on your own... You can relieve pain with remedies that keep you grounded, calm and confident throughout your day. Aromatherapy with essential oils taps into primal neural networks to bypass your crazy monkey mind, quieting your autonomic nervous system. You can more directly access your relaxation response, helping you quickly release tension and toxic stress. Healers around the world have used essential oils for over 5,000 years—everyone from ancient Egyptians to today’s most cutting-edge physicians have helped people use them to help manage stress, depression, anxiety, insomnia, and chronic pain. In my osteopathic practice I use essential oils to help patients quickly relax, open up, and get blood and oxygen flowing to heal their pain. Here are five essential oils I cannot do without. [olists num=1] [1] Perry N, Perry E. Aromatherapy in the management of psychiatric disorders: clinical and neuropharmacological perspectives. CNS Drugs. 2006;20(4):257-80. Review. PubMed PMID: 16599645. [2] Oboh G, Ademosun AO, Odubanjo OV, Akinbola IA. Antioxidative properties and inhibition of key enzymes relevant to type-2 diabetes and hypertension by essential oils from black pepper. Adv Pharmacol Sci. 2013;2013:926047. doi: 10.1155/2013/926047. Epub 2013 Nov 21 PubMed PMID: 24348547; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC3856121. [3] Hongratanaworakit T. Aroma-therapeutic effects of massage blended essential oils on humans. Nat Prod Commun. 2011 Aug;6(8):1199-204. PubMed PMID: 21922934. [4] Alam MS, Roy PK, Miah AR, Mollick SH, Khan MR, Mahmud MC, Khatun S. Efficacy of Peppermint oil in diarrhea predominant IBS - a double blind randomized placebo - controlled study. Mymensingh Med J. 2013 Jan;22(1):27-30. PubMed PMID: 23416804.



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Power Down: 8 Superfood-Packed Post-Workout Snacks

You already know to guzzle coconut water for electrolytes after a long run and pump up the protein after lifting those weights. But when it comes to pre and post-workout snacks, we often forget just how many superfoods there are that can keep us fit and fabulous long after we leave the gym. Looking to shake up your stash of workout-friendly foods? Here are some pre and post workout snacks that contain unique ingredients to get you up and running - then fuel the burn all throughout your day!



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Spirit’s Picks: 10 Must-Haves At This Summer’s Green Beauty Event

Spirit Demerson is the woman behind one of our favorite online beauty shops, Spirit Beauty Lounge. Well-curated, gorgeous and completely green, we rely on SBL for trust-worthy product recommendations we know will perform well (just look at Spirit's skin!) and be free to any toxic hazards. We asked Spirit to pick 10 must-haves from among the brands featured at this year's green beauty event, A Night For Green Beauty here in L.A. Read her expert picks and book your tickets for the upcoming green beauty shopping extravaganza...



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Watch This: 3 Summer Nail Trends with Celeb Manicurist Jenna Hipp

Our nail wardrobe is normally something of a bore: buffed out nails and one of three shades of ballet pink. Keep it classy, little paws. Our friends at Mixed Makeup, the brand new beauty channel we're loving, convinced us to give a few of nail queen, Jenna Hipp's new summer colors a try. Once we saw the new hues, we were easy to convince! Jenna Hipp is the go-to green manicurist for celebrities like Lea Michele and Emma Stone and, as it turns out, a ton of fun. No surprise there - who else would you want by your side pre-red carpet other than a girl's girl like Ms. Hipp? We featured Jenna's pre-event prep advice recently and wish we had her at our side before every girl's outing and dinner date! This month, we gathered together with Mixed Makeup's Susan Yara and Jenna herself for a little juice and polish match-up, the outcome being this fun Mixed Makeup video featuring three summer nail trends you've got to get your paws on... Look One - MIlky pastels: Jenna's The New Moderns collection is a mix of creamsicle-like colors that instantly had us craving a Pressed Juicery Almond Milk. These milky pastel polishes in shades like Ooh La Latte and Sherbetcha are the perfect look to wear with a chocolate almond or green brazil nut milk in hand. Yum. Look two - juicy brights: This is not a neutral playing field: The New Brights collection, with shades like We Are Mint To Be, a perfectly cool green and I Surf With Boys, a light retro blue, these polishes are just the pop of color meant to be matched with a vacay-worthy bikini. We got a little gushy when shooting this video about how amazing these brights look painted on Citrus 2 or Citrus 4 bearing hands. Throw in some light bites and there is an instant mani-pedi party factor happening here! Look three - Mix 'em up: The third look shown is a mix of both collections in layers for a style that's ultra-summery. Jenna pulled out her bag of pro tricks including a few everyday office items we would have never expected to see. Our favorite trick? Using old-fashioned reinforcement labels to tape off nail beds and create the perfect half moon nail. Another great tip is to tape off half the nail using Post-it flags while painting a layer of contrasting polish to the bare side of the nail. Whether you gather up the girls for a mani-pedi afternoon after brunch or tuck in for an evening of solitary, colorful pampering, we suggest making your next manicure a colorful one and amping up your style with a few of these office supply-enabled designs. Add some juice swag to the mix and you've got yourself the perfect early summer activity!



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Who To Follow On Instagram: 9 Incredible Design Accounts We Love

Time suck though it may be, our love affair with Instagram rages on. And we're starting off our 'Who To Follow On Instagram' series with a round-up of design-lover's dream accounts. We love a good, healthy food-stagram and to follow the Instagrammers who spend their days at the barre, but give us a daily dose of the dreamy IGs we love most - from dreamy farmscapes to minimalist travelers - and the inspiration will carry us through whatever kale salads and barre classes are to come. Fall in love with our 9 top 'grammers for a dose of lifestyle lift to stir your imagination and stoke your passion for a more aesthetically pleasing life...



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Read and Feed: 11 Plant-based Cookbooks For This Summer

Some folks prefer fairy tales before bed, but for us, there's nothing better than climbing into bed with a brand new cookbook! Reading a new cookbook cover-to-cover with all its gorgeous photography and inspiring recipes whisks us away to a heavenly place and readies our imagination for the best possible foodie dreams. We've sifted through some of the latest and greatest hitting the shelves this summer and are sharing a few faves from our own growing pile of nightstand reads. Click through and pick a few to flip through...



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Brunch On The Brain: A Nettle Omelette Recipe For Next Weekend

Sorry Monday, but Sunday has got you beat. Sunday afternoons are always reserved for brunch - where fresh juice cocktails meet utterly delicious and savory breakfast foods, accompanied by conversation and ridiculousness with best friends and family. We're already making our brunch plans for next weekend, and Erin Scott's Nettle Omelette recipe is top of our list. The combination of eggs with nettles satisfies the most ravenous appetite, while also offering refuge from even the naughtiest previous night's behaviors. And this omelette manages to satisfy cravings without the usual health-damaging ingredients. That's the kind of magic that draws us to Erin's recipes, as she shares them on her blog, Yummy Supper, as well as in her soon to be released book of the same name! Erin creates recipes that are both nutrient-dense and free of common allergens (all are gluten-free) without compromising the taste that we are looking for when sitting down to a really good meal. Here is Erin with a few insights into her latest brunch creation and where she's sourcing all those nettles... Yep. We're cultivating weeds in our backyard. This may strike you as odd, especially when one considers how unfriendly this particular weed appears to be. One touch and you'll know why they're called "stinging" nettles. But, I tell you, this luscious weed is worth the hassle. Not only are stinging nettles absolutely delicious, they're super good for you... packed with fiber, protein, vitamins A, C, D, and K. Nettles are a miraculous anti-inflammatory, a treatment for seasonal allergies, and a known blood purifier. We brew nettles as a simple tea, saute them as we would spinach or other tender greens, and puree them into pesto. Once nettles are cooked, the infamous sting disappears, and you're left with a nourishing, tasty veg. Nettles seem to be cropping up at more and more farmers' markets these days, or if you're one of the adventurous foraging ilk, you might find nettles growing wild nearby. Please, harvest the nettles with care. Using gloves is always a safe bet, though I find a good set of tongs and scissors work for me. Just be careful not to casually brush your arm against the bush while harvesting. If you're curious about nettles, you can read more about them here and here. Nettles and eggs make delicious companions. The tender greens are so good sauteed with a little spring onion and Parmesan, and tucked into a tender omelette. Of course you can eat this dish for breakfast, but remember omelets make for a wonderful lunch or easy supper too.



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In The Moment: 5 Ways To Stay Present In A Tech-Obsessed World

A typical day for most of us begins and ends with our smartphones. We check emails, respond to text messages, peruse social media... the list goes on. Our tech-obsessed society requires us to to keep up at rapid speeds. Even our “time off” is often spent sharing our experiences online, or browsing the lives of others.

While this overwhelming consumption of tech certainly has its benefits, it also causes us to veer from reality. Sights, sounds and conversations are missed everyday because we’re hiding behind our gadgets. Here are five ways to remain active online, while still keeping hold of the present moment.



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Man Up: 10 Father’s Day Gifts For Fitness-Minded Dads

A barbecue set. A shaving kit. Another tie. While all these Father's Day gifts are fine and good, this Sunday we're looking to shower our dads with something extra-special...something that will make a lasting impact on their health and happiness long after Father's Day weekend comes to a close. For the fitness-minded man in your world, here are ten gifts that will rev him up to hit the road, break out the bike, or just take his workouts to the next level...



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About Face: 5 Natural L.A. Facialists We Love

For most of us, regular appointments with a facialist are somewhat of a luxury. But if we look at the expense as a long-term investment - as proactive, responsible "asset management" - (these are our faces we're talking about, folks!) the value comes right into focus. Whether our accountants are convinced or not, if you're making the splurge (or wise investment, we argue) in professional skincare, might we suggest one of the following incredible, all-natural L.A. facialists? Office ambiance and tea selections aside, we all know what we're looking for in a facialist visit: non-toxic techniques and outrageous results. We've found five facialists who fit the bill and turn up the glow to levels we never could attain on our own. All five practitioners practice natural skincare, most of them transcending that definition with holistic treatments that are just short of life-altering. RPK at Dr. Lancer takes digestion and hormones into consideration, while Teri Lawton keeps your chakras and nadis in mind. Find the best fit for you and book an appointment with one of these natural wonders to start your summer with a heightened glow...



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Superfood Spotlight: Mesquite

What you need to know: Mesquite powder is an extract from the seeds of the mesquite tree, which is found in the southwestern United States and parts of South America. The bean pods are ground and consumed for their nutrient-rich powder, which contains high levels of calcium, potassium and zinc. Mesquite is used to build and maintain strong bones and teeth, to support the cardiovascular and immune system and to enhance athletic performance. Mesquite is also rich in soluble fiber, making it an important player in normalizing bowels, controlling cholesterol levels and clearing the body of toxic waste. Why you should try it: Mesquite seed pods have long been used as a food source by indigenous peoples who revere it for its ability to normalize blood sugar. Being a low-glycemic food, mesquite is a sugar substitute that can even be used by diabetics. Its sugars are in the form of fructose, which does not require insulin for metabolism. So by using mesquite as your chosen sweetener, it may help to maintain a constant blood-sugar level for a sustained period of time. Let's get together: With a sweet and nutty taste, we can think of quite a few ways to incorporate this superfood powder. From coffee, yogurt, granola, raw desserts and baked goods, mesquite can be added to practically anything. One of our regular go-tos is adding it to our morning smoothies, especially to our cozy hot chocolate smoothie. Our favorite mesquite powder is Superfood Smoothie Mix by Essential Living Foods. This powder not only has mesquite, but also contains goji, acai, hemp and brazil nut protein. By using this powder you can boost your antioxidant levels while also getting an array of vitamins, minerals and amino acids, all in one fell swoop! Another way to benefit from this superfood powder is by adding it to homemade raw chocolate. Simply use the pure mesquite powder by Vivapura. It tastes like a cross between molasses and caramel, which in our opinion is a happy pairing to the bitter taste of dark chocolate. Give it a try!



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Balance Sheet: Keeping It Together With Sophia Bush

Take a deep breath, let it out, and repeat after Sophia: "Everyone around me is fighting some sort of battle, and deserves a break. Everyone including me." Sigh.... We may not be talking about the kind of "break" that involves faraway destinations, exotic cocktails, and a month away from work - although we all need that from time to time as well - but the breaks we are talking about are just as valuable when it comes to finding balance in life. The balanced life so many of us are teetering and tottering our way toward - between the joys and pressures of work and family, friendship and solitude, boundless information and our next tweet - is hard to define, but so dependent upon the little breaks Sophia details below.

The kind of breaks that signify a little grace, a second glance at the human in front of you, a softened edge to your own hard-lined calendar - possibly even a downshift from go-go-go mode to go-on-ahead-of-me-in-line mode. As we drive hard through all the opportunities of our age - or through the many struggles common to it - take note of just how uplifting the little breaks we give ourselves and others can be.

Here are a few of the details that keep Sophia sane through tapings, fittings, travels, and other realities of her well-balanced life... [olists num=1]

Read more from Sophia Bush this month on The Chalkboard Mag! Get inspired for a great summer with her Letter From Our Guest Editor here and watch for more all month with TCM.

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Balancing Act: The Modern Gal’s Guide To Mindful Media

On One Hand... The phrase "stop and smell the roses" doesn't apply to you, because you always make sure to take a strong sniff. You're present in your conversations, you live for the now, and you're all about savoring the moment. Some might have trouble tuning into life when today's technology provides such a fun distraction (if that's you, stay tuned for more on that next week!) - but for you, the fun is right in front of you in real time. On The Other Hand... It's 2014. Social media, smartphones, and being in somewhat-constant contact are not the exception any more, they're the norm. More often than not, our various jobs and projects involve some form of social media, whether it be tweeting on behalf of your company or posting a photo on Instagram for your blog. Whereas outlets like Facebook and Twitter were once fun escapes, they have become a reality of connection in the world we live. And while we're not necessarily living for another moment, the moments we are living for are the same ones we're expected to stop, drop, and document to keep our brand alive, both online and off. The Balance: When you love to live in the present, the necessities of modern-day marketing can be detrimental to your daily peace of mind - if you give them that control. Just like a baby slowly learns that crying is not just a mode of calling for help but a surefire way to steal mom's focus, social media can suck you in and make you feel as if every update is a make-or-break scenario. While we're all about boosting your followers and building your biz, we've found that modern, mindful gals need social media tips to stay sane on the smartphone. Here are few solid strategies so you can have your life and post it, too:



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In My Gym Bag: Active Living With The Real Lorna Jane

Lorna Jane Clarkson knows that you need to do just three things to have your best body ever: move, nourish, and believe. Lorna's activewear line, aptly named Lorna Jane, has been leading the industry for an impressive 25 years in Australia, outfitting everyone from yogis to runners in fitnesswear that's not only top-notch in quality but actually makes you believe you can be your healthiest, happiest self right now. In the last few years, Lorna Jane has made its way to the states - and we're so glad it did! We love that even after over two decades and countless store openings, Lorna Jane's core values and mission has stayed exactly the same: inspiring women to lead their best lives through "Active Living." Just like in life, authenticity in business makes all the difference - and starts from the top. In an age where connection is just a few computer-clicks away, Lorna makes a point to engage with and empower active women the old fashioned way: person-to-person. She regularly visits fitness centers, holds intimate trunk shows, and encourages her Lorna Jane team to engage community members with everything from fitness events to just hanging out at the store post-workout. This personal touch has paid off, as it seems like wherever we turn, we hear only wonderful things about the Lorna Jane brand - as well as Lorna herself. Take a few tips from this radiant, fit-minded Aussie and learn how she stays active, inspired, and glowing from the inside out...



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Farm To Glass: Summer Entertaining Recipes For The Downtown Set

Last week, we cozied up with Cocktail Academy and Summerland Farm to Frontdoor for a little culinary 'research.' Inside Cocktail Academy's little gem of a downtown event space, Apartment A, we felt as though we'd stepped out of time into a Los Angeles of another era. Ambiance aside, the evening was truly about local, farm-fresh food and cocktails. Together with Kitchensurfing chef Jennie Trinh, Summerland served up peaches from local California farm Burkart Organics in a few forms – each more delicious than the next. We loved this peach and burrata crostini because, well, it's a peach and burrata crostini – enough said. (We've mentioned our love of all things toast.) The peachy number that Cocktail Academy concocted to accompany Chef Trinh's crostinis was a summery blend of bittersweet citrus that didn't disappoint. It was an altogether dreamy pre-summer evening that we invite you to recreate at home on your own. Kitchensurfing's private chef offerings are a fun, easy, and surprisingly affordable way to stir things up inside your own abode, but if you’d rather do the dirty work in the kitchen yourself, try these recipes below to get things cooking! [olists num=1] [olists num=2]



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