Julie

These zebra stripes can't be washed away

This zebra striped towel from Maslin & Co. is the perfect accessory to stand out...or rather lay out in the sun....even if it isn't desert sand.

Source:  http://maslinandco.com/store.html

Take your yoga practice to the pool

If you are anything like me, you are obsessed with Lululemon.  Its so comfy, don't you wish you could wear it everywhere...to the gym, to the office? Well maybe the office is not an option, but now the beach is.  Lululemon has added fab-fitting one and two-piece swimwear to their collection...Surfs up!

Source: http://shop.lululemon.com/products/category/Swim

Tropical Smoothie

Now I can have my tropical drinks for breakfast.  This healthy, pina colada smoothie is a great way to start the morning...relaxing in my new beach chair.

Piña Colada Smoothie

1 Sustain packet, or about 3 tbsp non-dairy protein powder made with pea or hemp (preferably) or with flax or rice protein (or a blend)
4 - 6 oz water
4 - 6 oz unsweetened vanilla almond milk
1 cup frozen pineapple pieces
small piece of avocado – about 1/5 of a large avocado or 1⁄4 of a small one
1 tbsp coconut oil
1 tbsp shredded unsweetened coconut
2 - 4 cubes ice

Add all ingredients to blender and pulse until smooth and creamy.

Source:  http://goop.com/newsletter/175/en

The Golden State

Add some zest to your wardrobe with these lemon colored pieces...don't worry these looks are far from bitter.

Source:  http://blogs.nordstrom.com/?p=9627

Life is like a beach chair

And now I can customize my beach chair like I do my life...choose from 15 different patterns from Custom Cool.

Source:  http://customcoolrugs.com/index.html

Images: Vanity Fair

Anchors Aweigh

Pop open a bottle of wine with this marine-inspired bottle opener. The wine stopper is the perfect tool if you don't make it to the bottom of the bottle.

Source:  http://www.gentsupplyco.com/Anchors-Aweigh-Bottle-Opener-Wine-Stopper

Wish upon a starfish...

This sparkling ocean creature is the perfect accessory...easily transitioning from day to night, as the sparkle reflects off the ocean waters.  Surf's up!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Source:  http://www.swarovski.com/Web_US/en/692862/product/Holly_Double_Pendant.html

Summertime Uggs

I love saying goodbye to winter, but I hate saying goodbye to the comfort of my Ugg Boots.  Thankfully, Ugg Australia launched a line of comfy espadrilles.  Now I can head straight from the beach to a walk on the pier without missing a step.

The lucianna comes in beautiful silk patterns and solid colors, sure to accentuate your favorite swimming suit.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Source:  www.uggaustralia.com/womens-lucianna-silk-wrap-espadrille-wedge-sandals/1000695,default,pd.html?dwvar_1000695_color=SNTI&start=3&q=lucianna

A Coastal inspired dish

This Cashew-Crusted Grouper recipe mixes coastal flavors from around the world to create a coastal delight.  Throw this in your picnic basket, for a beach dinner under the stars...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cashew-Crusted Grouper
Ingredients

• 1 ruby red grapefruit
• ½ cup unsalted whole cashews
• 1 stick (¼ lb.) unsalted butter, softened, plus extra as needed
• ½ cup fine dry white bread crumbs
• 1 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
• ⅓ cup cilantro, chopped, plus leaves for garnish
• 1½ lb. black grouper filet, skin off
• Salt and ground white pepper to taste

Directions

Using a microplane zester, grate the peel of the grapefruit, then squeeze out the juice and set it aside. In a food processor, combine the zest with the cashews, butter, bread crumbs, pepper flakes, and cilantro; purée until very well combined and deep green in color, then season with salt to taste. Scoop the mixture onto a sheet of parchment paper laid out on a flat surface. Cover with a second sheet of parchment paper, then use a rolling pin to flatten into a ¼"-thick sheet. Chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour, until firm. Meanwhile, prepare Braised Fennel and Grapefruit Sauce Vierge (recipes below).

Preheat broiler and place rack in the center of the oven. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spread with a thin layer of butter. Slice the fish into 6 portions. Season the pieces on all sides with salt and pepper and place them on the baking sheet. Remove paper from the cashew mixture and cut 6 fish-size pieces; press each onto the surface of a piece of fish. Broil until the crust is browned and the fish is cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. If the crust browns before the fish is done, turn off the oven and move the tray to the bottom rack to finish cooking.

Once cooked, lightly drizzle the grouper with the reserved grapefruit juice. Place each piece of grouper on a bed of braised fennel on a warm dinner plate. Drizzle plate with sauce vierge and garnish with cilantro. Serves 6.

Braised Fennel

Ingredients

• 2 bulbs fennel, cut into ¼-inch-thick wedges, leaves discarded and stalks reserved
• 1 sachet (1 tsp. each black peppercorn and fennel seeds, 1 thyme sprig, and 1 bay leaf, wrapped in cheesecloth and tied with butcher’s twine)
• 1 cup chicken stock or low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 T butter
• Salt to taste

Directions

In a medium saucepan, combine all ingredients with a pinch of salt and bring to a simmer. Cook on low heat, stirring occasionally until fennel is tender and liquid is reduced to a glaze
(about 12 minutes). Discard the sachet; check seasoning, and keep warm until ready to serve.

Grapefruit Sauce Vierge

Ingredients

• Zest and segments of 1 ruby red grapefruit
• Zest and segments of 1 lime
• ⅓ cup fennel stalks, finely chopped (from reserved trimmings in Braised Fennel recipe, above)
• 1 shallot, peeled and minced
• ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• ½ tsp. red pepper flakes
• Tabasco sauce to taste
• Salt and ground white pepper to taste
• 3 T chopped cilantro

Directions

Dice the grapefruit and lime segments. In a medium bowl, combine diced fruit and zest, fennel, shallot, olive oil, and red pepper flakes. Season to taste with Tabasco sauce, salt, and pepper. Cover and chill, or serve at room temperature. Toss with cilantro before serving

Source:  http://www.elledecor.com/entertaining-travel/articles/cashew-crusted-grouper-braised-fennel-recipe

Spring break is good for your health

This is my type of vacation, surfing and great healthy food.

San Diego
Healthiest place to eat: San Diego is home to more than a thousand restaurants so there's bound to be something for everyone, but the ultra-healthy can't go wrong with Spread, a vegetarian restaurant that seeks to "challenge the culinary imagination" of its diners. The owners of the restaurant work only with locally sourced, organic food, and the menu often changes based on what's available at local farmers' markets.

Best place to work out: You're in San Diego—it'd be a crime to leave without surfing! Del Mar is reportedly the best place for beginners. Sign up for lessons with the San Diego Surfing Academy, which is open all year long. Not a surfer? Check out the San Diego Zoo or stroll around downtown Lajolla.

Source:  http://www.shape.com/lifestyle/fit-getaways/8-healthiest-spring-break-destinations

Ahoy Mate

This wine bag added a ray of sunshine to my last outing with my best beach buds.

Source:  http://www.seabags.com/wine-tote/ahoy-wine-tote.html

Are you beach body ready?

I'm not and with summer around the corner, I looked down at my legs and realized that they were not ready to be exposed.  I am going to try these tips to get beach ready legs!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Source:  http://www.shape.com/lifestyle/beauty-style/6-steps-lean-lovely-legs

Can't make it to the beach...well bring the beach to your home

Jonathan Adler is the inspiration behind this Palm Beach Inspired pad.  I implemented the themed wall in my home by using pictures of my sisters.  How will you create your own beach pad vibe?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Source:  http://www.coastalliving.com/homes/decorating/palm-beach-style-00414000073678/

Baja California...is full of beaches and...celebrities???

Well, we are used to seeing Gwenyth Paltrow on the big screen or the streets of southern California...but in the kitchen?  I'm learning that Gwenyth is an excellent chef as I love her Baja Style Shrimp Tacos.  I paired it with a glass of Seven Daughters Sauvignon Blanc and voila..a southern California classic.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Baja Style Shrimp Tacos

Ingredients

2 pounds medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons olive oil
the juice of one lime
1 teaspoon coarse salt
1 dozen corn tortillas
pico de gallo (see recipe below)
lime wedges for serving
Cholula hot sauce (or your fav hot sauce)crumbled cotija or feta cheese (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your grill over high heat. Toss the shrimp together with the olive oil, lime juice and salt. Grill until cooked through, about 2 minutes a side.

To serve, heat the tortillas in a dry frying pan and wrap them in a tea towel to keep warm. Pile a few shrimp on top of each tortilla and serve with a bit of pico de gallo, fresh lime juice, a few dashes of hot sauce and a little of the crumbled cheese if you’d like.

SERVES: 4 TIME: 10 minutes

Source:  http://goop.com/newsletter/86/en

Rock the boat

Or rock the latest fashion at the dock.  This striped ensemble mixes the seasons biggest trends: bold patterns, bright colors and platform heels.  Aye Aye Captain!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Source:   http://blogs.nordstrom.com/?p=8519