Raven & a Cup

I first wrote about whiteRAVEN, a Solana Beach based Chinese Medical Studio, back in March 2010. Since my initial visit I have returned to reap the amazing benefits of cupping therapy. Using a glass cupping jar (it looks like an orb) applied directly to the skin, a partial vacuum is created, drawing up the underlying tissue. Held in a stationary position for approximately 10 minutes, an area of blood stasis is formed (which sometimes can look like a bruise). Once the pressure is released, fresh blood flows to the areas and removes stagnated toxins. For me, the result was better than majority of the many deep tissue massages I have had in the past.

Created in 2009 by Brian Downum and Wendy Sellens, whiteRAVEN also offers other services, like acupuncture. They also sell an array of organic products, like bath salts, lotions, soaps, etc. Practicing a holistic lifestyle, coupled with their therapy, has produced great results. They have a handful of positive testimonials from locals, which recently led them to be voted the 10 News #1 Acupuncture in San Diego.

March 14, 2010: http://meganchristineonline.blogspot.com/2010/03/white-raven-reflexology.html

whiteRAVEN: 444 South Cedros Avenue, Solana Beach

San Diego Tour de Fat

On October 2, New Belgium joins forces with the San Diego Mountain Biking Association (SDBA) and the San Diego Bicycle Coalition (SDBC) for the 2nd Annual San Diego Tour De Fat bicycle benefit. Held in Balboa Park, this free event (donations welcome) promotes bicycling as alternative transportation. It's sure to be a great event and it's full of activities, like a parade, beer garden and the anticipated car-for-bike trade (submit entries online). On stage at the event, someone will take the pledge to eliminate dependence on their car and trade for a custom built, hand crafted commuter bike. Over the next year, everyone can follow their trials and triumphs online, with the hopes to inspire more people to turn to the benefits of biking.

October 2, 2010. 6th & El Prado (Laurel Street bridge) 9am-4pm. The event fills up fast, so get there early & register!

Locavore Sunday

One thing that I love about farmer's market is that each week it's a surprise as to what fresh produce will show up on the stands. Creating on the spot menus and dishes is an exciting challenge, that if successfully executed, makes for small personal triumphs. This past Sunday I stopped by the Solana Beach market, which I frequent regularly, and picked up organic produce for a feast I intended to whip up later that day. I bought arugula, beets, apples, peaches, plums, onions and potatoes. From this colorful bundle I created a roasted beet, goat cheese and walnut arugula salad, followed by grilled fennel seed encrusted pork with apple onion slaw over roasted potatoes and finished with sliced peaches and plums. I must say, I ended my weekend in a happy food coma!

McMinnville: 3rd Street Flats

I had the pleasure of taking a girls weekend trip to Portland and the nearby Willamette Valley. The purpose of the trip was to celebrate a girlfriend's upcoming wedding and her love for wine. After spending a day in Portland, we rented cars and departed downtown for the open fields of the Willamette Valley for three days and endless bottles of Pinot.

We stayed in the adorable town of McMinnville, in the heart of main street in the 3rd Street Flats. This renovated historic building now houses 4 separate flats, each fully equipped and decorated with every detail in mind. Each flat was a different style, created by local designers and built with ecoconscious materials. So we learn, there was a competition for the design of each flat, and a coffee table book tells the unique story of the thought and theme of each flat. We stayed in the Olio e Aceto, the Pearl, the Retreat. In addition to the contemporary decor, and "show ready" staging, each flat included complimentary Pinot and local chocolates (topped with salt!). And just as they advertise, it was the perfect blend of hotel, b&b and vacation rental.

Images: Megan*Christine

Neighborhood in the House

Living in Cardiff makes for a challenge when hunger strikes for Neighborhood, since it is 30+ miles away in East Village. Unable to quiet our appetite, we set out to the grocer with the intention to re-create those infamous sweet potato fries and build our own juicy burger. There is definitely a craft behind those fries, which is why they have been listed in many local foodie "top lists," and we have yet to achieve that level. In addition, the dipping sauce has also been a challenge to mix. We settled for ketchup and honey dijon. I guess this would prove there is no substitute for the real thing! Despite our replication hurdles, we still cooked up a delicious meal that satisfied the craving.

Burgers:

- 1lb ground sirloin

- breadcrumbs

- egg (1)

- hodgepodge of spices (thyme, rosemary, taco season, cumin, etc....)

- red onion (1) sliced

- olive oil

- sugar

- baby spinach

- cinnamon & cranberry goat cheese (plain goat cheese would work too)

- ciabatta roll

mix bread crumbs, spices, egg and beef in a bowl. form patties, chill for 30 min, and grill.

saute onions with olive oil and sugar over medium heat to caramelize.

toast roll on the grill, remove and spread with goat cheese. top roll with burger, onions and spinach. serve & enjoy.

Sweet Potato Fries:

- 2 large sweet potatoes

- coconut oil

- bleu cheese crumbles

microwave potatoes to soften, slice (thick or skinny), flash fry in a pan with heated coconut oil, place on a baking sheet and bake at 450 degrees until crisp. sprinkle bleu cheese, S&P, and serve with dipping sauce.

The Fabric Hunt: Vervain

I am determined to find the perfect fabric to cover a bright red lounger in my bedroom. My search has led me to many places, including the Solana Beach We R Fabrics. The large showroom opened in 1992 and provides a wide selection of fabrics. In addition, We R Fabrics also offers full design services, and has one of the largest selections of trim in the state. Unfortunately I was limited on time, so I was rushing through the aisle of samples eyeballing a specific aqua blue I had in mind. I came across a gorgeous swath of fine fabric and pulled it off the rack. Not to my surprise, the very helpful sales associate joked with me that I must have picked one of their most expensive luxury lines, Vervain. Despite the price, I checked out the sample and brought it home, and as expected, it looked amazing. Although I only need 2 yards, I decided at it's price point, I would allow myself to shop around.

Vervain is a line of fabrics for high-end interiors. Originating in Italy, Vervain's high quality and extensive selection of statement designs, makes it a sought after label. With five lines, the Vervain is crafted for the modern interior. The specific fabric that I gravitated to was "Lucido", in Aquacitrine (36% cotton, 36% viscose & 28% linen).

*photos by Megan Christine

Contemporary Design: Rings

I can't help but daydream about settings and bands as my fiance works to design my engagement ring. We already have sourced the diamond through a connection, but to help him visualize what does and does not appeal to me, I have been scouring the Internet for pictures of gorgeous rings. I have found plenty for sure, it's quite overwhelming to be honest. Not to my surprise, Google is riddled with pictures from celebrity spottings, to blogsphere entries, to online inventory, to advertisements, etc. But through my digging, I came across these images of rings that I thought were gorgeous in their contemporary design. Their raw beauty and rugged style were original. Personally, I think these would be gorgeous with a precious stone, other than a diamond. I still do have nine empty fingers!