Mint & Melon Smoothie

This honeydew melon, mint, and matcha smoothie is one of my absolute favorites and surprise surprise, it's a recipe my mom created. It is refreshing and light and sort of feels like a day lounging on the beach - in a glass. Best of all, it's so easy to make - blend a cup of almond milk (or milk of your choice), cup of honeydew melon (frozen is best), scoop of protein powder, scoop of matcha, and mint to taste. Then just sit back and enjoy!

xx Molly

Wisdom Tree Hike

One thing Alex and I have been loving about LA is the easy access to outdoor activities. It feels like an incredible hike / beach excursion / bike ride / you name it are all within easy reach and so we're trying to fit something new in each weekend. We did the Wisdom Tree hike, which also brings you behind the Hollywood sign, on an unusually cloudy SoCal day (which was actually a blessing since there is basically zero shade the entire, very vertical way). The hike is named for a striking, lone tree at one of the peaks. Look out Los Angeles hiking trails, we're coming for you!

xx Molly  

Hiker's practice rock balancing at the peak 

Do you see that tiny, lone tree at the peak? That is the Wisdom Tree! The below picture is zoomed in for easier viewing :)

Shiitake Burger

One thing that has already made an impression on me during my short time in California is the quality of the produce. It is seriously so good, guys. I found gigantic, like bigger than my palm, shiitakes at the store the other day and was inspired to make burgers. This recipe is super simple and requires minimal kitchen tools (which is good considering that's all I have for a few more weeks).

Here's how to make them:

1. Sauté the shiitakes in a little extra virgin olive oil pressing down on them a bit and lightly salt each side. Cook, flipping until both sides are slightly browned.
2. Assemble the burgers. I used English muffins instead of burger buns since I couldn't find 100% whole grain buns, but you can use whatever you'd like. I topped with some caramelized onions, spinach, and tomato. These would also be great with a little goat or cheddar cheese, but I kept them vegan this time.

xx Molly

Our LA Apartment

I thought I'd share some before pictures our new place before our stuff arrives and I start decorating. Alex and I are basically camping for the next few weeks with nothing but a mattress and a few kitchen items I shipped ahead of time, so these aren't true befores. 

In the past, I've rented in older buildings that have more inherent charm so this place feels a little sterile to me without any exposed brick or crown molding but I'm up for the challenge. Some initial thoughts: 1) the TV came with the apartment, it wouldn't have been my first choice to mount it above the fireplace but so be it; 2) we haven't really decided which room to make our master yet (they're almost identical), maybe we'll try both; 3) Alex and I are SO excited to have private outdoor space which was just a pipe dream in NYC. Can't wait to get decorating!

xx Molly

<<Master Bedroom>>

<<Guest Bedroom>>

<<Deck>>

An Ode to NYC

It's the end of an era - after four wonderful years we've packed our bags (and nearly 90 boxes, ugh) and said farewell to NYC. Alex and I are off to new adventures across the country in Los Angeles. We're excited to see what the other coast has to offer but leaving our home for the past few years - the city where we got engaged and married - is of course bitter sweet. Here's to hoping LA will be just as good to us as NYC.

xx Molly