Chalkboard Mag Feature

Excuse me while I freak out a little bit. My favorite online source for everything health + wellness, Chalkboard Mag, asked me to write about how I set up a wellness program at Invisible Children, and how I personally found work-life balance in a high-pressure, cause-driven environment. I happily said yes, dove in and wrote way too much (don't worry, we edited it down). And today, I am beyond excited to share my eight year journey of navigating sacrifice and self-care with you all.

I'd love for you to check out the article here and join in the conversation. I certainly don't have all the answers and my understanding of balance is ever evolving. I'd love to know how you prioritize wellness and self care amidst career, family, and crazy schedules. Do you have a mantra or a ritual? What brings you back to center? And, do you love Chalkboard as much as I do??

Also, shout out to the lovely Sophia Bush for guest editing at Chalkboard this month. Don't miss her poignant + personal letter about true beauty here.

yoga photo cred: Lauranne Boyd

Last Minute Father's Day Gift Guide

If you're anything like me, you just started wondering what dad wants for Father's Day (oops). I typically have a hard time shopping for the men in my family, so this year, I thought I'd share some of the best gifts I've come across. So if you've procrastinated too, don't worry - I've got you covered.

Most of these are available in stores around the country, but some you may have to ship overnight in order to celebrate on Sunday.

1. Beatles art print (starts at $107), for the nostalgic music lover. Buy it online here.
2. Best Made Camp Blanket ($184), for the woods or the house. Buy it online here. Other great blankets here, here and here.
3. Dapper Dopp Kit ($45), for the dad who travels in style. Buy it in stores at Bloomindale's. San Diegans, buy it in store at Pigment.
4. J.Crew Duffle Bag ($118), because everyone needs a good duffle. My husband has one of these I steal all the time. Buy it online here, or snag this duffle or this garmet in stores at J.Crew.
5. Beer growler ($9.95), for the craft beer connoisseur. Buy it in stores at Crate & Barrel, or grab this one from West Elm.
6. J.Crew tie ($69.50), because you can never go wrong with a great tie. Buy it in stores at J.Crew.
7. McClure's Spicy Bloody Mary Mix ($8). I read on Cup of Jo that this is the best bloody mary mix out there. Yes, please. Overnight it from amazon here or find a retailer near you.
8. Vitamix S30 Personal Blender ($399). Encourage dad to be a little healthier this Father's Day. Something about the horsepower or the speed of the blades, but every guy I know who has one of these loves it. Buy it in stores at William Sonoma.
9. Mend laptop sleeve ($47.20). Sleek, handmade in Uganda, and proceeds support Invisible Children. Buy it online here.
10. The Strongbox from Best Made ($28), for him to safely store his keepsakes. Buy it online here, or upgrade to the toolbox ($94).

What are your go-to gifts for dad?

Go Buy Now: We The Eaters

My friend Ellen Gustafson released her first book last week, and it’s guaranteed to be a good one. Ellen is a sustainable food activist, food policy expert, social entrepreneur, and all around badass. I met Ellen a few years ago at a TEDx event, where she was giving one of her four TED talks, and she quickly became one of my inspirations.

In “We the Eaters,” Ellen lays out her manifesto - that by changing our dinner plates, we can change the broken food system, and really change the world. She explains:

"We the Eaters" weaves together the global stories of hunger and food insecurity that I saw so often in my work with FEED with the state of our domestic food system that leaves too many Americans unhealthy and overweight. There are concrete ideas about how every Eater, aka each of us, can make changes on our plates to improve the systems that bring us all food everyday.

I love concrete. I can't wait for my copy to arrive. Go buy yours here.

Currently Obsessed With: Soba Noodles

Image Source.

Friends, let me introduce you to my newest obsession: soba noodles. I'm seeing them pop up all over my favorite blogs, and I'm wondering if soba is the next quinoa or brussels sprouts. These little guys are from Japan and are made from buckwheat flour so they're gluten-free, low-cal, high in protein. Soba also contains all eight essential amino acids, cancer-fighting antioxidants and heart-healthy nutrients. 

Pair them with some veggies and you've got a full on party. 

I made the ginger scallion bowl this week, and I can't wait to try all these other recipes. Do you have any go-to soba dishes? Do share. xo.

Sesame, Ginger + Cucumber Soba Noodles

Soba + Ginger Tahini with Crispy Kale, Shallots + Romaine 

Sweet + Spicy Ginger Scallion Noodles

Soba + Carrot Noodles with Watermelon Radish

 Simple, Salty, Sweet + Nutty Broccoli Soba

Soba Bowl with Kale, Sesame and Slivered Brussels Sprouts

More recipes here, here, and here.