○ Low-Carb Lust: 85 Degrees Cafe ○

Happy July! I started a new job recently and have been very very busy, from visiting friends/family to finding my work-flow to finding any time to relax, to be quite honest. Nonetheless, I always make room in my day for coffee, and the weekend is no exception. 

Being a South Bay native, a Taiwanese foodie (did I mention that I'm obsessed with shaved ice?), and a low-carb lady, enter: 85 Degrees Cafe (the Torrance location is my personal go-to!) 

I admit my focus on food, and specifically Russian food, has not been at its prime for a few months now, but who doesn't love a little cheat day (cough, months)? Cheats galore are exactly what you'll find at 85 Degrees, from their beautiful confections behind the glass case to their more "plebian" nosh that you (yes, you...no waiters here!) deliver to the cashier on a tray. 

Food aside, my main "naughty nicety" of interest is their rendition of SEA SALT COFFEE. Caloric indulgences aside, this treat is a low-carber's delight: sugar levels are adjustable; flavor is packed to the brim with rich whipped cream topped with cocoa powder and....you guessed it: sea salt. Keep in mind, weight watchers: the heavy cream does NOT make this a low-cal beverage. But is it low-carb? Go for the 1/3 sugar option (lowest level available) & the answer is YES. :)

I may or may not be more obsessed with this treat than I am with Taiwanese snow (as a frozen yogurt addict, that's saying a LOT!) I admit, I've let my keto-flow slide a bit since my move to Los Angeles (carb creep indeed) but this is the my solution to the less-than-tasty-sounding Bulletproof Coffee popular on the Keto subreddit. It's certainly an indulgence, but 85 Degrees knows their coffee, their carbs, and their versatility in addressing everyone's sweet tooth. 

I implore you to check out 85 Degrees Cafe if you're ever in the South Bay (there's also a Gardena location!), Orange County, or of course, Taiwan. 

xo ♡ SFB

♛ Trash Queen ♛

I'm like hey wassup hello, seen your pretty ass soon as you came through the door; I just wanna chill, gotta sack for us to roll; married to the money, introduced her to my stove, showed her how to whip it, now she's remixin' for low, She my trap queen, let her hit the bando. 

I admit, I have not been able to resist this song (as annoying as it's gotten at this point in its overplayed-on-the-radio cycle) since the get-go...and I dig this remix. I'm no trap trash queen, but these pictures may say otherwise. ;) 

Many thanks to Kaelin Bohl for these photographs.

Jacket: Thrifted (Wet Seal) | Pants/Culottes Le Joli Boutique (also here) | Sunglasses: ASOS | Top: Bebe | Booties: Bottega Veneta | Purse (gifted hand-me-down): Marc Jacobs

xo ♡ SFB

回 Giving Jello Another Shot 回

I don't know about you, but my most immediate connotation of the word "jello" is probably, well...college. A few too many memories of a few too many shots in solid form, and maybe you're actually thinking "vomit". I'm here to #takebackthenight (sexual assault should not be taken lightly in ANY context, but this pertains very visibly/realistically to college) by taking back the gelatinous sundae (bad pop culture reference, I know) from midcentury antiquity. Also-shoutout to Refinery 29 for already having done so. 

I openly admit: I'm currently trying to lose about 5-7 lbs. Jello is one of my go-to's for weight loss-friendly (& tasty) snacking. Consider it my housewife-inspired gelatinous version of biohacking...inspired by vintage Betty Crocker recipes.

Speaking of snacking, I've certainly enjoyed jello as a snack in various modes...on its own, in coffee, and in my obsession-of-the-moment, snow (otherwise known as Taiwanese shaved ice).

Ever since I saw it on the menu at Boba Time (Koreatown's finest, no doubt!), coffee jelly has been calling my name. Sweetened coffee-flavored jello cubes as a boba substitute? Yes please! (take note any low carbers: coffee jelly is a fantastic boba substitute that remains authentic to the cuisine). 

I am hopelessly enamored with snow, specifically from SNOW LA in Koreatown. The perfect topping to this obsession: (my minor obsession) almond jelly! Perhaps a modern take on a midcentury Jello-made icebox cake? Sure, why not?

I'm no modern Holly Housewife, but I do think it's worth it to put down that popsicle and to give jello another shot ;) 

xo ♡ SFB