Lately, this feels like the most genuine way to share snippets of my life. Since the fires, I’ve been living in a vortex, still not quite settled back into my normal routine—but this is life according to my iPhone.
To catch you up: after the fires, I stayed with my brother, sister-in-law, and their babies. I finally moved back into my house after smoke remediation, but just for a couple of days before my dad flew in from Taipei—our first time seeing each other in 15 months. Since then, I’ve been staying in Orange County with my family, soaking up every moment with him while also tackling our work in the wine business together.
Despite everything, this time with family has been an unexpected blessing. Of course, I miss my house and my bed, but after the fires, I just keep going back to perspective. It’s so clear to me now what truly matters—family and health. I’ll be writing a lot more about this in the coming weeks, especially as my dad and I reflect on 25 years in the wine industry.
I’ve also made a commitment to prioritizing my health in 2025. I’ll be posting some of my favorite recipes and workouts soon, but lately, it’s been at least an hour a day of either CorePower Yoga (obsessed with the Sculpt class!!!) or Melissa Wood Health. The difference in my mood has been incredible. I feel stronger, clearer, and just so damn good.
One more thing: as the news cycle moves on from the LA fires, please remember that our neighbors still need help. I created Neighbors in Need, a GoFundMe list with pages to support families directly. If you’re able, even a $5 donation can make a difference ❤️
Love, Cat
25 years of Paso and this vineyard. I’ll share some learnings on this soon.
THIS NAIL POLISH has got me speechless!! It lasted two weeks without chipping and I am shook. I do my own nails and the application is flawless. I use Seche Vite (IYKYK) for the top coat, but I’m going to try Londontown top coat and report back. I’m wearing shade Pink which I think is the perfect neutral.
Sakara getting me back on track after an intense couple of weeks. It’s so damn good. Code: CATSAKARA for 20% off
OSEA Hyaluronic Body Serum is the best lotion I’ve tried in years — and I do not say that lightly. It is so absorbent and doesn’t have a scent (which I love). Code: CATCHEN10
U Beauty Skin Conditioning Wash. This has been my hero face wash all winter. A face wash that hydrates and cleanses. I’ve never tried anything like it. Absolutely love and recommend. Code: CATCHEN for 20% off
This Sakara dinner was insanely delicious. My mouth is watering looking at this right now !! Code: CATSAKARA for 20% off
The best thing after three days of Sakara is that it sets you up for success. You feel so damn good that you want to keep the clean eating going. I roast my spaghetti squash face down with a bit of water on the bottom of the pan so the moisture steams it quicker. 400 degrees for 35ish minutes.
My Sakara Eggplant Parm and spinach with some spaghetti squash I made because I was extra hungry this night !
Post-Sakara. Veggie Pancakes that I can’t stop making and eating!! Shredded zucchini, chopped spinach, shreed carrots, eggs, almond flour, lemon zest, almond flour, red pepper flakes, s&p. Notes: Make sure you squeeze out the excess liquid right after you shred the zucchini. I eyeball everything. Here are all the steps »
This is the consistency you’re going for.
Heat a cast iron or nonstick with avocado or olive oil. I make small ones because it’s easier to flip. Flatten down the pancakes. Low-medium heat so the veggies soften and cook through.
Flip and let it finish off and voila! I eat these for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They are soooo goooood.
I was home for a couple of days and I immediately made a bunch of celery, ginger, and lemon juice.
My juicer is my favorite (and only) Black Friday purchase. After a lot of research, I opted for a horizontal juicer because it’s better with tough vegetables
I went to see the neighborhood and it was just too much to process.
I got two AirDoctors for my house. AirDoctor was offering their products at cost for LA locals like true heroes (I got each one for $120!!). Here’s the model I got and very happy with.
My best friend got me this air purifier for my bedroom and I absolutely love it. I keep it at a higher fan speed during the day and the lowest setting at night and I can’t hear it. I hate white noise and this doesn’t bother me one bit.
DAMDAM Eye Serum is a longtime obsession. It’s like instant eye patched. I use it morning and night.
Easiest turkey meatballs! Ground turkey, shredded zucchini, chopped spinach, chopped mint, chopped sundried tomato, feta, dried oregano, almond flour, egg, s&p. Notes: Make sure you squeeze out the excess liquid right after you shred the zucchini. I eyeball everything. Add more herbs than you expect! Here are all the steps »
Used a wooden spoon to mix and an ice cream scooper place on a baking sheet because I didn’t feel like getting my hands dirty lol.
Line baking pan with tin foil for easy clean up. Broil on middle of the oven for 8-ish minutes. Voila!
Everything I’m taking these days with our air quality. My biggest recommendation is BodyBio PC. It’s the best detoxification hack. I take a big spoonful a day. I’ve been taking it for 10+ years and so does Gwyneth Paltrow lol
This was one of my dad’s labels back in the day. His label was called Mt. Dulan and he exported wine to Taipei and Shanghai for years
J.Crew Barn Jacket. Lined on the inside, I have a size Medium so I can layer
Dawgs
Sometimes we ran out of a few labels, but this is totally fine for your home stash
Old pals. My dad and his longtime friend Peter walking on Peter’s property he and his late wife built in the 90s. This is where I always stay. So many memories on this beautiful property.
Homemade pizzzza on the ranch <3
Misty Paso Robles mornings
I have been on a workout streak. Part anxiety, part wanting to feel good.
The best hot pot dipping sauce I’ve had in a long time thanks to Uncle Dan. Chendu Crunch by Fly by Jing is my favorite, then Zhong Sauce!!
I’ll post this recipe + hot pot musts soon
Pure bliss
Pure bliss part 2
My cousin told me about this hot pot store called Miao Yun Food in Monterey Park and this is where he got the sliced beef. It was SO GOOD.
If you made it this far, I love you! Been working my ass off getting back in shape after the holidays so here’s something I’m proud of ;)
Who knew going through my camera roll would be so therapeutic. The last 35 days are a good reminder of how much life happens in a few short weeks. We were all barely waning off our holiday highs when the LA fires broke out. I went from the most relaxing / festive / indulgent holiday » to the healthiest / cleansing start to the new year » to itching to w…
I will not go into the emotional part of the devastation that’s decimated my city just yet. I am lucky enough to have a standing home so let’s help our neighbors. If you have the means, please considering helping our community rebuild. This might just be a list of names to you, but these are our neighbors who lost everything. Send any links of your love…
I have that nail concealer in 3 colors and never get manicures anymore