Yoga, Chai and Live Cello

What used to be a laundry mat owned by a family many years ago, is now one of San Francisco modern day creative escapes. The Laundry, is a local hub for creativity, community and connection and has been only open for about a year or so. It's a pop-up coffee shop, an art gallery and a venue, all in one. 

I had the opportunity to discover this sanctuary as a Hype Influencer at one of their several monthly experiences, a yoga class with live cello. Before getting settled, Abbie and I walked downstairs to a dimly lit, yet colorful and calm room. We laid out our mats, and sipped on some chai tea before the rest of class settled in.

Between our instructor Maayan's soothing voice, and Josh McClain's cell vibrations, the environment nurtured a calming sound bath to bring focus to our practice. Something about the vibrations and accoustics of the cello really elevated the whole experience. After a long day in the office as an Executive Assistant, there's nothing I enjoy more than a calming class to slow my pace before bedtime. 

Thank you Hype for hosting a wonderful experience!

If it wasn't for this app, I wouldn't have been able to discover such unique activities in this crazy city. Using Hype has given me the insider scoop to places I've never known about, and new stories that bring happiness and health to my life.

EVENT HOST: Hype
VENUE: The Laundry 
YOGA INSTRUCTOR: Maayan 
CELLIST: Josh McClain

Making Terrariums with Paxton Gate

I can't tell you how long I've been wanting to take a terrarium class! Luckily, Hype App was hosting experiences for a few of their San Francisco influencers, and I received an invitation to attend a class with Paxton Gate. Paxton Gate, a store full of natural world inspired oddities and curiosities has two store locations in the Mission District of San Francisco.

We were welcomed into a naturally lit cozy classroom on the second floor of their building. Wren, our knowledgable instructor had all the materials set out for us upon our arrival. We began the day by introducing ourselves and sharing our inspiration for taking the class. Some of the attendees had been returning visitors from Paxton Gate's previous plant classes, so at that point, I already knew I was in good hands.

We finally got to get our hands dirty! Following her lead, Wren showed us the essential parts of a bog, the ideal environment for carnivorous plants. Unlike others, carnivorous plants such as Venus Fly Traps, Sun Dews and Pitcher Plants need to consume insects because their soils usually lack nutrients. The insects help them stay nourished, and surprisingly, it's more novelty. They really only need about 3-4 small bugs a year to survive.

Wren had all the details visually written on the board for us, which made it extremely easy to follow. The class was so informative, I had to start taking notes on my phone so I knew how to keep my new little plants alive! She set a solid foundation from telling us about each plant's origin, the importance of layers and design and most importantly, aftercare.

Along with meeting several others taking the class, my new friend and fellow Hype Influencer, Nick Ryan was curating a minimal bog. He kept it creative and made it his own! 

BUILDING A BOG

I have the hardest time making decisions sometimes, and it didn't help when we were given so many (and I mean MANY) fun choices! We got to pick from a variety of rocks, plants and moss to incorporate into the bogs. With so much creative freedom, each of us participants went home with a terrarium as unique as ourselves. 

THE END RESULT!

Isn't it adorable?! My newest little plant bbs have been holding up well thanks to having this great class, and it's been fun to watch them catch little bugs around the home. In short, take a class with Wren! She is THE BEST! I know sometimes it's hard to justify paying for a fun class in SF when you can DIY and Pinterest, but I can't express how valuable it was having her botany knowledge and guidance each step through the creation process. 

PAXTON GATE'S PLANT SECTION

After the completion of the class, I walked down the street to Paxton Gate's main location. The store is incredibly one of a kind! I found myself wandering the back of the store and into their patio. The whole back section was full of plants and I was tempted to bring something home, but I knew I had three new plant bbs to take care of, and I was so excited to bring them home. 

Thank you again to Paxton Gate and Hype App for hosting my experience! 

Don't forget to follow me on the Hype App! @kimiko.marie

Bring Joy to your Muni Commute

There's two kinds of people in San Francisco. Those who choose to use MUNI and those who refuse to give it a chance. As for me, I have a personal love/hate relationship with MUNI, but I am well versed when it comes to the transit map. 

Choosing to use a form of public transit improves air quality, reduces greenhouse gas emissions and saves energy for metropolitan areas like San Francisco. Many employers in the city even provide commuter benefits to their employees!

Beyond the eco-consicous commuting efforts, every day is an adventure to say the least ...and the stories sure come with it! Despite rush hour crowds, and other parts of the experience that may commonly bog you down, believe me, there are ways to make the most of your ride.

HOW TO HAVE A HAPPY MUNI COMMUTE

ALWAYS CARRY BACKUP HEADPHONES

Have you every left your headphones at home? Aren't those days the worst?! This backup pair should be headphones you have laying at home, or if you must purchase some, don't find the need to splurge on it.

Speaking of back up, it's also important to have an offline playlist ready just in case the tunnel blocks reception. 

REMEMBER THAT BOOK YOU ABSOLUTELY NEEDED TO BUY?

This is a luxury! You can't do this if you drive to work...safely at least. Remember that book you picked up and never read? Here is your chance to finally finish (or start) reading it!

PODCASTS ARE A BOSS BABE'S MUNI BFF!

This is my secret to any self-led learning! One of the things people ask me often is how I have the time to learn about social media, blogging and business entrepreneurship while working a full-time job. Well, this is my secret. Make the most of time you can't take back on your commute. Use it fill your mind with positive beneficial things that help you grow, not towards pondering random thoughts.

RELAX, DON'T MIND THE LITTLE THINGS

Don't take it so seriously! The last thing anyone in a crowded MUNI train wants to deal with, is a grumpy person spreading grumpiness to everyone around them, especially with minimal personal space. Being a grouch will not make yourself or the passengers around you any happier. Don't let the small things tick you off. Take it easy and flow with the ride. Eventually, everyone gets off at West Portal or Powell station anyways. 

Photography by: Rachel Radcliffe
Instagram: @rachelradcliffephotography

Outfit Details
Lightweight  Black Trench Coat: Similar Coat
"KIMIKO" Gladiator Heels: Michael Antonio at DSW
Sunnies: Quay Australia x Desi Perkins Sahara (Limited Edition) 

WHAT ARE SOME WAYS YOU FIND JOY IN YOUR COMMUTE? COMMENT AND SHARE WITH ME BELOW! :)