​I love 4th of July! It’s always a time of so much spirit and goodwill, celebrating a truly unique nation that I’m so thankful for. 20 years ago, my family moved to America and we are truly living our version of the American dream. Although, we still love and miss things about our roots in South Africa (like Top Deck chocolate and Sparletta Crème Soda), America is where we found new opportunities (and hurdles) that have shaped me in many ways. Growing up in Seattle, we always celebrated 4th of July at friends’ houses, pool parties, and lots of delicious grilling and snacks. So this year, I decided to give some 4th of July popsicles a try and I'm LOVING them! They are both delicious and festive and the perfect addition to any celebration!. 

Hope you enjoy a fun 4th of July treat and have a fantastic holiday! 

Jessica

​Although in San Diego, we are lucky to have amazing weather year round-there is still something so special about summer! Longer days and warmer evenings lend to the perfect recipe for entertaining friends and family and relaxing on weekend mornings. To help get summer started I've put together some of my favorite items for a fun and festive season. Are there any I've missed that are on your list? I'd love to hear about them in the comments below! Hope you enjoy and happy summer planning! ​

Jessica

It's funny how you can connect dots once you look back, but while you are in the thick of it you sometimes feel lost. 

I've always wanted to be an entrepreneur. I don't know where it came from, but the yearning to run my own business has been the center point of my dreams for as long as I can remember. I entered college as a pre-med student and day dreamed during organic chemistry about my private practice dermatology clinic. One that would be far different from the rest. We would have manicures, pedicures, and massages while you waited for your appointment and upon check-in you would be greeted with champagne and a signature chocolate to start your appointment. Today, these are fairly widely known as Med-Spas, but at the time, there wasn't anything like it out there. 

I realized that although I loved what medicine could provide through helping people, I wasn't as excited about treating patients as I was about the experience they could have to make them feel better, stronger, and pampered by their surroundings. With that, I switched my focus to business. At the time, I felt a bit of a failure. I mean, I had chosen to go to USC specifically for the 8 year Undergrad/MD combined program. Changing from this path felt like a risky move. Would my career choice change be able to fund my student debt? Would I be able to find the right job? So much new unknown was introduced and to play it safe I stuck close to the medical field and upon graduation made my way into biotech. 

I loved what I did! Working in the cancer diagnostics space, I felt a big impact on the technology we were building. Yet, there was still a slight tug that I wasn't doing exactly what I should be. The projects I had the most fun on, were the ones that involved designing custom storage boxes for our freezers and improving workflows and placement of equipment to streamline operations. This was definitely my hearts way of trying to show me the direction of my future, but my logical brain routinely shut it down. 

As I continued to learn amazing business techniques by day, I hustled at all hours beyond the 9-5 clock,to test my passions and improve my capabilities. Barre instructor, Marketing Specialist...I even started my own health and wellness accessories company with a versatile laptop/gym bag as the signature product. I took online courses in sales, social media marketing, advertising, public speaking and so much more. I wanted so badly for my side hustle to become my main hustle and with each sleep that I didn't strike gold overnight, I grew more and more frustrated.  

After letting all the side hustles settle for a while, I tried to narrow my focus and thought what am I actually good at that I can help people with. I woke up one night with the idea to start a blog called "Beyond The Clock". I told my husband, that the one thing that I know I am good at (because I'd done it so many times) is trying new things. I may not know up front if I will be good at something, but I always give it a shot. The blog was set to feature things that I loved  to do outside of my 9-5, like travel, health and wellness, family and my long lost passion for design. At the time, I didn't know that this would become my main focus. I just wanted to have a place, with no expectations of anything but expressing the things I love in my own way. 

Now looking back at how Beyond the Clock has grown, I see all the stepping stones that brought me one step closer to my passion. In fact, taking it all the way back to a kid, I would constantly rearrange my room, trying new ways to place the bed or hang the art. There are so many pieces of this company that I still want to expand and grow, but for now, I'm loving the feeling of late nights that never feel late because I'm absolutely loving what I am doing. 

Thank you so much for being a part of this journey with me and your continual support. There is no greater feeling than the feedback I get daily from all of you about the tidbits of inspiration you get from my blog and instagram. I'm excited to share all that is ahead with you. 

Jessica

I’ve always preferred baking over cooking. Maybe it’s because of how sweet the treat is at the end of the process. I even made my two tier wedding cake from scratch (everyone at work loved all the practice cakes leading up to the big day). Anyway, as much as I love baking, I still cannot beat out my husband Brad’s chocolate chip cookies. He has mastered the perfect crisp on the outside, soft on the inside, extra chocolatey chip cookies. There are not many people he shares his recipe with, but I convinced him to let me share it with all of you. Hope you enjoy these classics as much as we do.

• 4 ¼ cup All-purpose flour
• 1 cup of brown sugar
• ½ cup of granulated sugar
• 1 cup (2 sticks of butter)
• 1 tsp of salt
• 1 tsp of baking soda
• 1 tsp of vanilla extract
• 2 eggs
• 2 cups (1 bag) of chocolate chips

 
Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees F. Mix flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, salt and baking soda in a bowl. Ensure the butter is soft at room temperature. If it’s straight out of the fridge, put it in a microwave safe bowl and melt just barely (20 sec) to keep it soft. Next add eggs, butter, and vanilla extract to the bowl. Mix it so that everything is mixed in and a consistent golden color. Lastly add in the chocolate chips and mix evenly. Chill in the freezer for 10-15 minutes for the dough to firm up a bit (try not eat all of the cookie dough before bakingJ) Place 1 inch balls on cookie sheet. You should be able to fit about 12 per sheet. Cook for 8-10 minutes. Enjoy warm with a glass of milk or let them cool and keep them in you cookie jar for the week! 

one | two |  three  | four | five | six | .seven | eight | nine

If you've been following the blog for a while, you know that family is a big part of who I am. When me moved to America we really just had each other, no cousins or grandparents around, so any fights and frustrations were resolved pretty quickly. 

My mom and I are fortunate enough to be such good friends. She is one of the most thoughtful, generous and kind people I know. She taught me how to speak up for myself and follow my dreams and always helped us see the positive outlook in every situation. So, although I love treating her on more than just Mother's day, my sisters and I always like to do a little something extra on Mother's Day.

That being said... when it comes to any holidays besides the winter ones, I have to admit, I'm not the best planner.
I normally get a Halloween costume together by rummaging through an old costume box the day of. So if you are like me and want to treat your mom but may have left it to the last minute, I've put a list together for gorgeous go-to's for your mom that will be there in time for Sunday (the 13th for those of you still wondering :-)), 

Jessica

Happy Tuesday, everyone!! A few months ago, I was introduced to a really neat company called pHur water. Being the science nerd that I am, I was really intrigued with their product and how they literally use water to disinfect surfaces.... well its electrolyzed, pH-modified water but amazingly provides no-residue cleaning and hospital-level disinfection.

Keeping a clean house has always been something that my parents instilled in me. On Saturdays growing up, we would do what my dad called a "Power Hour". Each of my sisters and I would get a job to do. My older sister cleaned the kitchen, I got the bathrooms and my little sister was the duster and silver cleaner, while my parents did almost everything else from laundry to vacuuming. We would put on classical music and all roll up our sleeves. My dad's logic was, and still is, that many hands make light work. So, if everyone puts in a power hour, we can all have more time together rather than one person cleaning all day. 

Now, as a newlywed, my husband and I are working to figure out our own "power hour" equivalent and surprisingly have had a really hard time finding the right products to use. I like things that leave a really good smell, Brad likes things that work really well the first time and leave a lasting finish. Also, my sister recently got a new puppy, Winston, and we wanted to make sure to have a product that was safe for him. 

After trying pHur water, we were all super impressed. It left the house smelling so clean and fresh and was so effective. At first I was a bit nervous to use a two part system, but it was actually really convenient because the cleaning and disinfectant are separate. What I mean is, I used to use TONS of paper towels because I didn't want to just wipe the dirt around. Since the disinfecting part is a separate simple spray with pHur, you can use one microfiber cloth to clean the entire surface area and then spray the disinfectant and simply walk away.  

The cleaning wipes are also super convenient and I love they don't leave any stickiness behind! I'm so glad that I finally found a product that cleans well, is toxic-free, and leaves my home feeling fresh. So happy, that I teamed up with pHur to do a little giveaway for all of you to give it a try as well. You can find the kits here or head on over to instagram and enter to win. 

Hope you win and your spring gets an extra bounce of freshness to it!

Jessica

Tuesdays and Thursdays are my favorite days of the week...ok they are my favorite days of the work week since Brad and I have designated them as date nights (one or the other depending on our schedules). We love exploring new places in San Diego and often times returning to some of our favorite spots to have quality time together. I've collected some of our favorite restaurants and activities to help find your next perfect date night spot!. 
​​
Salt and Straw Ice Cream
The Baked Bear​

If you follow me on instagram, you may have seen on my stories a few weeks ago what this place is all about. It takes a food court up a level with gourmet options and trendy seating areas both inside and out. Plus there are a ton of other cool eateries all within just a short walk across the parking lot so no matter what you will have lots to choose from and take in the sites of the historic naval buildings. 

This was actually my wedding venue so I have an extra special place in my heart for it. They have an awesome view of San Diego and on weekends they are known for their unlimited brunch buffets with seafood as far as you can see. Their maritime decor is also an awesome feature from their entryway and lighting to their menu and view. 

If you are looking for a unique experience, The Grass Skirt does the trick! It has a "speakeasy" like entrance and behind the door is a mix of unique cocktails and Asian fusion food set to tropical beats. 

One of my good friends showed me this adorable wine garden in the heart of Little Italy and I'm in love. From the street, you may not even notice the building, but just behind the doors is an urban oasis filled with wine and cheese. Yes please! 

If you are looking for a special occasion spot, this one is one of my husband and my favorites. They have the most amazing vibe of old Hollywood meets upscale Western. This steakhouse is known for impeccable service, they even made a personalized menu for us on our anniversary. The price is definitely worth the experience. 

Once you have finished up at Carruth Cellars, head just a few blocks over to Salt and Straw for the most perfect concoctions of ice cream. My favorite combo is the white chocolate strawberry and ooey gooey brownie split scoop, it tastes just like a chocolate covered strawberry. They have gorgeous wood styled in art deco themes all over their interior and just across the street is a brand new seating area for the community. Or, you could take your ice cream and walk down to the waterfront. 

Ice cream cookie sandwiches anyone? The Baked Bear has the best ones in town. My husband and I bring almost every visitor in town to this spot and everyone has loved it. You can stick with classic chocolate chop or try a doughnut or brownie ice cream sandwich. Their cookies are perfectly soft even when they have a giant scoop of ice cream between them. They now have a few locations, but the original is still our favorite. Don't be shocked if there is a line out the door, but fear not, they move through it quickly. 

Hope you guys have the best time on your date nights and if you have a favorite spot on the list, I'd love to hear it so drop the name in the comments and why you love it! 

Jessica

Birthdays are some of my favorite things to celebrate. I just love how special it makes people feel when the get streams of texts, cards, or phone calls from those they love or friends they haven't heard from in a while.

So, in honor of my birthday coming up in just a few days, I've teamed up with a few of my favorite instagram accounts to share with you some amazing spring and home decor inspiration AND a chance to win a $100 Nordstrom giftcard for one lucky winner. Head over to Instagram to enter!

Not only do these ladies have the most gorgeous pages, but if you follow their stories (or chat with them via DM) you know they have the personality to match. Find out more about these rockstar women and their passions. 

I mean, I couldn't possibly have not taken a sneak peak at Nordstrom's Spring Home Collection this season. So, if you happen to be the lucky winner, Here are my top picks for you!

Remember to head over to ​Instagram to enter! Can't wait to see who the winner is!

Jessica

When it comes to holidays, my mom has always been the BEST decorator, cook and activity planner. She has done Easter egg hunts for us every single year (yup even as adults and even if we are on a family trip. One year she hid the eggs in the hotel room while we are at breakfast and we had the best time searching all the new hiding places).

Needless to say, I've picked up a few tips from her to make the best hunt possible. 

My mom would leave a little basket with a few socks, chocolates, and knick knack treats outside our door so that when we woke up in the morning, we had a sweet surprise and could also use the basket for the hunt that was soon to ensue. Whether bucket or basket, picking out one that can add great decor to a room after the fact is an added bonus!

First it's best to start with a good number of eggs, enough for each person in the group to be able to find at least 4-6. Once you have all your eggs packed with your favorite candy (we love Starburst Jelly Beans and Cadbury Mini Eggs) count the final number of eggs that you end up hiding. This way, once everyone thinks they are all done, you can know for sure and that way you don't find a less than fresh egg in October.

My sisters and I can be a bit ruthless when it comes to Easter egg hunts (what can we say, it's just tradition). We scurry all over the house trying to beat each other to the best hiding spots. My mom always would hide a few in plain site, like against the hallway baseboards, near the front door window, or next to a vase. However, she would also hide just a few in really tricky places like behind picture frames, in between couch cushions, and inside drawers. This was the perfect balance for excitement and problem solving to try and figure out where the last egg ended up. 

Our family tradition has always been eggs and bacon (with either toast or biscuits) cooked by my dad and hot cross buns that one of our close family friends always hand delivers on Easter morning. This was great for two reasons, first, after scouring the house for candy, it's easy to want to start eating it, especially when we were kids, but having a nutrient rich meal at the ready made it easy to say no to candy until a more reasonable hour. Second, it created a special moment to sit and eat together, having time to laugh, talk and enjoy our family time. 

Traditions have always been such a special part of my upbringing and I hope that you got some great ideas. What are some of your favorite holiday traditions?

Jessica

I tend to be on the go often and having snacks on hand is super helpful, especially to avoid getting hangry. However, a lot of the grab and go snacks in the grocery store have loads of sugar and artificial preservatives that sometimes leave me more low energy after a few hours than before. (Luckily, there are brands like Perfect Bar, changing the healthy snack game!)

These homemade protein balls are AMAZING and have the perfect balance of sweet and savory with tons of protein. I like to make a large batch or even double batch and store them in the freezer so I have a supply to last me a couple weeks. I take about two either for breakfast or an afternoon snack and sometimes I'll have one solo for post dinner dessert. 

You can totally customize this recipe with your favorite nut butter, honey or agave. These are the ones I use:

Recipe:
1 cup of rolled oats
1/2 cup of cacao nibs
1/2 cup crushed walnuts or almonds
1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
1/2 cup ground flaxseed meal
1/2 cup crunchy peanut butter
1/3 cup honey
1 tsp vanilla extract
​
Hope you find them just as yummy and filling as I do and if you find any spins on the recipe that you tried and loved, please share! 

Jessica