We drove up the windy road to a gorgeous winery Savannah Chenelle which over looked the whole valley. The sun was shining, it was warm out, and we took a walk along the vineyards. It was quite romantic. I absolutely love days like these with D.
Sunshine and Smiles
Monday, January 30, 2012
Wine tasting in Saratoga
On Saturday Dan and I decided to get up early and head down to Saratoga for some lunch and wine tasting. We arrived in the adorable town and had a two hour lunch over oysters, wine, and french food at an enchanting little restaurant called la Mere Michelle. It has been family owned since 1972 when they opened, and we got exceptional service. It was the absolute best oysters we have ever had, and they gave us some great choices for wineries in the area.
We drove up the windy road to a gorgeous winery Savannah Chenelle which over looked the whole valley. The sun was shining, it was warm out, and we took a walk along the vineyards. It was quite romantic. I absolutely love days like these with D.
We drove up the windy road to a gorgeous winery Savannah Chenelle which over looked the whole valley. The sun was shining, it was warm out, and we took a walk along the vineyards. It was quite romantic. I absolutely love days like these with D.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
"Like art, revolutions come from combining what exists into what has never existed before." " - Gloria Steinem
I believe in strong girls and fragility.
Lately, what has caused the most sparkle in me are the voices and actions of smart and strong women in the past. I have always been fascinated by the 60's in San Francisco, and stemming off of that is the women of that era. Gloria Steinem, Jane Fonda, and Eve Ensler to name a few.
I recently read Jane Fonda's My Life So Far and it is probably one of the most important and inspiring books I’ve ever read in my life. It is a book that truly connects and deeply touches the women who read it. Her drive, her bravery, and the way she has empowered women is beautiful and bold. She is the true epitome of someone with moxie.
I read amazing interviews with Gloria Steinem and the paths she has led for women, and it makes me want to yell and cheer! It lights me up, and fills my soul with a fire that burns with an abundance of passion. And she has done this all by believing in something. These women who led this 2nd wave of feminism materialized these dreams burning with energy and faith.
The problem with the word feminist is it scares a lot of people. They think it equates to anger and hostility. When people think of the word strong they still relate it to masculinity which I think is a fatal error.
To me, being strong is knowing your passion and acting on it as much as you might fail. It is knowing that as a woman you are capable of creating everything your heart desires.
I just ordered Gloria Steinem's autobiography and I am looking forward to reading it because to me, her life is captivating. There is so much out there to read to find what you love. Never settle for a quiet life of desperation. Let it roar, whatever it may be!
As for this little lioness, fashion is what I love, but it is inside that holds everything I am proud to be.
Lately, what has caused the most sparkle in me are the voices and actions of smart and strong women in the past. I have always been fascinated by the 60's in San Francisco, and stemming off of that is the women of that era. Gloria Steinem, Jane Fonda, and Eve Ensler to name a few.
I recently read Jane Fonda's My Life So Far and it is probably one of the most important and inspiring books I’ve ever read in my life. It is a book that truly connects and deeply touches the women who read it. Her drive, her bravery, and the way she has empowered women is beautiful and bold. She is the true epitome of someone with moxie.
I read amazing interviews with Gloria Steinem and the paths she has led for women, and it makes me want to yell and cheer! It lights me up, and fills my soul with a fire that burns with an abundance of passion. And she has done this all by believing in something. These women who led this 2nd wave of feminism materialized these dreams burning with energy and faith.
The problem with the word feminist is it scares a lot of people. They think it equates to anger and hostility. When people think of the word strong they still relate it to masculinity which I think is a fatal error.
To me, being strong is knowing your passion and acting on it as much as you might fail. It is knowing that as a woman you are capable of creating everything your heart desires.
I just ordered Gloria Steinem's autobiography and I am looking forward to reading it because to me, her life is captivating. There is so much out there to read to find what you love. Never settle for a quiet life of desperation. Let it roar, whatever it may be!
As for this little lioness, fashion is what I love, but it is inside that holds everything I am proud to be.
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Sparklyglitterybringyouhappiness Shoes!
January finally started to get real. Gone were the days of sunshine and smiles and laying in the park and pretending it was Spring. Rain and gloom stormed in on Thursday and I have been inside my cozy house as much as possible since then. Even though it is miserable outside, it is warm and lovely inside and rain means I can craft to my little heart's desire!
When I was out looking for houses with P and Trace a few weeks ago, I saw a girl with the CUTEST glitter flats on. My wheels started turning, and I thought "I can make those!" so, I grabbed an old pair of black, scuffed up flats, trusty modge podge, some glitter, clear gaze spray, and a paint brush.
Next, I mixed the modge podge and glitter together and held the shoe from the inside and started painting the whole shoe. It looked very weird because it was white, but don't you worry your pretty little head, modge podge dries clear.
Next, I waited for the coat to dry. (About 45 minutes.) And then added another coat. And another. I did 3 coats just to be safe. Once they were dry I sprayed some clear glaze spray on top ( to prevent the glitter from falling off) and with that you have your sparklyglitterybringyouhappiness shoes!
I would love to plan more glitter crafts, I am open to all suggestions! Doesn't glitter just make you so happy?
When I was out looking for houses with P and Trace a few weeks ago, I saw a girl with the CUTEST glitter flats on. My wheels started turning, and I thought "I can make those!" so, I grabbed an old pair of black, scuffed up flats, trusty modge podge, some glitter, clear gaze spray, and a paint brush.
Next, I mixed the modge podge and glitter together and held the shoe from the inside and started painting the whole shoe. It looked very weird because it was white, but don't you worry your pretty little head, modge podge dries clear.
Next, I waited for the coat to dry. (About 45 minutes.) And then added another coat. And another. I did 3 coats just to be safe. Once they were dry I sprayed some clear glaze spray on top ( to prevent the glitter from falling off) and with that you have your sparklyglitterybringyouhappiness shoes!
I would love to plan more glitter crafts, I am open to all suggestions! Doesn't glitter just make you so happy?
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
For He's A Jolly Good Fellow!
After a loooong week of phone calls with D, movies with Brit, Pier Market's holiday party ( which was my first job when I moved to SF, and have coninued to be friends with the crew) the weekend was finally here! This weekend was very special because I was throwing a surprise party for my very best friend Cody. I planned a brunch at Foreign Cinema which is one of the most darling and fun restaurants in the city. It is awesome because they have this huge patio where you sit outside and watch foreign films from a projector on to a huge white wall.
Weeks ago, I got in touch with all of Cody's closest friends and told them to meet at the restaurant at 11:30, and I would pick him up in a cab and head over. We arrived at the restaurant and there were all of Cody's dearest sitting at the table waiting. A success! We had so much fun laughing over champagne, old friends, and celebrating our precious friend. A wonderful day full of fun.
The next day, my warm bed and a mellow dinner with D over Viatmenese felt like the perfect escapism. It felt so nice to have peace and quiet and relax with D. We watched football, took a nap, read our books, and took another nap. Big fan of lazy days. No agenda, no where to be.
Since Monday was MLK, D and I spent time in the park reading. We had a great time soaking up the sun and looking over to the left at this incredible view!
On the night before we headed back to work we participated in Dine About Town in the city where you can try a ton of different restaurants for way cheaper than you normally could go for. It was miserably cold, so we decided on a spot 2 blocks from my house Nob Hill Grille. We had a three course dinner over wine and filet mignon's and went to bed early. If you are in SF, it goes until January 31st and there are some great spots to choose from. I have 2 more reservations set up for next week with friends!
All in all, my perfect weekend- friends, celebrations, QT with D, and lots of naps! Love to you all! xo
Weeks ago, I got in touch with all of Cody's closest friends and told them to meet at the restaurant at 11:30, and I would pick him up in a cab and head over. We arrived at the restaurant and there were all of Cody's dearest sitting at the table waiting. A success! We had so much fun laughing over champagne, old friends, and celebrating our precious friend. A wonderful day full of fun.
The next day, my warm bed and a mellow dinner with D over Viatmenese felt like the perfect escapism. It felt so nice to have peace and quiet and relax with D. We watched football, took a nap, read our books, and took another nap. Big fan of lazy days. No agenda, no where to be.
Since Monday was MLK, D and I spent time in the park reading. We had a great time soaking up the sun and looking over to the left at this incredible view!
On the night before we headed back to work we participated in Dine About Town in the city where you can try a ton of different restaurants for way cheaper than you normally could go for. It was miserably cold, so we decided on a spot 2 blocks from my house Nob Hill Grille. We had a three course dinner over wine and filet mignon's and went to bed early. If you are in SF, it goes until January 31st and there are some great spots to choose from. I have 2 more reservations set up for next week with friends!
All in all, my perfect weekend- friends, celebrations, QT with D, and lots of naps! Love to you all! xo
Friday, January 13, 2012
Tag!
How You Play
1.You must post the rules.
2.Post 11 fun facts about yourself.
3.Answer the questions that the tagger gave to you in their post, and then create 11 NEW questions to ask the people you've tagged.
4.Tag 11 people and link them on your post.
5.Let them know that you've tagged them.
11 things about yours truly...
1. I have a pet bunny named Funny Bunny. He is almost four years old and has been my best friend in the world through tough times, happy days, moving to San Francisco, and now will be there when we come back to SD. Dan says Funny Bunny will always come before him, and I think he might be right. :)
2. I practically live in two places. I have my cute little apartment in San Francisco and Dan's house in San Diego. Throw in my parents house in Coronado and my whole wardrobe is pretty much scattered within a 500 mile vicinity.
3. I absolutely love decorating and crafts. (#4 I really love hanging by myself-maybe to a fault at times. I go A.W.O.L. for a few days at a time and it makes me feel rejuvenated and clear.) I love getting QT on my own by doing DIY projects at home and making my home my perfect sanctuary.
5.Most of my best girlfriends have been my best friends since 1st grade! Tracy and I have made every life decision together since growing up on the same block since we were 5, and I was in Amira's wedding in 2010 and after 20 years of friendship still believe we are soul sisters.
6.Sometimes I walk around San Francisco and still am in awe. Living here is like some magic language that only you and your friends know how to speak to explain the devine feeling it brings you. The city becomes the essence of you. SF finds you.
7. I cannot wait another day to be with D in San Diego and start our beautiful life together. We share the same values and even though I am terrified to live with a guy, I am going to try to let go of my bachelorette ways and embrace a boyfriend, a puppy, and a bunny in one house. Actually, it sounds quite perfect.
8. I am a horrible person to watch a movie with. As I write, Dan is watching Moneyball and I am typing, and I guarantee I will ask a million questions in a few minutes because I do not have a clue what is going on.
9. My mom is my very best friend and we can spend hours upon hours talking fashion, interior designing, families, friends and love.
10. I am a hippie at heart and truly believe my heart lives in OB, San Diego. 5 months until I rejoin my favorite people in the world there.
11. I believe in happy endings!
Amira's questions for me...
1.Share the last item that you pinned on Pinterest
I am in love with orange, turquoise and gray for my and D's living room at the beach. :)
2.If you could snap your fingers and be qualified for any career in the world, what would you be?
Even though I absolutely adore teaching, I would love to write successful children's books.
3.What would you do with a million dollars?
First and foremost, travel. I would buy an around the world ticket, grab my best friends and D and take off for a while. Top on my list? South Africa and Tahiti.
4.What are the first 3 blogs you look at each day?
Amira's Shades of Gray
Somethingnavy.com
And a million other fashion blogs I have bookmarked and love to look at for inspiration.
5.Show us a picture of your dream house.
A charming little house at the beach that I can entertain friends and family and play in secret passages through out. I would love a reading loft as well.
6.Tell us what you do for a living.
I teach adorable children. I play, do art, dance, sing, and laugh with them each day.
7.Tell us about your dream vacation.
My dream vacation consists of my family, D, and my greatest friends all on the beach in Montezuma, Costa Rica while drinking beers, eating delicious food, and laughing playing Apples to Apples and Yahtzee each night.
8.What is your #1 pet peeve?
When Dan makes my room messy. Bad tippers, slow walkers.
9.What is your favorite book?
Fried Green Tomatoes At The Whistle Stop Cafe. If you haven't read it, it is a beautiful story, way ahead of it's time. It is so dear to my heart.
10.Are you a Mac of PC girl?
PC. I wish I was cool enough to say Mac, but I am a creature of habit.
11.If you could have one superpower what would it be?
I would love to teleport myself to be anywhere I would like at any time.
11 questions for you...
1. Describe your perfect day
2. Would you rather have a huge closet with designer clothes or travel anywhere and everywhere?
3. What is your favorite animal?(Feel free to say bunny.)
4. What would you do on your dream date night?
5. Would you rather to have loved and lost or never have loved at all?
6. Favorite movie of all time?
7. Who is your hero?
8. What is the number one thing you look for in a partner?
9. Show a picture of the thing/person/people that makes you most happy.
10. Where is your favorite vacation spot?
11. If you could hop in a time machine to any era of the past, where would you choose?
Now, tag you are it!
Calikatrina
Faith, trust and Pixie Dust
Peace Love and Family
Annnnd... Since I am a horrible blogger, these are 3 blogs I enjoy reading from friends past. I could no where near try to tag eleven, I need to get on the blogging band wagon! :)
1.You must post the rules.
2.Post 11 fun facts about yourself.
3.Answer the questions that the tagger gave to you in their post, and then create 11 NEW questions to ask the people you've tagged.
4.Tag 11 people and link them on your post.
5.Let them know that you've tagged them.
11 things about yours truly...
1. I have a pet bunny named Funny Bunny. He is almost four years old and has been my best friend in the world through tough times, happy days, moving to San Francisco, and now will be there when we come back to SD. Dan says Funny Bunny will always come before him, and I think he might be right. :)
2. I practically live in two places. I have my cute little apartment in San Francisco and Dan's house in San Diego. Throw in my parents house in Coronado and my whole wardrobe is pretty much scattered within a 500 mile vicinity.
3. I absolutely love decorating and crafts. (#4 I really love hanging by myself-maybe to a fault at times. I go A.W.O.L. for a few days at a time and it makes me feel rejuvenated and clear.) I love getting QT on my own by doing DIY projects at home and making my home my perfect sanctuary.
5.Most of my best girlfriends have been my best friends since 1st grade! Tracy and I have made every life decision together since growing up on the same block since we were 5, and I was in Amira's wedding in 2010 and after 20 years of friendship still believe we are soul sisters.
6.Sometimes I walk around San Francisco and still am in awe. Living here is like some magic language that only you and your friends know how to speak to explain the devine feeling it brings you. The city becomes the essence of you. SF finds you.
7. I cannot wait another day to be with D in San Diego and start our beautiful life together. We share the same values and even though I am terrified to live with a guy, I am going to try to let go of my bachelorette ways and embrace a boyfriend, a puppy, and a bunny in one house. Actually, it sounds quite perfect.
8. I am a horrible person to watch a movie with. As I write, Dan is watching Moneyball and I am typing, and I guarantee I will ask a million questions in a few minutes because I do not have a clue what is going on.
9. My mom is my very best friend and we can spend hours upon hours talking fashion, interior designing, families, friends and love.
10. I am a hippie at heart and truly believe my heart lives in OB, San Diego. 5 months until I rejoin my favorite people in the world there.
11. I believe in happy endings!
Amira's questions for me...
1.Share the last item that you pinned on Pinterest
I am in love with orange, turquoise and gray for my and D's living room at the beach. :)
2.If you could snap your fingers and be qualified for any career in the world, what would you be?
Even though I absolutely adore teaching, I would love to write successful children's books.
3.What would you do with a million dollars?
First and foremost, travel. I would buy an around the world ticket, grab my best friends and D and take off for a while. Top on my list? South Africa and Tahiti.
4.What are the first 3 blogs you look at each day?
Amira's Shades of Gray
Somethingnavy.com
And a million other fashion blogs I have bookmarked and love to look at for inspiration.
5.Show us a picture of your dream house.
A charming little house at the beach that I can entertain friends and family and play in secret passages through out. I would love a reading loft as well.
6.Tell us what you do for a living.
I teach adorable children. I play, do art, dance, sing, and laugh with them each day.
7.Tell us about your dream vacation.
My dream vacation consists of my family, D, and my greatest friends all on the beach in Montezuma, Costa Rica while drinking beers, eating delicious food, and laughing playing Apples to Apples and Yahtzee each night.
8.What is your #1 pet peeve?
When Dan makes my room messy. Bad tippers, slow walkers.
9.What is your favorite book?
Fried Green Tomatoes At The Whistle Stop Cafe. If you haven't read it, it is a beautiful story, way ahead of it's time. It is so dear to my heart.
10.Are you a Mac of PC girl?
PC. I wish I was cool enough to say Mac, but I am a creature of habit.
11.If you could have one superpower what would it be?
I would love to teleport myself to be anywhere I would like at any time.
11 questions for you...
1. Describe your perfect day
2. Would you rather have a huge closet with designer clothes or travel anywhere and everywhere?
3. What is your favorite animal?(Feel free to say bunny.)
4. What would you do on your dream date night?
5. Would you rather to have loved and lost or never have loved at all?
6. Favorite movie of all time?
7. Who is your hero?
8. What is the number one thing you look for in a partner?
9. Show a picture of the thing/person/people that makes you most happy.
10. Where is your favorite vacation spot?
11. If you could hop in a time machine to any era of the past, where would you choose?
Now, tag you are it!
Calikatrina
Faith, trust and Pixie Dust
Peace Love and Family
Annnnd... Since I am a horrible blogger, these are 3 blogs I enjoy reading from friends past. I could no where near try to tag eleven, I need to get on the blogging band wagon! :)
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Over the weekend....
I practiced yoga with this gorgeous view
Watched Kirby bend her body every which way so gracefully
And hurt myself doing this! haha
Wandered around my favorite neighborhood in SF
Went on an adventure with Ali and Trace
Stumbled upon the cutest little community garden in Point Reyes
Explored with great friends.
Ate delicious vegetables at Toby's
Read on my roof with this amazing view of the city.
Enjoyed quality time with best friends at Kirby's house for dinner.
Also: slept in, relaxed in my jammies, went on a run, read new magazines in bed, looked at some potential spots for P to buy in SoMa (looking inside people's houses is a little obsession of mine. Love to see the way they decorate!) And went to the movies with Cody. A wonderful weekend indeed.
Saturday, January 7, 2012
"yeah darlin' go make it happen, take the world in a love embrace..."
Feeling inspired this morning. I am up early this morning after a rough week at work. I collapsed in bed last night happy that a hectic week was over, and looking forward to moving forward next week with happy children smiling each day, and the sun sparkling in San Francisco all week. (Really!)
I am heading to do yoga with sweet Kirby at noon and heading to Point Reyes hiking with Tracy this afternoon. I am feeling healthy and beautiful inside. Clear and confident. I hope you all feel the same.
Today:
Give someone a hug you care about.
Kiss the one you love (if you can!)
Be curious about life.
Go explore.
Run wild and free.
Close your eyes and say thank you to the stars above.
Smile.
Shine.
Live your dream.
And most importantly, share your love.
Was there ever a better time to do so? Love you all.
I am heading to do yoga with sweet Kirby at noon and heading to Point Reyes hiking with Tracy this afternoon. I am feeling healthy and beautiful inside. Clear and confident. I hope you all feel the same.
Today:
Give someone a hug you care about.
Kiss the one you love (if you can!)
Be curious about life.
Go explore.
Run wild and free.
Close your eyes and say thank you to the stars above.
Smile.
Shine.
Live your dream.
And most importantly, share your love.
Was there ever a better time to do so? Love you all.
Monday, January 2, 2012
Can't I stay just a little longer? I am so happy here.
Oh, today. Today tricked me. I woke up at 5am to catch my flight back to the city, to arrive at the airport to learn my flight was cancelled. "No big deal" I thought, I will just hop on the next plane. "No. Can. Do." They said. "Tomorrow is the soonest we can get you on a flight, and oh, you're going to need to pay the difference in fare too." "Nooooo! I cried. Absolutely not. Unacceptable you jerks!"
After showing no compassion and acting like typical corporate meanies, I demanded a credit and booked Southwest for tomorrow. (The soonest I could get.)
Although, I was so sad to not be home, I am desperately missing Funny Bunny, and all my cute clothes in my closet, (living out of a suitcase for 11 days is a nightmare) and was excited to see all the kiddos and teachers after a long 2 week break, Dan and I had one of those extraordinary days together filled with happy laughs and sweet affection. After tearing through my (stuffed to the max suitcase), I found an outfit to wear that was opposite of my coat, boots and scarf I was ready to arrive in in SF, and threw on a bikini, shorts and flipflops and headed towards the beach.
Even though it is months away, driving around looking for FOR RENT signs with D is exciting me beyond belief right now, and I have my heart set on OB once again. I knew from the moment I stepped foot there when I was 18 that my heart belongs there. It didn't take much. The eclectic, bohemian inspired lifestyle grabbed me by my hippie heart and has never let go. I have traveled to many countries and lived 500 miles away to try and successfully accomplish what I wanted and needed to, but Ocean Beach is where I am meant to be. And now, I get to start this new, awesome adventure with someone I love. ( and of course the bun will be happy to be a beach bunny once again.)
We looked at an adorable little cottage and imagined our beautiful life together in a tiny little house, we imagined where the furniture might go, and we discussed what fun parties we could have in the Summer in the backyard. Oh, to dream with the love of your life. To wish under the bright OB sun. To imagine being my happiest in life just by going home. I am so excited. Because it turns out, you are free wherever you go.
My happy place.
Dream house. Pipe dreaming.
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