A little Staycation

It's easy to forget how gorgeous California is...

... except when you decide to get out of the city one weekend, and it slaps you in the face.  Uh... we live here?!  I totally forgot!

Last weekend Kris and I decided to get out of San Francisco... well we crossed a bridge... and after the 10 minute drive (yes, 10 minutes door to door) we were here.  

Paradise.

Fort Point is located off the first Sausalito exit once you cross the Golden Gate Bridge, and in my opinion is one of our city's best kept secrets.  It has a lovely little beach, surfing (Kris was like a fat kid at an ice cream parlor), and a beautiful hike up into the Marin headlands.

Originally used as some sort of military base (we didn't actually read the historical markers) I think it was probably used to shoot at the bad guys trying to invade San Francisco at some point in history... I'm guessing it was built less out of need and more out of Cold War paranoia, but I have no clue... next time I will definitely read the historical markers...

These hidden bunker type thingys were ALL OVER the place... and pretty cool, if I do say so myself.  Some were all shut up, and looked very much like The Tempest Bunker from the show Lost.  No?

And... this is what heaven looks like.  This little beach was completely uninhabited since there was no way to get down the cliff.  I suppose you could access it by boat, but I digress.  My point is, look how gorgeous it is!

So gorgeous in fact that I got a little photo happy...

It was getting a little late in the afternoon by this point, and the wind had kicked up - hoodies required for sure - but it was so darn pretty.

... and after a day in the sun, we drove back to our beautiful city by the bay...

I'm thinking that as the weather warms up (well as the weather OUTSIDE San Francisco warms up), this might be a staple for our weekends...

Happy Monday!

Weekend Finds

What a great weekend!  The weather here has been warm and sunny, and it's days like these that remind me how much I love this city.  We went to the beach on Saturday - Kris to surf, me to run, and you'd swear we weren't in San Francisco, but in southern California!

Anyway, after my run, I met up with my friend Lindsay, and headed over to Union Street in the Marina for some lunch and a little shopping.  I've got the normal stores I go to for clothes, and there is a ZGallerie there too, but I had never noticed this little antique store.  We wandered in to check it out, and it ended up being much larger inside than I would have guessed - two full storefronts packed with pieces ranging from Art Deco mirrors and chandeliers, to mod '60's chairs, and tables, lovely turn of the century buffets, and lots of cool small accessories - trays, vintage jewlery, art, lamps, and fur throws (I'm assuming they were real... not faux).

What did we stumble upon before we left???  A vintage bar cart!

I had JUST been saying how much I wanted one, but never in a million years thought that I'd be able to find one in my price range.  The idea of getting a new one sort of took away from the allure - I wanted the character of a vintage piece, so I was absolutely SHOCKED to see that this little guy was priced at just $220!  

I LOVE the bamboo shaped brass, and the teeny casters at the bottom.  There was a bit of damage on the top piece of brass at the top, so I didn't walk away with it (I'm not one to make an impulse purchase like that) but I am definitely going back this week after work. I want to take a better look at the damage (is it fixable, or does it add character) and also want to check that it feels sturdy.

What else did I find, but an immaculate Dorothy Draper chest of drawers.  I am so in love with this piece, but at nearly $2,000 it's something I'll simply lust after for now.

Look at the details in the beveling, and the pretty brass pulls.  Also, the set of champagne glasses on top were fabulous (would look great on my new bar cart, ha!)

I've Been a Busy Bee

Holy moly - does anyone else need a weekend from their weekend?!  I definitely do!  I got together with an old friend for brunch and mani pedis on Saturday, celebrated my mama's birthday with a big dinner party that night (more on that later), and on Sunday, we headed up to Mount Tamalpais in Marin county for what turned into a very tiring hike.

This is the view from the top... you can see San Francisco wayyy in the distance... and all that fog??  Yep, that's where the ocean should be!

Between all of that, I swear I have been making progress on our little hallway in the last week... proof??  Here is a sneak peek at the freshly painted and "antiqued" console table... excuse the wires in the background - the console has made a temporary home in the middle of our living room while the hallway gets painted.

Outside Lands - Night I

This was the Justice stage last night at Outside Lands... LOOK at the fog!!  It was soooo cold, but so amazing!  Just had to share!!

An update on my voice... totally gone...  oopsy!

Dinner with Sissy

Burrata and Wine from the Tap - Delfina
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I have affectionately referred to my sister as "sissy" for as long as I can remember.  As a name... "I miss you Sissy", or as a noun... "That's MY big Sissy!"  You get the idea :-)

Well, Sissy came to visit on Tuesday night this week, and I could not have been more excited.  While it was primarily a matter of convenience, (the passport office is located in San Francisco) it was just nice to see her, and spend time one-on-one.  I love her husband to death - he is funny, sarcastic, and just fun to be around - but I do miss having just 'sister time' with her.

Anyway, with just one night to hang out, we walked to one of my FAVORITE restaurants in this city for dinner (and several glasses of wine).  Delfina is a fabulous pizzeria in my neighborhood, that boasts the most fabulous thin crust Neapolitan style pizza.  It's loud, and small, but feels cozy, and kind of fancy (even though it's NOT)... and did I mention that the food is out of this world??


Salsiccia Pizza - Delfina
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We sat up at the bar that looks into the open kitchen - my favorite spot.  I love to watch them flip the dough, and make your food right in front of you.  Everything is SOO fresh, and the fact that they have wine on tap (yep, ON TAP) makes me love this place even more.


Deep fried Zucchini blossoms - Delfina
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My favorites?? The fresh burrata from the 'starters' menu - they serve it with peppery arugula, toasted crostini, and a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil on top - heavenly.  I also LOVE the meatballs, but last time we came here, we went a bit overboard on the ordering so we held off on their meatballs for another night. Instead, we got one of their new additions to the menu - the stuffed zucchini blossoms that are overflowing with cheesy deliciousness.  These bad boys got battered and deep fried - I don't even want to know the calories - and the deep fried basil put this dish over the top.  Amazing.

For the finale, we got the salsiccia pizza - I could eat it every night and never tire of it, but I also love their panna pizza, the margarita, and the prosciutto pie.  Look at the full menu here - you will see how amazing (and reasonable) looks!!  If ever in SF - I highly recommend this spot.

A word to the wise - don't come starving.  They don't take reservations, and the wait can be pretty long on weekends, but trust me when I say it's worth it.  Order a glass of wine (or two) from the hostess, and you'll be fine :-)

The House

Doesn't this look so good?  We had lunch today at a restaurant called The House.  Located in Northbeach, you'd never notice this un-pretentious restaurant, but the food is phenomenal, and the prices are totally reasonable.  I'd describe it as asian fusion - there is a ton of seafood on the menu - all super fresh, and they use really interesting flavor combinations.  So amazing.  HIGHLY recommend!!

Anyways, I have been totally MIA this week - so busy with work!  (why do the short work weeks always feel the longest)?!  I am so looking forward to the weekend already - some warm weather, and a little field trip to the south bay for my best friend's gender reveal party.  Have you heard of this new phenomenon?  Pregnant women throwing parties to reveal if they are having a boy or girl?

I hadn't heard of it, but I am so excited to see her, rub her belly, and catch up.

Happy Thursday!

I left My Heart in San Francisco

- Herb Cain

What a lucky girl I am to live in such a beautiful, cultured city.

California Love

http://www.etsy.com/listing/89195346/california-love-nail-and-string-tribute

Crazy!  I NEED this for my office!!

San Francisco Eats: Absinthe

We are lucky boys and girls tonight... after a very long day at the office, we are heading out with one of my favorite sales teams for dinner at Absinthe.  I know we are so spoiled!  Last night it was southern Italian at A16, tonight it's French at Absinthe.  Life is rough but someone has to do it!

xo

Date Night

Photo courtesy of Dipity
Tonight, Kris and I are heading out for a much needed date night - nothing over the top, just dinner and a late movie.  Kris has been working such long hours and I've had back to back client events every night... it feels like we are ships in the night!  Well, I'm putting a stop to that.  Date night it is...

I have been dying to go to Out The Door - the cost efficient sister restaurant to The Slanted Door. Take a look at the menu - everything is amazing - the crab cellophane noodles are TO DIE FOR, and the shaking beef?? Don't even get me started.  It's a short walk from our apartment, and is totally on the way to the Kabuki movie theater - possibly the best  theater on earth (you can reserve your seats in advance, there is a bar in the  theater, and the seats are sooooo comfy - my biggest complaint about other theaters).

I can't wait for some romance!  Happy Saturday night!

Happy Weekend!

It's Friday afternoon, and this weekend is going to be awesome - I can just feel it!  This afternoon, we are having our very belated office x-mas party.  We are going to be doing a walking tour of Northbeach, complete with restaurant tours and tastings, bar "tastings" and I'm sure a canolli or two snuck in there somewhere.  More updates on this next week!

Tomorrow, I am taking my best friend Taryn out for a much anticipated birthday celebration.  I haven't seen her since last summer since we live several hours apart, and I cannot wait to see her lovely face.

Also on the itinerary this weekend, I will be wrapping up the bedroom furniture.  I am in the home stretch now since the hard part is done.  I've completed several rounds of spackling and sanding the drawers, so the fronts are perfectly smooth.  I just need to wipe them down, and prep for paint!

After a very long week, there is a collective sigh of relief in the office! Have a happy weekend!

Did I wake up in Paris?

Unfortunately, the answer to that question, is no, but isn't that french tutor across the street from my apartment just gorgeous?

It's feeling a lot like spring in San Francisco, and I've been keeping track of the seasonal changes based on the gorgeous cherry blossom tree across the street from our apartment.  Look at all those blooms - in one week, the tree went from a few pink tinges to a full blown cloud of cotton candy.  Anyways, every day when I leave for work, I pass by this house, and for a split second, I get to pretend that I'm trotting down the street in Paris... Bonjoir!

xoxo

Foggiest City in the World

Photo Courtesy of Pixdaus
Isn't this the most haunting but beautiful photo?  The empty bridge and the still creeping fog... this must be how it looked this morning as the sun rose above the thick blanket of clouds that has covered this city

Winter in San Francisco is Lovely

This winter has been one of the mildest winters I can remember - the weather has been so incredibly beautiful, its hard to remember what bad weather is like (ask me in June, I will be singing a different tune).

This weekend was no exception to the gorgeous weather!  I spent most of my time outside, lunching with friends, and hanging out at the park.  Sunday, Kris and I headed to the beach, and I sunned myself in the sunny 70 degree weather, while he and some buddies surfed.  I snagged his fancy-pants camera, and was able to get some amazing pictures of him surfing.  Unfortunately, I have not yet uploaded them - professional shots to come, but just look at how lucky we are to live in California.

To my friends on the east coast, be jealous... be very very jealous!

Kris, very seriously prepping his gear (he would NOT smile for a picture! Too cool for school)

How cute is he?!

Me... snuggled in Kris' hoodie once the afternoon wind kicked up

The three stooges... prepared to shred, ha!

The Apartment is slowly Evolving!

Last night, I toiled with my toolbox for about an hour to mount a curtain rod in our living room.  I don't have an electric drill, so I manually screwed in the mounts which was a huge undertaking, but SO worth it!  The walls in the old San Francisco apartments are made of lath and plaster, so getting the screw secure in there feels like drilling through concrete!

In the end, my gorgeous creme colored silk curtains are hanging - this is a terrible picture - the lights are washing everything out, but they have made a HUGE difference.  I've found that paying the extra dollars for the longest curtains (95" as opposed to the standard 84") makes the room look taller and feel bigger.  The floor to ceiling drapes give the room a more "grand" feeling - I love it!

Tonight, I am tackling the full wall of windows - I am trying to decide if I should do two curtains, each framing the entire window, or if I should do four curtains - one on each side of each window.  I am going to have to try a few different things here - I don't want to make it look like too much, but also want to be sure it looks complete. The apartment is slowly coming together to feel like a home - this weekend, I plan to paint the crown molding a sharp, bright white to contrast with the off white walls and make the detail really pop.  I also want to get the art up on the wall, and possibly take off the kitchen door so we can get more counter space in there!

Soo excited for all my mini home-improvement projects!

Tis the Season!

Fa la la lala, la la laa laaaa!



I have been inundated with holiday parties this year and am just plain worn out (poor me, I know)!  Tonight I am heading home from work early to do laundry and clean the apartment, and honestly I could not be more excited!!  Is that insanely sad?  Oh well!

The above picture is from the Salesforce 2011 Christmas party from last Friday night which proved yet again to be the ultimate in over-the-top, fabulous parties.  Each year, they try to out-do themselves for the most outlandish, original ideas, and this year was nothing short of swanky, urban perfection.

There was such a fabulous bar set up with fiber-optic light sculptures, back-lit bars, and ever flowing champagne poured from none other than the most talented performers Cirque du Soile could spare for the evening.  What party wouldn't be complete without a performance from Hootie and the Blowfish, or endless platters of corn-dogs?!  Overall, a magical evening - so fun!

Enjoy these gorgeous photos from Orange Photography!

San Francisco Eats: Gary Danko

Today, our lovely partners at Collective media took our agency out for lunch - not only did they invite the entire agency team, but they rented out Gary Danko - one of the most premier restaurants in San Francisco.  They arranged to open the restaurant for our group, selected a phenomenal menu, and we spent a glorious 3 hours there this afternoon indulging over food, fabulous company, and wine pairings.

We started with this incredible butternut squash soup with apple compote and aged balsamic (I WISH I could make that), and moved on to scallops.  Then we moved on to filet mignon with risotto, and finally dessert.  What I wouldn't give if unbuttoning the top button on your jeans was socially acceptable!

Yet another over-the-top fabulous meal - with all of this holiday indulgence, I won't fit into my pants soon!

Happy Weekend

San Francisco Eats: Quince

I like to consider myself one of the luckiest people in the world, because part of my job requires a certain amount of wining and dining.  This means that at the ripe age of 27, I have eaten at some of the finest restaurants in San Francisco, and being an adventurous eater and a total foodie myself, I consider this an amazing treat!

Last night, we went to one of my all time favorites - Quince.  It is tucked into this cute little neighborhood - not quite downtown, not quite North Beach - and it reminds me of New York.  Lots of old original brick buildings, and leafy tree lined streets.  Not many people know about it since there are a lot of art galleries, and design studios located in these three blocks, but it really feels like you are in a different city.

In terms of fanciness, this place takes the cake - no suit required for men, but its fancy enough that there is a chauffeur to escort you to the bathroom - that kind of fancy :-)

In my humble opinion, Quince is the best restaurant in this city - better than Gary Danko's by a long-shot, and maybe a hair better than Michael Minna.  Perhaps its the service and ambiance that put it over the top.  As you can see from my sweet pics below (that I subtly snapped on my new iPhone) the food is incredible, and if you go, you MUST get the cheese cart!  You smell it before you even know it has rolled up, there are over 30 cheeses to choose from, and it is just to DIE for!!

Also - wine pairings - it's a bit pricey, but honestly the food is just good food without it... the wine pairings bring out all the best flavors and subtle hints that you just wouldn't fully appreciate otherwise.  Also, hearing the sommelier explain how they work together really changes the experience of savoring your food, and tasting each flavor.

This is the lamb - oh my god - they even took it off the rack for fanciness, and it came with a delicious demi glaze, and roasted root vegetables - half of which I couldn't even tell you.

And the infamous cheese cart - so fancy!

And my cheese selection - from the left, a bleu cheese from Ireland, then a creamy goat from Sonoma, then a fennel encrusted and infused cow's milk cheese from another cool place, and finally the triple creme from France.  Poor guy got cut off in the picture, but it was literally like butter... but better.