A Late San Francisco Treat Part II

Our second day in SF was our only full day so we had to make the most of it!  We walked EVERYWHERE…7 miles total.  Good thing for Tom’s!

We woke up early and headed to Starbucks for a quick bite and then off to Union Square.  It was cool, but I wasn’t in the mood for shopping as stores we have at home.  We did a quick run through and then headed back to Chinatown.  I was on the hunt for some goodies and was successfulJ  We opted to have a nice lunch in Chinatown. It was delish! 

We had to get our own Gizmo

Entering Chinatown

Banksy in Chinatown!

After our over indulgent lunch we headed to Lombard Street.  You have to see it!  It was filled with tourist and was awesome. Flowers we in bloom and it was sunny.  Couldn’t have asked for a better photo opt.

After Lombard Street we decided to head back to the Marina district and walk around the shops.  It was wonderful to enjoy the city and feel like a local.  We saw two adorable Bulldogs outside of a bar, so now we are on a Bulldog kick for a potential dog.  After the shops we started walking home.  It was only about 1.5 miles, but with the hills it took us 45 minutes to get to the hotel.  Needless to say my feet hurt and a shower was in order along with room service.  We spent the rest of the evening watching football and enjoying the view. 

They are so cute!

Sunday we were wiped out and starving.  We headed to Mama’s on Washington for brunch.  We waited outside, in the rain for an hour.  We had to and I am glad we did because it was that good! 

By the time we were done with brunch it was time to check out and head to the airportL  Overall it was a wonderful trip and we can’t wait to go back again.  If you are ever in SF please let me know and I will send you the guide my work friends made for us.

A Late San Francisco Treat

I am an idiot.  I completely forgot to recap my San Francisco trip we took over a month ago.  I would blame it on pregnancy brain, but I am not pregnant so that won’t work.

November 18 we headed up to San Francisco for Marco’s 30^th Birthday celebration.  I had never been and M had only been once.  This trip was perfect.  I fell in love with SF and can’t wait to go back again.

Friday morning we woke up early and headed to LAX.  We flew Virgin and it was awesome.  I wish they flew to AtlantaL Our hotel was in Nob Hill which was the perfect location.  Before we left a work friend of mine gave us the run down of must dos while we were there from a locals perspective.  It was so nice to have this cheat sheet to get the true feel for the city.  

Starting the flight off right!

Pretty much the best text ever!

Our room wasn’t ready when we arrived so we left our bags and started walking.  It was sprinkling, of course, but I loved it.  In LA it rarely rains, so I embraced it.  We headed to the Warft through Chinatown.  The first todo on the agenda was Clam Chowder.  We headed to Boudin and it was delish!  At lunch we go the call our room was ready so we slowly made our way back to the hotel.  Our room was amazing!  We had a view of the Financial District and the water.  Perfection!

Golden Gate Bridge during the rain

Hills!

Alcatraz after the rain

View from our hotel room

Another view

Clam Chowder in a Sourdough Bread bowl-yes please!

Later that night we took a car to the Marina district to the Tipsy Pig.  The food was wonderful and the atmosphere reminded me of an Abercrombie catalog.

If you go here you must try the Chicken Pot Pie!

I wish M was smiling:(

The first day was a total success.  Day two and three coming up next!

San Diego

I was looking through my summer FB album and realized I forgot you recap my trip to San Diego for my birthday.  My parents were in town and honestly, LA gets a little boring after you have visited enough times.  My dad grew up here, my mom visited a lot growing up so they have done the touristy stuff already.  MG and I decided that we should trek down to SD for the weekend.  We took Friday off {my actually birthday}.  I woke up and headed to Dry Bar.  I loved it!  It was so girly and fun.

At lunch time my came over and we headed south on the 405.  It took about 2 hours or so to get down there which isn't bad.  Our first stop was The Yard House.  They have hundreds of beers on tap and great food.  We hung out for a little bit and then headed to our hotel to check in.

We stayed in Old Towne SD.  It was awesome and I would recommend staying there if you visit, at least for one night.  My only request for the weekend was we spend Friday night at The Shout House-a dueling piano bar.  This is my favorite place in the Gas Lamp District.  Let's just say the night did not disappoint.  We had the best time.  One of their famous local sayings is, "You Bitch! You Slut! You Whore!" after someone has been serenaded for their birthday or bachlorette party.  This became the phrase of the weekend with my mom.  She loved it-shockingly-and now wants to use it for our family birthday parties.  Too cute!  we got back to the hotel around 1 AM, ate pizza and went to bed.  It was pretty fun parting with my parents.

Saturday morning we woke up and walked to Old Towne.  It is like you are in Mexico so I instantly loved it.  We grabbed breakfast and then walked around all the shops.  I stocked up on tile and pottery.  Later that afternoon M and I grabbed a couple margaritas, sat on the patio and enjoyed life while my parents were resting.

Early evening we headed down to Coronado-my favorite.  My mom used to vacation here so it was like a walk back in time for her.  We parked in one of the neighborhoods and walked along the boardwalk to Hotel Del dreaming about what it would be like to live across the street.  For dinner we headed to Miguel's which is now my FAVORITE Mexican restaurant in CA solely because they serve queso!  I have been looking for 3 years for queso and haven't found it until now.  This was the cherry on top of a great birthday weekend!

Sunday morning we stopped in La Jolla for brunch at this cute little place with a view of the ocean.  We were all pretty wiped out from a fantastic weekend away.  It was the perfect way to celebrate 27!

HGTV Dream Home 2011

In June 2000, MAG and I traveled to Stowe, Vermont for his grandparents 50th Wedding Anniversary.  His entire family rented two homes for a week and we had family dinners & movie nights, went hiking, visited the Ben & Jerry's Factory and the Van Trap Family Lodge.  It felt so clean and and non-commercialized you can't help that you want to go back.

This year HGTV's Dream Home is in Stowe.  I don't know about you, but I LOVE watching the hour special on New Year's Day.  Could you imagine owing a ski-in/ski-out home that can sleep 16?  OMG that would be amazing.

{All Photo Credits}

We already decided that if we win we are going to spend every Christmas here, a week in the summer, and rent it out the rest of the time:)  What? I like to dream!  Visitors are always welcome.

Check out my two favorite ones were New Mexico and Islamorada.

In no way, shape or form did HGTV ask me to publish this post.

When the boss is away...

This week my boss is in Hong Kong for business and has left me with very little to do.  I am not complaining in the least.  When he is in town work is crazy and lots of hours, so this is a nice break.  I have been told by him and fellow employees to enjoy the free time.

Since I have so much free time I have started looking into MAG 30th Birthday celebration plans. To celebrate we wanted to do something big, so we are going to Hawaii!  His actually bday is in November, but we are going to celebrate early, late spring or early summer.  I can't wait to be sipping a cocktail with my hubby looking at this...

Photo Credit

I have never been to Hawaii before.  Here is what we know so far...Kauai or Oahu, renting a condo, staying for a full week.  Any tips or suggestions?

Santa Barbara

One of MAG and my favorite getaways is Santa Barbara.  It is 1.5 hours away from LA and honestly sometimes it is just what we need.  This past weekend we went up there with MAG's parents, sister and her husband.  We went to brunch at Tupelo Cafe, then headed over to the mission/court house to take in the Spanish Architecture and then spent the day on State Street shopping.  Overall is was a great day and I can't wait to go back over Christmas wine tasting with friends.  Here are some pictures of our day.

MAG and I at Brunch

My In-Laws at Brunch

My Sister-in-Law and her Husband

A view from the Mission tower.  Santa Barbara is so perfect!

A view towards the beach

I am OBSESSED with Mexican inspired tile.  I can't wait to own a home with amazing tile.

MAG and I surrounded by tile.  See I am obsessed;)

MAG and I with beautiful SB in the background

If you are ever in Southern California then you should make a trip to for sure.  It is definitely worth the drive!