Healdsburg, CA

Back in November, Felix and I headed up north to wine country for my birthday weekend. We stayed a few nights in Healdsburg, which is by far the most charming wine town we've visited since living in California.

Main street was decked out in white lights and full of adorable antique shops. The food was unbelievably good. We shared fish tacos and calamari at a phenomenal fish restaurant and had mussels and wine at a small French restaurant. We took a 35 mile bike ride through the vineyards and up to an overlook of Lake Sonoma. On the way, we picked up sandwiches from the cutest general store off the main road. And biking back, we stopped at the sweetest vineyards for tastings in the sun.

On the way home, we drove down the coast and stopped at little beaches on the way back. No matter how many times I've seen it, the Northern California coast never gets less beautiful. It was an amazing weekend and the perfect way to ring in *26*. 

Happy Wednesday!

3 Smiles

I took a day of PTO today, not for any particular reason other than I just needed some time for myself. Work has been very crazy (despite us thinking that January would be quiet). I spent the day cleaning, baking, and taking several small naps. Here are a few things that have been keeping me smiling over the last few weeks. Happy weekend!

A warm and beautiful few days spent in Palm Springs over the holidays

A cozy Christmas Eve with family

On my way up the mountain to what turned out to be an incredible first Room to Read event in Aspen

The sweetest flower delivery bike outside my office

 Belated birthday celebration dinner with the husband

3 Smiles

I can't believe we are nearing the end of another week already. I don't know if it's because we are in California and it doesn't quite feel like Winter, or because I've been so heads down at work, but this holiday season absolutely snuck up on me. We are so excited to head down south to spend some time with my family for a few days. Happy weekend to all! Here are a few of the things that have kept me smiling this week.

Editing adorable pictures of this couple after an exciting day of engagement photos 

Champagne mint juleps at the annual holiday cocktail competition at work

An amazing long weekend in Tahoe with great friends

A Big Sur Thanksgiving

We spent a non-traditional and beautiful Thanksgiving in Big Sur this year. We have so much to be thankful for, and it was only highlighted by camping on one of the most stunning coasts in the world. We woke up to a view of the ocean, took naps in the sun, hiked a ton, watched the sunset every night, and drank lots of hot toddies. It was the first Thanksgiving in 4 years that we didn't cook a big meal together, and I must admit, while I definitely missed the turkey, mashed potatoes, and apple pie, it was nice to get out of town and eat sandwiches all weekend. Here are a few photos from the trip, if you're interested.

3 Smiles

I am so happy to see the weekend! This week has been of course, busy, freezing (for SF standards), and we've been eager to get up to Tahoe for our first ski weekend of the season with friends. We got in late last night, and I, unfortunately have to work all day today while the others spend a half day of skiing. But honestly, there are worse places to be working from than in a warm condo with a snowy view of Lake Tahoe, mimosa in hand. Happy weekend! Here are a few of the things that have kept me smiling lately.

A beautiful foggy morning walk to work

 A new brunch place with killer breakfast burritos a few blocks from our apartment

 My view today, while powering through the end of the work week

Cold Toes

The weather in San Francisco has significantly changed in the last few weeks. Temperatures have dropped (apparently record breaking for this time of year), wind has picked up, and the holidays have crept into every corner of the city. Walking past the huge tree in Union Square, and seeing alleys filled with white twinkle lights never gets old. The only downfall is that the cold front has turned our apartment into an ice skating rink. The combination of the original hardwood floors, old and unsealed windows, and a very temperamental heater makes for very cold nights. But I really do love the cold. As much as it may not seem like it wrapped in every blanket we own and wearing 3 layers of socks. The cold signifies the holidays are near, which means time with family and friends and celebrations, including the celebration of the end of an incredibly eventful and amazing year.

Too Lucky

Happy Monday! It's been less than a month between my last post and this post.. that's an improvement! I was reminded over the weekend that people still check this blog. Albeit only a few special people in my life, it helps to be reminded that others are reading. 

While debating what to write about tonight, I found a picture on my phone of one of my favorite moments over the week of our vow renewal and wedding celebration this summer. Felix and I headed down to the lobby a bit earlier than was planned to meet our families in the lobby to go to dinner. We ordered champagne and sat in the corner of the hotel bar. We watched our family and friends come down from their rooms and pass through the lobby for about 20 minutes and just reveled in the fact that all of our loved ones were all in one place to celebrate us. I have never felt so lucky and loved in my entire life. Most of the wedding week flew by, and to be honest, many moments have become blurry. But this was one moment that seemed to slow down, and seeing this picture took me back to that feeling. Cheers to a great week.