finally, friday

via swaussie

Happy Friday folks! Well, the storm has come for the weekend and athough this kind of weather can sometimes be a bummer, I'm choosing to enjoy every moment whether it's braving the cold, wet weather, or cozied up indoors with a good book. It's the little things that make life beautiful, isn't it?

Happy Weekend!

finally, friday -- just checking in

Played catch up over dinner with a dear friend this past week

The most exciting news this past week is the soft launch of my company! Anyone looking for jewelry, holla! ;)

So I hear this weekend is going to be a warm one in the Bay, but I'm headed to even warmer weather to visit my best friend. Hope you all get out and enjoy the weather and the company you're with as I know I will be!

finally, friday

Festive decor at a local taqueria

Is this not the cutest personal sized Panettone you've ever seen?

First time trying a Danish Kringle and it was right up my alley with the marzipan.

Celebrating the Holidays and getting dolled up, as you do.

And even though it's not Monday, another song for you just because. :)

Good morning and happy Friday! So guys, we've weathered through #hellastorm aka #stormageddon and I have to admit, while I didn't get stuck in any of the major flooding, or experiencing any of the blackouts, etc, seeing photos of it was a little cray. I'm happy that it's raining though, we've definitely needed it. On another not, can you believe Christmas is just around the corner? I'll be celebrating a few things this weekend, one of them being a Christmas party with a bunch of close friends. Hope you all have a great weekend, cheers!

I love this food blog from these two sisters. Their food photos and recipes are drool worthy.

The sea star disease solved.

Love described in 23 languages.

finally, friday

Look at all that marbled fat! Seeing this beautiful case of meat makes me wanna go back to eating it on the regular. Sorta.

Breakfast this week: Egg frittata with bell peppers, zucchini, olives and of course, cheese.

Super excited to see this heirloom spinach at Trader Joe's. Go TJ's! It's also very delicious and is a little bit thicker than the spinach you're used to.

Oh, and by the way if you're at Trader Joe's don't forget to pick up the bake at home Kouign Amann. Soooo amazing considering it's frozen and ready-to-bake.

Shrimp Sinigang for the rainy weather and perfect for using up whatever leftover veggies are in the fridge.

Happy Friday everyone. Is it just me or are you loving the rain too? It's been really nice to get some rain since California is in a drought and I really can't wait for it to rain tomorrow (as forecasted) again. We need all the rain we can get! On another note, I haven't been feeling to well lately, so it'll be a good time to rest up and get better for the big Thanksgiving week ahead.

What Chef's eat after work.

Not sure how you're going to prepare your sweet potatoes this year? This recipe sounds amazing.

Men: Not much of a dancing machine? Here are some tips to what will make women swoon at your dance moves, lol.

I am so obsessed with the Fiber Florist. It's one girl that makes amazing floral arrangements all out of felt and you would never be able to tell.

Loving this small, but intimate tablescape for the Holidays. 

finally, friday

 

This morning's sunrise was gorgeous. It's rare that I'm up and at 'em when it's still dark outside... Fall has definitely arrived (and the rain too)!

 

 

Went "foraging" with my mom this week and got some lovely cherry tomatoes and strawberries.

 

Made savory tomato jam-- what a wonderful way to preserve something and eat it out of season.

 

Happy Halloween folks and happy Friday! This weekend should be a relaxing one as there's just a few things going on, but nothing big. The rain should only last for today and then the rest of the weekend looks clear, although I wouldn't mind a little more rain. California needs it and what better excuse than a rainy day to cozy up and read a book. I hope you have a beautiful day!

 

I'm hooked on watching these videos from Free People on loving what you do.

 

Looking for a cute holiday project to help decorate and get in the spirit? Here's a cute DIY.

Don't these just sound amazing for breakfast... right now.

This DIY of a whale is so cool, and thank goodness for Google translate.

finally, friday

Lunch at the Big Sur Bakery -- this place is so worth the stop and their shortbread cookies are great on the go. 

Oh, you know, just some camp food for ya.

Breakfast on deck (literally) overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

Another one of those breathtaking sites.

Just before the sun went down...

This past week has been pretty busy with work but I'm so glad the first part of it was spent enjoying the outdoors and some quality time away from everything and everyone. Anyway, I'm glad the weekend is here and hope that you'll have a happy one!

The only three Michelin star restaurant I've wanted to go to is The Restaurant at Meadowood. It just looks so unique and I love that they forage for some of the ingredients... and then of course I still want to go to Kusakabe for obvious reasons, sushi!

The moment I own a house I'm building a wood fire oven in my backyard, but for now... there are other options for making a crisp thin crust pizza.

A new designer I discovered and all of her pieces look like they fit heavenly.

Is it really true that eating mackerel over shrimp will help to reduce your carbon footprint?

I've never been into dressing up for Halloween, but in preparation for next week if you're thinking of that sexy _____ costume but aren't quite sure watch this video about guys trying sexy costumes on-- it might change your mind (or maybe not... then more power to you sista!).

finally, friday

All aboard the USS America. So glad I got to tour the carrier before it took off for San Diego. Was a great Columbus day spent. 

On the flight deck of the USS America.

Also enjoying that last bit of the Bay Area's Indian Summer. Hopefully there's a few more weeks of this left (and then hopefully the rain, we need it!).

Finally made a couple pouches out of remnant fabric I got at the Pendleton store in Oregon from two years ago.

I'm so, so excited for this weekend. We're headed to a place I've been before a few hours away, but that's not the exciting part-- well, it is part of it, but there's something even more exciting. We will be staying at a place I've been wanting to stay at for quite some time now and I could not be more excited. Hopefully it lives up to it's expectations. I can't wait to share with you all once the weekend is over, but until then, enjoy your weekend and I'll be back Monday!

So this is why my guilty pleasure junk food are flaming hot cheetos. 

Very cool website dedicated to adventuring!

A fun and silly quiz to find out which 90's fragrance you were... I got Bath and Body Works spray, too funny! Also a reminder how fragrances can bring back certain memories or times in your life...

finally, friday

A snapshot from one of my favorite places to frequent during one of the most beautiful nights

One of the most delicious brunch places in the city-- it's standard American breakfast, but so well done. Those potatoes... and the lemon ricotta pancakes...

Practice makes perfect right? Just practicing my soldering to make these silver rings.

One of the lovely meals I had this week-- I love me a good portobello steak

San Francisco, still beautiful even on a foggy day.

Happy Friday everyone! I almost lost track of the days and forgot it was Friday! Yay for the weekend and for fleet week, my favorite event in the city. Will you be getting out and enjoying the events?

Sushi myths, busted.

I enjoy watching the show Naked and Afraid and the fact that this lady survived (albeit, clothed) is crazy!

This outfit is so good, too bad the weather has gone down about 20 degrees for me to wear something like it!

So I watched this documentary this past week and I literally was tearing up at how beautiful the relationship and interactions between humans and nature are. I pretty much can't believe this is a real story. A must watch!

finally, friday

Ever tried kiwi berries? It was my first time this week and they are delicious little treats! 

All I need is a SUP (stand-up paddle board) and I'm good.

Swooning over this wave puzzle made by the amazing German company Grimms. Their toys are beauties!

Just enjoying a homemade burrito bowl inspired by none other than Chipotle.

Enjoyed brunch with some friends early in the week at Hecho, and while the food wasn't as good as I had hoped it would be, their flatware on the other hand was.

Can we just talk about the Bay Area weather for a minute? It's been crazy hot, and is supposed to continue through the weekend which means I'll be spending lots of time outdoors when I'm not at one of the few birthday celebrations I've been invited to. Hope you all enjoy every minute of your weekend.

I don't know where my sense-of-bitter-taste genes lands on the spectrum, but I do know that I enjoy me some bitter flavors... maybe I've just grown accustomed?

All I know now is that most airplane food is blech... unless you're on an Asian airline then it's either acceptable or actually really tasty.

I'm definitely a fan of social media and feel it's done some really great things to enrich our lives, but I also think there's a sort of sick effect it can have on people as well, which is why I try to remember to really live life and be in the present (by being off my phone and in the moment with those I'm with).

finally, friday

Pens from Muji. Love!

Uni from Hokkaido, so much splendor in my mouth

My new love, akamutsu. If you haven't had it yet, go get it. It's up there with toro, I think I might even like it better.

Swedish gummies found at Miette (if you haven't had Swedish gummies, they are on another level of gummy goodness... just so you know). They don't always carry these.. apparently they are "seasonal" so get them while you can!

My two favorites playing together at the park

Just a few of my favorite things pictured above. I'm going to start this new thing where every Friday accompanying my post will be a few snapshots from the week... so sorry ahead of time if they aren't the best quality photos, most of them will be from my phone. :) Have a lovely weekend people!

These geometric nests are everything. I want one!

A "hello" is just a "hello", isn't it? Yes, it is.

Super funny, and I'm finding is pretty true of your thirties.

Oh how I wish to be going somewhere where I can do this.

Now this is what I'm talking about, a zero waste grocery store to get rid of the plastic packaging. I would go if it was here in the States, would you?

That's right, another Glassybaby location and this time it's in the South Bay.

How gorgeous are these handmade wooden serving boards... too pretty!

I do think there's a lot of good stuff talked about in this article, mainly that we humans have neglected what we've been doing to the oceans for so long-- this doesn't just mean overfishing, but also pollutants.  While I do believe that certain populations and remote areas need to survive off hunting these creatures, it's gotten messed up by greedy humans that either don't realize what is happening, or they just don't care. And I'm not saying we should stop enjoying food, I'm just saying we should think more sustainably about it all so it can be enjoyed forever. I just hope we realize and make the necessary changes before it's all too late... or is it already?

finally, friday

Remnant fabric from a trip to Portland a couple years back... oh how I love the colors!

Today I was reminded that things happen for a reason and even though things may not work out how you want, you gotta keep pressing onward. Here's to a relaxing, chill, but productive weekend!

I love that San Francisco is doing more to get to zero waste... donate those old clothes!

For all you brunch enthusiasts, there's a funny chart for almost every brunchy situation.

As a former owner of hamsters (I had three when I was in middle school), this was totally cute and brought back many a hamster adventure/memory.

You whiskey connoisseurs out there, can you tell the difference between small batch and big producers of whiskey?

When you think about hospital food here in the States you probably gag just a little, but other countries seem to fare just a bit better... and some probably just as bad, if not worse.

finally, friday

Behind the scenes at the Minted photoshoot

Happy Friday folks! I've had a busy couple of weeks doing makeup gigs, but one that I'm particularly excited about is one with Minted. If you're not already familiar with the brand, they are an online stationery company (now they have prints, decor, and soon to launch material!) that sell a bunch of independent artists' work. I was asked to make up a few artists from their community for an ad shoot they're doing and it's really exciting! I'll be sure to share any news about the shoot and if it gets featured in any magazines. Anyway, it's past five-o'clock and that means it's the weekend, cheers!

Pretty soon we are gonna be farming everything.

Even though I don't eat meat, this steak looks amazing, especially when cooked over hot lava.

Next time you think about drinking out of that plastic bottle or littering on the street, think about this.

Hoping I can do some of this before it's gets way too cold.

Anybody out there tried the brand Aesop? I'm super interested in trying them out... recommendations welcome!

finally, friday

 

 

First off, just a little #flashbackfriday with a photo of Spouting Horn from the time I was on Kauai.

 

Happy Labor Day Weekend folks! I'm excited about the long weekend even though I haven't quite decided any of my plans yet, but I'm sure whatever I end up doing will be fun. I'll probably do a little relaxing, a little adventuring, and of course, eating some good food. I'm most excited to be staying in tonight with popcorn and a good documentary. The weather forecast is sunny and nice so be sure to take advantage of the beautiful weather and of course that Monday off!

I love that Alice Waters made a garden at a local school in Berkeley to not only teach kids about where food comes from, but hopefully instill in them a stewardship over the Earth.

I'm a huge fan of Mind of a Chef, but even more a fan of Chef Sean Brock. The first season (with Chef David Chang) is still my favorite thus far, but this second season was great to watch as Sean talked about heritage foods and Chef April Bloomfield discussed respecting animals and using them whole. I totally believe in the same philosophy on food as these two so I was especially intrigued by the season and can't wait for what's in store when season three starts in about a week!

Do something nice for someone this weekend.

I've followed Juley for a while, but it was even more interesting to hear her story on the Everygirl of how she started her own business and followed her dreams, especially during a time where I'm pursuing my own.

Even though it may take years, being able to nominate a marine sanctuary is amazing progress.

These spaces are just the right amount of outdoor/indoor and coziness put together.

finally, friday

Me (left) and friend Monica (right)

Oh you know, just an awkward scuba photo from getting certified this past June. I laugh when I see it because it just shows the struggle and effort it took to lug and wear all the gear. Good times, good times.

I don't know about you, but by 2048 I still want to be eating seafood...

Capturing things in slow motion is really amazing and cool, just like this popcorn popping, this beer bottle trick, or this crazy mouse trap thing...

Such a cool concept for a restaurant now open in San Francisco... I'm definitely checking it out asap!

These ceramics are so gorgeous I'd be afraid to use and possibly break them.

Majorly swooning over this dress even though it looks semi like a picnic tablecloth.

Really wanting to take a short road trip for the weekend to Mendocino and breathe in all it's beauty.

finally, friday

This photo was taken at one of my all time favorite places in San Francisco, Land's End Lookout. I often come here to hang out, walk around, catch the sunset, enjoy lunch and the scenery... you name it. Lately though, I've been heading a little farther from Sutro Baths and walking over to the point where you can catch a view of the Golden Gate Bridge. It's far less crowded and much more quiet, a wonderful place to experience golden hour and watch the sun set over the Pacific Ocean all while also viewing that golden light hit the bridge-- absolutely gorgeous. On this particular day I was able to spot some dolphins down below in the water either playing or perhaps feeding. There is so much magic in this spot it's ridiculous.

Ever think about where the fish at pet shops and aquariums come from?

I'm interested in living off the land and hope to one day have a full garden of my own, hunt, and fish so I don't have to depend on grocery stores as much, but this, this seems so extreme and almost-crazy-but-at-the-same-time-cool. You know what show I'll be watching for the next weeks to come.

Okay, so some of these photos might be cheesy, but some of them are so cute they'll make you say "awww" (or at least I did!).

This guy takes some amazing photos, I'm feeling inspired to try and snap some of my own.

Excuse the profanity, but WOW.

finally, friday

Scenes from a day at the beach. Man, God really did make such a beautiful world that we live in. I can't help but be amazed at all the beautiful things he created, and then think about all the things He's created that we haven't even discovered. On this particular day there were tons of jellies, namely the Portuguese Man o' War, that had wash up on the beach. Though they're beautiful with all their blue, turquoise and purple colors, they've got a mean sting. Funny that something so beautiful could be so harmful. Anyway, those are just some thoughts to leave you to the weekend... have an absolutely wonderful one!

Did you know that there's seaweed in the ice cream you buy at the store (carrageenan, and ingredient made from seaweed)? Well, if that wasn't enough for you, there's also a beer that is flavored with seaweed too!

You beer enthusiasts and aficionados thought the seaweed beer was weird? What about beer made from whale bone??

Does anyone want to give me enough money to buy one of these amazing outdoor tents? Because I really, really want one. Thanks.

I'm loving this current day interpretation of a child's drawings made into art.

With summer in full swing, and peaches in season, I just might make this drool worthy recipe. Or hope it shows up magically in the kitchen.

I have to say, these are some of the cutest date cards I've ever seen... would you say yes to a date because of how cute they are?

finally, friday

I took a day trip with a friend to a place I've been dying to visit-- Big Sur, California. It is just as stunning and beautiful a place as I imagined. The water is aqua blue, the town is quiet, the trees are big (duh, redwoods), and everything about it is gorgeous. We did a couple short hikes to see the view of the valley and a waterfall, went beachcombing and played on the beach, and of course, went to see the infamous McWay Falls. If that picture of McWay Falls isn't gorgeous already, those flowers that grew on the side of the mountain made it even prettier! I love that you can go to the see the oceanside and hike amongst the Redwoods in a matter of minutes-- California really is an amazing place. I also heard a law passed in the 70's that stated you can't build a house anywhere in view of the highway, which is why there are hardly any homes developed in view. I love that because it's absolutely preserved the natural beauty of the area instead of making it look inundated with humans. It was a wonderful day, one of the best I've had this summer. I hope you're getting out of the house this weekend and doing some adventuring of your own, even if it means heading down to your local farmers market or hanging out at a park. Cheers!

Genius idea against food waste... I wish we did that here in the states.

I am in utter awe of this volcano in Congo, I very badly want to go!

If you've been keeping up with me on instagram, I just recently finished my diving certification and got certified in Monterey, CA... I would love to dive these remaining spots.

Less need to worry about your delicious oysters disappearing, the EPA passed a bill that should help with ocean acidification, but it shouldn't (and hopefully won't) just end there! Keep doing your part. :)

How awesome is this hand woven scarf? It makes me want a loom...