Category Archives: Travel

Why, Hello February

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January was such a busy month!

This cute little thing just came in the mail! I always love getting new Kiel James Patrick boxes, because they come with the cutest packaging!

I was able to knock 7 things off my 101 in 1001 list. Wahoo!

1. Inspire someone to write their own list (Yay)
2. Go wine tasting with friends or family (Napa Valley was so beautiful)
35. Organize my Itunes
39. Find my signature cocktail (Lemondrop, oh so yummy)
63. Buy a plane ticket with frequent flier miles only (the Santa Fe trip in March)
98. Get a hammock (Given to me by the lovely Maureen!!)

Done and done!

I have a few more items I plan to cross off in the works for February, so it should be a great month!

It felt like every weekend in January was jam-packed, from going to Napa, having friends over for fun cocktails, to babysitting basically every day of the weekend. February looks to be as busy as January was, complete with a trip with friends to Tahoe and a family trip to the Cayman Islands (eeek!!). This may or may not have contributed to the radio silence here on the blog.

Work is going well, and teaching full-time makes for a busy day, but I have been slowly carving out gym time, which has been good to get back in my life. I have a dinner date set up with Annie and my favorite old proff to discuss the masters program at SCU for this fall. I’m both alternatively stoked and dreading going back to night classes.

I finally set up a savings plan so I now can look forward to one day having a fancy-pants camera and a KS watch sometime in the next year or so.

Oh, and February is my no-spending month, so wish me luck!

We had such a grey, rainy, perfect for snuggling with the pups weekend. I babysat for a lot of the weekend, but did manage to get in a few hours working on my quilt. It was a great way to finish out the week.

Happy February!

Love,

-S

Wine Tasting in Napa

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On Saturday, the Roomie, my brother, Alex and I drove up to Napa and enjoyed some wine tasting at two lovely vineyards. I had never been to Napa, so I was pretty excited to explore the area and see some new sites.

It was a cold and misty day, but that did not diminish our excitement or trip in anyway. It was a lovely drive, winding up through the City and I snapped a few photos to document the lovely day, as wine tasting was on my 101 in 1001 list. It has been so much fun to cross things off my bucket list!

We stopped for breakfast at this charming little red cafe, called Boon Fly Cafe, after which we enjoyed the first vineyard, William Hill. We tasted a few wines, and then wandered over to ZD Wines. It was a dark and gloomy day, so it was fun to sip some wines, sit indoors and chat away.

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Today I ran a bunch of errands, and got in a bit of shopping with the Roomie & Grant. Last night, I  watched West Wing while cuddling with the pups. It was a busy weekend, but filled with fun things.

How was your weekend? What was your favorite thing you did all weekend? Have you even been wine tasting?

Love,

-S

Ringing in the New Year in Tahoe

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Last Friday the family, Roomie, my brother’s best friend Alex, and I drove up to Tahoe. On Saturday, our good friend Shannon joined us, and Gabe and Amy joined us on Sunday. We have been enjoying a lazy few days here in Tahoe. We have been taking long walks with the pups, playing lots of wii, and watching too much television. We eat yummy meals and sleep lots. In short, Tahoe is all about taking a break from life and work.

We are going to start cooking a delicious steak for dinner, along with a few other things. We plan on playing Settlers of Catan or Citadels in front of a roaring fire after dinner until the New Year rings in.

Earlier today, Amy and I took a short walk and I snapped a few photos. I hope everyone has someone to ring in the New Year with!

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The weather has been warm and sunny, although I wish there was fresh snow to sled and play in. While there isn’t much snow, the pup has enjoyed finding the small patches and rolling around in them.

Happy New Year’s Eve!

Love,

-S

101 in 1001

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Image From Daily Fancies & Pinterest

Image From Daily Fancies & Pinterest

I’m inspired by Mackenzie of Design Darling (which, if you don’t read, you totally should!) and Carly of College Prepster in creating a list of 101 things to do in 1001 days. 1001 days, which is 2.75 years, is the enough time to do things without it being a total bucket list.

I stole some ideas from their lists, and then added a few of my own!

I’m officially starting mine on January first so my end date is September 28th, 2016.

Completed Items: crossed out.

In progress items: Italics.

101 in 1001

  1. Inspire someone to write a list of their own (Maryah  in Jan 2014)
  2. Go wine tasting with friends or family (Jan 11th, 2014)
  3. Learn to play an instrument
  4. Go hot air ballooning
  5. Make cake balls
  6. Invest in a food processor
  7. Climb a tall mountain
  8. Go sky diving
  9. Visit a new continent
  10. Go zip-lining  (I’ve got my eye on your Mt. Hermon)
  11. Build my dream closet
  12. Upgrade to a DSLR camera
  13. Go to a taylor swift concert
  14. Buy a house/car/condo/boat, something!
  15. Visit the Anne Frank house
  16. Get my own puppy
  17. Run a marathon (the San Francisco one in July maybe?)
  18. Spend a day at a spa
  19. Visit a castle (ideally this one: Neuschwanstein in Bavaria, Germany)
  20. Take a tour the white house (planned for July this summer)
  21. Fast for three days (March 2014)
  22. Visit the Harry Potter World in Florida
  23. Tour Hearst Castle (on our road trip hit list this summer)
  24. Visit Canada (on our road trip hit list this summer)
  25. Donate money on Kiva
  26. Go paint balling
  27. Send a message in a bottle
  28. Buy a large jewelry box for all my bangles and earrings
  29. Invest in Tory Birch boots
  30. Take photos under the hollywood sign (planned for this June)
  31. Take photos with lit sparklers
  32. Learn to shoot a bow and arrow
  33. Order business cards
  34. Invest in a classic handbag (Frank Clegg/Tory Birch/Coach/Kate Spade)
  35. Organize my Itunes (January 1st, 2014)
  36. Send out christmas cards on time
  37. Throw a surprise party for a friend
  38. Buy my first piece of furniture
  39. Find my signature cocktail (January 13th, 2014) Lemon Drop
  40. Attend a horse race or polo match
  41. Track my spending for a month January and February 2014) 
  42. Drink 8 glasses of water (50 oz) every day for at least one week. 
  43. Buy personalised luggage
  44. Throw my first sunday brunch party
  45. Blog for 30 days straight 
  46. Top up my emergency funds for a total of one year’s rent money (almost at 6months)
  47. Get a mani and pedi that match (scheduled for June 2014)
  48. Set up a photo shoot for the whole family
  49. Meet a fellow blogger in real life
  50. Find a set of china that i love
  51. Don’t eat out for one month (February 2014)
  52. Write a guest post for another blog
  53. Buy all the Gilmore Girls DVD’s (Yay!)
  54. Invest in my first piece of tiffany’s jewelry
  55. Learn the sock bun successfully(I plan on asking Brandy/Amy)
  56. Cook dinner every night for a week (0/7)
  57. Buy myself flowers every week for a month (0/4)
  58. Go one month without buying Starbucks (February here I come)
  59. Invest in nice undergarments
  60. See a second Frank Lloyd Wright home
  61. Purchase or make a bar cart
  62. Complete a jigsaw puzzle by myself
  63. Buy a plane ticket with my frequent flier miles only (Santa Fe Tickets there & back)
  64. Come up with a way to organize ALL jewelry
  65. Take an Instagram photo errr’day for a month (in progress!)
  66. Do a “no spend month” (February 2014)
  67. Create a gallery wall (in my classroom January 2014)
  68. Create a custom blog logo
  69. See the Great Gatsby movie (this one)
  70. Do a three day juice cleanse (March 2014)
  71. Throw a masquerade party
  72. Be in a fashion photo shoot
  73. Participate in a color run (This Saturday!)
  74. Keep a food journal for one month
  75. Try hot yoga
  76. Find an infinity scarf i don’t feel silly in
  77. Go without “bedtime tv” for a week
  78. Unplug for a whole weekend
  79. Reach my ideal weight
  80. Read & watch every Jane Austen Novel/Movie (watched 3/5) (read 1/5)
  81. Update my good reads profile for three months.
  82. Go on a road trip (planned for July this summer)
  83. Make fig jam/red wine jelly with my mom
  84. Drink a glass of wine every night for a week (February 2014)
  85. Eat “clean” for one whole week 
  86. Get a blow out at a “dry bar” just because
  87. Ride in a limo
  88. Try a spinning class
  89. Invest in a monogrammed necklace or bracelet
  90. Finish my T-shirt quilt
  91. Learn needlepoint
  92. Walk through a corn maze
  93. Buy more J.Crew blazers
  94. Buy a new watch (March 2014)
  95. Take myself to the movies and watch a double feature 
  96. Buy a whole cd (March 2014)
  97. Have a stay-cation at home one day every weekend for a month
  98. Get a hammock (January 2014)
  99. Learn calligraphy
  100. Get a new hairdryer (preferably this one)
  101. Put 10$ into savings for every goal accomplished

Ps. If I inspire you to write your own list and you DO, email me either your link or your list.. and I’ll  link it to my list and get to cross one off.. Thanks!

16 Down, 85 more to go!

Love

-S

Beach Weekend in Capitola

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Earlier in the week my best friend Annie had made a Facebook event about a few of us going to Capitola and staying at a combination of two beach houses. Work was stressful and looking forward to spending the weekend at the beach helped me keep it together. For me, having things to look forward to can often make or break a crazy work-week.

Saturday dawned, and I had not yet packed, purchased a camera charger/cord, or filled my tank with gas. Rushing around happened but Annie, Sunny and I finally got on the road after a few setbacks.

There wasn’t much traffic and we arrived in Capitola where it was beautiful. We grabbed groceries and went to the beach. The plan for dinner was cook-out at Marcos’s. We took a hot mess of photos not only at the beach, but also back at Beach House #1 (BH1)

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The crew was: Brady, Sunny, Claire, Dana, Natasha, Annie, Greg #1, Greg #2, Sunny Maxey, Darius, Huyson, Steven, Deawodi, Gloria, Marcos, Irina, Jason and myself. More people came later, but I think this is everyone that was a good sport about being documented in the lovely photos above.

It was the perfect weekend: food, friends, and lots of fun.The beautiful beach never hurts as well!

Hope you had a good weekend!More fun things are planned, but this was the best fun I’ve had this month!

Love,

-S

 

An evening with Friends, and Gallery Hopping in the City

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On Wednesday, Annie had a few of us over for a casual get-together. We munched on a few things, and sipped margaritas. Our usual crowd was there, and it was just what I needed to finish out my week. Work has been running me pretty ragged, and it was exactly what I needed. My friends are always the cure for anything. We played Cards against Humanity, which is always a blast and very entertaining.

 

On Thursday, Roomie and I had professional development at our sister school in Hayward. I met the other two art teachers, and had a wonderful time talking shop. As I am the only art teacher at my school, and building my own curriculum, bouncing my ideas off these two guys really helped.

While the rest of the district had a second day of professional development in Hayward, the three of us met up at 111 Minna Gallery for a day of wandering around looking at art galleries.

The weather was warm and sunny, unusual for San Francisco in October. We drifted from 111 Minna to the Academy of Art, and stumbled into a ancient five story building with a multiple small galleries on each floor.

We grabbed a bite to eat at Le Boulanger on Market and walked over to Yerba Buena Center for the Arts. They had a beautiful exhibit. I snapped these there

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My favorite piece at Yerba Buena was tucked into the room in the front called the Room of Big Ideas. I loved the wall that was there. I wanted to take it home with me.

I loved that last line, so I took a picture of just that. Sometimes it is very hard to live in the moment, to feel everything around me. But this wall, this wall reminded me of why.

From there we sat in the garden, and took in the glorious weather.

 

 

 

We walked back to Minna and parted ways. I walked over to Nordstrom’s, where a girl from my small group at church works in the Fine Jewelry floor. We chatted for a while, and then I realised what time it was. I dashed over to the Kate Spade section, and treated myself to a little something!

I ran errands today, and tidied up around the house. Last weekend my family and I celebrated my birthday. My parents gave me a stand mixer!!! So, tomorrow I plan on baking up a storm! Annie is coming over and we are tackling a long list of yummy treats! Tomorrow I’ll show you what I picked up from Nordstrom’s and whatever tasty things we bake!

I hope you have some exciting plans for tonight!  Saturdays are always the best night to have a little fun.

Love,

-S

 

Emma Ward, Hidden Waterfalls and Apple Picking

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On Saturday Uncle Chip, Dad, Mum, Richard and I explored downtown troy. We started off with some hot coffee from Spill In The Beans, a local joint. We walked through a lovely farmers market and picked up a tasty goat chevre. From there we checked out a local all-girls high school called Emma Willard. The campus was unbelievable!

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Next we took a short walk down to the local stream, which used to be used to gather energy for the town. We enjoyed hopping from one rock to the next as I tried to not fall into any of the puddles.

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The streambed

The stream bed

 

The trees around this town looked like they were on fire. The spectacular colors that make the East Coast look dazzling were on full display for our visit.

 

We hugged my uncle goodbye and sent him on his long drive back to NC. Richard and I dropped my parents off at their hotel and set off to go apple-picking, one of my favorite childhood activities. We munched on fresh apple cider and apple donuts as we picked 9 varieties of apples. The sweet smell of ripe apples and the lazy sunshine on my sweater made the day feel perfect.

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On Sunday I waved goodbye to Richard, and to my parents, who were flying to Pittsburgh. They will enjoy a few days with my Grandfather before coming home later this week.

Today I jumped headfirst into work, coming home around 6. A long day, but it’s good to be home!

I hope everyone had a lovely weekend. Happy Monday! (The Bones episode tonight was really good!!)

Love,

-S

Sharon Springs, Niagara Falls and Statue Climbers

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Before the wedding my father, Uncle Chip, Richard and I decided to go explore a local town called Sharon Springs, in search of coffee and breakfast snacks. The cafe wasn’t open when we arrived, so we wandered down the street to peek at the little downtown section.

The town used to be a big vacation spot for a famous bath house.

The town used to be a big vacation spot for a famous bath house.

This old funky hotel was beautiful, but showing its age.

This old funky hotel was beautiful, but showing its age.

 

It was also for sale, at a great price! (if you need 10acres)

It was also for sale, at a great price! (if you need 10acres)

We grabbed donuts and cappuccinos at the Black Cat Coffee shop.

Yum.

Yum.

 

On Friday, Richard and I picked up my cousin Andrew and his wife Katie from Jeannette’s house. We drove  4.5 hours from Troy to Niagara Falls. I was the only one that brought my passport, so we stayed on the American side. We stopped for pizza and wings for lunch, and munched on Dunkin’ Donuts as well.

Our lunch on Friday

Our lunch on Friday

We walked around the Falls for a bit, snapped tons of photos, and  got tickets for the Maid in the Mist tour boat.

 

 

It was amazing! I loved how the water was rushing so loud, and disappeared off the edge. I know sometimes doing the touristy-thing can be lame, but this time it was fantastic!

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls

 

 

Despite the blue ponchos they gave us, I was totally drenched.

Katie and I.

Katie and I.

 

We walked back to the car and saw some cool statues.My cousin and I had matching converse shoes! Can you tell which are his and which are mine?

Matching outfits, totally unplanned.

Matching outfits, totally unplanned.

Naturally, my cousin crawled onto a public monument while I took his photo.  #ilovemyfamily

My cousin Andrew is awesome.

My cousin Andrew is awesome.

 

We drove back and crashed. It was one very long, but still lovely day! Did you do anything fun on Friday? Have you ever been to Niagara Falls? Have you been to any touristy places that you really enjoyed? (Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, White House, etc)?

Love,

-S

Colorado, weddings and a gorgeous sunrise

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On Friday I flew to Colorado for an old friend’s wedding in Estes Park. I was nervous heading into the weekend, as I would only know the groom out of all the wedding guests.

Fortunately enough, I car-pooled with two other people on the hour-long drive from the airport to our hotel. Bryant, the groom, was on the men’s gymnastics team at Stanford, and his fiance was on the women’s team. I ended up having a fantastic time because the driver of my car was kind and invited me to tag along with her for basically the whole weekend as we hung out with the men’s team. This large group of rowdy men accepted my presence with astonishing ease and made the whole weekend a lot of fun with their silliness and skilled dancing.

I had a mild freak out when I was getting ready and realised I have lost weight. My strap-less dress was precariously loose! Fortunately I had safety pins and performed emergency surgery on my dress. I grabbed my wrap and I was good to go.

The wedding was at a beautiful outside garden that was part of Della Terra Chateau. Everyone looked their best, the average age was 25 and most were nationally ranked gymnasts. The food was great, the DJ picked good songs, and we danced until they kicked us out at 11. I took an early A.M shuttle and I am nibbling on an Einstein Bagel and chai while waiting for my flight. This fantastic weekend was just a breath of fresh mountain air, and I loved every minute of it.

The view from our hotel was amazing!

The view from our hotel was amazing!

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The Della Terra Chateau was so beautiful!

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This was the view from our hotel.

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The sunrise this morning at the Denver Airport made my early start worth it.

Have you gone to any weddings this summer? Where was your favorite wedding? What did you wear and what food did they serve?

-S