Thanksgiving is only four days away. Can you believe that? Insanity, I know. October passed by in a hurried flash, and I fear that November has gone by too quickly as well. Since the winter/holiday season is my favorite time of the year, you can understand why I’m a little dismayed about how fast time is passing. I long to savor the cold days by wrapping myself up in big scarves, donning some flat boots, grabbing a cup of coffee, and taking long walks in the crisp cold sun-filled days.I adore the soft glow from the lights in the warm windows, and I am even a sucker for Christmas decorations, even if it’s a little early.
Unfortunately, I’ve been slaving away indoors, soaking up the stale fumes and harsh fluorescent lighting. But before Thanksgiving passed by without me even realizing it, I wanted to share this cookie recipe with you.
As you know, December is the biggest baking month in the year. If you didn’t know, well, now you do. I think I spent last winter in a big cloud of flour and sugar, with bits of butter dangling from my apron and hair. It was gross, yet a little fun. Perfect for a light dessert during a holiday dinner, or as a gift for your family and loved ones, cookies play a big role during Christmas. While I like to bake my traditional favorites (chocolate chunk, peppermint bark chocolate, gingersnaps, snickerdoodles), I wanted to try a new one out this year.
Sometimes, a girl needs to just get away. You know what I mean? I desperately needed my San Francisco weekend. There is nothing like a couple of nights away from home, away from your troubles, away from the increasing stress and frenetic energy. Not that San Francisco is the center of peace and calm but it’s arching skyscrapers, creative community, unique stores, and delicious eateries kept my mind busy. I sweetly surrendered to the city’s distractions, and I’m so glad I did.
I stayed at the Cova Hotel, located on Ellis Street which is a pretty harsh part of town. It’s not that the Tenderloin is particularly awful; it’s just pretty gritty and grim. But I didn’t let that cloud my judgment of the hotel. The staff was very accommodating and made sure that our safety and comfort were their major priorities. I almost chuckled when the manager strictly said to NOT go walking down Ellis Street, as if I need the reminder after driving in to the hotel. But, in case you didn’t know, don’t go walking down that street. The hotel rooms were decorated in modern colors and shapes, which I loved. It almost had this retro 70’s feel to it. The hotel offers a daily breakfast of croissants, hot waffles, yogurt, and fruit, plus coffee and juice. The best part of the hotel, in my opinion, is it’s observation deck. On the 8th floor, there is a roof deck that lets you overlook the city’s beautiful landscape. I swear I could see all the way out to the SF airport.
Wandering around San Francisco, soaking up the sun, downing some donuts @ Dynamo Donuts, and buying some goods. Follow my travels here. I love this town.
Well folks, my bags are packed for a fun weekend in San Francisco. Thanks to the wonderful folks at the San Francisco Visitors Bureau for sponsoring my trip. I’m looking forward to hitting some shops and enjoying the sights.
Once Halloween passes, the throes of the holiday season are thrust upon us. It feels a little premature for me though. I would like to savor the gorgeous fall right now, instead of planning for cold winter holidays. But, my friends inform that since Thanksgiving is only three weeks away, I better get my holiday game face on.
I guess the impending holiday season comes as a bittersweet reminder that this year is almost over. Pretty soon, 2010 will come about and I’m not ready to start a new year. I have a list of things that I wanted to do and I’ve barely made a dent on that list! The only way I can squelch this panic is by keeping busy and focusing on the things that I love about the holidays: late nights with friends, fireside chats, family dinners, scarves, days spent reading, and a cozy, warmed up kitchen.
Everyone know that the baking is a holiday sport and I like to play along. Last year I think I baked almost every day, and while I don’t have the time nor the money to that this year, I plan on picking out the recipes that will soothe my rattled nerves and bring joy to my family and friends. Instead of trying to tackle labor-intensive recipes that will wear me down, I think I shall focus on the everyday kind of baking projects.
The best part about living in Northern California is the proximity to the great attractions in California. I’m only a couple of hours away from the gorgeous Sierra Nevadas and the sparkling skyscrapers in San Francisco. Unfortunately, my crazy work schedule has cut down on my day trips, but next week, I’m heading out on a fun girls trip to San Francisco. When the folks at Six Apart Media and the San Francisco Vistor’s Bureau contacted me about being a part of their Shop SF Bloggers campaign, I immediately said yes.
San Francisco will always hold a special part in my heart. I can remember the first time I traveled over the terrifying steel Bay Bridge, my eyes widening as a houses perched on hills and tall buildings slowly appeared. Throughout the years, I continued to visit the city, taking in the sights and sounds of this adventurous city. By far, the most memorable trip to San Francisco was in high school. My friends and I decided to ditch class and head out to the city, all by ourselves. We hopped on the subway, and spent a day just running around. In retrospect, it was pretty reckless, and my mom never found out (until now) but it was a great day that I won’t ever forget.
I’ve already got some plans for next weekend. I’ve got a couple of tickets to see the “Wicked”, one of my favorite musicals ever. I also plan on doing some shopping and eating. If you have any ideas, let me know in the comments section. A trip to Miette and hopefully the Bi-Rite creamery are a must. I might get crazy and head over to Tartine too. Plan on some live blogging action next weekend as I spill all the details about my trip!
Not only am I addicted to Anya Marina’s “Satellite Heart”, but I can’t wait for the movie to come out. The song just breaks my heart, in a good way and it’s a perfect fit for the movie’s soundtrack.
I know, I should be ashamed. But I’m not. We’ve all got our guilty pleasures, right??
I don’t what clicked, but it seemed like all of a sudden, a big bout of creativity came flying back to me. For a while, it felt like a creative drought; I wasn’t inspired anything. Music was muted, photos looked dull. But I’ve recently come across certain things that have gotten my creativity flowing. Can I share them with you? It’s a random collection, but it’s given me a much-needed renewal.
Every once in a while, I fantasize about opening my own restaurant, bakery, café. A place where people could come together, spend an afternoon laughing over drinks and food. When I start letting my thoughts go down that path, I imagine what it would look like. I haven’t had the chance to visit in The Mermaid Inn in New York City but the next time I am in town, it’s on my agenda. I adore the logo, the photos, and the website. The design and the aesthetics of the restaurant compliment each other beautifully.
There is no way I could afford one night in this gorgeous hotel, but one day, I will stay at the Greenwich Hotel in New York City. The modern, clean, yet comfortable design fits my own personal design motto. I like how the hotel mixes bright colors against a neutral pallete. If I could decorate my house like this place, I’d never want to leave.
I hope you all have your costumes ready, your goodies baked, and your decorations up. I can’t believe it’s Halloween already; times really does fly. I am planning on baking up a storm for my best friend’s party on Saturday and guess what I am dressing up as? Rosie the Riveter! I get to rock the red lips and perfectly curled hair all the while stomping around in some big manly boots. it’s going to be a blast.
I leave you here with some of my Flickr favorites. I hope you all have an amazing (and safe) Halloween! May countless candies and drinks be in your future…
