Omnivore Books

This quaint little shop around the corner boasts the most amazing cookbook collection you've ever laid your hungry eyes on.  Tucked away in Noe Valley, shop owner Celia Sack really, really loves books, on food that is.  It is truly a gem. 

She has every new cookbook you might imagine but also an impressive collection of antiquarian cookbooks.  I mean, who wouldn't envy a person who gets to travel to Europe just to hunt for antique cookbooks?   

They also have super fun events, like fried chicken and pie baking contests. 

I could spend hours - hours! - here.  Maybe they're hiring?

(Photos via Omnivore Books)

These boots are made for me

No seriously, they are. 
Found with the most perfectly styled outfit here,
on one of my biggest blog crushes. 

I think this cozy little ensemble was made just for me,
and the balmy weather right now. 

Le love...

The weekend

This weekend brought us another trip to the Farmer's Market for fresh flower love, but this time, we also showed some New York friends around before heading up to Napa.  (Ehh hem, confession: we maybe had more chilaquiles.  Why are you so good, chilaquiles verdes?) 

I have to admit, it's awfully nice living close enough for day trips to the wine country.  And not just any wine country, one of the world's finest wine regions!  We hit up two of our favorite spots: Sequoia Grove, which has deliciously spicy Syrah (I highly recommend the 2006 Syrah).  We also ended our day with a little bubbly at the gorgeous and sprawling estate of Domain Chandon.  I love their etoile brut rose (and the blushy pink color) - not too sweet, but just enough.

This weekend also brought...

Walks with more pretty flowers.

Delicious and perfectly creamy Blue Bottle Coffee.

Miles and miles of grapes!

You won't believe it.

Chocolate mousse in an edible chocolate cup. 

No really, you can eat the little tea cup!

More treats from the darling Miette Bakery...

I maybe had some for breakfast on Sunday.

Some green space.

(Photos by me)

Coolest laptop ever

Ok, so I maybe mean to say coolest laptop cover ever. So clean and chic. Love.

(By Byrd and Belle found via A Little Sussy)

Feeling reflective

Just like this dreamy and ethereal photo, no question San Francisco is a gorgeous place.  But it has more than its fair share of foggy days, and I've been feeling just about as foggy lately.  It's a funk I need to snap out of...um, soon.  I'm just not feeling like myself lately, and I admit it's entirely career-related.  Maybe more on that later.

So, it's timely that tomorrow is Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement) where we dedicate time to turn inward, taking inventory of how we've lived life honorably (or not), and how we've treated others and ourselves over the past year.  It's an opportunity to focus, hit the reset button and implement meaningful change. 

This year, I am focusing on personal career choices that are right for me (and really being honest about them), cultivating friendships and highlighting family life.  How can I do better?  How have I faltered in these areas, and how should I change?  Also, what do I want these things to look and feel like?  What do I need to dedciate towards these goals?  Something to ponder...

Happy New Year!

(Photo via for design's sake)

Lazy Monday...

This is exactly what I'd rather be doing today.  I love this photo.  We went on a pretty (and warm scorching hot!) hike yesterday that gave me a little taste, but right about now I need a massive helping!  Monday is tough today, especially since it's so beautiful outside, and in San Francisco, such sunny weather is no common occurrence.  I'd love to be taking in some fresh air and reading books all day.  Le sigh...

Photo by Lisa Warninger via Frolic!

Happy Weekend

This weekend we're toasting and celebrating a friends birthday and the beginning of a New Year.  Exciting stuff!  We're also planning some restful sleep, a hike or two (weather permitting) and filling up my camera with pictures.  And, I plan to sneak in a cupcake or two.  Just because.

I'm really feeling the itch for a trip again.  Somewhere, almost anywhere.  Our last mini-trip was to the Oregon coast, which was varied and pretty and rural.  I'm maybe deaming of a beach or Paris though, maybe.  I'm finding that I get antsy without hitting the road once a month or so.  I love the unexpected adventures and shared experience.  Plus, E's a good travel buddy to have around. 

Images, Roman Road Looking South, Paper Lanters and The Joy of Life Paris by Tim Irving via Folksy and found at You Are My Fave

Dear Clinton Street Bakery,

Oh, how I miss you today.

Your pancakes are perfect.  You've always had me at "warm maple caramel" sauce.

I could really use some of your heuvos rancheros right about, say, now.  I've never had anything like it, and nothing compares out here.  (More of that soft and airy jalapeno sour cream, please.)  Most everything else on the menu is perfection, like cheesy grits and biscuits.  Yummy.

Maybe E and I will move back and become your very bestest regulars (again).  But for now, I'll spread the good word and look forward to our next meeting. 

More on you later...

I am so hungry now.

Images via Clinton Street Baking Company

Wish list.

I've maybe been crushing on this cute gunmetal grey Market Bag from moop.  I love the adjustable strap.  It's perfect for trips to the Farmers Market on Saturday mornings, where inevitably, I bring home some fresh seasonal flowers:

(If only peonies were available year round.  Le sigh.)

...and without fail, end up enjoying the most delicious chilaquiles verdes you can dream up.  Ever.  In your entire life.  Seriously, if you ever find yourself at the San Francisco Ferry Building Farmers Market you really have to try some.

Images via moop and by Rachel via Heart of Light

Falling into season

I was expecting more Indian summer this weekend, but instead mother nature gave us rain and drizzle and grey skies (though some of them were lovely), even a little thunder and lightening.  It kind of made me want to snuggle up into a warm cozy cabin with a fire and good book.  Rather than feeling gloomy, I pretended this just a sneak peak to fall, which made me totally excited for fall...foods!  Pumpkin, roasted squashes, roasted anything for that matter, spiced wine and cider, spicy hot chocolate and pretty cakes - red velvet cupcakes!  I made some yummy pumpkin bread in celebration. 

This weekend also brought us...

1.  Fresh laundry

2. A stroll with E for some ridiculously delicious and creamy ice cream.  I maybe had seconds on Sunday, maybe.

3. ....and a few cozy naps with E.

4. Homey stuff, like hanging some pictures, some chalkboard paint and lots of cooking!

I might be struggling with Monday a little, but am looking forward to lots of good stuff this week.  Most of all, I'm looking forward to seeing where this little blog of mine takes me.  It's been a long time in the making. 

Photo by Allyson Gowdy Thayer via Abbey Goes Design Scouting