Guest Post: Summer Destinations ~ Tomboy Style...

So excited to have Lizzie here today from Tomboy Style, one of my favorite bloggers dishing about one of my favorite cities...summer destination: San Francisco!

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My husband and I are hopping on the short flight from LAX to SFO for the weekend to visit friends and enjoy "The Paris of the West".

1. Mark Twain may not be synonymous with San Francisco, but one of his maxims has become quite the S.F. cliché ("The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco"). I love collecting old books with fun covers and could imagine this one jumping into my Etsy cart in the near future. 

2. My husband and I are staying with friends for the weekend in The Mission, who have a thing for nautical ephemera, I'll be sure to send them this awesome thank you card made from the San Franciscan letterpress, Yellow Owl Workshop.

3. Heath Ceramics is such a fantastic and Bay Area institution. I recently scored a set of vintage Heath plates at a thrift store in Orange County for next to nothing, but wouldn't mind shelling out for some of their beautiful glassware. 

4. I live for essential oils, especially when I travel, and am a big fan of everything from the Berkeley-based company Juniper Ridge and their Big Sur blend.

5. There are so many things to love about S.F., but for me the biggest draw is the food. It is, in my book, the best eating city in the country. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that there's time to grab a beer-battered Sweetwater Oyster Po' Boy with bacon remoulade from Hog Island Oyster Co. at The Ferry Building. (photo via TheFoodinista.com)

6. My favorite SF-based online vintage store is no doubt Paris Hotel Boutique. I'm lust over the oil paintings that come in on a weekly basis and definitely have my eye on this guy. 

Tomales Bay Retreat...

I would love to stay here, at this waterside home called the Poet's Loft in Point Reyes...{image via Cup of Jo}

Jetlag + Good Friends + SF Highlights...

I am tuckered out, but loving my time in SF. I can't decide which way it is harder to travel and catch up with sleep - but my experience says East to West. I'd like to lay in this cozy bed! 

It has been just amazing weather, pinch me for how lucky I get everytime I visit. Sunny and 70s. I am shacking up with one of my best friends' in the world and her hubby and black lab. You know the kind of friends that think of everything...I had flowers next to my bed this morning and a pack of travel tissues because my allergies have kicked in this past week. Their guest room bed is even more comfy than mine at home and I have taken great walks with the pup in the Presidio and on the beach. Not to mention our offices here are in the best location and the crew is so nice!

Heading to the East Bay on Sunday was such a treat, I felt spoiled hopping from Piedmont to Orinda hanging with friends and their little babes, two more days to go and I'm already homesick for CA and missing everyone.

I don't have many pics to share, but I snapped a photo of Saturday's visit to Hog Island Oyster Depot, oysters and wine was enjoyed by all!

Tonight - I get to meet up with fellow blogger and favorite, Caitlin from Sacramento Street. Can't wait to exchange ideas over vino at a new spot in Pac Heights. 


PS. Since I'm traveling the TUESDAY GIVEAWAY resumes next week and you will want to stay tuned, because it's a great one from Tucker Blair;) Cheers + Have a lovely day. {image via design sponge, sacramento st}

Miette Baking Classes...

If only I was here in San Francisco for an extended stay, I'd sign up for this 3 week cake class at Miette in Oakland, and become a cake decorating extraodinaire!

Hotel Heaven...

I first heard of Bardessono, an eco-hotel Napa Valley this weekend and couldn't wait to take a look! Utilizing solar panels, salvaged trees, non-toxic materials and organic linens, they stand by their environmental mission to be green. With 62 beautiful rooms, a rooftop pool, earth friendly luxury spa and carbon-fiber bikes on deck, it seems like a perfect retreat. Pair that with its top-rated restaurant -based on local, farm-fresh ingredients and location amidst the best Napa wineries, and you have heaven!

Healdsburg Weekend & Wine Tasting...

One of my favorite spots on the map is Healdsburg, CA. I went many times when I lived on the west coast;) My friend has a trip with girlfriends in late March, so I thought I'd make a list of my recommendations for a lovely weekend getaway.

Where to stay:
Hotel Healdsburg

Best Vineyards:
A Fafanelli
Dry Creek Vineyard
Mauriston
Mazzocco
Michel-Shlumberger
Passalacqua Winery
Seghesio
Silver Oak
Truett-Hurst Winery

Market:
Big John’s Market
Dry Creek General Store

Where to eat:
Ravenous
Cena Luna
Scopa
Zin

When you are sick of wine: Bear Republic Brewery
Planning trip: Wine Road Website & Maps

Oh Macaron...

Move over cupcake, there’s a new sweet craze, Macarons. These french cookie sandwiches filled with creamy ganache are a pretty perfect treat and shops are popping up all over. Here are a few that have the best in my favorite cities coast to coast.

SF
Paulette in Hayes Valley
Miette in the Marina

NYC
Almondine in Brooklyn
La Maison du Chocolat in Rockefeller Center
Macaron Cafe in the Fashion District (just steps from my office;)

Also, I found a fantastic cookbook that delves into the secrets of making perfect macarons at home.

Noeteca Cafe...

Another lovely coffee tea and wine bar in San Francisco! My next trip out west, I want to venture to Noe Valley and sip wine at this new local spot, Noeteca!

SF: City Guide Illustrated...

I love coming across creative city guides. Having lived in San Francisco, I am still totally smitten with all of it's charm, so this whirwind tour caught my attention in Hemisphere Magazine. I am now inspired to create my own, so stay tuned!
1. Start at the city’s scenic westernmost edge and gawk at the swooping parasailers on Ocean Beach. Then duck into the old-timey Camera Obscura (1096 Point Lobos Ave.; ) for some 15th century optical magic.
2. Flag a cab and cruise through Golden Gate Park, slowing at the bison paddock for a glimpse of the city’s cutest thousand-pound pets. Zip up to the top of the observation tower at the de Young Museum for a dizzying 360-degree view of San Fran’s rippling hills (50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr.).
3. Dash to Haight Street, ground zero for the hippie movement in the ’60s and still a grungy, youthful strip. The neighborhood is home to legions of vintage shops, including Amoeba Music (1855 Haight St.; ), one of the country’s best (and last) record shops.
4. Local, seasonal, organic. These buzzwords are on menus all over town, and at the newly renovated Magnolia Pub and Brewery (1398 Haight St.) you can sample all three in the form of locally brewed beer, asparagus and rabbit sausage.
5. After lunch, walk to Alamo Square Park to see the iconic “Painted Ladies,” a row of colorful Victorian houses launched to stardom in the opening credits of Full House.
6. Drop in to the 18th century Mission Dolores Chapel (3321 16th St.), the oldest building in the city, for a speedy history lesson. Sprint through the adobe building, then peek outside into the leafy cemetery where San Francisco’s earliest leaders are buried.
7. Reward your efficiency with some organic ice cream from Bi-Rite Creamery (3692 18th St.), known for its exotic flavors and rabid hipster following. Eat a scoop of balsamic strawberry among the palm trees in nearby Mission Dolores Park. Beware of stray Frisbees. 8. Hop the BART subway at the 16th Street Mission Station and head over to the Ferry Building’s indoor marketplace. After scoring tasty souvenirs (artisanal cheeses, locally made chocolate), slurp oysters and champagne at Hog Island Oyster Company (One Ferry Building; ) and congratulate yourself for completing your cross-city sprint.
{via Wide open Spaces}

The Alembic Bar...

The new Haight street bistro in SF, Alembic Bar looks like a fantastic spot to snack and sip cocktails. I not only admire the creative graphic and web design on their site, but the menu looks delish...and these 2 cocktails are just beginning of the creative mix. via Bedlam of Beefy

Best San Francisco Restaurants...

I had a whole column on the side of my blog dedicated to this...now the list grows. My favorite places in sf to eat, drink and be merry. From breakfast faves, to casual mexican and romantic northern italian. Enjoy!

Antica
Bar Tartine
Cafe Jacqueline
Delfina
Dosa
Frascati
Gary Danko
Greens Restaurant
Hog Island Oyster Depot in the Ferry Building
Isa
La Taqueria
Little Star Pizza

Mamacita's
Mama's
Nopa
Pauline's Pizza
Piperade
Puerto Alegre

Quince
Sociale
Swan Oyster Depot

Taylors in the Ferry Building
Thanh Long

Tipsy Pig
Town Hall

Santa Cruz...

In the summer months on the west coast, one of my favorite excursions was Santa Cruz. It's where I first attempted getting on a surf board! Besides hitting the beach and the boardwalk, there are little gems in town too. Stay at the Dream Inn or Chaminade Resort. Stop for brunch at Walnut Avenue Cafe, stroll the shops and then hit up Soif Wine Bar or El Palomar for afternoon happy hour. And if you aren't afraid of the shark tales, you too can get surf lessons at Cowell's.

Big Dog Surf Camp...

Northern Cal local and surf expert, Ian Glover (Big Dog) launched a summer program for kids last year, which he’s expanding by popular demand to include one-on-one and group surf sessions for adults at Big Dog Surf Camp! Pick up your wetsuit and board at Proof Lab surf shop in Mill Valley. He then shuttles you over the hill to the beach for a three-hour lesson. Single sessions run about $100, but the price goes down per person if you book as a group. And if you enjoyed the movie Forgetting Sarah Marshall as much as I did, you'll appreciate this clip where actor Jason Segel's character is being taught to surf, just to get you in the mood. Thanks DC.

Chi McClean...

I am listeing to Chi McClean's new album 'Something Out There' that just came out a few weeks ago and am loving it! Songs like Stealing Time and Miles Away are faves - where Chi strums the acoustic guitar beautifully along with his thoughtful lyrics. Listen!

Morning Buns...

Check out the Morning Buns recipe from my favorite bakery in SF - Tartine. They look delicious!

MORNING BUNS RECIPE

The recipe for croissant dough can be found in the artine cookbook.

2 lbs croissant dough

1/2 c brown sugar

1/2 c white sugar

Finely grated zest of 2 medium oranges

2 T ground cinnamon

pinch salt

4 oz (1 stick) butter, melted

extra white sugar for coating muffin cups and for rolling finished buns

1. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, 1/2 cup white sugar, orange zest, cinnamon and salt. Mixture will keep in the refrigerator for 2 weeks or in the freezer for a month. 2. Prepare a 12-muffin capacity muffin tin by generously brushing bottom and sides of each cup with melted butter. Put a teaspoon of sugar in each muffin cup and swirl around to evenly coat. Tap out excess sugar. 3. Roll out croissant dough into a 1/4-inch thick, 6-inch-by-18-inch rectangle, with the long side in front of you. Brush dough with melted butter, and sprinkle sugar mixture evenly over the whole rectangle—the sugar layer should be about 1/8-inch thick. You may have some of the mixture left over. 4. Starting with the long side of the dough, roll rectangle into a cylinder. Cut cylinder into 1 1/2-inch discs. Fit each disc into the buttered and sugared muffin tins so that the swirl pattern is visible on top. You may have some extra rolled bun dough left over or just choose to bake fewer buns (if you do, cut them all and freeze individually on a pan). Once frozen, place in a resealable plastic bag and store in freezer. To bake buns that are frozen: Prepare pan as above, let buns defrost in the prepared cups (this will depend on how warm your kitchen is, about 45 minutes), then continue with step 5. 5. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Let rolls rise in a warm but not hot place for approximately 45 minutes. The rising time will vary depending on how cold your dough was to start and how warm a place they are put to rise. They should rise approximately to 1 1/2 times their original size. Place the muffin tin on a cookie sheet covered with parchment or foil to catch any drips while baking.6. Bake for about 45 minutes to an hour or longer, depending on your oven. When done, the tops should be well browned and the sugar melted. Remove pan from oven and immediately turn buns out onto a clean baking sheet or work surface. Place pan in sink and cover with hot water (it will be easier to clean later). Let the buns set for 5 to 10 minutes, then toss in a bowl with some sugar to coat. These buns are best eaten the day they are made. If eating the next day, heat them up first in a 350 degree oven for 5 minutes before serving. via Lake Jane & OHD!

Karaoke...

I love karaoke. There I said it...I'm not sure when I first admited to this fact, but the people who know me well - have seen me take over the stage with such favorites as Total Eclipse of the Heart, Read My Mind, Livin' on a Prayer, Like a Prayer and Eye of the Tiger. It's all deadly. I love this scene from My best Friend's Wedding, because even when you're terrible, you're a crowd pleaser.

Here are a few karaoke establishments I recommend!

Karaoke One 7, NYC

Sing Sing, NYC

Silver Cloud, SF

Jay Jeffers Interiors...

Blogger Alkemie admires San Francisco interior designer Jay Jeffers, and I have to chime in to agree! I use to work for Jay in SF years ago. He had an incredible style and from what I have seen of his recent projects - has only become more creative and amazing.

Big Sur...

A few hours south of San Francisco is one of my favorite places on earth.

Stay at the Post Ranch Inn or the Ventana Inn. If you can't swing the steap prices. Camp out for $25 dollars at Ventana and book message at the spa the best of both worlds!

Take hikes in the Pfiffer redwood forrest, picnic on the side of highway 1, eat dinner at Nepenthe. Stop at the Big Sur Bakery for breakfast. You won't want to leave...

The Tipsy Pig...

The name has kind of a charm;) The Tipsy Pig in SF opens on Chestnut street, with a great back patio, an antique wood bar, and american cuisine favorites like warm pretzels with smoked cheddar dip, pulled pork sliders, bacon mac ’n’ cheese, and fried chicken. Not to mention their yummy cocktails and local beers.

Grilled Cheese Please...

This Saturday in Dolores Park in SF, the 2nd Annual NorCal Regional Grilled Cheese Invitational kicks off. Taste testing various melty cheese sandwiches sounds right up my alley! Three categories were selected for the competition - The Missionary Position: Standard bread, standard butter and standard cheese. No additional ingredients or flavorings allowed. The Kama Sutra: Any kind of bread, any kind of butter, and any kind of cheese (or blend of cheeses) plus additional ingredients. The Honey Pot: Any kind of bread, any kind of butter, any kind of cheese (or blend of cheeses), and any additional ingredients, but a sandwich that is sweet in flavor, or would best be served as dessert.