Santa Barbara.

I've been to Santa Barbara a handful of times over the last few years.  I've never stayed in town-- always at White Lotus Foundation, on of my yoga schools.  But over the years, I've discovered a few Santa Barbara gems.  Places I love to return, and always made a point of going when I'm in town.  It's such a gorgeous town, I really could live there.

White Lotus Foundation.

I just returned from Santa Barbara, and a week at White Lotus Foundation, where I completed their Advanced Yoga Teacher Training Program.  It was fantastic and relaxing and gorgeous.  Sigh.

On Retreat.

I'll be on retreat for the next week in the San Ynez Mountains above Santa Barbara at White Lotus Foundation.  It's one of my favorite places on the planet, and I'm excited to go and recharge.  Sit in hot tubs, do yoga, eat delicious food, go on hikes, and return clearer.  I'm sure this will be a highlight of my year, and I'm just delighted to return to a place that's had a huge impact in my life over the last couple of years.

Forth Worth.

I recently spent the weekend in Ft. Worth, Texas.  Rodeo, cowboy boots, swimming pool lounging and eating delicious food.  We saw fantastic art and plenty of cows.

It was super-hot (one-oh-four!) but I had a great time visiting my dad.  Folks here in San Francisco always have disparaging things to say about Texas.  And while I wouldn’t necessarily want to live there, I find it delightful and there are plenty of things to experience that you won't get anywhere else.

Veselka.

When I'm in New York, I always head to Veselka.  When I lived in New York (for one summer, in 2004), I lived just a 20 minute walk from here, and would come at all hours.  This is really my perfect idea of comfort food, and it's open 24 hours.  I love the mushroom and sweet potato pierogies.  And the blintzes.  Oh, heaven.  It's great for groups who want to share.  And it's not such authentic Eastern European fare that it can't accommodate vegetarians.

Behold:

Oh, yes.

Giant Roses on Park Avenue.

Upright Citizens Brigade

Heading to New York.

I'm heading to New York this weekend!  Dan and I are always excited to visit New York, and we especially love to visit together.  We'll be visiting with friends and seeing all of our favorite spots.  Plus, I get to see my sister!  Hurrah!  

 

I'm really looking forward to this trip and getting to do all of my favorite New York things.  See you next week, or something.

Harbin Hot Springs.

What I'm Reading: OMG Edition

So, I've been waiting on news in other areas of my life before I put this out here, but here goes.  My sweetie and I will be going to Southeast Asia (as well as Japan, to visit his family) this summer!  I couldn't be more excited.  It's something we've talked about doing for years (really, years) and now we're actually planning our adventure!  So this is what I'm reading right now:

OMG, yes.

At the moment, we're still developing our itinerary, including the length of time we'll be there, so stay tuned.  We have a number of factors and priorities, but it's just a matter of what makes the most sense for both of us, and our budgets.