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.

My Sister's Birthday.

My sister is one lucky gal.  She got this, from me, for her birthday this year.  I think it's pretty swell, and was thinking of buying it for myself.  But my birthday isn't for a long time.  Happy Birthday, sis.

 

BonJour Frother.  For lattes and such at home.  Cute!

Chicago.

This past weekend, I was in Chicago.  A dear friend from high school is expecting her first bebeh, and this weekend was her baby shower.  It was, as always, fantastic to catch up with my friends from high school.  But I also had the opportunity this time to explore Chicago, which was really great.

Sufjan Stevens.

In honor of my trip this weekend.  And his awesomeness.  I will be listening to Illinois a lot this weekend, I'm sure, to put me in the mood. 

I've also been listening to Age of Adz quite a bit lately.  I love it.

Ferry Building.

Everyone in San Francisco knows about the Ferry Building Farmer's Market.  Dan and I went yesterday to get produce for the week, as well as have our knives sharpened.  We also had Chilequiles for breakfast from Primavera.  (Second week in a row, actually.)

They were phenomenal.  Also: we're cute and make each other laugh.  Good times.

Dan's Birthday.

Dan and I threw a little shindig at our place for Dan's birthday last night.  Our friends are fantastic, Dan got plenty of great stuff (and attention!).  We both had a blast, and I feel so lucky I got to honor my phenomenal partner.  I am impossibly lucky and so in love.

What I'm Reading.

I'm reading two books right now.  One in San Francisco, one in Maryland (where I'm spending quite a bit of my time these days.)  They're both good, but very different.  I highly recommend each, if for different reasons.  I'm also thrilled to finally have The Lacuna in my hot little hands, I've been waiting a long time to get it in paper back.  Having been very patient, it's good to finally be reading it.  I love most of Barbara Kingsolver's books, and Poisonwood Bible is one of my all-time favorites.

2 Amys.

Oh, holy pizza.  This is one of my favorite pizzas I've ever eaten, and one of my favorite DC spots.  San Francisco is kind of notorious for not having great pizza (or bagels), so when I go east, I always eat Italian.  Recently, I went to 2 Amys, for the first time in years, with one of my best friends.  I remembered it being amazing, as was not disappointed.  Observe:

Pizza is yummy.

Really yummy.

We are really cute.

Amazing.

Deer.

My mom has deer.

They are awfully pretty.

Chantrelle Quiche.

New Camera.

I very sadly lost my camera over the December holidays, and have been using my phone as my primary camera since.  Which, on one hand, has been cool since my phone has some great apps for taking pictures.  But on the other hand kind of bums me out.  I finally bit the bullet and bought a new camera today, and am loving it so far.  Which says a lot since I really adored my last point and shoot; it did my right for a few great years.  So now for an upgrade.  And to actually learn to use my Canon Rebel XT.  I'm also really interested in getting an Instax mini, as well as maybe a Diana.  We'll see.