Napa in the Fall

I went to Napa (and started in Sonoma) in a limo full of girlfriends last weekend. We sipped some well crafted wines at a handful of vineyards, ate wonderful cheese with sparkling wine at Domaine Carneros and brunched at Boont Fly in Carneros.


Domaine Carneros (above)


Fall is one of the most beautiful times to visit wine country. The leaves are changing and the weather is still relatively warm. I can't wait to go back again soon and discover more gems in Napa like Goose Crossing. Lucky me, the most stunning wine region is only an hour north of San Francisco!






Vines at Goose Crossing

A Day In California Wine Country

A quick jaunt over the golden gate bridge and you reach bountiful wine country. It is my favorite way to escape...north...for sunshine, open land and fresh oxygen via the best greenery. We skipped over most of Napa, except for Domain Chandon for sparkling wine and the most beautiful grounds. I love anything covered in creeping ivy. We followed up with Alexander Valley at Geyser Peak and ended at Simi, among the most stunning tree-scaped grounds and my favorite white wines.

Dreaming of vacation

Life's A Beach
Originally uploaded by robbie4455

This photo is the beach near Cancun, Mexico. It would be lovely to go somewhere tropical for a week or more. As most of you, I yearn for a vacation that doesn't include going to visit family in another part of the country. A place that has clean folded towels, maid service, good food that you don't have to cook and drinks with straws. Aaahhhh vacation. I don't think that will happen till December! Till then I have to make my own Mai Tai.

Carcassonne, France

Where will you travel this summer? I would be thrilled to travel to Europe this summer but can't this year. As I know a number of people find themselves saying all too often. Maybe these pictures will get you on a plane!

We visited this walled city in the south of France (Languedoc area). It is called Carcasonne and has its midevil qualities in tact. It was as if a knight were going to come around the corner atop a stallion at any second.

Inspiration for Color

I just bought a deep orange pair of high heeled strappy sandals. I am delving into color this summer and the inspiration comes from a mini vacation to San Diego at the end of May. We ended our trip in the old town of San Diego, where Mexican art is rampant and is as true as being in old town Zihuatanejo. We browsed some of the best Mexican artisan stores and soaked in the bright colors and warm feel of our neighbors to the South. It was also home to one of the best chile rellenos I've tasted that wasn't hand crafted in my grandma's kitchen. I don't think I'd do bright paint indoors, but a red door is something I love in a home. I was struck by this green door as well, Mexi shabby chic.

Small village in France

I saw this couple sitting in the early evening. I thought it was a nice little snapshot into small village life in France.

The Marais

Inspirational Paris...this is my favorite city in Europe for many reasons. One reason I feel this way is the beautiful store fronts that adorn the city and the many adorable cafes that you can stop for a cafe creme, beer and to people watch. These photos were taken in the Marais District mostly. I fell in love with this district immediately. It boasts quaint restaurants with fresh and rich dishes, and the little shops were so charming. It was a comforting and truly unique place to be. Each district of Paris offers something completely different, but I especially enjoyed the languid pace of that one Sunday afternoon I spent there.

Where will you be this weekend?

Pictures courtesy of Jamille Griss

Mexico On My Mind

As I get ready to create new memories by the beach, I think of one of the best sunsets to come to mind. This one lives in Troncones Beach, Mexico. Simple, raw and a bit secluded. I used to think sunsets are only beautiful and on fire when they are near smog, but I may be wrong here.



Pictures courtesy of Jamille Griss

Art In Napa Valley

As I sit here hungry with an empty fridge I think what else can feed my being? Art can feed the soul. And...I have salt and vinegar chips.

Japanese Tea Garden

San Francisco is known to be a little bit of a progressive city, yet there is also a zen feeling to it. When I've had enough concrete and mini coopers, I am thankful for the parks around town. If you've never been to the Japanese Tea garden you should visit. It is one of the most charming gardens and makes you feel transported to another part of the planet for a while. Bits of Memoirs of a Geisha was filmed in its lush space, which is located in the Golden Gate Park. I have only been during the weekdays when the tourists are few but I can imagine it would be less zen and more circus otherwise. There are little trails to amble and creeks that calm with a melodious hum. I like to stop at the outdoor cafe for hot tea and cookies before I leave the serenity of its surroundings.

Beauty is Grey

Being from a sunny place, it took me a year to stop shivering when I moved to San Francisco seven years ago. It didn't help that I only owned open toe shoes, but that is besides the point. Now I generally don't feel the cold, and have grown to appreciate a beautiful grey day. There is something mystical about how the blanket of fog hugs the city.

Memorial Weekend Post

The fog was so thick on Sunday morning. I could barely see the bay from my living room window. After Chinese breakfast of Dim Sum at Yet Wah in the Richmond District, we decided to break away from the cold and drive north. We drove to upper Napa Vally and found that the sun broke right after Sausalito, sipped a little white wine and had solid relaxing Sunday.