Happy Fall! Summer is officially over, but autumn always been a favorite of mine, especially in the golden state. Today I am sharing with you one of my favorite San Francisco day trip along the coast. Heading south on highway one from the city, once you pass Pacifica and drive through the tunnel pull over to the left to hike the trails of McNee Ranch on a crisp fall day and you'll see how the highway wraps around the mountains along the cliffs of the ocean. The trails are sprinkled with wildflowers and you can't help but stop and soak in the scenery and realize just how beautiful the northern California coastline really is.
The best part of living in San Francisco has got to be the diversity in each area of this magical 7 x 7 land I've called home for just over three years. Has it really been that long? I remember unpacking boxes in my crisp white Victorian apartment on Haight & Masonic with high ceilings and long wooden hallways thinking about how culture shocked I felt and how different San Francisco was from my previous college life in Santa Barbara. Though the time has since moved me from that hazy street, I have found myself more eager every day to explore every inch of this city. Today I am presenting you with a somewhat how to guide of exploring the area around Dolores Park like a local. You will find recommendations of how to spend the perfect afternoon in this area to allow yourself to see the vibrancy along the streets. Visiting the Mission District always leaves me satisfied. I think it's the warmth and almost always sunny skies paired with the quaint boutiques and restaurants that really get me. The city feel is definitely more apparent here than my neighborhood, and that is one thing I appreciate. Being surrounded by murals, cafes, and a pretty great park is what city life is all about. Although not pictured here, if you have time, explore the inside of Mission Dolores, take a chocolate tour at Dandelion Chocolate, shop at Thread Lounge and check out the newly opened Ampersand, a lovely flower shop around the corner from Belljar.
On Saturday, I had the pleasure to waste away the afternoon in the Festival Pavilion at Fort Mason. Not only is the location amazing with sunshine and sailboats galore, Brit + Co. held their second annual Re:Make 2014 Festival. To be surrounded by such amazing positivity and creativity all in one pavilion was a little slice of heaven.
Making the switch to organic, (truly) natural skin and beauty care has been a process that has now become routine. After months and months of researching and learning about the harsh ingredients in most of the products in my own bathroom, I vowed for my own health and well being to only indulge in products that use ingredients from the earth in them. With commonly know brands such as Burt's Bees and Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps, I was pleasantly surprised with a newly found company, Acure Organics.
The iconic Ferry Building at the water's edge along San Francisco's Embarcadero is a great representation of the city within it's own building that serves as a transit hub for many neighborhoods as well as the surrounding communities on the bay including the stunning towns Marin County. Serving locals and tourists a like, the shops and eateries within the marketplace always please.
How blessed are we to have access to viewing some of the most ancient and European Art right here in San Francisco? Visiting the exquisite Beaux-Arts building on a cloudless day overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge will have you wandering the museum and it's surroundings with ease. Looking back in time, the Legion of Honor began as the French pavilion in San Francisco’s Panama-Pacific International Exposition of 1915.
Adventuring is all about searching to find what makes your soul happy, what makes you feel alive. Each spot along the San Mateo Coast has special features you can't find anywhere else. Like this secluded cove you can explore after you drive through the tunnel on Highway One, just north of Montara Beach. To find this cove, you must keep your eyes open, as you can pass it very quickly. As the cliffs drop abruptly into the Pacific Ocean, park in the lot at the base of McNee Ranch and prepare to face the busy highway. Although dangerous, cars often stop for surfers, sun bathers and adventures alike to cross and enter the steep trail sheltered by tall trees.
Early San Francisco mornings when the fog stands still in the midst of the busy commute hour can give the city life a whole other feeling. Walk the streets from the edge of Alamo Square Park to the vibrant and hip Divisadero Street to get a true sense of the city's diversity. Notice the architecture of the homes, the blooms of flowers and intricate succulents plants that line the tall and narrow historic homes of this neighborhood.
The sweet end of the summer months are for picnics, lack of wi-fi connection and genuine bliss. The end of the summer months also mean the beginning of our San Francisco Indian Summer. And although September is on the horizon of what has been an adventure filled year, I'm squeezing out as much of August as I can.
One wonderful new company I recently stumbled upon is not only good for the earth, but good for the home and the environment! Scent From Nature hand pours 100% pure beeswax to create a wide variety of quality candles that burn perfectly. But it doesn't stop there. This green company is nestled in the pristine back woods of Minnesota. Operated solely from the sun's power, these candles are non toxic and actually help purify the air while they burn!
What better way to embrace the month of August then to prep for Outside Lands? With three days of music, smiles, bohemian vibes and good friends, festival fashion will be in full swing. As I searched for both new and vintage pieces for the upcoming weekend, I couldn't help but get extra excited for this eco-friendly festival, as it seems I've been waiting months for it to come around.
Davenport, California just 11 miles north of Santa Cruz has a certain charm about it. A quaint town where you can pick your own organic, juicy strawberries against the foggy pacific and purchase pies, jams, lemonade, and more, all on the honor system. Stop in at Swanton Berry farm for an afternoon of fun and fresh fruits and stay a while playing board games or digging into a new book. Don't miss the Slowcoast shop set up right in front of the farm entrance with local goods, jewelry, soaps and more for sale.
When Club W asked me to write an article for their blog, The Juice, I could not have been any more excited. Photography and wine? What a beautiful combination. Check out my article on The Juice or continue reading below to learn how to take natural, well lit images of your wine and table settings. Plan on posting on Instagram? This guide will give you some stellar advice!
Recently I discovered a new tea company that I wanted to share on Sunshine Daydream! Los Angeles based Art of Tea has a wide selection of great loose teas meant to be savored morning, noon and night. I was lucky enough to try their caffeine free tea sampler. I really loved them all, but have to say that the Kauai Cocktail blend was my favorite. With unique ingredients, the combination was something new to me! Other teas that are included in the sampler are Apricot Escape, Fresh Lemon Ginger and Chamomile Clementine. These three teas are certified organic, which I appreciate greatly. I also love the metal tins each tea comes in because not only do the tins feature the company's story, they also include a steeping guide which is useful when trying all different varieties of tea. Not only does Art of Tea offer a wide variety of loose teas, they also offer blooming teas, which I find are simply beautiful. I recommend looking into Art of Tea for their beautiful teaware, unique blends of many types of teas and great accessories to try out.
You know those types of shops you walk in and feel/wish that it could be your house? It's as if you step through the entrance, look around, and feel a comfort in everything that hangs from the walls and perfectly sits along the shelves. You can feel this at an outer sunset gem, General Store. Located next to Outerlands, you will feel at home here. From the beautiful neutral colors with pops of color to the outdoor garden of plants and tables, you will easily be tempted by anything and everything in this shop. General store offers impressive finds from clothing, to bags, accessories to vintage gems and so much more. Browse the amazing collection inside then head into the backyard garden for some plants for sale. Find yourself in Southern California? Visit their Venice location as well to see more beauty!
A weekend among the tall trees and big mountains that surround a pristine, deep blue lake is the perfect place to recharge and refresh. Escaping the everyday routine that you may be in is just the type of thing that everyone needs, whether one realizes it or not. Spend a weekend away from it all while you enjoy the company of both old and new friends. Allow yourself to feel the bliss of the summer sun warming you up from the inside. As the sunlight soothes your soul and the fresh air flows through your body, you are bound to feel in tune with nature's beauty and all that it provides. Give in to the chilly waters that run through your hair after a quick dip into the lake and allow it to refresh your senses. Observe the quietness of the rustic dirt roads you drive to end up along the mountain side. Kayak along the lake and notice the sun's reflection along the water and through the trees. Embrace the ability to leave the cabin without a thick sweater and scarf (like we San Franciscan's have embedded in our brains) to gain a sense of freedom. To know that the air is warm and the weather is sweet, to feel the true embrace of mid-summer is some kind of magic. So take a deep, long breath, feel how the fog free Tahoe air gives you the energy and light you may need to recharge yourself. Smile as you cross the Nevada/California state line. Have gratitude for the little things. Appreciate the lack of wi-fi, let your phone battery diminish, and engage in all that is around you. Be all there. You will come back to whatever you have been working on with a clear mind. Who knows...you may just feel re-born.
If you're craving an ''off the beaten path'' kind of day, hop on Highway 1 to Pescadero and stop once you see the tallest lighthouse on the West Coast. Turn right at Pigeon Point Road and park to see the lighthouse up close. Admire the huge light lens on display and the bright Bougainvillea in full bloom. The bluffs along the ocean perfectly accent the amazing sapphire blue hue of the ocean. A trip down highway one this time of year provides the most amazing views with colored wildflowers everywhere, but they won't last long! A few miles away, head to Downtown Local for a latte. If you realize you are not ready to leave the coast, book a room at Pigeon Point Lighthouse Hostel to fall asleep to the waves crashing against the rugged, chilly waters of the northern California coast line.
Cooking with Plated was the newest experience I have embarked on. Coming back from a long day, having a box of fresh ingredients ready for you to open makes cooking even more fun, especially if you choose something you have never made before. I ordered a dinner for two that would become amazing and flavorful steak and zucchini gyros. Pulling out the ingredients and following the included recipe was quite fun and super easy. I will be ordering from Plated again, especially because the ingredients were fresh, you can keep 'em in the fridge for a few days until your ready to cook!
Among the many stunning attractions of Santa Barbara is the courthouse. The sunny day spent here was so much fun! Starting in the mural room and ending at the tower overlooking the 360 degree view of the city, ocean, mountains and islands was a great to spend the afternoon! Located on Anacapa Street, behind State Street, the architecture here is simply stunning with the imported tiles and large murals. After, spend time in the sunken gardens that surround the courthouse with luscious plants and flowers. See more stunning Santa Barbara sights here!
Every once in a while, you get the chance to discover a place that is new, refreshing and full of life. Recently I took a trip to Santa Cruz and caught word of this unique, organic brewing company. Knowing I had to stop in for a peek, I arrived at the tasting room as the sun was at its highest and ordered a tasting flight. Six standard brews and one seasonal of my liking. Naturally, I just had to choose their limited edition Lavender IPA. The second I tried the seasonal, I knew it was something special, as it is brewed with one pound of fresh lavender right there in Santa Cruz. Other seasonal brews include Horchata Pale Ale and Thy Twisted Sister. If you stop in on a Monday evening, expect a movie to be playing on their outdoor screen accompanied with tables and string lights. If you're parched from a day beach hopping along highway one, stop in for organic goodness with a great, fun atmosphere-- plus they are dog friendly!
This past week, I was fortunate enough to have been introduced to quite the tea company. Simple Loose Leaf has quality and freshness written all over it. I had the opportunity to sample several types of teas from their monthly subscription box and you won't find me sippin' on pre-packaged bagged teas anymore--you can count on it. The amazing blends of unique ingredients provide aromas that pour out from each bag to fill a pippin' hot cut of goodness perfect to begin any day. From tropical notes, to sleepy chamomile and classic green, these teas are nothing short of amazing. Being a daily tea drinker, this type of delivery at my doorstep was extra special. Check out Simple Loose Leaf to learn more about their variety of teas and monthly delivery options to have delicious tea anytime!
Within Golden Gate Park is the famous, dynamic De Young Museum. A day dedicated to art is always a good day, especially when it beams with diversity. From photography, to quality sculptures, large paintings, abstraction and more, there is a little bit for everyone here. Admire the uniqueness of artifacts from another era. Sit along beautiful landscape at the cafe and soak in the culture and appreciation for new types of art. Who knows, maybe a visit here will bring out the artist in you! Check out the website for current and special exhibits!
If you share the same excitement about eying a package on your doorstep, then Elizabeth & Clarke is something worth checking out! This New York City company has something to share with us Californian's. Receiving one, two or three high quality, fashion forward shirts in the mail is the perfect superscription for the busy modern woman. You choose the styles and voila! They arrive beautifully packaged and ready to be hung in your closet. As each season begins, the shirts featured rotate and allow you to pick the styles that catch your eye. For my Elizabeth & Clarke pieces, I choose to accent each one with a flashy necklace to compliment the simplicity of the pieces. I find these shirts are versatile and great for going out right after work. Photographed below are three styles that have gladly welcomed themselves to my wardrobe: The Truman, The Hart and The Orton. These three tops in particular are classy and flattering.
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