The Trouble of Packing

I'm not complaining about having the luxury of being able to travel, but with the rising airline prices, it is becoming quite a production to pack everything needed to live in a hotel for multiple nights. Fortunately, a member of our party is driving up to Oregon, when we fly and has offered to take a suitcase in the car with him. However, mine, being much smaller than most, barely fits necessary cosmetics (unable to be carried on a plane) and my shoes, let alone clothes for ten days. To solve this issue, I have filled my 'official' carryon bag, and filled it with sweaters, shorts, pants, and dresses. Along with my oversized purse (also filled to the brim with clothes) I have managed to fit everything in.
Being the person I am, clothes play a major role in my day to day life, so naturally, I always overpack. I have four pairs of pants when only one day is forecasted to be under 75 degrees, unnecessary jackets and more pairs of socks than days I'm gone. But what's the damage, if I don't have to pay for a checked bag?!
Have a great week.

Sunday Brunch

This past weekend has been, to say the least, very busy. Between trying to pack for an upcoming trip, running errands and caring for sick pets, I am surprised how easy it was to host a brunch. All it took was a little planning and organization on my part. The end result couldn't have been better; however, it didn't go off without a hitch. I included the classic deviled eggs, a strawberry pancake from an old Finnish recipe, blueberry muffins, fruit salad, and homemade granola. To compliment the food, I served sparkling water, fruit juices, coffee and tea.
  1. Make Sunday brunch for friends.

To decorate the room I made tissue paper flowers, which corresponded nicely with the yellow and green theme

Wine Country for the Underage - Part 4

Although our destination in Napa were the outlets, we had to make one more stop on the way there. The town of St. Helena is the heart of Napa Valley. On Main St there is a wonderful chocolate shop, which was our third stop. Woodhouse Chocolate makes delicious chocolates that come in a variety of flavors. Some favorites include Sur de Lago, Heart of Darkness, and Honey.

Guess, Talbots, Ultra, Sunglass Hut, TSE

Our final stop brought us to one of my favorite places: Napa Premium Outlets. Including stores such as Barney's New York, J.Crew, Banana Republic, Coach and Nine West, it is a shoppers dream; so I fit in perfectly.
By the way, it is safe to say that I contained my excitement and can officially cross of number 8 on my list.
  8. Resist the summer sales


We wrapped up our trip driving through the fog-hidden, traffic-jammed San Francisco, and headed for home. 

7pm

10am
same day, only hours before

Keep in mind we started our day in the sun.

Wine Country for the Underage - Part 3

From the street this red building can be passed by in a heart beat. If you turn into the small, narrow parking lot and walk inside, the food is so wonderful that it is worth the long wait for a table. Boon Fly Café is one of the restaurants at the Carneros Inn. Yet I have never stayed at the hotel, their café is to die for. Although my lunch always consists of a club or B.L.T. sandwich (with my sense for classic food, I highly recommend)I have been informed that their Hippie sandwich is a must for any vegetarians, or hippies in the making. No matter what I order, I always have an order of their crispy french fries. Nothing makes a more classic meal.

Crispy French Fries

P.S. If ordering donuts (as directed on the sign) ask the waiter first because making them takes a very long time...

Wine Country for the Underage - Part 2

A few more photos from Corner Stone:
The first three pieces I found a few months ago at Artefact Design & Salvage.

A broken glass door that I imagine one day, could live glass-free, dividing my future living and dining room. 

A worn out pedicab (or cycle rickshaw) that resembles the bright sunshine that seeps through the California clouds.

A similar chair to which I would put around a solid white marble table to enable the room a modern/antique feel.

Last year, this dog, joined by his friends, sat proudly at the entrance of A New Leaf Gallery.

I love this. I don't know if it is the simple patterns or the nicely stacked column, but something catches my attention.

The multicolored dots spun around in a circle when the wind whipped through.

The laughing bear from Zipper, you can't help love his smile.

A modern cement ball hiding before an endless field of a newly-planted vineyard.

I love this picture. The blue and black stripes only emphasize the white tree more in Topher Delaney's Garden Play exhibit.

How a different view can change the whole look of the tree and the season it's in.

The Garden of Visceral Serenity by Yoji Sasaki

Wine Country for the Underage - Part 1

Napa, California is known across the country as having best wine in the nation. But for a teenager, wine is not an option. Luckily, this beautiful area has much more than alcohol to offer. With my frequent trips to Napa, I have discovered some of Wine Country's best hidden treasures.

I always start my day at Corner Stone Sonoma. As the sign states, there is food, shops, wineries, and gardens. Corner Stone is known for their designer gardens. They select designers from across the country to come and create a modern area. Each receive about 1,800 square feet, and they do amazing work with the space.

Daisy Border by Ken Smith

Small Tribute to Immigrant Workers by Mario Schjetnan

Eucalyptus Soliloquy by Walter Hood & Alma Dusolier

by Mark Rios

The Knowledge of Man is as the Waters by UC Davis Students

Attention!! Potager by Scott Daigre

Corner Stone has two iconic pieces: a blue oversized adirondack chair, and the (now deceased) 'blue-ball' tree.

by Claude Cormier, this is the blue tree at its prime,

and this is it today. The tree itself has died, all of the branches have been chopped off, and the 'ping-pong' balls are faded and broken.

A great part of Corner Stone is that entrance to the gardens is free; this was not always true but as of the bad economy, they have adjusted their rates and are currently booking special events. This has become a very popular destination for weddings. However, Corner Stone is much more than just gardens. They have a wide variety of shops to fit many interests. My personal favorite is Zipper. It sells very modern merchandise including home decor, jewelry, kids and dogs. Other stores are listed here.

This adorable guy sits with his brother outside of Zipper.

Look out for more from Napa coming soon.