I Left My Heart in San Francisco ~ Again

Last week, on our day off, we decided to drive to San Francisco for a day. We ended up staying two days and stayed overnight with family. The main reason we wanted to do this was our rental car. Over 4th of July a lady literally drove backwards into our car {while we were already out and turning to leave the parking lot - she did not pay attention whatsoever and it was too late for us to react fast enough}, so we had to have our lovely car repaired. No dramatic damage but the total cost came up to $700; it's not just nothing. Anyways, so while our car was undergoing surgery we got a rental - a lovely brand stinking new Toyota Prius. Awesome mileage, and a brand new car...that just goes with San Francisco. No?

Since my favorite person had never been to SF before {a total shocker to me, since this is my absolutely favorite city in the US} I was more than just happy to visit the city with him. After all, I used to live there years ago and I just miss the big city feel. I am a big city girl there is no denying that - so naturally this trip made my month! I took my man for a loooooooong walk around the city. We parked the car, and then walked. I kept asking if he was okay and would love to take public transportation {he's not so much into PT but I will teach/show him over time that the one in SF is brilliant} - he always said he was okay. I could tell he wasn't used to walking up and down hills but kept going. Once we got back to our car we drove around to where we needed to go, so that gave our legs, feet, and hips a break. :)

While walking I tried to snap away a few photos here and there. I hate looking and acting like a tourist in any city. Granted I am not a tourist in this city but stopping and taking photos in the middle of a street automatically makes you look like one. 

We had a fabulous breakfast at Just For You Cafe. They even have wheat free pancakes available {yet, wheat free is not fully gluten free} but I stayed away and ordered eggs, bacon, potatoes, and two slices of gluten free bread. Needless to say I was in heaven!!!

 

Gluten free bakery and all kinds of goods? Yes, please!!!!

We also quickly stopped by Berkeley for lunch and then headed home. Unfortunately, we also had to return our lovely rental car that same day. Ten minutes after we arrived back home and stretched our legs we got a call saying the car woke up from surgery and was ready to be picked up. Boo. We were sad, but also happy to get a familiar car back. Rentals are great, and when insurance pays for it it's even better. Yet, the familiarity of your car will never be there.

 

This is my little gossip of today. Linking up with Leeann for Monday Morning Gossip. I had a blast in San Francisco. I finally felt like myself again. I am rejuvenated. Even though we walked a ton {literally, my legs were sore I have to admit that much} our little trip felt like heaven. We needed a break from hot and to us, boring, Sacramento. We needed cooler air, the ocean, and some things to explore. We got all that and I believe even my favorite person liked it. I might have scarred him though with all the walking, but it was a fabulous getaway. So glad we could stay with family as well - saved us a ton of money, and nerves! 

Happy Monday everyone!

Sacramento

It has been over six weeks that we moved from the L.A./OC area to Sacramento. I moved without expectations. I knew it was going to be very different, and slightly maybe even difficult. I knew there was a possibility for it all to be challenging; after all, a move to a different and unknown area is always a bit of a challenge. Not sure how my favorite person felt before the move. He was looking forward to experiencing something new - that is for sure. So far, it's not been my favorite move at all. I don't hate it but I am not liking it either. There, I said it. Granted, we still have to adjust, and we still have to find places to go to and feel okay with. We are working on it every week!

Just like the not working lights in the letter C, that's how I see this move. We have only been here for a little over six weeks but I am so looking forward to moving away again, preferably down south or just closer to San Francisco. Yet, all in due time. Until then, I am trying to really make it happen here, and make the best out of this area. Maybe it's going to surprise me over the next year...hopefully. 

My dislike towards this area (let's hope this changes soon!!!) did not prevent me from exploring it. I mean, we made the effort to move and we want to make it happen at least for the time being. Discover what this city and surrounding areas offer is a must - so we started a little....here's a few photos.

These ducks are my highlight. In our community we not only have ducks and duck babies walking around (they are also quite entertaining to listen to), we also have four turkeys, a peacock and a bunch of dogs and at least three cats. My highlight are the ducks. Leftover, stale bread is what I feed them at the pond. Apparently I am not the only one. :) Plus, they love it. Unfortunately, we discovered a few hatched eggs...but hatched before they were due and ready. My heart broke. :(

With a few exceptions {restaurants, museums, galleries, boutiques} we have pretty much covered/seen Sacramento's  downtown/midtown/oldtown section. There's not much else within the city. I doubt that shopping plazas almost outside the city count with an enormous WalMart and Ikea center. Anyways, I am sure we will come across insider tips on great restaurants and places to see and experience...and I will make sure to document and share. Yes I am trying to be very positive here.

This place by far has become my favorite spot to eat. It reminds me of Los Angeles, NYC, and Berlin. Nice combo. Food so far has been fantastic. I have yet to go in when it is Brunch Time, but Cafeteria 15L is definitely a place I would recommend to stop by and eat in.

We have ventured outside the city and visited Roseville, Rocklin, Folsom, and Rancho Cordova. Also, we went to Reno a few times mainly because family lives there now. Next stops are the wine countries, my beloved San Francisco, and maybe even Monterey again. We shall see. Fingers crossed my attitude turns into something better...I have yet to figure this place out, so I won't give up. I refuse to.

Have you ever been up here? Do you live up here? Moved away from here?

Ideas? Suggestions?

Send them my way!

xoxo

Recap of two weeks....

Lunch at Cucina Enoteca is always fun.
My love for Italian food is endless. Unfortunately, when you are forced to live a gluten free life because otherwise you end up in pain 24/7, you are scared to go to Italian restaurants. Most places offer pasta, pizza, and some more pasta and pizza. I know for a fact that Italian food doesn't only consist of pasta and pizza, yet, some places think differently. Cucina Enoteca isn't fully Italian - it is Californian Italian. So I cheated. They have great appetizers and yes, even gluten free Penne available (upon request). I was a lucky girl!

Cucina Enoteca has two locations; one in Del Mar and one in Irvine. It opens up its third location in Newport Beach at Fashion Island this year - I am hoping sooner than later. If you want to experience a different kind of Italian but very close to Italian I recommend this restaurant.

I found a new tea store. At first I wasn't excited but then I saw the names of the teas available....I had to take a photo...I'd like the Mary Poppins Blend please! Plus I tried their teas and oh wow was I wrong. So good, and so different - did I mention they only sell tea leaves? Yes. So if you are a tea lover or know someone that is I say go check Lily Chai Tea out.

If you follow me on Instagram you saw this lovely and very rare photo of me (I am working on taking more me-pictures; promised).

I finally went to a blow bar and had my very first (yes yes) blow experience. ;)

According to this photo it was more of a curl experience but they still washed, dried, and styled my hair beautifully. I have lots of hair but thin hair so it's never fun for me to work on my own hair...having someone work on it who knows how was such a fun experience. I went to MyBlow L.A. and had a fabulous time.
Never mind the bathroom picture...after my fun blow experience I went out of town with my favorite person, so this was the only chance I got to take a selfie of me that captured my hair.

February in Southern California has been a mixture of hot and cold. Lately more of a warm up. In the mornings it is super freezing but once 11am hits it warms up quickly. As an avid school-goer I felt like wearing my favorite sweater, jeans, and grabbed my chucks for a chance. Also, never to be missed....my music, hence the cord you see. :) Ten minutes after this photo was taken I was happy to finally be closer to home and change into something lighter.

 

This has pretty much been my past two weeks. I also went to the dentist, splurged on shopping (new bag, new tops, new nails) and felt good afterwards. I haven't gone shopping in months (as in almost one fully year!). So, going out on my own, not looking at time and just browsing and looking for new tops and possible outfits felt great. I found what I was looking for.

As this month is coming to an end I have a few things to look forward to this week as well. I'm going to Vegas soon. Before that I will have a wonderful week with get-togethers, and no tests or homework that are due. I will be a happy girl!!!

Have a fabulous Monday everyone!

Linking up with Leeann and Kimberlee for Monday Morning Gossip.

Week 1 - Monday Morning Gossip

This is probably the last Christmas decoration I will post or even take for this month. I mean in about ten months we will start decorating again, so I should step back and stop the Christmas cheer for a while. This wreath was taken in Long Beach on Saturday. We drove from OC to Long Beach to go to Starbucks. Yes, Orange County has this lovely overpriced coffee house on every corner but it doesn't sell the mug we so desperately needed. So, we called the first shop in Long Beach and they had it. Needless to say we drove there, parked, got the mug, ordered a drink too, and drove back. Luckily I was able to take a photo before we left again.

Before we spontaneously drove north, I met up with two of my favorite ladies. We had a girls' day out and decided to go to Istanbul Grill. I am half Turkish so naturally over time I miss Turkish food. My friend M told me that there's a restaurant near us so we decided it was time to check it out. I was not disappointed. The staff was friendly, attentive, and the food was beyond delicious. Don't get me wrong. I am not saying this because I missed the food. I've had Turkish food outside of Turkey before and it wasn't all that, but the dishes we ordered at Istanbul Grill were amazing. We had Ayran, Dolma, Borek, spicy Ezme, two lamb stews, a lamb skewer, rice pudding, one Turkish coffee and tea (free refills). We had leftovers, and I had mine on Sunday. Still so very delicious. I cannot explain. I cannot wait to go back!

Excuse my puffy hair and the leftover bags next to me...but here we are - full and happy! What more does a restaurant want from its customers? Yes, to return and I can honestly say we will.

So, if you crave new food, Turkish food, or just want to explore a new restaurant and you happen to be in Orange County or Fountain Valley to be exact...make sure you stop by Istanbul Grill. It's delicious!

Happy Monday to you all.

Today I'm linking up with Leeann and her Monday Morning Gossip linkup. You should, too.

  

Switzerland Update

It's loooooooong overdue. Ridiculous of me to totally forget about it all. I'm appalled. Well, then again, I was busy traveling, re-adjusting, organizing, and realizing that I am indeed not in Europe anymore. So, here I am photo updating you on my lovely trip east so to speak. At this point right now, I don't know if I see my folks again next year. It all depends on my school (yes, almost done!), and opportunities in life. Life does happen wherever you are, so I take it day by day. So here's a little recap - in no particular order ;)

I spent most of my time eating foods I missed. However, I also had the hardest time readjusting my guts and telling my mind that whatever I miss eating I simply can't eat anymore. I substituted most of the time, and learned to love new foods, new ways to build food memories that remind me of home.

I wish I lived in this house. Not sure why they had a stage up front but really, all I care about is to live in that house. :) 

Anyone want some sweets?! Most of them are gluten free in case you were wondering.

Not much more happened when I went over there...I ate, I drank, I slept in, I survived another European heat wave, I also survived summer rain, and I survived not having GF food or menus available. It was a good trip. It was a long trip but it was worth seeing my mom again...and a few close friends and family. However, I'm glad to be back in California. It's home after all.

Happy September 1st everyone!!!! Cannot believe that a month ago I was still in Europe! WOW.

xoxo

Lately!

My lovelies,

As I am trying to soak up everything there is in my last two weeks in Europe I'm going to be busy organizing and arranging things. It's going to be a hectic but also a good time. So I thought I'd update you on a few things that happened over the past week, and weekend. And what better way to show you in pictures? :)

pink pants c/o Koton, grey blouse c/o Yargici, scarf c/o Old Navy, shoes c/o Rieker

This is one of my favorite outfits. :) And since I love to combine old items with newer ones I was in heaven when I found the polka dotted scarf I bought years ago. Matched perfectly.

Never mind the glasses or my funky smile. No idea what we laughed about but my friend and I had a blast with my camera...and it somehow made us giggle like little school girls. ;)

Well, if you are in Switzerland and you aren't going to visit Luzern, then part of your trip wasn't schedule right. Haha! A walk over the famous wooden bridge and a view over the water to the mountains is just awesome every time I see it. 

My quick trip to Germany was fun. I love Freiburg. It's bigger than Luzern but doesn't have that big city feel. Even though I'm a big city lover I love smaller towns that let me wander around for hours. I had my milk coffee and fruit/yogurt for snack time. Glad I'm not lactose intolerant.

Pink and black are my colors. They go with everything. And since it's warmed up in Europe it was time for me to paint my nails. By warming up I mean whatever my fellow Californians had in June with extreme heat is rolling into central Europe now. It's been hot for days, and it's getting hotter over the weekend. I love the heat, BUT, no AC kinda sucks and doesn't make it pleasant. Wish us luck.

It's July in Luzern and this means it's Blue Balls Festival again. All kind of artists domestic and international come to my hometown and bring out little place here a little funk, jazz, soul and what not. It's a very musical time and I love it. I wish I could have gotten tickets for Damien Rice or a German Group but oh well...I survive by not going. Or, I'm lucky and win those tickets?! Fingers crossed.

That's the view from our music hall overlooking the crowds and lake. Just beautiful, no?!

So yes, that's about it for right now. It's been hot, it's been fun at times also boring. However, I will miss this place dearly. I'm packing already. By doing so I'm already putting a lot of pressure on me, my body gets nervous and I'm automatically scared for what is to come in the next few months. I will be fine. I always have been. I just hate the whole travel part. Once I'm there I'll be fine. That much I know about me. 

Hope you are doing well.
Excuse me while I am a little busy here.
Besides, I gotta enjoy every second of this city while I can, right?

xoxo