Outer Sunset | Ocean Beach

Yesterday we needed something to get our minds off of the tragic 49er loss {!!!dreadful!!!} , soooo: beach day!

Definitely did the trick. Seems San Francisco has decided to channel its best southern California and have perfect weather this year, and we're soaking up every bit until the mist and fog returns. I'm daily going back and forth in my mind about whether I'm happy or disappointed about that particular day being 75 degrees and not rainy, because obviously we need rain... but HEY! I'm choosing to be thrilled about the weather and enjoy every tiny bit.

Apparently the rest of the country is having beautiful days-- mostly WHITE and fluffy days, full of school cancellations and late-to-work mornings. Probably hot chocolate and moist chocolate chip cookies too... Equally appealing in different ways, of course. I love that there is so much variety around...

Does a place ever just jump out at you from nowhere and suddenly become a favorite? I grew up a few miles from this crazy delicious Beachside Cafe, and only discovered it this week.. voila! New favorite. This whole neighborhood is full of candy-colored pastel homes, and the cafe fits perfectly. Delicious! Fried egg sandwich, yes please.

And now: pictures!

I absolutely love this: A+ for effort, Maggie... on distance..... not so much! 

ps. I'm sore from running around... a sure indication that it's time I get running or gym-ing or something. 

12 Days, 12 Giveaways: $100 to #ShopLocalSF

'Tis the season for giving and gifting! There is no better place to shop than in your own community, and Six Doors has created an app to do just that. 

San Franciscans with very little spare time this Christmas season can do the following: download the Six Doors app for free, shop hundreds of boutiques and small business in San Francisco, AND {this is the best part} have the delivered to your doorstep within the day. Whaaat? Yes, I said it... and I meant it.  

Pick-Up Sticks, Tantrum, $8 / Jess Brown Doll, Half Hitch Goods, $180 / Travel Scratch Map, Carmel Blue, $19.99 / Wooden Stir-Fry Toy, Carmel Blue, $19.99 / Alphabet Abacus, Carmel Blue, $29.99 / Wooden Puzzle, Fiddlesticks, $28 / The Happy Lion, Tantrum, $14.95 / Pretend Sushi Set, Fiddlesticks, $28

Here's the fun part: a giveaway!! Wait, I meant to say TWELVE $100 Giveaways! Today's is on my blog; simple entry form is below. The other 11 giveaways are other fabulous San Francisco bloggers' sites. The schedule for each giveaway is below, so be sure to visit each and every one of them.

My favorite picks for your city kids are featured on the Six Doors app TODAY. Be sure to download the app and enter the giveaway for $100 toward this or any other gift set from my fellow bloggers! 

Today through December 16th, head to a different SF blog each day to win more and discover great boutiques and gift ideas around the city: 

Day 1 - GIFTS TO PAMPER A FRIEND: Visit Victoria of SF Girl By Bay to find perfect gifts for pampering.

Day 2 - GIFTS FOR THE TRENDSETTER: Visit Kelli of Leopard and Lavender to find stylish, of-the-moment gift ideas.

Day 3 - GIFTS FOR CITY KIDS: Find perfect picks here at StyleSmaller TODAY to discover picks for the little ones in your life.

Day 4 - GIFTS FOR THE NEWLYWEDS: Visit Allison of Engaged and Inspired on Wednesday, 12/4 to find gift ideas for your favorite new couple.

Day 5 - HANDMADE GIFTS: Visit Natalie of Coquette on Thursday, 12/5 to find items made lovingly by hand.

Day 6 - GIFTS FOR SAVVY HOSTESS: Visit Melissa of Savvy in San Francisco on Friday, 12/6 to find gems for your favorite in-the-know gal pal.

Day 7 - HOSTESS GIFTS WITH A TWIST: Visit Paul of Urbanite Suburbanite on Monday, 12/9 to find a little something unique for your holiday hostess.

Day 8 - GIFTS FOR THE FOLKSY FOODIE: Visit Ana of Fluxi on Tour on Tuesday, 12/10 for yummy, giftable treats.

Day 9 - GIFTS FOR STYLE SAVVY FAMILIES: Visit Janette of Fashion Loves People on Wednesday, 12/11 for unique gifts for parents and kids.

Day 10 - GIFTS FOR THE FRENCHIE FOODIE: Visit Andi of Misadventures with Andi on Thursday, 12/12 to find great gifts for the Francophile in your life.

Day 11 - GIFTS FOR THE STYLISH GOURMAND: Visit Marcia and Tablehopper’s The Sugar Mama on Friday, 12/13 to find great gifts for your favorite foodie.

Day 12 - Visit Adelle of Fashionista Lab on Monday, 12/16 to find high style items for you or your FAVORITE FASHIONISTA.

Enter each giveaway throughout November and December, and discover some amazing, San Francisco based blogs and shops this holiday season! Check out all of our hand-picked gift sets and #ShopLocalSF by downloading the SixDoors app.

xo.

*This giveaway is only open to SF locals*

Golden Gate Bridge Adventure

Birthdays. 

I remember my fourth birthday clearly, and not another until seven. Sophie's fourth birthday was spent on a plane. I put a stick that said "happy birthday" in every meal she ate that day, and we had a grand time traveling cross country together. She requested Thai food for dinner on her birthday, then fell asleep, jetlagged, at the table. Safe to say that she may not remember that day when she is an adult.

We set out for FIVE to be a memorable birthday. One of those that she can remember in her 30's and beyond. My husband picked the perfect bike for our big girl, and she could hardly speak when she saw it... she just whispered "it's beautiful!" and ran to her daddy's arms. We spent thanksgiving morning riding it here and there and everywhere... and then we thought about making the day MEMORABLE, and took it a step further. 

My sister sent me a link to 101 things that kids growing up in San Francisco should do, and it's about time: we needed to walk across the bridge. We loaded the car and took a drive to the beautiful landmark. Sophie biked on the walk side, so we were rule-breakers a little, but she was giggling and blissfully happy. What took us so long to get over there?

What a gorgeous, amazing day. 

This weekend was big and dramatic and increased the thankfulness levels tenfold. One trip to the ER and one significant car accident for family {everyone is FINE in both cases} shook us up and made us recognize the incredible blessing that is our health. I'm finding myself a bit extra protective for my loved ones and wanting to hold them close and kiss them extra and tell them how much I love them. 

Happy Thanksgiving weekend and now welcome to December! Ahhh how I adore the Christmas season. 

xoxo.

Photo Adventure

The other day, we took a photo tour.

We've heard of people doing this sort of thing in groups around the city, taking amazing shots of pretty SF places, buildings, etc. We decided to do a mini version with our kids. Brian has the new iphone, I have my Canon Rebel T2, and the girls have a Fisher Price camera that they take very seriously. 

We snapped for about 30 minutes until it got dark and chilly {and the kids had run out of steam!}... went home, and made hot chocolate and built a fire to top off our little family photo-shooting. Just right. :)

scarf by peppercorn kids

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Sunset in the City

I love the mountains. I love the country. I love the beaches.

But I really, really, really love the city.

Beautiful November

Today we were walking past a million leaves and my children begged us to let them play for five minutes with the leaves. The begging was unnecessary. It was a dreamy scenario for any kid and we had nowhere to be {ahhh, I'm savoring the blissful last days before school begins and forces us to adhere to regimented schedules}, so obviously we said yes. 

Also obviously, I took pictures of every bit of their excitement. It was one of those moments where our hearts were all so bright and content and grateful all at once. 

(Maggie didn't quite realize that when said 1-2-3!!! It meant it was time to throw the leaves). 

xoxo.