Conservatory of Flowers

Last weekend, we had brunch with Z's sisters at a charming little cafe in the Dogpatch. Even though we live reasonably close to this neighborhood, Z and I have not had the time to check it out. Brunch was at "Just for You" cafe that served some excellent beignets that I gladly dipped into my coffee per the waiter's suggestion. I ordered the crab cake eggs benedict, which was absolutely delicious. Z and I will have to make it back over here for brunch again soon, since the wait was not as long as Brenda's French Soul Food down in the Tenderloin.  After brunch, we headed over to the San Francisco Conservatory of Flowers for the famous butterfly exhibit--Butterflies and Blooms. The Conservatory greenhouse itself is absolutely gorgeous. This gem of Victorian architecture has a long and storied history, and is the oldest wood and glass conservatory in North America. The Butterfly exhibit allows visitors to see a dazzling array of about 20 species of butterflies all within close proximity. One even landed on my hand! 

Outfit Details:
Black and Brown Striped Crop Top Turtle Neck // Thrifted
Black High-waist Jeans // UO
Woven T-strap Flats // UO
Vintage Coach Satchel // Thrifted

If you're ever in San Francisco, make sure to stop by and visit Golden Gate park and go to any of the museums / gardens that the city has to offer. We were lucky that day for the weather was sunny and Karl the Fog was away!

88 Years!

I recently drove down to Southern California to visit my family for my Grandpa's 88th Birthday party, which was held at my Mom's house. My grandpa's health has had its up's and down's this month--he suffered from two strokes and just recently was released from the hospital. This man is one of the strongest people I know. He continues to keep on working and making sure that his sons, daughters, and grandchildren are okay and happy. Despite his stay in the hospital, he always manages to keep an upbeat, positive outlook on life and even mentioned to me that he would love to volunteer at the hospital and give back to other patients as soon as he is completely strong and healthy enough to help. My Grandpa really is an inspiration to me and I hope to be just even half as thoughtful or sincere a person as he is. I love you Grandpa!

Quarry Lakes

If you're ever looking for a nice place to enjoy a picnic, boating, swimming, fishing, hiking, or even wildlife viewing, then Quarry Lakes Regional Recreation area is your best bet.  Quarry Lakes incorporates the historic boundaries of two Mexican ranchos and the former Mission San Jose lands. Alameda Creek was the original boundary between Contra Costa and Santa Clara Counties. Alameda County was carved out of these two counties in 1853 and was named after the creek that drains it. 
Z and I took the pig pug out here for a nice walk along the water-bank. Finnegan has this funny tendency to walk only in the shade when he is getting hot and/or tired. As you can see below, he tried to walk only in the shadows of the trees that we passed by. When we stopped to give him a little break, he seemed to enjoy the scenic view (and was probably thinking that his owners were pug abusers for making him walk more than the distance from his bed to his own food & water bowls back home).

Homeroom

Z and I decided to explore the other side of the bay and check out some places we've been wanting to try. Just traveling to the East bay, it was automatically 10 degrees warmer and sunny compared to the fog-engulfed San Francisco. I was reminded that it was actually summer! The first stop on our list was to check out Homeroom on 40th street for their delicious varieties of Mac n' Cheese dishes.You can't go wrong with noodles and cheese! Zane decided to try their "Macximus" (Greek style mac with artichoke hearts, spinach, shallots, and feta) and I chose the "Mexican Mac" (Niman ranch chorizo, chipotle peppers, jack cheese, cilantro, bread crumbs with a wedge of lime). Everything was so good. Mac n' cheese is definitely one of those dishes that I could eat again and again...if only it did not go straight to my thighs. After lunch, we walked next door to 1-2-3-4 Go Records! and perused the selection of vinyl. I bought a Bel Biv DeVoe cassette tape for $1 and some Useless Eaters records. Afterwards, we wanted to try Doughnut Dolly, but they were sold out! We ended up visiting some thrift stores in the area and then headed over to College Ave, so I could cry over all the pretty little vintage clothes and shoes at Pretty Penny. 

Outfit Details:

Striped Crop Top // Forever 21

Black high waisted skirt // Thrifted

Cinnamon Cardigan (not pictured) // Clothing by the Pound

Sam Edelman Boots 

Later in the evening, we came home to this lazy pug lounging on the couch. He had managed to wrap himself up in the blanket and did not move at all. He did not seem to care that we were home since we are so bothersome to him and just disturb his restful slumber. 

Hope you all have a nice weekend! I start my volunteering at a local hospital and rehabilitation center tomorrow and I can't wait to start helping the residents there!