M.I.A.

I've been absent from posting for sometime now.  I guess it was because of a few reasons...

I was getting lazy.  I loved my writing, but just didn't have the same amount of time that I had previously had.   Also?  This guy, and this rabbit came into my life.  

I met and began dating HH and his adorable little bunny, Betty, in the fall of 2010.  Since then, my days and nights have been filled not only with my normal work and after work commitments, but they've been filled with incredible conversation with HH, fun outings and dinners, and endless hours of petty Miss Betty Ann.

I'm thinking of starting to blog again.  These days, between things like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, is blogging already considered

...but we'll see if I manage to find time in there to squeeze in a few thoughtful posts a few times a week.

Let the Obsession Begin!

My friends know about my obsession. My obsession with kumquats. I've written about them before. Here back in Feb. of 2009. And then again twice in March of 2009 here and here.

I'm excited that it's that time of the year again! Last year there were kumquat margaritas. Delish! What will I do with them this year??

Friday Favorite: Scenic Drive

I loved this exhibit at a local boutique. I couldn't buy all the pieces, so I took a photo!

Even in the winter, it makes me want to hop in the car with a loved one or friends, and just take a scenic drive.

Friday Favorite: A Bowl of Ramen

For those cold winter days...what could be better than a bowl of hot ramen. Here are some pictures from a recent "Ramen Rave" I was at:

And the final product!

So good! I can't wait to have another bowl of Richie's ramen.

Friday Favorite: Boating Lights

A pretty photo of some boats in the San Francisco Bay. This was taken the night they won their last home game of the World Series!

A Pretty Star

Here's a little photo I took many months ago. I absolutely fell in love with it.

It was a bergamont meringue from Incanto. I'm looking at this star and thinking of my mom on her birthday and wishing she was here.

Friday Favorite: Pretty City Garden

Anyone know where this garden is? A few hints. It's in San Francisco. It's in the back of a business, and kind of hidden.

I absolutely love this little sunny oasis. And sorry folks, if you don't know where this is, I'm not telling! I want to keep this little gem all to myself. :)

Friday Favorite: Big Weekend of Friends!

I am so excited for this weekend! My Friday Favorite is dedicated to two of my best pals.

First, to Mr. JMB, who's coming to San Francisco for a conference and coming EARLY, just to hang with me. I feel so special.

Second, to my pal D, who's celebrating her BIRTHDAY! She has no idea what fun surprises are in store for her. :)

And to top it all off? An EARLY morning flight to NYC on Sunday. Looking forward to being in one of my favorite cities and seeing some of my dear friends. Yay!

Friday Favorite: Brunch

One of my favorite brunch dishes--from NOPA restaurant here in San Francisco. A house made bagel (yum!) with smoked fish, fresh farm cheese, and cucumbers and lightly pickled onions. SO good! Makes me want to go back every weekend for this pretty platter.

Friday Favorite: Scary Halloween Movie

Happy Halloween weekend! One of my favorite Halloween's in recent memory--last year, my very first house party. And in addition to a small house project (thank you Kristin and Bahram!), there was pizza, lots of cocktails, and one scary movie.

Not joking. People, this is NOT a kid's movie. This is one creepy movie. Can't wait to see what this halloween will bring!

Friday Favorite: Giant Horseradish

I've taken A TON of photos at the Farmer's Market before. But this one is one of my favorites. Check out the fresh horseradish. Makes me think of my friend's Bahram and John. We've got grand plans for a dinner party--and horseradish is going to have a role in it! Can't wait!

Friday Favorite: Best Tagline. Ever.

New York really does have everything. Including awesome restaurant taglines.

Friday Favorite: Sexy Beast

One of my favorite pics from my recent NY trip--adorable cookies from Dean & Deluca.

Absolutely adorable and hilarious!

Friday Favorite: Anchors!

Here's a shout out to my friend Matt. Anchors! We spotted these anchors on a Mast Brothers Chocolate bar in NY. So cute! Huge regrets for not buying it...chocolate and sea salt? Ummm. Sounds delicious!

Friday Favorite: Blackberry Picking!

Some friends and I recently had the best Sunday Funday. One of those days where we had no specific plans, and kind of just went where the wind took us. Where did we end up? In the North Bay, picking blackberries from a wild patch. It was my first blackberry picking experience!

I love those kinds of days...where you never know where you're going to end up or what you're going to end up doing. Thanks to Sarah and Evan for the fun day (and to Tatiana and Shawn for the tip and directions!)

Cardamom for Bowman

I love this simple photo of a spice collection in a restaurant kitchen. In looking at it more closely, I noticed that one of the jars is labled "cardamom". Well, I can't hear the word "cardamom" without thinking about my friend Bowman. So on this day, his birthday, I'm posting this in his honor!

Happy Birthday Bowman!

Friday Favorite: Rum Tasting

Some delicious rum, courtesy of Bar Agricole.

It was the perfect ending to an absolutely amazing (and tasty) evening!

Friday Favorite: A Return to NYC

Eight years ago, I made my first visit to New York City. I met one of my closest friends, Matt, out there. We had an awesome NY weekend--filled with lots of amazing eats, fun nights out, shows on Broadway, and even a nap in Central Park.

And although I've been back many, MANY times, I've never gone back with my friend Matt. Well, this weekend, I am returning to NY. With Matt!

Here's a photo of us from 2002--in front of the theater on Broadway. I can't wait for our weekend...we already have so many things planned. We'll have to plan a return trip just to get them all done!

Friday Favorite: Watermelon!

Just in time for the Labor Day long weekend...some delicious watermelon!

Not sure what is going on with all the news about seedless watermelons (you'll notice that the watermelon in the above photo don't have seeds). But personally? Even without seeds, there's nothing like a cold and refreshing watermelon on a hot day. Seed or no seeds.

Friday Favorite: A Photo for My Kitchen

It was one of those moments. The second I saw the photo, I fell in love with it. Good thing it was taken by one of my friends, and talented photographer Michael Harlen Turkell. He was kind enough to give me a copy of the photo.

I love it. Perfect photo for my 'new' kitchen. Thanks Michael!