These girls are the best ^A few weeks ago my coworkers & I went on our annual trip to Lake Tahoe, it was such a fun getaway. I love everyone I work with & it’s so special when we’re all able to be in the same place at once, not working!! We stayed right near Fallen Leaf Lake & were about a 10 minute drive from Kiva Beach on Lake Tahoe. Kiva beach, is a fairly large, dog friendly beach. At the beach you have gorgeous panoramic views of the whole lake & behind the beach is a beautiful meadow with the sierra’s lining the background. It was mid July & the mountains still had snow caps on them!
Like I mentioned before, it’s so special when we can actually coordinate all of our busy schedules & find a time when we can all be together. Many of us work more than one job, so finding a 4 day stretch where we can be together is a miracle! My nursing family is amazing, I’ve learned so much from each one of them & am constantly inspired. It’s so rare to find such an amazing group of people you work with. Granted, many have moved on to other jobs but we’ve all remained close. Nursing is a tremendously hard job & if you can’t find balance in your life then you’re going to have a hard time coping. Weekend getaways like this one remind me what incredibly compassionate, generous, hilarious women I’m surrounded by, & push me to expect more of myself. I just had my 4 year anniversary as a nurse & a lot of the girls in these photos were there from the very beginning. We encouraged each other & helped one another become the amazing nurses we are today. One of my favorite quotes that embodies nursing is this: “The best way to find yourself, is to lose yourself in the service of others”. As true as this is, I think I’ve also found myself working side by side with these gals. Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of others I work side by side with that I consider to be my Nurse role models / mentors, but these girls are gold.
Stay tuned for more photos with them because this weekend we’re headed to our first ever black tie event together… just keep in mind these are girls who wear glorified pajamas to work each day (scrubs).
Americana – So nice we went twice. Located in Capitol Hill, known for their ever-changing short stack, this restaurant is sure to give you something to write home about. This was actually our first eating stop in Seattle. Tired, hungry and unable to check in to our Airbnb we hauled ourselves to Americana only to be blown away by the delicious creative comfort food menus in front of us. Their menu is filled with unique breakfast items like Glazed Pork Belly with scrambled eggs, pancakes that change daily & decadent Benedict’s. We went back for Easter Brunch on Sunday & I must say the food was just as delicious as the first day. This is my top recommendation for brunch, you can check out their awesome menu here.
^Enjoying my finely crafted cocktail
Needle & Thread- this isn’t exactly an eating recommendation, it’s more of a sipping recommendation. Nonetheless Needle & thread is home to Seattle’s best cocktails, I’m convinced. There is no drink menu, in fact there’s no sign on the sidewalk, a hard to come by reservation will lead you to a rotary phone that’ll lead you up to this second story bar, that has seating for maybe 20 people. Once inside you’ll experience custom cocktails crafted to your specific tastes. This experience was so worth the splurge! I’ve been to places that make individual specialty drinks before, but none of them have had the quaint, relaxed atmosphere like Needle & Thread. In NYC I went to a bar / speakeasy that would make custom drinks, but I remember being so intimated pushing through the crowd to tell the bartender what ingredients I liked, that I didn’t find the experience as enjoyable. At Needle & Thread our bartender came up to our table & spent the first few minutes just chatting with us about what kind of drinks we like, what aspects turn us off of certain drinks etc. After we chatted & he got a good feel for what our tastes were, then behind the bar he went to concoct delicious our beverages. It was such a cool experience & I would recommend it for anyone who is in the area & can appreciate a well crafted cocktail.
^^ Overlooking the harbor – so gorgeous.
The Harbor Public House – this recommendation isn’t in Seattle proper, but if you find yourself on a ferry to Bainbridge (which I highly recommend here ) then I hope you find yourself sitting down for a meal at The Harbour Public House Overlooking the docks, you can enjoy oyster shooters & some of the freshest seafood you can find on the Puget Sound. Note: this place is 21 & over.
Taylor’s Shellfish – We found ourselves in a caffeinated haze leaving the Starbucks Roastery & we wandered a few blocks away only to find the perfect mid day glass of wine & plate of oysters. Taylor’s Shellfish has been farming shellfish in the Pacific Northwest since 1890, needless to say they know their stuff. They have Oyster bars throughout Seattle each location reflecting the casual laid back vibe of each neighborhood. We visited the Capitol Hill location. Taylor’s Shellfish lets you design your ideal oyster plate & the staff are super knowledgable & can help you pair your choices with the perfect glass of wine. Oysters were certainly a theme this trip. I love them but Chris thinks they’re disgusting so I like to optimize ordering them whenever I’m out with my best friend because she can put down just like me when it comes to shellfish. If you like oysters than I 100% recommend checking out Taylor’s, I’ll certainly be going back next time I find myself in Seattle.
Quinns – this pub doesn’t just serve your standard bar fare, instead they whip delicious combinations of seafood as well as comfort food. Their Poached Washington Halibut is to die for, I ordered it twice! Also located in Capitol Hill, this gastro pub is a must if you’re looking for a delicious casual dinner. You can look at their menu here.
Starbucks Reserve Roastery – for all my coffee lovers, welcome! You can’t go to Seattle & not stop by the Starbucks Roastery & tasting room. Here you can experience caffeinated bliss, with two coffee bars, two roasters, & unimaginable drinks that you can’t find at your Starbucks around the corner. You’re able to try speciality coffees, they offer flights of coffee which we chose to try on our first day. The second time we went back, yes we went back. We tried drinks that are only made at the roastery, to be honest I can’t remember exactly what I ordered in that photo but I know it was creamy & delicious. The Starbucks Roastery is a fun place to visit, enjoy a flight of coffee and maybe stay a while if you catch yourself in some Seattle rain. However I will mention that the roastery itself isn’t very organized, you’re left to wander around and explore yourself, so it’s a good idea to have in mind what you’re looking for that day.
The Public Market Center is a great place for a casual lunch. The middle photo overlooking the Ferris Wheel was our view the day we went for lunch. I honestly have no clue where we ate. We were just walking around the market & in between all the fresh seafood & floral arrangements are little delis & restaurants. We stumbled into one, took one look at the view & were sold. The public market is absolutely a must when visiting Seattle.
^ THE root beer floats
Unicorn – we found our way into this unique carnival themed bar our first night out in Seattle. It may sound cheesy but it was definitely worth checking out. And I have to say that their adult root beer float was seriously amazing, that paired with pinball & good people watching made for a fun first night out. It was wasn’t very crowded, we went on Thursday night and there were plenty seats & no lines for drinks. So if you’re looking for a bar that is a little quirky & you enjoy arcade games or carnival food / drinks in the slightest than this spot might find its way on to your itinerary.
The Comet Tavern – ALERT: SEATTLE SERVES SHINER BOCK! This casual bar plays great music, has tons of seating & serves SHINER! As a Texas convert I get super excited whenever I can find Shiner outside of the lone star state. I don’t have any photos from Comet Tavern, but I definitely recommend checking it out. We went here before watching a show at Neumo’s & it was a great place to grab a quick drink.
Do you have Seattle Musts that should make it on my list for next time? If so I’d love to hear about it in the comments below.
^^ heart eyes^^ Juno’s Frenchie Boyfriend Jax Driving home through vineyards…
This weekend we camped in Mendocino Lake, about 120 miles north of San Francisco, through wine country. It was absolutely beautiful & the weather was spectacular. It is so nice to get out of San Francisco’s mid to high 60’s & actually experience some summer heat. I always forget how great camping is, it just really makes it feel like summer. And I must admit I think it’s a lot more fun with a dog. Juno got to hang out with her Frenchie boyfriend Jax & a 1 year old golden retriever so needless to say she had a phenomenal time. Although sharing a 3 person tent with a seventy pound labrador puppy is less than ideal. It was so nice to unplug and just enjoy being outside with good friends. Hope everyone had a great weekend!
Batteries to Bluffs is by far one of my favorite “urban hikes” in San Francisco. I love this hike for so many reasons. The views are incredible, even on a cloudy or slightly foggy day you get beautiful scenes of the Golden Gate Bridge. On a clear day you can easily see the Marin Headlands & the Point Bonita Lighthouse. In the springtime the trail is lined with countless wildflowers that you can see in my photos. Another reason why I love this hike? STAIRS! With more than 500 stairs along this trail you’re guaranteed a good workout & pretty spectacular view for “leg day”. It’s also a sure fire way to tire any puppy out. Not only will you experience phenomenal coastal panoramas but there’s also plenty of history along the hike. These batteries were built in 1900 & designed to protect underwater minefields outside the Golden Gate. By 1943 it was closed & all the guns were scrapped. It’s pretty cool getting to walk literally on top of history where men before our time fought to protect our lives & now I’m hiking with my puppy across the same batteries they stood guard at, crazy! So if you find yourself in San Francisco wanting to try something new & off the beaten path (no pun intended) definitely check out Batteries to Bluffs trail. On the weekends the hike can get a little crowded but most weekdays you may only see a handful a people, another reason why I can’t get enough. Do you have a favorite urban hike? If so I’d love to hear about in the comments below!
^Bailey, 13 years old, sweet as can be & 0% interested in playing with Juno.
Last weekend we decided to skip the city & head into some summer heat. San Francisco is suffering from “June Gloom” so it felt great to escape the fog & enjoy some sunshine. We met up with my family in my aunts tiny town of Minden NV. It was so nice just getting to enjoy family time & being surrounded by incredible scenery. Minden is basically on the other side of the mountains around South Lake Tahoe. Theres a ton of farmland & ranches. Chris & I love driving out here with country music on & day dreaming about living somewhere slower. Despite both of us living in cities (SF/NYC) the last 8 years we’re actually both country people at heart. (More about my love affair with San Francisco to come.) Needless to say Juno loved our trip. She even spent the night in her first hotel room, luckily she was so exhausted from running and playing in a yard all day that we didn’t hear a peep from her the whole night, or the next day!
That time we realized we’d been married for 11 months exactly.
^ The only actual successful group photo via selfie stick.
Maui, in case you can’t tell, was absolutely breathtaking. This trip was extra special because it was my parents and brother’s first time visiting Hawaii. I knew my parents would love it, they spend most winters in Brazil soaking up the sun and sand so I knew Hawaii would be just there speed. We rented an awesome Airbnb in South Kihei, which is about 20 minutes from the airport. It was directly across from the beach and close to a lot of little shops and restaurants. I’ll be doing a post of all our Maui Musts, but for now I wanted to post some of the pictures from this awesome & memorable family vacation.
I blinked & a year went by, or at least that’s how it feels. It seems like yesterday I was putting on that white dress & speaking promises of love to a man I love so much more with every passing day.
As our anniversary got closer, I spent some time trying to think of what I’ve learned about love & marriage. One thing in particular stood out as the calendar pages kept turning this year & thats: The days are long but the years are short.
This time right now is beautiful. I don’t care that my wedding album is unfinished, or my dress is still waiting to be cleaned and packaged. Why? Because I’ve been busy being happily married. I know life won’t always be this simple. I want so badly to cherish this beautiful time with my husband before sleepless nights & teething babies become the normal. For now, 10pm dinners, fancy drinks & late nights are absolute perfection.
^^ I came home with a few sets of these soaps, they smell incredible!!
Bainbridge is an adorable island off the Puget Sound that can be reached by a quick 30 minute ferry ride. The town itself is home to about 20,000 people, many whom commute to the city on the ferry each day. A ferry ride will cost you about $12 per adult & there’s no return fee! If you’re feeling adventurous you can even drive your car onto the ferry. The little town is scattered with shops, restaurants and a beautiful waterfront trail that goes along the docks. Each little store is like walking into Anthropologie, filled with home goods, candles, and warm weather wear. We at Public House which not only had delicious food but phenomenal views of the harbor. It also happens to be a 21 and over spot, which we didn’t realize until we were already inside. The seafood is absolutely delicious in Seattle. I’m planning to do a post on our must eats from this trip to Seattle. But Public House certainly makes the cut!
Bainbridge was the perfect day trip outside of the city. It was so much fun walking around and exploring the little town, stepping inside little shops & finding delicious bakeries along the way. You can see more of our trip Here !
^^our adorable airbnb!! Each year my best friend & I make a trip to a place neither of us have been to. Last year we had a blast in kauai. (See it here.) This year, after much deliberation we eventually settled on Seattle. I’ve been to the Seattle area previously but mostly to visit extended family. I had never really spent much time in Seattle proper so I was more than excited to have 5 days to explore this Pacific Northwest treasure. Normally I see my BFF either in the bay area or when I visit her in San Diego. It’s such a nice escape just to be in a new city for a few days exploring . If you have the opportunity to travel with your bestie I highly recommend it, it’s just good for your soul.
We rented an Airbnb in the Capitol Hill neighborhood, which has plenty of bars & restaurants. I posted a few photos of the Airbnb, it was so cute. I felt like I was staying at an Airbnb decorated by Joanna Gaines; hello reclaimed wood & neutral tones! We toyed with the idea of renting a car, but we decided against it. So we ending up walking, a lot. Honestly, walking was so nice, we averaged about 7 miles a day exploring different neighborhoods on our way to whatever we had planned that day. Having both walked through much of San Francisco, the infrequent hills of Seattle were nothing! And then we never felt guilty for treating ourselves to an uber when we didn’t feel like walking to dinner.
I’ll be doing at least two more posts on Seattle because that’s how much of a great time we had there. I’ve never really travelled to a city where I could actually realistically see myself moving, until visiting Seattle. The city itself just feels so much quieter than San Francisco, people are polite and courteous and as our first uber driver told us “it’s a culture built on open mindedness & acceptance” ummm yes please! In a world so chaotic Seattle just feels like a little reprieve.
I could keep rambling on, but I’ll save it for another post! We are off to Maui tomorrow with my family & I am SO excited. If you have any MauiMusts I’d love to hear them!
This year I couldn’t resist putting together a little Easter package for my two year old niece. Everything photographed, except the California bear sweater came from the dollar aisle in target! I hadn’t planned on getting any Easter gear but after strolling through the aisle I couldn’t help picking a few things up, Target’s Easter stuff was just too cute! The sweater dress pictured is from baby gap & I absolutely love how it’s the California bear. I love getting seasonal items and sending little packages to family and friends. Now that my niece is starting to get old enough to appreciate all the holidays I’m sure the Targetaisle will be getting frequented a lot more often. 🙂 I wanted to post this & show you can easily put together a seasonal basket for less than $20 & it’s sure to bring some happiness to who ever received it.
^^ Overlooking the harbor – so gorgeous.
The Public Market Center is a great place for a casual lunch. The middle photo overlooking the Ferris Wheel was our view the day we went for lunch. I honestly have no clue where we ate. We were just walking around the market & in between all the fresh seafood & floral arrangements are little delis & restaurants. We stumbled into one, took one look at the view & were sold. The public market is absolutely a must when visiting Seattle.
^^ heart eyes
^^ Juno’s Frenchie Boyfriend Jax 
Driving home through vineyards…
^ Bainbridges oldest coffee shop.
^^ I came home with a few sets of these soaps, they smell incredible!!
East Bay Mama 
