Holiday Gift Guide (the techie)

When you first find out about the newest gadget, and you can't wait to tell your one friend who you consider to be the guru of technology

...but they already heard about it weeks ago. 

Well, chances are they already know about every item on this list, 

but at least I can tell you where to buy it for them. :)

Happy Shopping, ciao x

1. Fire TV stick $40 :: 2. Portable charger $80 :: 3. Ollo clip $80 :: 4. Bitlock $120

5. Screen towelettes $6 :: 6. PS4 $420 :: 7. Sky Roam $100 :: 8. Jawbone Jambox $110 

9. Pebble smartwatch $99 :: 10. Cord Taco 3 for $30 :: 11.Navdy $299 :: 12. headphones $80

Holiday Gift Guide (the adventurer)

You know that person in your life who is always out trying a new hobby and hanging with new friends or instagraming the latest food craze... well, this gift guide is for them. Make them believe that you spent all year finding the perfect gift for them, when all you had to do was check the blog.

Happy Shopping, ciao xx

Garmin multifunction watch $300 :: Foam roller $65 :: Burton Snowboard $700 

GoPro HERO 4 $500 :: Picnic Pack $90 :: Road Biking Book $10 :: California Beaches Book $15

Blackburn Bike Lights $60 :: Swiss Army Knife $50 :: Clubmaster sunglasses $150

Chrome Industries messenger bag $160 :: Vans $60 :: City Posters $22

Fall Fashion

I think there are a lot of women who look forward to Fall style, because they love to layer. In the Summer, I layer necklaces and rings to make up for the layers of clothes I'm not wearing.

Autumn is a time for collard shirts and pull over sweaters, 

knee high socks and tall boots, scarves and beanies.

I'm predicting some very good trends for Fall, 

Here is what made my lust list.

60's style is back at it- bright colors and prints, plus pattern mixing is a must! 

Everyone should just go ahead and turn into a ball of wool- buy chunky sweaters and make them huge. 

The Norse print is going to be big just like the lumberjacks who wear them. If the print is too over powering try it on a backpack or hat. 

Turtle necks are very chic for fashion and I think the bigger the better. 

That black western hat is not saying goodbye just yet.. and neither is it's trendy military friend either, keep them close ;)

If you don't know what Lugs are, click here.. 

As far as colors, you can thank that Frozen chick.. ICE BLUE will be FIRE for Fall

Houndstooth and checks were once reserved for nerds only, now they're all over the runways and I like it. 

Maybe it's cause I'm a nerd, but I think you should buy a bow blouse in either print.. just saying. 

Lastly, Fall is for staying cozy. Rock your favorite sneakers and *pop that pep in your step.

metallic beanie $40 :: flat top hat $50 :: poncho $80

Vans $60 :: MAC Lips $16 top- Lingering Kiss, bottom- Violetta 

donuts + coffee

man.. talk about will power..

I needed some of that the night I made these donuts. 

My sister and I could not eat them fast enough. 

And that was when they tasted the best; hot out of the oven with a sprinkle of Cinnamon sugar.

"wait, did she just type, 'oven'?"

Yes, I did. I found that if the deep fried them for 40 seconds and then baked them at 380 for 10 minutes, it gave the perfect texture, both inside and out. 

The original recipe came from here, all I did different was add a 1 teaspoon of cardamom and I used heavy cream instead of buttermilk, since I was making bite sized donuts. I also change the cooking method, as mentioned above.

They are perfect for Sunday morning breakfast, sharing with the kids or even just for you.

ciao xo

Bloody Brownies

I made something yummy over the weekend. I was test driving a Halloween recipe that I want to have for my party at work. . 

I thought they were delicious, especially with a little vanilia frozen yogurt on top.

 I was flipping through Emilys blog and saw the recipe there. But it originally came from here...

Usually when I'm making a recipe for the first time- I try not to tweak the ingredients list too much... for fear that they won't turn out well. This time around the only changes I made was the use of whole wheat flour and low fat cream cheese.

 Nobody even cared or asked about a difference in taste, winner winner!!

I love when I can substitue healthy iems to make a recipe even better. I give these Bloody Brownies two very enthusiastic thumbs up and I hope you enjoy them for all your Halloween spookiness too.

sk8 high

A few weekends ago I had the pleasure of accompanying Carlos from DTAfoto 

(who has the most wicked VW bus I have ever seen) over the hill to the beach. 

We grabbed a couple beers and some sour candy and went to play by the water for a bit. Sand, palm trees and the smell of salty air remind me so much of my childhood, my mom... just happiness in general.

It's really the only place in the world where I feel completely whole.

always a California girl I guess... <3

wants on wednesday

Fall has been trying to take over here in California, but the heat refuses to leave the party. 

In anticipation of all things cozy, I can't help but pick a few pieces that help get me into the fall spirit. Bold patterns, burgundy, boots and seat heaters... pumpkin spice. 

I'm ready for the rainy nights,scarves and baking.. that's probably what I look forward to. 

Thinking about taking a trip to New York in December.. I have always wanted to visit the city when it's all dressed up for the Holidays. 

Maybe it was one too many viewings of 'Home Alone 2".. 

either way it will be nice to get away and really embrace the real winter elements.. 

like I referenced earlier- California doesn't see much of that.  

Denim

Blank Denim

One Teaspoon Denim

Citizens for Humanity Denim

Jackets

IRO waffle jacket

Lovers and Friends bomber 

Smythe blazer

Tops

dot blouse

hounds tooth top 

vans tee

Accessories 

beanie

chunky necklace

 leopard clutch

Fashion Week Favorites

Paris Fashion week is always near the end of September. The gowns and suits and ready to wear are always my favorite looks. I compiled a little inspiration collection from some of my favorite designers, for your viewing pleasure.

 Vivienne Westwood

Tom Ford

Miu Miu

 Alexander McQueen

Valentino

 Givenchy

Chloe

get your weekend on

Ramen Festival 

435 S. Market st

San Jose Convention Center

tickets- $5.00

This is the biggest Ramen festival in the United States!! If you like to slurp- this is your playgroud. The website even advises you to come to the show hungry. BYOC (bring your own chopsticks)

South First Fridays Art Walk

Friday October 3,2014 7:00pm

This is a great event that takes place in the SOFA district of downtown San Jose. All the art galleries open their doors so you can grab a beer or glass of wine and walk around enjoying the last of the summer weather.

My friend Patrick's art show will be at the Kaleid Gallery tonight. I'll be there supporting his recent endeavor- The Art is Power Blackboard Project. Check him out and show your support!

Castro Street Fair

Sunday October 5, 2014 11-6pm

18th street at Castro, San Francisco

Artists, street performers, vendors and craftsmen line the street with all their wares. Enjoy the gorgeous weather this weekend in the city, while strolling down the street and enjoying the arts. 

Bay Area Beer Fest

Saturday October 4 2-5pm

1346 Saratoga Dr, San Mateo

tickets $20

Located at the event center, your ticket buys you over 20 tastings as well as live music provided my KFOX. The VIP section will include complimentary food and there will be different games and activities offered. 

fitness tips for after dark

So since the clocks will be changing, our daylight in the evenings will be decreasing.

It is important to stay aware of some safety precautions. 

Since we are all hard working women (or men) we have to sneak our fitness in when we can. Which sometimes forces us to workout after dark. 

With that in mind I'm sharing 5 tips to stay safe. 

Be Reflective
If you want to be visible during the dim hours, wear fluorescent colors. They're effective because they reemit light at longer wavelengths, making the material brighter than the brain expects. And because our brains are designed to identify human movement, having something reflective on various points of motion will help a driver see you from far away... just don't forget your sides!

Buddy Up
Being in a group makes you more visible to approaching cars and less tempting to a mugger or attacker. Plus, extra eyes can help spot potholes, roots, or other obstacles. Make a date with a friend!! And if you don't have friends, check out this site for a running buddy in your area. 

Skip the Earbuds
Music has been shown to improve workout efficiency, effort, and endurance, but it also distracts you. If you can't live without your music? use only one earbud and keep your volume low. 

Pack Wisely
Bringing a charged cell phone seems like a no-brainer, but you should also always carry your identification and an emergency contact number. 

Practice Precaution
Low light, rush hour, and a roadside workout can be a recipe for trouble. Stay on sidewalks and streets with bike lanes or wide shoulders. Be most careful at crosswalks and intersections, and pay extra attention to cars as they turn.. remember they are looking for traffic, not always you. 

source

recap snaps and restaurant review

My Mom had a wonderful birthday this past weekend. On Saturday we went out to breakfast at this amazing breakfast joint- Sandy's 

This place was pure bliss; from the decor, to the service to the owner being a total sweetheart.. don't even get me started on the food. I had the best veggie omelet 

with extra avocado. 

My dad gave the thumbs up for his pancakes..
Here's the back story.. So my Dad will order the same exact breakfast meal anywhere we go, this is his way to measure the quality and taste of the food. He says if I order the same meal, I have  something to compare it to. Well, I saw the sparkle in his eye after he took his first bite.. needless to say we will be returning.

my parents are pretty goofy

We also went out for dinner on Sunday to Paesanos in downtown San Jose. A classic Italian joint located in the Little Italy neighborhood. 

halibut piccata, YUM!!

The accordion player who greets you when you first walk in, the art and vibe of the restaurant all add to its authenticity. The menu is full of  classic Italian fare- from veal, chicken and lamb chops to multiple pasta entrees and if you re lucky to go on a night when they offer their fresh cheese appetizer.. trust me you'll be in heaven. Everything is made fresh to order, so don't come here and expect to get out in under an hour.

A charming little joint I highly recommend to anyone looking to escape reality 

for just a few hours.

Mom making a wish

my sister and her boyfriend

get your weekend on

Salsa Festival

If you're big on salsa, this is basically your Fashion Week.. Come see the culinary excellence in all things spicy, steal some killer recipes and sample to your hearts content. 

September 27th 12-8pm

2200 Broadway Redwood City 94063

San Mateo Bacon and Brew Festival

tickets- $15

I don't think this event needs a description.. but if you have a pulse, you probably want to go to this. Lets face it, bacon goes well with everything.. but beer might top the list. come hungry!!

September 27th. 11-5pm

50E 5th st San Mateo 94010

Taste of Morgan Hill

One of my favorite festivals of the season. It officially brings summer to a close, but not without some amazing wine to finish off the season. So many wineries and breweries to tickle your taste buds, good food and cool art. 

September 27th and 28th. 10- 6pm

Monterey rd Morgan Hill 95037

Fashion is what you buy, style is what you do with it.

Ive really been digging the throwback looks lately. 

90's grunge mixed with a little schoolgirl is what I'm trying to go for here.

"Fashion is what you buy, style is what you do with it."

A quote I completely agree with. The popular fashion you see in the magazines, are just trends. Style is unique to each person with how they choose to flip it. When shopping, if I can't think of three different ways to where an item- chances are I won't buy it. My style is forever changing, and most of the time it is influenced by the music I'm currently listening to. 

I've been listening to No Doubt and Incubus a lot lately.