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. 

what's up guac

I have a sick obsession with guacamole..

actually, it might just be avocados in general.

So today, I'm sharing three of my favorite holy guacamole recipes, enjoii

For all recipes: add as little or as much of each ingredient/spice as you like.

 <3 ole!!

 

Sweet Mango Guacamole

 

3 large avocados, peeled and pitted

1 small red onion, chopped

1 mango - peeled, pitted, and chopped

1 lime, juiced

1 tablespoon minced garlic

1 tablespoon salt

3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

 

Garlic Guacamole

 

2 ripe small Hass avocados

1 lemon, juiced

1 large clove garlic, minced

1 jalapeno, seeded and finely chopped

1 small plum tomato, seeded and finely chopped

1/2 small yellow skinned onion, finely chopped

1 teaspoon coarse salt

 

Not your average Guacamole recipe (but seriously, too good!!)

 

2 ripe avocados, peeled, pitted and mashed

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 tablespoon honey

1/2 apple diced

1/4 cup cranberries

1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro

1/2 teaspoon Sea salt

 

 

San Francisco Fixed

A couple weekends ago, I got to explore the City of San Francisco on my bike, through the eyes of a local. We went to all the non-touristy spots [[with the exception of the iconic Dolores Park]] We rode through the Mission, climbed to the top of Bernal Heights and got to have an amazing view of the city. As seen below. He took me through streets where alleys were painted with masterful street art pieces. I was in awe. 

I'm a sucker for street art and sun flare. 

After almost getting hit by a few cars, just for a picture.. 

yes, I had to. 

We grabbed delicious turkey sandwiches which tasted like pure Heaven. TBH-I could have eaten about four more. 

Rick, thank you for snapping shots and showing Maddie and I such an amazing time. We will be back for a visit and more photo excursions. 

Climbed up the tower

to get this shot 

BOMB.COM

Palace of Fine Arts

Lombard Street