Babes of Honor

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Get your [[ Holiday ]] weekend on!

December is here and there are so many ways to celebrate the season! One of my favorite things to do is drive around and look at Christmas lights and neighborhood decorations. I've pulled the best of the Bay Area into this blog post so that you can enjoy the festivities too!

Mattos Orchard Lights: 1545 Stone Creek Drive, San Jose.

This enormous orchard goes all out and decorates their property with over 90, 000 lights for the season and even has a snow instillation to dazzle guests with wonder. Keeping with the Winter Wonderland theme, you will see reindeer, toy soldiers.. and you might get a glimpse of Santa. 

Crippsmas Place: Nicolet Ave, Cripps Place and surrounding streets, Fremont.

Talk about a neighborhood that goes all in. For over 60 years the residents have decorated their homes with lights and large scale lawn decorations that amazing walkers and drive-byers who visit at Christmastime. If you are able, they even accept donations on behalf of many well-known charities. 

Historic Estate Lights: Filoli Gardens 86 Canada Rd, Woodside.

Filoli Estate is home to some of the most beautiful gardens in the world. Well their version of Christmas time is no different. Stroll around the property and enjoy all of the twinkle lights as you sip your hot chocolate (or cocktails and wine for Mommy's and Daddy's) and enjoy all the magic of the estate.

San Jose Christmas in the Park: San Jose History Park.

Normally held in downtown San Jose's Caesar Chavez park, this has move across town so folks can stay snug in their car. All the decorations and adorable scenes are still there, with upgrades every year. Visiting this is one of my most fond childhood memories, and I always look for the Parachuting Pandas- a classic in my mind. Tickets are $10-$20 per car and reservations can be made here.

Oakland Glowfari- Oakland Zoo.

This year the park is home to some larger than life animal lanterns. Made from silk and 15 feet tall, the animals appear to touch the moon and light up the sky. Stroll through the park and enjoy the real animals and the imaginary ones. $12 for entry, proceeds go to the parks operating expenses. 

Los Gatos Fantasy of Lights: Vasona Park, Los Gatos.

A favorite of the South Bay for years, drive around the lake and see all of the decorations. Los Gatos dresses up their park with thousands of lights and animated figures. Look for reservations at the website here. 

The Ruth Bancroft Garden of d'Lights. 1552 Bancroft Rd, Walnut Creek.

If you know me personally, you know that I am a sucker for succulents and crazy for cacti. I had never heard of this until this year and it is on my list of must sees. All the plants are lit for the occasion where people can walk around and enjoy the garden. $8-$20 tickets must be purchased in advance here

San Mateo County Festival of Lights: 1346 Saratoga Dr. San Mateo.

The last on my list is for my Peninsula friends. This is a real drive through production, complete with interactive displays and wonderful candy worlds held at the county event center. Come and see why this has been a family tradition for so many years. Reservations and tickets available here. 

  

Cooking @ Home :: Shishito Peppers 🌶️

This is my favorite go to snack right now. The weather just started to get cold in Northern California and a hot snack in the middle of the day is literally saving my work from home life. I buy a basket at the Farmers market each Sunday [[sometimes two]].

Ingredients

• Basket of Shishito Peppers (2 cups) 
• 1 tbsp Trader Joes Coconut Aminos
• 3 stems of green garlic (baby garlic) 
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 tbsp red pepper flakes (more or less depending on desired spiciness)

With the pan on high, brown the garlic in the olive oil. Add the coconut aminos and toss in your peppers. Let them blister and brown, usually 3-5 minutes on each side. After you pull them off the heat sprinkle with red pepper flakes and sea salt to taste. 

enjoy! 

 

Cooking @ home :: Harvest Hash 🍂

 I went to Craft Roots a couple weeks ago [[ if you haven't visited them in Morgan Hill- this is your sign to go]] and got to enjoy dinner there. The menu rotates and for the autumn season they had something called a harvest hash. This is my knock off recipe that feeds 2 as a meal or 4 as a side dish.

Ingredients 

• 8 small/medium potatoes
• 1/4 medium red onion 
• 15 brussels sprouts 
• 2 large carrots
• 2 small heads of broccoli 
• 1 tbsp Trader Joes 21 Seasoning Salute
• 1 tsp black pepper 
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 

Preheat your oven to 420 degrees. Chop everything into 1/2 inch to full inch pieces depending on the ingredient. See below for brussels, potato and onion examples. 

Bake for 20 - 30 minutes depending on your desired crispiness. ;) 

Kendal's Last Splash

 

Snow White and her Eight Babes took on sunny San Diego to celebrate the bachelorette of allll bachelorette parties. 

   

Maddie and I were the first to arrive on Coronado Island, we held the celebration and the Del Coronado. An absolutely elegant, beautiful dream of a hotel. 

She only gave me two direct orders; must be held at the Del and she wants to have matching tank tops. As Maid of Honor, I made sure to deliver both requests. But not before treating myself to my absolute favorite Mermaid red beer from Coronado Brewing Co and yes I HAD to get the fries.  ;)

Stephanie, The Bride, Sara & Ashley. 

Some snaps of the hotel.

I could not have set everything up without the help of these gals!! Thank you for all your hard work.

The theme of the weekend was done in true mermaid style - 

Kendals Last Splash 

So we decorated the suites with everything from seashells, to crystals, starfish and sparkles. 

Some inspiration below. 

this was an arts and craft day. While cheersing mimosas we decorated flip flops. 

Brides Babes gift packs 

My sister thoroughly enjoying her fish tacos. I heard she made Anthony take her back for their one year just to get another plate of them. They are THAT good! 

We went on a really fun adventure together and all got to wear our matching shirts. It was a beer tour for the day with some good stops and some great beers. 

The next day Anthony treated us to Cabana's at the beach, so we could have our own space and just relax. Melanie and Step get the most fun cocktail ever. 

That night we hit the town and got to enjoy the San Diego nightlife. 

The last day we went out to brunch and hung around the island. The homes in the area were just gorgeous, so you know I had to snap a few. 

Congratulations to my little sister and the coolest brother ever! 

We had an amazing trip. ✨✨

*\_MY SISTERS BRIDAL SHOWER _/*

May 12 2019. T - Minus 111 days until the wedding 

The day started out with my aunt catching a 6 am flight into town. After three different stops, we finally found fresh flowers for the centerpieces. 

Otto looking for a bite of something tasty. 

Kendal and Deb 

The Mamas: Gail, my mom and Deb. 

Some of the decorations for the bridal shower. It was originally supposed to be held at a winery. But I felt funny after inquiring and having the lady assure me it would not rain this weekend. 

(it was a torrential downpour the entire party) 

Blushing bride opening her gifts. 

Cousins, Savannah & Michelle 

Kindergarten mate, Melanie (who also made fabulous desserts!!) 

Aunt Patti, Aunt Sydney and Adeline 

Otto helped a lot with the presents.  

D E L I C I O U S ! ! !

This was the sweetest gift, a bottle of wine for every occasion.

First valentines, First Christmas, First fight, First anniversary. 

Cousins

For every party, there must be games. And every game, deserves great party gifts!