F R E S H

When spring rolls around in California.. it brings with it the best harvest. 

I am so in love with the fruits and vegetables that are in season right now.

The farmers market down the street from my house always has a great selection. 

It's small but mighty, offering a wide range of products and produce. 

While you are shopping this weekend, keep this list handy- because buying items that are in season can ensure you're getting the highest quality and best flavor.

Spring time Goodness (buy these)

Apricots :: Artichokes :: Asparagus :: Broccoli :: Collard greens :: Corn :: Honeydew 

 Limes :: Mango :: Oranges :: Pineapple :: Spinach :: Strawberries

::get your weekend on::

It’s Fleet Week here in San Francisco, which is a pretty big deal. The City is going to be packed so either leave early to beat the crowds or take public transportation into the City. If you’re into ships or the Blue Angels or if you just like supporting our military, you should go and thank some soldiers. All events run through Tuesday, see the full schedule here.

Join in the celebration at the Spirit of Japantown festival, in San Jose. This is the year of the Dragon so the party is sure to be fierce! All the usual deliciousness will be available and you should check out he Wall Mural project while your in town- serious talent.. The town of Millbrae is also throwing their Japanese Festival too! So whether you’re in the South Bay or the North Bay you can get your sushi on!

If your in the South City vicinity, check out the San Carlos Art and Wine faire. You know that I love A&W festivals… hello, wine plus shopping equals fabb!! Plus back by popular demand is the hot rod car and classic car show. It will be both days this weekend from 10 to 6.

This event is for all the females and chocoholics out there. Belmont is having the 30^th annual Chocolate Festival at the Congregational Church of Belmont. Chocolate Fest will be organized in three sessions: Friday evening, 7:30-10 p.m.; Saturday afternoon, 1:30-4 p.m.; and Saturday evening, 7:30-10 p.m. You can purchase tickets here.

This weekend in Foster City is the Rib Festival, I’m a big fan of BBQ so if I were in town this weekend I would for sure be going to this event. For only $40 you can enjoy delicious food, drinks, live and silent auctions, entertainment by The Jack Aces, and door prizes. It is tomorrow from 5:30-9 pm at

William E. Walker Recreation Center

Another small town event that I am so sad I’m missing is the HUGE Garage Sale in Los Gatos this Saturday. The entire town is participating in the event and I know there are treasures to be found. Los Gatos has a great reputation for all things classic, trendy and classy- so I’m sure you wont leave empty handed if you go!

For you musical entertainment this weekend… go see Florence and the Machine at the Shoreline Amphitheater in Sunnyvale. Madonna will be performing at the HP Pavilion on Saturday and Sunday this weekend in San Jose. Click here to get you tickets for the events.

ciao xx

:: get your weekend on ::

This weekend there are tons of fun things going on in your area. I unfortunately don't have a long weekend- so I wont get to everything. But here are a few things that I think you should check out if you're in the area and have some extra time. Pack up your sunscreen your headed outdoors this weekend for some festivals.

 J-POP SUMMIT FESTIVAL is a pop culture-themed street fair that covers the grounds of Post Street from Webster to Laguna and the Peace Plaza of Japantown, San Francisco. The weekend hours are Saturday Aug 24 - 11:00am - 6:00pm and Sunday Aug 25 - 11:00am - 6:00pm.This is a pretty       Japanese-esque festival so bring your Hello Kitty backpack and be prepared to stock up on hair accessories and yummy food.

Have you been itching to find some new end tables or a new trunk? how about an older one... like vintage/antique. That's my favorite word(s).  I have told you before here, that I love antique shopping- so I might have to check this out. This is the 48 annual Niles Antique Fair held near Fremont. Plus tomorrow they are having a classic car show and Sunday they will have a few live bands. The serious shoppers go around 6AM, so get there early before all the good things get snatched up!

So, whether you reside closer to the North Bay or the South Bay... there is an art festival located in your neck of the woods.I love art festivals because there is always so many different items to look at, from all different walks of life. There are so many talented artisans, from paintings to photography, ceramics and jewelry to unique sculptures. Palo Alto is having there big art festival this weekend from 10- 6 both days in their main drag off of University. Tiburon is also having theirs this weekend and it will be from 11-6 both days and is situated on historic Ark Row in downtown. (cost is $5)

enjoy your weekend

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:: get your weekend on ::

Fountain Blues Festival at Saint James Park If you are looking for a fun event for this weekend this Blues Festival going on down the street from my house is sure to be a fun event!! Especially with this gorgeous weather that the South Bay has been experiencing this week. The Fountain Blues festival is going to be held at Saint James Park, and as I was catching the train this morning I spotted them beginning setting up. Speaking of that: if you don’t feel like dealing with traffic the VTA Light rail has a station the stops right outside the front gates to the festival. It is going to have multiple artists playing throughout the day and offer different craft and specialty booths for shopping. And if you’re headed to a blues festival, you know they’re going to be offering a terrific spread of food choices. Mmmm baby back ribs, I hope!! The festival opens it’s doors at 11:00AM, but the music runs noon to 8:00pm.

map to Saint James Park 

78th Obon Festival in Japantown This weekend will also be the annual Obon Festival, held in Japantown of San Jose. The San Jose Japantown is one of only three remaining Japantowns in the entire country, so show it a little love. The festivities get under way with traditional dance performances at the local Buddhist church and then UCLA and UC Berkeley drum lines will perform. There will be many different arts and craft style booths and of course all the local shops will be open… Biscuits, Maddie’s favorite store- which means dogs are allowed to come. This is a two day event, so it’s flexible if you already have prior commitments. Plus it opens at noon and runs till 8:00pm. I love going to this festival, mostly because of the amazing food!! They have everything from sushi to strawberry shortcake. But my favorite treat in town is the Hawaiian shaved ice from this little gem.  Have a fun weekend, with whatever you do. If you’re able to check out either of these events in downtown, leave a comment at the bottom with your thoughts, ideas or just tell me what you ate. :)

Also, this weekend in Los Altos they are having their 33rd Art and Wine festival. I really love outdoor events like this, because I live in near a ton of flourishing winerys- when they offer local vineyards it's always a treat! So if I can enjoy a glass of wine while I walk and look at cute-sey knick-knacks. I am always so amased by some of the things people create. It looks like its open untill 8:00 on Saturday and 6:00 on Sunday. They will have a few entertainers, numerous food vendors, a kidszone and of course a ton of winerys.