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. 

  

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

wishlist II The Manly Man

1. // lantern chandelier $ varies on style
2. // beer making kit $50
3. // cocktail shaker $28
4. // globe bar $200
5. // go pro camera $400
6. // jacket $149
7. // GPS watch $400
8. // verticle turntable $60
9. // 14 in 1 hammer tool $13
10. // bike helmet $40
11. // star spangled spatula $48
12. // man cave book $10
13. // eat like a man book $22
14. // grilling salts $10
15. // zombie print 
16. // black watch $95
17. // raybans $120

wishlist II World Traveler

1. // chalkboard globe $100
2. // St Judes charity ornament $15
3. // eiffel tower bookends $30
4. // travel kit $19
5. // travel journal $19
6. // gentleman's grooming kit $49
7. // Jo Malone travel candle kit $100
8. // travel wallet $250
9. // dress shirt//pant travel bags $15 each
10. // Lumix GF5 $399
11. // pack this notepad $8
12. // the big travel book $30

wishlist II Mr. Metro

1. // whiskey stones $21
2. // shoe shine kit $13
3. // exposed clock $140
4. // Human's of New York book $18
5. // art cube $23
6. // briefcase $325
7. // beats by dr. dre headphones $250
8. // leather longwing shoes $90
9. // card holder $50
10. //denim skinny neck tie $38
11. // whiskey soap $12
12. //hooded jacket $54
13. // iPad air $499

wishlist II The Entertainer

1. // knife set $42
2. // elephant pillow $198
3. // chandelier $3300
4. // watercolor lamp shade $98
5. // glitter servingwear $34- $78
6. // owl wine opener $28
7. // west coasters $36
8. // paper straws $8
9. // ecosphere $58
10. // firepit $69
11. // S'mores Kit $13
12. // stainless steel cocktail glasses $15
13. // deer head $60
14. // shot glasses $13

The Holiday Wishlist

For the second year in a row… my blog will be featuring, all December long- 

The Holiday Wishlist.

It is a collection of various gift ideas for that tricky person on your shopping list.

For Women // The Girly Girl // Miss Casual Chic // The Environmentalist

For Men // The Manly Man // Mr. Metro // The Gadget Guy

For Both // The Entertainer // The World Traveler //

And of course--Your Mom (the hardest!!)

Check back all month long for your ultimate shopping list filled with ideas for that special someone.

xo

give thanks & give back

my two Snowflakes that I'm sending in for the students at the new school

Lets take a moment to reflect and remember the 26 lives that were lost at Sandy Hook.
Especially, right now- it's so close to the Holidays. I don’t know about you but I want to help, but I can’t send money like a normal Red Cross donation- because they don’t need money… they need life.

We need to help the children of the world because these ridiculous massacres are getting to frequent. I don’t know if that will be stricter gun laws, changes to media and television programming or a better understanding of mental sickness. But we need to figure it out..

I read this article the other day and I knew I had found a little answer. It’s called the

26 Acts of Kindness

and it is in memory of the 26 lives that were lost in Newtown.

It can be as simple as opening a door for someone, making a donation, or my personal favorite… Someone called into the local Newtown Starbucks and gave their credit card number to pay for the next 100 customers’ orders. That is HUGE!!

As a special treat when the children return to Sandy Hook after their break, the National Parent Teacher Association wants them to be greeted with a Winter Wonderland theme. They’re asking to please cut out some paper snowflakes and send them to the address below so that the school can be covered with them. The snowflakes are due by January 12^th … so get cutting J

Connecticut PTSA
60 Connolly Parkway
Building 12. Suite 103
Hamden, CT 06514

 26 Acts of Kindness page on Facebook.
or on Twitter- #26ActsOfKindness

As for the 26 acts of kindness, you should invest in humanity and kindness this Holiday Season

Give Back!! xo

Holiday Wish List :: Host & Hostess

With the Holidays here, I'm almost positive you will be invited {at least once } to a Holiday gathering. I never like to come empty handed to a party- either I bring a dish to share or a gift for the Host! Enter my holiday gift guide for the perfect Host or Hostess gift.  I'm sure you can find something to give, or even love yourself... plus almost every online store is offering free shipping now!!

Happy Shopping <3

1. Pure Black Coffee $30 :: 2. Popcorn Machine $48 :: 3. Wine Decanter $80 :: 4. Glass Cocktail Shaker $39 :: 5. Pineapple Jewel Box  $30 :: 6. Indoor Bocce Set $75 :: 7.Speakeasy Serving Tray  $69 :: 8. Marble Cheese Tray $40 :: 9. Apples to Apples Game $20 :: 10. Sees Candy $20 :: 11. Z Gallerie Candles  $20 each :: 12. Bulldog Bottle Stopper $16 :: 13. Cheese Gift Box $90

Holiday Wish List :: The D.I.Y. Gifter

Parties, new outfits, trips, Holiday events, buying gifts and having enough money leftover to pay the mortgage... phewww!! I'm on overload already, just thinking about it.

 I love showing someone I'm thinking of them during the Holidays, but gifts can get expensive. Insert my love of Do It Yourself gifts. It shows the reciever that you took the time to make the gift and we all know that a person's time is worth a LOT!

These are three projects that are easy and fun. Plus, the result is usable, festive and relatively inexpensive.

Happy Holidays

ciao xx

:: Infused Vodka ::

it's great in hot coco or for a festive cocktail!! cheers

Using a mini food processor, pulse 12 full size candy canes to a fine powder. [[about 30 seconds]]

Using a funnel, pour candy cane powder into 750 ml of vodka  [[I like Sky or Grey Goose]]

Screw the lid on and shake to mix. Let the Vodka sit and every 5-10 minutes give it a good shake.

Let the candy disolve, and the Vodka turn red- takes about 30 minutes.

:: Biscotti ::

Baking can be intimidating, but baking biscotti... that's not! Its a cookie thats meant to be hard!!

2 cups wheat flour, 1.5 tsp baking powder, 3/4 cup sugar, 1 stick of unsalted butter, 1 tsp lemon zest, 1/4 tsp salt, 2 eggs, 3/4 cup pistachios, coarsely chopped, 2/3 cup dried cranberries, 12 oz chocolate 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grab 2 bowls- One for the flour/baking powder- One for the sugar, butter, lemon zest, and salt. With an electric mixer, blend the "wet bowl" and add the eggs in one at a time. Then add the "dry bowl" slowly to the wet. Add the cranberries and pistachios

Form the dough into a foot long, 3-inch wide, 1-2 in tall shape and bake for 40 mins. Cool for 30 mins.
Cut inch wide slices, then flip them on their side and bake again for 15 mins [[lightly golden] cool&
decorate with melted chocolate and Holiday sprinkles.

:: Bottle Toppers ::

check out my previous post here.

Get as many corks as you need [either from your own bottles or Michaels] Either buy decorative cabinet knobs from here or here OR get fun toys and trinkets like I did in my post. Use a heavy glue to adhere the objects to the cork and let them dry.. DONE!!

Recycled Wrapping Job

I am the girl who never wastes anything. If it can be recycled, I'll find a way. I even get mad at my boyfriend when he throws out my old magazines, in my head I automatically think that they could be used for something else…Well, when I found this

little project

on Pinterest the other day.. I knew that I had to share it with you! It was originally done by rabbitfoodformybunnyteeth.com. Which, is a very healthy concept if you think about it.

I like to wrap my gifts in brown paper bags, hey it's free and they would just end up in a landfill somewhere? This cute bow is the perfect compliment to my D.I.Y. wrapping paper. I have tons of magazines, their pages would be perfect for this project! I hope you add a little D.I.Y. to your Holiday this season, show Mother Nature a little appreciation :)

Keep up with my Pinterest for all things food, fitness, fashion and fun!!



Holiday Wish List :: The Jetsetter

Do you listen for hours on end about their last holiday, do you feel like you're experiencing their trips through the decor in their house... if this in your friend than this gift guide is for them. Send your friends off right for their next vacation, or give them a gift to enchance their travels while they are at home. From packing necessities to great home goods to reminisce about the latest trip- you've got them covered.

Happy Shopping!!

1. Holly Go Lightly Sleep Mask $15 2. The Cities Book $ 25 3.Eiffel Tower Bookends $30

4. Havaianas Slim Flip Flops $26 5. Camera Jewelry Box $33 6. Around the World Leather Watch $40

7. Plot your Course Passport Cover $25 8. Kate Spade Laptop Case $50 9. One Hundred Book $10 10.Universal Travel Adapter $15 11. When Pigs Fly Ring Holder $10 12. Dirty Bikini Bag $18

13. Evian Face Spray $14 14. Paris in April Print $90 15. Benefit Ooh La La Lift $22

Holiday Wish List :: Mr. Gadget

Does your guy get excited every time the new issue of Consumer Reports gets released? Does he know about the newest Apple product before Macrumors.com publishes anything? Instead of wishing for World Peace does he hope for a bigger size external hard drive? If you answered yes to any of these questions, or even thought about answering yes, then this shopping guide is probably for you. This list of gadgets will make any guy swoon.

enjoy xx

1. Lytro Light Field Camera $399 :: 2. Bamboo Capture $99 :: Glasses Pillows $32 ::

Kindle Fire $499 :: Waterproof Notebook $11.50 :: Zboard $649 :: Vestal Calculator Watch $40 ::

Tesla Model X $45K+ :: Circuit Board iPhone Case $39 :: Toothpaste Tube Wringer $22  

Holiday Wish List ::: Mr Outdoors

The Holidays are tough enough, use my shopping guide to cut down on the stress...

Todays issue is for the "Sporty Guy" in your life.

Effortlesslii's shopping tips- Pick, click, buy, choose the free gift wrapping and you're done!!

[[ hey, that's how guys do it, right?!]]

1] Mens Reebok CrossFit Nano 2.0 $120 2]  Ugg Australia Byron Slipper $140

3] Lululemon Wet Coast Jacket $248 4] The North Face 'Boulder Peruvian' Beanie $35

5] Nike Sport Watch w/ GPS $169 6] Kiehl’s Ultimate Man Refueling Set $58 7] Malin and Goetz eucalyptus deodorant. $18 8] Vans I Phone Cover $28  9] Nike Fuel Band $149

10] Moonbeam Tapestry

Holiday Wish List :: Mr. Cool Guy

Probably every guy thinks that he should be in this category. My guy would definetly fall into this category (yes hunny- I think you're cool) but I'm not biased or anything. This prices range a lot in this collection- as to accomidate for the different "relationship levels" a.k.a. boyfriend, homeboy, cute neighbor down the street... whatever. Oh and bonus is that Mr Cool Guy doesn't dig wrapping paper, so throw your gift in a paper bag and you're golden.

Happy Shopping

1. Analog Recruit Button Down $58 :: 2. Brixton Cap $34 :: 3. Game $15 :: 4. Overnight Bag $350 :: 5. DA-E750 Samsung Speaker  $600 :: 6. Nixon Automatic Watch $1200 :: 7. Blue Coral Bookend $100 :: 8. The Walking Dead Comics  9. Stanley Classic Flask $28 ::



get your {{Holiday}} weekend on

image via

I love looking at the Christmas lights around the neighborhoods so far in December- but what I really love are the actual Holiday attractions that come with the season as well. On Thursday I'm going to Christmas in the Park, at Caesar Chavez park.  There are so many great events and activities going on around in the area  right now. To donate to the Christmas In The Park Exhibit Click Here. I've scoured the internet and compiled the ultimate Holiday Event List, so you won't have any excuse not to enjoy the sights of the Season. Hope you get to see a few or all off the list. Happy Holidays!!



Christmas in the Park- Downtown San Jose, Ca
101 West Santa Clara Street
San Jose, CA 95112
Hours- 9 PM to midnight until January 1st.

Fantasy of Lights- Vasona Park- Los Gatos, Ca
333 Blossom Hill Rd. Los Gatos, CA 95032
Mon - Sun 6 PM -10 PM

Ballet San Jose- Nutcracker- San Jose, Ca
San Jose Center for the Performing Arts
255 Almaden Blvd, downtown San Jose
Dec 8-23

Global Winter Wonderland- Great America
4701 Great America Pkwy.
Santa Clara, CA 95052
Every weekend Fri/ Sat/ Sun 4:00PM

Union Square Ice Rink- San Francisco, Ca
Union Square
San Francisco, Ca 94108

Drinking Stars Holiday Champagne Tasting- Enoteca La Storia :: Los Gatos, Ca
416 N. Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos, CA, 95030
Dec 8th 2:00 PM

Joyeux Noël at Chateau St Jean-

Kenwood, CA

Chateau St. Jean Winery

8555 Sonoma Hwy., Kenwood, CA, 95452

Sonoma County

Dec 8 + 9^th & Dec 15 +16^th

Old World Food Truck- San Francisco, Ca

Hanukkah Pop Up Dinners @ The Coffee Bar

Buy Tickets Here

1890 Bryant St., San Francisco, CA, 94141

Dec 8^th 5:30

A Christmas Carol- San Francisco, Ca

American Conservatory Theater
415 Geary St.
San Francisco, CA 94102

Dec 7^th – Christmas

Buy Tickets Here

It’s a Jewish Christmas- San Francisco, Ca

Make Out Room Bar

3225 22nd St.
San Francisco, CA 94140

Tuesday, Dec 25, 2012 5:00p

28^th Annual Christmas Show and Antique Market- San Rafael, Ca.

10 Ave of the Flags, San Rafael, CA, 94903

Saturday, December 8, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday, December 9, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Holiday Wish List :: The Girly Girl

You know that one girl... who doesn't go out without make-up on, has to have someone else kill spiders for her and who can tell you the top trends for three years from now. Well, if you have a friend like that than this gift guide is for you. It has all the sparkly, cute and chic items on her Holiday list, maybe even a few for you!!

Happy Shopping

ciao xo

1. Kate Spade Ipad Case $85  2. J.Crew Everly Jeweled Pumps $350 3. Sparkle Track Jacket $ 59

4. Pretty Pansy Vase $18 5. Ban.do Cosmic Collar $75 6. Jennifer Fisher Skinny Bone Cuff $190

7. Kaitlin Fold-over Clutch $150 8. Chevron Frame $28 9. Lipstick Queen Kit $48 10. Dior Book $14

11. MAC Makeup Kit $46.50 12. Pyramid Icon earrings $28 13. Ciata Caviar Mini Nail Bar $29

14. Cuddle with Lavender Satchel $8 15. Marc Jacobs Fragrance set $38



Holiday Wish List :: Your "go green" Girl

I feel like it has really become trendy to be earth and environmentaly consious... Finally

I'm so glad that something good is finally catching on. This wish list is dedicated to your friend who is determined to save the earth one reusable shopping bag at a time. Well, I'm here to help you do your part. Grab that reusable shopping bag and get to it -or- order online and save the gas it would take you to get to the store. Your friend would be so proud!!

1. Reversible Blanket Coat $398 2. Organic Cookbook  $29.75 3. Tangerine Andalucia Organic Cotton Dress $53 4. Mighty Wallet $15 5. Tan and Coral Bag $36 6. Organic Lip Crayon $10.95

7. Soy Candle $16   8. Stina Handmade Jewlery $68 9. Metallic Toms $54 10. Geode necklace $26

11. Herb Garden   $20 12. Cute Reusable Bag $7

get your weekend on :: Small Business Saturday

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After a wonderful dinner yesterday and getting to catch up with my Dad's side of the Family, I am truly blessed and thankful for this Holiday. Getting to have dinner this year with both of my Grandmas was so special and I loved getting to spend extra time with them. I know I'm lucky to still have both of mine around and I enjoy learning about their lives and hearing all the old stories. I hope everyone had a fantastic Holiday.

Now onto the weekend.. I didn't participate in any of the Black Friday craziness, did any of you? I used to work retail and I can honestly say I would never voluntarily choose to go shopping at that time. I even have to go to Target for a few things today, and I'm still scared.

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As you know, Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving {sometimes at 12:01 am} when large retailers give amazing deals to kick start the Holiday shopping. <-- not too fond, but love this--> Small Business Saturday partnered with American Express.

It's the Saturday after Thanksgiving where you give back to the community by shopping at the local boutiques and individually owned shops to help promote the economy. I think it's a great way to make sure the large corporations don't hog all the business and we allow the smaller "mom n pops" to prosper.

So rethink your shopping destinations and check out the Small Business Saturday tomorrow November 24th. Some Northern California local shopping destinations I would highly recommend are Los Gatos, Los Altos, Mountain View, Morgan Hill, Santa Cruz, Palo Alto on University and Pleasanton. I would say San Francisco but there are so many locally owned shops- you should go to every neighborhood. Some of my favorites in the City are; Noe Valley, Marina, Hayes Valley, The Mission and The Height.


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So please get out there are support all those adorable local shops you always promise yourself that you are going to go in- because tomorrows your day!!