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. 

  

Thanksgiving Tablescapes

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, I’m sure there is all kinds of 

Holiday prep happening at your place.

Did you make up the menu and decide on your desserts? Have you chosen who’s eating at your house and whether you’re going to attempt Black Friday shopping?

There are a lot of decisions that go into making this Holiday a memorable one.

Since I’m sure you’ve being stressing and planning your menu, have you given any thought to your décor?

You can’t have your turkey dressed and not your table…

I’ve pulled a few designs that I hope will give you inspiration to create your own table décor, or give you guidance you were looking for.

Happy Thanksgiving

 Beauty all around You

I love the idea of using seasonal pumpkins for your centerpieces. The small or the medium size, or a mixture of both to add height and contrast. In the photos below the white pumpkins really pop against the colorful table runner. How pretty would they be if you painted them silver or gold. 

Keep it Simple

 For the more modern and minamilist household I suggest a less cluttered table and pick one item as a focal point. The tablecloth or table runner, the centerpieces, candals or the place settings. Go for bold colors on the big items, and classic white dining peices. 

Creativity is King

You can learn how to make these charming paper flowers, here. 

What a way to impress your guests, by giving them a beautiful hand crafted table centerpiece. A DIY tablescape cuts on cost and is a great conversation starter. I live the mix of colors; blush, periwinkle and the rosy orange. You can pick whatever colors match your home. Or mix it up a bit with patterened scrapbook paper. 

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

get your [[ HOLIDAY ]] weekend on

Hope Everyone has an amazing holiday weekend!!

Mojo Workin’ (My Dad’s Blues Band)

July 3^rd, 2014

DaKine Island Grill

Downtown San Jose

8- Midnight

http://www.dakineislandgrill.com/

Alameda County Fair

Running now until July 6, 2014

11:00 am- 11:00 pm

$ 8 buy tickets here

Santana Row’s 4^th of July Block Party

10-5

more info here 

Bacon Festival

Plaza de Cesar Chavez

3-8 pm

get your oink on here 

tickets $10

Fireworks 

(all start after sun down)

Downtown San Jose. Discovery Meadow

http://rotaryfireworks.org

Almaden Lake

http://www.sanjoseca.gov/Calendar.aspx?EID=2352

Morgan Hill

http://sf.funcheap.com/4th-july-official-santa-clara-county-silicon-valley-parade-celebration-fireworks-morgan-hill/

Great America

https://www.cagreatamerica.com/events/things-to-do/special-events/Independence-Day-Weekend-Celebration

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 The Environmentalist

herb garden $40
recycled wood air plant frame $25
spoon notes $15
om yoga tank $28
sparitual nail set $23
glass water bottle $20
loofah $4
eco smart yoga mat $16
cardboard lamp  $prices range on design
newspaper shoes $75
reusable utensils $12
banana paper journal $7
origins gift set $25
duct tape wallet $22

wishlist II The Gadget Guy

1. // camera lens mug $16
2. // jawbone mini jam box $180

3. // Google Chromecast $35

4. // leather cord wrapper $40

5. // ninja sphere $ 200

6. // Looper voice recorder $48

7. // urbanears slussen $15

8. // iPhone 5s $200

9. // aframe art speakers $650
10. // sky wifi smartpen $122
11. // autographer camera $650
12. // lightning bolt power strip $20

get your {{Holiday Shopping}} weekend on

One thing I love about gift giving is the homemade treats you make for others. Or when you can find that really cool unique gift, that isn't sold at the mall like 100 others. I love that personal touch.

Enter this weekend

Because the Bay Area is filled with great stops for all the ones you still need to shop... for

[sorry I tried to make it rhyme]

SJ Made Holiday Pop Up Shop
2855 Stevens Creek Blvd Santa Clara Ca

Get your friends and family something local. They have clothing, accessories, bags and hats- all branded with the West Coast Bay Area feel. Your friend in Ohio will thank you.

Japantown
Jackson street from 2nd to 7th. San Jose Ca

You know I have to pay homage to my favorite little downtown spot. This street has blossomed over the last few months and it just keeps getting better and better. If you need to find something for the guy on your list, I would head here first. From Cukui to 2twenty5 and Holloway to Clout and Aristocrats you really cant go wrong. Guys drool over these designs.

Downtown Campbell 2nd Saturday
December 14th
East Campbell and Central Ave Campbell Ca

Artists' in wood working, metal, jewelery, art, and a ton of other artisans will will showcasing their wares in downtown. Perfect for grandparents, extended families and your girlfriend's Mom.

Ibiss
1100 Lincoln Ave Willow Glen Ca 95125

A great inexpensive shop where you can shop for every female on your list. I don't think you can go wrong with any item from this store. Everything is very trendy, fun and a great price point. They have small gifts, like rings and perfume.. all the way to big items like purses and dresses.. plus everything in between.


German Holiday Market
December 14th
500 Castro Street Mountain View Ca

Come shop all the international delights of all things euro. I have a soft spot in my heart for this country. Food items, art and other collectibles will be available for purchase at this festival. So if you know someone on your wishlist with a taste for flair, it might be worth your wild to check out this event.

Shop, Enjoy and Give Event and Wine Walk
December 17th
Santana Row
3055 Olin Ave San Jose Ca 95128
$10 admission

All the popular shops are there so you are sure to find something for everyone of your shopping list. Plus, this benefits the Second Harvest Food Bank.. why not do something good for your community?
Enjoy a sweet sip of wine while you shop my favorites; including, Anthropologie, Madewell and Free People.

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 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

Cyber Monday- Tomboy Tools

If you are looking for the perfect gift, stop!! You found it. Tomboy Tools is a great company that specializes in tools for women. They come in the cutest colors and are ergonomically correct to fit in a smaller hand. Plus the balance on all the larger items (drills, sanders, hammers..etc.) has been adjusted to fit as well- making it easier to use the tools for all your DIY projects. You can see all the fun I had here, playing with all the items when my cousins came to visit. 

Some of my favorites are the Roadside Assistance Kit, the Staple Gun and the Safety Glasses.

Happy Shopping!!

When you shop my website between Friday, November 29th and Monday, December 2nd, you'll receive FREE shipping* on any order! 

Plus, as a Special "Thank You"  for subscribing to our newsletters,

we're offering you a special gift! 

Enter the word "GOBBLE" at Checkout, and

receive a FREE 3' Mini Tape Measure Keychain!

And if that's not enough, 

our December Customer Special has been released early

and is available to order this weekend, too.  

Check out the attached November and December Specials,

and SAVE EVEN MORE!

* Valid on all orders placed on www.tomboytools.info/michelle, shipping to the continental US. Orders shipping to Alaska and Hawaii and Canada are subject to a $14.95 USD shipping fee. Orders must be placed on www.tomboytools.info/michelle between 12:00 AM MST on Friday, November 29th, and11:59 PM MST on Monday, December 2nd.

Thanksgiving Tablescapes

The idea of hosting Thanksgiving can be a bit intimidating, even for someone who hosts on the regular. You want your guests to feel a relaxed and inviting vibe when they enter. You want your home to feel cozy and properly dressed for the occasion. And you want to stun everyone with your meal and table settings. So I pulled some looks, that differ from the traditional spread, that I think will WOW your guests.

Merry Christmas

I hope you're enjoying your Christmas morning with your family and friends!

and I hope Santa was good to you too [[wink* wink*]]

Santa came early to my house and brought me a pretty Audi, much better than a leather jacket

Merry Christmas Everyone!!

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 :: 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

gobble gobble ♥

This year has been fun. Reflecting on the past 326 days really can boost a person's spirits... because in all honesty you only remember the good things and you do forget the bad. This just further shows you all the things you should be thankful for. And if something bad did happen, I'll think good thoughts for you. I'm in the Central Valley today celebrating with Family from near and very far away. I hope you can spend today with those you love- close friends, family, co-workers, other couples or even just your dog. <3

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone

&& to those of you venturing out for the Black Friday Sales, I wish you good luck.

cheesecake and pie

As mentioned earlier this week.. I am in charge of the dessert table for Thanksgiving part one. I decided to go with a New York cheesecake and yummy Pumpkin pie bars. Classic always wins. This morning I am running in the San Jose Turkey Trot 10K. So I can be sure that I will be sampling both desserts tonight.

Last night, after I was finished baking, I decided the Cheesecake needed something else because it didn't look right naked. So I decided to add some caramel sauce with black sea salt- that was given to me as a Hawaiian souvenir . I love it, by the way. I figure you really can't go wrong sweet and salty..

The pumpkin pie bars sounded like a good take on the traditional. Except they are made with a ginger snap crust. Plus the added benefit is that you can cut as much or as little as you like, depending on the amount of room you have left. Hopefully I picked the right treats and have something for everyone. I wish you a wonderful Holiday with those you love and lots of yummy dishes for you to enjoy throughout the day and many sweet memories for you to be thankful for next year.

stripes and natives

Thanksgiving is this week, I can't believe it. I have already bought all the needed items for Thanksgiving number one with my Boyfriend's family on Wednesday night. I am in charge of the desserts, no surprise there. It is my favorite thing to bring to any party. Maddie and I played around with the camera and I tried on possible Turkey Day outfits. A new top from JCrew that I got this past weekend, I am so addicted to stripes right now. I was out shopping with my sister. {We got matching tops}  That often used to be the case when we were younger. A family vacation was always cemented with my sister and I getting new matching outfits... I still find some comfort in it, maybe for the memories. The turquoise jewelery is worn to represent something the Native Americans might have had. I also have my arrow necklace on in memory of the events at Thanksgiving and leaf earrings to remember nature. Maddie, just in the tu-tu that I made for her.