:: get your weekend on ::

The start of the Christmas season is upon us.. and this weekend is the first weekend in December!!

The rain has been crazy here in Northern California and it sure does feel like Winter is here. This weekend there is an amazing indoor festival being held right down the street from my house, I mentioned it here before. The San Pedro Square Market, is one of my favorite places in downtown San Jose- there are so many fun places to grab a bite and concerts happening almost every weekend.

funny for your weekend

SJ Made Holiday 2012

It is being held in the large building near the coffee shop. It opens at 11am and lasts 'till 6:00pm. There will be a TON of individual artists, crafters, clothing designers and so many other artisans...it's a vendor fair for local San Jose makers, labels, brands, small businesses, and artists showcasing and selling current projects and goods.

 It will be like the ultimate "Pop Up" shop!! Feel good about buying gifts for others while supporting your local economy and small business owners.

Santa's Village in Willow Glen

This event is Saturday night only from 5-8 at the Lincoln Glen Church. This is another community event that shows off the local talent with a shopping event with other small shops and Santa will be there at 6pm.. if you have little ones in your life. Go out and support this adorable town.

maybe I'll spot you at SJmade.

enjoy your weekend

xo ciao

runnin' in the winter months

as you know I really like to run.

So how "down in the dumps" do you think I've been because when I leave for work in the morning it's dark and when I come home at night it's dark too! I usually run in residential, well- lit areas just because sometimes drivers aren't paying attention. I came accross this article in Runners World and thought I'd share it with you in case you needed some running tips for the current conditions.

Some of my favorite night run gear



Lululemon U Turn Pullover



The North Face Torpedo Jacket

Brooks Nightlife Reflective Jacket



New Balance Running refelct jacket

out with my sistah

The other day, I had the pleasure of spending the afternoon with my baby sister. Of course we had to go shopping, what else? I ended up with a new top, even though I am on the hunt for a nice black wool peacoat. Any Suggestions? I grabbed this sweater at Black and Brown the other week- it's actually a light blue/mint color. My pants are from Target, major score!! Boots are Aldo. and Maddie is in a Juicy Couture Bomber, yes my dog has classy taste. My necklace was a gift from my hunny - it's a vintage pendant with inscription from the Khoran, I believe... Babe correct me if I'm wrong.

Now the game is on for Holiday Gifts!! Next month I will be featuring my gift guides for Holiday shopping for everyone in your life. I hope you like them. Stay tuned. Happy Shopping <3

p.s. all shots were taken from my sisters new phone- she's so excited. follow her on instagram @lilmissgingerr

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!!

On the road...

Happy Thanksgiving!
On my way to the central valley, with a pit stop at Starbucks- don't judge me

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.