A Little Pick-Me-Up

The past few weeks have oddly been very tiring for some reason with unexplainable headaches late into the evenings. But these are times when I find comfort in the little things in life and burrow in all the coziness I can find or create.

I'll gravitate towards making hearty dishes, even when it's with leftovers. We made a dinner for two with some garlic tahini chickpea soup, honey roasted carrots with caraway seeds, toasted sunflower seeds, sauteed rainbow chard with a dab of Greek yogurt, dash of Zatar, squeeze of lemon and mint leaf. Soul food.

I tend to space out to sort through my thoughts followed by a little meditating to take a big step away from it all and refresh. I’ll make a pot of tea, cradle the cup in my hands and let the warmth ease the soul. I’ll put on my comfy pajamas and soothing rose scented face cream. And before bed, I’ll put a few calming drops of lavender oil in our bedroom diffuser. These are times when I turn into a human burrito, bundled in fluffy blankets and my husband’s infectious laughter makes me laugh too.

The next morning, I'll get up early. There's something special about waking up early, when all is calm and you feel just a little bit sneaky by starting early. I'll treat myself to a rare coffee and immerse myself in the bustling, busy atmosphere of a cafe. I let the energizing vibe of the crowd lift me up and launch into the day at 100 mph.

Exploring the Outdoors Together in Point Reyes

I whisked my husband away to Point Reyes where we spent two romantic days exploring the outdoors and taking photos. We’ve been married for almost a year, but every day feels like a mini honeymoon.

My Favorite Picnic Baskets

To celebrate the first day of summer tomorrow, I’m sharing some of my favorite picnic baskets. It’s the perfect time to head to the farmer’s market and enjoy a picnic outdoors in the company of good friends.

Glamping in Big Sur

A few weeks ago, we headed to Big Sur for what felt like the most luxurious camping we’ve ever done. We started the evening by setting up a picnic meal at our table and making grilled cheese. We breakfasted at Big Sur Bakery, followed by leisurely lounging at the beach and good company around a campfire when it got dark.

Mini Chocolate Stout Bundt Cakes

One of my favorite cakes fresh from the oven is this chocolate stout cake recipe. There’s something decadent & indulgent about eating these mini cakes in the kitchen with someone special on a rainy day.

Life Lately

Over the last several weeks, we’ve gone skydiving, celebrated my husband’s birthday, gone boating on Lake Sonoma with a full picnic in tow, and worked on crafts in the shop. It’s honestly been a bit of a blur.

Under the Walnut Grove

On our way to the lake house in Kelseyville, we saw these endless fields of white flowers under the walnut grove. We stopped by around golden hour to explore and take in the beautiful views.

Making Time for Family

I remember someone once told me that in some cultures, people tend to define themselves by their careers. We often ask someone, “What do you do?” the first time we meet. But in other parts of the world, we ask them who they are, about their family, and where they come from. So one day, as work continued getting busier, I decided I’d take a break and buy a ticket home to spend with my parents.