Adventrures in China Town...

Last night after work we decided to venture across the bay to check out a chinese restaurant recommended during our tour of San Francisco over the weekend.

Prior to heading out we checked the reviews online, and while the food got rave reviews we were warned that we shouldn't judge the restaruant based on the atomsphere. We were also warned that the owner might come to the table and decide to order for us, and just start sending dishes out.

And that is exactly what happened. He took one look at us and decided that since it was our first visit that he would send out his best dishes, and he so kindly checked to see if any of us had dietary restrictions. And then the dishes started coming...

Welcome to the House of Nanking!


Tsingtoa, an asian beer...


BEST WONTON SOUP EVER....


Potsticker with Peanut Sauce...


Crunchy Noodle Salad with Shrimp...


Chinese Beef w/ veggies wrap...


White fish and veggies in a brown butter sauce...


Nanking Sesame Chicken w/ sweet potatoes...


All these dishes were so full of flavor! My favorite was the wonton soup because the broth actually was flavored unlike any other wonton soup I had ever had. Also I have never had a sweet potato at a chinese restaurant before, but these were also amazing with the sesame chicken. All around two thumb, I'll definitely be going with my husband when we visit San Francisco together!

Today she shops...

I decided to stick near the hotel today and do some relaxing. And any girl knows that a casual shopping day can be relaxing. Even though I'm not a big shopper normally, but it was nice to stroll through the sunny streets and go from store to store with no real purpose. It was a beautiful, sunny day so I was just enjoying myself.

And having no purpose caused me to find a few things...


Thanks to President's Day weekend there were plenty of sales so I picked up a few new tops...



And I got a chance to check out West Elm, which was fabulous! Luckily my bank account was spared too much damage because I have to travel home with the items purchased so I had to keep it under control- not an easy task!



We've been in need of some coffee mugs, and I thought these monogrammed mugs were great. Also found some great clearance/sale items that I could put to use around the house- sorry to ruin any surprises for my husband, but I just had to share!

Did you find any good sales this weekend?

A day in the city...

Street Car 'F' to the Pier...


Chocolate Macadamia Nut Coffee...


Open Motorized Street Car for touring the city...


Alcatraz from a distance...


Fisherman's Wharf...


Traditional Street Cars coming down the hill...


Ghiradelli Square...


Cars parked on a steep hill...


Palace of Fine Arts...


R32 spotting at the Palace...


Golden Gate Bridge...


Another perspective of the bridge...


Posing with the Golden Gate...


Gates to the Japanese gardens...


The 'Painted Ladies'...


The 'Painted Lady' used for Full House...


Lululemon spotting...


Lines in Chinatown for the New Year Parade...


A Garlic Restaurant...


Tulips in bloom...


Boudin's Sourdough Bread Animals...


Crabs waiting to be cooked...


Fishing boats at the Wharf...


Sourdough bread, yum...


Crab Cake Sandwich, yum...


I took over 200 photos during my adventures in San Francisco, came back with soaking wet shoes, and frozen in the open seating on the tour. Despite the negatives it was a great day and I saw a lot! Today I plan to lay low and maybe head into Berkley to actually shop at Lulumelon...

Definitely going to San Francisco again with my husband...

San Francisco...

I can see it from my hotel balcony...




However, it won't stop raining here and it's only in the 40s. We have decided to at least attempt to venture out so off I go to travel across the bay....

Time Zone Change...

Changing time zones has been working out in my favor this morning...

It's only 6:30 here in California and I have already worked out, made coffee, showered, gotten ready for the day, and now I am blogging- Crazy!

My luggage arrived last night at around 9am, and I quickly unpacked and went to bed. I was so exhausted so it was hard to fall asleep, but eventually I caught some shut eye.

I got up about 4:30 this morning because well it's similar to sleeping in until 7:30 for me. I had read last night that the gym didn't "open" until 6am, but I figured I'd see if I could get in and it worked. Nobody came to kick me out so I just did what I needed to do. Today's workout included 10 intervals at 7.8mph and an incline of 1.0, and then my normal upper body routine modified based on the available equipment. It felt good!

After the workout I made some coffee, showered, and got ready for an interesting day.

One thing I'm looking forward to today is this apple, it's called a Pink Lady. I have never heard of this type of apple, but I'm excited for my afternoon snack.

Alright off to get some breakfast, then it's work all day!

Have you ever tried a Pink Lady apple? Do you like changing time zones?

Landed...

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

I spend my Valentine's Day flying the friendly skies with "LUV" Airlines, AKA Southwest. In the terminal I was greeted by this kissing booth, but I'm a married woman so I did not partake. Don't worry though no actual kisses were being given, only the Hershey versions.

My husband dropped me off bright and early at 6am, I didn't sleep last night, I didn't sleep on the flight, and for some reason I'm not even sleepy now. Upon arrival here in Oakland, I learned that apparently my bag got left behind on my transfer. I'm just hoping it didn't sent to San Diego, and that I have it at some point tonight.

The good news- I got a glimpse of the Grand Canyon! It was so beautiful I can't wait do to a road trip across the country! Looking at the different landscapes out the plane window makes you appreciate the beauty in this world.


After checking into my hotel in rainy, foggy Oakland I decided to venture out for some provisions. I was lucky enough to score a fridge and microwave so I can keep healthy foods available. And I even got a chance to check out Trader Joe's, (Anyone need Peanut Flour???- because they have some.)


I picked up seltzer water, honey Greek yogurt, mixed berry yogurt, spicy hummus, cilantro and jalapeno hummus, baby carrots, bananas, apples, unsalted pistachios, natural peanut butter with roasted flaxseeds, lentil wrap with tahini dressing, and a salad with pear and Gorgonzola. Oh, and some dark chocolate non-pareils. (Happy Valentine's Day to ME!!) Don't worry they will be rationed appropriately.


I also brought some KIND bars and Larabars too, but for now they are in my suitcase which is somewhere in the Continental US- hopefully! My luggage also has all my chargers- seem to require at least 5 different ones to keep everything operating.

Alright well I think I'm going to go relax a bit, pray my bags come soon, and maybe eat some dinner soon- maybe salad.

Have you been to the Grand Canyon? Did you ever have your luggage lost?

Exciting News...

I just found out some exciting new- I get to do some traveling for work! And it's to a place I've never been- CALIFORNIA! How exciting is that?

My destination is the Oakland area, which I never realized was so close to San Francisco and the Redwood Forest. I'm only going for two weeks, but at least I might be able to rent a car and do some exploring on the weekend.

Most people probably don't like traveling for work, but I don't mind it so much especially because I'm young and don't have a family that I'm leaving at home. Sure I do have a husband, but he's pretty self-sufficient so I'm sure he'll be okay- though I will miss him! It would be great if he could join me for a few days, but it's just not possible with his schedule and the long flights.

Anyone know of any must do activities or restaurants in the Oakland area?

In the middle of the night I go walking in my sleep
Through the desert of truth to the river so deep
We all end in the ocean, we all start in the streams
We're all carried along by the river of dreams
In the middle of the night
-River of Dreams, Billy Joel
(an old one, but a good one)