Plums and Pearls

Central Coast, California

(Necklace Francesca's Collections,  Dress The Closet, Wedges Michael Kors, Clutch BCBG )

It's become tradition to take a few days off for my birthday and use it as an opportunity to go on a short vacation trip. This year, Philip and I decided to travel north to California's Central Coast. We first stopped by Santa Barbara for some shopping and I got myself a pretty birthday dress that ended up being so much fun to wear, thanks to the warm temperature and constant ocean breeze.

Philip had the whole birthday trip planned out. Our first visit was Hearst Castle. This place was truly amazing. There were breathtaking views at every corner. I felt like I was visiting a European castle except I was looking over the Pacific Ocean. The next stop was a peaceful vineyard in San Luis Obispo where we took our time with each tasting. We ended the day with a dinner at Morro Bay that included Oysters, Crab Cakes, Clam Chowder and Filet Mignon. Oh, and we also shared a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc that we bought from the vineyard.

The day was perfect but the trip wasn't over yet. We had plans to go to the beach at 5 in the morning the next day. We wanted to beat the sunlight and take scenic photos of the coast (yes, we're obsessed with taking photos). Unbeknownst to me, we were really there to capture a moment I'll never forget. 

~so happy~

 

Malibu Wines

Take a nice drive up the Pacific Coast Highway and into the Santa Monica Mountains to visit Malibu Wines

So.Much.Fun.

Greetings from China

*Wearing Royal Blue by Express and a Plums and Pearls necklace

 

Shop the 'Royal Blue' Look:

• Royal Blue by DVF
• Royal Blue by Everly
• Royal Blue by DSquared2
• Royal Blue by Alberta Ferretti
• Royal Blue by My Story (*favorite)  

 

Wine Country

{Ride to Sterling Vineyards}

I wasn't sure if I was ready for Summer to end, but then came September, which turned out to be a very difficult month. Many things seemed to happen all at once and I felt like I needed to escape for a day to clear my mind and stabilize my emotions. I took a day trip to Napa and spent the warm afternoon walking through some beautiful vineyards, tasting wine and sampling grapes right off the vines. My favorite moment was the car ride leaving Napa. That sounds strange but as I passed by the beautiful green vineyards, I felt like Napa gave me a sense of calmness and strength I needed to give the Fall season a warm welcome.

***

 

 

August Activities

Spring is for cleaning and Summer is for fun. I spent most of my August traveling, trying fantastic restaurants in the local area and searching for some fun hobbies, both old and new. For example, I've picked up oil painting. My goal is to decorate the apartment with some homemade artwork. Another type of interior decorating - indoor plants! I've never taken care of a plant so this is a newfound hobby that will hopefully stick around, meaning...I hope they don't die on my watch. If you ever get the chance to visit San Francisco on a Summer day, I recommend stopping by the Water Bar. It has a beautiful view of the Bay Bridge, as seen below.  

{View from the top floor of the Hyatt}

{Family wedding at Kohl Mansion, Burlingame}

{Oil Painting, Student Level 1}

{My first Indoor Plant}

{Tasting Sample of the Emmy Awards Dinner Menu}

{Red Medicine, Vietnamese Cuisine in Beverly Hills}