San FranCelia

What a week!  I was recently admitted into UCSF Medical Center for low blood platelets, and while scary and random (in medical speak, that’s “idiopathic” to you), I feel like I’m finally on the mend and ready to enjoy the holidays in full swing!  Christmas in San Francisco is great, and if I had to miss anything, I’d have been a very unhappy lady.  With Thanksgiving just past, and Christmas around the corner, I feel like I need to give some great ideas on how to spend this lovely time of year in the City by the Bay.   Union Square is a must visit during the holidays, even in the madness that is “Union Square”, and once I go, I feel that the season has finally begun!

Taking a walk in Union Square is enough to bring out the holiday spirit, alone, but when you get to experience the sights and smells of the area, it’s even better.  Check out Macy’s of Union Square’s annual tree lighting ceremony (tonight!) and take a stroll through Tiffany’s and Saks for your visual delight.  With the weeks of decoration preparation that go into these classic places, simply being there is a way to feel more connected to your inner elf.  I wouldn’t recommend hitting the crazy after Thanksgiving weekend sales, as it’s simply too nuts, and no amount of “exclusive sales” is worth the 4am wake up call or herded masses, as far as I’m concerned.

For a non-traditional holiday feast while you are in the Downtown area, try The Oriental Pearl on Clay and Kearny.  While a wily little Chinatown hole-in-the-wall, their food is scrumptious and will leave you wanting more – must haves are the pork buns and the seriously perfect vegetable spring rolls.  It’s only minutes from the shopping madness of Union Square by foot, but will be so much more pleasant for your sanity than trying to wait in line at one of the Union Square hot spots.  Around Christmas, it feels reminiscent of  “A Christmas Story” where they go out for Chinese when the dogs eat their turkey, except with The Oriental Pearl, it’s much more deliberate I’m glad to say.

If you want to get out of the Square (and hey, I don’t blame you at times), try heading over to another tourist destination (they are so much fun at Christmas time!), Fisherman’s Wharf, where now through the 31^st of December you can view the especially set up “Holiday Festival of Lights”.  It’s a beautiful way to spend your shopping hours, albeit a little hectic as these destinations usually can be.

While I don’t hit up these spots often, as the masses of people generally deter me, it’s always fun during the holiday season to morph into a bona fide tourist and experience what our city is famous for.

Peace and love Xo

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Fall, one of my favorite times of year in San Francisco!  I love the way the City smells when it’s turkey-time and feeling that particular crispness that grips the air.  The chill soon turns into the catalyst for pretending we’re in New England and busting out huge scarves and cute boots.   It’s divine.  It also seems that people are in their bustling winter spirits, giving a sense of purpose to everything done.  San Franciscans take their fall seriously, and I wouldn’t change it for anything.  Some of my favorite activities are even better when the leaves start falling.

To be outdoors but also keep you from freezing, take a trek and go boutiquing in Pacific Heights.  The hills are intensely steep, making the cold bearable.  It’s the only time of year that these hills don’t make you sweat uncontrollably when hiked.  This is such a fun activity this time of year as all of the holiday essentials are out and affordable in small doses.  Visit ‘Heidi Says’ or ‘Nest’ on Fillmore for some great holiday ideas – expensive, of course (being in Pacific Heights and all), but cute.

For a cozy meal in an eclectic atmosphere, check out The Café at Café du Nord.  Next door to the affiliate music venue on Market, they have great sandwiches and gigantic cups of coffee.  Delish!  The best part is if you are catching a show next door, you can finally grab a bite to eat for a reasonable price.  If you aren’t catching a show, it’s a great location for a Mission/Castro shopping break, as well as the obligatory people watching – my favorite.

Since being indoors is something to cherish during these months, I like to hold off during the summer and visit museums and art exhibitions now.  Next weekend, the Second Annual Erotic Art Exhibition comes to the California Modern Art Gallery, and is only $15.  What a fun way to spend a fall day!  I went to the Sex Museum in Paris once, and it was incredible.  The show will definitely keep the blood pumping, to say the least.

I can’t wait to experience more of the City as we delve into winter.   It’s the perfect time to explore and see what hidden treasures are at our fingertips.  While I love summer in San Francisco, the cold is starting to warm on me.

Peace and love Xo

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All moved in, finally, into my new studio in the Outer Richmond.  This is my kinda neighborhood.  Yes, there’s persistent if not unforgiving fog, but its sort of romantic in a way, and allows you to wear cute clothes – and hey, the Mission is just 15 minutes away, and there you’ll find plenty of sun.  As I reflect upon my neighborhood during the move, I’m reminded of all the cool spots that are not just hidden away here, but also that I take for granted.

For a unique café experience, try Enchanté on 26^th and Geary.  While humble in its initial appearance, when you enter you feel instantly comforted by the couches and calm ambiance, but also are, well, enchanted by the floor to ceiling murals of a French façade.  Very cool.  With delicious coffee, smoothies (these are amazing), and café fare, it’s the perfect place to sit and read, grab a coffee with friends, or study.  I love, love this place.  I was out for a walk in Lincoln Park one night and on my way back home stumbled upon this place.  Who would have thought?

And, if you want a unique view of the City while being enveloped in an amazing landscape, try visiting Outer Richmond’s own Sutro Park.  While across from the tourist heavy Sutro Bath ruins and The Cliffhouse, it rarely gets any attention from visitors, which is strange, since, in my opinion, it’s the best park in the City.   With it’s perfectly manicured and plush lawns and gorgeous flowers, it almost feels like you’re swept into a meditative, peaceful state upon entering.  Its sweeping views of the Pacific with lush and green surroundings cannot be beat.

And for a decadent night out without all the hoopla of more fancy restaurants, try Pacific Café, who’s beachy and relaxed, but also refined atmosphere serves up mouthwatering seafood and free white wine while you wait (which undoubtedly you will have to, I’ll admit).  If the wait’s 30 minutes, you drink for 30 minutes – how can that be bad, I ask.  This place is small, but totally worth it – a true Outer Richmond treasure.

I feel so lucky to live in a district with so many fantastic spots and such little pretense.  It’s a great blend that’s completely livable.   So here’s to my new solo digs in a truly unique San Francisco district – it’s about time.

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