Semi-sorta-whenever-I-get-around-to-publishing it weekly recap comin’ in hot!! Last Sunday, the 24th, I headed down to SF in the afternoon after church. Something I adore about SF are the murals on every corner. Every time I’m there I notice a new one!
DJ had to work all afternoon, but I met up with Amy and we decided to hike a few different spots. First up: Corona Heights!
It’s a park that overlooks the city elevated upon a little hill that you can climb up to see the best views.
It only took about 15 minutes total to hike up and down- super short hike, but a great way to see the city!
Next stop: Buena Vista Park.
We actually were on our way to Sutro Heights, but stumbled across this park on the way. We saw a free parking spot & snatched it. It’s located near Haight/Ashbury and is a beautiful walk. We loved the greenery mixed with lovely flowers & glimmers of the Golden Gate were a fun surprise too.
Right before pulling away, we had a lady with very broken English tap on my car window. I wasn’t sure if I should roll it down (you can never be too careful), but I have a hard time just ignoring someone. I cracked the window, and she held up a blurry black and white picture of a house and asked if I knew where it was located… uh no sorry, lady. I don’t have every house front of SF memorized. And even if I did no way I’d recognize it by that pic! Hah- such a strange experience.
Next stop: Mount Sutro. This one was a bit off the beaten bath. It starts in what feels like an apartment complex and is surrounded by USCF buildings.
Once we started walking through the woods it had the same effect of hiking The Presidio– The bustle of The City faded away, and it became serenely quiet. There are so many hidden gems in this city – it never ceases to amaze me.
Before heading home I desperately wanted to try TROUBLE Coffee… a place that has been yelling to be crossed off the bucket list for months.
This place is so edgy; I love it.
I ordered a cafe au lait with almond milk & Amy had their mocha. I had to save half of it for the next day because it was too late in the day to have it all- aka hellllur, insomnia. I was so excited when I woke up the next morning with it in the fridge though!
They have a small menu, but they are known for their toasts– in particular, their cinnamon toast.
I actually have no words to describe how amazing these toasts are….
On the heels of that statement I will proceed to try to use words to describe how amazing they are..
I took a bite of the PB & Honey and thought, “There is no way the cinnamon could beat this”…. then I took a bite of the cinnamon… and it did… all the hype around this toast was entirely warranted. To. die. for. It made me nostalgic, because buttered cinnamon toast was something I grew up on. But this was next level.
In the evening I came home and tried to get creative with a meal since I was in the mood to cook. I made DJ a “caprese” chicken with buffalo mozzarella, marinated tomatoes from TJs, artichoke hearts and bread crumbs. On the side I made some toasted baguettes with asparagus seasoned with za’atar.
On Monday the 25th I took a nice little morning walk before getting started on school work for the day.
Tea has become nearly part of my nightly routine lately. I went through a stage in high school where I loved tea, then didn’t enjoy it for years, but I’m back on that tea train now!
I spent some time spring cleaning the apartment a bit too!
On Tuesday the 26th, I finished up some big assignments and then had a delicious lunch I’m excited to share! It had quinoa, sautéed tofu, hummus, artichoke hearts, cabbage slaw, and green goddess dressing from TJs. MMmmmm!
My mom-in-law and my sister-in-laws (Renee and Amy) were coming to stay with us for the evening. I had been looking forward to this for weeks!! It was sooo much fun having them here even though it was a short time. They were flying to Phoenix the next day for a little getaway. I wish I could have gone so badly, but the school load just wasn’t permitting it. I saw Amy this past Sunday and had her relay every single detail of the trip so I could live vicariously through her!
We went to Lazy Dog on Main Street Cupertino. DJ and I have been a couple times, but not in a while. They changed their menu & it’s so darn eye-catching and pretty now!
We ordered a couple drinks to start. Stars of the show were the Huckleberry Mule & Rose Elderflower Punch.
A started app we tried were their deviled eggs- lightly fried, topped with smoked paprika and bacon candy. The “fried” egg was a bit confusing on the palate. We all agreed traditional deviled eggs just can’t be beat! Don’t mess with a good thing, ya know?
DJ and my MIL both ordered their PB & J burger with a grilled 1/2 lb beef patty, candied bacon, havarti, peanut butter, grape jelly, lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickle. They were absolutely raving about it! Based on their reactions I would dare say it may be one of the best things on the menu!
Renee ordered the pot pie- yes, a real pot pie from a restaurant! This had roasted chicken and slow cooked veggies. I love how creative their menu is. It’s a predominantly American food menu, but with a twist!
I had their seared ahi tuna salad. My go-to is their ahi tuna over mashed cauliflower, but I was craving something cold. This hit. the. spot. I savored every bite.
Of course, after dinner we had to get some Somi Somi! This time I tried the ube and matcha mixed with custard in the cone. Gosh, I don’t know if I like nutella or custard better in the cone– they are both insanely good. I think Oreo is still my favorite flavor though! Matcha is a close second.
Here is all of us together!!! It was the highlight of my month having them here, even if briefly. It was SO much fun & really helped infuse some fun into the week!
In the evening we watched the documentary Free Solo. If you haven’t watched it yet, you have to. It’s an extremely well done, gripping, amazing, inspiring documentary.
On Wednesday the 27th, I after dropping off everyone at the airport I came home greeted to this gorgeous rainbow <3
The rest of the day was same ol’, same ol’. BUT It was my beautiful Momma’s bday which made the day extra special. I wish I could have celebrated with her, but we did from afar <3 Here is the little Facebook excerpt I wrote:
Happiest of all birthdays to you, Mom—truly one of the most incredible women to bless this earth 💕 You demonstrate what it means to live with a zest for life, selflessly love everyone around you, have the most genuine heart, and live out an unshakable faith. I’m constantly amazed by your wisdom, grace, strength, pursuit of adventure and perseverance in any situation. I’m so thankful for you, as are countless others, and today we celebrate beautiful YOU. Happy happy birthday ! I love you! ❤️
Oh, and she just got a massive promotion at work and destroyed her Dri Tri Championship with Orange Theory! #superwoman
Thursday the 28th I headed to Boys & Girls Club in the afternoon (gosh, guys– I love those kids– I don’t know how I’m gonna leave them 🙁 ). Working with those third graders is one of the highlights of my week every week. The thought of the school year ending makes me want to cry…I am soooo attached..ALSO, I have some hard core baby fever like I’ve never experienced before. We know the timing isn’t right, but I can’t wait for that day!
Anywho-For dinner I made some tilapia with roasted veggies & quinoa topped with mustard. I used a bit too much mustard, but it was still so yummy.
Let’s wrap it on up here. Hope you all are having a great week! It’s FRIYAY.
Questions for you:
- Would you be team PB toast or team Cinnamon Toast?
- Have you seen Free Solo?
xo <3
