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Packing Ritual
Do you have a packing ritual? I was talking to my mom on the phone the other day and how we miss each other, how my kids miss their grandparents, and how I just want to get on a plane and go somewhere. Anywhere. We went to Yosemite during COVID and was so needed. Now with a new house, I don’t know if we’ll be traveling anytime soon. I consider myself a fairly decent packer. There is no trick to it and I usually end up stuffing my clothes in my little carry-on, surprising myself when everything fits. It’s the little things, guys. Now with kids involved, it’s a little…
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Need decor inspiration? Go house hunting
A few months ago, we decided to make the jump from renting to actually looking for a house in the Bay Area. Guess what? We BOUGHT a house. I’m from Texas, so imagine going from houses where big walk-closets and oversized bathrooms are the norms, to houses where the closet is the size of, well, a shower stall? The struggle is real, and let’s not forget the cost of living. Uff. The one thing that I’ve really liked about going house shopping is seeing how they are staged. The decor is so pretty. You walk into a house and the warm color pallet and clean floors make you think, if…
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the priority shift for families when buying a house
We bought a house!!! I can’t believe that in a few months we’ll be officially homeowners. Buying a house in the Bay Area seemed like an impossible task (both financially and emotionally), but the cards were ever in our favor. After a little over a month of looking, we saw one that checked all the boxes and made an offer that was accepted pretty quickly. I am repeatedly told that this does NOT happen here. I guess the house was just meant to be. We debated going outside our area, and glad we decided to stick around here. It’s been such an interesting rollercoaster- mostly emotional- throughout the process. My…
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You can do it, put your back into it
Has your posture changed since you had kids? Mine certainly has, taking a toll on my back in more ways than one. My spine tends to do a reverse c-shape because of the way I carry both kids (in the middle, on my stomach versus on my hips). My husband has a history of back problems so tweaks and stretching to avoid tweaks is an ongoing battle. We have foam rollers, pressure point thingamajigs, and ice/heating pads. But my favorite one of all is one I got for Christmas. I LOVE IT. I’m usually looking down at the computer to work or at my little ones when they need something.…
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Tea: my favorite gift for all
Tea is always a great gift to give. Whether for the holidays, a hostess gift or for teachers, tea really is a no-brainer. From pretty packaging to variety, you can’t lose. For those of us shopping last minute (hi, over here!), tea hits the mark. Growing up, my mom always had a collection of teas in the pantry. Whether we wanted something sweet, caffeine-free, holiday-themed or to soothe an ailment like tummy-aches or sleeplessness, my mom’s tea stash was always plentiful. You might also be wondering why I’m talking about tea when COFFEE is literally in my blog name. Well, I don’t discriminate. Any hot beverage including hot cocoa and…
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the 2 yoga apps + 1 meditation app I’m using right now
When I lived in Dallas, I joined a small yoga studio I loved so much I would go every single day. I bought the professional mat, auto-renewed my membership, and was all in. I could feel it in my bones if I missed a day (literally). The music, the instructors, the owner, and the other members are some of the best people I’ve met and some still show up on my Facebook feed since I left Texas 6 years ago. I haven’t been able to find that in the Bay Area, which is shocking since CA is home to some would argue the best yoga studios have to offer. I…
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How are you doing?
It’s been 7 months. 7 months of figuring out what our days looks like. What work, school, kids and connection with friends and family looks like. Some poured their energy into working out, others (ahem, me) decided to get on the sourdough baking wagon. It’s been almost a full year of uncertainty, adjusting, settling and then adjusting and settling again. Where do we go from here? What habits have you found comfort in? For me personally, I’ve embraced my natural waves, re-started my blog and have been journaling my story. I take the most comfort in letting it out on paper (or screen) as I can express myself best with…
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what life looks like
Last night I listened in to our school district meeting where the board was trying to decide what schools are going to look like in the Fall. After about 4 hours of back and forth, I turned it off with the take-away that no one knows what the hell to do. We’ve been bombarded by information from every angle, taking space on our social media, emails, TV and conversations. The narrative and guidance keeps changing, with families having to decide for themselves what is acceptable and what is not. Do you stay inside? Bubble with another family? Eat inside a restaurant? Here’s my advice: Trust. Your. Gut. That’s right. Don’t…
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what the hills y’all: signs of SF (part 2)
One of my favorite things walking around the city is seeing how creative shops are with their signs. Whether they announce new food items, specials, sales or events, it’s all about getting your attention. San Francisco has kicked it up to include words of encouragement, deep thoughts and a chance to laugh. Below are some more of my favorite signs of SF (see part 1 here) that I’ve captured over the time I’ve spent here. Enjoy. glad we were able to cleat that up. in case you were wondering… can’t help but smile when I saw this sign. Mission accomplished. it’s on. although technically not a chalkboard fold-out sign, I…
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What the Hills Y’all: Signs of SF
I thrive on creativity. That’s one of the reasons why I became a writer. After being in San Francisco for almost a year now, it’s clear there is no shortage of that here. One of my favorite things walking around the city is seeing how creative shops are with their signs. These are the fold-open triangles that stores can have outside their shop to announce new food items, specials, sales and events. San Francisco has kicked it up to include words of encouragement, deep thoughts and a chance to laugh. Below are some of my favorites that I’ve captured over the time I’ve spent here. Enjoy. Have you seen any…
