Up Bay Finds - The Loft Thai Fusion

Happy Sunday! I'm starting a series called "Up Bay Finds" where you can find secret gems in the city of Vallejo, Mare Island, Benicia, Fairfield, and American Canyon. My husband and I have lived in Asia for many years before we came back to the Bay Area. So finding a good and tasty Thai restaurant to satisfy our palate and enough room to fit our family of five without feeling cramped was very challenging until we discovered The Loft Thai Fusion in Hiddenbrook Vallejo.

This place has a very clean and modern look. My kids love all the legos, comic art on the wall, and not too mention the variety of food items on the menu. The price is pretty reasonable for a family of five as well.

There are many healthy choices like this steak salad. But my most favorite dish is the sticky rice with mango. If you are driving up to Napa Valley for the weekend, I definitely suggest to stop at the loft Thai fusion for a quick lunch before heading to all the wineries. 

Photography by Aurora Heitman

Lots Of Red

// WHOWHATWEAR dress - ANINE BING hat (similar here) - ANINE BING boots (similar here)  //

// Ralph Lauren denim dress (similar here) - Vintage GUCCI (similar here) - Target sunglasses //

// Madewell dress (similar here) - Steve Madden booties //

Celebrating the month of LOVE with lots of red. Hope y'all had a wonderful Valentine's Day celebration with your loved nones.

Photography by Aurora Heitman

Modern Calligraphy With Sandelin Designs

My daughter and I attended the Modern Calligraphy class with Sandelin Designs hosted by Anthropologie over the weekend. She told me that modern calligraphy is like a fancier version of the cursive writing she is learning at school ;-) We had a great time learning and bonding and the macaroons were definitely a hit. If you are looking for a fun event to take your daughter to or just have a little time to yourself, make sure to sign up with Anthropologie for their upcoming events.

Chocolate Cake and DIY Succulents

Valentine's Day is almost here, and what a better way to celebrate the month of love with your loved ones with a simple DIY succulents and chocolate cake. 

The pebbles are from Michaels and the succulents are from Home Depot.

I got this utensil holder from Target and used here as planter.

I got this second planter from a local shop in St. Helena (similar here).

Favorite chocolate cake recipe here and frosting here.

Happy Valentine's Day amor! 

Photography by Aurora Heitman

 

Pink Candy Cake

How cute is this pink candy cake? I got the inspiration while looking for a rug at Home Goods. You see I was so distracted with all the pink hearts, candies, gummies, and macaroons for Valentine's Day that I ended up getting them instead of the rug. Yes, that's my story every time I go to Home Goods and Target. 

This cake is literally so easy to make and perfect to get your kids involved. Whether you bake and frost your own cake at home or purchase it, it's almost impossible to mess up. The candies cover up any imperfections in the frosting, and the more randomly they're placed, the better it will look in the end.

If you are baking here is my favorite chocolate cake recipe and buttercream frosting. Happy baking!

Photography by Aurora Heitman

Galentines With Ashley Rose Conway

Valentine's Day is next month so I thought this would be the perfect time for a Galentine's party with some of my mommy besties. Living in the wine country we tend to always go with a bottle of sauvignon blanc or pinot (my favorites) when dining out or entertaining. That's why I can't wait to attend the Macy's Culinary Council Event with Ashely Rose Conway of Craft and Cocktails. Where she is going to show us how to stock up your bar with the latest glassware, barware, accessories, and samples some of her signature cocktails. And nothing is better than a glass of yumminess when celebrating friendship!

If you love to entertain or are thinking of throwing a party, come join me at Macy's in Walnut Creek on January 27th at 2pm to learn all about crafting your perfect cocktail. RVSP details here.

Click here to learn more about Macy's Culinary Council.

 

"This post is sponsored by Everywhere Agency on behalf of Macy's; however, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own."

My New Year's Goals

Work out at least 3 times a week. Run a half marathon. Volunteer once a month. Be kind to myself. Make yummy recipes with my Instapot. Reduce french fries and ice cream nights. Drink more water. Reconnect with old hobbies. Be more patient with myself and others. Hugs. Kisses. Snuggles. Sleep. Forgive. Breathe.

Cheers to a healthy and happy 2018!

Photo by Pearly Hens Photography

 

Happy Eight!

January 5th marks the day my sweet boy came into this world and joined our family. He is smart, curious, considerate, thoughtful, determined, responsible, helpful, and above all else, kind. I love when he’ll crawl into my bed in the early hours of the morning and cuddle in between me and his daddy for a few moments as we wake up together. It's the only way he wants to start his day. 

Happiest Birthday my handsome boy! I can’t wait to watch you conquer all your dreams!