San Francisco post 3: blossoms and ginkgo

I went to the city on the right weekend...

The cherry blossoms were in full bloom and bright pink.

To top it off, my favorite leafed tree, the ginkgo, was bright green and everywhere.

This post is photo heavy... I just couldn't narrow down my favorites more than this!

First up: The Gingko.

If you know me, you know I love the ginkgo leaf... I love its shape and

the tree is beautiful in green in the spring and golden in the fall.

I love the contrast between the green leaves and the darker and reddish background.

(do yourself a favor and click on the photo for a bigger image...)

Slightly translucent leaves

And now: The Cherry Blossoms.

How beautiful and lush are these?!!

At night, they would glow.
I had a hard time capturing it, but maybe you get the idea with this one.

The shapes and colors in nature are so inspiring to me!

San Francisco post 2: Miette Confiserie

First, I would like to say that not all of my posts of my recent weekend to San Francisco will be about food.

But with that said, this one is.

Well, of candy and treats.

My friends and I made a stop at Miette, in Hayes Valley.

It's such a cute store and their Parisian macaroons are soooo yummy.

I just love the colors in Miette...

Not from painted walls or counters, but from CANDY!

Every color of the rainbow!

Radha, Jordan, and me! (about to eat my macaroon)

Cute cakes and cupcakes

Parisian Macaroons, as mentioned above.

The Chocolate Lavender was very tasty.

So if you have a sweet tooth or love color, stop in one of Miette's locations

for a feast for the eyes and taste buds!

San Francisco post 3 is up next... stay tuned!

San Francisco post 1 : El Zocalo

A visit to San Francisco means good friends, good food, and good fun.

So to start, with my recent weekend in San Francisco, I want to focus on El Zocalo, an El Salvadorian restaurant in the Mission.

Susan took me there, promising me yummy and cheap food including Pupusas!

$1.90/each! And so yummy!

Our choices, including Revuelta Original Pupusas, Positas (sp?), tostada, rice&beans.

Sweet and beautiful Susan!

How amazing are all the plates of pupusas?!!

This place was no glitz or glam.

Was a hole in the wall.

But in my experience, this type of restaurant makes the best food.

And El Zocalo was no exception!

Restaurant: The Neon Carrot!

I went to lunch today at a really really good place.

And,
A. if you don't know about it, you probably would never know about it unless someone told you about it.
B. if you have not been before, you probably should.

The restaurant is called The Neon Carrot.

It is on South Higuera, towards Trader Joes, in one of those little "plazas" that don't seem to have anything interesting unless you are going to Curves or to Mail Boxes Etc (making those up, but- it's that kind of plaza).

I didn't take a photo of it, but above the restaurant is a generic plaza sign that says "RESTAURANT". Judging from that sign, I would think the place was a mediocre, at best, diner or something.

But instead, oh boy, instead it was cute, healthy, yummy, local, yummy, and did I mention yummy?

(Above) This! is what I had.
Toasted flat bread with a gingered carrot puree.
On top of that, a grilled egg plant that had a smoked/bbq taste to it.
On top of that, a Mint and Pistachio spread.
On top of that, a great salad!
And throughout the whole thing, little pieces of preserved lemon peel.
It was, in one word, delicious.

My mom had the cauliflower and cheese soup (bottom left).
And of course, we had to share a piece of carrot cake.
(Or as I lovingly call it, Banana Bread Cake)

As you can read (click to enlarge photo), the restaurant is owned by locals and they use local produce and meat. Extra points from me, for sure!

If you live in or visit SLO, stop by... It's cute, yummy, and sort of a secret, maybe.

Good food inspires me.

Honeycomb Shelf Idea! DIY

I love this idea DIY honeycomb shelf, as seen on Design*Sponge!

And I love the colors they chose for it.

If I made it, it would have to be really high up so that my cat Olive wasn't able to jump up on it.
Or I could make it go to the ground, like stairs, and make it really strong and encourage her to climb up it... That would be pretty adorable too!

See the whole project here: Honeycomb Shelf

Martin Beach Photoshoot

I had the pleasure of doing a photoshoot in Avila this past week.

Christin's husband is in the army and is currently away from his family.

Christin wanted to get portraits done of herself and their daughters,

Kaylani and Mia, to send to him.

It was a beautiful day to accomplish this!

The three girls

Jumping shots... one of my favorite portraits to take!

Kaylani running!

Mia running!

Kaylani

Mia

sisterly love

Mia's solo jump shots!

Kaylani's shadows

Swings!

We love you Daddy!

The Sanitarium

I remember the first time I stepped foot into the Sanitarium.

I felt special to be in such a magical place and I was instantly so inspired.

I still get that feeling each time I step foot through the beautiful stained glass doors.

The Sanitarium gets its name from the original use of the space: An establishment for the medical treatment of people who are convalescing or have a chronic illness.

It was also a frat house at one point, before being transformed into the beautiful bed & breakfast that it is now.

Owner, Suzi, is an artist and the Sanitarium is decorated in a beautiful artistic way.

There are also paintings all throughout the Sanitarium. I am not showcasing these in this post, but keep your eyes on sloinspired for such post in the future!

Inn keeper, Vince, is a musician and a couple of nights a week the Sanitarium is a space for live music. (Currently on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays)

The rooms are each unique- some with four post beds,

others with beautifully ornate built-in beds.

All of the rooms have deep soak tubs... not only functional but also beautiful and unique.

It's all in the details...

Every nook in the Sanitarium has something pleasing for the senses.

I hope you enjoyed these photos of the Sanitarium.

It is just a peak into this beautiful place.

I know it will not be the last time I post photos... I just love the space so much!
And there is so much more to be covered.

Visit the Sanitarium's facebook page HERE.

And if you are in SLO, visit the Sanitarium at

1716 Osos Street (around the corner from my apartment) and call them at (805) 544-4124

(and yes, that is a hammock in the circular balcony space!)