FALL IN SAN FRANCISCO: APPLE HILL

I never realized some of the things I took for granted in New England when I was living back East. Traditional autumn activities like apple picking fall directly into that category. I had a hankering for some good old fashioned fall fun this weekend so my S.O. and I decided to make the 2 and 1/2 hour trek to what has been dubbed the best apple picking spot of the West - Apple Hill. 

Doesn't my fall manicure go well with this apple?

An hour outside of Sacramento, Apple Hill is made up of over 50 farms and ranches filled with fruit orchards, breweries, tree farms, wineries and more. We came a little late in the season so unfortunately the u-pick farms were pretty bare, however I was not disappointing as I had more than my fill of apple cider, caramel apples and apple cider donuts.

I really, really like apple cider donuts.

We visited a few different stops along the way - my favorites being Abel's Apple Acres and Jack Russell Farm Brewery & Winery. Both locations had a slew of tents and booths set up with local vendors selling all different types of food, produce, jewelry, accessories and more.

For native New Englanders, Apple Hill will make you feel like you've taken a trip back East. And while nothing compares to home, Apple Hill makes a close second.

WHEN IN SAN FRANCISCO, DO AS THE SAN FRANCISCANS DO

It can be fun to be a tourist in your own city. I got a chance to do so this weekend when my parents visited for the first time since my move to the Bay Area! In a trip that seemed to pass by in the blink of an eye we managed to go wine tasting in Sonoma, bike ride over the Golden Gate Bridge, chow down on lobster rolls in Half Moon Bay and drive up the picturesque Pacific Coast Highway and famed Lombard Street in the city. 

The weekend started with a trip to Sonoma for a wine and cheese tasting at Envolve Winery and some shopping.

We were blessed with some beautiful fall weather this weekend, giving me the perfect excuse to don my favorite go to outfit - a flannel top and riding boots. Since we were doing a lot of walking around and exploring outdoors, this outfit was the perfect mix of comfortable fashion.

Shirt: Forever 21/Mini Bubble Necklace: Urban Peach Boutique/Bag: Nine West/Jeans: Express/Riding Boots: Nine West

 Sunnies: J. Crew Outlet

 My favorite part of the trip by far was our bike ride across the Golden Gate into Sausalito. Whether you're visiting the city for a weekend or have lived here for 20 years, this experience is a must for the views alone. 

 The one block section of the city, famous for it's hairpin turns, Lombard Street offers an incredible view of the city and some of the surrounding architecture. 

I fell in love with the great state of California all over again. It was such a treat having my parents visit and we made some memories that will last lifetimes. Have you ever had the chance to be a tourist in your own city?

BIRCHBOX BLOGGER EVENT - NYFW

Fashion Week is a crazy (and fun!) time to be in New York City, and we were thrilled when we received an invite for the Birchbox Bloggers event!

The event was a fantastic way to learn more about the Birchbox company and...to get our hands on some of their amazing samples. The Birchbox headquarters, located in the Meatpacking District, was transformed into a beauty salon featuring manicures, touch ups and hair styling service bars from some great brands like the Dry Bar.

To top off a great night, Birchbox let attendees pick from their amazing sample wall. (I've already started integrating the products from last night into my beauty routine...) There was even a Q&A with Birchbox Co-Founder Katia Beauchamp and Lucky magazine beauty editor Jean Godfrey!

Thanks for a great night Birchbox!

COAST TO COAST JET-SETTING

This weekend I took a trip home for the first time since moving to California which was absolutely amazing. I managed to surprise nearly my entire family, which was an added plus. And although I love traveling, I absolutely hate flying (talk about an oxymoron, right?) I've come up with some travel essentials to make my flying time as comfortable as possible. 

1. A comfortable sweater is a must, you never know what the temperature will be like on your flight so packing layers is wise. Bonus, you can use that sweater as a makeshift blanket or pillow. 
2. It's crucial to be comfortable while flying. My favorite outfit consists of a comfy t-shirt paired with a flowing maxi skirt.
3. If you're taking a red eye or simply want to catch a quick cat nap on your flight, a sleep mask is a lifesaver. Anatomicals makes this great sleep kit that includes a mask and a soothing sleeping balm. Apply this and it's lights out!
4. Now some may disagree with me on this, but I love flying in sandals. They're easy to take off and put back on so you're not holding up any lines through security and let your tootsies breathe. 
5. I am 100% obsessed with my Beats headphones. Not only do they come in a range of fashion forward colors but their noise canceling features let you enjoy your choice of tunes, while also tuning out any unpleasant distractions (I love babies but no one wants to sit next to the crier). 
6. Backpacks are perfect to bring on-board your flight to carry all of your other travel essentials unlike a purse you'll have to dig through to find that book you swore you brought with you.

What are some of your travel essentials? Do you have one item you absolutely can't fly without?

BAY AREA HIKING SPOTS

I've always loved a good hike, so moving to California was like a dream to me. The whole state became a playground of endless trails and mountains just waiting to be explored. One of the first hikes I tackled with friends took place at Big Basin. Located in the Santa Cruz Mountains, Big Basin Redwoods State Park is California's oldest State Park, according to the park website, and was established in 1902. With over 80 miles of trails it can be tough to choose which route you want to take...let me make it easy for you: go to the Berry Creek Falls. This particular hiking loop is approx. 8 miles in and out and along the way you'll get a picturesque view of foliage, redwoods and even some wildlife. 

We spotted a number of banana slugs during our hiking including this shy little guy

When we set off for the hike, we knew it would be a long and challenging one. In total, the 8 mile hike took us about 5 hours (at a fast pace with a lunch break). If you plan to hike this trail, I highly suggest packing a lunch, snacks and plenty of water. As the sign warns, the Berry Creek Falls Trail is no joke.    

Entering the trail loop, the first half of the hike to the falls is mostly downhill and not extremely challenging. However, I quickly realized that everything we hiked down...we would be hiking back up. But all that dread quickly disappeared when we reached the holy grail - the waterfalls. I cannot describe to you how beautiful the falls were in person and pictures just don't do it justice. 

The falls area offers a platform where hikers can enjoy a break; we took this opportunity to eat our lunches and enjoy the view while we refueled. After lunch we decided to explore the area around the falls and took a quick, steep path that leads to the very top of the falls. For those afraid of heights, I don't recommend this. However, there really is nothing like standing on the edge of a cascading waterfall - just be smart and careful! 

Once we regained our energy we began our climb back to base camp and let me tell you, there were times I wanted to quit and become a nomad just so I wouldn't have to hike back out. Yes, it was that challenging (or I just have no endurance). But at the end of the day, completing the hike was so worth it and I've never felt better. 

Do you have a favorite hiking spot? 

 Photography: Caroline

NYC RESTAURANT WEEK

NYC Restaurant Week is almost wrapping up and if you haven’t gotten a chance to indulge, I highly recommend it! It’s a great way to experience a three-course dinner (or lunch) at some of New York’s finest restaurants.

My palette always seems to sway towards Latin style cooking, so after scanning Restaurant Week menus – La Mar Cebicheria seemed like a winner.

I'm a margarita gal, so was thrilled to find that they were a part of La Mar Cebicheria's awesome happy hour selection, until 7 pm! 

Now, onto the food...

Famous for their cebiche, La Mar Cebicheria doesn't disappoint. I grew up with this stuff, so to be honest, it’s a bit salty. The salt is used to cure the fish and helps to make this awesome sauce - they call it 'Leche de Tigre', which usually involves lime juice, fish and blended hot peppers.  Combine all that with Peruvian corn and yam and you got Cebiche Clásico. Delish.

Our waiter suggested the ‘a lo Macho’ entree, which both my companions ordered. The entrée consists of grilled cod fish over a quinoa stew with a spicy aji panca sauce. They both cleared their plates!

Saving the best for last, dessert was fantastic! It's called Lucuma y Cacao.  The dish is a lucuma (Peruvian fruit) panna cotta served with crumbled chocolate and queso helado, which literally translates to ‘cheese ice cream’ – don’t worry, there’s no cheese! Just another one of those things that gets lost in translation I guess. The dessert was a great blend of sweet and savory and a perfect finale to the meal.

Overall, great food with great friends. If you're into cebiche or trying new foods, I suggest you check it out. Where have you dined for Restaurant Week?

Photography: Melissa