If I was a Rich Cat......

Last night, Stefania was kind enough to host a little girls dinner in honor of Tracey's 28th birthday. So good to have a little happy hour and cozy dinner in.

Of course, I took advantage of the opportunity to torture Turtle, Stef's cat.....put a little napkin on her head. She reminded us of Fiddler on the Roof and we sang a little "If I was a rich cat, na na na na na na na".

The birthday girl enjoyed her special wine glass and yummy dinner.

Stef's table looked so pretty and the food filled up those plates with no problem - green salad, pasta with homemade pesto, and salmon en papillote (salmon in paper - it's French!), followed by angel food cake with balsamic berries.
Obviously, a successful evening. I apologize for the crappy photos - only had my iPhone handy, no real camera. Now, one more work day and it's time to kick off the weekend with dinner and drinks with friends, a bridal shower and a day at the beach with the pup.

Pretty Pretties

I went on a mini-shopping trip on Sunday...well, really just a quick trip to Ann Taylor LOFT to make use of their Friends & Family sale (30% off!) and got a few Spring shirts AND this realllllllyyyyyy cute necklace. I love it. I have it on today and am digging it.

I like it.

Above, is a photo of sign from a restaurant in Florence, Italy that my friend's sister took for me. "Trattoria Mamma Gina" - has a good ring to it, doesn't it? I like it. I want it.

Weekend Goodness

Now that we're back in California and done unpacking (for the most part), the FUN with friends and family has begun. We had a fantastic weekend full of just that. Weekend festivities included:

- Lunch with Kristen and Josh at Pier 23 (where I scored a major farmer sunburn that several strangers commented on today)

- Dinner with Brian, Jess and Cat at our house with lots of wine and yummy food and great conversation

- Quick shopping trip to Broadway Plaza

- Waterside walk and dog play date with Jess and her dog Raffi, Riley's new friend

- Family BBQ at Mom and Dad's

All this fun and quality time was NECESSARY after a crappy Friday night when I got on the wrong bus home, rode until the end of the line since I had no idea where I was, then a 2 mile walk home in heels. I cracked open a bottle of wine, put my feet up and watched a movie after that disaster.

Dinner Party

Last week, we were excited to have our good friends, Katie and Erik and their new baby, Brenden, from Colorado in town. They came to stay for the night and have dinner with us and other friends. Thanks to me and Brian busting our butts all week and weekend, our place was in great shape for visitors just in time!

I now have a dining table big enough to entertain with and I'm EXCITED. It's my grandmother's and a bit older in style, but it definitely works. I bought this fantastic tablecloth and matching brown napkins at Cost Plus:
I also got to use my water goblets, water pitcher, good flatware and serving dishes!

What was on the menu, you ask?
Garlic and Rosemary Roasted Pork Loin
Steamed Artichoke with Lemon Garlic Aioli
Sun Dried Tomato Risotto
Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble

Yum, yum!

Chandelier

Here is a photo of the chandelier at the house we're now living in here in SF. It's my grandparents' house and it's been vacant for 5 years. This chandelier brings bittersweet thoughts to my mind…..

When I was a little girl, I loved it! I loved to touch it and watch it twinkle (to which I always got a lovely shout from my Nonno, "Non toccare!" (don't touch!)). I also used to take the crystals off the chandelier and attach them to my ears somehow and wear them like earrings.

Now….I don't feel quite the same. Sure, it's pretty and old, but it's just not my style. Do I hear Craigslist calling?

Day at the Beach

Today, I took a break from unpacking to enjoy the beautiful sunshine and get Riley some exercise. We loaded into the car and headed to Fort Funston for some fun. Wasn't too far either...10-15 minute drive.

It was quite a hike from the parking lot down to the beach, but great exercise!

Riley was a little apprehensive at first of the waves, but got the hang of it after a while. He still ran like hell away from them when they came too fast, but he started fetching sticks and chasing rocks when I threw them into the surf.
Riley even found a little pond in the rocks to dig in!

Maybe next weekend, we'll check out Baker Beach or Crissy Field.