Christmas Time in the City

I think enough time has passed, where I can post Christmas photos without any of you rolling your eyes. I am one of those people who busts out the decorations the day after Thanksgiving, so having to sit on this post was a challenge. As my loving boyfriend Cole says, "There's no break with you, it's Halloweenthanksgivingchristmas". I think it's from my time working in retail. He loves it.

Growing up in the suburbs of Massachusetts, there were always plenty of Christmas lights and decorations to Oooh and Ahhh at. Living in the city has it's restrictions, with many building managers prohibiting any sort of decoration (even flags that pledge allegiance to the Giants!), so when you do see Christmas lights on houses or apartment balconies, it's quite a treat. Here are a few from my walks around the neighborhood.

Union Square Christmas Tree always makes me giddy

Macy's always puts on a great display. But they kinda have to, being the department store most associated with Christmas.

You don't see these lights often! They're the big bulb ones that my Grandparents always used.

It's hard to tell, but these were blue and white lights. Representing our Jewish brethren!

There is a snowflake on every post on Downtown Market Street. It's quite lovely and the only kind of snow SF will see.

Far away shot of Bloomingdale's

Thanks for reading!

Melissa

Vanya Without Borders

For the past few weeks, I've been rehearsing a show to raise money for Doctors Without Borders. It's a 75-minute adaptation of Uncle Vanya. It's been pretty humbling to be apart of a production where everyone involved is donating their time, talent, and resourses to make it happen.

If you're in the Bay Area, check it out!

Where: Harry’s Upstage at Aurora Theatre Company in Berkeley

When: Dec. 12th and 13th at 7:30

How Much: $50 per ticket suggested donation- 100% of all proceeds go directly to Doctors Without Borders and all donations are 100% tax deductible. Again, this is a suggested donation.

Since this rehearsal when the photos were taken, things have changed a bit! I'll post some updated photos in a few days.

Thanks for reading!

Melissa

Friendsgiving

Yes, Friendsgiving. This relatively new (at least to me) holiday has become a great wind down after the stresses of gathering with family and traveling. Not that I don't thoroughly enjoy being with my family; but there's a different sense of relaxation when you're with your friends. For the second year in a row, Katherine and Anthony hosted it. Everyone was expected to bring a dish as well as BYOB. It worked out fabulously and after we were all stuffed with another full meal and wine, we switched gears and busted out the Christmas carols and watched Scrooged.

I respect people who keep a tidy kitchen whilst cooking.

Turkey (and buds) forever!

If any of you celebrated Friendsgiving this year, then I hope it was a blast!

Thanks for reading!

Melissa

Hog Island

When my parents planned on coming into the city for cocktails and dinner, I knew exactly where I wanted to take them. Hog Island Oyster Company in the Ferry Building is one of my favorites and with it's relatively new renovation and expansion, it was easy to grab a seat and gorge on oysters.

That wasn't the end of our Hog Island adventure. I decided that we should go up to Marshall, CA where the oyster farm is, and shuck our own! Being twice before, I knew what to expect and what to bring, so we were set for a day of sun and kisses from the sea.

Dad shows Mom the proper way to shuck.

Mom tried, but gave up and was quite happy letting us do the work.

If you're ever in the area, I'd recommend it! Tomales Bay Oyster Company is about 4 miles down the road, so you have options if one is busy.

Thanks for reading!

Melissa