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

Thanksgiving

Last year, Cole and I stayed home and made our own steak dinner for Thanksgiving. With both of our families across the country (and globe in my case!), we decided on a low key affair without the hassle of travel. Well, this year my parents came over from Australia, so we had it at my sister's house in Vacaville. It was full of wonderful food and company. 

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Also, if this shows up all screwy then I apologize. My new iPhone is not compatible with my 'vintage' MacBook, so I'll be posting from my iPhone and iPad until it gets sorted out.

Yoga

Last month I posted about goals I made for myself (you can revisit it here). Well, I think it's safe to knock one of those off the list. With the help of a friend, I found a yoga studio that I love and it doesn't break the bank. Yoga to the People is a donation based studio, working under the principle that yoga should be accessible to everyone, and with the 'pay what you can' rate I think they are doing just that.

I haven't had a problem getting motivated to go, especially with my buddy going with me. There are days when my body just doesn't want to bend and twist in any way, and I sometimes have a massive sweating problem that causes me to slip all over my mat (seriously, does anyone else get that? Maybe I should swipe deodorant on my hands and feet), but nothing beats the feeling of pushing through 'til the end and grabbing a celebratory chai afterwards.

You can learn more about Yoga to the People by visiting their website or better yet, in person!

Thanks for reading!

xo

Melissa

Virginia is for Lovers

The beautiful and happy Mr and Mrs!

There was a box of free figurines on the way over, so I took some and hid them all around the venue during the night.

Pretty standard for us.

Epic Bloody Mary bar at brunch.

Two weddings down, two to go! My good buddy, Michael got married in D.C. and we took the opportunity to spend extra time with Cole's family in Virginia. I always love visiting that area and find myself wishing I was back on the East Coast so I could enjoy it more frequently! Someday...

The wedding was great, and Michael designed everything right down to the invitations and the seating assignment cards. I appreciated being at the Kennedy table! Looking at these photos (all with my iphone) I'm starting to appreciate how having a quality camera would be a great investment. 

xoxo,

Melissa

Goals

I just woke up from the most relaxing dirt nap. What's a dirt nap? Oh my, it's glorious. I've made it my own term for a nap that you take fully clothed and without bothering to remove makeup. I usually reserve this term exclusively for when they happen in the bedroom (a night of imbibing does not count! It truly has to be a nap), but I've been expanding it to include the couch. So that's where I'm coming from right now...Dirt Nap.

I decided to write down a list of goals I have for myself for the 2014-2015 year. I'm not into resolutions, I find that I'm no good at guilt tripping myself into becoming a 'better me' just because. I'm more of a write down things that would make you happy and challenge you throughout the year, kind of gal. So I finally compiled a list of activities I would love to start. Time and money always seem to get in the way, but I figured that if I post it on here, a few of you may hold me accountable. Pressure is a good thing.

In no particular order:

1.  The French Class - My french is extremely limited due to lack of use and the fact that I haven't had a lesson since 8th grade! I'd love to become more proficient.

2. Sailing Lessons - We've sailed with them once before, and I've always wanted to learn how to sail myself. Plus, they allow you to rent their sailboats once you're certified! Captain Melissa taking over the Seven Seas...

3. Workshop SF  - This place looks so cool. They offer DIY workshops in subjects like pickling, flower arrangement and leather belt making. There's a few coming up this month that I'm hoping to sign up for! Martha Stewart would be so envious.

4. Alonzo King Lines - I have this dream that I will enroll in a beginner dance class, and they will be so blown away by my talent that they will insist that I become a professional and I'll be the greatest and oldest Prima Ballerina the profession has ever seen. It's totally possible, I've been told I have amazing feet for ballet.

5. Yoga - I used to do Bikram Yoga, but moved away from the studio I loved. Since this is such a personal choice, I'm going to try a few studios around my neighborhood to find the teacher and style that I like. My back and muscles will thank me.

6. Circus Center - Circus training. Obviously.

7. Acting Classes - With any profession, you constantly have to stretch and grow. While my work at Stanford (more on that next time) keeps me engaged with those muscles we actors use, it's nice to be in an actual class. A.C.T offers great classes and I'm excited to choose one that won't conflict with our weddings.

So there we have it! I know some of these things will take time to accomplish but I'm excited to start scheduling and have you follow along on my quest to become a french speaking, Sailing Circus Ballerina Star who quotes Shakespeare while in tree pose.

xoxo

Melissa

Life Lately

I still cringe hearing myself say that 'dough' line, but I'm thrilled it's getting so much air time!

Conservatory of Flowers

I've been so busy lately that I haven't really had a chance to post anything! Truthfully, I didn't think I had anything worthwhile to write about. But look! I work here now! I joined the Conservatory of Flowers Event Staff in July and it's been great. I only work about two weekends a month, supervising events (mostly weddings) and just making sure no one damages the plants or crashes the party. It's in Golden Gate Park, which is public land, so we have had to turn away a few people getting too curious about the music in the tent. I've always adored the building, and I just love wandering around it.

Melissa