Top 5 Thursdays

As I read and follow other blogs, I notice that each blog brings something different to each day of the week. Today, I'm starting Top 5 Thursdays.

Top 5
{iPad applications}

1. Flipboard
This magazine inspired app uses all of my social media accounts, preferred news sources and daily lineup of trend reports to create headlines and photo spots of all things relevant. Simply put- it's easy & beautiful to look at. {free}

2. Pocket Penguins
Penguins. Real live penguins at the California Academy of Sciences! Everyday at 10am (when the penguins get fed) the app allows you to tune in (with sound!) to the biologists and listen in to them talk about the Academy's penguin family. {free}

3. Facebook
Finally! FB just came out with their iPad app. This app keeps me up to date with all the happs in the FB world. {free}

4. blogpress
This app allows me to edit my blog posts. Although I haven't mastered this yet- I'm planning on utilizing this daily {sale $2.99}

5. Kindle
RC has a Kindle, so this app allows him to share his recent reads with me! Perfect for my monthly book club. {free}

*Honorary Mention Coffee table
RC downloaded this one for me! This app compiles catalogs that you would normally receive via the post. The nifty part is that you can click on the pillow/ottoman/vintage tee and purchase directly from the app! You can enter to win their contest for a free ipad 2 here {free}

What are your top 5 apps?

Friday Happiness

I'd like to be back here.

pink polish+iPad+Maui= pure happiness

Beach Bunk!

After our Paso Robles adventures (but before I traveled to New York), RC and I enjoyed a short stay in Laguna Beach. We stayed at the Pacific Edge hotel- a sweet boutique hotel right on the water!

Our room was quaint and even had a Keurig!

Loved that our balcony had cozy adirondack chairs.

Waking up to the sounds of the waves was a great way to start the day!

I hope one day to have a home near on the beach!

Do you Cirque?

While in New York, we saw Cirque du Soleil's Zarkana. It was an amazing show with all sorts of talent!

Radio City Music Hall


Such a great theatre!

Starting this month through December, Cirque du Soleil is in San Francisco! Cirque du Soleil's Totem is set to play inside AT&T Park through December 11th. Who wants to see it with me?!

Have you seen any Cirque shows? Which one(s)? Did you love it?

Birthday Party, NYC Style

New York was such a great city! Much larger than San Francisco and with more reliable public transit (take that Muni!). We stayed right in the middle of Times Square at the luxurious W Hotel. I loved the W's bedding- it was hot pink!

Me & The Birthday Girl

Straight up!

Empire State Building
We didn't make it up to top on this trip, but our bus tour allowed us to see this magnificent building from so many different vantage points in the city.

There are so many New York bloggers- I like Jo the best. What are some other good New York blogs to follow? What are your favorite spots in New York?

New York, New York

I loved visiting New York!

Hopes and dreams!
Anyone who visits New York can write their hopes and dreams for the upcoming New Year on a piece of confetti! All of the confetti is used to ring in the New Year in Times Square when the ball drops! How cool- right?!
{The Times Square Visitor's Center is really worth a visit. Every 20 minute there is a light show that simulates the countdown celebrated each year on December 31st! If you visit New York, don't miss this spot!}

Do you fondue?

So... I work at a pretty stellar startup, bloomspot. If you've never heard of it, you can read about us here, here and here. And as if working at an awesome start-up isn't cool enough, I work with really awesome people. Tonight, my team and I went went for dinner and drinks at Cowboy Fondue in SoMa..... but I didn't bring my camera, so I don't have any photos of said fantastic dinner/drinks :( Check out the entire cheesy menu here.

We tried:

{The Traditional} Swiss Gruyere, Ementhaller, White Wine, Roasted Garlic, Fresh Ground Nutmeg
{The Quick Draw} Manchego, White Wine, Roasted Red Puree, Roasted Garlic
...and one with a goat cheese (that one was my fave).

Each fondue pot can serve about 2-3 people and is served with bread, crostinis, grapes, apple slices, olives, pickles, broccoli and fingerling potatoes. We all shared a liter (yes, an entire liter!) of the house sauvignon blanc- which is definitely worth a try!

For dessert, we indulged in dark chocolate fondue pot with walnuts and a white chocolate with strawberry puree. SO good! The dessert fondue was brought out with strawberries, pineapples, kiwi, bananas, marshmallows and this magical chocolate bread!

Super fun place to come with a bunch of people. Simply put- a must try if you're ever in SoMa- drop in and have some fondue at Cowboy Fondue!

*Tip: Skip making reservations on OpenTable.com and instead call the restaurant directly- they will work to fit you in at whatever time!

I think I want to try my own version of this fondue thing- maybe at a dinner party soon?!

Bee good!

So, RC and I gave up cable so we've been watching a lot of other stuff... like documentaries. The other night we watched Colony; it's a movie about honeybees and the epidemic that beekeepers and farmers here in America are facing.

In keeping with the bee theme, I founds these lovelies:

all images via pinterest

What I learned from this documentary: Bees are more than just honey, honey! Honeybees are responsible for pollinating the majority of produce in our country, so their disappearance could potentially affect our food supply. Colony was a well made, interesting, informative documentary. Check it out to see what the buzz is all about (ha! I had to!).

Do you use honey? What are some good recipes that use honey?

Doodle

After our Paso Robles adventures, we headed south! We spent a few days in Palm Springs visiting with family, working poolside!

How cute are these pups?!
They are Golden Doodle brothers.
Cato and Canuck

We ate a Bouchee's for lunch one day- delish sandwiches and friendly service!

How 'Merlot' can you go?

While in Paso Robles for a wedding, RC and I did some a lot of wine tasting!

Vina Robles
*Tasting tip: On Saturday afternoons, they host live music- which makes for a great tasting experience!


Robert Hall
*Tasting tip: It was crowded when we went, we skipped this one; don't visit on Saturday afternoons.

Meridian
*Tasting tip: You don't have to stand at the counter to taste; have a seat outside and they will bring the wines to you!


Tobin James
*Tasting tip: Tobin James offers a number complimentary pours, play country music and multiple tasting bars!


Sextant
*Tasting tip: This place was a little out of the way in an industrial park- but definitely worth a visit!


J Lohr
*Tasting tip: Talk to everyone, ask questions and eat those cracker things!


Eberle
*Tasting tip: Bring a picnic! They offer a great patio and plenty of seating.

{All photo credit goes to RC}

The J Lohr tasting room was my absolute favorite. We learned so much about wine and tried so many wines! Our new friend (Paul) and knowledgeable sommelier shared pours that weren't on the tasting list and carefully explained each aroma and flavor. Now I just have to throw a few dinner parties so I can break out all this wine!

Have you visited any wineries in Paso Robles? Which were your favorite?

Charming Country Chic!

This month I am aiming to blog everyday (we'll see how that goes!). Last month we attended a lovely wedding in Paso Robles!

Windfall Farms

Hay! For ceremony seating.


Mason jar aisle bouquets- how charming!

Married!


Friends


Gorgeous!


Love the lights!

Such a gorgeous venue and a special celebration. While in Paso, RC and I did some wine tasting- stay tuned for the recap of all of the vineyards tomorrow!

*Really though- how beautiful was this wedding?!