Pumpkin Patch & Sonoma

Fall is my favorite season, and one of my favorite things about fall is going to the pumpkin patch! 

I was starting to worry that my insanely busy October was forcing me to miss out on the fun this year, but last weekend on a whim I wound up at a little patch along Highway 12 between Napa and Sonoma. 

I've got a not so secret obsession with ugly pumpkins - seriously, the more discolored and knobby they are the better! This particular patch had the ideal selection of both pretty, round carving pumpkins and misshapen, mantle-worthy ones. 

 

 

We finished off the afternoon tasting at Michael Mondavi and Domain Carneros. It was my first visit to Michael Mondavi (not to be confused with Robert Mondavi in St Helena), but I really enjoyed their tastings and even scored a case of chardonnay for half off! Domain Carneros is one of my all-time favorites and I try to pop by for a flight of sparkling wines every time I'm up that way.

Birthday Fun in the Bay

One of my favorites turned 30 recently and I was so excited that she decided to spend her big weekend with me! It was a pretty great itinerary, so I'll give you the details in case you want to check out any of these spots of yourself...

Thursday: Dinner and sake bombs at Mas Sake, and wine and dessert at Bin 38. 

Friday: Tour and tasting at Anchor Brewing Company, shopping at the Louis Vuitton in Union Square and Laline in the Marina. Lunch at Burger Bar and dinner at Foreign Cinema (sit outside!).

Saturday: Bus tour from San Francisco to Napa, tasted at four wineries, and rode the ferry back.
Sunday: Bargain shopping at Nordstrom Rack and a fashion event featuring local artists.

 

 

  

Busy busy busy!

My fall was jam packed back to back shenanigans all weekend every weekend, and winter is shaping up to be more of the same!

Saturday was the Safeway Foundation Gala, an annual black tie benefit that raises money for Safeway's philanthropic arm, which contributes mostly to cancer research. The event takes place in a hanger on Treasure Island and includes a cocktail hour, silent auction, formal dinner, guest speakers, and a performance, this year from Lionel Richie.

Sunday I headed to Napa for a wedding at V. Sattui. It was one of the most romantic and genuine weddings I've been to yet! They totally lucked out on the weather, with high 60's and clear skies, and were able to have the wedding just after dusk in the courtyard in front of the barrel room.

Monday we did lunch on the Napa Wine Train. It was another clear, sunny day, and the vineyards were full of bright orange leaves. But a word to the wise: It's better to start a wine filled weekend on the train than to end it there. All I wanted to do was curl up on my seat and take a nap!

Living Social Adventures

I'm not a big fan of cheesy or cliche... but when it comes to Living Social... I just can't help myself! Living Social might be just another trendy online social offering, but they trump every other discount sight, especially when it comes to their adventure packages.

Earlier this year I went wine tasting in Napa with three girlfriends. For $80 (most wine country bus tours are upwards of $150) we were bussed from San Francisco to Napa, visited two wineries, recieved private tours and tastings, a tasty box lunch from a local eatery, and cupcake and cheese pairings. The two Living Social staff members who tagged along made for entertaining and interactive bus rides both ways.
We couldn't have had a better time!

More recently, three friends and I bought $30 tickets for an 80's themed roller skate dance party at Cell Space. The price included skate rentals, three hours of skate time, dance instruction (Thriller on skates - Um YES!), and one drink ticket for the bar. Epic.

 Right now there are two deals I'm tempted to buy up - A one-hour yoga class with yogurt brunch, and a two-hour pottery painting class. Both are $30.