Santa Cruz Chocolate Festival at the Coconut Grove in Santa Cruz, CA

On Sunday, January 18, 2014 at the Coconut Grove in Santa Cruz, CA there will be a chocolate festival.  The proceeds will benefit a program for re-entry students to UCSC.  I will be there!

Saul's Deli

Saul's Deli on Shattuck Avenue in Berkeley is an excellent New York-style deli - pretty much as good as it gets for deli in Northern California.  Love the hot pastrami or corned beef sandwiches.  Outstanding latkes around Chanukah, too.

Image from saulsdeli.com.

Resources:

Saul's Deli
www.saulsdeli.com/
(Jewish and Eastern European cuisine located in Berkeley, CA.
(510) 848-3354
1475 Shattuck Ave.
Berkeley, CA

Cornish Christmas Festival in Grass Valley, CA is tonight, December 11, 2014!

Enjoy this 47th annual Grass Valley Cornish Christmas celebration tonight with chestnuts roasting over an open fire on the street, carolers, crafts, food, live music, and other merriment!  I love this event as it really helped me imagine life in another era!  A life where men and women worked hard, had little, but cherished the simple pleasures of hearty food and drink, good song, and a warm fire with family and friends!

Resources:

downtowngrassvalley.com

Recommended Hotel in Santa Barbara area, California- The Goodland a Kimpton Hotel

The Goodland, Kimpton Hotels' new 158- room property is set in the Santa Barbara- adjacent surf town of Goleta, California.  The L.A. design firm Studio Collective shaped the interiors, mixing in a nostalgic beachy sensibility courtesy of custom-shaped surfboards  and beaded macrame wall hangings, a Southwestern flair by way of vibrant Mexican textiles and Saltillo tile flooring, and nods to  Mission-style architecture, with dark wood ceiling beams offsetting crisp hand-trowled white plaster walls in the guest rooms.

Rooms from $229.
thegoodland.com

Holiday lights at the Winter Fantasy event at Tilden Parks Merry-go-round, in Berkeley, CA

The historic Tilden Park's Merry Go Round was built in New York in 1911, and made its way in Berkeley in 1948.  It even earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.

There are twinkling lights, ornaments, carousel rides, refreshments, and other activities!  This is a really magical place at night!

Resources:

Tilden Park Merry Go Round
(510) 559-1004
http://www.ebparks.org/parks/tilden

Winter Fantasy
December 1-12th
weekdays- 3PM to 8:30PM
weekends- 12PM to 8:30PM
December 13- 23rd, Daily, 12PM to 8:30PM

Holliday light viewing- Christmas Tree Lane, Alameda, CA

Sometimes it is fun to go hunting for holiday lights, and Christmas Tree Lane is a great place to start.  The whole street is lit up and has holiday props.

Resources:

Christmas Tree Lane
3200 Thompson Ave.
Alameda, CA
(between High Street and Fernside)

Handling Grief this holiday season, workshop and service at Unity of Walnut Creek, Walnut Creek, cA

The Unity Church of Walnut Creek is offering a Grief Basics workshop today at 2:00PM.  Also, there will be a remembrance service on Tuesday, December 9th, 2014 at 7:30PM.  The service is a time to honor those who are no longer able to share our Christmas with us.

Unity of Walnut Creek
Walnut Creek, CA

Spiritual Movie Night- Popcorn with a Purpose- "The God Question"- December 12, 2014

Usually this event is on the first Friday of the month, but this time it is this Friday, December 12, 2014.
The movie is "The God Question," a film that focuses on a university professor who secretly asks the world's most powerful computer, "Is there evidence that God exists?"

Suggested donation is $10 to $20.

Unity of Walnut Creek
Walnut Creek, CA

Christmas Tree Hunting in Castro Valley

Happy Thanksgiving!!!! A few places that are open for Thanksgiving!

Highwire Coffee
Market Hall, Oakland, CA
Free coffee served every Thanksgiving morning
Oakland, CA

Claremont Hotel
Huge Thanksgiving buffet served every Thanksgiving, beautiful historic hotel
Berkeley, CA

Dandelion Chocolate Shop, Valencia Street, San Francisco

This chocolate shop is a chocolate lover's fantasy. There are bowls of tastings of chocolate. There are even homemade marshmallow tastings!  The hot chocolate looked delicious.  Plus, Valencia Street, is a yummy place for foodies!

One gourmet treat from Dandelion is the Brownie Bite Flight.

This is what our brownie flight said,

"The individual flavor nuances of our single-origin chocolate shine through even in brownies.  We've noted what we taste but each palate differs so explore and look for your own, personal notes too."

The brownies had chocolates from Ecuador chocolate, Papa New Guinea, and Madascar!

Resources:

Dandelion Small Batch Chocolate
Valencia Street
Mission District
San Francisco,CA

Veteran's Day- services take place on USS Hornet at 11:00AM today

Flower Farm B&B, event center, and cafe- Loomis,CA

Yesterday, my son and I visited the Flower Farm Cafe in Loomis, CA on Horseshoe Bar Rd.  They had a pumpkin walk where they had pumpkins dressed up as various storybook characters.  We ate at the cafe and my Waldorf salad was delicious, as was my son's flatbread pizza.  We walked around the property and saw the event center, which was gorgeous.  This would be a beautiful wedding site, and there is even a B& B on site!  There are flowers, plants, and even chickens!

I want to come back and stay at the Bed and Breakfast, but there are no dogs allowed at the B&B.

Resources;

The Flower Farm
9280 Horseshoe Bar Rd.
Loomis, CA  95650
(916) 652-5661

Notes:  The food is yummy at the cafe, and dogs are welcome on the outdoor patio after you order inside.  My Waldorf salad was $8.99 and my son's Big Red Flatbread was $9.99.

Books about ghosts and gold rush and historical towns in California

These are some books  and programs I found while looking into the haunted Nevada City and Grass Valley tours.

1.  It Happened At the National
by Maria E. Brower
(The National is in Nevada City, CA)

2.  Nevada City
by Orval Bronson

3.  San Francisco Ghosts
by Mark Lyons

4.  A & E Biography Channel's Television series, My Ghost Story
(features Mark Lyon, host of the haunted Nevada City and Grass Valley tours.)

5. Haunted Nevada City and Grass Valley
(Contact Mark Lyon at 530-265-6877, mlyon@hauntedisles.com

Haunted Tours of Nevada City and Grass Valley, CA

Colorful ghosts are said to haunt the two gold rush era towns!    Mark Lyon gives friendly historical walking tours during the month of October sharing about the lingering spirits hiding behind historic exteriors and storefronts.

The host also offers escorted tours of haunted historical sites in Ireland, Scotland, and Great Britain and wrote a book, San Francisco Ghosts, relating not only to details of over one hundred true tales of ghostly manifestations, but also about the fascinating historical background behind the myriad of phantoms said to haunt the city.

Mark Lyon is an actor, storyteller, and playwright.  Most recently, he has appeared on the A & E Biography Channel's television series, My Ghost Story.

TOURS:  

Haunted Grass Valley tours will depart from the Grass Valley Library at 207 Mill Street on Friday evenings in October at 7:30.  

Haunted Nevada City tours will depart from 210 Broad Street, Nevada City on Saturday evenings in October at 7:30PM.

Although regularly scheduled tours are given only during the month of October, private tours may be arranged at any time of the year to fit whatever specific dates and times you may desire.  This is a minimum charge of $40.00 for private tours.  

Phone Number:  (530) 265-6877

BBQ dinner tonight a C Horse Ranch in Auburn, CA- raising money for Healing Pastures Equine Therapy

Tonight at 4PM in Auburn, CA there is a special fundraising dinner for C-Horse Ranch,  Healing Pastures in Auburn,cA.  There will be a horse show, music,dancing,  raffle and dinner.

C- Horse Ranch
11685 Lorenson Road
Auburn, CA  95602
(530) 888-7766

Autumn Farm Tour in Sonoma, CA- TOUR, SAMPLE, and CREATE

Ramekins in Sonoma, CA sends me regular e-mails about upcoming events. One that stood out for me this month was the Autumn Farm Tour.  The 5th Street Farm is a working farm that provides fruits, vegetables, eggs, and honey for Ramekins and other local restaurants.  Tour the farm, sample seasonal recipes, and learn to create your very own kitchen garden!

Price:  $45.00
Time:  11AM-1PM
Date:  November 2, 2014
Address:
5th Street Farm
20730 5th Street East
Sonoma,  CA  95476

PERFECT FUEL CHOCOLATE

I found these small chocolate bars at Whole Foods Market.  They are perfect for adults as they are made with raw dark chocolate and ginseng.

Great for energy, for only have one!

Perfect Fuel Chocolate  LLC
Boston, MA
Cerfied Organic by CCOF

www.PERFECTFUELCHOCOLATE.COM

Naggiar Vineyards, Grass Valley, Halloween Party and costume contest on October 31st, 2014

Naggiar Vineyards is known for an award winning wine called "Mama Mia," a white blend that won a gold medal at the 2014 San Francisco Wine Competition.  The 2013 Viognier took silver, as did the 2011 Mistero (Zinfindel, Sangiovese, Syrah blend,) and the 2011 Sangiovese.  The 2010 Reserve Syrah took home double gold.   They also have a monthly concert at their winery.  Then, on the other three weekends a month, there will be live music on the winery's patio both Friday and Saturday nights.  Most are local entertainers and the atmosphere is casual and comfortable.

This Halloween the winery will host a Halloween party with music by Dream and the Dreamer.

The winery has a bistro named Naggiar Bistro that has wines available by the glass or the bottle.

Resources:

Naggiar Vineyards
Tasting Room Hours:  Noon to 9p.m. Friday and Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday (complimentary tasting noon to 5 p.m.)

Bistro Hours:  2-8:30 p.m. Friday, noon to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, noon to 4:30 p.m. Sunday.

Live Music:  6-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday

Where:  Naggiar Vineyards, 18125 Rosemary Lane, Grass Valley

Cost:  Free.  Please no children after 6 p.m.

Info:  (530) 268-9095, naggiarvineyards.com

Upcoming bands:

 October 24th and 25th- Midnight Sun

October 31st-  Halloween Party and costume contest from 5-9 p.m.  Music by Dream and the Dreamer.

Wedding inspiration and event in Grass Valley, CA- His & Hers Wedded Affair- Grass Valley,CA

There will be a his & hers Wedded Affair on the weekend of October 25th and 26th in Grass Valley, CA.  It will be a weekend of inspirational ideas for people wanting to get married in the Gold Country and beyond.

Saturday, October 25th - HIS- 6-9PM
Live music
Tapas and beer pairing
Garter Toss Giveaway

Sunday, October 26th-HERS- 10-3 PM
Champagne Bar
Bridal Toss Giveaways
DIY demonstrations
Cake & Hor d oeuvres tasting

Foothills Event Center
400 Idaho Maryland Road, Grass Valley, CA

Produced by Donna Hoekstra
Joy of Life events

www.grassvalleyweddings.com

Hiking Around Piedmont Park

Piedmont Park is hidden in the unincorporated town of Piedmont, CA.  It is very close to Grand Avenue in Oakland, CA, yet this trail in Piedmont Park feels worlds away.  The park is dog friendly.

This area where the pictures below were taken used to be a healing spa along time ago,where people from San Francisco came to take healing baths in the waters here.

Now, this park is surrounded by upscale Piedmont.

Hot Havana Nights-Cuban Dance Series, at Ashkenaz in Berkeley, CA, Thursdays through Sept.18, 2014

There is a Cuban Salsa Dance Series called "Hot Havana Nights," with live music with Orquesta Dharma, Viento y Marea, VibraSON, Tito y su Son de Cuba, Pellejo Seco, and Los Boleros.

Resources:

Ashkenaz
Berkeley's Home for world music and dance
1317 San Pablo Avenue at Gilman
Berkeley,CA
www.ashkenaz.com

Thursdays, August 14 to September 18, 2014.
Dance lessons hosted by Karen and Mitchell.

Natural Women's Beauty and care supplies

These are my favorites:

face UV protection:

Juice Beauty, SPF 30, tinted, mineral moisterizer
www.juicebeauty.com

cellfood
oxygenating skin care
oxygen gel
www.luminahealth.com

Nature's gate natural toothpaste
www.natures-gate.com

mac moisture tint, 15
maccosmetics.com

Moor Lavender Body Oil
Dr. Hauschka

Weleda
Wild Rose Deodorant

Andalou Naturals
fruit stem cell science
cc 1000 roses color + correct, spf 30, sheer nude
sensitive
www,Andalou.com

Simplers Botanicals
Organic Moroccan Argan Oil

Gap Opaque Tights

Acure Argan Oil

Nature's gate herbal shampoo
by Nature's Gate
Chatsworth, CA
www.natures-gate.com

Alvera Aloe and Almond natural roll-on deodorant
Texas Best Unlimited
P.O. Box 290769
Kerrville, TX  78029
(830) 257-6020

Mama Papa Lithuania Restaurant in Alameda

We had a great lunchtime experience at Mama Papa Lithuania Restaurant on Park Street in Alameda.  It is reputed to be the only Lithuanian restaurant west of the Mississippi.  The atmosphere was great - very warm, with lots of wood, including enormous chairs that seemed like they were made from tree trunks.  The service was fantastic - very friendly and helpful explaining the interesting menu.

We had the pan fried chicken thigh, which has melted cheese on top and several different salads (at least two of which prominently feature beets), and borscht.  Both dishes were great.  We plan to return soon.

the Crossings Spa and Retreat

The Crossings in Austin, Texas is a great place to go on retreat! I went there for a class and loved the Hill Country in Austin.  I still have a cup that I got when I stayed there, made out of compostable corn. I highly recommend this place!

guy night- beer and pretzels

My husband is alone he loves beer and pretzels, here are his favorites:

Rold Gold Pretzels
1-800-352-4477
Frito-Lay Inc.

Pros in my opinion:  fat free,no preservatives, no MSG

Cons in my opinion:  I prefer gluten free, contains corn syrup, too much salt

What's important is that he loves them!

My pick is Newman's Own organic pretzels.  They are guy and gal friendly!

Newman's Own Organics, Inc.
The Second Generation
Thin Pretzel Sticks
P.O. Box 2098
Aptos, CA  95001
www.newmanorganics.com

What I love about Newman's products is that the profits are donated to charity!

Zachary's Pizza in Rockridge district of Oakland, CA

My husband has told me several times that if he hadn't met me,  he'd be dead from eating too many hot pockets.  He hasn't eaten hot pockets for years,  but one thing he still loves to eat when I'm out of town is Zachary's Pizza.  His favorite is a 10" stuffed chicken.  He calls it a "Special Treat!"

Resources:

Zachary's Chicago Pizza
An Employee Owned Company
Oakland
(510) 655-6383
5801 College Avenue
www.zacharys.com

There are also locations in Berkeley, San Ramon, and Pleasant Hill.

Wedding Song Ideas- "Landslide" by Stevie Nicks

The singer Stevie Nicks performed the song, "Landslide," for the first dance for Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo's wedding.  I love that song!

Recommended hotel in Greektown area of Detroit, MI- The Antheneum Hotel

Since I grew up in the Detroit Metropolitan area, I remember going to Greektown years ago to visit ethnic restaurants and other activities. I was lucky enough to come back to Greektown on a recent stay in the Detroit area and I stayed at The Antheneum Hotel.  I was traveling with my son and I noticed right away how friendly everyone was that worked at the hotel.  My son was traveling with a small violin, and a few people asked if my son would play the violin for them, and of course he was beaming!

We also went to the Fishbone Restourant with is right down a hallway, connected to the hotel. It  was a gorgeous restaurant with huge ceilings.

I both stayed here and ate at the restaurant with my son, so both are child friendly, but it both would also be wonderful for a couples retreat since it is right across the street from Greektown Casino and they offer free transportation anywhere within 10 miles from the property.  The property is less than 10 miles from the Riverwalk area,which is a wonderful place to stroll by the water.

This is a beautiful hotel and has a Greek decorating theme which makes it exotic!

Resources:

The Atheneum Hotel
Suite Hotel and Conference Center
1000 Brush Street
Greektown
Detroit, Michigan  48226
Telephone:  (313) 962-2323
Nationwide Reservations 1-800-722-2323
www.atheneumsuites.com

Recommened Hotel in Jamestown, CA- The 1859 Jamestown Hotel

The 1859 Hotel is a bed and breakfast and has a historical restaurant and bar downstairs.  This place made me feel like I was in the Gold Rush Days!  In fact, the bar is original!  The place is in downtown Jamestown so is walkable to other restaurants too.

Resources:

1859 National Hotel
www.national-hotel.com
18183 Main Street, Jamestown, CA
1-800-894-3446

Happy Fourth of July!

Happy Independence Day!

Dog on Grandpa's Chair - Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day!

Recommended natural shampoo, conditioner and beauty products

I love Nature's Gate products, I even love the way they smell so natural!  The 40th anniversary herbal body wash smells so clean!  I also use the shampoo and the henna conditioner.  All of their products are sulfate free which is really important to me.

Resources:

Nature's Gate
Chatsworth, CA  91311
www.natures-gate.com
Made in U.S.A.
(800) 327-2012

Produced without animal testing, cruelty free and vegan.

I recently discovered products from Avalon Organics.  The shampoos smell delicious!
Avalon Organics
Shampoo
contains 70% organic content
The Hain Celestial Group
Melville, NY  11747
www.avalonorganics.com
1-888-659-7730
Warning:  On further inspection, I noticed that this product contains Sodium Coco-Sulfate.  I work really hard to stay away from sulfates in beauty products, so I would not buy this shampoo again.

I discovered Argan Oil from a friend.

Simplers Botanicals
organic moroccan
Argan Oil
Sepastopol, CA
simplers.com

Aubrey Honeysuckle Rose Moisturizing Conditioner
by Aubrey Organics

Cafe Jacqueline, one of the most romantic restaurants in San Francisco

A friend went to Cafe Jacqueline on a date night with her husband and was gushing to me about how it was one of the most romantic restaurants in San Francisco.  I haven't been there yet, but I want to try it!

Resources:

Cafe Jacqueline
1454 Grant Avenue
San Francisco, CA
(415) 981-5565

Her words, "Chocolate soufflé is divine!"

Drum Circles in the United States

When I was in Florida, I was surprised how popular drum circles are! I discovered a website dedicated to finding drum circles across the United States! Resources: uSA. Drum Circle finder Drum circles.net

Drum circles- siesta key, Florida, sundays

Every Sunday an hour or two before sunset, at siesta key, there is a drum circle at the beach. A friend also told me it is one of the top beaches in the world! The drum circle at siesta key was also recommended! There is also Facebook page about this siesta key drum circle! RESOURCES Sarasota Siesta Key Public Drum Circle Sundays, an hour or two before sunset siesta key beach 948 Beach Road Sarasota, Florida. 34242 Facebook page, Siesta Key Drum Circle uSA Drum Circle Finder, Drum circles.net

Slippers that are unbelievably comfortable! Great gift!

I finally found a really comfortable pair of slippers!  I had a great pair before but there was no traction on the bottom and I actually slipped and fell down the stairs.  That is when I went shopping for a new pair.  I got the ACORN slippers on 4th street.  I want to get my mom a pair for Mother's Day.

Resources:

ACORN Slippers
www.acorn.com

Ritz-Carlton Highlands, Lake Tahoe

When the Ritz-Carlton Highlands, Lake Tahoe was built, it was designed as a contemporary legacy of the great mountain lodges built at the beginning of the 20th century.  The hotel is a brief gondola away from The Village at Northstar located 1,000 feet below the hotel's 6.900 foot elevation.  The hotel is gorgeous!  There are fireplaces everywhere, inside and out.  On the weekends, you can dine by the fire in the living room.  There is a spa, heated pool and jacuzzi.  The skiing is skii in and out and there is amazing valet service.  This place is so amazing, I recommend hanging out here as much as possible and relaxing by the fire with a good book, skiing out from the hotel into the  Northstar skii resort, etc.  A couple can stay here all weekend, and never have to drive!

The Manzanita, the resort's signature restaurant first created by James Beard Award Winning Chef Traci Des Jardins, is now headed by a new talented chef from Ohio.  The menu changes seasonally and offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  I really enjoyed the food, especially the salmon!

Resources:

Ritz Carlton
13031 Ritz-Carlton Highlands Court
Truckee, CA  96161
(530) 562-3000
www.ritzcarlton.com

Ike & Martin, acoustic musicians, play every Monday night at the Manzanita Restaurant in Truckee, CA

This past Monday night I saw Ike & Martin, acoustic musicians, play at the Manzanita Restaurant in Truckee, CA.  They were super friendly and great musicians!  On Monday nights local Lake Tahoe residents get a discount at the restaurant, so it is busy, but it has a really local flavor also, which I liked. They are obviously well loved in the Tahoe area, and won Best of Tahoe in 2013.

Ike and Martin told me they also do house parties, and play all over the Lake Tahoe area.  They also play a bit in the San Francisco Bay area.  I looked at their website and their venues are well posted in advance.  

Looking on Ike & Martin's website, it was fun to see the different fun venues to check in the Lake Tahoe area!

Resources:

Ike & Martin

ikeandmartin.com

Four Seasons Biltmore, Santa Barbara, CA (organic garden tours, spa, gorgeous resort!)

A few years ago my husband had a work retreat at The Four Seasons Biltmore in Santa Barbara, CA.  It was actually before I had my son, I remember thinking I was pregnant on the retreat.  The spa has a gorgeous organic garden that you can tour, there is also a lovely spa!  I would recommend this place, and someday I'd like to go back!

Resources:

Four Seasons Biltmore
1260 Channel Drive
Santa Barbara, CA
(805) 969-2261

Paramount Theater in Oakland - Classic Movies!

The Paramount Theater in Oakland is a recently-restored architectural masterpiece of the art deco style.  They are now showing classic movies on occasional Friday evenings!  Tonight - Roman Holiday.  On March 14th - Mary Poppins.   Here's the event calendar.

Travel Zoo

Recommended Restaurants from a Local in Monterey, CA

Recommended Restaurants:

Mission Ranch

Fishwife

Whaling Station Steakhouse

Restaurant Reviews - Murray Circle, Fort Baker - Sausalito

Both Murray Circle and Farleybar are magical places with delicious food.  I prefer the veranda at Murray Circle, which is even heated.  Sitting out at night, watching the sunset is the best place to be!  During these winter months, dress warm as it can get chilly even with the heater.

Resources:

Murray Circle
FarleyBar
Both of these are located at Cavallo Point
601 Murray Circle
Fort Baker
Sausalito, California  94965
Phone:  (415)  339-4700
CAVALLOPOINT.COM