A Dose of Pretty

{Another stop at Belvedere Island for a stunning view of the city lights under starlight.}

When I began writing this post on Monday morning, I was going to say that this week was really lovely. After all, last Friday I played hooky {thanks to it being spring break} and went to San Francisco for the day. It’s one of those traditions I love: go for a day trip to a nearby city. When I lived in Southern California, I alternated between San Diego, Los Angeles {preferably Beverly Hills or Malibu/ Pacific Palisades}, Ventura, or Santa Barbara + Montecito. And last week, was exactly what I needed, especially with ending the day by not just walking across the Golden Gate bridge, but also under it {my first time walking under any bridge} + experiencing the incredible view of the city from Belvedere Island. And after a day of fun, I spent the weekend being productive {which always makes me happy}. I cooked, organized the house, and stayed ahead of my work schedule to make my week easier for me. And then Monday happened.

Monday was spent in the emergency room for a loved one, and while everything is okay now, it was a stressful and scary in the moment. It reminded me of exactly why spaces like this are so important. Instead of focusing on one of the hardest weeks ever, I was able to remember the good that happened this week as well: stunning views of the city, new experiences I never even knew I wanted in my life, signs of spring, and so much more.

While I have no plans to leave the house this Friday {or weekend ahead}, I am excited to continue to work ahead so that if something pops up {be it spending a day in the emergency room or spending the day getting to play hooky}, I can do it and focus just on that, and of course, to always find my dose of something pretty. I hope you have a great one as well. x

{I’ve walked across the Golden Gate before, but now I’ve also walked under the bridge.}

{Almost ripened strawberries at the nursery.}

{Signs of Spring: Petal pink peonies in full bloom.}

{One of my favorite traditions {especially on days when you can witness wildlife living their best lives and swimming alone}: Visit the sea lions whenever possible, such as on trips to San Francisco or La Jolla.}

{Apple blossoms.}

x Paris

A Dose of Pretty

{My favorite type of American takeout: a veggie burger + extra truffle fries + a bourbon caramel cake with extra caramel, candied pecans, and vanilla ice cream for dessert.}

And just like that, it’s April. This week moved by at the perfect pace. Fast enough to not feel like the weekend was never going to reach us, and yet slow enough to truly savor each day. From making pizza from scratch and playing card games to spending an afternoon at the nursery to shop for new houseplants, I found the week to be equal parts fun and productive. I’m excited for a relaxing weekend with no plans at all, after a fun day in San Francisco tomorrow. We try to go for a day every couple of months to explore the city, eat at our favorite restaurants, shop at our favorite stores, and walk across the Golden Gate bridge at sunset. I hope you have a great one as well. x

{My new go-to warm weather Starbucks drink {for winter it’s always been a hot chocolate or their caramel apple spice}: an iced London fog + lavender}.

{New springtime orchids to help romanticize my life {as per #4 on my list} this season.}

{My afternoon pick-me-up: peppermint, pistachio, and chocolate macarons.}

{What I’m most excited to see tomorrow night: My favorite stop on our drive home from day trips to San Francisco – Belvedere Island. The view at night is unparalleled.}

{Pink blossoms growing on a tree trunk + late morning light. Fun Fact: The botanical term for flowers growing on a tree trunk instead of new growth {like with this Eastern Redbud tree} is called cauliflory.}

x Paris