summer share | east hampton, ny rental

i don't know about you, but i already feel like i need a vacation from my summer vacation. and you know i love me some hamptons. how about his place? only $45,000 for the month of july. come on, we'd only need like 18 families to go in on it to make it affordable. some of us might have to pitch tents in the yard, though. oh well, it's fun to dream. in my dream, we'd spend mornings at the farm stand, then go into town and stalk barefoot contessa, followed by an afternoon poolside before cocktails and a clambake on the beach. care to join me?

deets, here.

pacific grove mini-break

My men and I are off for a long holiday weekend at the coast. I'm looking forward to long walks, doing some cooking, reading, maybe a couple of crafts and possibly some wine tasting. I hope you have a great weekend, too!

Photo from here.

gung hay fat choy

The Chinatown New Years street festival.

Jackson with a lucky lion at the gate into Chinatown.

Lunch at House of Nanking.*

The streets filling up with anxious parade-watchers!

Year of the Ox.

Lion dancers.

The four of us spent a beautiful day in San Francisco enjoying the sights, sounds and tastes of Chinatown's New Years festival and parade. We had a blast.

*Photo by Mary Tsao.

favorite moment | playing hooky

Sometimes you just need to play hooky from work and take your boys to the beach. On the spur of the moment, Matt and I took the day off and the boys out of school and drove to my favorite place on earth--Pt. Reyes National Seashore. This is Limantour Beach, the perfect beach for long, long walks or just sitting in the sand and soaking up the sun.

There's something about chubby ankles peeking out from underneath rolled up jeans that warms my heart. And the way number one son looks like he is on a mission to do some diggin', with the little one trailing behind trying not to miss out on any important discoveries.

It was the perfect day.

rhine river cruise | the avalon tapestry

When I was at the gym on Saturday, I watched Burt Wolf while I was on the treadmill. He took a group on a tour from Amsterdam to Basel, Switerland on this magnificent floating hotel. I can't stop thinking about it and how much I want to go on it!

favorite moment | disneyland

click on the image to enlarge

Okay, so some moments are as simple and everyday as a remark made in the car or an expression on someone's face and others are the moments that make memories that will last forever. We took our boys to Disneyland for the first time last week and it was truly magical. I am not the schmaltzy type. I usually don't like things that most people like. I admit it. I am a snob. But there truly is something otherworldly about Disneyland. It is like a right of passage for little kids--and parents too, apparently. I think the pictures speak for themselves.

Day 7: A little bit of luxury

Olema Druids Hall is a wonderful inn located in the town of Olema, about an hour's drive from San Francisco. The Hall was constructed in 1885 and used for many years as a meeting hall and community center. In 1950 the building was sold to the current owner's family and was used primarily as a rustic retreat. The structure was converted to a full-time family home in the 1970s. The family has since done major renovations and turned the Hall into a peaceful hotel.

Matt and I stayed here just before Owen was born, about two years ago, and it instantly became my favorite getaway. Of course it doesn't hurt that it's 10 minutes from my favorite place on earth, Point Reyes National Seashore!

The bathroom in our room, The Olema Room Suite.

The garden.

The surroundings.

The store is located at the bottom of the hill.
You can even buy some of the items that decorate the inn!