Who needs plans...

Its funny how the most enjoyable moments in life tend to be the things we plan the least or don't plan at all. Me and Di decided it was time we leave for a little getaway weekend.  Our only plan was our destination and the rest was unimportant.  It may have been fourth of July weekend, but even that was no concern to us (sorry America). So we packed the trunk, lightly I might add, and headed for the I5 straight to San Francisco!

The 5 was a pleasant drive, minus the freeway closures and construction. But thanks to some maps and a good fellow at the gas station we managed to avoid the madness all together and took a few other highways. The detour added to the adventure, especially when we stopped in the town of Wasco.  All we were missing were cowboys hats and some old western music playing in the background and we would have fit right it! 

Anywho, San Francisco never ceases to disappoint.  The weather was fantastic (speaking in San Francisco terms), the company was pleasant, and the food + coffee were delicious. 

Fourth of July might have just been one of the best holidays I've had in a while. A perfectly cooked breakfast at The Grove on Hayes, a delightfully roasted coffee at Ritual, and a spontaneous trip to Napa Valley, which is as incredible as everyone says it is. Garden walks, bocce ball (Andrei and I dominated!!), hardy burgers, local wine, and amusing company topped off our holiday.

Some photos from the rest of the weekend...

Fresh OJ!

Local Napa Sauvignon Blanc

The road trip back home! Stops: Santa Cruz, Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara.  These stops may have included a few additions, such as two stragglers headed to LA from SF ;).

...until our next getaway...

Love,
B + D

Blu Jam Cafe...an LA kinda day

There is nothing better than waking up early in the morning and walking through a sea of flowers at the Los Angeles Flower Market. You are immediately hit by an array of every color imaginable and then some. This place has probably become one of our favorite places. (okay maybe certainly)  Its magical in its own way and inspiration pours out at you from every corner (why can't weddings be our full-time jobs??) Anywho, me and Di had gone to get a little inspiration for a wedding Di has lined up this summer, and boy did we! With so much beauty surrounding you, its impossible not to.

 

After such an early morning, we were both starved and in need of some caffeine. I'd been reading a local magazine that reviewed some of the top places for breakfast and lunch and thought we'd go ahead and try one of them called Blu Jam Cafe. Boy were we lost for words at this place. Amazing, delicious, scrumptious, and indulging, can't even begin to describe the party in our mouths after just one bite! Di ordered the Florentine Benedict: Poached eggs on a toasted English muffin with sautéed fresh spinach, mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, and brie cheese, topped with hollandaise. Its served with side of potatoes that are so perfectly cooked yet slightly crispy at the same time! The dish has so many amazing components to it, its hard to pick out your favorite ingredients.  They blend so well together, as any egg benedict should!

I went for the more traditioanl breakfast: two eggs any style, crispy bacon and two pancakes slices of french toast. The eggs were so perfectly cooked, with soft, runny centers. The bacon was so crispy but not too greasy which is such a rare find. (who really wants grease all over their plates?) And now for the french toast. Hands down the best toast I've ever had, ever! (and that's saying a lot considering I worked at a breakfast joint). It wasn't too sweet or too dense. The real maple syrup definitely added to the perfection of that little french toast. 

If you aren't so keen on the breakfast dive type of vibe, then this place is superb and will sure meet your needs. It's got a nice LA urban feel to it. Its even decorated with local artwork that changes every month or so. They serve breakfast until 5 p.m. everyday! I mean come on now you really can't get any better than that. The place even opens up as a Bistro for dinner starting at 6 p.m. 

Now go try it and let us know what you think! 

Love,

B & Di

A month through our iPhones

The start of summer began with a bang. I jetted off to Europe, Di jetted further into her floral business and well, we were both busy busy bees (and Dees). But regardless, we are SO glad summer has rolled on in, and we're hoping for some more free time to enjoy some relaxation. There is no better way to spend summer than traveling, exploring, visiting good friends, starting things on your to-do list, accomplishing things on your "before I die" list, and just enjoying that oh-so precious free time.  We've been so caught up in our days that we thought we'd update you on this past month using photos from our iPhones!

From Romania to France to Hungary to Seattle, now we're headed to the beautiful San Francisco for the 4th of July holiday weekend! Hope you all have a great weekend wherever you will be spending it! 

Love,

Be & Di

P.S...Be sure to check back for a few travel posts I've got lined up.