San Fran Flava

Outfit and Occasion

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Outfit:

H&M shirt (Shalom Shuk, Burlington), $3.00, Floral pants (Old Navy, Williston), $8.99 on sale, H&M pleather bag (Shalom Shuk, Burlington), $2.00, Pleather jacket (Forever21, White Plains), around $20.00

I wear these new, blue floral pants practically every day because they are fun and most importantly, stretchy!  I also love that they were $9!  The brightness of this yellow shirt creates one sun-shiny outfit (contrasting cloudy, ominous  San Fran skies)

Occasion:

SAN FRANSISCO – Visiting my best friend, Julia, attending an employment conference, and visiting my cousin, Amanda!!

Attractions 

Botanical Gardens

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I was literally in heaven wandering around this HUGE, jungle-like garden.  Tons of rustic paths and benches to reflect as you pass through flowers, plants, and trees from around the world.  My new favorite place!

Haight Ashbury

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Here’s an extreme example of what Haight Ashbury/hippie-central has to offer.  I was in heaven in this area with tons of vintage, thrift, and funky shops!

The Mission

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This area is known for it’s graffiti and here are just a few examples.  Had fun scanning the beauty and the progressive messages!

Ferry Building

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Awesome indoor market with wonderfully delicious speciality shops that all have SAMPLES!  My favorites were Cowgirl Creamery, a cheese shop and Dandelion, a famous chocolate shop.

Fishermans Wharf

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Touristy area that is reminiscent of Disney Land, but the best part was seeing the sealions on the pier – hundreds just chillen.

Painted Ladies (“Full House”)

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Where all the Tanner family fun took place!!

Food

Home Skillet by Civic Center

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I waited for just a bit too long on a line out the door, but this breakfast sandwich with turkey, egg, pesto, and everything nice on brioche was UNREAL.  The latte was also one of the best I’ve ever had.

Bi-Rite Creamery

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This ice cream is rated as one of the best food attractions in San Fransisco.  I got the roasted banana flavor in a salted peanut butter cookie.  YUM!

Burritos in The Mission

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Gotta get a ginormous burrito when you’re in The Mission area.  This area has so many cute shops as well!

Home made caprese

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Whole Foods – if only we had you in Burlington!  This light meal was so so fresh and an amazing taste sensation!

Necklaces @ Forever21

FOREVER21 PICKS

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Beaded Matchstick Fringe Necklace, $4.90, Beaded Longline Necklace, $6.90, Faux Stone Pendant Necklace, $6.90, Layered Charm Necklace Set, $7.80

Jewelry at Forever 21 may all be faux, but are still fun and cute and do not look nearly as cheap as they actually are.  A couple of these necklaces were presents for Mothers Day and they immediately became my mom’s new staples.  There are many items that are in the 3 dollar range.  There is everything from chokers to charm sets to pendants.  For the price, one could really go wild, finding accent pieces for any outfit!  They are plenty to choose from…have fun!

Paisley Days at Colchester Camp

Outfit and Occasion

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Outfit:

J. Crew Skirt (Shalom Shuk, Burlington), $3.00, H & M shirt/dress (H & M, Spain), $5.00, Rieker Sandals (Salvation Army, Burlington), $2.00 on sale, Forever 21 necklace (forever21.com), $8.00

Love my genuine leather two dollar shoes I just picked up!

Every Friday night I join Tom’s family in their traditional pizza night!  Nice weather means shifting from gathering in Milton at Tom’s sisters house to the family “camp” in Colchester.  Camp is code for summer house down by the lake.  The setting is unbelievably pretty and we snuck away for a quick photo sesh on the rocks by the beach.  Cool breeze without a tinge of chilly.  PERFECTION.  Next Friday will be a different scene as we’ll be at the hospital meeting Amanda’s baby girl/Tom’s new niece!  YAY!

Occasion:

Daily Planet, Burlington

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Daily Planet has a charming atmosphere and is tucked away between two side streets off of Church. For me, it started off as a great place to get awesome cocktails with friends, and turned into a culinary top runner.  It is a spot locals have known about for years and is gaining more recognition, especially for it’s taco tuesdays that is always a bit of a surprise (generally, they rock!).  It is fine dining without ridiculous prices.  I was greatly pleased with the filling sliders and banana, peanut butter, candied bacon, caramelized sugar creme brûlée on a date with a friend.  In the past I’ve had the duck confit poutine which is a must try for those looking to indulge!  Some have said that the cuisine has declined since getting a new chef, but I think there is something on the menu for everyone!  Worth a try to find your personal favorites 🙂

In Burlington Heaven…

Outfit and Occasion

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Outfit:

Maxi Skirt (TJ Maxx, Burlington), $15.00, Crop Top (Forever21, Denver CO), $6.00, Hat (Forever21, Denver CO), $13.00

This perfect weather we’ve been having in Burlington calls for a fun & trendy outfit.  I can always count on Forever21 to find something along those lines…ironically, stopping at the graveyard for a pic, I feel I’m in Burlington heaven!

Occasion:

The Scuffer

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Nothing beats sitting outside on Church Street eating delicious food on a beautiful day!  The Scuffer (a pub with big, yummy burgers) surprised me with a touch of class.  An ahi tuna sandwich with wasabi aioli and ginger.  It was so refreshing and definitely hit the spot!  Swap fries for salad and you have a healthy and satisfying meal!

Perfect weather – keep on coming, please!!

 

Coffee in the Capital

Outfit and Occasion

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Outfit:

Zara white blouse (hand-me-down), Black and white pants (Gap, Burlington), $17.00 on sale

Occasion:

Montpelier!

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Basking in the sun on a glorious day at the State Capital.  Tons of happy kiddies playing on the green and cute puppies to watch!  Nice day to stroll around and pop in to thrift shops and book stores!

Birchgrove Bakery, Montpelier

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Birchgrove Bakery is THE most exceptional coffee/baked goods shop around!  The latte is almost creamy with a heavenly aroma and strong taste.  It really rocks my world.  I can’t resist a cookie when I stop in, with tons of melty chocolate chips and substantial in size.  This place alone is worth a 45 minute trip to Montpelier from Burlington…seriously.

 

 

Holy Hen of the Wood!

Outfit and Occasion

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Outfit:

Hi-line Dress (Salvation Army, Burlington), $3.00, Brandy Melville Hoodie (PacSun, Burlington), $15.00, Necklace from Israel (gifted)

Hi-line is a brand of Madewell and I was so excited to see it at the Salvation Army!  The length is work appropriate and it is so so comfy!  The necklace is a souvenir from Israel – it’s a hamsa and it means “If I forget you, Jerusalem, may my right hand forget its skill.”

Occasion:

Hen of the Wood!!!

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Hen of the Wood is another restaurant that’s part of Hotel Vermont.  It’s as fine dining as it gets in Vermont.  The portions may be small, but each bite is a taste sensation that are what dreams are made of!  Seriously, I will never forget each part of this elaborate meal from the homemade butter to the most perfectly cooked/seasoned steak.  We had the most amazing, fluffy rolls, meatballs, the “hen of the wood” egg on toast, and the pate to start and shared the hake (fish) and hanger steak with roasted onion for our main course.

Pathways VT Fundraiser/Food!

Outfit and Occasion

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Outfit:

BCBG Dress (Richmond Thrift Store, Vermont), $10.00, Necklace (I made it!)

Lauren’s Dress (Abercrombie and Fitch)

I was in heaven when I went to the Richmond Thrift Store right after they put out all their Spring clothing.  It occurred to me that their inventory comes from Second Time Around consignments that were out of season.  They hold on to them until it’s time.  Hence, high-value, designer dresses like this!

Occasion:

Pathways Vermont Fundraiser and Juniper

The Pathways Vermont Fundraiser went SO well from the space at New Moon, the auction items, the decorations, the food & drinks, the Photo Booth, games, speeches, etc.  Next year is gonna be even better, you won’t want to miss it!

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Juniper is part of the new-ish Hotel Vermont.  It is fancy and all around amazing.  We started with mussels and beef tartare.  I had unbelievable gnocchi and Tom has schnitzel.  For dessert we shared the cheesecake creme brûlée. It was as heavenly as could be!

 

Featured Friend: MIZZ RIZZ

Featured Friend

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Lauren, aka The Rizz, is a bestie from college who is cute as a button with a great sense of style!  She is also one of the most hilarious people I know!  She rocks a gorgeous scarf for dinner at Barrio Bakery, drinks at the Lamp Shop, and the very necessary trip to the mother of all breakfast’s…Penny Cluse!

Occasion:

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Barrio Bakery – Guilt-free pizza with delicious, local toppings!

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The Lamp Shop – a bar filled with gorgeous lamps that are all for sale!  Add some sweet jazz tunes, and you’ve got the perfect post-dinner hang out lounge!

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Penny Cluse – Seriously, their omelette’s are heavenly!

Stripes & Polka Dots

Outfit and Occasion

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Outfit:

J. Crew Blazer (Bene-fit Shop, Barre), $3.00, Polka Dot Blouse (forever21.com), $12.00, Leather Belt (Montpelier Church), free!, Sam Edelman Suede Shoes (zappos.com), $90.00 splurge alert!

Sometimes pairing opposite patterns can work…polka dots and stripes, def aint boring!  I found this blazer in Barre of all places and for $3, it was the most expensive item in the store!  Expect to miss, but be prepared to hit!

Occasion:

Butch & Babes!

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Butch & Babes is a new restaurant in Burlington that totally rocks!  Small but great menu, local ingredients, interesting combos, and friendly waiters.  To start, we had the mac and cheese pancakes with jalepeno maple syrup (OMG), I had the most juicy burger on focaccia with bacon and garlic mayo, and Tom had thai-style chicken with dumplings.  Gooood in ma’ hood.