Stacker Style: Matchy Matchy

Somehow, just somehow, I convinced Derrick to take "real" outfit photos of me. I've been easing him in with the iPhone #OOTD's, but we made a big step with actual camera photos. The progress has slightly stalled (considering these photos were taken a month ago, lol), but next week we're on our way to Hawaii, so I'm forcing the camera back into his hands. But, in all seriousness, I know you guys have missed the outfit photos, so I'll bring them back as best I can! Starting with this one. We took a trip to wine country (yes, again) and I couldn't resist playing matchy-matchy. Of course, we lucked out with the red leaves, red wine, and red bag, but you know what they say - luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity (and we were prepared).

Such Great Heights

Let me introduce you to one of San Francisco's biggest hidden gems - the recently reopened Hilton Cityscape. I was invited to check out San Francisco's views in a way unlike before. Sure, I've hopped on my roof to marvel over the beautiful sunsets, been to the top of the Transamerica to see the city from way up high, and have obsessed over the the sights from the vantage points at the parks (Corona Heights is my new favorite, btw). So, could a hotel really offer something I haven't seen? In short, yes.

Sonoma Wine Country Weekend Photo Diary

That time we stuffed ourselves silly & drank lots of wine. Sonoma Wine Weekend is a marathon of eats and drinks with over 200 wine vendors, there's no way to make it to everyone. Best tips? If you can, make a day of it - get there early to take advantage before it fills up. Get a group together and go in on a bus to Sonoma if you're coming from out of town (200 wineries means lots and lots of drinking! Be safe. Don't drink and drive, duh!). And finally, do some research before you arrive. You won't make it to every single booth - pick your favorite restaurants and wineries and hit those up first!

Food Friday: Itani Ramen

Itani Ramen 1736 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA 94612



Let me tell you a (funny? sad? so sad it's funny?) story. A couple of weekends ago, my boyfriend somehow convinced me to endure hours of torrential downpour, on an island, with no umbrella. How might you ask? The promise of music. Did that promise live up to its word? Well, yes and no, but the no isn't his fault. How did I survive you ask? Layers... and bowl.s Lots and lots of layers, and bowls and bowls of ramen. Funnily enough, there are no photos of said ramen from said weekend, but you'll have to believe me when I say, Itani saved us both. Warm, delicious, and fulfilling - Itani's tiny stand at TIMF couldn't have been more of a saving grace. But just because I don't have photos from the festival that will forever go down in both of our books as the worst ever (lol), doesn't mean I don't have photos. Timing proved to be on my side, as just the week before we attended Itani's menu preview event at their Oakland shop. The thing about me is wherever I go, I find the ramen. Oakland - you've shown me a good bowl.