3 Things.

A quick snap back to reality after a long, beautiful holiday weekend. With the exception of dinner in Los Gatos on Saturday evening with my mom, S and I stayed in the city to explore and relax with afternoon strolls throughout the city where we stumbled upon new restaurants sure to be visited again (very soon) and also enjoying the ones we frequent on a regular basis. This, along with some time at home watching movies, reading magazines and starting The Office over from the beginning (I'm a sucker for Jim & Pam falling in love every time) was the perfect balance to our extended weekend.

1. Coit Tower on a foggy San Francisco day

2. Goofing around the city with my favorite.

3. Dinner at Nick's Crispy Tacos and a Magnum Gold for dessert - the perfect way to end a Sunday.

Independence.

Thanks to all of our military that make it possible for us to enjoy this day. Happy 4th of July to everyone!

Quinoa Salad with Red Bell Pepper & Cilantro.

Holy jalapeno, did I go overboard! So much so that I could barely feel my lips after just a half serving. Not to worry as jalapenos don't retain their heat for too long. Just one night in the refrigerator and the end result is perfectly seasoned leftovers for days to come.

Ingredients:
1 cup quinoa
2 cups chicken broth
1/2 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped fine
1/2 jalapeno, seeded and minced
2 tbsp red onion, minced
1 tbsp fresh cilantro, minced
2 tbsp lime juice
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp Dijon mustard
1 small garlic clove, minced
1/2 tsp ground cumin
salt and pepper, to taste

Directions: Toast quinoa in a large saucepan over medium heat, stirring often, until lightly toasted and aromatic, about 5 minutes. Stir in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer until quinoa has absorbed the chicken broth, about 15 minutes, and then let cool for about 20 minutes. Once cooled, transfer quinoa to a large bowl and stir in the bell pepper, jalapeno, onion and cilantro.

In a separate bowl, whisk together lime juice, oil, mustard, garlic and cumin. Pour over quinoa and toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Enjoy!

Heat Wave.

Madewell chambray shirt // Dooney & Bourke handbag // Tory Burch dress // Gap denim shorts // JCrew hat // Soludos espadrilles // Anchor necklace

Summer is in full swing in California, heat wave and all. Here are a few pieces I would like to incorporate in my wardrobe immediately. Hello, Summer. Here I come.

3 Things.

Weekends this beautiful are far and few between in San Francisco and am thrilled the good weather is continuing to shine on down. Here's to enjoying a gorgeous sun-filled week ahead.

1. A little token leftover from Friday night dinner with my mom, Godfather, and S.

2. Celebrating Pink Saturday

3. Sunday funday at a baseball game.