Friday we woke up early for yoga at Toby's Feed Barn in Point Reyes -- I love this place. Amazing yoga classes and delicious coffee right outside. We had lunch at Cowgirl Creamery after our class and it may have been the best soup/salad/sandy combo i've ever had. The rain and fog put a damper on our hiking plans, but we still managed to make a great day out of exploring, picking up local food for dinner, and having a relaxing night in.

We made short ribs with this recipe, and prosciutto wrapped dates with this recipe for dinner.. adding our own touch to each.

While I was only home for a few short days -- I managed to fit in my favorites: the friends ... the fam ... Martha and JC's wonderful cooking ... and of course ... multiple visits to TCloud, Honey Ham, and Maudies. My trips home are becoming few and far between, so it is great to enjoy these few moments I have.

Also -- thanks to Jean-Claude, I was given an amazing new camera for Christmas. I see myself getting a little photo happy in 2012...

I arrived in Austin yesterday afternoon and was immediately thrown into family Christmas actives! We had drinks downtown with Joe and Kim ... followed by dinner at Justines ... then drinks at the Driskill ... and lastly, Esthers Follies. It had been quite a while since I had been to the Follies -- I had forgotten how hilarious and vulgar the show is. A very fun start to my few days I have at home!

Thursday night we had our SF Christmas... GQP was mellow that day and we were let off by 3pm... leaving time for last minute shopping and wrapping. We made pork loin for dinner, and a delicious salad that was a combination of this recipe and this recipe. Delicious! A very festive night with much help from Kenny G.

Wednesday we went to the new(ish) Biergarten in Hayes Valley after picking up some meat from Fatted Calf (to be cooked tonight!). It was very cold and Christmasy -- just what we were hoping for. Later we had dinner at The Grove ... this spot can instantly make you feel like you're in a little mountain town. It was a perfect way to spend one of our last Christmas nights in the city.

Today was "holiday sweater" day @ GQP -- and I had the perfect one picked out. But, of course, I forgot to wear it. It hurt my heart -- but, there is always next year.

Last night we went to Flour + Water after a long awaited reservation made months ago. It was my second time to this hot spot restaurant, and it was just as delicious as I had remembered. The pastas are handmade every morning, and the pizzas are unique and different. A great pre-christmas-break-dinner.

Saturday Jaqueline and I went to the Renegade Craft Fair for some Christmas shopping -- it was crowded and overwhelming -- but we were still able to find a few last minute gifts and grab a great lunch nearby at Radius Cafe. That night we had dinner at Taco Bar and saw Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy at Kabuki Theater on Fillmore. Sunday was very lazy ... did some shopping on Chestnut followed by Ahi Tuna Tacos for a mellow dinner. December is going by far to quickly for my liking.

Friday we left early from work and drove to the Yosemite Bug for Jacquelines birthday celebration weekend. Our cozy barn studio was perfect for the four of us -- all we needed was the kitchen. We came well equipped with plenty of food to cook for the weekend, with some great treats from The Fatted Calf. Saturday morning we did an early yoga class, followed by relaxing at the spa and wandering around the town nearby. The weekend was full of cooking, baking, many games of apples to apples, jenga... all paired with winter cocktails.

Sunday we went ziplining in Occidental for a belated-birthday-celebration. The weather was perfect (thank heavens) and the scenery made it hard to believe we were still in the bay area.  After an active morning, we stopped in Guerneville for a cup of coffee at Coffee Bazaar, and took a scenic drive down the 1. On the way home we stopped at Nick's Cove in Point Reyes for oysters and wine -- such a fun spot! A stop at Whole Foods followed, to prepare for a relaxing sea bass seafood Sunday dinner.

Well, we tried hard to get into the Christmas spirit on Friday. We went to Union Square for ice skating only to find out it was sold out... who knew that could even happen? Saturday was sunny and chilly -- perfect for a bike ride to the Mission. We picked up sandwiches at Bi-Rite and had lunch in Dolores Park, a great spot for SF people watching... later we dropped by City Beer for a holiday brew to drink on the Embarcadero. The day ended with a cozy neighborhood dinner at Nob Hill Cafe. 

Happy 24th Birthday to my beautiful Strumpkin Molly!!!! I can't believe it has been a year since you were out celebrating in Sonoma with me and Cal. I only wish that was happening this year, too. Can't wait to see you soon. Love you!