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We’ve been making lots of house progress this week, which has been very fun to see. The main project: we got rid of the giant concrete circle in the front yard and the concrete RV parking in the backyard, and have replaced it with a mix of artificial turf, raised planters, lots of citrus trees and a paved back patio. It wasn’t DIY and it wasn’t cheap (holler if you need any recommendations for yard projects in San Diego–we loved who we used!), but this was a big priority for us–especially since the weather in San Diego essentially makes it dining al fresco season year-round. The workers mostly wrapped up this week (just in time for trick or treaters on Halloween!), and the transformation has been so incredible to see.

I’m also very grateful to have a husband who is so solutions-oriented: I totally screwed on the measurements (really, it was less measurements and more basic math) in a grand plan for an Ikea hack to create some built-in-ish bookshelves in my office. Of course, we didn’t realize how the numbers didn’t add up until we’d already paid for Ikea delivery and David had already built two bookshelves! Alas, he figured out how to get them cut to fit and they look so great. Can’t wait to do some more “official” reveals here soon!

Drinks

Whenever I’m in Oakland, I love to catch up with one of my great college girlfriends (she’s also a doula if any East Bay readers are pregnant or hoping to be!)–and this time, we headed for a glass of wine at The Punchdown, a natural wine bar with a very hip vibe in downtown Oakland. We opted to do the blind flight, which was SO fun: the bartender gives you three wines and if you guess them all correctly, the flight is free! It was actually really neat to try and match what you’re tasting with the descriptions (tart, floral, cherry, funk, etc.), and it just made a wine date so much more fun (even though we only got one right). I want this concept to come to more wine bars!

Reads

If you need a heartwarming read this election season, might I suggest The Day the World Came to Town: it’s all about a little town in remote Newfoundland, Canada that found themselves with an influx of planes and people after air space was closed over the United States on 9/11. It’s a truly wonderful tale of Canadian hospitality and kindness. It was also the perfect book to be reading during a flight delay: what’s an hour wait to get home when you could be stuck in a whole different country for days?! And yes, there is also a musical based on the experience: Come From Away is currently on Broadway, and I think we’re going to try and see it next time we’re in NYC!

Looks

Lively was one of those brands that relentlessly retargeted me on Facebook until I finally gave in, and I’m glad I did because they pretty much nailed me as their target customer. I’ve had a tough time finding (wireless!) bras and (seamless!) undies lately that are extremely comfortable and still feminine. Lively has the widest range of wireless bras and pretty lace bralettes that I’ve seen, and all at affordable prices.  p.s. click here to get $10 off your first purchase! 

Beauty

You know how sometimes you have that product that you think isn’t making a difference and then you don’t have it and you’re like WAIT IT DOES MAKE A DIFFERENCE?! That is totally how I felt about Glossier Perfecting Skin Tint. I’ve been using it for a few years but I didn’t really feel like it was doing much because it’s such light coverage. Alas, once I ran out (it actually exploded in my duffel bag on a recent weekend trip and I was NOT pleased), I figured I just wouldn’t replace it…and then my face felt and looked SO dry and flat whenever I did my makeup. Anyway, I bought a new bottle and I now truly appreciate all of that dewy, sheer coverage that Perfecting Skin Tint brings to my face. I shall not doubt Glossier again.

Words

“They placed their lives on hold for a group of strangers and asked for nothing in return. They affirmed the basic goodness of man at a time when it was easy to doubt such humanity still existed. If the terrorists had hoped their attacks would reveal the weaknesses in western society, the events in Gander proved its strength.” –The Day the World Came to Town

David’s family is in town this weekend, and we’re looking forward to showing them a few favorite spots in San Diego AND hosting our very first backyard barbecue!