If you're going to San Francisco...

Although we didn't wear flowers in our hair, we made the most of our time in San Francisco. Having visited the city before, I had a better idea of what to see and do. This time around I really started to know the city. We stayed in Japantown which may not be the most happening area in the city but it was so central it was a great jumping off point for all of our excursions.

View of the City from Castro

San Francisco's weather was a bit nippy during our stay, averaging around 17 C, so be warned. Our weather was a tad colder than usual, however, if you are visiting SF, bring pants, scarves, and a jacket if you plan to explore this city comfortably.

We began our trip with the quintessential landmark of the bay city, the Golden Gate Bridge. I'd visited the bridge before but never made the trip across so we decided to rent bikes for the day.  This is definitely the way to cross this beauty. Although at times I felt like I may take out a pedestrian straying into the bike lane, the ride was enjoyable and allowed for the perfect amount of time spent on the bridge. Walking seemed as though it would take an inordinate amount of time and with the wind, biking kept us warm. Fisherman's Wharf is right by the bike rentals as well. Being the most touristy pocket of the city, I couldn't stay here for long, but when one must come check it out during a trip to SF. Great sea food and kitschy surroundings round out this area of the city.

Safety first kids!

Haight-Ashbury proved to be my favourite area of the city. Cute shops, cheap eats, and a bohemian feel make this legendary hippie area super fun to explore. We stumbled upon a bar with $3 beers and Cards Against Humanity which kept us busy for quite a few hours. 

Haight-Ashbury Intersection, complete with legs

We also made the trip to see the Painted Ladies, the Victorians seen during the opening of Fullhouse.

Although not an overwhelmingly interesting sight for the boys, Michelle and I turned into our 10 year old selves, fan-girling out over the nostalgic houses. Definitely a highlight of our trip so far and recommended if the Tanners were your second family.

Everywhere you look (everywhere), there's a heart, a hand to hold on to!

Alcatraz was another essential sight this time around as we did not get the chance to experience it last time we visited. If you are wanting to go, make sure to book this at least a month in advance!This is always sold out at least 2 weeks in advance so don't be let down and scrambling a few days before! the famed previously high security prison is worth the planning. We took in the super earie sights while listening to a fascinating audio tour that kept our attention the whole 45 min. It's a weird experience wandering around a prison with hundreds of people who are completely silent learning about what went down in the rock 50+ years ago. 

The Escape Route

Although we were sad to leave this spectacular city, we were ready for the warmth and the wine that awaited us in Napa. On the road we went! 

Gearing Up for the West Coast!

Tomorrow I leave for my second West Coast Roadtrip! This time we tackle San Francisco up to Portland, and this time with even more fantastic company.  Collin and I, as well as my friends Michelle and Troy, are setting off to experience and explore the Northern California/Oregon Coast and I could not be more excited!  We'll be hitting SF, Napa, The Redwoods, Coos Bay, and Portland over the  next 2 weeks.  My goal is to blog at each location so stay tuned for updates.

San Francisco, Alamo Square aka. the Full House houses

I believe that it's super important to choose your travel partners wisely, as different people like to vacation very differently.  I, myself, like to pack my days full of activities, wake up early, and go to bed late (I can sleep when I'm dead).  I am so looking forward to travelling with my childhood best pal Michelle as I KNOW we both have the same travel style (and we can leave the boys to sleep in if they must).  Get ready for a wild adventure crew! WEST COAST HERE WE COME!

pic via sanfrancisco.net

Nerding out for Andrea

What comes to mind when one hears the word BACHELORETTE? Lots of pink and zebra print, as many phallic objects as possible, and one hot mess adorned in a "Bride to be" sash? This past weekend, I was faced with helping to throw the ultimate bachelorette for my dear friend Andrea...and I knew that the stereotypical last fling before the ring cliches would just not do!

So how does one plan a super unique, personalized bachelorette for her soon to be wedded friend? My first step was choosing a theme that was both fun, unique, and appropriate for the bride-to-be.  My friend Andrea recently earned her PhD in Neurobiology.  She's kind of a smart cookie.  The theme SEXY SCIENTIST was the perfect mix of sassy and nerdy that summed up Andrea perfectly.  Once you have a theme, everything else comes SO EASILY!  Costumes, decor, and snacks can all be pulled from the theme, which gives the whole night a personal and fun touch.

Next, you must decide on a location. This can be the trickiest part as you need to take into account finances, guest list, and distance you are willing to travel.  There's always Vegas, Miami, or NYC if you have time, money, and group of girls that are willing to travel.  More often than not, more girls will be able to attend if it is somewhat local and they dont need to drop an overabundance of dough.  As the planner, one must weigh out whether destination or company is more important to the bride.  With Andrea, we knew that she valued having as many of her close friends there as possible so we decided to stay local.  As we all met while away at UWO, we decided a nostalgic night in London, ON was the way to go.

Nerdy BFFs

 Finally, one must decide on what activities would make up the ultimate bachelorette party according to the bride-to-be.  Some girls would prefer a quieter, cozy night in at a cottage while others would feel shafted without a WILD night on the dance floor.  It's a good idea to check in with your bachelorette about what type of night she is looking for.  The last ting you want is to end up at a male strip club with a bride-to-be that wanted to play Cranium in pajamas all night.  For Andrea, we knew she expected a party and a party we did plan! Also, you must decide whether the night will be a complete surprise or if you are going to let the bride in on the plans.  We decided to fully surprise the bride and simply send her a list of things she needed to bring.  Feel free to add in items to throw her off the scent of what you are actually doing.  For example, I asked Andrea to bring bug spray, her passport, and something to secure an animal.  She was RIGHT confused. Mission accomplished.

We began our day picking up our guest of honor from her condo.  She was promptly blindfolded and led into a vehicle.  From there, we drove to Aradia Fitness, a fitness studio specializing in pole-dancing and burlesque fitness.  Andrea was pleasantly surprised to find herself surrounded by friends and brass poles to start off her day.  It was also nice to add exercise to the day of fun, and trust me, EXCERCISE is what we got.  The upper arm and core strength needed for some of the moves we learned was insane!

Doing the CHOO-CHOO!

The Bridal Party on the Pole

 We then continued to a hotel suite in downtown London, where everyone changed into their Nerd gear and we dressed the bride-to-be in her sexy scientist outfit we had ready for her.  Following the costume change, we proceeded to eat dinner and play various bachelorette inspired games to allow for adequate alcohol consumption before heading out.  The pre-party was chocked full of nerdy props and snacks which were great for photo ops.

Nerds, Photo props, and The Periodic Table of Cupcakes

Props put to good use.

 A pub-crawl to our favourite undergrad haunts seemed like the only appropriate way to spend the rest of our evening.  We began our night at Barney's patio, followed by the frog, jim bobs, and joe kools.  The theme was a hit (even if it garnered a few stares), and we danced until our feet hurt and we couldn't see straight.
 

Nerding out over Andrea

What we do best.

 Overall, the NERDETTE was a huge success and we are super excited to celebrate again at the wedding :)

Love you Andrea!!

Improv, Waterfalls and Rainbows!

Happy Belated Canada Day Everyone! Hope you had a fantastic first long weekend of the summer! While many were lucky enough to go to a cottage this weekend (jealous*ahem), I opted for a staycation in our vibrant city.  One of my goals for 2013 is to take advantage of what Toronto has to offer.  We have so many festivals, restaurants, shows, and landmarks in and around the GTA, it seems a shame not to stick around some weekends and experience them.

Friday night my friends and I attended the Improv Competition  "Beerprov" at Comedy Bar on Bloor west.  Twelve improv comedians dueled it out in a "Who's Line is it Anyways" style brawl.  We went in with absolutely no expectations and were blown away by the talent we got to see! The highlight of the night was realizing that Colin Mockery was not only at the bar, but participating in the competition! In the end, he was (purposefully) defeated by a legitimately funny girl.  The atmostphere at Comedy bar was fantastic as well, as all the comedians hung out and had beers after the show. 

Mobbing Colin after the show

Saturday, we roadtripped out to exotic St Catharines to check out the waterfalls my friends go to annually.  It was my first time there and they did not disappoint.  The waterfalls are a sort of secret that one would never know were there had he/she not been looking for them. After a short treck through the forest, we hiked through the river toward three waterfalls.  Beside two near death experiences (climbing behind a waterfall, and up the side of a cliff), the trip was a success and I can't wait to go back next summer.

Somebody needs a tan.

 

Before I almost fell off

Lastly, it was Toronto PRIDE festival this week which culminated in the famed Pride Parade down Yonge st.  It was my 3rd pride parade I've attended, and I have to say, it did not have as much POW as the last 2 I've been to.  There seemed to be an overabundance of clubs and groups marching in the parade, which is fine, but if you're going to be in a PRIDE parade, please dress the part!  Many of these groups had unimaginative/no costumes (t-shirts) with little more than a lei to accessorize. When you can't tell who is a participant and who is an onlooker that merely jumped the fence, it can get a bit boring.  The floats and people who were dressed up were fantastic! More drag queens, half naked trojan models, and people covered in glitter please! The celebrations on church street after were super fun, celebrating love and equality in our beautiful city :)

Moose and I, Pride Styles

 

 

 

THIS is how you dress for Pride Parade

Hope everyone had a great long weekend!