Again I have another horribly delayed post to share that essentially covers the last few weeks, but I figure it’s better late than never! Even when you spend all your time studying, you still have to make room for some fun…

Like the date D took me on to Rose’s Cafe a couple days before my exam…

nothing like a crisp glass of bubbly to calm one’s nerves!

Their bread is really delicious…

they make it fresh each day at the restaurant!

bruschetta of grilled peach, crescenza cheese, mint & a saba glaze

fried squash blossoms

salmon with green beans and a sweet corn & tomato salad

rigatoni alla carbonara with english peas

On the eve of the exam I headed over to the Claremont in Berkeley (go bears!) where I was taking it, so I’d be ready to go the next morning and not stressing over traffic or other uncontrollable situations.  I just  love hotels.  Well, I guess that’s not entirely true.  I love nice hotels.  And the Claremont was lovely.  They even upgraded me to a bay-view room in the spa section of the hotel.  Thanks James at the front desk!  That was super cool of you!

I love the little tower logo on their products

more lovely smelling products

mini nail files… too cute

one of the best parts about hotel stays is ordering room service

the worlds largest turkey club sandwich and creme brulee

I know creme brulee isn’t cool anymore, but still, it’s and oldie but goodie

As much fun as room service is though, it’s much more fun when your boyfriend comes over and treats you to a lovely dinner at Paragon on your second night there.

D started with the lobster roll sliders… what a fun presentation

I started with the ahi tuna tartare tacos served in crispy taro root shells

We shared a salad of local lettuces, goat cheese, hazelnuts, & toy box tomatoes

and split the roast chicken w macaroni & cheese, sauteed spinach, & thyme jus

sorry the pic isn’t great, I had a bite and then remembered I hadn’t taken a photo!

Look who came home with us!

My very own personal cheer bear from the gift shop!

After the exam the bartender at the hotel placed this glass of bubbles in front of me… much needed,  much much needed.

home at last, I admired all my hotel goodies

I’m a klepto, what can I say?

I was finally able to start reading (and finishing) the Hunger Games books!

and go for a very overdue mani-pedi

shellac is amazing btw if you haven’t tried it yet

a sunny picnic down at fort mason the day after the exam

more celebration bubbles

isn’t our garden pretty?

my DODOcase arrived… love how it looks like a book

as did our K&L champagne club shipment

and I can start back up the Golden Gate bridge pictures on my runs again…

I’ve had a bit of a hiatus!

I also finally have time for wine with friends like Sara!  On the floor, since her and her hubby are moving away from our neck of the woods and had no furniture left.  The good news is they are moving closer to Flour & Water so stay tuned for a future picture-heavy post with lots of pizza and pasta!

Happy Days are here again!