Row Boats and The Butchers Daughter; An Afternoon in Venice

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Venice Canals ; Venice, CA

Venice Canals ; Venice, CA

Despite growing up in LA, today was the very first time I have ever visited the Venice Canals. Man-made in 1905, these canals were the architectural brain child of developer, Abbot Kinney, as to recreate the feel and essence of Venice, Italy in Southern California. Though I am sure the authenticity of Venice, Italy remains intact, the landmark's quiet walkways and trickling shoreline makes for a lovely afternoon of relaxation amidst a bustling beach town. 

No two homes are alike in the area. You can spend your entire stroll fantasizing about which unique home best suits you and why! From traditional craftsmans or beachy bungalows, to modern mini-mansions and exotic villas, nothing is cookie-cutter. See for yourself!

We parked locally in the neighborhood with zero constraints and walked right into the area. Total cake! After we worked up an appetite, we decided to head onto About Kinney Blvd. for lunch and some window shopping. We wanted to keep the meal lite and scene bright- enter "The Butchers Daughter." I had originally seen the picturesque restaurant in Nolita, Manhattan but ever had the chance to pop in! Upon remembering there was a Venice location, it was a no-brainer for the perfect healthy lunch spot. With a vegetarian and often vegan menu, the chefs have outdone themselves with everything from breakfast burritos to stone-oven pizzas and fresh pressed juices. 

A couple of refreshing white teas, simple salad and order of sweet and sour Pad Thai (with impressive carrot slaw) later we were fat and happy. The rest of the afternoon was spent window shopping, with the exception of LeLabo. I bought a little Rose 31 for my wrists. 

With Abbot Kinney being just about the hottest real estate on the map right now, you can get lost for several hours between it murals, shops and eateries. It is a real day-date paradise!

Preserve Your Penny:

  • Strolling the canals costs nothing. Though it is a landmark, keep in mind these are still rows of homes to many people. Stay on the sidewalks and enjoy the tranquility. 
  • If dropping an easy $100+ on perfume at LeLabo isn't in the cards at the moment, hold yourself over with a $6 sample of your favorite scent. With these robust fragrances, less is more and a sample can last several months if you are wise with your sprays!

I look forward to the next afternoon I can spend in the area! Who's coming with me?

xx

Sara De

4th of July in Oceanside

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Oceanside Pier // Oceanside, CA

Oceanside Pier // Oceanside, CA

To me, nothing is better than spontaneous trips. Our first Fourth of July back in LA almost came and went without any major plans until our friends Dane and Amy put a sparkler under our booties and we set off together for Oceanside. 

We had just about 24 hours to make the most of our holiday. Board games, smash-ball, crashing waves, new recipes and beach city exploring made for the perfect short but totally sweet mini-vacay.

We strolled the Oceanside strand with warmth on our backs and a breeze at our cheeks. It was the perfect afternoon activity. Next time you are in the area, stop at "That Boy Good" in downtown Oceanside for the best BBQ in Southern California. The Mac and Cheese is out of control and the Louisiana atmosphere is authentic as can be. 

We ended the evening with a cotton candy sunset and a bubbly toast to what was a totally spontaneous, extra special time with the sea.

xx

Sara De

Greystone Mansion; France Found in the Hollywood Hills

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Greystone Mansion // Beverly Hills, CA

Greystone Mansion // Beverly Hills, CA

It is officially summer, and with that, peak daydream season! Warm temps with meals alfresco transport me to destinations all over the globe in my mind. Unfortunately whisking away to worldly hotspots on a whim isn't always an option. Today I forced myself to find a bit of France at my fingertips.

Desperate for my daydreams, we took a drive up into Beverly Hills to Greystone Mansion instantly transporting us into the French countryside. Strolling the grounds is completely free and the views expansive. The next time you need to escape the city and flirt with your French fantasies, make your way to Greystone Mansion.

Preserve Your Penny:

  • Exploring the Mansions grounds are free!
  • Parking on site is free!

xx

Sara De

LACMA ; The Perfect Afternoon Date

/ LACMA/
The Edge of Illumination; LACMA

The Edge of Illumination; LACMA

Unless you have been living under a rock since 2008, you most likely have seen a photograph of Chris Burden's sculpture "Urban Light." 202 restored street lamps stand erect and grid-like at the south entrance of the Los Angles County Museum of Art - better know by its acronym LACMA. Whether you are heading east or west on Wilshire Blvd. you cannot miss the installation drawing eyes to the largest art museum in the Western United States - and home of your next perfect afternoon date!

The grounds are expansive and the museum's collection of permanent and revolving works; just as immeasurable. Household names like Picasso, Matisse, Warhol, and Calder can be found within its walls along side a menagerie of other historical and cultural pieces. The only days LACMA does not see admittance are Wednesdays, Thanksgiving and Christmas - I implore you to take the other 311 days and get to know each other.

On top of having totally reasonable adult admission prices, LA County residents see free admission after 3pm on weekdays. We capitalized on our new proof of address and took the afternoon to stroll the grounds, and later, toast to the sunset with a smooth happy hour cocktail on the Patio of Rays/Stark Bar. See much, spend little. My kind of day-date!

Preserve Your Penny:

  • If you are an LA County Resident, bring along your ID after 3pm for free admission.

  • Because of the 3pm or later admission, you too are right on time for happy hour at Stark Bar. Discontinued cocktails?! You had me at "Hello!"

  • Lock this down for your next family fun day as anyone under 17 years of age sees free admission.

xx

Sara De

 

Art in the Sky - The Getty Museum ; Los Angeles

/ The Getty Museum/

Sara over LA //  The J. Paul Getty Museum

There are many reasons to love this museum. It's permanent and revolving exhibits are world class, its free admission makes art accessible to all and in my humble opinion - the Getty is home to thee most sought after view over the city of stars. Hands down. From the business towers downtown to the lifeguard towers on the sand, the Getty magnifies LA and puts this vast landscape into the palm of your hand.

The halls of sculpture, oil paintings, photography and beyond are expansive and equally as thrilling are the stunning grounds they call home. We spent the afternoon studying the work that captured us inside and capturing a blue-bird winter afternoon in LA outside. The museum, atop the Palisade mountains, peering over the 405 freeway, is hard to miss. It is stunning from a far and exquisite up close. Each fountain, garden, flower and formation is calculated and perfectly so. We let ourselves get lost and like it.

Shawn in symetry // J. paul Getty Museum

Preserve Your Penny : 

  • Entrance into the Getty is Free! Enjoy a guilt free afternoon of artistic enrichment!
  • Pro-tip! If you arrive to the museum after 3pm, parking drops from $15 to $10. Save a few bucks and be sure to come for sunset. The view surely won't disappoint!

 

xx

Sara De

Lovers Lunching at Malibu Farm; Malibu, CA

/ Malibu Farm/

Settling back in to Los Angeles is taking its time. We have returned to LA from the ever entertaining San Francisco, where it feels like every night of the year we could find a new restaurant to try, new bar to visit, or activity to partake in. Obviously Los Angeles, with all of its sprawl, is not going to see a shortage of exciting new experiences. With that - I started to create a list of the many places I am eager to visit as a reinstated Angeleno.

Malibu Farm scored the top spot on my list of eateries with a view. There is no better place to enjoy an idyllic lunch with my favorite guy during this week of love! The food is fresh, local and down right delicious. The cocktails have a zing, while the food is savory and satisfying. I cannot wait to go back! We ate on the gorgeous patio over looking the rippling waves, with a Motown soundtrack overhead. Perfection.

After we stuffed ourselves with insanely delicious food and washed it down with great conversation, we decided to stroll down to the end of the Pier to check out the smaller Malibu Farm Cafe and Ranch at the Pier - a charming store of Malibu-centric knick knacks, fashions and artisanal finds. 

This day solidified the notion of all the special moments I have ahead as a new woman in this city. I am, for the first time, excited about it. 

xx
Sara De

Reinventing My Exit

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This month has been relentless. With a world changing election, a reflective birthday, and an unexpected arising of opportunity - November has my head spinning.

There is only so much one can do on a daily basis to feel in control of their life and I did my damnedest this month - I voted with my conscience, reflected on my shortcomings and hopes for an improved new year and seized opportunities despite the risk of the unknown. I tried to be immediate and thoughtful. Particularly regarding a fresh occupational opportunity that fell into my lap - All that said, I am excited to announce: I have accepted a new position within my current company and am relocating to Los Angeles next week.

Truthfully, it doesn't all feel real yet. San Francisco is my home. I have spent my most formative years here; creating my perfect home, building a strong adult-relationship,  and growing and changing with a city that allowed me endless excitement and wonderment. This is bittersweet. Straight up.

Though I am allowing myself to mourn the city that shaped me, I am also reinventing my outlook and staying open to all the new joys that will set in from being back in Southern California; Close to my dearest friends and family. I need to not just look at what I am losing, but moreover what I have to regain with this transition. I am eager to embrace the new personal and professional milestones that await me!

Today, on Thanksgiving, I want to thank San Francisco for all the friendship, art, community, smiles, electricity and heart it has shown me. The World Series Championships, the moments above the fog, the friends around my table, dancing in the park, and rooftop serenity. You were my Everest. Coming here was my dream I turned reality. Living and working in this city not only gave me the opportunity to thrive within it, but abroad as well. San Francisco gave me my thirst for life and travel. This city very literally was my golden gateway to the rest of my life. Now it is time to tackle my next highest mountain; my next list of dreams. I dont know what else to say other than I love you so much and thank you for everything.

Here are some memorable moments from half a decade in this magical city with magical people.

To San Francisco - a big, giant, creepy love-hug from your most humbled inhabitant. Thank you.

xx

Sara De.

Day-Cation; Point Reyes, CA

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Sara shooting the Shipwreck // Inverness, CA

I feel pretty darn fortunate to live in a place like California - particularly San Francisco. I can go surfing and snowboarding in the same day. I can hike rolling headlands and hoist a sail all in the same afternoon. The day to day grind can get you down, but no matter where you live, there is always somewhere to go and something to do that is different and entertaining - all you have to do is seek it.

To separate ourselves from the city we decided to take a day-cation to Point Reyes. A picturesque peninsula that hosts a charming little town and some of Northern California's most precious views. Just 30 miles North-West of the city, we set out  for an adventurous day grabbing some general-store goods, sighting shipwrecks and catching wind at Point Reyes Lighthouse.

Point Reyes Station

Point Reyes Station is a little town chalked full of charm on your way out to the seaside. Toby's is a general store where you can walk out with local produce, crafty cook books and just about anything in between! 

Cowgirl Creamery and Bovine Bakery are a few places along the main drag where you can find some tasty snacks to bring on the drive. Above is a map from Point Reyes Station to the lighthouse. Point A to Point B.  If you are interested in exploring more of this area, take a drive further to Point C to Chimney Rock. My time at Chimney Rock can be seen here!

Point Reyes Lighthouse

On the way from Point Reyes Station to the Lighthouse, you are met with winding roads of pasture farms and even stumble upon this stunning Cypress tree tunnel. Once at the Lighthouse, there is a small parking area, followed by a quick and easily accessed fire road to the viewing area. The coastline is gorgeous. We had the best time rolling down new roads together.

Inverness ShipWreck 

This shipwreck on the shore of Tamales Bay is an iconic site in this area. Heading North on Sir. Francis Drake Blvd. towards Inverness, on the way to Point Reyes Lighthouse, will lead you to it. Keep a look out on the shoreline. The wreck is nestled behind some small markets - dont blink! You might miss it!

Preserve Your Penny:

  • The only cost of the day was our delicious lunch in Point Reyes Station. The Lighthouse is protected by the National Parks Service - there was zero cost for visiting!

xx

Sara De

San Francisco Flower Mart

/ SF Flower Mart/

I have been feeling a little run down lately. There are many things in life to be excited about right now, but I feel like the world is moving so quickly around me that I haven't stopped to take a minute to smell the roses. Literally.

I have been itching to make a stop at the SF Flower Mart for as long as I have lived here, but just never made time for it - Today that changed. I woke up, turned to Shawn and assured him that visiting the Mart would be our one and only definite plan for the day. He obliged and we had a great time choosing fresh florals to bring home with us.

To me, flowers are so special. They brighten up any space and arranging them myself has always proven to be a stress reliever. The bushel gathered today was a bit of Blue Thistle, Pink Ranunculus, White Dahlias and some wild lavender fillers.

It was a sweet and easy time having fun with my guy. Just what I needed.

Preserve Your Penny:
  • Bang for your buck! Heading to a mart and buying different florals in bulk to arrange yourself is not only fun but cost effective. I was able to make 3 full bouquets for the standard price of 1 pre-arranged at a florist. 
  • Cheap date: Shawn and I had a great couple of hours together for practically no money spent. We were able to play "name that flower", build bouquets, have a fun drive through the city and reconnect.

What kinds of cheap and easy things do you like to do to decompress?!

Leave me a comment below!

xx

Sara De

Japanese Tea Gardens in SF; Golden Gate Park

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Japanese Tea Gardens // Golden Date Park; SF

I have been needing a day of relaxation. Sometimes the rat-race gets the best of us and we need to take a step out of the fog and clear our heads. I decided to find my "zen" at an SF landmark I had yet to visit in the heart of Golden Gate Park; The Japanese Tea Gardens. This lush, green landscape, with vibrant red pagodas, an arched drum bridge, and traditional stone lanterns was the perfect place to find tranquility. 

It was a rather crowded day in this small garden oasis, but even with all the people, I found beautiful moments of serenity; Much stemming from good conversation with my girlfriend Christine. After doing an initial stroll through the sunny garden, we plopped down in the outdoor cafe and talked over cups of tea, bowls of Miso soup and a few nut tarts for a sweet finish.

The Tea Gardens are tucked in the corner of Golden Gate Park's Main Concourse. With an $8 entrance fee for out of towers and a hefty serving of tea, you can find a couple hours worth of peace for less than $13! Today I enjoyed a cup of Hojicha while looking over a waterfall, and Koi pond surrounded by Japanese maples and pines. This was a great way to feel like you are not only away from bustling city, but in another part of the world all together. 

“When a garden is used as a place to pause for thought, that is when a Zen garden comes to life. When you contemplate a garden like this it will form as lasting impression on your heart.”
— Muso Soseki

I am looking forward to going back to the gardens! Make a stop here if ever in Golden Gate Park!

xx

Sara De.

Exploring Fort Point; Presidio District

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Facing the wind //  Photo By: Ciurdars

Fort Point is the perfect place in San Francisco to get an up close and personal view of the Golden Gate Bridge. Deemed a National Historic Site in 1970 by President Nixon, this FREE attraction boasts a lot more than just stunning views, but a storied past to boot!

The strong brick structure (then adobe) was erected in 1794 by Spanish Military forces thwarting off any opposition seeking claim on Bay territory. In 1821, Mexico won independence from Spain, but did not maintain the fort on the coast as they moved inland toward Sonoma. The US occupied the fort after their victory in the Mexican-American War.

This site has seen the US through early victories, Civil War, and World Wars. It is a BEAUTIFUL structure architecturally. Its strong exterior leads into a many tiered maze above. Walking through the corners of the fort, you feel as if you are in Medieval times. The open-air stair cases, spiral you from floor to floor. The roof being the least appealing of them all requires you to look up, only into the face of one of the worlds most iconic giants.

Parking is easy and with many other SF attractions near by like, Crissy Fields and the Walt Disney Family museum, this is a perfect place to spot off for the best shots. 

Preserve Your Penny:

  1. Don't buy a thing and head to this super picturesque monument for $Free.99

Photos Above By: Ciurdars

If you head to Fort Point after the famous SF fog has rolled in, be ready for a freeze. The wind is incredible and the chill unreal. I felt pretty comfortable in layers underneath this amazing H&M thrift store coat and my Hunter Rain Boots. With my "Stunner" camera strap around my neck from Dark Water Classic, my Fuji is always close.

xx

Sara De.

Tourists In Our Own Town - One; SF

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It had been a rough week at work. I was looking so forward to the weekend, but the weather decided my fate early. With storms both Friday and Saturday, my mood stayed gloomy and body in bed. Then Sunday reared around with a plan unbeknownst to me. 

I made plans to spend the day with my dear friend Taylor. What our plan was: Go with the flow. We decided to meet at my place and start the day with a pricy brunch (no penny pinching there!) to treat ourselves for the rough and hard working weeks we had just seen. Since I have moved here I have wanted to dine at the Wayfare Tavern. Between its ambiance, open kitchen aesthetic and yummy menu, I knew that was the perfect place to live bit larger this morning.

By the time we were in and seated at the bar, overlooking the hustle and bustle of the dreamy French-tapestried kitchen it was seemingly Lunch time. Fried Chicken it is then! A regular on many of SF's best lists, I figured I would see what all the fuss was about only side a starting order of "Poutine" and an accompaniment of asparagus. Oh, an beer, did I mention the beer! Feast your eyes.......

Wayfare Tavern // financial District; San Francisco

Wayfare Tavern // financial District; San Francisco

Our lavish lunch was a fantastic way to start off the day. It felt good to check this famed SF restaurant off the list. It encouraged us to want to do more things that turned us into tourists for the day. That got us thinking about all the things that people come here to do, yet we had never accomplished. An Irish Coffee at the Buena Vista?! With eager curiosity, despite the pushback from out taste buds, we hoped in an Uber and head for the bottom of Hyde St.

Now, I am not big into coffee. I know.... shocking, but true. But I do love me some whiskey, so I figured I would give into the experience and throw one back. If you are unfamiliar, the Buena Vista Cafe is FAMOUS for dishing out lines and lines of pipping hot "Irish Coffees" as well as having one of the best views of the Golden Gate and SF Bay. Their Irish Coffee is Simple: 2 sugar cubes, 2 parts hot coffee, 1 part whiskey, 1 part whipped foam. Boom! The gentlemen behind the bar are all dressed with fitted white jackets and a black bowtie. Very old fashioned for an old fashioned drink. Savor it, throw it back, whatever! Just go, try and be like the rest of the tourists. Truly an experience!

Now, I can see why these unique beverages are sought after for the experience. I myself have had nothing like it. If not for the warming drink, head to the Buena Vista for the bustle and views.

With a little more liquor in our gust we decided to continue on in the area and push ourselves to do something we have never done. We walked one block down to Jefferson, and head for Fishermans Wharf. Look, since the dawn of time, tourists are told to come to this area. And in all honesty, I am not sure why. Over priced tourist traps and tacky vacation knick-knack are in high supply, but do your best to put your head down and not get sucked in. Instead seek out a particular treasure just past the Crab Markets; "Silver Fox Fishing and Tours." For $15 cash (plus a polite tip, if you please) you get a lap from the dock, past the Marina District and Palace or Fine Arts, under the Golden Gate, round the back side of Alcatraz, ending with a beautiful view of The Bay Bridge, Downtown, Coit Tower and Nob Hill. 

I had exactly $30 cash in my wallet, a rare thing. It was a serendipitous moment. So we hopped on, ready to see to the Bay like never before; In it!

Taking the last few inches of space on the bow of the boat, we expected some ocean spray and even better sites. Windy, noisy, and beautiful! Again, I highly suggest this easy, cheap and enjoying time on the water.

Those were the last pictures I got of the day before the sun went to sleep. After our boat ride, we decided to have cocktail at a place with one of the best views in all of California; The Top of the Mark. 360 views of the entire city, the Bay and Beyond, all from a restaurant and bar at the very top of the Mark Hopkins Hotel at the peak of Nob Hill, catty-corner from Grace Cathedral. Also, amongst  other notable buildings along California St., The Fairmont Hotel is home to the Tonga Room; a tiki-themed bar and grill in lowest level of the iconic hotel. A dark island paradise with Mai Tai's the will pack a punch! Of course, we got a lethal dose of rum for 4 in a fish bowl to share. Yes, a fish bowl. 

The end of the day was a silly and slurry one. Using ride shares in the city like Uber, and Lyft is the only way to enjoy yourself responsibly on a Sunday Funday. Come to San Francisco, see the sites, sip the sustenance and enjoy yourself! 

xx

Sara De.

 

Chimney Rock Sunrise; Point Reyes

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Sara in the Sand Dunes // Photo by: Harry Glazier

Sara in the Sand Dunes // Photo by: Harry Glazier

(Click PLAY below to set the mood! - 1:16 is where it picks up!)

There are certain instances in your life, where no matter how long ago they took place, nor how many fresh memories have happen since, they arrive joyfully welcomed at the forefront of your mind when recounted. They were THAT GOOD. Well, that was this morning - Sunrise at Chimney Rock.

It was a brisk Fall morning. Myself, along with two zestful friends, some photo gear, picnic munchies and the most perfect soundtrack, head to the Northern Most Tip of Point Reyes to be greeted by the dawn; And she was please to meet us as well!

 

I asked my friend Harry Glazier to recount that morning. As much as I enjoy being a storyteller, I love hearing how friends who shared those same moments dream up the details. In his own whimsical way, he paints a portrait of the morning that helps me relive it in all of its immediate wonder. I hope you can imagine your own vision and play along too.

  

Here's Harry: 

 "I think it was the bag of leftover scones that saved the morning. And in all honesty, it took me half of the drive to completely wake up. But once we reached the park entrance, I knew the trip would not be in vain. Sara, Chris and I had been planning our escapade for a few weeks, in expectation of capturing a glorious sunrise on the coast. Point Reyes is one of the few areas on the west coast where you can watch the the daybreak over water, but Mother Nature had a different plan for the morning. Much to our dismay, upon arrival in Point Reyes, we hit a typical West Marin fog spell. I could barely see just yards in front of the car, but with caution and persistence we arrived in one piece at the Chimney Rock trailhead.

    Bundled head-to-toe in canvas jackets, flannels and jeans, we completed the short hike to the bluffs, blankets and (more) scones in tow. Upon arrival at the top, it was as though we had been transported to alien planet. For the first ten minutes, we could have practically swam in the fog. We snapped a couple shots on the edge of a bottomless cliff, then settled on our blankets to enjoy the morning. Just weeks prior, in a similar early morning trip, my friend Rachel had shown me the Icelandic band Sigur Ros, and I knew it would be fitting for our momentary rest. And we were in luck, too! Sara had brought her portable speaker. It was almost like Mother Nature was in the mood for some post-rock too, because the second we began playing Valtari, the skies opened up just enough for us to see the expanse of eroding bluffs and coastal behemoths.

    Openings in a fog bank like this can sometimes only last for a matter of minutes, maybe even seconds. We knew that if we wanted any shots of the sunrise, or something that could barely be considered a sunrise, this was our chance. So I scooped up my camera and we ran, with no destination in mind: the wind to our backs, reeds brushing our calves, slices of sun cutting through our hair. We lost track of time.

    When I look back on that  morning, I cannot recall how long we spent on top of the bluffs. While I know we would eventually leave to spend time on the beaches and later head home, sometimes I still feel as though we never left Chimney Rock."

Following our time on the bluffs, the dunes below were calling our names like vacant playground slides, dying to be ridden. We tore through the heaps of dewy sand, going ankle deep up and over its curved peaks. The view of the coast was breath taking. As the sun beat a little warmer in the sky, burning off the clouds, we set out to picnic at  a deserted beach. Just us, our scones, a block of cheese and the quite whistle of the wind. 

Chris and Sara Picnic // Photo by: harry glazier

I feel very lucky to gave a circle of people around me that share the same importance for documenting memories as I do. This is a cherished one forever.

xx

Sara De

(All full frame photography above contributed by Harry Glazier)

How Sunrise is Done, Birthday Edition! ; Slacker Hill

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We are strolling down memory lane with this post and reliving a moment from Fall 2014:

It was the wee hours of the morning of my 25th birthday. I had mentioned to a few friends (many of which are photographers) that I was hoping to catch the morning sunrise over the bay at "Slacker Hill," immediately beyond the Golden Gate Bridge in the Marin Headlands. I had only every seen photographs of the nearby landscape and figured it the perfect place to hover above the city, and ring in my new year. They lovingly agreed despite the early alarm!

It was just after 6 AM. I was rushing to get dressed, grab a few dozen doughnuts, and make my way across the Golden Gate to make sure I caught a 6:44am sunrise. It was a particularly fogging morning. I couldn't see street lights or stop signs until I almost passed them. Carefully, and with hope still, I head for Slacker Hill. Approaching the bridge, I was haunted. Deep, dense fog was glowing an amber hue from the lights adorning the icon. Fog horns sounding as Cargo Ships slid unnoticed under its mass. Were we completely fogged in? It seemed hopeless from the middle of the suspended giant, but I had to be sure. Just passed the threshold, we turned off onto the first exit and head UP. 

We were ascending into the headlands, past Battery Spencer and just before Hawk Hill we parked  near a round-about. Free and Clear. The higher we climbed, the more the fog settled. Now that the fog was no longer a concern, I had to remember the clock. Myself and 20 others friends made our way from the parking lot up the 1.1 mile trail to the top. Now, it was no (birthday) cake walk. It felt like a total chore at the time, but BOY, was I gifted with the best possible outcome at the top......

Me, above the clouds on my 25th birthday // Slacker Hill; Sausalito, CA - Photo by: Sam hylton

We made it within minutes. As the first sliver of copper shown over the horizon we were in awe. With many hugs, the unfolding of blankets, clicks of the shutter and hands reaching for doughnuts, it was the official start of what was one of the best years of my life. I like to think that morning; the warmth, the freshness, the effort, the accomplishment, the joy trickled its love throughout the remainder of the year. 

I haven't ever seen another sunrise like this. I truly believe it was such a special morning. If you would like to achieve some of the same views and moments, here is......

HOW TO:

 

From the City

  1. Head North on US 101 over the Gold Gate Bridge.
  2. Take Exit 442, Alexander Ave.
  3. Stay left towards Conzelman Rd.
  4. Take Conzelman Rd. left thru the tunnel & bearing right up into the headlands. (Otherwise you are headed back Southbound onto the bridge!)
  5. Park at the Slacker Hill trail and Enjoy!  

Portraits of Sara // Photos by: Emma Fineman

Kate and sara // Photo by: John thatcher

 

xx

Sara De.

 

World Wide Instameet 13; Tennessee Valley

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Photographers meet at Tennessee Valley Beach // Mill Valley, CA

Photographers meet at Tennessee Valley Beach // Mill Valley, CA

It was a bluebird morning in the Bay Area; So we crossed the Golden Gate and head for the coast. Tennessee Valley is a special hiking space that leads down to a small beach in the Marin Headlands. The trail head is just off the N. 101 Freeway, at the end of winding Tennessee Valley Road. This is a popular Trail for beach goers, hikers, and biker alike, so prepare for a busy parking lot.

I, with 30 other photographer friends, made the trek creating portrait, and landscape art along the way. The flat, easily manageable,  two mile walk from the trailhead to the shore is peppered with horse corrals, canvas yurts and Spring wild flowers. Idyllic! This was a gathering powered by Instagram; The World Wide Instameet 13, hosted by my best friend Emma Fineman, along with friends Harry Glazier and Cory Marryot. For those who have never attended an "Instameet" - they are sponsored gatherings where professional, amateur and photo enthusiasts alike, meet at a local destination, tell its story and build community. We hug, shake hands, chat, network, and create beautiful things from the experience. In my opinion, the best part about meets aside from gorgeous camera content, is making new, likeminded friends. Some that last a lifetime! 

I am sure, as you will notice in my posts, I LOVE taking pictures of people. Destinations inspire. I mean, they are my one true joy; to seek them and savor is why I travel. But when a human(s) is involved in the frame too, it adds a whole new element to the story and emerges new life within it. Below are some portraits I took and then, some taken of me.

Tennessee Valley shown bright under the a warm sun and cloudless sky. We managed to find the kind of light (or lack there of) and shadows we needed in deep rock crevasses and under colored cloth. The wind was wild, sea breeze fresh and mood exciting. It was a very special morning spent with kindred creatives and I was so happy to be apart of it!

If you'd like to see more photos from myself and other photographers from this day in Tennessee Valley, search #WWIM13TVM on Instagram or click here!

Portraits of me by: David Leong

xx

Sara De.

A SoCal Day, In NorCal ; Ocean Beach

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In San Francisco, the weather is always moderate. The spring means a comfortable daily temperature that requires a "lite jacket" after sunset. So when the sun glows heavy, the locals head outside - practically to the coast. Shawn and I packed up our blanket, a few snack and beers and made our way to Ocean Beach; Adjacent to Golden Gate Park, just south of The Cliff House and Sutro Baths.

We met a couple of Shawn's school pals to toss the football around and soak up this seemingly SoCal day, in NorCal. The water was its usual frigid cold but the warmth came from the sun-kissed smiles that pepper the shoreline.

We ended our afternoon enjoying a beer with a view at the Cliff House over looking the Sutro Baths; A popular tourist and photography location. The expansive salt-water pools, whom now sit in ruins, serve as an epic backdrop for any hike, beach walk, or portrait session.

The final stretch of the evening was spent winding our way down Highway 1 to grab a casual burger and rootbeer. In N Out burger: the ultimate California Classic to cap the ultimate SoCal style day. 

xx

Sara De