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.