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Voted "Best Smile" by the Senior class at THHS.

Tablescape Thursday -Winter Birthday

Please join our hostess, Susan, at Between Naps on the Porch for more great tablescapes.
For my December birthday, I decided to set the table in blue and red. I found a great piece of velvet material at Joann's and used it as the tablecloth . The placemats, napkins and white dishes are all from HomeGoods.

Wine glasses from HomeGoods.

The Red plates were a great find at Ralph's, only $1.25 each. They only had 6 left and I'm on the lookout for a few more.

The Conservatory, Golden Gate Park

While we were at Golden Gate Park, we wondered over to the Victorian Conservatory. Inside was the cute little train city all made out of ordinary objects. Notice the clock tower is a grater with a timer and some forks. The name signs on top are scrabble pieces. Corks are used as pillars by the windows. In the back, the white building is made from cassettes. The other buildings are made of computer chips. Click on the pictures to enlarge and get a better look.

The Victorian houses in the back are made from cereal boxes.

The bridge as monkeys swinging from it.

Then there were beautiful orchids growing in the lush tropical climate.

It was very pretty and really hot, especially after coming in from the cold with a heavy jacket.

Japanese Tea Garden, Golden Gate Park

Golden Gate Park has a beautiful Japanese Garden nestled among some big museums. There is an admittance fee of $7.00, but it is worth it. Spend some time sitting and relaxing among the beauty, the serentity, the calm. Take in all the colors and the harmony of the buildings with the landscape. Sit, be still.

Maharani's Restaurant in San Francisco

I found this Indian cuisine restaurant called Maharani's in an article about the most romantic restaurants in San Francisco. The Handsome Husband loves Indian food and is always on the search for a good restaurant, so I thought this would be fun. The restaurant is in the Tenderloin area of San Francisco and on first entering, I thought it looked a little run down. They took us back to this section called the "Fantasy Room". It is dark and has mood lighting. Our table was covered in rose petals and candles.
Here is a picture of us at our booth. The flash really lit up the place, but it was very romantic. The beads hang down in front of the table for a more enclosed and private feel.
HH said it was the best Indian food he has ever had, even compared to his many London trips where the city has a huge Indian population and a street called Brick Lane that is known for its Indian restaurants. This salad was amazing. It had pomegranate seeds, citrus, tomato, cheese, candied pecans and maybe mango. The yellow vinaigrette dressing was sooo good. I'm going to have to experiment to get this salad just right. We each had a prix fix menu with a sampling of 4 different entrees. Each dish was incredibly delicious! My dessert was rice in milk and was very sweet, at first I didn't want to try it, but I'm so glad I did. Very good. We were very pleased with the choice and would recommend this restaurant to everyone.

Sightseeing in San Francisco

Before we hopped on the sightseeing bus, we walked down the street to The Plaza Hotel. This is a beautiful hotel close to Union Square and it has this magnificent restaurant by its lobby. This picture just does not do it justice. This hotel is on my list, the Handsome Husband has stayed here before on business.
There are lots and lots of old Victorian houses in San Francisco. I didn't get a chance to see the "Painted Ladies", but I thought this one was pretty and unique with that reflective green glass.
We catch our first glimpse of the bridge. It is nice and clear and in perfect focus. All the cameras were clicking away getting pictures.
We drove across the top and it was freezing and really windy, but totally worth it. Once we got to the other side, we got off the bus and took some pictures. Unfortunately, the sun was right behind the bridge and hindered any great shots.
Notice the fog rolling in over the bridge. Driving back over the bridge, it was even colder than freezing. You could feel the damp cold in your legs right through the jeans!
Here is another look at the fog that now is covering the bridge from the same point as when we first spotted it and it was totally clear. The time elapsed is about 20 minutes.
We then got off the bus and made our way to Chinatown. We wanted to see the fortune cookie factory, but couldn't find it. Next time, I think I will take a walking tour of this section with a local guide. Those tours are always very interesting.
In front of the entrance. I think these statues are called Foo Dogs. Not sure though. You can see the Handsome Husband got a few things for himself here as well.
I loved these lamp posts. The poles were painted aqua and then these fabulous decorative, red lanterns topped them. Love the detail: dragons, bells and peaked roofs!

We caught a this cable car on its way up California street and I took my first ride ever on a cable car. I sat on the outside and the Handsome Husband...

chose to stand on the outside and hold on tight. We had a full day of sightseeing and we were looking forward to our Indian dinner at Maharani's.

First things first, a little shopping...

First stop, Union Square. This little shopping area was so fun. You name it, it's there. We have a lot of the same stores here in Orange County, but something about the store fronts all being decorated and the big Christmas tree and the cool, crisp, sunny day, made it so enjoyable!
When you enter Neiman Marcus, there is this huge tree under this beautiful dome. I really enjoyed all the beautiful workmanship in the old buildings. Crown mouldings 18 inches tall with corbels, stained glass, iron work. It was like what you see in movies. Orange County is chic and new, you just don't get that elegant, rich atmosphere. (Not talking rich as in money, but as in texture).
This mall was just down the Powell Street on Market. Floors and Floors of shopping!
I loved this 4 story Williams and Sonoma store. Inside it had hardwood floors with white banisters. All the merchandise was not all crowded together, you could actually wonder around and get a look at all the fun things.
At night the square came alive. Music, ice-skating and beautiful lights everywhere. The Macy's was 6 floors and every window had a wreath in it.

The Handsome Husband did a little shopping as well. I can't wait until Christmas!