Infusing grandeur into otherwise drab Monday mornings with five things/ideas/events for the week:

I.  One of my favorite people recently moved from Southern California to Sea Cliff, where the weather oscillates from sundrenched to fog-bank daily.  To warm up his apartment and add an element of homey comfort, I decided to make a batch of Goat Cheese Popovers.  As the batter baked in the oven, the place filled with wafts of butter and herbs.  Jealous that my own apartment didn’t smell similarly delicious, I promptly drove home and made another batch for breakfast.

II.  It’s never too early in the week to start concocting cocktail recipes for the weekend (which clearly includes Thursday and some Wednesday lunches…).  While many of the ornate libations mixologists dream up are too tricky to recreate at home, I have a few go-to’s that are both delicious and pretty to sip on.  Lately, my favorite is this gorgeous orange-hued combination of tequila, soda, and a splash of Campari.  Garnish with a blood orange wedge for an added element of style.

III.  I’m a sucker for a view of San Francisco.  In fact, I’ve been known to sneak across the Bay Bridge solely to catch a glimpse of the sun gowning down over the city from the Oakland Hills.  The only thing that could top this would be the chance to watch the sun set, fall asleep under the stars, and wake up to the city skyline.  Luckily, 7x7 Magazine recently compiled a list of the Top Five Campgrounds in Northern California - turning my dream into a reality.  Topping the list, is the Angel Island campsite, boasting 360 degree views of everything surrounding the bay.  For more venues and tips for late-summer camping trips, check out Hipcamp!

IV.  Constantly on the hunt for unique hostess gifts, I recently stumbled upon this fantastic idea for a Breakfast in Bed Kit.  After serving an ornate dinner for a large group, the last thing anyone wants to do is get up in the morning and rummage around the kitchen to make breakfast.  Treat your hosts to a basket filled with goodies to brighten their morning: mugs, instant coffee, hot cocoa, tea, homemade waffle mix, parchment-lined muffin tins, and individual Grey Goose bottles for hangover curing Screw Drivers.  Package the items with personalized wrapping and tags from Paper Source.

V.  With the Opening Night of the Symphony just around the corner, I can think of little else. Topping my check-list for the decadent evening is the dress (of course).  While I typically go for classic gowns in jewel tones, this year I plan to achieve a different aesthetic by adding some edge. This black lace piece by ONE Femme D'armes, featuring a plunging back and double-layered bodice, is exactly what I had in mind.  Can’t wait to see all of your beautiful faces there!!

Have a wonderful week!  xx tt