Have you ever tried a new restaurant that felt like it had been a part of the neighborhood forever? I recently tried Rose Wine Pub on 30th Street in South Park and had that exact experience. I immediately loved the cozy environment and the service and menu earned this wine bar even more gold stars.  It turns out, I had reason to feel like this place had been a part of the neighborhood forever; much of the wood used was reclaimed from an older home in the neighborhood.  …

Cupcakes are scientifically broken into three components as a measure of deliciousness: Frosting (taste and quantity), cake (taste and moistness), and access.  Corner Cupcakes represents the best of cake, frosting, and access.  By moving their cupcake bakery into a mobile food truck, Corner Cupcakes is a ‘neighborhood’ business in every neighborhood.  Corner Cupcakes is accessible for everyone.  By following their Twitter feed, I was able to track down their location today.  What put cupcakes in my mind?  I was thinking about stopping at the Sprinkles in La Jolla but saw …

Honestly, my bicycle is such a flirt! Whenever I ride around town on my bike, I always receive kind compliments about her. She’s a looker, that’s for certain. Since it would be a shame to deprive the rest of the world of her presence, I’ve been riding about town, as the weather allows.
Last weekend I rode my bike to the farmers’ market – called the Mercato – in Little Italy close to downtown San Diego. The day was gorgeous which made for a perfect day to …

I went on a little photo adventure with a friend a few months ago.  I had two old cameras that I had been interested in using.  One is a Kodak Brownie the other is a Kodak Duaflex.  Both require a size of film that is no longer made.  Fortunately, the internet came to the rescue and I learned that there is an equivalent size film but the spools that the film comes on need to be switched out.  Intrigued, I ordered a kit with the old-size spools.  Fast forward to …

I have an odd obsession with terrazzo.  I think it is such a beautiful building material.  I have a small(ish) and growing collection of terrazzo photos. I have the National Terrazzo and Mosaic Association, Inc. website bookmarked.  Don’t judge.  I’d like to eventually have some terrazzo installed at my house.  I love the thought of a white-on-white poured and polished floor.  But, the truth is, any time I see terrazzo floors I fall in with the color I see at the time.  Perfidious?  I don’t think so – I always …

Currant restaurant in downtown San Diego thrilled me by offering an appetizer I would never make for myself. Popcorn! I never make it even though I like it a lot. It is one of those things that looks easy on paper. Three ingredients (popcorn, oil, and salt) and one step (heat) result in (pop, pop, pop) a delicious snack. My experience with making popcorn has involved burns from oil popping on my hand, corn getting scorched on the bottom of the pan, the floor sprinkled …

One of the benefits of being a grown-up at Christmas is the opportunity to start your own traditions. This year on Christmas eve, I knew I wanted to take some time from the running and wrapping and do something to celebrate the holiday and relax. I was looking for something that had the feeling of the past, but was also current and exciting.
The US Grant in downtown San Diego has been hip since 1910. While the lobby wears the proper uniform of dark wood paneling and crystal chandeliers, the …

On a whim, I stopped in Progress Boutique in South Park, San Diego. To be honest, I was on my way to Velo Cult to pick up my new Linus Bike, which had been outfitted with a snazzy front rack. I saw a sidewalk sign for Progress and was intrigued.
Located in what looks like a refurbished warehouse now divided into multiple retail spaces, Progress is a great find! This boutique carries home goods, children’s toys, decorative pieces, select furniture, accessories, and delightful treasures. The space contains …

Sometimes I have to remind myself of the spirit of Louis and Clark when I am out and passing by a place I’ve always wanted to explore but just never feel like I have the time.  When I remind myself of these fellow Americans, passing by a shop without going in seems unpatriotic. 
Recently I took some time to cross uncharted territory (i.e., cross a street) and take a look at Chi Chocolat in Point Loma.  This chocolate boutique moved from their Little Italy location in downtown San Diego to quaint …

Stationery is a guilty pleasure for me. I love stationery and don’t really need a particular reason to buy it. I love the tactile designs of letterpress in particular. And, spending time in a stationery store is something I love. I realize it is old fashioned in a way that is neither hip nor edgy. But I believe it is cool and modern; terribly so in fact.
I recently had an opportunity to take a peek inside India Ink stationery in Hillcrest, San Diego. Relocated from its previous location on India …