Gardens and Wandering Trails
Hey beautiful people!
It's been a long time since I've done a travel post about ANYTHING. I've just been so busy with school and my new job. But, today I made it a priority to go out and do something leisurely productive, if that even makes sense, lol. Today I explored the Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park and took an adventure on a trail around Stow Lake. Though it was a little sketchy, with some inclines and wooded stairs, it was quite a nature treat. Here are some pictures from today's shenanigans. All of the pictures you'll see were taken by me. Hopefully I can do more travel posts in the near future. I just need to make leisure time a priority in my hectic schedule. But for now, I hope you all enjoy!
Yours Truly,
Carla Renee
xoxo
One of the major attractions in the tea garden. This beautiful Shrine was too good to pass up.
Would you call this a Shrine Arch? Either way, it looked great on this sunny SF day.
A stone lantern that I couldn't help but take a picture of.
The Buddha in all of his glory.
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Found this quirky little structure in the Tea Garden. Looks like a bamboo water fountain. It was pretty cool. I kinda want one for myself!
These stone lanterns can be found all over the garden. All of them were beautifully placed.
Stone lanterns everywhere!!
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One of my favorite parts of the garden; CHERRY BLOSSOMS!! They're my favorite flower. Definitely had to come to the gardens because they only bloom during March and April. After that they fall off. Glad I got to see them this year!
After walking through the gardens an organic ice cream truck was spotted. I can never turn down ice cream!! Here is my organic vanilla bean and chocolate twirl ice cream with chocolate chips. It was so good!! I'm definitely gonna have to hunt this ice cream truck down again!
This is the beginning of the wandering trail. Had no idea where it went, but that's what life is all about! Gotta take risks sometimes!!
But of course I didn't trek alone! Here is my good friend Roberto, who is crazy enough to go with me on these adventures. Thanks for coming!! :)
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Onward we went!! Seemed like a pretty cool pathway.
But knowing me, I had to stop every now and then to smell and appreciate the flowers.
No filter needed for these flowers. They were vibrant on their own!! I had to stop for these beauties.
In the midst of our unknown path a tiny bridge was spotted that led to...
This awesome shrine buried in the shrubbery!!
Then I had a field day with taking pictures. This is one of my favorite pictures. He didn't know I was taking pictures of him at the time. But, I think that's why I love this picture so much. My oblivious model created a stunning photo. Thanks again Roberto! Always a pleasure having you with me during my adventures. :)
Hey beautiful people!
It's been a long time since I've done a travel post about ANYTHING. I've just been so busy with school and my new job. But, today I made it a priority to go out and do something leisurely productive, if that even makes sense, lol. Today I explored the Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park and took an adventure on a trail around Stow Lake. Though it was a little sketchy, with some inclines and wooded stairs, it was quite a nature treat. Here are some pictures from today's shenanigans. All of the pictures you'll see were taken by me. Hopefully I can do more travel posts in the near future. I just need to make leisure time a priority in my hectic schedule. But for now, I hope you all enjoy!
Yours Truly,
Carla Renee
xoxo
One of the major attractions in the tea garden. This beautiful Shrine was too good to pass up.
Would you call this a Shrine Arch? Either way, it looked great on this sunny SF day.
A stone lantern that I couldn't help but take a picture of.
The Buddha in all of his glory.
Found this quirky little structure in the Tea Garden. Looks like a bamboo water fountain. It was pretty cool. I kinda want one for myself!
These stone lanterns can be found all over the garden. All of them were beautifully placed.
Stone lanterns everywhere!!
One of my favorite parts of the garden; CHERRY BLOSSOMS!! They're my favorite flower. Definitely had to come to the gardens because they only bloom during March and April. After that they fall off. Glad I got to see them this year!
After walking through the gardens an organic ice cream truck was spotted. I can never turn down ice cream!! Here is my organic vanilla bean and chocolate twirl ice cream with chocolate chips. It was so good!! I'm definitely gonna have to hunt this ice cream truck down again!
This is the beginning of the wandering trail. Had no idea where it went, but that's what life is all about! Gotta take risks sometimes!!
But of course I didn't trek alone! Here is my good friend Roberto, who is crazy enough to go with me on these adventures. Thanks for coming!! :)
Onward we went!! Seemed like a pretty cool pathway.
But knowing me, I had to stop every now and then to smell and appreciate the flowers.
No filter needed for these flowers. They were vibrant on their own!! I had to stop for these beauties.
In the midst of our unknown path a tiny bridge was spotted that led to...
This awesome shrine buried in the shrubbery!!
Then I had a field day with taking pictures. This is one of my favorite pictures. He didn't know I was taking pictures of him at the time. But, I think that's why I love this picture so much. My oblivious model created a stunning photo. Thanks again Roberto! Always a pleasure having you with me during my adventures. :)
Cheap Summer Hang Outs and DIY
As a college student on summer break money is scarce and has to be spent wisely. I want to spend time with my friends and make memories. Unfortunately most of the time those wanted memories require money. I hope I'm not the only one struggling with this love hate relationship with summer. I've realize that summer memories don't have to be expensive. They can be just as fun as an expensive day out. Most of these ideas may require purchases of a few cheap items and maybe gas money. But, these ideas can be brought to life no matter where you live. All you need is a group of friends who are willing to think a little outside of the box. Let the Summer thrills begin!
Yours Truly,
Carla Renee
xoxo
One of the best ways to enjoy warm summer nights is by having a movie night with your friends, outside.:)
The outdoor movie set up doesn't need to be this fancy, but it goes to show that as long as you have a projector and something to project the movie off of (i.e. board, sheet, side of the house, etc.) you can get as creative as you want with the set up; lay down some quilts, pillows, snacks, chairs, whatever you want. Enjoy a night at home, under the stars with great company without having to spend a lot of money.
If you want to get away from the city lights and put special attention towards nature and the company of your friends give this summer nighttime idea a whirl.
Stargazing in a bed of blankets and pillows. Once you find a place with a clear view of the sky, load up the truck with blankets and pillows. Watch the sunset and the stars make their appearance in the night sky. Bring some snacks and portable speakers and you've got yourself a beautiful night under the stars with your friends. If you don't have a big enough truck bed, or a truck, to have all of your close friends fit, you can still lay blankets on the ground and enjoy the night. If you don't want to do this with your friends this can also be a creative date night with that special someone. ;)
The previous activities may take a little planning but what if you're with your friends already and don't feel like gathering all the items and putting in the effort of getting everything together. Well, there's an activity that can be done without any planning. You can just do it.
Spontaneous Photography!! If you know of any nice areas near by, go! You don't necessarily need an expensive camera. A phone camera would do just fine. Phones nowadays have really nice cameras and most people have phones. Go out and get creative with your friends and make memories. If you want you can even plan a photography session with your friends. Just ask everyone to dress nice or where a certain color scheme and have fun scouting out your backdrop.
These are some of my favorite inexpensive summer ideas. What are some of your favorites that you have done/would like to do?
Yours Truly,
Carla Renee
xoxo
One of the best ways to enjoy warm summer nights is by having a movie night with your friends, outside.:)
The outdoor movie set up doesn't need to be this fancy, but it goes to show that as long as you have a projector and something to project the movie off of (i.e. board, sheet, side of the house, etc.) you can get as creative as you want with the set up; lay down some quilts, pillows, snacks, chairs, whatever you want. Enjoy a night at home, under the stars with great company without having to spend a lot of money.
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If you want to get away from the city lights and put special attention towards nature and the company of your friends give this summer nighttime idea a whirl.
The previous activities may take a little planning but what if you're with your friends already and don't feel like gathering all the items and putting in the effort of getting everything together. Well, there's an activity that can be done without any planning. You can just do it.
These are some of my favorite inexpensive summer ideas. What are some of your favorites that you have done/would like to do?
Healthy Spontaneous Getaways
Everyday routines can be draining and stressful; wake up, go to work/school, sit in traffic/study for hours, go home to cook/try to be social and interactive, get less than the recommended 8 hours of sleep, and repeat. It can become extremely overwhelming. As crappy as it is, it must be done. But there is a way to make our every day routines a little less stressful and overwhelming.
The best way to do that is to take spontaneous getaways. Whether it's a beach day, going to the city, or going to a coffee shop that you've been wanting to go to. Pick one day or even two days where you can take some time to get away and re-energize yourself. If you think you do not have the time to relax and recharge yourself then you really need to do this. This getaway doesn't have to be a day long, it can be a couple of hours. The constant rush of every day life can definitely wear you down mentally and physically. If you stay in that routine constantly you'll lose sight of yourself and you'll eventually find yourself going through the motions and not living.
So next time you feel like you're losing control or you're about to break down take a step back out of your life and ask yourself, "where do I find peace?" and "where can I relax?" The first place you think of is the place you'll be able to relax and unwind. Plan a day out your week to go to where ever that place is and try to make that your weekly routine so that when you're having a crappy week your getaway day will be your motivation to keep pushing through your week.
When you go to your getaway location leave your busy life for the time that you are there. Leave all of your stress and worries behind you. The only thing you should be thinking about is where you are right then and there and how much your getaway was much needed. From personal experience these private getaways are super efficient. My mind felt so much clearer during my getaway and when I returned back to my reality things weren't as hectic. I was able to think clearly and get things done. I actually got more done after my getaway than I do while under stress during my week. You're getaways should be exclusively customized to you. Go where you want to go and do what you want to do. Go alone or bring a close friend, it's up to you. Just make sure that whatever it is you do you do it only for you. If you happen to plan something on your getaway day, drop it. Or at least push it later into your day. Make sure you take advantage of your getaway, you deserve it.
This was my first week starting this routine and I've been absolutely pleased with the positive effects it has. Before I used to think I didn't have time to relax and "reset", but taking time out to "reset" is what's going to improve my performance during my busy week. My getaway day takes place on Saturday mornings to this beautiful place. It's a reasonable distance away so I jog here. I walk along the beach and let the water rush against my feet. After walking the beach for about half a mile or so I find a place to sit down on a towel and enjoy the view and mediate. I encourage everyone to try this at least once. Find your peaceful place and see the immediate difference it makes on you and how differently you perform during your week. Give it a try and if it works for you spread the word to your friends and family.
Ocean Beach, San Francisco, California
Yours Truly,
Carla Renee
xoxo
The best way to do that is to take spontaneous getaways. Whether it's a beach day, going to the city, or going to a coffee shop that you've been wanting to go to. Pick one day or even two days where you can take some time to get away and re-energize yourself. If you think you do not have the time to relax and recharge yourself then you really need to do this. This getaway doesn't have to be a day long, it can be a couple of hours. The constant rush of every day life can definitely wear you down mentally and physically. If you stay in that routine constantly you'll lose sight of yourself and you'll eventually find yourself going through the motions and not living.
So next time you feel like you're losing control or you're about to break down take a step back out of your life and ask yourself, "where do I find peace?" and "where can I relax?" The first place you think of is the place you'll be able to relax and unwind. Plan a day out your week to go to where ever that place is and try to make that your weekly routine so that when you're having a crappy week your getaway day will be your motivation to keep pushing through your week.
When you go to your getaway location leave your busy life for the time that you are there. Leave all of your stress and worries behind you. The only thing you should be thinking about is where you are right then and there and how much your getaway was much needed. From personal experience these private getaways are super efficient. My mind felt so much clearer during my getaway and when I returned back to my reality things weren't as hectic. I was able to think clearly and get things done. I actually got more done after my getaway than I do while under stress during my week. You're getaways should be exclusively customized to you. Go where you want to go and do what you want to do. Go alone or bring a close friend, it's up to you. Just make sure that whatever it is you do you do it only for you. If you happen to plan something on your getaway day, drop it. Or at least push it later into your day. Make sure you take advantage of your getaway, you deserve it.
This was my first week starting this routine and I've been absolutely pleased with the positive effects it has. Before I used to think I didn't have time to relax and "reset", but taking time out to "reset" is what's going to improve my performance during my busy week. My getaway day takes place on Saturday mornings to this beautiful place. It's a reasonable distance away so I jog here. I walk along the beach and let the water rush against my feet. After walking the beach for about half a mile or so I find a place to sit down on a towel and enjoy the view and mediate. I encourage everyone to try this at least once. Find your peaceful place and see the immediate difference it makes on you and how differently you perform during your week. Give it a try and if it works for you spread the word to your friends and family.
Yours Truly,
Carla Renee
xoxo
Fort Funston, San Francisco, California
Recently I had an outing to a beautiful view spot in San Francisco with a good friend of mine. It's right on the water and it's a great place to watch the sunset. I suggest bringing a cardigan or a light jacket and boots. It will get cold. And a heads up, people like to take their dogs there and let them off their leashes. From my experience there, most of the dogs were small or medium sized dogs. A few big dogs, but they were all well trained. They weren't running around, just seemed to be relaxing. This was my first time at Fort Funston and I've fallen in love with it. I definitely plan on being a regular at this view spot throughout my years in San Francisco. Here are some pictures I took while I was there. I hope you enjoy them and maybe even plan a trip to Fort Funston to enjoy the view for yourself. :)
Yours Truly,
Carla Renee
xoxo
The drink came from a boba shop not too far from Fort Funston, it's called TeaWay Express. I got the taro milk tea boba. It's one of my favorite flavors.
Chinatown and Japantown, San Francisco, California
ChinaTown and JapanTown are definitely their own towns within San Francisco. Once you step into one of these towns it's like you've entered a whole new realm. I've been to ChinaTown a couple of times since I've been in SF and I love going there. Before any shopping or exploring I have to go to a tea shop for free tea tasting. The tea is freshly brewed right in front of you and the guy, Kenny, really knows his stuff about tea. Kenny's shop is the only tea shop I go to for tea tasting. Here's a link to his website, it's worth a look. I'll also have the address to his shop down below.
One day when I explored ChinaTown with a friend we decided to head over to JapanTown since I had never been there. Once we got to JapanTown my heart exploded, haha. I love JapanTown. The mall there has to separate buildings. There's an eastern side and western side. The mall has a lot of anime stores, for those who love anime like I do, and it also has a lot of Japanese restaurants that I would love to try one day. If you're in San Francisco I recommend visiting ChinaTown and JapanTown at least once. Enjoy. :)
Yours Truly,
Carla Renee
xoxo
Here is the address to the tea shop:
Vital TeaLeaf 509 Grant Ave. San Francisco, CA 94108
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