Last Sunday we went to a Super Bowl party in Mill Valley which is in Marin County.  There are two ways to get to Marin County from Oakland.  The quickest way is to drive north and head across the Richmond Bridge.  The slower way is to go across the Bay Bridge to San Francisco, then go across the Golden Gate Bridge.  Because the boys had not been across the Golden Gate Bridge yet, we opted to go into the city, have lunch at Fisherman’s Wharf, and then across that beauty of a bridge.  (I realize that the configurations of the Bay Area might be mysterious to those of you who have never been here.  I’m thinking of doing a Bay Area post at some point.)  I myself had not been across that bridge in 13 years, so it was a treat for me too.

Tuesday I went back to Marin County to meet up with Denise and Tracy.  We meet for lunch on the first Tuesday of each month and it was Tracy’s turn to pick where we went.  Murray Circle is in a beautiful secluded spot in Sausalito and we had a delicious lunch.  I love a plate with lots of different things on it.

I met these two ladies back in 2009 at the first BlogHer conference and over the years we have truly become friends.  I met some other great friends at that same conference, people I have kept in touch with and seen over the years.  The moral of the story is, if you have a blog and are thinking of going to a conference, go for it.  Even if you get nothing out of the sessions, you will meet some great people.

Her name is Veronique and she is essential when I am driving anywhere other than my little ‘hood.

New birthday tradition in our house.  The birthday boy gets to pick whatever cereal he wants.  Back in November, Graham chose Lucky Charms and last week Spencer chose Trix.  I actually had a moment when I thought they wouldn’t like the sugar cereals because they have the refined palates of their mother.  WRONG!!

Me.  Bright light.  Wet hair.  I think I might be over the bangs.  Time to grow them out?

Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, I had experiences that continued to confirm how awesome it is to live in the East Bay.  It all started with this salad.  I met a friend for lunch at Burma Superstar, a place that was recommended to me no less than 20 times since we first moved here.  It is called the Rainbow Salad and it stars 22 different ingredients, four of which are different types of noodles.  All of the food we had was crazy delicious.

After lunch I walked around Temescal Alley, a tiny network of shops just off Telegraph Avenue.  So many great things there including this lazy Susan, with wine corks, that came home with me.

Saturday, I finally made it to the Grand Lake farmers’ market.  So much citrus!  Avocados!  Lettuce, all kinds of greens, broccoli, cauliflower, and SO MUCH ELSE!!  Also, a beautiful day.

I put my bulging bag of produce in the car and then walked around Lake Merritt.  It was hard to believe the East Coast was getting pummeled while I walked around in a lightweight jacket.

On the way back to the car, I stopped in to Oaktown Spice Shop.  I had been missing my favorite spice shops in Seattle but now, I’m over it.  There were so many good things in there and I can’t wait to go back.

Date night skirt.  Also, red boots.  I dragged Randy to a ramen place that was on the cover of San Francisco magazine and also profiled in the New York Times.  We waited 2 hours to sit down (which is what I was expecting) and then were underwhelmed by the food.

Two locals expressed shock and dismay that I had not yet been to Monterey Market.  So, on Sunday, while the boys had separate birthday parties to attend, I hopped in the car and went.  Produce nirvana, seriously.  And incredible prices.  It’s about a 25 minute drive from my house but I will be going there weekly for sure.

I made chips using my T-Fal Actifry.  Not as good as the fries I made a couple of weeks ago, but still delicious, especially considering you only use one tablespoon of oil.  And guess what.  I have one to give away.  Stay tuned!