Hello, hello!
Sorry for losing y’all there for a day but things have just been crazy as I’ve closed up shop in San Francisco and moved up to Sonoma County.
We had an awesome blog reader get together at the cutest little cafe ever yesterday morning!! I didn’t eat though since I was meeting another friend for brunch just a little later…it was so fun to meet everyone though!! 
Then, the BEST brunch ever at Zuni.
I loooooved this menu and everything was seasonal and local…it was a dream!
I ordered the crostini with heirloom tomatoes and poached eggs. OMG!
This seriously might have been one of the best brunches I’ve ever had in my entire life!
Iced coffee to drink:
Real SF sourdough bread to nibble on:
Delicious.
Around 2:30, Adam picked me up from Beth’s house, where all my worldly belongings were being stored at (thanks, Beth!!) and we made the trip back up to wine country. Stopped at a few absolutely breathtaking spots along the way for some photos!
Adam tried his first Amazing Grass bar and loved it, obviously.
I kept having to pinch myself….it was the first time I’ve ever seen the Pacific ocean!
We stopped at a great little Italian restaurant, Pazzo, in Petaluma for an early dinner because Adam said this place had the best lobster bisque he’s ever had. It was pretty delicious!
And for my entree, I chose shrimp scampi, my favorite. Also had an unpictured glass of pinot noir. Mmmmmm
Phew! Long post!!! Now that I’m *almost* settled, things will start to get back to normal. It might take me a few days though so please continue to bear with me!! I’m racing out the door to go see an apartment that I’m hoping to rent…wish me luck!!!
{ 84 comments… read them below or add one }
Good Luck! This is so exciting and those pictures, especially the one with the deer, are incredible!
gorgeous pictures of the coast! good luck with the apartment, hope you find something you like and in a good price range!
Wow! I just caught up on your weekend – you must be exhausted!! Sounds like the best beginning to your big adventure. Really excited to hear how the job goes – good luck!!
Wowzers! Just caught up on your super busy weekend! It looked so fun and such an amazingly cool way to start your big western adventure! Have fun!
Those are amazing and breathtaking pictures of the bridge and coast!
Lobster Bisque sounds delish!
that brunch looks absolutely delicious, i think i am going to have to try and recreate it at some point! all of your pictures are beautiful, thank you for keeping us up to date as you take on this new adventure. Good luck finding an apartment!
Those pictures of the California coast are almost painfully gorgeous. I am seriously jealous!! Have fun setting up in Wine country!
hey jenna ~ where did you get your pink top w/the ruffles? it’s too cute! great photos btw!
Jenna- sounds like you are livin’ it up lady!
So glad to see you doing the things you truly love!
All of that food looks great! Hope you are loving the west coast — it is my dream to live there one day!
GORGEOUS photos! Beautiful scenery! Makes me miss cali! I’m going to be out in San Francisco in October — would love to plan a meet-up!
glad things are going well so far! It’s just beautiful.
Your photos are amazing – the Golden Gate bridge is such a beautiful sight. And those heirloom tomatoes look to die for, I will be sad when summer/early fall produce is out of season here in the Northeast….Good luck with your new adventures (and the half-marathon, of course)!
Thanks for sharing the pretty pictures. Good luck!
I am so jealous you are in San Fran!! I just moved to Vermont for college and originally from the Bay Area/spend every waking moment in San Francisco with friends and my family who lives there! I miss it so much!! You HAVE TO return to Zuni Cafe for their most famous dinner dish of this incredible breaded chicken! It is to die for!! And get the cookbook… my mom has been using it since I was born!
Congrats for your first time seeing the Pac Ocean – how exciting!! Looks like things are going wonderfully and your eats are just scrumptious looking
Those sights are absolutely breath-taking!
Oh my goodness, that brunch looks soooo good!! Well, heck,all of the meals look so good!
Wow, that shrimp scampi looks amazing! I love your pictures of the coast!
Good luck Jenna! and Adam is so cute! (wink, wink)
Your life has been such a whirl wind this year, I’m so glad you had this amazing chance to move and basically start anew! Good luck with the apartment!
Happy Apartment Hunting and if it gets too stressful have some more wine
Beautiful photos!
Good luck with the apartment!!
Mmm shrimp scampi. I’ve seen the Pacific once when I was in Costa Rica–such a fun time. Welcome to your new home! They’ll have to be a house warming blog post
Ah, good luck with the apartment!!! Have fun today
Ah! So jealous you get to live in such a beautiful area! Lucky girl!
Once you get settled into your apartment, you’ll have to give a video tour!
Jenna,
Amazing pictures!! It’s reminding me of when I first moved to Hawaii. I joined the Navy at 19, found myself in Orlando for bootcamp for 2 months, Great Lakes, Illinois (where I met hubby) for 5 months (training) and then off to where I was stationed. Training was hard (machinist mate school…think pumps, valves and the steam cycle…nothing that was ever remotely pertinent to my life, but was the quickest way to an adventure back in my day…hehe), but I somehow managed to get top of my class.
Why am I telling you this? Because that meant I got “first pick” of my orders…….where I was to be stationed the next 3 years of my life. Pearl Harbor, Hawaii!!!!! Your post today/and photos took me back to those days (July 1990). It was before cell phones were in every hand, email and the internet. Forget about texting, facebook, laptops, tweeting & blogging. No idea of what was to come!!
Which meant I felt really ALL ALONE!! my best friend at the time got second pick of orders and came out with me, and it was a beautiful place to land (much like you are now), but it was still far from all my family, friends and everything I had known up to that point. Fast friends are made on a Navy base, especially when there are only a handful of women your age at your command. I had some great adventures checking out the island, all the beaches, parasailing, and your pictures of the coast remind me of the rocky and craggy mountains which seemed to step out into the ocean. Mountains and oceans meet…who knew?
You’re in for a great ride, but I know you are missing the familiar. And that’s okay! To your benefit you have all the great technology I didn’t, as well as your faith. Huge blessing!! God has His hand on you and what a great place to be. I wasn’t a christian yet back in my Navy days. Believed in God but didn’t KNOW HIM personally. Sorry for the novel. Thanks for letting me reminisce. Reminds me I need to get some of my Navy photos scanned and on facebook.
Denise
Oh my gorgeousness! Your new home is absolutely beautiful Jenna! Best of luck with getting settled and finding an apartment
Your brunch looks amazing! I’m glad that you are settling in just fine in Cali! It looks beautiful there!
Those pictures are goregous! I’m so jealous of your adventure. It’s awesome to have friends like Beth and Adam that can help you! It’s be scary moving somewhere without knowing anyone.
Oh my gorgeousness! Your new home is too beautiful Jenna! Best of luck with getting settled and finding an apartment
I am so excited for you and your new life adventure! Good luck apartment hunting!
Jenna,
Amazing pictures!! It’s reminding me of when I first moved to Hawaii. I joined the Navy at 19, found myself in Orlando for bootcamp for 2 months, Great Lakes, Illinois (where I met hubby) for 5 months (training) and then off to where I was stationed. Training was hard (machinist mate school…think pumps, valves and the steam cycle…nothing that was ever remotely pertinent to my life, but was the quickest way to an adventure back in my day…hehe), but I somehow managed to get top of my class.
Why am I telling you this? Because that meant I got “first pick” of my orders…….where I was to be stationed the next 3 years of my life. Pearl Harbor, Hawaii!!!!! Your post today/and photos took me back to those days (July 1990). It was before cell phones were in every hand, email and the internet. Forget about texting, facebook, laptops, tweeting & blogging. No idea of what was to come!!
Which meant I felt really ALL ALONE!! my best friend at the time got second pick of orders and came out with me, and it was a beautiful place to land (much like you are now), but it was still far from all my family, friends and everything I had known up to that point. Fast friends are made on a Navy base, especially when there are only a handful of women your age at your command. I had some great adventures checking out the island, all the beaches, parasailing, and your pictures of the coast remind me of the rocky and craggy mountains which seemed to step out into the ocean. Mountains and oceans meet…who knew?
You’re in for a great ride, but I know you are missing the familiar. And that’s okay! To your benefit you have all the great technology I didn’t, as well as your faith. Huge blessing!! God has His hand on you and what a great place to be. I wasn’t a christian yet back in my Navy days. Believed in God but didn’t KNOW HIM personally. Sorry for the novel. Thanks for letting me reminisce. Reminds me I need to get some of my Navy photos scanned and on facebook.
Jenna!
Welcome to California! I grew up in San Diego but my moms family is from marin, so I have spent lots of time in the Bay Area/ SF. In Napa, there is an INCREDIBLE all vegetarian restaurant called Ubuntu. It is housed in the bottom of a yoga studio and it is absolutely incredible. You will have to visit, although maybe for a birthday or celebration occasion. Another place I love is called Fraiche, an all natural yogurt shop in Palo Alto. It is the tart type of yogurt, but it is organic and made in small batches in the store.
Enjoy your new life and be well, I look forward to reading about your adventures!
Lisa
Brunch looks awesome! I’m so jealous that you LIVE in California now! I might just have to follow in your footsteps and move out there!
Jenna,
Posted a lengthy comment and it hasn’t shown up. I’m new to this, hopefully it wasn’t too long! Disregard if it comes in more than once.
also…too funny you can see your reflection in Adam’s glasses. Did you notice that?
Don’t worry about getting regular posts up! We understand your life is pretty crazy right now!! Those photos are goooorgeous. I’ve only been to California once and I’d love to go back!
It looks so beautiful there! I hope you are enjoying life!
wow, it looks gorgeous there!
i’m going to SF and Ukiah in a month, and seeing all the california posts is getting me excited!
Girl! Those pictures are breathtaking! I can’t believe you LIVE there now!!
Good luck with the apartment hunt!!!
Oh my goodness, those pictures ARE breath-taking. You are so lucky to be embarking on this journey!
Where did you see that deer?? I don’t think I’ve seen a single one since moving here! Glad the weather was so nice for your drive.
Looks gorgeous! I lived in SF for awhile and think it’s the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen. Can’t wait to go back as soon as possible (especially since I have new restaurant ideas!)
It was so fun meeting you (again) yesterday! Next time you’re in the city you should definitely try the food @ Bread & Cocoa – the oatmeal rocked and I bet you would have loved it. Looks like you had a pretty awesome brunch though!
Gorgeous photos! I lived in SF for awhile and just fell in love with its charm and beauty. Can’t wait to go back as soon as possible (especially armed with new restaurant picks!)
The views are all so gorgeous, and all the food just looks amazing. Good luck with this next adventure!
Ah, it’s so nice to see pics of you on the left coast! Welcome!
Hi Jenna,
I’m so glad you are loving SF and wine country. I love Zuni, and you need to try the roast chicken with panzanella bread salad next time- to die for! I work as a pastry chef here in the city at Boulevard restaurant…you should definitely try it! Good Luck with your apartment search!!
Ah, it’s so great to see pics of you here on the left coast! Welcome!
Good luck Jenna!! I am sure you will find the perfect apartment!!
Welcome to our beautiful state! It’s so nice to have you in norcal!! Good luck with all that lies ahead!
Jenna! I go away for a few days and you’ve pack up and moved across the country! Congratulations on the move and best of luck with the new job. This is such an exciting time in your life!
And PLEASE go to Ubuntu and review the food!!!!! I’ve heard such good things about the restaurant!
totally understand if you are not back to normal yet. i mean you did just move to the other end of the country! you have been on the go go go! good luck today with the appartment looking!
jenna
The scenery pics are absolutely gorgeous!! What an amazing place to be living :O). Glad you are enjoying so far!
WOW girl I am so jealous. CA is my dream place to live … I don’t think I’ll ever move there though sadly! But I better go on vacay there a ton!
Anyway . . .
I’m excited to see more about your new job and new home!
Grats again lady!
-muffy
Beautiful scenery! looks so amazing
Glad you are enjoying yourself!!
that brunch sounds incredible. The menu for Zuni sounds perfect. delicious
I love the ocean. Those pictures are so pretty. what a fun new adventure! i’m sure you will love it!
Lobster bisque – sounds excellent! You went from one great seafood locale to another!
Amazing! I’m so jealous, I think I need a trip to CA
Jenna, you are too cute! Good luck with your new job & city!
Nice meeting you and Kath yesterday for breakfast – too bad time was so limited as there was barely enough time to talk with everyone.
Good luck with your Napa adventures and I’ll be sure to bring my friends to your winery for a tasting and to say “hi.”
Just take it easy with bloggin’…we will wait:)
Take care and good luck with everything!
xxx Julia (Taste of Living)
Wow, so much going on! You must be running on adrenaline at this point. What with all the lack of sleep and so much activity!
Seriously your pictures are making me miss my city (yes I call SF my city). I loved living there and I’m so happy that you love the city as well. I hope that Sonoma welcomes you with open arms.
WOW! Stunning photos! And good luck on what craziness the next few days bring you
Wow!! Those pictures look like they’re from a postcard – amazing!
Good luck getting settled and discovering your new home
It must be so strange to see the “other” ocean after seeing “ours” for so long. Your photos are breath-taking.
Can’t wait to join you on this journey via the blog as you go on so many new adventures
Hi Jenna- it’s Alicia from the blog meet-up. Yay! I’m so glad Zuni was awesome, it is definitely on my list of places to try.
Good luck with the apartment and have a wonderful time getting settled in!
Those picutres are awesome! What an amazing place! good luck settling in!
Awwww, I LOVE Peatlum and here’s why: Outlets. Tons of ‘em. So next time you have a chance you should head down there and hit them up.
This is making me miss SF!
Good luck today Jenna! I’m so excited that your finally getting settled in!
you are such an inspiration!
Congrats on the move! This post is full of beautiful pictures of food and sights! Looks like you have a wonderful place to land on your own two feet. And face first into the fabulous food!!
Have a blast!
Courtney
Adventures in Tri-ing
That brunch looks absolutely amazing. So much fun and excitement for you these last few weeks. Good luck with the apartment!
What beautiful photos you took!! You must be thrilled to be making a new home in such a gorgeous location!!
SF might just be the most stunning city on the globe. Then again I lived there for 5 yrs and I grew up visiting my Grammy & Grampy there, so I’m biased!
The scampi was…covered in garlic- yes?! YUMM!!
Can’t wait to see where you will settle.
That breakfast looks insanely good … I want to try it!!!! I don’t think I will be able to find anything like that where I live though.
Just coming “out of hiding” to wish you best of luck on your new adventures!
Beautiful pics and delicious food!
mmmmm… you’ve got me salivating over here! Especially over that lobster bisque! yummo! What beautiful pictures those are of SF! Such a great town.
Zuni…a fave…so many great places in Northern Ca.
Gosh, it’s so beautiful around San Fran! I went there with my family when I was a kid but I don’t really remember much! I must get back one day. Good luck settling in, hope you find somewhere soon! It’s so much better once you’re all unpacked and have your own space.
This quote I read today really moved me.I think I will go and look for a book of quotes by Rumi…..thought it might be meaningful to you too at this busy time….
“This being human is a guest house. Every morning a new arrival: A joy, a depression, a meanness, some momentary awareness comes as an unexpected visitor. Welcome and entertain them all! Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows who violently sweep your house empty of its furniture, still, treat each guest honorably. He may be clearing you out for some new delight. The dark thought, the shame, the malice — meet them at the door laughing, and invite them in. Be grateful for whoever comes, because each has been sent as a guide from beyond.” – Rumi
This quote I read today really moved me.I think I will go and look for a book of quotes by Rumi…..thought it might be meaningful to you too at this busy time….
“This being human is a guest house. Every morning a new arrival: A joy, a depression, a meanness, some momentary awareness comes as an unexpected visitor. Welcome and entertain them all! Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows who violently sweep your house empty of its furniture, still, treat each guest honorably. He may be clearing you out for some new delight. The dark thought, the shame, the malice — meet them at the door laughing, and invite them in. Be grateful for whoever comes, because each has been sent as a guide from beyond.” – Rumi
This quote I read today really moved me.I think I will go and look for a book of quotes by Rumi…..thought it might be meaningful to you too at this busy time….
“This being human is a guest house. Every morning a new arrival: A joy, a depression, a meanness, some momentary awareness comes as an unexpected visitor. Welcome and entertain them all! Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows who violently sweep your house empty of its furniture, still, treat each guest honorably. He may be clearing you out for some new delight. The dark thought, the shame, the malice — meet them at the door laughing, and invite them in. Be grateful for whoever comes, because each has been sent as a guide from beyond.” – Rumi
Tyring to post this ,but having problems!!
This quote I read today really moved me.I think I will go and look for a book of quotes by Rumi…..thought it might be meaningful to you too at this busy time….
“This being human is a guest house. Every morning a new arrival: A joy, a depression, a meanness, some momentary awareness comes as an unexpected visitor. Welcome and entertain them all! Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows who violently sweep your house empty of its furniture, still, treat each guest honorably. He may be clearing you out for some new delight. The dark thought, the shame, the malice — meet them at the door laughing, and invite them in. Be grateful for whoever comes, because each has been sent as a guide from beyond.” – Rumi