Holiday Musings!

Hi Friends:

With Thanksgiving behind us, Hanukkah upon us and Christmas and Kwanzaa just around the corner, I wanted to share a few thoughts about the holiday experience. Right about now we are inundated with news reports on the hottest trends, shopping frenzy and sales predictions. We are told how to get the best deals, beautifully wrap packages, set the perfect table, and pace ourselves in order to juggle it all and remain stress free. The message seems to be that the holiday is something to be survived more than enjoyed.

For years I have found this time of year to be very emotional - a mixture of excitement, expectation and even melancholy. When I am out and about, I am deeply affected by the decorations and holiday music; it evokes memories of holiday's gone by and loved ones lost. I want nothing more than to shop and lunch with the girls in my life. Sign me up for the cookie exchange and count me in to go to a holiday craft show. I love every caffeinated minute!

So how can we get the most out of the holiday and skirt the downside? Maybe we should start by adjusting our perspective. Gift giving, for example, shouldn't be a chore. It's not about getting someone exactly what they asked for, it's about enjoying the opportunity to give. In our house, there is a long standing rule: you can't ask for your gifts. Now this doesn't mean that hints aren't occasionally dropped, but the shopping experience changes when you have to put a little thought and/or creativity into the gift. Shopping is no longer a  laundry list of items to buy and recipients will be appreciative of your efforts. What more precious gift is there than thoughtfulness?

Decide to enjoy being among the bustling crowd. Pause to delight in children getting their pictures taken with Santa, hum along with the piped-in music, help someone make a selection, or chat with your neighbor in the checkout line. Choose to be merry and you will be rewarded by way of a joyful heart.

Remember, too, that you don't have to "do it all." Pick a few meaningful things to do with loved ones to celebrate the holiday - something everyone will look forward to each year - a cookie baking day, holiday movie night, or piling in the car to marvel at the brightly lit houses. Most importantly, give back. Regardless of your celebration preferences, live out the expression that to those who much is given, much is expected; there are lots of opportunities to volunteer or sponsor others in need at this time of year.

Finally, be patient and non-judgmental. Just because we may celebrate the holiday a certain way, doesn't mean others do, too. If we pledge to be generous of heart and spirit, the holiday will be exactly what it is supposed to be - a time of hope, joy, peace and love, especially love. 

A San Francisco Treat...Make that Treats!

Hi Friends:

Georgia’s was on the move again last week, this time hitting the west coast. For what? To eat and shop our way through San Francisco, CA while visiting some great friends. Take a look at the sights and tastes that inspired us!

First up, a trip to the Saturday morning market at the Ferry Building on the bay for some homemade oversized fig newtons, donut muffins and pluots. Yummy.

While there we found a stand devoted to mushrooms. Check out all of these varieties!

We also stopped at the can’t miss Cowgirl Creamery for easily one of the best grilled cheese sandwiches I’ve had in recent years. Their grilled cheese special of the day is not to be missed and be sure to ask for extra homemade bread and butter pickles, they are delish!

The market is home to many local artisans who come out on Wednesdays and Saturdays to sell their handmade jewelry, clothing and woodwork. We could have snapped something up at every booth.

Next up, as we made our way down The Embarcadero, we stopped in at TCHO, a chocolatier that calls San Francisco home and boasts some of the most delicious dark chocolate around.

Moving right along our next step was, of course, the world famous Boudin Bakery for a Sourdough bread bowl filled with Clam Chowder.  

To wash it down we sampled the local brew Anchor Steam and it was such a delight. Boudin, you never disappoint.

All this walking, eating, sightseeing and shopping left us in need of a serious caffeine pick-me-up, so we swung by Buena Vista for one of their famous Irish Coffees.

Named the “Best Irish Coffee in Town" by the New York Times, Buena Vista boasts that their establishment perfected Irish Coffee. We took their word for it and gladly partook in the spiked, caffeinated delight.

Last stop - the famed Ghirardelli Square because we couldn’t end our day without one last taste of San Francisco, chocolate style.

We took a lap around their mix-and-match candy bar and picked up a few of our favorites including the luscious pumpkin spice caramel square and peppermint bark square before departing for home.

Liz, Sameer and San Francisco: thanks for your hospitality, history and great food. We will most certainly be back!