MEMORIAL DAY FESTIVITIES

This past weekend was all about friends, good food, and classic San Diego destinations. It started out by attending a Padres game with a good friend on Thursday who scored free tickets from work. After downing a hot dog each, we snuggled up (it was freezing!) to watch the game. Saturday, I met up with my high school bestie for the best stack of pancakes of our lives and the best conversation. After that, I swung by another favorite to pick up dinner so Derek and I could enjoy a picnic at the Bay for the evening. We also babysat for some friends and had the best time spoiling this little one at Sea World. Her requests were babbled "Elmo Ride & Turtles", so that's what we did. The holiday greeted us with warm weather, but sadly no beach because of a emergency surgical case for Derek. Luckily, we were able to enjoy a BBQ with friends to kick off the start of summer and some of my favorite foods. I would call it a relaxed weekend, which was exactly what I needed after a busy few weeks.

BRUSCHETTA

Hardly anything makes me more giddy and excited when it comes to food then to eat then to treat my taste buds to a fresh and delicious helping of bruchetta. As a child, we would go to Italian restaurants and my parents introduced me to my love of bruchetta. My taste buds would do flips for the crusty bread and tomato and basil topping. For me, this can be a stand alone dish for a light lunch, or served up with grilled chicken for a summer time dinner. That being said, it's so easy to make and includes some of my favorite summer time flavors.

CABRILLO NATIONAL MONUMENT

Last weekend in San Diego was almost a fluke-- we had rain and really cold wind making for a somewhat "cold" day. Derek and I decided to trek out to Cabrillo National Monument for a few hours in the morning and fell in love. It honestly might be one of my new favorite places in San Diego. The picturesque park is set against the staggering cliffs of the Pacific with one of the last standing lighthouses along the West coast. (The lighthouse is under construction currently, but we can't wait to go back and hike the winding staircase to the top!) We were in for even more of a treat when we found out the old WWII bunkers used for spotting Japanese aircraft and boats were open to the public to tour. We climbed down what seemed the oldest ladder into a bunker with the most gorgeous view I had ever seen. After, we ventured to the tide pools for a little exploring and critter watching. It's amazing what treasures you can find in your city when you get out and explore. I think it is safe to say, Cabrillo completely stole my heart.