“This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Chrysler. All opinions are 100% mine.”


Erika commented last week that if “the reason you don’t want a minivan is because of pride, then that’s a bad reason.” I was thinking about that statement and that’s true. Too much pride or thinking you’re above something is not a good thing. That goes for anything, not just minivans. Now, I’m not entirely sold that we’re ready to be a minivan family just yet (main reason we wouldn’t get another car is because we don’t want car payments and I really do love my current car a whole lot!), but it’s good to check my reasons why I would be opposed.

Now borrowing the Town & Country from Chrysler and their “Test of Ownership” program has been nice. Despite feeling older in the minivan, I feel a lot more elbow room too. It’s so much easier getting the kids in and out of the car compared to our mid-sized SUV and that key-less feature is genius! Our current car is key-less and was glad to see that the minivan was too. I am fantastic at losing my keys in my messy purse, but key-less eliminates the digging and as long my keys are somewhere in my purse, I walk up to the car, press a button on the handle, voila! it unlocks, go in the car, with my foot on the break and press the start button. It’s a feature that I think makes moms’ (or for someone who likes to lose their keys in their messy purse like me) lives easier!

Every week, the two big girls have ballet and usually Soul, Glow, and I walk around the shopping center, grab a snack (it falls within snack time) at the new bakery, walk over to the coffee shop to sit down and have a snack together. This past week, it was raining and we couldn’t indulge in our weekly ritual. I did drive over and get some snacks from the bakery, then we parked and snacked and hung out in the car. The two babies roamed around because there was room for them to do so. They’re teeny and the car is spacious, so that was nice. It was just an hour that we were chillin’ in the minivan, but Soulie was fully enjoying herself. Well, she had a little bit of sugar, got to sit in the driver’s seat and “pretend” she was driving, what 2 year old wouldn’t enjoy themselves?! We’ve got dance class again this afternoon, but the forecast is sunny, so we’ll probably be back to walking around outside.

Okay, we did do a lot of eating, but we also did actually do other things. The first day we didn’t take very many pictures, besides the food pictures, I think all I took were 10 others. It was a nice little break from my camera. We went to the Mission District, then Haight-Ashbury, we also spent some time in Berkeley.

Day two, which was my actual birthday, Ben started off by giving me cards the girls made and then we headed out for a morning trip to the Ferry Building for their farmer’s market and theirs is definitely legit. They put our local one to shame. The farmer’s market is Ben’s Disneyland. He could spend all day there looking at everything. This guy is such a dietitian and he takes eating healthy food so seriously. He really practices what he preaches. I was pretty enamored with all they offered. Then, we rented bikes and biked from Fisherman’s Wharf to the Golden Gate Bridge then into Sausalito. Let me just say, I consider myself relatively fit, but oh those hills were killer! Getting into cycling is on my list to do next year (I want to bike a 100 mile race in the future if God allows), and I have my work cut out for me to get used to a bike! I hadn’t ridden a bike in over 10 years, so I was so nervous! I finally got the hang of it again and it was pretty amazing biking across the bridge. We got to Sausalito and then took the ferry back across the bay. We ended up back at the Ferry Building again and then went out to Sutro Heights Park, and back to the Ferry Building for a birthday dinner at The Slanted Door.

Sunday, we went to the flea market. I actually debated going because there wasn’t much I needed and I didn’t want to get sucked into buying something (it’s hard for me to resist vintage goods). The only thing that was on my list of needs was a vintage bed for True and I wasn’t sure we would find it. Well, it ended up being great that we went because we found her a bed and I even found her a quilt for her new (old) big girl bed. Now, I did also end up finding myself a 1950’s watch bracelet and a concrete garden deer, which weren’t on the needs list, but they were good deals and since I told Ben not to get me anything for my birthday (I think this little trip was a swell enough gift), these little purchases were slightly justifiable. We also got to see some of our favorite flea market vendors who we haven’t seen in over a year because we have been working hard at staying away from the flea market. As much as I love going, we save more money when we don’t go.

That pretty much sums up our trip. It was wonderful sleeping in and as much as I love the girls, it was a nice break away. Parents need that once in awhile. Ben and I were able to hold hands and have conversations in peace. I am so thankful to God for allowing us this special time to relax and just enjoy being together. 10 years ago, I spent my 21st birthday in Italy with my BFF and here I am, 10 years later, 4 kids later, and I had a grand time turning 31 in San Francisco with my husband. I say this a lot, but I really love him lots. I’ve got 31 years of life under my belt and I have lots to praise God for.

Sushirrito. This sushi burrito place is so good. We loved it so much we tried to recreate our own at home. Thank you to Meg for suggesting it! 

Chez Panisse. This place is wonderfully delicious! It’s in Berkeley and was suggested by my friend Melody. We went for lunch because they only serve one thing for dinner and that changes everyday, same with their lunch (for lunch they have 3 or so options), but the options for that particular evening didn’t make us curious. On the other hand, the lunch menu peaked our curiosity and it indeed was fantastic! If you want to go here, make sure to note it’s reservations only, so be sure to call ahead of time.

Tartine. Of course, I had to go here! So many of you suggested it and I am glad you did. I know Bi-rite was nearby, but sadly I didn’t get to go. The line was way too long and I didn’t want to wait. At least it gives me another reason to go back!

Dosa. Delicious! Funnily enough, we didn’t order the dosa! Ben said he could have used more kick in his food, but overall so yummy. I loved the coconut rice so much and I want to try and make that at home now. Thank you Elle for suggesting it! 

Cowgirl Creamery. Open faced grilled cheese totally hit the spot for breakfast right before our long bike ride to Sausalito. Thanks Jess for sharing!

Ice cream in Sausalito. Can you really go wrong with pumpkin pie ice cream in a waffle cone?! Yeah, I didn’t think so. After 8 miles of biking, I think I deserved this.

Italian doughnuts from the Ferry Building. We actually passed this in the morning and I wanted one, but didn’t get one. We came back to the Ferry Building in the afternoon and I made sure I got one. Glad I did!

The Slanted Door. This was my favorite meal during the entire weekend! It was my birthday dinner too, so maybe that made it a bit special. Rule #1 when going to The Slanted Door is make a reservation way ahead of time! I didn’t realize how popular this place is and it is reservations only. We couldn’t get any, but thankfully they serve the full menu at the bar. When we got there the bar was full, so we stood around waiting, we only waited five minutes until someone left, and then sat down. We didn’t wait that long and sitting at the bar didn’t bother me one bit (it’s cozy sitting side by side), but if you want a table, make reservations. The uni, the oysters, the noodles, the fish (and the sauce), the squid, and the sour cream ice cream with figs and strawberry turnover was super uh-mazing! No joke. I’m craving it as I write this. Slanted Door, I miss you!

Burma Superstar. This was the last on the list and we ate it right before we got back on the road. It was good, but again Ben said he could have used more spice (that guy and spice!), but other than that, it was definitely tasty. I loved their chocolate spring rolls with coconut ice cream, which I took to go to eat on the road. We went to the Alameda one right after the flea market, so I don’t think it’s as busy as the SF one. Again, call ahead of time to get your name on a wait list. And thank you to those who suggested this place! 

I was telling my baby sister everything I ate in San Francisco and she was like, “Oh my gosh. All you did was eat!” I really did. There are even a few little places we ate at that aren’t pictured. Ben and I (and the kids) really don’t go out to eat very often. Eating out is just not something we do regularly (maybe once a month, if that), partly because it can be a bit of a challenge to eat out with all 4 kids and partly because it’s more budget friendly for us to have home cooked meals. Though when we go out of town, we like to splurge a bit (and it’s a lot easier to eat out at restaurants sans kids). And pretty much with every meal, I got dessert (and I was the only one who ate it as Ben doesn’t eat dessert). I figured it was my birthday weekend, so why not!

Thank you to all of you for taking your time and sharing suggestions. It totally aided in our planning as did yelp. Ben and I thoroughly enjoyed indulging in such yummy food together. I can’t wait to plan another trip somewhere and go crazy eating! I am sure you San Franciscans have many more places you would recommend and are the total pros in your area, and just based on our short time there, we’re pretty enamored with your eatery options.

We went to a local farmer’s market a few weeks back and we came home with some goodies. Then, when Ben and I were in SF we made sure to go to the Ferry Building for their farmer’s market on Saturday morning and I think that was the mecca of farmer’s markets (maybe some of you would protest that based on your own experience). It was insane and intense all in a good way. A few days later, the election happened and the majority of California voted again Prop 37 regarding the labeling of genetically modified food , and it furthered more discussions in our home about how and where we get our food. We have talked about the CSA, but for where we live, we would have to pick up the box and it would be about an hour away drive (just one way), so it really wasn’t that convenient.

We mostly buy organic fruits and vegetables at the grocery store, but we wanted more options. Thus, Friday morning I told the girls to get dressed and we were heading out. We went to a farmer’s market at a local hospital, but when we got there, their options were sort of lame. There were 3 vendors selling fruits and veggies and only one of them offered organically grown goods. We all piled back in the van, and then headed to the farmer’s market we visited a few weeks back.

The girls were excited to go back to that one because they had the vendor who sold fresh pita bread and hummus and it was just about lunch time, so it was something we were all craving. We got our lunch, loaded up on some fruits and veggies and then made our way home. We’re going to try to make it a goal to go every Friday. The price for organic produce is reasonable and it’s another reason to get out of the house and get the girls involved in picking fruits and veggies.

I wore my clogs from Lotta from Stockholm and they seemed like the perfect farmer’s market uniform. Also, when going out with all four we get lots of little smiles, probably because people think I am crazy to have 4 kids (BTW- I think I’m crazy too!) and they’re always surprised to see another little one hiding in the back, bottom seat. To aid in going out and about, we use the Phil & Ted double stroller. It makes it so much easier to tote the 4 around; two sit and two walk. It’s great! We have been using it for about 5 years now and I can attest to it’s durability and ease of use. This is just some FYI for any of you needing a double stroller.

I’m curious, how do you shop for your fruits and veggies? Do you prefer organic or does it not matter? If you’ve tried out the CSA, what are your experiences with it?

“This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Chrysler. All opinions are 100% mine.”

Okay, so my birthday was coming up and we wanted to go on a road trip. Then, a possible collaboration with Chrysler to borrow their car came up and I figured it was the perfect opportunity… take a road trip in someone else’s car! Now why in the world would I turn that down?! Our car has so many miles on it from previous road trips that I thought it would be nice to give my car a break, so I said, “Sign me up!” Here’s the catch… I’m driving a minivan!

Yes, we are family of six and we probably should have a minivan, but we don’t. We’ve had our car when it was just the 3 and they all fit perfectly in one row. Now, that there are 4 of them, we popped up the third row in our SUV (it’s not one of those ridiculously large ones) and True and Brave are pretty squished in the back and the stroller only fits behind the driver’s seat. Our car is pretty tight, but we don’t want car payments, and our girls are pretty teeny, so we make do. Plus, I’m not ready to be a “mad mom in a minivan” just yet.

Here we are and I am borrowing a Town & Country for a few weeks and let’s see how it goes. We got the van and then 30 minutes later took off on the road. One of my first observations of the Town & County were the leather seats and after doing a little research found out that is standard. That’s kinda nice. My parents had a minivan, actually a Chrysler one and back then it was the caravan, and I remember how filthy those cloth seats got with 4 kids. My parents ran their van to the ground and they really got their monies worth. This little leather feature is nice because with kids, leather is so much easier to clean!

On the road trip, the van had so much more space. Ben and I just threw our stuff everywhere! It was nice to have a lot more space to place things and on our road trip we had plans to go to the flea market, so the extra space in a van is welcomed. Of course though, what stood out to me the most about the van was the large tank it carried, we only had to fill up once from L.A. to San Francicso, there is an economy fuel button that changes the way the car runs so that you get better gas mileage, and the music system (their U-Connect Media Center, if you want the technical term). That was our favorite part. It was touch screen and it easily hooked up to our ipod and I sang the whole ride up and the whole ride down. Oh and it helps that the car had Sirius XM Satellite Radio. Ben was especially excited to be able to listen to San Antonio Spurs basketball while on the road. The navigation feature is cool too, but it’s the easy way our music hooked up that was great.

We were pretty jazzed about the car during our road trip (and we went sans kids), so we were especially excited because if we found something large at the flea market, we definitely had space to bring it back home. Usually for flea market trips, we borrow my parents’ minivan for all our goods, this time we had our own! I was definitely glad to have the Town & Country to play with.

Now, it’s still a minivan and I just feel older in it. I think that’s why I have never been quite ready to commit to a minivan because it just makes me feel older. More grownup. I know having 4 kids is a whole lot of grown up, but still. The kids so far love it because 1) it’s new to them and 2) they love the little sun protector thingies that pull up for every window. That’s their favorite part. I must admit driving a minivan makes it a lot easier to tote around 4 kids and all the stuff that comes along with them. We get to use it for a couple weeks, so we are definitely enjoying the extra space the Town & Country offers.

There is this local pumpkin patch that the girls have been wanting to go to and we finally made it there the day before Halloween. Better late than never right? It was a lot of fun, but these places make out like bandits for their little attractions! $3 per child for some bouncy jump house is kind of ridiculous. We let the girls do the $1 and $2 little attractions, but we drew the line at the $3. It just seemed kind of excessive to us (or maybe we’re just cheapos) for what they were offering.

Besides our qualms with their prices for some activities, we did of course allow the kids to have fun with the ones that seemed slightly more reasonable. True and Brave went on the big slide together, but I think Brave got a little freaked out by it that she didn’t want to go back on. True on the other hand, was all about it. Soul was too small for most of the attractions that she could only ride one of them and she was so cute going down that big slide. That little Soul is pretty fearless when it comes to rides and playgrounds. We were just at the patch for an hour, but it was enough to satiate the little desires of our girls.

We came home with a pretty large pumpkin and the girls are still wanting to carve it, so I am thinking we might despite the fact Halloween already came and went. I don’t think there are any rules preventing pumpkin carving in November, are there?!