Three things to smile at

It's been awhile.

Some things I've come across recently that made me smile.

1. Fish-shaped Fish Bowl

Setting fish bowls to a higher standard.

orig $67.99 Amazon

2. Smash Journal

I have been wanting one of these since I saw a display in Michaels while purchasing Christmas craft supplies. Paper craft items are 30% off at Joann's this week. Score! (Still cheaper on Amazon, oh well.) Also picked one up for a friend that could use a pick-me up. I hope she likes it as much as I do.

Orig $12.99. Amazon.

3. The Welcoming Mat

Friendly. Welcoming. Practical.
Nice to meet you Mat.

Orig $24.98 Amazon

Bakesale betty

Have you been to Bakesale Betty?

Oh how I do enjoy their chicken sandwiches and baked goods.
Spicy slaw with jalapenos is unexpected, terribly addictive, and makes quite the mess.
(I suggest you go with people you don't mind getting a little messy in front of. It is fated.)

There is always a line so get there early!

A few shops down is Scream Sorbet!

I do love their pistachio sorbet.

Interesting flavors everyday. 

Also, interesting decorations.

(Is that a leopard tangled in seaweed behind you?)

You might also find them at your local Northern Californian farmers market. (Shop decor not included.)

Thanks Alli for our lunch date. =)

New Moon

Whoops. Yesterday was Lunar New Year and I made dumplings all weekend (I mean both days) and sticky rice cake but didn't say anything. Happy Year of the Dragon! Watch out for crazy happenings.

Back to the scheduled series...
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Last post of the Nevada City series.

The one thing we did seem to get right from the guidebook was eating dinner at New Moon. 

It was a cute restaurant in a small wooden building. A wine cellar tucked away in the corner. One of those unpretentious places with things written on boards, customers walking in with sandals, lively chatter throughout the dining area, and a menu that changes with the seasons.

Sorry my pictures are blurry. I should have changed my settings.

Alas, the food was delicious.

I approve. Eat here. 

Did you have fun on your first trip Sami girl?

Rainbow bridge

On the way to the Mushroom Hole, but honestly lost in the Tahoe National Forest, the trees parted to reveal a rainbow. We asked for directions in an interesting market next to some wildflowers and ended up going to Bridgeport instead. A shallow area of the river runs under a beautiful bridge, like something out of Bridges of Madison County.