We Are The Millennials

Millennials. AKA, Generation Y. Most experts define the Millennial Generation as anyone born in the early 1980s to early 2000s. We are a pretty powerful group and the subject of many cultural and economic debates and strategies. Books have been written about how our generation could "upend Wall Street and Corporate America", some of us graduated at the peak of the Great Recession (like moi), and we've been bombarded with media coverage from the tragedies of September 11 attacks, ongoing wars in the Middle East, school shootings and the like. We've pioneered the selfie, shaped Silicon Valley at impressive ages, dominated Kickstarter Campaigns and changed the fashion industry via the blogosphere and a modern form of liberal expressionism. I find our generation at times perplexing, yet fascinating. If you do too, I encourage you to read this article in the NYTimes from the weekend - one of many reminders of what we represent to the world.

She's a 10

I've posted on the Sea as a Cure before, and I'll say it again: it does marvelous things for the soul. One of my most favorite aspects of living in San Francisco is the access to beautiful landscapes. I love weekend adventures and this past weekend didn't fall short of that fondness. It wasn't my first trip to Pt. Reyes, but it certainly took the cake for being the most impactful. Point Reyes is located in Marin County just shy of 30 miles west-northwest of San Francisco. The region is bounded by Tomales Bay on the northeast (home to some of our country's best oysters), and Bolinas Lagoon (a popular surf spot) on the other side, southeast. A majority of the land is protected as part of Point Reyes National Seashore and interestingly, bounded to the east by the San Andreas Fault. The landscape will captivate even the most discerning discoverer.

I spent my Saturday grinning ear to ear on Pt. Reyes' South Beach dodging the powerful waves, a product of the seriously dangerous rip current the beach is notorious for. It was my first daring swim in the Pacific since moving west and as I sit here writing this post, I wish I could teleport back to that moment. Nothing makes me happier than salty hair, sunshine and being with the ocean. Post-swim, My Mother and I basked in the sun with wine and sandy newspapers, with the alluring landscape around us....Heaven!

Take Note: City Stay

When accommodations were impossible to come by during the America's Cup, I took note of Jackson Court, where my friend's Mother stayed during her visit to San Francisco for the races. Thus, when my Mother visited this past weekend, she stayed at Jackson Court for the first time. The inn, a historic brownstone mansion from 1900, is perched atop Jackson and Buchanan streets, prime Pacific Heights territory. Nestled among the tree-lined street, the inn is a rather attractive specimen that will greet you with an arched entrance and lush courtyard that will make you feel as if you never left home. I personally think the inn is perfect for parents or in-laws visiting if you live nearby. (Above some photographs snapped by yours truly). See more, here.

The Ultimate Luxury

  This weekend certainly had me thinking. I spent it with my two best friends, soaking up the sunshine across the Golden Gate bridge at a dear friend's home. Early mornings were spent with refreshing swims in the pool, followed by coffee on the terrace while listening to the birds hum their morning tune and watching the sun fill the yard with its warmth. We hunted for fresh cherry tomatoes and scallions in the garden for omelet ingredients, and later poured ourselves into books and magazines by the dark-bottomed pool. I found myself reflecting on how simple our days were, yet how happy they made me. Perhaps this is the definition of summer to many, however that definition changes when you live in San Francisco. Just the vision of lush shrubs and greenery and the act of sourcing our breakfast ingredients from the garden filled my soul with delight. A joyful garden, in my opinion, is an ultimate luxury. I am devoting this post to the simplicities of life and the beauty and luxury they often bestow. Images above are from Mark D. Sikes' curated collection via Pinterest. Be sure to follow his blog, also, a C&C favorite!