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Of the moment // 3.16.18

Of the moment // 3.16.18

One of the reasons why I blog is simply to have the space to write: getting things “on paper” helps me to process my feelings and organize my thoughts. I also love having a record of my life over the past few years: a place that holds all of my stories, my photos, the ups and downs of travel. But sometimes, I also just want to remember and share the little things that brought me day-to-day joy. Every Friday, I’ll give you a peek into the book I currently can’t put down, a great restaurant discovery, a fun new product or an inspiring quote: a few things that I think you might enjoy before we all take off into the glory that is the weekend!North Park Thursday Market In San Diego

It’s been kind of a wild work week, but I’ve been enjoying having a full week of no travel. It’s been really nice to just enjoy life in San Diego: I took a tennis lesson, had dinner with a girlfriend, got a mani-pedi, picked up flowers at the farmers market. It was the perfect way to recharge between some crazy travel weeks. And as much as I’ve been loving the later sunsets, I always have such a hard time in the mornings in the first week after Daylight Saving. Not only do I end up sleeping later (since I try to wake up with natural light), but I’m always so much groggier, even when using an alarm. Any one else have issues with this or any tips to get over it–other than just waiting it out for the earlier sunrises?

Christine A. Merrill and Gertie the Pug at Pigment

Looks

Very important casual headshot with my derpy pug child! Outfit details: top, jeans, sandals (and Gert is wearing this super cute bandana).

Reads

Still working my way through the Tana French series! I’m reading The Secret Place now, which has some fantasy-ish elements that I’m not quite sure I’m loving in this murder mystery. One thing that I have been good about lately: updating my Goodreads and reviewing all of the books that I’ve recently read. I’m going to work on creating some collections of my favorite mysteries, historical fiction novels, etc. in the coming weeks as well.

Toast flight at Communal Coffee in North Park, San DiegoToast flight at Communal Coffee in North Park, San Diego

Eats

Jillian’s visit was the perfect excuse to finally try the toast flight at Communal Coffee! It consists of a tomato and mozzarella toast, an avocado toast with egg and a ricotta toast with lavender and honey. Even though it was sweet, the lavender and honey option was definitely my favorite: such a fun splurge!

Polite Provisions in San Diego, California  Polite Provisions in San Diego, California

Drinks

Without a doubt, Polite Provisions is one of my favorite cocktail bars in San Diego. It’s a gorgeous, light-filled space (especially in the afternoon, thanks to the giant skylights!) and the bespoke cocktails are top-notch.

Gertie the Pug

Words

“Intelligence is the ability to adapt to change.” -Stephen Hawking

This weekend, we’re going wine tasting in Valle de Guadalupe and staying in this crazy bubble

Of the moment // 12.15.23

Flower fields in Carlsbad, California

Of the moment // 4.19.19

Christine & David Merrill in San Diego

Of the moment // 12.14.18

Scripps Beach at sunset in San Diego

Of the moment // 12.7.18

Flying out of San Diego Airport

Of the moment // 11.30.18