Kimberly

This is a completely average mall, and at this point the only place I ever go to there is my gym. There are so many better places to shop in the Bay Area that only take a short drive (or even better, BART ride) to get to.

I’m a baker, specifically cakes, so I can be very critical of food. While the cupcakes here certainly weren’t perfect, they are something I would go back for if I was going to be in town longer.

A huge perk is the wide variety of flavors, so there is something for every palate. I loved the carmella and wasn’t a big fan of the lemon drop. But since everyone’s tastes are different there should be something to please!

I liked the mini sized cupcakes, too. Great way to sample new flavors!!

I saw a complaint about price in a previous post, but to me it seemed right in line with every other higher end bakery I know. Sure, you can get cheap cupcakes at the Safeway bakery—filled with artificial ingredients and preservatives, made by people barely paid more than minimum wage. I’d always prefer to pay a little more for quality ingredients!

I could live here if they would let me.

WOW! This has to be one of the most beautiful places that I have ever visited. I got lucky and was there on a fairly clear, sunny day, and did the drive around the lake. It seemed like every view was more picturesque and peaceful than the last one.

I started off early yesterday morning on a road trip up the coast, for a much needed vacation! I decided to try and check as many places off this list as I could (plus hit a few places that were going to get on the list next).

Redwood National Park was one of my first stops as I went up the California coastline. I have vague memories of visiting a redwood forest as a young child, but I don’t think my family ever visited this park.

I took the short hike to the Lady Bird Johnson Grove, and it was still fairly early on a weekday morning so it was incredibly quiet and peaceful. It’s an amazing sight to look up one of those giant redwoods!

Right now is an amazing time to go to MOMA. They are having an exhibit of Picasso, alongside the works of American artists who were inspired by him. This exhibit is going to be there until May 28th. I just got back, and it was fantastic!

Today was my first trip to the park, for some hiking and photography. It was a beautiful day (I kept looking for clouds and never saw one).

The hiking trails were really nice, and of medium difficulty. Unfortunately the visitor entrance to the mines is undergoing renovation and wasn’t open. I’m looking forward to going back!

The caves were completely open, so we decided to make our way through them and over to the resevoir. The weather was perfect for hiking—sunny, but not overly hot. There are a variety of trails for all levels of hikers, as well as an impressive number of locations for rock climbing.

It wasn’t a difficult drive from where I live, and I hope to visit again soon!

Holiday products have begun! The pumpkin cheesecake, ruffle cakes, and pumpkin sonatas (my personal favorites!) are now being sold. Soon there will be cranberry walnut tarts, caramel walnut tarts, tangerine royale, eggnog bundt cakes, and more!

Holidays are such an amazing time at a bakery. Thinking about it all just makes me hungry.

After spending my whole life a mere three hours away, I finally took my first trip to Yosemite today! There is so much I still want to do that I will have to go back, but it was an excellent introduction to this beautiful park.

I work weekends, which can be very lucky, Since Monday is one of my days off from work I got to visit the park when it was faily quiet.

I think my next trip will have to be earlier in the year when the snow is melting and the waterfalls are full. A friend just climbed Half Dome, and I would love to do that as well!