December 11- December 18, 2023

Saira Yusuf
Dec 22, 2023
3 min read

(CA, Napa + Home)

Back in California and it was pouring rain the first few days I was here, no fair where’s the sun. Still, as always, so good to be home. Been busy and waking up at 6am to work East Coast hours (tears) bc i am really not a morning person. Christmas came early and I got a new iphone, mega slay, so will be leveling up my photography quality here. Doing some last minute shopping for a couple people but have mostly been on top of it this year, even though i started so late.

The vibe:

Sushi, coloring, and puppy cuddles.

Doing:

Landed late Friday night and went straight to Napa to one of my best friend’s family vineyards. This is such a special place and we all always have the best time there. Did lots of coloring, conrad drove us in the rickety jeep, my sister and I made crepes for everyone, swang on the swings, picked persimmons, and looked at all the stars. I will 100% be needing a country house in my life it’s so nice to be in a place that is so peaceful and quiet.

Wearing:

Sweater season. Some of my favorite sweaters these past couple months are one that zip up all the way from the top to the bottom. I have this one I got from Spark pretty back in Ny thats denim with these super cool shoulders and then my new christmas one is red with black fur around the collar (shout out steve for saving the day and fixing the zipper). I also wear this brown ralph lauren one all the time. These are so easy bc you can zip them all the way up or half way or all the way un done depending on your mood and your vibe.

Watching:

Downloaded the first few episodes of My Life with the Walter Boys on the plane and then finished a couple days later. Major summer I turned pretty vibes. The acting in this show is so mid but it’s cute and sweet and wholesome. And they have my dream life on their little ranch in Colorado.

Eating:

Had an amazing meal at the Plimoth in Denver before I left. Seasonally changing menu, farm to table, everything is so unique, fresh but also rich. Had this delicious cauliflower gratin. Really cozy, intimate vibes and their patio looks so cute for summer time.

And then, probably one of the best meals I’ve had this year. A new Robin just opened up in Menlo Park. My dad and I went and this place is a real treat if you love to eat. I’ve already seen like 5 people I know go this week so bay area people, make your res now this place is going to be hot. The omakase was seriously so good, each bite I had i was like this is my favorite and then the next one came.

You can choose your price point and adjust as you go. The menu changes every night and we had like 16 courses so I can’t even tell you what the best ones are but sit at the bar if you can, so you can watch your sushi chefs. The cherry on top was the dessert, coconut ice cream with strawberry coulis, pistachio, and olive oil. (seriously my fav dessert i’ve probably ever had). You have to go here. They also opened a Che Fico next door which has been on my SF hit list for so long so im so excited to have one closer down here to try.

Reading:

Eeek. the year is almost ending. I’ve been working my way through the Top 25 New Yorker stories of 2023. This would have been so cute to do as my own little advent calendar and read one a day this month but these are so interesting. Really all over the place, Ukraine, Murdaugh Murders, Prince Harry, Ozempic, Lost Princess of Dubai, Why not to travel. Really recommend taking a browse through these. You’ll remember some things you didn’t even remember happened this year.