Written by Candace on July 31, 2013 | 3 Comments

Breakfast in Bed
Anniversary Edition

Vitaliy and I are only days away from our 7 year wedding anniversary.

My mind has been racing with ideas of how to celebrate. Some years we’ve done elaborate celebrations and other years we’ve kept things simple. We had originally planned to have a big party with family and friends for our 7 year anniversary. But this year has been such an adventure in itself we’ve decided to save that for another time.

Our plans for the special day are still in the works, but we’re thinking of doing something simple and meaningful. Something in line with this breakfast in bed idea that we had the pleasure of photographing for Style Smaller. I don’t know anyone who wouldn’t enjoy being pampered first thing in the morning. But what makes this idea so special is the chain link love note that goes along with the meal. Everyone learns how to make a paper chain link in kindergarten so this can be executed by anyone. Kate, who designed this idea, recommends writing something you love about the person on each link. I love your smile. I love how hard you work. I love your kisses.

Anniversaries can come with a lot of expectations. Communicating ahead of time to manage those will help the day go perfect for everyone. But most importantly, just be sure to celebrate. No matter how elaborate or how simple. Every year is worth a celebration.

These photos were taken in collaboration with Kate from Style Smaller. Be sure to check out her blog for more lifestyle inspiration.

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Written by Candace on May 20, 2013 | 3 Comments

Angel Island
Bike Ride

When I have someone coming for a visit, I love playing tour guide but I do try to avoid the areas that attract the most tourists. My favorite location to share with people currently is Angel Island, but I’m shocked at how many of my local friends have never been.

Ladies and Gentleman, whether you are local to the area or a first time visitor, Angel Island is absolutely ideal for a date. Take notes, or pin this link, then go make plans with the special person in your life.

Date Idea: Biking and exploring Angel Island

Highlights: 360 degree views of the bay, historical sights, architectural gems, beautiful bike ride, freedom to explore, picnic areas, beachfront, a little cafe, and so much more.

The Deets: Visitor Info, Ferry Options, and Bike Rentals.

After visiting a few times now, here are a few of our personal recommendations.

We love taking the ferry from Tiburon. Coming from the Peninsula, we enjoy the exciting drive over the Golden Gate Bridge and are thankful to avoid traffic and parking in San Francisco. Tiburon has a parking lot where you can park for about $10. But if you don’t mind the trek, you can usually find a spot up the hill into the neighborhood for free.

Research the weather, but wear layers no matter what. Like any location near the bay, the weather can get pretty chilly because of the wind. But with an active bike ride and if the sun makes an appearance, you’ll want to be able to remove layers.

Bring your own lunch instead of eating at the cafe. There are picnic tables scattered throughout the island, but if the weather is warm enough, we recommend picnicking at the little beach located about halfway around the island.

The bike ride can get a little challenging at times so if your date is not into bike riding or outdoors this may not be the ideal date. I don’t do a lot of biking, but I really enjoy the ride. Don’t rush through the ride, take breaks and enjoy the views, and be sure to plan for a long break for lunch. If biking is not your thing, there are also segways, scooters, and tram tours available for rent. And of course, you can always run or walk the island too.

To save money on rentals, you are allowed to bring your own bike on the ferry and onto the island. Due to the terrain, roller skates, roller blades, skateboards, scooters, and personal segways, are prohibited. We like to bring our own bikes so that we’re not rushing back in order to save money on the rentals. They can get expensive!

Be sure to keep track of time. You don’t want to miss your ferry to the island and you don’t want to miss the last ferry going home.

Have you ever been to Angel Island? I’ll definitely be going back so feel free to leave any of your own tips in the comments. But if you are reading this and you’ve never been to Angel Island, stop what you’re doing and put it on the calendar now.

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Written by Candace on May 17, 2013 | 3 Comments

How To Keep Newness In A Relationship

I don’t know about you, but sometimes our date nights can be so predictable.

When life gets busy and we’re exhausted, we end up doing the usual dinner and a movie. There’s nothing wrong with that and it’s still one of our favorite things to do together, but keeping things fresh and new can really make a difference to a relationship that is anything but. Though the location and experience isn’t the most important aspect of a date night, doing something the other person enjoys can help express your love and care for them without you having to say a word.

When Vitaliy and I were dating, we were constantly doing fun and spontaneous things together. To be quite honest, I didn’t care what we were doing as long as I was next to him. But after 6 years of marriage, things are different. That curiosity and excitement, the newness of the relationship, has worn off. It used to worry me and I’d wonder if I was falling out of love with Vitaliy. Thankfully, I’ve learned that love is a choice and that curiosity and excitement comes with consistently getting to know the other person.

What a person liked a year ago may not be what they like today. Their likes may have changed or they may have new passions now. In order to add some newness to our date nights and to continue getting to know each other, Vitaliy and I sat down and each made a list of date night ideas we’d personally like. Now, when we’re too tired to think of something more original than dinner and a movie, we can pull out our lists and grab an idea and run with it.

Living near the San Francisco airport with amazing views of the bay, one of the items on Vitaliy’s list was to go watch the airplanes one evening. The weather has finally been warm enough so we set out to enjoy one of Vitaily’s date night ideas of choice. We quickly learned that this was not an original idea as the area was filled with other couples. We just happened to be the only couple under the age of 50. But if I’m still happy sitting next to Vitaliy watching airplanes 20 years from now, then I will know that I’ve accomplished something worthwhile in my life.

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