Staying Home Sawyer

Real Life Living on a Real Life Budget

Lifestyle, Travel

8 Must-See Tourist Stops in San Francisco

San Francisco Tourist Stops San Francisco is in my backyard. If my backyard was in the middle of nowhere.  I try to get up the courage to brave the traffic into the city as much as I can, but usually end up sticking closer to home. So when I get visitors, we do what any other visitor would do: We hit up the tourist spots in San Francisco.

For Memorial Day weekend, my little sisters drove up from Los Angeles. We work perfectly together, because I love taking pictures, and they love getting their pictures taken. Seriously though, I’ve gotten much better than when they were little. I was known to force them into making home “movies” whenever I was bored. I think they were a little frightened of me, but I guess that means I did something right.

Besides being absolutely gorgeous, my favorite twins have such good souls. If you are interested in learning a little more about them, they have their own blog, Twinspiration. Check it out!

The Painted Ladies, Steiner St, San FranciscoEight Must-See Tourist Stops in San Francisco

1. Ferry Building 1 (on Saturdays).  An amazing Farmer’s Market, complete with food trucks and the most expensive vegetables you’ve ever seen, takes over the ferry building. I think they take the cake on Whole Foods prices, but the atmosphere alone is worth the trip, and some of the best food in the city is inside the Ferry Building. If you’re lucky enough to be there on a Saturday for the market, Roli Roti Gourmet Rotisserie has a booth that is city-known. All the locals stop in for their favorite Porchetta Sandwich.

Roli Roti Porchetta Sandwich, San Francisco, CA

2. The more obvious, Fisherman’s Wharf. From there, you can see (or visit) Alcatraz, see the sea lions sunbathing, and also get a good view of The Golden Gate Bridge. You’ll also walk through lots of fun touristy shops, while sipping on a Biscoff coffee (or is that just us?). They also have the freshest fruit selection on Saturdays that I’ve ever seen. Strawberry’s as big as your hand. The Shnozberries taste like Shnozberries!

Alcatraz, Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco
Pier 39, San FranciscoFisherman's Wharf, San Francisco California3. Ghirardelli Square. If you don’t love chocolate, then just stop reading. But seriously. Who doesn’t love chocolate? Venture your way down the block from Fisherman’s Wharf to visit Ghirardelli Square. You’ll have a great view of the bridge while you walk up into the Ghirardelli store to sample some delicious chocolate, or treat yo-self to an amazing hot fudge sundae. You can also hitch a ride in the famous San Francisco Trolley’s from this center. Or, just hop on board for a photo-op like me.

Ghirardelli Square, San FranciscoTrolley Rides, Ghirardelli Square, San Francisco, CA4. Crissy Field. Every tourist wants an amazing photo with the bridge. And by “the bridge,” I clearly mean the big Gate. So drive down to Crissy Field, find a parking spot (and then if you find one, buy a lottery ticket, because today is clearly your lucky day), and snap a few photos with the bridge. Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, CA

5. Chinatown. I don’t think that can be any more obvious. San Francisco is raving with Asian culture, and Chinatown does not disappoint. Just walking down Grant Ave. will give you the best experience of Chinatown. Venture into some shops, buy some Chinese souvenirs, and then stop at one of the unique grocers to take photos of disgusting looking food. I’m sure it’s real tasty….I just don’t have the courage to try it! Stop at Hunan Home’s restaurant (622 Jackson St.) for some delicious Chinese food!

Chinatown, San Francisco

6. Union Square. Want to be at the center of the San Franciscan universe? Visit Union Square to see the flurry of locals coming and going in a hustle. You’ll have great views, just take a seat and people watch.

Union Square, San Francisco

7. The Painted Ladies (Steiner St.). Otherwise known as The Full House houses. This is a must-see for anyone that grew up in the 90’s and loved Full House. You’ll get to the park and see people everywhere taking photos of the beautiful Victorian houses. It’s a quick stop, but if you love Full House, it’s a must stop.

The Painted Ladies, Steiner St. San Francisco

8. Lombard Street. There is no street as unique as Lombard Street. I haven’t been around the whole world, but Lombard wins in my book. One suggestion: Walk Lombard Street, don’t drive it. As cool as it is to look at, it would be a nightmare to navigate. Plus, you’ll get better photos from the bottom. (Side note: I didn’t take the twins here, so I had to improvise)

Lombard Street, San Francisco, CA

So what do you think? Am I missing anything major? I will save the best food stops for another time, that will take some serious thought. There is just TOO MUCH good food in San Fran.

San Francisco Tourist Stops

Lifestyle, Travel

What to Pack for Your Trip to Mexico!

What to Pack for Your Trip to Mexico // What you should bring on your Mexican Vacation, other than clothes!Viva La Mexico! I’m off on a week long vacation to Playa del Carmen, Mexico. I can’t wait to relax in the sun for a week, with a blended drink in one hand, and a good book in the other. And I use the term “sun” lightly. The weather channel is predicting thunderstorms EVERY day while we’re there. Please pray for me.

I’ve been traveling to Mexico with my mom since I was 14. I love everything about Mexico, but mostly I love the crystal clear water and white sand beaches of the Cancun area. I love the tacos and the guacamole. I also really love the $2 Coronas.

When I first met my husband, he had never been to Mexico. After I finally convinced him that he wouldn’t die (and kept my fingers crossed the entire time we were there), he obliged and we ventured off to Cabo San Lucas. I did most of the packing, and I had to walk him through his first customs trip. It was quite the experience. Note to Mexican newcomer: After you leave customs, you have to ‘run the gauntlet.’ Don’t get caught up in sales guys telling you they have your reservations or they work at your hotel. They don’t. Keep on walking.

Because most people know what they want to wear on their Mexican vacation (hint: bathing suits), I won’t tell you what clothes to pack. But I will give you a list of everything else I suggest bringing with you. I have used almost every one of these items each time, and they really come in handy. So without further ado:

What to Bring to Mexico Other than Clothes // What to pack for Mexican vacation
Things to Pack for your Mexican Vacation (other than clothes)

Reading Material: Books, magazines, newsletters? Anything to read by the pool or on the beach. Even if you just hold it up, you can people watch much better with a book in your face!

Sunglasses: As per above, you will NEED these to people watch. Oh…and for the sun.

Sunscreen: We bring three levels. If you don’t start with a high SPF on your first day, your vacation is ruined. Or maybe you like looking like a lobster in all your photos? Don’t forget to bring a SPF chapstick as well. Your lips will burn quickly without it.

Shampoo/Conditioner: I buy the cheapest brand I can find, and leave the bottles there when we leave. I also like to leave the conditioner in my hair a few times during the week, because the sun and salt will dry it out. The hotels give you small bottles, and it’s never enough.

Immodium/Pepto Bismal/Tums: I mean, Montezuma’s revenge anyone? Luckily, we’ve never gotten this, and therefore never had to use these products. But I can just imagine how thankful I’ll be to have them, should I get so lucky.

Tylenol/Advil: Just bring it. If you end up with a headache, nothing will ruin your day faster. Except maybe the Montezuma’s revenge.

Wet Ones/Antibacterial Hand Sanitizer: Keep the hand sanitizer in your purse. When you’re out exploring the town, and then decide to get street tacos, you’ll thank me.

Loofah/Soap/Toothpaste: I always buy a cheap tube of toothpaste and a nice bar of soap. I leave these items at the hotel when I leave, but they’re nice to have with you. I also always bring a loofah for exfoliation purposes when your skin starts peeling from the inevitable sunburn.

Lotion: Bring your own. You should be applying lotion after your day by the pool. I typically buy a cheap bottle at the dollar store, and leave it in the hotel when I leave. You can never put too much lotion on after a day in the sun.

Rubbing Alcohol/Swimmer’s Ear: I don’t use this, but it’s a must have for my husband. After swimming in the pool or ocean all day, he uses this to avoid getting an ear infection.

Q-Tips: As above, you’ll have plenty of water in your ear, and this is something you’ll definitely want to have on hand.

Snacks: This is a MUST HAVE. I bring about five different kinds of treats. Sour Patch Kids, Red Vines, Goldfish crackers, Granola Bars, etc. When you’ve been in Mexico for a few days, you’ll thank me. You’ll eventually want some comfort food. So bring whatever your favorites are, and enjoy.

What to Bring to Mexico Other than Clothes // What to pack for Mexican vacationIf you want to follow along on our Mexican Vacation, tune in to my Instagram this week. I’ll do my best to entertain you.

Safe Travels!

DIY

DIY Baseball Themed Serving Dish

DIY Baseball Dessert Plate // Baseball Themed PartyI am not athletic in the least. I blame my parents, because who else could I blame? I humiliated myself for years playing softball on a city league, and then made my debut on the JV team in high school. Yeah, that’s right. I skipped right to the JV team. Apparently, I played the best softball of my life during tryouts. The only shining moment I have ever had (as well as, will ever have), in my life, happened on that JV team.

Paint yourself a picture here: I was the shortest, smallest girl on the team. I weighed slightly more than Mary-Kate Olsen after her cocaine anorexia problem. Okay maybe I was a little bigger than that, but you get the point. My team is pretty good, which essentially means I don’t play often. Or at all. So imagine my surprise when Coach puts me in! I ran out onto that field excited that I finally had a chance to shine. And shine, I did.

When it was my turn to bat, I grabbed a slugger and walked up to the plate. The pitcher wound up, threw the ball, and I hit it out of the park.

I wish. It was a strike. Then came another strike.

And then it happened: on the third pitch, I swung with all my strength, and hit that ball! And not only did the ball go flying, but so did the bat. Or rather, half of it. Yes, I broke the aluminum bat IN HALF! As I stood there staring at my bat, realizing that I did have some athletic ability after all (no, the bat was not dysfunctional), I forgot to run. Obviously it could have been a home run if I hadn’t forgotten to run, so I only made it to first. But boy, I got on base, and I broke a bat in half. If that wasn’t the best moment of my life, nothing would top it.

What You Need to Make a Baseball Serving Plate // Baseball Themed Party

Even though I knew I was pretty much Superman stuck in a teenage girls body, Coach disagreed with me. She let me take one photo with my bat, and sent it back into the manufacturers. As she said, it was clearly defective. That was the downfall of my athleticism. I never tried out again.

So what is the point of this story? Nothing really, other than it goes along with this adorable baseball serving plate that I made. I may not be athletic, but I can craft. And I’m pretty darn good at it, if I do say so myself. Take that, Coach!

To make this serving plate: Buy a plate and a circular vase (from the Dollar Tree). I used a can of white spray paint and a can of clear spray paint ($1 each at Wal-mart). Use hot glue to glue the vase to the bottom of the plate. It doesn’t have to be perfect, because no one will see the under-side (Don’t worry, I won’t call your plate defective). Spray it white and when it’s dry, spray a clear coat over. Use a red Sharpie to draw the baseball stripes on the plate and vase. I traced them with a pencil first. That’s it! So easy, so cheap, and sooooo not defective.
DIY Baseball Serving Dish // Baseball Themed Party

DIY

Easy DIY Pallet Box

DIY Box from Pallet // Pallet Box // Before Paint(Before)

Great news people! I bought my very first saw last weekend. Yes, a saw. And yes, I am that happy about it. My saw is nothing special, just the cheapest thing that Wal-Mart had. Cheap is good.

On the drive home, with my new gleaming purchase riding shotgun next to me, I realized I need to break her in. So I stopped at the dumpster, picked up a pallet, and attempted to squeeze it into my backseat. Let’s just say that my backseat is missing a little “junk in the trunk.” It could be bigger. Or the pallet could have been smaller. Either way, I injured Zoe (my car) a little. Don’t worry, we went for ice cream just so she would feel better.

I got home, struggled with getting the pallet back out of the car, and showed my husband my new purchase! The fact that he wasn’t as excited about my new saw as I was, was not going to ruin my day. I went to work.

DIY Box from Pallet // Pallet Box Painted WhiteI christened my saw on the pallet slats (after I broke a bottle of champagne over them of course), cutting them off one by one. I cut them in half, and made 10 smaller pieces. My box didn’t need a bottom or sides (my box is like a show pony box, she just needs to look good from the front), so I nailed three pieces together with two support pieces. I made three of these, then nailed them all together for a three sided box. I also used two smaller pieces to support the bottom, so it didn’t wiggle. There was no room for wiggle. See what I did there?!

DIY Box from Pallet // Pallet Box(After)

After my box was all put together, I sprayed it lightly with a little white spray paint. Gave it an overall glow. After all, it is a piece of art.

(Side note: Yes, I know my box is misshapen and some may see it as “ugly.” All I see is beauty.) 😉