#29 - Miami! Miami!

A trip to Miami Beach has a great mix of culture (found in Miami) and great food, hotels, nightlife and beaches (found in Miami Beach). In addition the weather in the 80s in December and lush tropical flora make this a great trip I would recommend to anyone.

Plus you can get anywhere by walking and public transit!

#28 - Banyan Trees

Coral Gables in Miami, FL has the most striking collection on Banyan trees lining many streets. These trees really come alive with all their character. Breathtaking!

#27 - Cuban Food (in Little Havana)

I love Cuban food. I was especially fortunate to be able to enjoy it in the "Little Havana" district in Miami, FL. This is where many Cuban's settled when they fled Cuba in 1960s and 70s.

#26 - Cooking for loved ones

I grilled chicken and artichokes the other day for my hunny. It's one of my favorite ways to show love - with a warm healthy meal.

#25 - Attention to Fine Details

Like these nicely folded napkins at a Cambodia restaurant in the city! (I was away for awhile - but it feels good to be back appreciating the little joys in life.

#24 - The Rose Cafe

I love to chill in cafes. Take in the atmosphere, people watch, read, write, research and grab a iced soy latte and maybe a morning roll. Mmm. A great cafe if ever in LA is the Rose Cafe (4749 Fountain Ave). The have amazing orange tea and orange muffins, plus a fab gift shop!

#23 - Cooking Tropical Foods

This is a tomato, avocado and shrimp salad served on brown rice I made with my bo this summer! When it is warm enough I love to cook dinner to enjoy outside on our deck. I find so much joy in the summer. Hopefully I don't end up with SAD (seasonal affective disorder) in the rainy season. I am making a list of fun things to do in the fall so that should help.

#22 - Strong Shadows

I just love it when strong rays of the sun hit interesting objects creating sharp dark shadows. It never fails to amaze me!

#21 - The Story of Stuff

This is a very inspiring video on consumption and sustainable development. I encourage you to share this link with others.

http://www.storyofstuff.org/

#20 - My darling

Kinda mysterious, huh. He is a world-class boyfriend and my lifelong playmate. He is a funny cooking, caring explorer of this wondrous world. We love to bike, cook, garden, read, write, travel and we spend half of our free time at Sideboard - so maybe you will see us there! We pick each other's brains pondering the mysteries of life, discussing human behavior and sharing new ideas.

#19 - My bro

I have the greatest brother (the one in the middle). He appreciates my talents and I admire his ambition and passion. We had a great childhood and many special memories. He is my adventurer buddy!

#18 - My father

My father is a very loving and giving person. He always makes me laugh! He is very thoughtful, gives me great advice and is always there for me.

#17 - My mother

My mother has a very big heart. She loves to create, share and celebrate. She instilled in me a great passion for life and taught me many things: to cook, to sew, arts/crafts, to take care of my body and to be an adventurer!

#16 - Movies That Open My Eyes

Tonight I watched "The Killing Fields" about how the Vietnam War entered Cambodia and the violent aftermath of the Khmer Rouge's rise to power. I appreciate movies that open my eyes to the world and it's history. I am visiting Cambodia in a year, so this video really touched me. Other great films in this category are "Hotel Rwanda" and "City of God".

#15 - Arts & Sushi in Cabo San Lucas

If you are ever in Cabo and love sushi this place in a must. Some of the most creative and tasty sushi I have ever had was enjoyed here - my taste buds had not had so much fun in years! They wrap their sushi with fun edibles like mangos and top them with tangy delights like jalapenos. But their flavorful and sophisticated sauces are what really bring it together.

#14 - Yelp

Yelp is one of my favorite online tools! I have discovered some of my favorite restaurants and cafes with this booming review site. The iPhone app is a speedy way to search for highly reviewed places around you (with the GPS). It is a lifesaver when traveling and the ultimate way to find that fab new place in town that is not yet on your radar.

#13 - Reading on the beach

I love reading on the beach - when I make it to the beach...

#12 - Murals

There are 100s of murals in the bay area. Sunday I was visiting Fairfax (where I lived when I first moved to CA) and spotted a new mural. Here it is.

#11 - Fro-yo

Yogurt shack is some of the best in the land!

#10 - Iced soy lattes

I have never been a coffee drinker and can't stand soy milk, but somehow this has recently become one of my favorite drinks - who'd have guessed! To be really good it has to be from a gourmet cafe. My two favorite places to order the brew (if you live in the east bay) are Bittersweet Cafe (San Ramon) and Sideboard (Danville).

#9 - Picking fruit

I have very fond memories of picking strawberries as a child. Today I pick my own fruit in a city called Brentwood, CA. Here is a great site to find a U-Pick place near you: http://www.pickyourown.org/index.htm#states

#8 - Retro road signs

I found this sign in SF and fell in love. Had to post it.

#7 - Painting pottery

I love painting - especially something functional like a piece of pottery. My favorite place in the Bay Area to do this is Color Me Mine. Here are some whimsical knobs I painted for a dresser.

#6 - Paddeling down a river in a canoe

Here's my mom paddling down the Miami River. Canoeing is relaxing and a great workout. When I canoe life is simple and I feel connected with nature.

#5 - Pandora radio

This totally customizable radio creates playlists of all the songs I love - with almost zero effort. It's like magic! Now I always have access to music that fits my mood all work day long. It's also a great way to learn about new artist, although most of the artists Pandora plays are mainstream.

#4 - When my boyfriend bakes me bread

Don't these loaves look wholesome.
Full of nuts, oats, millet, bananna
and blueberries.

#3 - Bonsai trees

Bonsai trees always stun me with their amazing
beauty. What a feat! This ancient bonsai is
from the Krohn Conservatory in Cincinnati, OH.

#2 - Farmers markets

I purchased these beautiful sunflowers
at a farmers market Saturday - for only
$3! They were a bit hard to carry home
in my bike basket though.

Want to find a farmers market near
you and enjoy them too:
http://www.localharvest.org/

#1 - Camera phones

I appreciate how camera phones let me capture
so many special moments and memories of my
everyday life - not just staged shots.