trouble coffee

Let’s talk about toast. It’s one of my most favorite snacks/meals of all time. When I was sick as a little kid, my mom would make me a buttery, cinnamon and sugary piece of toast and it would almost certainly make me feel better. When money was tight in college (and even after), a piece of toast always hit the spot and was gentle on the wallet.

As I continue to explore every small detail of San Francisco, recently I stumbled upon Trouble Coffee in the very Outer Sunset. Run by a bevy of attractive men (no complaints here), Trouble Coffee makes the best piece of toast I’ve ever had (disclaimer: I have not yet tried The Mill - I hear it's great). It was almost equal parts butter and bread and the cinnamon and sugar coated it quite nicely.

Another nice surprise at Trouble was a tea latte the baristas told me I had to try. Usually, I’m quite loyal to a good cup of coffee, but The Girlfriend (a honey and lavender tea latte) stole me away from my usual and I definitely didn’t look back. It was amazing.

Check out Trouble Coffee at 4033 Judah St., San Francisco

a lovely table

Last Sunday, I got a little crafty with the tablescape for Mother's Day. Surprisingly, I thought it came out pretty well!

burrata, fig, prosciutto and balsamic crostinis

mom and aunt kathleen in their '20s

These ideas were (obviously) inspired by Emily Schuman... the queen of entertaining.

that time my day instantly turned around

As many of you know by now, this blog started because of a trip to India. For years, I read my friend, Sam's blog, wishing I had the courage to write like she did. When I decided to move to India for five months after college graduation, a blog proved to be the perfect excuse to start writing for all to read.

Living in a country so different than the United States was the most challenging thing I've ever done. I was alone, hungry, beyond hot, uncomfortable and nervous a lot of the time. But having the chance to live among a society of people with such faith and hope that everything in life will be all right taught me so much.

I learned to manage my stress because no matter what I'm experiencing here, it's never going to be as stressful as trying to feed a family every night when funds are non-existent.

I learned how to write with ease about a country and cause I'm desperately passionate about, even though in the beginning, I was terrified to write anything at all.

I learned that, as much as I say time and time again, I don't care for kids, that's just not true. Those 100 plus kids took my heart and ran for miles. One in particular.

Santhosh | 2011

But most of all, I learned how to embrace and love life no matter what. And I learned that from children; children growing up in a tiny village in the middle of no where in Southern India; children who laugh and dance and sing despite not even having shoes to do so in; and children who still ask about 'Miss Allie.'

And that's how my day instantly turned around. I woke up with a killer stomach ache. I felt tired and cranky for no real reason but after a brief phone call from the non-profit who took me to India, with a stellar report that my kids are not only growing into amazing young people but still, almost two years later, remember me, my day took a turn for the better.

How could it not?

blushing, a little

...from Avery's interview with little ole me. Head over to hear my amateur expert advice on post-grad life.

In other news, I've been completely slacking on the blog front. That will all change shortly, don't fret my pets!