I HEART San Francisco!

I just got back from a short trip to San Francisco with a good friend to see another good friend from college. This was my first visit to this lovely city, and I was truly impressed. I walked my legs-off (really, honestly, my legs were so tried, they just upped and walked off my body!), ate a lot of fantastic food and, of course, did some major shopping.

And even though I often hear how "expensive" San Fran is, I was able to find some fantastic deals on some cute and unique goodies. And because you all know how much I love to shop and how much I love a deal, I must share my finds. (They were all under $40, by the way!)

So here we go...

I found this barrette at an art fair in the Embarcadero area. (I also got a bracelet, but I couldn't find a picture of one on the artist's Web site.) They are made from real flowers, hand-made, and absolutely beautiful! Made by Ricciardi Design.

$19.

Of the many neighborhoods we visited, I really enjoyed Hayes Valley for its cute boutiques and one-of-a-kind shops. I was able to find a clever housewarming gift for my sister at a store called Lavish. It's a coaster, a place card and a doodle-pad. That's right, you can write on these hip pads of silicone. I snagged the last one on the table. But you can find one for yourself at modern-twist.

$24.

Another tiny shop we came across in Hayes Valley was called Little Otsu. It was filled with quirky stationary, journals, planners, and other paper products. As I was perusing the products, I saw a silly little book called the Non-Planner Datebook. It was quirky and creative, and I had to have it .

$16.

Our last day there, we decided to visit The Haight. Unfortunately we went when there was a festival celebrating all that makes The Haight The Haight. Lots of people, a little smelly, a lot dirty, but very entertaining. Amidst all those hippies and wanna-be hippies, was an eccentric store called Loyal Army. As we walked in, we saw a hilarious t-shirt that had a cartoon pancake with steaming butter dripping from it saying "I'm a hot mess!" Fun stuff! After combing through the other funnies, I decided on a more "serious" statement.

$19.50 (I got 20% off, so it was only $17).

Finally, I had to get some of San Fran's famous sourdough bread. Actually, a friend from work wanted me to get him some, so when I got his, I thought -- why not get one more for moi?!" So, I did. A fresh and delicious loaf from Acme Bread Co. And, to add a little sweetness to it, I bought some lick-your-lips lavender-infused honey from a local producer -- Marshall Farm.

Sourdough bread, $4; Honey, $8