I’m not really sure why, at 5-years-old, I became so rabidly obsessed with dogs. And I’m not sure why my heart attached to golden retrievers in particular. But there was some force that pulled me to them despite being of Indian origin. Generally speaking, Indians don’t really do the whole “having a dog” thing. As with everything else in my life, I was an oddity.
Cliche as it was, I began writing Christmas wishlists and a golden retriever puppy was always number one. I hoped to see a big box under our tree that would wiggle and reveal a puppy. It never happened, but I didn’t let it get me down. I found other ways to feed my obsession until that pup and I would meet.
The plan was to go to Snooze, one of the most popular brunch spots in San Diego that happens to be in our neighborhood. The week before Teddy arrived, we decided to take advantage of our fleeting freedom and work-at-home status (definitely can’t step away for too long now given the pup’s hourly bathroom needs) and walked into Snooze only to find out the wait was 40 minutes on a Wednesday at 10 a.m. Sorry, but I gave up waiting for restaurants towards the end of my New York tenure.
Screw it, we said, and walked around the corner to the small, cute and less crowded Fig Tree Cafe. The menu has all the sweets and savories you’d want at reasonable prices. Eaman and I shared the veggie scramble ($9.25 for eggs with goat cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, toast and the most perfect roasted potatoes) as well as French toast with whipped cream and strawberries ($10.45). Make sure to try the orange zest-flavored syrup, too. It’s got zing.
Every blog has a certain purpose in my life. Some make me want to redecorate, others send me straight to the kitchen and there are those that make me question why I don’t own a leather skirt. When I need a jolt of bright and happy energy, I read Ashley Fine’s blog, One Fine Day. The blogger and personal stylist has created a charming life for herself in Hawaii, where her and her military husband (nicknamed “Flyboy” on the blog) are currently stationed. Ashley’s blog serves up tons of visual inspiration, from fashion and interior design to prints and book recommendations. This island girl’s sweet, funny and cheery — if you’re not following her on Instagram, what are you waiting for? — so let’s find out what keeps Ashley calm, cool and collected.
This family just got a little bigger…and cuter…and fluffier. Yes, that’s right friends: After nearly 23 years of yearning for a golden retriever friend, I’m wildly, outrageously, butt-crazily ecstatic to share with you that we finally have a dog!
Meet Teddy, an 8-week-old golden with a serene personality (so far), adorably round head (a very important trait we wanted — no joke) and snuggle-worthy shaggy coat. He hails from Meadowbrook Farms in Perris, CA from a wonderful breeder family who takes good care of their goldens, corgis and horses on their quaint and quiet farm.* Major updates since Day One: He’s kind of, sort of starting to get the bathroom-outside thing, bitter apple spray does in fact keep him from biting furniture and he loves sleeping on our cold tile floor.
I have a lot to say about what it means for me to have a dog — I’ll regale you with the tale next week — but for now I’m taking time to enjoy these first few days of newness, craziness, sleep-deprived playtime and…bathroom clean-up.
*I know there are a lot of people out there who’ll be unhappy with our choice to go with a breeder versus a shelter. Just know that yes, we weighed that option and yes, we do understand the value of adopting, but this was what was right for us at this time. We were extremely picky about breeders; it was important to us that the family be just as in love and just as nurturing to the pups as we are going to be. We scoped them out like private investigators and asked a thousand questions — and then some. That said, I’ve made a promise to myself to adopt the next dog I own. You better believe there will be another down the line!
What a difference 2.5 months make. Since moving in January 11, our apartment feels like a real home thanks to flea market finds, a little paint work and some wall art. (In my opinion, a place becomes home only when you decorate the walls.) Today I’ll take you on a little tour of some of my favorite elements. Get ready for color, wanderlust and stories behind pretty much everything.
