Baby It’s Cold Outside + Lunch in Walnut Creek
I guess I’m still trying to figure out California’s winters because I expected it to be somewhat chilly and very rainy by now but instead it’s just really, really cold.
As a matter of fact, I don’t think it’s been above forty-five degrees for the past four days. I’m sure some of you are rolling your eyes and thinking forty degree weather is a walk in the park but that’s way too cold for this chica.
It made it difficult to spend a lot time outside over the weekend but it didn’t stop us from going to get our Christmas tree!
My soon-to-be father-in-law and stepmom came in to town this weekend so before we went shopping for our tree, we took a short drive to Walnut Creek for lunch.
It can be a little tricky to find something to please everyone but after freezing our butts off about twenty minutes of walking around, we found a well-rounded menu at Lark Creek.
They had plenty of vegetarian options and their brioche French toast made me wish I hadn’t ate breakfast already. In the end, I went for the lentil veggie burger with fries and Brandon got a grilled veggie sandwich with macaroni salad.
The restaurant had a nice atmosphere and we were all pleased with our meals so I’d say it was a win.
After we were full from lunch, we went to a favorite coffee shop of ours in Pleasanton, Juice & Java Express.
Everyone else got coffee and hot chocolate but I’ve been feeling a little off since Friday so I ordered a beet juice to help the old immune system fight off the little buggahs. We chit-chatted for a while and then went home to get Stinky so that she could be a part of the Christmas tree fun.
We got our tree from a local Boy Scout Troop last year and it was such a nice experience that we decided to go back again this year.
Coco, being the social butterfly that she is, demanded that everyone stop looking for a tree and pet her for at least five minutes.
It took us a while to find one that was both tall and full enough but eventually Brandon spotted a beautiful seven-foot noble fir tucked away in the back.
Can you spot the Abominable Snowman near the top? That’s Brandon’s favorite ornament and he loves to make fun of the fact that I have a hard time pronouncing the word abominable. It’s such a weird word! And yes, I had to Google how to spell it.
We took advantage of the cold weather and lit a fire while we decorated our tree.
Then we finished the night with a warm mug of hot cocoa topped with vegan marshmallows which were quite enjoyable, if I don’t say so myself.
So we had a nice, relaxing weekend with family and now it’s back to work for muah. Fun and fun. I’m not complaining though. I know it’s sounds like that but I’m not, I promise… ;)
I’m also a little behind my normal schedule because I haven’t quite figured out how to find time for blogging when we have guests. I guess it feels rude to be on my computer for too long, you know?
Anyway, I hope you all had a nice weekend and were able to stay warm!
Do you have your tree yet?
Do you what movie the Abominable Snowman is from?
Haha I love the abominable snowman (and yes, definitely an awkward word to spell)…always my favourite character in Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.
I can’t wait until we have a big enough apartment for a regular Christmas tree – right now, we just use a little 4 foot fake tree. It gets the job done, but still…
I won’t say anything about the weather, especially because I expect California to always be warm hahah at least compared to the east! And I think it’s great that you guys get a real tree! Ahhh the fresh pine smell :) I miss it. We used to get one but laziness happens and now we have a fake, which totally works for us.
Abominable snowman–rudolph!!
I have been wondering about those vegan marshmallows, especially now that it is hot cocoa season! Do they really taste like the real deal?
Your tree is so pretty! We put ours up this weekend too. 45 degrees is also super cold for me. I think I was meant to live in the Caribbean somewhere!
Oooh that restaurant sounds so nice and the food looked delicious! Your tree is so beautiful as well, I love it! Ours is already up, which makes me super happy! ;)
Wait it gets cold in California? Dreams crushed! Can’t possibly be worse than here though. Kind of obsessed with your doggie’s coat. I want a human version! I also want a tree but I think my parents would have a heart attack if I put a tree in the house. Next year in my apartment a tree is happening.
Ugh your food pictures always look incredible. NEED that veggie burger. Your tree looks great! Putting up the tree is my favorite part of Christmas :)
Rudolph! One of my favourites. I love the island of misfit toys and the crazy mizer brothers :)
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer! I just watched it last week ;) I think it’s funny you have a coat on Coco – she must be a Florida girl too!
You’re right — I’m rolling my eyes at your idea of cold :P I won’t even tell you how cold it’s been here over the past couple of days, but let’s just say that I’d be breaking out the t shirts and shorts if it was 45. Also, both you and Coco are looking super stylish — love both your coats!
PS – the Abom is from Rudolph and I love that movie <3
Your tree is gorgeous! That’s the tree I wish we had. :)
I love your tree! So festive! We aren’t getting one this year because we’ll be away. :(
Yay for hanging stockings for our pets! :) Coco’s coat is adorable!! You’re tree looks so great! :)
I love your tree! The abominable snowman ornament is pretty awesome. Once upon a time, I decorated a tree and my favorite ornament was a giant pencil. I’m easily amused, clearly. I’ve been browsing your blog and I just have to say that I love Style Me Pretty, too. Those weddings are beautiful, and HOW exciting that you’re getting married so soon! Doing it on a Monday seems like a smart move to me. Weddings are so freaking expensive.
Haha, I love that ornament. Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer is kind of an amazing movie.
Your tree looks so pretty all set up.
I’ve been so obsessed with hot cocoa these days since the weather has been cooler. Literally can not get enough.
Oh my gosh, your dog is so cute!! I would happily stop and pet her for 5 minutes! I am definitely the crazy lady where we live because I have stop and pet every dog we see :)
It’s 32degrees and snowing here in NJ today. Our tree has been up since Thanksgiving, we’re early birds :). That veggie burger looks amazing.
Oh my goodness, that doggie sweater is just too cute! Tebow’s from last year is a little tight on him so I think we may be in the market for a new one if these freezing temperatures continue! Brrr! It was only 21 degrees on my way into work this morning!
Aw your tree is so classic and cute! I really love real trees but my allergies and the falling needles deter me every year. I have to agree with you 45 is COLD! We have been having a crazy ice storm and temps have been in the teens in Texas! I am about to shrivel up and die. !!
I think it’s a good thing you don’t blog with family over. I mean, if you were all having down time on your computers then it would be totally fine. :) David & I don’t have a Christmas tree and haven’t once since we’ve lived together…we just don’t see the reason to. Maybe some day when we have kids.
I love your tree, and that you were able to enjoy the tree shopping experience with family and stinky :)!
Love your tree! Happy you got to spend the weekend with you almost in-laws! Keep warm. XO
What a lovely tree! We’re getting ours this week, hopefully. We’re not cutting it down this time though. :( I can’t wait to decorate! Abonid…whatever snowman is hard to say! I just call it the Yeti :) So glad you have Coco wrapped up outside. It’s been sooooo cooold around these parts.
I love your brown boots they are too cute!!
I wish we could get a real tree but our apartment is small so we have a fake one that has LED lights which means we can’t actually put decorations on it.
Love the sound of those vegan marshmallows.
Ahh your tree looks so nice :) And I agree that 45 is quite cold but we’re at 15 and counting over here in Atlantic Canada… Enjoy looking cute in that little jacket! lol but I am very jealous of your fireplace & vegan marshmallows!
You are a champ for blogging when you have house guests. I’m sure I couldn’t manage it! You and Brandon are just too cute. And Cocoa, as always! Love that she gets a stocking, too! :)
I just noticed it in the pictures above but you look a lot like Natalie Portman! Both of you are beautiful ladies!
Aw, thanks Jillenne! I’ve actually been told that before but I don’t think I am anywhere near as pretty as she is.