yep... it's my birthday!!! We celebrated my birthday at my aunt Therese's house and had dinner at one of my favorite chinese restaurant Darda in Milpitas.
April 18, 2008
It's Tammy's Birthday!!!!!
yep... it's my birthday!!! We celebrated my birthday at my aunt Therese's house and had dinner at one of my favorite chinese restaurant Darda in Milpitas.
April 15, 2008
Heath Ceramics is having a Sale!
To redeem, take a printout of this.
Heath Ceramics, 400 Gate 5 Road, between Coloma Street and Harbor Drive, Sausalito (415-332-3732 or heathceramics.com).
*Deal valid through April 22, in-store only.
April 9, 2008
February 29, 2008
bon-bons!
Marco's mom have mailed us some candies from Portugal, which we will be serving at the dessert table. Can you guess which ones have we chosen?
February 19, 2008
i HEART day !!!
We both had to work late on 2/14 :-( so we celebrated over the weekend. I cooked Jamie Oliver's "Superb Chicken" and it was de-lish!! you should all try it!
February 3, 2008
Things to do near Lake Merritt Hotel
Lake Merritt in Oakland is the largest fresh and salt water lake located in the heart of an urban area. Numerous parks, walking paths, a golf course, and cultural attractions surround the 3.4 mile lake. Visitors can also kayak on Lake Merritt.
Lakeshore Avenue & Grand Avenue
The Grand-Lakeshore district is the crossroads of Oakland. Seemingly everyone in town spends time here, whether they walk in from the surrounding neighborhoods, ride in on one of the major bus lines that pass through or drive in for a couple of hours of shopping and noshing. The well-known diversity of the city can be seen here from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. most days of the week. The district is also just a short walk from Lake Merritt, Oakland's crown jewel, making it a great place to stop before or after a leisurely stroll along water. The Lakeshore Avenue shopping and dining strip is a shorter stretch than Grand, but the street is narrower and more businesses are packed in, so it's constantly alive with diners, shoppers and people watchers. The tree-lined street is a great place to stroll, eat, window shop, and catch up with friends.
Marco and I love Arizmendi they have fresh-baked goods, like bread and pizza, straight out of the oven and into your hands (ouch!) and good coffee too!
3265 Lakeshore Ave., (510) 268-8849
Michael Mischer Chocolates: Michael Mischer doesn't make candy -- he makes delicious variations of truffles and bon-bons. Yes, there are the mocha and caramel crowd pleasers, but those are mere opening acts to main events such as champagne, pear, tequila and green tea.
3352 Grand Ave., (510) 986-1822.
Downtown Oakland
Oakland Museum of California. The three–tiered Oakland Museum of California opened in 1969 with the mission of providing unique collections, exhibitions and academic programs to provide a deeper understanding of California’s history, its people, environment, and future. The museum’s permanent gallery collections include the Gallery of California Art that houses original art; California: A Place, A People, A Dream, which explores the social complexities of California; and Walk Across California, which explores California’s natural history. Visit http://www.oaklandmuseum.org/.
Chinatown
The hub of Chinatown is the Pacific Renaissance Plaza, a multi-story residential and commercial complex, which houses a large underground parking garage and features two levels of shops and restaurants. The plaza is also home to the Oakland Asian Cultural Center and the Asian branch of the Oakland Public Library.
Mignonne: Located in Oakland's Historic District, Mignonne is a French inspired boutique that carries home décor, personal care, and unique gift items for women and men. They also carry my pillows there. Have fun!
1000 Jefferson Street, 510.444.5288
www.mignonnedecor.com
G.B. Ratto & Co. International Grocers: They sell the wares found at most Italian delis (pasta, sauces, cold cuts, cheeses, olives, breads, sweets and excellent deli sandwiches), plus more exotic items from around the world such as North African harissa, Indian spice pastes and forbidden black rice from China. Pasta, grains, beans, spices and flour are all available in bulk, and their house label wine vinegars and olive oil are some of the best around. Tantalizing and mysterious kitchen gadgets abound.
821 Washington St., (510) 832-6503.
Caffe 817: Their fine breakfasts and lunches feature treats such as Italian eggwiches, polenta, sandwiches, salads, pizza and daily specials. The ingredients are mainly organic and locally produced, and the coffee is excellent.
817 Washington, (510) 271-7965.
Lakeshore Avenue & Grand Avenue
The Grand-Lakeshore district is the crossroads of Oakland. Seemingly everyone in town spends time here, whether they walk in from the surrounding neighborhoods, ride in on one of the major bus lines that pass through or drive in for a couple of hours of shopping and noshing. The well-known diversity of the city can be seen here from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. most days of the week. The district is also just a short walk from Lake Merritt, Oakland's crown jewel, making it a great place to stop before or after a leisurely stroll along water. The Lakeshore Avenue shopping and dining strip is a shorter stretch than Grand, but the street is narrower and more businesses are packed in, so it's constantly alive with diners, shoppers and people watchers. The tree-lined street is a great place to stroll, eat, window shop, and catch up with friends.
Marco and I love Arizmendi they have fresh-baked goods, like bread and pizza, straight out of the oven and into your hands (ouch!) and good coffee too!
3265 Lakeshore Ave., (510) 268-8849
Michael Mischer Chocolates: Michael Mischer doesn't make candy -- he makes delicious variations of truffles and bon-bons. Yes, there are the mocha and caramel crowd pleasers, but those are mere opening acts to main events such as champagne, pear, tequila and green tea.
3352 Grand Ave., (510) 986-1822.
Downtown Oakland
Oakland Museum of California. The three–tiered Oakland Museum of California opened in 1969 with the mission of providing unique collections, exhibitions and academic programs to provide a deeper understanding of California’s history, its people, environment, and future. The museum’s permanent gallery collections include the Gallery of California Art that houses original art; California: A Place, A People, A Dream, which explores the social complexities of California; and Walk Across California, which explores California’s natural history. Visit http://www.oaklandmuseum.org/.
Chinatown
The hub of Chinatown is the Pacific Renaissance Plaza, a multi-story residential and commercial complex, which houses a large underground parking garage and features two levels of shops and restaurants. The plaza is also home to the Oakland Asian Cultural Center and the Asian branch of the Oakland Public Library.
Mignonne: Located in Oakland's Historic District, Mignonne is a French inspired boutique that carries home décor, personal care, and unique gift items for women and men. They also carry my pillows there. Have fun!
1000 Jefferson Street, 510.444.5288
www.mignonnedecor.com
G.B. Ratto & Co. International Grocers: They sell the wares found at most Italian delis (pasta, sauces, cold cuts, cheeses, olives, breads, sweets and excellent deli sandwiches), plus more exotic items from around the world such as North African harissa, Indian spice pastes and forbidden black rice from China. Pasta, grains, beans, spices and flour are all available in bulk, and their house label wine vinegars and olive oil are some of the best around. Tantalizing and mysterious kitchen gadgets abound.
821 Washington St., (510) 832-6503.
Caffe 817: Their fine breakfasts and lunches feature treats such as Italian eggwiches, polenta, sandwiches, salads, pizza and daily specials. The ingredients are mainly organic and locally produced, and the coffee is excellent.
817 Washington, (510) 271-7965.
Things to do near Newman Hall Parish
Telegraph Avenue (2 blocks down from church)
Almost as if we haven't lost a moment of time... Telegraph Avenue in Berkeley is still so reminiscent of the 60's that you will feel as if you have traveled back in time when you visit Telegraph Avenue in Berkeley. The shops and eateries are a mix of quintessential hippie-dom mixed with the current U.C. Berkeley modern day student. Both seem to blend together in a medley that makes shopping and eating here almost a cultural or historical trek as well as a great shopping one.
Some of our favorites are Bear Basics they got great T-shirts in the basement and go to Amoeba Music for some Bosa Nova. If you feel the urge to get some boba drinks then go to International Alley.
Caffe Strada-We love this college coffee shop. It's a great place to people watch and it's located at the end of College Ave. towards the campus. It also has a pleasant outdoor seating area right on the corner. Try the Bianca (white chocolate) Mocha.
2300 College Avenue (Bancroft Way & College Avenues), (510) 843-5282.
College Avenue (on your way out to 580)
Elmwood Shopping District is located on College Avenue in Berkeley just a few blocks South of the university. Here at the corner of College and Ashby you will find a special shopping experience featuring fine gourmet food, outdoor cafes, and shops that feature unique clothing, jewelry, gift items and quality personal services from local merchants.
Some of our (Tammy's) favorites are Nabolom bakery and Far Leaves. Then there's Dish and Jeremy's for that last minute couture change.
Then further down the street pass Claremont going south is Rockridge, a wonderful shopping district stretching along almost 14 blocks of College Avenue. You will find 5 great bakeries, gourmet food shops, 5 art and photo galleries, a number of shops catering to children and one for just sleepwear. Along with so many unique shops and services, Rockridge can boast of 40+ eateries and a number of great coffee places.
Some of our favorites are Royal Coffee they make each individual press & drip coffee cups!, then walk 2 doors down to La Farine Bakery (pass the flower shop and wine shop)-for some yummy pastry, and we love Zachary's Pizza anytime!
Almost as if we haven't lost a moment of time... Telegraph Avenue in Berkeley is still so reminiscent of the 60's that you will feel as if you have traveled back in time when you visit Telegraph Avenue in Berkeley. The shops and eateries are a mix of quintessential hippie-dom mixed with the current U.C. Berkeley modern day student. Both seem to blend together in a medley that makes shopping and eating here almost a cultural or historical trek as well as a great shopping one.
Some of our favorites are Bear Basics they got great T-shirts in the basement and go to Amoeba Music for some Bosa Nova. If you feel the urge to get some boba drinks then go to International Alley.
Caffe Strada-We love this college coffee shop. It's a great place to people watch and it's located at the end of College Ave. towards the campus. It also has a pleasant outdoor seating area right on the corner. Try the Bianca (white chocolate) Mocha.
2300 College Avenue (Bancroft Way & College Avenues), (510) 843-5282.
College Avenue (on your way out to 580)
Elmwood Shopping District is located on College Avenue in Berkeley just a few blocks South of the university. Here at the corner of College and Ashby you will find a special shopping experience featuring fine gourmet food, outdoor cafes, and shops that feature unique clothing, jewelry, gift items and quality personal services from local merchants.
Some of our (Tammy's) favorites are Nabolom bakery and Far Leaves. Then there's Dish and Jeremy's for that last minute couture change.
Then further down the street pass Claremont going south is Rockridge, a wonderful shopping district stretching along almost 14 blocks of College Avenue. You will find 5 great bakeries, gourmet food shops, 5 art and photo galleries, a number of shops catering to children and one for just sleepwear. Along with so many unique shops and services, Rockridge can boast of 40+ eateries and a number of great coffee places.
Some of our favorites are Royal Coffee they make each individual press & drip coffee cups!, then walk 2 doors down to La Farine Bakery (pass the flower shop and wine shop)-for some yummy pastry, and we love Zachary's Pizza anytime!
February 2, 2008
Wedding Cake- check!
I read this on their website and thought I needed to taste her cakes!Everything is made here in small batches; this means we run out of some items on some days. We experiment with desserts until we find out what our customers want. Some of our ingredients are organic and local. We buy much of our fruit from farmers who sell at the Berkeley Farmer's Market. Our dairy is Clover. Our chocolate is German, Belgian, and Californian.
There is a great deal of effort and love put into everything we make. What else is the point of a neighborhood bakeshop? Many of our customers are also our friends.
It has been a wonderful day in the neighborhood.
After many searching and tasting many flavors of cakes--YES- I finally found one!! a baker that I like and the cake was sooo yummy! :-) You'll just have to wait and taste it for yourself. I'm also working on a dessert table - trying to get desserts from both of our cultures... it has been a challenge finding resources, but i think we're making good progress... how about some Mango Puffs dipped in chocolate?! who wouldn't like puffs!!
Lodging in San Francisco
Hotel Diva
440 Geary Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
1800-553-1900
Located in Union Square, near restaurants, public transportation, nightlife, and shopping.
Hotel Stratford
242 Powell Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
Ph: 415.397.7080
24 Hr Reservation Line: 1.877.922.5928
info@hotelstratford.com
Located in Union Square, near restaurants, public transportation, nightlife, and shopping.
The Andrews Hotel
624 Post Street
San Francisco, CA 94109
415-563-6877
Located in Union Square, near restaurants, public transportation, nightlife, and shopping.
440 Geary Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
1800-553-1900
Located in Union Square, near restaurants, public transportation, nightlife, and shopping.
Hotel Stratford
242 Powell Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
Ph: 415.397.7080
24 Hr Reservation Line: 1.877.922.5928
info@hotelstratford.com
Located in Union Square, near restaurants, public transportation, nightlife, and shopping.
The Andrews Hotel
624 Post Street
San Francisco, CA 94109
415-563-6877
Located in Union Square, near restaurants, public transportation, nightlife, and shopping.
February 1, 2008
Lodging in East Bay
Marina Village Inn
1151 Pacific Marina
Alameda, CA 94501
(800) 345-0304
email: mailto:info@marinavillageinn.com?Subject=Marina%20Village%20Inn%20Website%20Inquiry
We really like this place, be sure when you book this place ask for the Water Front Room it faces the marina. It's not too far from the reception just through the tunnel to Alameda and it's at a really quiet location. Some of our family members are staying at this place. Be sure to mention "Tammy and Marco's wedding" to get a dsicount rate of $89.00 per night.
The Washington Inn
495 10th Street
Oakland, California 94607
510.452.1776
email: http://www.blogger.com/Raj@thewashingtoninn.com
Downtown Oakland and the inn is next door to lots of little restaurants, coffee shops, and Chinatown. Taxi distance from the reception. Be sure to mention "Tammy and Marco's wedding" to get a dsicount rate of $109.00 per night.
Your can also look into Marriott and Courtyard Hotels.
Hotel Durant
2600 Durant Avenue
Berkeley, CA 94704
510.845.8981
2 blocks away from the ceremony.
Claremont Resort & Spa
41 Tunnel Road
Berkeley, CA 94705
510-843-3000 - Resort Main Number
800-551-7266 ext.# 1 - Reservations
Very close to the ceremony.
1151 Pacific Marina
Alameda, CA 94501
(800) 345-0304
email: mailto:info@marinavillageinn.com?Subject=Marina%20Village%20Inn%20Website%20Inquiry
We really like this place, be sure when you book this place ask for the Water Front Room it faces the marina. It's not too far from the reception just through the tunnel to Alameda and it's at a really quiet location. Some of our family members are staying at this place. Be sure to mention "Tammy and Marco's wedding" to get a dsicount rate of $89.00 per night.
The Washington Inn
495 10th Street
Oakland, California 94607
510.452.1776
email: http://www.blogger.com/Raj@thewashingtoninn.com
Downtown Oakland and the inn is next door to lots of little restaurants, coffee shops, and Chinatown. Taxi distance from the reception. Be sure to mention "Tammy and Marco's wedding" to get a dsicount rate of $109.00 per night.
Your can also look into Marriott and Courtyard Hotels.
Hotel Durant
2600 Durant Avenue
Berkeley, CA 94704
510.845.8981
2 blocks away from the ceremony.
Claremont Resort & Spa
41 Tunnel Road
Berkeley, CA 94705
510-843-3000 - Resort Main Number
800-551-7266 ext.# 1 - Reservations
Very close to the ceremony.
January 9, 2008
About Us
Marco born in Angola, Africa in 1974, raised in Portugal, moved to the US in 1992.
Tammy born in Taipei, Taiwan in 1975, moved to the US in 1985.
We met through a co-worker over dinner. Neither of us thought much of it initially, but after only a few months of friendly lunches and many miles on Marco's motorcycle we could not stop spending time with each other. We were in love!
Our Bridal Entourage
Peter- groom's former NY work buddy ( aka.best man )
Stephanie-bride's cousin ( aka. maid of honor )
Clara-bride's childhood friend
David-bride's drinking buddy
Russell-bride + groom's outing buddy
Zubin-groom's drinking buddy
Mia-Bride's cousin's 4 year old daughter ( aka. flower girl )
January 5, 2008
Bridal Brunch
We had our bridal party over for brunch and also toured the wedding sites. Thank you all for coming on this windy-raining weather...
December 27, 2007
Save The Date
somehow between working OT and bed time i have managed to design our "Save The Date"... here's a sketch....
and here's the final :-) in 3 languages. "Reserve a Data"-is in Portuguese and not a misspell.
Thank you to my Layout Designer Russell (aka. groomsmen) looks beautiful and thanks for putting up with my audio command. This would've never been sent out without your help.
and here's the final :-) in 3 languages. "Reserve a Data"-is in Portuguese and not a misspell.Thank you to my Layout Designer Russell (aka. groomsmen) looks beautiful and thanks for putting up with my audio command. This would've never been sent out without your help.
December 25, 2007
"...holiday celebrate..."
@ B of A Bldg on California Street in SF.
and here we are at Marco's company party with Marilyn.
e-ma's 95th Birthday!!December 12, 2007
save the date - STAMP
This picture was the picutre of our Save the Date Stamp.
The US Postal Service came up with customized your own postal stamp. How could I pass that up-fun!!! I wanted to have picture of the both of us on our Save the Date card, especially for those who does not know either who the groom or bride to be is. I thought it was a nice way of 'nice to meet you and we hope you can make it' - save the date stamp. For those who didn't get one ... sorry we ran out... but we'll try and make it up on the wedding invitation.
December 8, 2007
Yosemity
Winter in Yose-mite - so peaceful in the valley.We went to Yosemite with a couple of our friends and stayed at the Yosemite Bug's where we rented a house. We hiked, but most of time we enjoyed eating-cooking-spa-jenga-karaoke!
November 25, 2007
November 22, 2007
FOUND IT!
yep finally i found "the dress" thanks to my cousin Stephanie (aka. maid of honor) we went to this bridal place up in Concord and she made me tried on the dress... at first i wasn't sure because i never thought the style will look good on me. then i waited for a few days and brought my mom to looked at it, then i knew - this was it!!! i'm so excited and can't wait to pick it up in April.
November 19, 2007
Directions to Newman Hall Parish
Newman Hall Parish (map)
2700 Dwight Way
Berkeley, CA 94704
From San Francisco:
From the Bay Bridge take 580 East toward Downtown Oakland/Hayward-Stockton. Take CA-24 East toward Walnut Creek. Take the Claremont Ave exit, turn Left at Claremont Ave. Left at College Ave. (very busy street plan on some traffic). Entrance on Dwight Way corner of College Ave.
From 880 South Or San Jose:
Take 880 North toward downtown Oakland. Take the I-980 East / Walnut Creek CA-24. Take the Claremont Ave exit. Turn Left at Claremont Ave. (3rd lights). Turn Left at College Ave. (very busy street plan on some traffic). Entrance on Dwight Way corner of College Ave.
From Orinda:
Take 24 West toward Oakland. Take 5B Exit merge onto CA-13 toward Berkeleym (CA-13 = Ashby Ave). Right at College Ave. Entrance on Dwight Way corner of College Ave.
From 80 East or Napa:
Take 80 West toward San Francisco. Exit University Ave. Right turn at San Pablo Ave. Left turn at Dwight Way. Entrance on Dwight Way corner of College Ave.
Parking
Limited parking is available in the lot across Dwight Way (one way street) from the church building. University's Underhill Garage (entrances on Channing and Haste, just west of College Ave.) parking fee $1.00 for one hour.
2700 Dwight Way
Berkeley, CA 94704
From San Francisco:
From the Bay Bridge take 580 East toward Downtown Oakland/Hayward-Stockton. Take CA-24 East toward Walnut Creek. Take the Claremont Ave exit, turn Left at Claremont Ave. Left at College Ave. (very busy street plan on some traffic). Entrance on Dwight Way corner of College Ave.
From 880 South Or San Jose:
Take 880 North toward downtown Oakland. Take the I-980 East / Walnut Creek CA-24. Take the Claremont Ave exit. Turn Left at Claremont Ave. (3rd lights). Turn Left at College Ave. (very busy street plan on some traffic). Entrance on Dwight Way corner of College Ave.
From Orinda:
Take 24 West toward Oakland. Take 5B Exit merge onto CA-13 toward Berkeleym (CA-13 = Ashby Ave). Right at College Ave. Entrance on Dwight Way corner of College Ave.
From 80 East or Napa:
Take 80 West toward San Francisco. Exit University Ave. Right turn at San Pablo Ave. Left turn at Dwight Way. Entrance on Dwight Way corner of College Ave.
Parking
Limited parking is available in the lot across Dwight Way (one way street) from the church building. University's Underhill Garage (entrances on Channing and Haste, just west of College Ave.) parking fee $1.00 for one hour.
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