If there are two Top Things I love in this crazy world that both start with an S, they would be San Francisco and Shopping. Which is why, when the San Francisco Visitors Bureau offered me one of their patented Stay & Shop SF packages the weekend before I was due back in California, I sure as hell changed my plane ticket double-quick-like.

What to do? What a question. Having lived only 1.5 hours out of the city for a third of my life, I’ve come to know this city and its multifarious wiles like a good friend. And ...

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Watching to sunset in San Francisco from the top of the Cova Hotel, I had a knew appreciation for this city. What makes this city so beautiful is it's colorful layers. Each building, piled on top of each other, makes for a stunning skyline.

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I'm going to let you in on a secret. I've found the best little store in Noe Valley that houses customized tins and specialty chocolates, perfect for the holiday season. It's called Chocolate Covered and it's located on the near 24th and Castro Street. When I walked in Sunday, I was cheerfully greeted by the owner, who happily discussed the technique for making the tins. He also told me that I can customize and order my own tins with personal photos, which would make a really creative present for your loved ones. In addition, the store ...

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On the coldest of mornings, I decided to stop in to the Dolores Park Cafe and grab a delicious hot green tea. It was one of the best teas I've ever had. I enjoyed the most of my morning watching passersby make their way down Dolores Street, thankfully warmed up by the tea.

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One of my favorite shopping areas in San Francisco is in the Marina/Cow Hollow neighborhood. The street is filled with shops for all ages and sizes, plus there are some exclusive boutiques that carry unique items. If you need to get your Christmas shopping done and dread going to Union Square, head over to Union Street. Some of my favorite stores in this area are Mingle and Ambiance. For some sweet treats, head over to Sweet Dish, a candy store that carries all kinds of retro and current candy. If you are need of some refreshments, grab a cup ...

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In between my shopping session, I found time to devour a Pain Au Chocolat from the famed bakery, Tartine. Everything here is delicious, especially the morning bun and the brioche bread pudding. It's a good idea to refuel while I happily shop away in the mission.

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I had the best cup of coffee at Philz Coffee on 24th and Folsom Street in the mission. Because I like dark rich coffee, the gal who worked there recommended the Ether, which had the darkest, boldest coffee flavors I've ever had. They also had a decent selection of pastries and mini cupcakes.

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I spent the best part of the day walking around the gorgeous North Beach area, downing plates of pasta and snapping pictures. I don't think I could have asked for a better day in San Francisco. It's not too cold and the sun warms you up, and a nice walk to burn off the glorious donuts I got from Dynamo Donuts is just what the doctor ordered. I wish I had a paycheck to burn through because I've seen so many shops that look adorable, but that's ok.

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Morning folks! It's a little gray here in San Francisco, but that won't stop me from exploring the city. There is so much to do and see here and I can't wait to get out there. Thanks to some coffee and a little pre-breakfast chocolate truffle (ssshhh, don't tell anyone), my friend and I are gearing up to hit Dynamo Donuts on 24th. Word on the street is that they have the best donuts in California. After donuts, I'm heading out to Cows Hollow, Noe Valley, North Beach then Outer Sunset.

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Have any of you been to Pizzeria Delfina in the mission? If not, then get yourself down there. My friend and I enjoyed a very tasty Margherita pizza, and I think it was the best one I've had in years. The crust was so moist and had such flavor. Make sure you get here early though; the place is very small and you will have to wait if there is a crowd.
Also, if you can save room, head over to the Bi-Rite Creamery and grab some ice cream. You won't be sorry!

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I feel like I got lucky since the sun is shining and there is plenty of blue sky. After a nice walk around Union Square and a visit to the Richard Avedon exhibit at The SF MOMA, my friend and I crashed at the COVA Hotel. The hotel is clean and sleek, and has a complimentary shuttle to the Fisherman Wharf and Union Square. I also got a sweet welcome package from the lovely folks at Six Apart Media.

Time to relax before dinner at Farina, a nice little Italian restaurant in the Mission. Walking around this town sure works ...

The best part about living in Northern California is the proximity to the great attractions in California. I'm only a couple of hours away from the gorgeous Sierra Nevadas and the sparkling skyscrapers in San Francisco. Unfortunately, my crazy work schedule has cut down on my day trips, but next week, I'm heading out on a fun girls trip to San Francisco. When the folks at Six Apart Media and the San Francisco Vistor's Bureau contacted me about being a part of their Shop SF Bloggers campaign, I immediately said yes.

San Francisco will always hold a ...