Gina Chong

A blog about food and stuff

  • ABOUT
  • RECIPES
  • CONTACT
  • FOLLOW ME
    • Instagram
    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

Botanical Gardens

Uncategorized June 9, 2015

While trying to think of new things to do in the Bay Area, hubby suggested we look for stuff to do in Berkeley. After a bit of research, I decided on three things: stop at the Spun Sugar baking supply shop, eat at a Japanese tapas place called Kiraku, and the UC Botanical Garden at Berkeley. Pretty much my perfect day.

I had very high expectations for Kiraku. Everything we ordered was super delish: think corn tempura, real wasabi, and melt-in-your-mouth sashimi. The service was a bit erratic though.

The gardens were beautiful and so huge! They say on the website to give yourself a good 2 hours to tour the whole gardens and they are right. We didn’t give ourselves quite enough time and missed out on the Redwood portion, but had fun seeing the carnivorous plants, Japanese tea garden, Chinese medicinal herbs, and garden of old roses. Big recommend, and I posted a few photos below.

All the jewelry I’m wearing is from Rocksbox. I have been seeing them all over lately, but if you haven’t heard of them they are a jewelry subscription company. Essentially you pay $19/mo. and are shipped three pieces of jewelry. You get $10 of credit each month to go towards anything you might want to keep from your box. And you can keep your jewelry as long as you want, or send it back and get three new pieces. It’s really nice jewelry, I actually have a necklace on my wishlist right now that is worth 200 buckaroos, whoee! This was my first box and I ended up keeping these gold pave studs. I really needed some nice everyday earrings, and these were perfect.

If you guys are interested in signing up, you can use one of these codes and get your first month free (and they’re also doing some good promotions this month for members, like discounted prices if you extend membership):

GINABFF118
or koreanmuttxoxo

Cardigan: Banana Republic (similar) | Skirt: Uniqlo (similar) | Jewelry: c/o Rocksbox

Share this:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)

Related

SHARE:
Black + White Striped Nails + Giveaway »
« Passion Fruit Cupcakes with Marscapone Frosting

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

  • San Fran Picnic + Japanese Potato SaladSan Fran Picnic + Japanese Potato Salad
  • Flea Market Fun in CoralFlea Market Fun in Coral
  • Korean Chicken Noodles (KalGukSu)Korean Chicken Noodles (KalGukSu)
  • Cranberry White Chocolate CookiesCranberry White Chocolate Cookies

Comments

  1. Gina G says

    June 26, 2015 at 6:02 pm

    Too cool! It's a great town!

    Reply
  2. Chelsea Borgerding says

    June 25, 2015 at 3:38 am

    Gina! From the looks of it, you had a wonderful day in Berkeley! Also these photos are creating so much nostalgia because I went to undergrad at Berkeley. Since graduating, it has been my dream to move back to Berkeley one day and raise my family in North Berkeley. I just love it over there!

    Chelsea
    Ginger Side of Life

    Reply
  3. Gina G says

    June 18, 2015 at 1:20 am

    thanks~

    Reply
  4. Gina G says

    June 18, 2015 at 1:20 am

    thanks!

    Reply
  5. Gina G says

    June 18, 2015 at 1:20 am

    thanks 🙂

    Reply
  6. Gina G says

    June 18, 2015 at 1:15 am

    You need to, they have some really great ones!

    Reply
  7. Gina G says

    June 18, 2015 at 1:14 am

    thanks 🙂

    Reply
  8. Gina G says

    June 18, 2015 at 1:14 am

    thanks!

    Reply
  9. Gina G says

    June 18, 2015 at 1:14 am

    thanks

    Reply
  10. Gina G says

    June 18, 2015 at 1:06 am

    I'm sure they will, those things are spreading like crazy!

    Reply
  11. Gina G says

    June 18, 2015 at 1:06 am

    Oh me too! Thanks!

    Reply
  12. Gina G says

    June 18, 2015 at 1:05 am

    thank you!

    Reply
  13. Gina G says

    June 18, 2015 at 1:05 am

    It was fun! Thanks Jasmine!

    Reply
  14. Gina G says

    June 18, 2015 at 1:05 am

    thank you!

    Reply
  15. Gina G says

    June 18, 2015 at 1:05 am

    thanks 🙂

    Reply
  16. Gina G says

    June 18, 2015 at 1:05 am

    lol thanks

    Reply
  17. Gina G says

    June 18, 2015 at 1:05 am

    Aw you're too sweet!

    Reply
  18. Gina G says

    June 18, 2015 at 1:04 am

    Thanks!

    Reply
  19. Gina G says

    June 18, 2015 at 12:55 am

    thanks!

    Reply
  20. Gina G says

    June 18, 2015 at 12:54 am

    thanks!

    Reply
  21. Gina G says

    June 18, 2015 at 12:54 am

    thanks Kreyola 🙂

    Reply
  22. Gina G says

    June 18, 2015 at 12:54 am

    thanks so much!

    Reply
  23. Gina G says

    June 18, 2015 at 12:53 am

    thanks!

    Reply
  24. Gina G says

    June 18, 2015 at 12:53 am

    I know right??

    Reply
  25. Gina G says

    June 18, 2015 at 12:53 am

    thanks 🙂

    Reply
  26. Gina G says

    June 18, 2015 at 12:53 am

    aw thank you! I've had it forever but I just love it

    Reply
  27. Gina G says

    June 18, 2015 at 12:53 am

    🙂 thanks

    Reply
  28. Gina G says

    June 18, 2015 at 12:53 am

    thanks 🙂

    Reply
  29. Gina G says

    June 18, 2015 at 12:53 am

    thanks!

    Reply
  30. Gina G says

    June 18, 2015 at 12:52 am

    thanks!

    Reply
  31. Gina G says

    June 18, 2015 at 12:48 am

    They were really pretty Melanie!

    Reply
  32. Gina G says

    June 18, 2015 at 12:16 am

    In Singapore? I bet theirs are amazing!

    Reply
  33. Gina G says

    June 18, 2015 at 12:16 am

    thanks Deniz!

    Reply
  34. Gina G says

    June 18, 2015 at 12:16 am

    Aren't they fun?? Thanks Paige!

    Reply
  35. Gina G says

    June 18, 2015 at 12:16 am

    thanks, and agree!

    Reply
  36. Gina G says

    June 18, 2015 at 12:16 am

    Yeah it was really fun! Thanks Alexandra!

    Reply
  37. Gina G says

    June 18, 2015 at 12:15 am

    You will love it! They have been able to send me things on my wishlist every time~~

    Reply
  38. Gina G says

    June 18, 2015 at 12:13 am

    thanks Karen~

    Reply
  39. Gina G says

    June 18, 2015 at 12:13 am

    thanks 🙂

    Reply
  40. Gina G says

    June 18, 2015 at 12:12 am

    Yeah I never thought so either, but it's more fun with a camera because you are always looking to capture something

    Reply
  41. Gina G says

    June 18, 2015 at 12:09 am

    thanks!

    Reply
  42. Adela Acanski says

    June 16, 2015 at 3:49 pm

    You look beautiful!

    http://www.adelaacanski.com/

    Reply
  43. Jan says

    June 16, 2015 at 1:21 am

    You're so beautiful! Thanks for reminding me that there are earrings at Rocksbox. I really need a new pair of everyday ones so let me just add a few to my wish list 😉

    -Jan
    janmloves.blogspot.com

    Reply
  44. Christina Hu says

    June 16, 2015 at 1:21 am

    Love how you styled the greys! Super casual and cute 🙂

    xoxo, Christina

    Stray Birds and Lavender

    Reply
  45. Rachel Dinh says

    June 16, 2015 at 1:21 am

    Just beautiful, I love this look on you, the photos are gorgeous.

    http://www.racheldinh.com

    Reply
  46. Gabrielle Crystal RoseBonniee says

    June 15, 2015 at 5:05 pm

    Lovely ♥

    Love from Slovakia ~

    Orange Triangle Bikini just for 5,99$

    Reply
  47. Shaira Manalo says

    June 15, 2015 at 5:05 pm

    Wow, this place is beautiful and so are you! You're outfit complemented the backgrounds <3

    Have a nice day! 🙂

    xoxo,
    SHAIRA
    http://www.missdream-girl.blogspot.com

    Reply
  48. Amber Shannon says

    June 15, 2015 at 5:05 pm

    I love your sandals!!

    ♥
    Amber
    All the Cute
    Today’s Post: Grey Knit Romper & Converse

    Reply
  49. annie lee says

    June 14, 2015 at 2:13 am

    wish they had more of these subscription services here in bangkok 🙁 that necklace is so cute gina!

    Reply
  50. Eden Mint says

    June 13, 2015 at 3:38 pm

    What a beautiful setting for photos, love your outfit!

    http://www.mintnotion.com

    Reply
  51. jeanne christine says

    June 13, 2015 at 3:38 pm

    Looking great dear! Always love botanical gardens!

    http://www.jeannechristinemarie.blogspot.com

    Reply
  52. prudence yeo says

    June 12, 2015 at 6:01 pm

    Love the floral cardigan, it's such a pretty piece! The garden is so beautiful too, thanks for sharing!

    Prudence
    http://www.prudencepetitestyle.com

    Reply
  53. Jasmine Hwang says

    June 12, 2015 at 6:01 pm

    Oh it's so nice to see your pretty face again! These pictures and you are so beautiful! I've never been to those gardens but I'll have to make a trip up there the next time I'm in NorCal!

    be the plebeian

    Reply
  54. Am2Pm Chic says

    June 12, 2015 at 4:54 am

    Subtle and alluringly beautiful.
    xoxo
    Christy

    http://www.am2pmchic.com

    Reply
  55. Anonymous says

    June 12, 2015 at 4:54 am

    What pretty pictures! I love your necklace! 🙂
    http://trend-mixblog.com/

    Reply
  56. Simply Davelyn says

    June 11, 2015 at 9:54 pm

    You look lovely! Such a pretty outfit 🙂

    xo, mikéla / simplydavelyn.com

    Reply
  57. Elizabeth says

    June 11, 2015 at 9:54 pm

    You are so gorgeous! I really love those gladiator sandals – I have a similar pair but in tan and I wear them all the time. Also, It's really nice to get out and explore new areas, I need to do this more often:-).

    http://www.wunderbliss.blogspot.ca

    Reply
  58. AforAlyce says

    June 11, 2015 at 4:09 pm

    Love the necklace from Rocksbox. Such a nice casual outfit, you look great!! 😀

    ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND

    Reply
  59. Eliza Armand says

    June 11, 2015 at 4:09 pm

    You look amazing! I like this floral blazer!

    Cheers, Eliza http://www.fashion-confession.com

    Reply
  60. Kreyola says

    June 11, 2015 at 2:48 am

    So pretty. Love the back drop.

    Kreyola Jounerys | Instagram

    Reply
  61. Aleczandra Sallows says

    June 10, 2015 at 9:10 pm

    Firstly, these photos are beautiful! I love all of the flowers. Secondly, your outfit is super cute. That skirt is awesome!

    https://forsevenseasons.wordpress.com

    Reply
  62. Wishes & Reality says

    June 10, 2015 at 6:31 pm

    Such pretty photos! Love this skirt!

    Wishes & Reality

    Reply
  63. Abigail Castro says

    June 10, 2015 at 5:01 pm

    I love this look! And what an awesome view 🙂 Your necklace is very pretty, too.

    xo,
    Abby of Life in the Fash Lane

    Reply
  64. Audrey Allure says

    June 10, 2015 at 5:01 pm

    The gardens look beautiful!

    Just got Rocksbox too — so tempting to buy it all!

    – Audrey
    http://audreyallure.blogspot.com

    Reply
  65. Deniz G says

    June 10, 2015 at 2:53 pm

    Wow the gardens look amazing! Sounds like you had a great time (:

    – Deniz
    http://www.dressedupdeniz.com

    Reply
  66. julie @ jewelswandering.com says

    June 10, 2015 at 2:53 pm

    That necklace is gorgeous…! Hmm, your post reminds me that I still need to hit up the Botanical Gardens here…! Oops!

    Reply
  67. meandmr.com says

    June 10, 2015 at 2:53 pm

    These gardens are so pretty! I want to visit!
    melanie @ meandmr.com

    Reply
  68. Claire says

    June 10, 2015 at 2:53 pm

    Beautiful! You look so lovely and the background is so pretty!

    God bless,
    XO, Claire
    http://www.littlemissfashionqueen.com

    Reply
  69. Finding Rosie says

    June 10, 2015 at 2:53 pm

    Lovely shots. Very nice backdrop amongst the botanical gardens. – Rach
    http://www.findingrosie.com

    Reply
  70. Alyssa Monique Bustillo says

    June 10, 2015 at 2:53 pm

    your outfit is so chic!

    X

    Check out my new fashion blog post:

    http://www.styleccentricfashion.blogspot.com/2015/06/floral-madness.html

    My Travel Blog as well:
    http://cunningeccentricity.blogspot.com

    Reply
  71. Zarrah Jane says

    June 10, 2015 at 2:53 pm

    The place looks so relaxing.
    Btw lovely jacket
    XO

    Check my new post.
    The Bandwagon Chic | Instagram | Bloglovin

    Reply
  72. Jenn Thai says

    June 10, 2015 at 2:53 pm

    I can't stress enough how much I love this outfit! The floral sweater is my fave 🙂

    Jenn | http://www.thisjenngirl.com

    Reply
  73. Simply Alexandra // My Favorite Things says

    June 9, 2015 at 11:10 pm

    Loooove your necklace!! That does sound like a great date! The photos of the botanical garden are SO gorgeous. I love how varied it is with the cacti and flowers. 🙂 Glad you had fun! XO – Alexandra

    Simply Alexandra: My Favorite Things

    Reply
  74. the italian glam says

    June 9, 2015 at 11:10 pm

    Botanical Garden are so great relaxing places, looks like you had a great time there
    great casual outfit
    http://www.theitalianglam.com/

    Reply
  75. Paige Flamm says

    June 9, 2015 at 11:10 pm

    I love Rocksbox! This outfit is super pretty on you!

    Paige
    http://thehappyflammily.com

    Reply
  76. Carmen Varner says

    June 9, 2015 at 8:20 pm

    Rocksbox reached out to me too, so I'm excited to try it out. Haven't gotten my box yet. I love your hair! :]

    // ▲ itsCarmen.com ▲

    Reply
  77. Anonymous says

    June 9, 2015 at 7:43 pm

    What a fun date! You look so pretty 🙂

    xoxo
    Karen
    http://kensingtonwest.me.uk

    Reply
  78. Nina Kobi says

    June 9, 2015 at 7:23 pm

    beautiful photos. xx

    Nina
    http://www.ninasstyleblog.com

    Reply
  79. Victoria GlamFizz says

    June 9, 2015 at 6:31 pm

    Amazing pics!
    Victoria | GlamFizz
    or follow on Instagram

    Reply
  80. Shea Sayers says

    June 9, 2015 at 6:31 pm

    What a gorgeous place to go visit, and I love the idea of a Japanese tapas restaurant… yum! I never thought I would, but I always love visiting botanical gardens when I travel… they're all so beautiful!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This error message is only visible to WordPress admins

Error: No posts found.

Make sure this account has posts available on instagram.com.

Click here to troubleshoot

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

All photos and content ©Gina Chong. Printables and recipes are for personal use only.

Cleantalk Pixel