Off to Calistoga Indian Springs

Transport Me Here, Please!

I scour the internet every day for inspirational photos, but only a few make me want to fly to wherever that room may be. This is one of them. There are different aspects of this living room that I absolutely love. First of all, it embodies my personal design which involves mixing together both antique and modern furniture. The fact that the room is decorated in the two colors that I typically use in my own house makes me love this room even more. I love the soothing feeling of white mixed with green. There is something peaceful about decorating with those two colors. Although in my house I tend to add a bit more chocolate brown.

One of the many other elements I love about this room is the fact that there are two separate living rooms in one large room. It makes the room feel bigger than it already is because it creates the illusion of one room being divided.

Oh, I could just see myself sitting on that Barcelona chair right now reading my latest issue of Living Etc. magazine and drinking a glass of Mariage Freres French breakfast tea.

{photo courtesy of Living Etc.}

Fall Fashion: J.Crew

Since fall is just around the corner I'm starting to think about how I can update my current wardrobe. Fall fashion is pouring into stores. Especially favorite go to store J.Crew. Every season they seem to come up with stylist basics that every women needs to get through the season. Last winter, during the Portland snow storm, I survived because of my J.Crew long puffy jacket. I don't think I would've survived the freezing cold weather or being on the side of the highway putting on chains without the jacket. I should send them a thank you letter!

Back to this season's fall collection. The color palette is the basic black, grey, navy, but then in each outfit they feature on their website they add a splash of color. A hot pink sock, yellow cords and even a neon belt! The element of surprise adds to a soft, casual and subdued look.

This collection is definitely going to the top of my list of places to shop for fall pieces. Hopefully I can get out of the store without spending too much, but I can't ever guarantee that.

{photos courtesy of J.Crew}

Inspirational Bloggers Makes for a Wonderful Blog Out Loud Event

Last night’s Blog Out Loud event in San Francisco was great. Not only did it have a talented blogger panel, but also it was held at BellJar, a chic store that has something for everyone. It not only gave me the opportunity to connect with the bloggers I follow on a daily basis, but I was able to learn how they worked from the beginning to the present. They divulged how they came up with their blog names, the struggles they face and even how at the end of the day they enjoy doing what they love; blogging. What I took home from the fabulous event was that no matter what, you have to stay true to your voice and what you care about. Because at the end of the day it’s your passion and creativity that drives you to post every day.

Thank you to Rebecca and Megan for bringing Blog Out Loud to San Francisco. Also, thank you to the bloggers Cassandra, Sasha, Lynn, Susannah, Christina and Anne for sharing your useful tips. And thanks to all of you for giving me something inspiring to read every day.

{photo courtesy of BellJar}

Redecorating Is Never Over

I’m currently in love with my new dining room table. No more wobbly dinners. But now that I’ve rearranged things in my apartment it makes me want to do more. Isn’t it funny how that works? First thing on my list is a floor lamp. I thought this would be easy but it has actually been challenging. I want something a little modern that has either silver or glass. This one featured above is the style I’m aiming to buy. The fact that it will go with everything is a plus and if I do ever change my style this would still go with anything.

If you have any suggestions please comment!  

{Photo courtesy of  Black Bamboo}

Must Have: Vogue Living

If you're in need of some inspiration at the moment, I recommend going out and buying the new Australia Vogue Living. Diane Bergeron is featured and her work is truly inspiring!

{photo courtesy of Vogue Living}

Happy Friday!

Doesn't this just make you think "weekend?" It's all about enjoying the weather here in the city this weekend because it's finally (knock on wood) sunny outside. Our summer has finally begun. I found this photo on sfgirlbybay and couldn't resist posting it. It just screams summer. Have a great weekend everyone. 

{photo courtesy of flickr}

SF MoMa Exhibit: Richard Avedon

Marilyn Monroe, actor, New York, May 6, 1957; © 2009 The Richard Avedon Foundation

This Friday afternoon I'm heading to the SF MoMa to the Richard Avedon exhibit. I've been hearing great things and can't wait to feast my eyes on his incredible photos. There's something about photography that I love. Maybe it's because I love to take photographs. This is going to be a perfect way to end my work week and start my weekend. 

Twiggy, hair by Ara Gallant, Paris studio, 1968; © 2009 The Richard Avedon Foundation

Janis Joplin, singer, Port Arthur, Texas, August 28. 1969; © 2009 The Richard Avedon Foundation

Bob Dylan, musician, Central Park, New York, February 10, 1965; © 2009 The Richard Avedon Foundation

{Photo's courtesy of SF MoMa}

Coming to San Francisco: BLOG OUT LOUD!

I wanted to spread the word that BLOG OUT LOUD is coming to San Francisco on Sunday, August 23^rd. It’s being hosted by Sasha at Belljar (one of my favorite places in SF). The two people behind Blog Out Loud are Rebecca, of loing.living.small and Megan from beach bungalow 8.

The panel of bloggers that will be there are Cassandra of Coco & Kelley, Anne of The City Sage, Susannah of Petunia Face, and many more.

I can’t wait to not only see what these experienced blogger have to say, but also to meet them. It’s all about connections, connections, connections. So, if you want to go, make sure you go onto their website and RSVP.

Hope to see you there!

Just Because...

This is currently one of my favorite photos. I want for my apartment, particularly my kitchen. Wouldn't it just be great in a kitchen? I remember the days eating the soft, fluffy, white bread. Brings back a lot of memories from my childhood. 

The amazing photographer behind this photo is Leslie Williamson. You can currently see it and more of her photos displayed at Erica Tanov in San Francisco.

Wednesday Wedding Update: Engagement Photos

When we first met with our photographer she asked us all the questions any photographer would in order to get to know us better. But one thing she really loved was the idea of doing our engagement photo session at the SF Giants ballpark. We live with baseball eight months out of the year because Eric works for the Giants. I'm personally already counting down the days until the season ends. Don't get me wrong, I love baseball, but I'd like to have someone at home to eat meals with. 

Anyway, back to about our engagement session. We had the ballpark to ourselves. I have never walked around a stadium with nobody getting in the way or bumping into you. It was serene. We had the whole place to walk around (except for going on the field). It was magical. I've got to say that our pictures came out amazing.

After the ballpark we went to the gardens around the Conservatory of Flowers in Golden Gate Park. To get some more romantic shots without the Giants symbol behind us. I'm so thankful that our pictures came out as good as they did. They came out exactly how I wanted and they embody who Eric and I are in real life. Thanks Erin!

{photo's courtesy of Erin Beach}

New Dining Room Table

Just got back from buying this dining room table featured in the picture above. I'm excited to finally have people over for dinner and not worry about the table wobbling all over the place. Hopefully it will look just as fabulous in my apartment!

{photo courtesy of Diane Bergeron}

Eight Months!

Only eight more months until the wedding! I can't believe it.

It Took Three Nights and Two Days

This weekend I cleaned out my entire apartment. Not just the weekly cleaning but actually going through everything in every drawer, closet and box. I was on my knees cleaning underneath my bed, going through stacks of magazines, filling bags to take to Goodwill. It was rough but the result is unbelievable. I think I may need to do this every year. 

But because of this "clean out" and redecorating I no longer have a dining room table. I've got to pick up a new one this week. But luckily I found one at cb2 that will fit perfectly in my apartment. 

Although the end request is great, I'm beat. That's why I'm going to put up my feet tonight and relax in my newly redecorated apartment. Until tomorrow!

{photo courtesy of cb2}

Happy {finally here} Weekend!

It's been a crazy busy week at work and at home. Hopefully this weekend I can get a little R&R. 

House Envy: Jenna Lyon's Brooklyn Townhouse

Livingetc is one of my new favorite home decorating magazine. In their September issue they feature J. Crew's creative director Jenna Lyon's simple, elegant and chic Brooklyn townhouse. After two years of renovations and decorating Jenna and husband, Vincent Mazeu now have their dream home. One of my favorite lines in the article is how Jenna approaching interior design. She explains, "My trick has been to approach each area like putting together an outfit. You might start with an old pair of jeans, a cashmere cardigan, or a floral belt, and work around that central fashion statement." I never thought about interior design in that way but now it totally makes sense. 

The George Sherlock sofa is outstanding. It adds the pop of color that people often don't have in their home or are too afraid to use. Another favorite of mine is the chandelier. Not only is it beautiful by itself but with the reflection in the mirror it adds even more impact to the room. Oh, I forgot to mention Jenna's outfit. If only I could work a J. Crew. Sigh.

What can I say. I wish I had windows that opened up like these. Plus, look at the beautiful trees. 

I'm usually not a big fan of black walls but in Jenna's house they work so well. I love the way the fireplace pops out of the wall because of the drastic contrast between the fireplace and walls. 

I've always been a fan of bedrooms and bathrooms being attached in this was. To me, it would make me feel like I had my own little abode in my very own house. Plus, the fact that if doesn't have a shower curtain. Oh la la!

This is my FAVORITE part of every apartment, especially this one. I mean why wouldn't it be. Plus, the fact that it's filled with everything J. Crew is truly divine. She's changed her closet since her apartment was photographed in Domino. I love the fact that everything is exposed. I would kill to have a rolling rack of clothes and to have shelves for my shoes like Jenna does. One thing that is unique about Jenna and Vincent's dressing room is that it's decorated like another room in their apartment. If I had a dressing room, I would do the same.

Don't miss of out of picking up the September issue of Livingetc. I promise it's worth it!

{photo's courtesy of Livingetc}

Lollipop Towers

So sweet and chic. I'm currently in love with these lollipop towers. I think they'll make a normal candy bar look so unique. They add a twist to the normal candy bar that are usually featured at weddings. I'm seriously considering having these at our reception. Luckily, I'm already working with Cheree Berry on my invitations!

Wednesday Wedding Update: Fabulous Stationer

Right after I got engaged I started thinking about what I wanted my invitations to look like for the wedding. I love stationary, which my mom and my aunt take credit for. I went through magazines, blogs and books looking for the perfect invitation. Back in January, I came across a stationer named Cheree Berry. The way she designed her clients invitations where unique, but not too “out-there.” Now, six months later I’m designing my invitations and you guessed it, I’m working with Cheree Berry. We’re designing them after her personal wedding invitations that were just featured in Martha Stewart Magazine. I’m so excited about them. I think my fiancée might be getting a little bit irritated with how much I keeping saying how perfect they are for our wedding. What I love about this invitation is that it has a design to it but isn’t over-powering and the four different fonts Berry uses are cohesive. My favorite design element is the bow-in-arrow going through the “to”! I just love it. Weddings are all about love and I definitely feel like these invitations embody love.

{photo courtesy of Martha Stewart Magazine}

Work, Work, Work!

I wish my office looked like this right now but it doesn't. Work has been out of this world this week. I'll be back to blogging tomorrow with a wedding update. It's going to include who's doing our invitations and flowers. Stay tuned!