Wednesday Wedding Update: Place Cards

This is a small part of the wedding but a fun detail. In April, there’s a chance it’ll be windy, so I didn’t want the place cards flying all over the place. No one wants to run after tiny cards. I brainstormed about ways we could do something more natural other than using ribbon or wine corks. Finally, after some investigating we’re going to use moss, river stones and ivory flowers for our place card table. We’ll slide each place card into a clip so that nothing flies away.

Featured are a few photos from a wedding that did something similar (we won’t be using that many flowers). I’m excited about this. I know its small, but I’m glad this vision came to me and now I can move on to something new.

If you have any ideas for the wedding, please comment.

{photo courtesy of Dream A Little Dream Events}

6 Things That Make Me Happy + 7 Interesting Things

I recently read a blog post by Crystal at Plush Palate and loved how she wrote about six things that made her happy. We got to talking about it and she recommended that I do it as well. I thought it would be a fun way for everybody to get to know me a little better since I’m new to the blogging world.

Six Things That Make Me Happy:

1. Travel

I went on my first plan ride when I was three weeks old and I’ve loved traveling since. I feel lucky to have traveled all over the world when I was younger. My parents didn’t mind taking me out of school to go on one of our many excursions. I probably learned in a week traveling through the Mexican jungles, the Artic Circle and Alaska’s Elephant Cove than I did in school.

One of my favorite things about traveling is meeting new people, experiencing the different cultures each country has and attempting to speak a new language (that sometimes doesn’t go over very well). Even when I’m traveling within the U.S. my heart skips a beat just boarding the plane. It’s like my heart knows that I’m going somewhere.

I will forever have a place in my heart for traveling.

2. A Cup of Tea

I’ve never been a coffee drinker; I’m a tea drinker. I love a warm cup of tea in the morning with a splash of milk, no sugar needed for my favorite kind. If your looking for a addicting brand of tea I would recommend Mariage Frères from France. Their French Breakfast tea puts a smile on my face every single morning. Come to think of it, I believe I’m almost out!

3. Love

I couldn’t imagine living life without being in love with my boy and being loved by family. Loved ones are there to support you through happiness, struggles and life. At the end of the day they always support me no matter what my dreams are in life. I couldn’t be luckier to have my loved ones in my life.

4. Running

There is nothing that I love doing more than going on a long run or working out after a long day at the office. Running through my Pacific Heights neighborhood is the ultimate luxury. While on a run in my neighborhood I get to pass glamorous houses, cute dogs and of course have a view of the bay at all times. 

Running allows me to clear my head and lets me have time to myself (although I do love when a friend comes along). I’m grateful to live in a city that is so accessible to working out in the outdoors. Sometimes the hills kill me, but it’s worth it when you’re overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge.

5. A Good Book

I love getting book recommendations. I try to read a book every two weeks. After a long day of work, working out and cooking dinner there is nothing that I love doing more than reading (well, except watching Top Chef, Rachel Zoe or Project Runway). I alternate between serious books and a light read. I just finished The Glass Castle, which everyone should read. I’m currently looking for a new book. Recommendations are welcome.

6. Flowers

Who doesn’t love coming how to beautiful flowers on your kitchen table. It’s the first thing I see when I walk in my front door every day. It puts the biggest smile on my face. I love going through seasons and seeing what types of flowers are coming into bloom. I’ve recently been working on the flowers for our wedding, which has been challenging, but a blast. Who knew all my favorite flowers were in season in April?

Seven Interesting (or maybe not so interesting) Things About Me:

1. I lived in Mexico City for five years when I was young.

2. I’ve been to the North Pole.

3. I was a ballerina until I got a stress fracture.

4. I’m marrying my high school sweetheart <3

5. I’m a neat freak. I think it’s a good trait.

6. I love rearranging my apartment every season.

7. I watch every Bravo reality show they produce, and I’m not ashamed about it.

I hope all of you enjoyed getting to know me a little bit better. Please feel free to post on six things that make your happy and also seven interesting things (my favorite)!

Thanks Crystal for recommending this idea. It was so much fun!

xo, Caitlin

{photo's courtesy of John Dolan, flickr, unknown, flickr, coco & kelley, flickr}

First Chilly Morning

Fall is in the air today. After a extremely warm weekend, Fall has finally arrived in San Francisco! Makes me so happy.

{photo courtesy of sfgirlbybay}

Room: Fall Inspiration

Since Fall is slowly approaching in San Francisco, I've been trying to do a little redecorating, hoping to make the apartment look and feel cozier. 

This gorgeous room is one of my favorite that was featured in Domino. I love the neutral colors (grey and ivory) that were used to create this room. The mix of textures in this room makes you feel like you just need to wrap that blanket around you and read a good book. This is truly an inspirational room.

{photo courtesy of coco & kelley via flickr}

Amazing: J. Mendel

Everyone is in love with J. Mendel's Spring collection. I've seen numerous posts on style blogs about how fabulous every piece showcased looked. I'm in love with this white long dress. Could you imagine having this as your wedding dress...I'd DIE! 

I've always loved neutrals and I always will. These outfits take it to a whole new level. The combination of fur with the draping and structure make these two outfits tres chic, but who doesn't look that way in fur?

I just couldn't resist posting this dress. I love the chunky ivory necklace with the light bluish grey. 

This post wouldn't be complete without a little color. I'm a huge fan of chartreuse. These two dresses are what every woman wants to wear to their next event. 

Writing this post just makes me want all of these pieces in my closet. I mea,n who wouldn't?

{photo's courtesy of J. Mendel}

Happy {first fall} Weekend!

A simple photo says so much. 

Since it's the first weekend of Fall in 2009, I thought this photo was appropriate to share. 

I'll be enjoying this weekend with my favorite aunt and cousin. I'm so excited to see them!

Until Monday...

xo, Caitlin

{photo courtesy of flickr}

Couldn't Resist: Giovanna Is Tres Chic

I love her! She always looks tres chic even when she might not except to be photographed. Love this look.

{photo courtesy of The Sartorialist}

Fall Favorites

Just wanted to share some of my fall obsessions. I'm hoping I can pick up a few of these for myself this fall. Enjoy!

Clockwise from top left: Banana Republic clutch, JCrew Matchstick Jeans, The Glass Castle (favorite book that I recommend to everyone), Burberry Scarf, James Perse Cashmere Sweater, Create & Barrel Tea Pot, Cole Haan Bootie and JCrew Leather Jacket.

Wednesday Wedding Update: Pom Poms

My vision for the flowers is finally coming together. Woohoo! Last night I couldn't stop thinking about what a great meeting I had with Kathryn and Natalie Bowen (who I love). We were throwing around all of these ideas about how to decorate the alter because it's the only element where I didn't have a vision. Then the vision finally came to us!

On Sunday, I had seen tissue paper pom poms at Hello Lucky's headquarters and loved them. I had thought to myself that it would be cool to do something like it for the wedding but I didn't know where to incorporate the idea. That's when it clicked, why not have them hanging from the trellis instead of doing traditional flowers. So, that's what we're doing. 

One of the main reasons I love this pom pom idea is because it goes with something else in the wedding that I can't disclose. Just in case the boy reads the blog. I'm pretty sure you can guess.

{photo courtesy of StyleMePretty}

Hello Autumn!

I pretty much love every season, but Autumn brings crisp air that allows me to bundle up in one of my Grandma's sweaters and a cozy scarf. My stack of books will finally start to dwindle as the rain begins, getting through books is one of my favorite things to do in the fall. 

What's your favorite thing to do in the fall? I just hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

{photo courtesy of flickr}

Bridal Tour: Hidden Gems for Brides in San Francisco

Kathryn Kalabokes, the founder of Dream A Little Dream Events, has a semi-annual Bridal Tour. Yesterday, I was one of the lucky girls to travel around San Francisco and learn about hidden gems that will surely help a bride plan her big day. It was a day packed full of amazing vendors, valuable information and great company.

The day started out with a delicious mimosa brunch at Circa. There were three options for brunch: eggs benedict, apple French toast or scrambled egg sliders. I ordered the eggs benedict and let me tell you, there was nothing left on my plate, that’s how good breakfast tasted. After brunch we then headed to Habit, a wax salon that plans a pre-wedding wax schedule for you. I never knew that existed. It’s a great salon that is located in a Victorian house in the upstairs. It feels like you’re right at home.

We then headed up to Union Street and walked into a very dangerous place for brides, Pacific Puffs! It’s just opened a month ago. It’s a family owned business that decided to use their Grandmother's family recipe to open up a store that is hopping. They’ve been selling out of cream puffs everyday and now I know why. They are delicious, but beware brides; you’ll want to eat all of them!

After tasting these delicious cream puffs we then dashed across the street to Nick Brown Photography and Bella Bridesmaid. This duo can be a one-stop shop for amazing photojournalistic wedding photographs and gorgeous bridesmaid dresses. Just being in the shop made me want to be a bridesmaid, even though I’m going to be a bride. It’s a great place to order bridesmaids dresses because they carry an incredible amount of designs in every color imaginable. I’ve been working with the girls a Bella and it’s been a great experience!

Our last stop on Union Street was Haute Bride. They’ve got great custom made jewelry, garters, hairpieces and even dresses. After all of the glitz and glamour we saw at Haute Bride we boarded the bus to head downtown to Hello Lucky’s head studio. When you walk into their tiny two-level studio you get to look at their letterpress. Walking upstairs to their display room and work area is like a kid in a candy store for brides that love paper. I was in heaven. Just getting to look at all the different designs they create from custom to letterpress to screen print was exciting. Everything Sabrina, a co-founder, showed us was truly inspiring.

I could have stayed at Hello Lucky for hours just looking through all of their stationary and invitations but we had to move on with our tour. We drove to one of my favorite parts of San Francisco, Hayes Valley. We arrived at Birch, a flower shop that’s owned by Torryne, who is one of the best florists in San Francisco. I love going into her shops, she has another shop a block from my house in Pac Heights. She always has the most beautiful flowers displayed in a simple but chic way.

Our final stop was back at Kathryn’s lovely abode where she had great vendors’ present more important information to the tour. We were able to have a cupcake from Cake Coquette (my favorite flavor was the red velvet), got some tips about photography from Andrew Weeks, and learned about a company that specializes in rehearsal dinners called Well-Rehearsed.

We ended the wonderful day with a glass of champagne. It was a toast to a great event that I would definitely consider going to again and recommend to any bride-to-be who lives in the Bay Area.

 

Thanks to Kathryn and all of the vendors for making the day so special.

Happy BEAUTIFUL Weekend!

We're having some truly amazing weather here in San Francisco. It's supposed to get up in the 80's. Woohoo! I should give a special thanks to our Indian Summer finally gracing us with it's presence. 

I've got a lot going on this weekend preparing for a house guests next week. Can't wait for them to arrive on Sunday.

{photo courtesy of sfgirlbybay}

Update: Lonny Magazine Premieres October 1st

Everyone in the design world is counting down the days until Lonny Magazine premieres on October 1st. The people behind the magazine are some of the most talented people out there right now. The team includes Michelle Adams, Shawn Gauthier, Caitlin McGauley and Michelle Roque. They will bring us more than 200 pages of amazing content that we're all craving. Let's face it, we all miss domino each and every day! 

Mark your calendars for October 1st. You don't want to miss this!

In the meantime, check out Lonny Magazine's feature on ShelterPop.

{photo from Lonny Magazine}

Softball Championships!

It's a beautiful day here in San Francisco, which is great because tonight my softball team is playing in the Semifinals (and potential championship) games! Everyone on the team is excited. The boys can't even sleep or stop talking about how great we're going to be. Go Juicers!

{photo unknown}

Wednesday Wedding Update: Flowers

Each month I've been tackling something different for our wedding. I've got to say that it's been nice having a long engagement because we're not rushing through everything. Instead, we're taking our time planning everything exactly the way we want.

September has been all about the flowers. From the brides bouquet, to the ceremony, to the reception, I've had to go through every step making sure the flowers capture the exact feel I want for our wedding. This has been one of the hardest elements of the wedding so far! I definitely thought the invitations would be more challenging, but that was a piece of cake compared to the flowers.

Since our wedding is in April we've got an array of flowers we can work with. My favorites are peonies, ranunculus, tulips and garden roses. Of course they are also some of the most expensive flowers to ask for in a wedding. So, I'm wondering if any of you have recommendations of white flowers that you love? I'd appreciate a little bit of flower wisdom from all of you.

I'll keep you updated on the flowers. I should have a florist picked by the end of next week.

xo, Caitlin

Keeping It Simple Never Looked So Good

Love the dress, love the handbag, and I love the shoes. Everything about this outfit is amazingly simple but tres chic!

{photo Sartorialist}

It's a Birthday Weekend!

I've got a busy weekend ahead of me. Tonight I'm off to The September Issue with girlfriends. At last it makes it's debut in San Francisco. Tomorrow I've got two birthday parties happening at the same time on totally opposite ends of the city. Let's hope I can manage making an appearance at both. 

Hope every has an amazing weekend. It's beautiful here in the Bay Area.

{photo unknown}

Fashion Week Starts Tomorrow!

The tents are up, the schedule is out and the clothes are ready to be seen across the country (hopefully). I'm on the edge of my seat waiting for fashion week to start tomorrow. I love going through the slide shows looking at what each designer has designed and created. Each season I'm amazed by the talent each designer has. The colors and designs they come up with truly stock me each and every season.

Tomorrow starts out with Michael Angel, BCBG, Ports and many more. Followed by Fashion Night Out. Oh, how I wish to be in New York this time of year.

Let's just see if I can sleep tonight!

Summer Has Come to the Bay

Now that Labor Day weekend is over, summer can officially start here in the Bay Area. We’ve had some cold days this summer which required winter coats and puffy jackets. However, while the rest of the country is gearing up for crisp fall weather, we’re going to be getting some warm days. I’m crossing my fingers as the weather this week is looking amazing with some days in the 70’s and hopefully a few in the 80’s. My ideal weather!

More to come this week.

{photo courtesy of flickr}

Happy {long} Weekend!

Since the Bay Bridge is closed for the long weekend (sad no Alameda flea market), it's a staycation holiday weekend. This will give me time to go through all of my September magazines. I haven't even made a dent in them. 

Have a great holiday weekend everyone!

{photo taken by me at the birch store opening}

Must Have: LOVE Paperweight

I've wanted this LOVE paperweight by Robert Indiana for years. I've been thinking a lot about how I want the tables at my wedding reception to look. There are so many elements you have to think about flowers, table linens, chairs, menus. The list goes on for days. But then it occurred to me that I should think about what I want the area where the boy and I will be sitting to look like and move on from there. This is where the LOVE paperweight comes in. I'm going to have it in the middle of our place settings on the table. Just one small little touch that probably only a few guests will notice.

It's the small details of weddings that I love the most and this is definitely something that is going to be priceless.

Birch Hayes Valley Store Opening

This evening I'm going to Torryne's Hayes Valley store opening. Birch is my favorite flower shop in San Francisco and now there are going to be two of them. I live a block away from the Pacific Heights store but now I think I'll be heading to Hayes Valley more often. The Hayes store is not only going to have beautiful flowers, but she's adding international magazines that are hard to find. International magazines are a weakness of mine, not to mention flowers.

If you’re around Hayes Valley tonight you should definitely try to stop by the store opening. Knowing Torryne’s attention to detail, it's going to be amazing.