a brand new week . . .

Monday, a bittersweet day since this weekend was quite magical. It began with a picture perfect brunch with Kinfolk Magazine - from the group of people to the food to the small farmers market they put together, every detail filled my soul with inspiration for what we do on a daily basis here in the creative industry. I feel honored and quite lucky to have attended. Here are a few images I took of the event.

The rest of the weekend was simply lovely. I caught up with my bestie that lives in London, said farewell to a bestie moving to New York and then drove to Marin to bask in the sunshine with my two college girlfriends. Surrounding myself with my favorite ladies this weekend was exactly what I needed to rejuvenate myself. What did you do this past weekend?

Can you believe today is the last day of April? I certainly can't. I hope all of you have a beautiful week ahead. Cheers! 

Photos by Caitlin Flemming

happy friday!

TGIF! The sun is shining and the rain has come and gone this week. The sky is utterly beautiful here, which makes for another lovely spring day. This weather is quite heavenly and the forecast for this weekend looks delightful.

I’m quite giddy about this weekend. Believe it or not I’ll be going to the Kinfolk soiree here in San Francisco. When the invite appeared in my inbox I gasped with excitement. I’ve been a huge Kinfolk fan from the very first issue. The beauty the lays within the pages of each issue is stunning. I cannot wait to see the team again and be amongst such a creative and talented group. I’ll give you a full report Monday morning.

See you next week!

xx, Caitlin

ps. A huge thank you everyone that has voted for me in the Apartment Therapy Small Cool contest. Hopefully I can come back from being an underdog. If you haven’t voted, you can VOTE here.

Images from Kinfolk Magazine and 100 Layercake

I'm Loving . . .

Branches in demijohns jars . . .

Polka dot blouses.

Brand new notebooks to write to-do lists in.

Stunning kitchens that make me dream about kitchens.

A quote that is so very true. 

Lastly, what might be my go-to ensemble for the weekend. You can never go wrong with jeans and a button-up.

Nominated for Apartment Therapy's Small Cool 2012 Contest!

Alright folks, although I entered a little late for the Apartment Therapy Small Cool 2012 contest this year, I truly believe that with your help we can make this happen! I know it's going to be a huge challenge but I'm 100% ready. I'm going to need every single readers help with voting. First and foremost - I'm SO excited to be nominated. It's the semi-finals right now and voting ends on Monday. Let's just say every vote at this point counts. If I make it through to the finals I'd definitely use it towards the blog - making it an even more desirable place to come visit daily. Just think - new blog re-design, new original content series shot professionally, and more!

Here's what you've got to do - if you aren't signed up for Apartment Therapy you might have to here. Then pop over to my voting page to VOTE! I'm about 900 behind 1st place so give this gal all you can.

Thanks friends! Let's hope we can make it happen.

VOTE 

four favorites

A few favorites that have been making my heart skip this week . . . 

1. Neutral wooden bead and brass chain necklace.

2. Chambray shirtdress.

3. Grey with thin ivory stripes towels.

4. K. Jacques flat t-strap sandal (my must-have for summer).

on the menu: spinach artichoke grilled cheese

Do you ever crave a staple but want to put a little twist on it? That's exactly how I feel about a grilled cheese sandwich. It's such a comfort food with a side of tasty tomato soup. When I came across this combination I knew it'd be delicious. Do you have a favorite twist to a grilled cheese that I should try?

Hope you enjoy - bon appétit! 

Spinach Artichoke Grilled Cheese
(makes 2 sandwiches)

Ingredients:
Fresh spinach – enough for about 3 cups chopped 
Canned artichoke hearts – about 3 (around 6 ounces) 
2 cloves garlic 
1 tablespoon olive oil 
2 tablespoons sour cream 
1 cup shredded cheese (we used a blend of mozzarella, Monterrey jack and provolone) 
4 pieces bread 
Kosher salt 
Butter or more olive oil

Directions:
1.  Dice the 2 cloves garlic. Chop the artichokes. Wash and stem the spinach, then chop it coarsely.

2.  Heat about 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet. Add the garlic and saute for 30 seconds. Then add the spinach and a pinch of kosher salt, and saute for a few minutes until just limp. Add the artichokes and saute for another minute or so, until heated through. Drain off any liquid from the pan. Stir in 2 tablespoons sour cream and another pinch of kosher salt.

3.  Spread butter (or olive oil) on one side of each of the 4 bread pieces. Heat a griddle pan to medium high heat. Place 2 pieces of bread on the griddle, buttered side down. On each piece, spread some shredded cheese, the spinach artichoke filling, some more cheese (1/2 cup cheese per sandwich), and the other piece of bread. When the bottom bread is browned, flip the sandwich and cook until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted.

Photo and recipe courtesy A Couple Cooks, be sure to check out their blog for more recipes.

a brand new week . . .

Happy Monday! This weekend I enjoyed quality time with my mom with incredible weather and going to a good friends pop-up shop (where I discovered some pretty amazing treasures). It was quite delightful.

A few things I'm loving - the new issue of Domino just hit the stands last week, which I have yet to have time to sit down to read (hopefully I will tonight), stunning blooms have made our apartment smell like a garden, and this April poem is just lovely (printed by my new favorite book source Book / Shop).

I hope all of you had a blissful weekend and that your week ahead is splendid.

Photo by Caitlin Flemming

it's friday!

After a hectic (& stressful) work week I'm ready to throw on my boyfriend jeans, a tee, and sandals. This weekend is all about being outside and enjoying this summer like weather we're being graced with - 80 degress to be exact! The days might consist of a few shopping trips with my mom, who is in town, a brunch date with girlfriends at Batter Bakery (I'm obsessed) and spending time with Eric since the Giants are away.

Hope all of you have a happy sun-filled weekend!

xx, Caitlin

ps. The Bon Iver concert last night was amazing. There are no words to describe how incredible it was. If they are coming to your city I highly recommend going!

I'm Loving . . .

This incredible architecture.

This ensemble is light and fresh for spring, even with the black tights (we're still wearing them here in SF).

A mini list bedroom - makes you realize you really don't need all that clutter.

My favorite lines, Rodin, has come out with a perfume. I can't wait to give it a whirl!

Simple and casual is exactly what I'm all about for spring. Basics are the best items to have in my closet because I'm always in a rush in the morning.

The best for last - this staircase literally made my jaw drop. It's spectacular.

What are you loving this week?

Photos: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 

four favorites

A few favorites that have been making my heart skip a beat . . . 

1. Slate patterned rug

2. Perfect grey tee 

3. Stack of stunning linens

4. Future living room chairs

on the menu: mexican vegetable soup with lime and avocado

This week's recipe is quite exciting for me - it's the first on the menu post that I cooked and photographed. I wanted to kick it off with my go-to soup recipe. My family has been making it for years and it instantly makes me feel like I'm living back in Mexico City. Hope all of you enjoy it as much as I do!

Bon appétit! 

Mexican Vegetable Soup with Lime and Avocado
Serves four to six.

Ingredients
1 tablespoon light olive oil
1 medium red onion, finely diced 
2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 carrots, cut into 1/4-inch-rounds
8 ounces green beans, tipped and cut into 1 inch pieces
2 medium tomatoes, peeled, seeded, and chopped
6 cups of chicken stock
1/4 cup cooked hominy
2 teaspoons chilpotle chilies, minced
1 avocado, peeled and sliced
cilantro leaves, for garnish
6 wedges lime

Directions
- Warm the oil in a soup pot, add onion, garlic, oregano, and salt, and cook over medium-low heat until the onion softens.

- Add the carrots, beans, and tomatoes; pour in the heated stock and simmer.

- After 20 minutes add the hominy and then gradually stir in the chilpotle chilies to taste.

- Cook another 5 minutes; then taste for salt.

- Ladle the soup into bowls; garnish with the avocado and cilantro leaves. Serve the lime on the side.

Recipe adapted from The Greens Cook Book // Photo by Caitlin Flemming

a brand new week . . .

It's a beautiful Monday morning - the picture perfect way to start off the week. This weekend felt as though it was more than two days long. The days felt longer than usual, which made for a very productive weekend. From kicking off baseball season with a fireworks show after the game, to seeing girlfriends, to meeting up with a friend who is redesigning Sacramento Street (so giddy about this) - this weekend fully recharged my battery.

I even had a little time to kick up my feet to read the new issue of Belle, practice my photoshop skills from blogshop and since the sun was shinning bright the entire weekend I got to sport my new sunnies.

How was your weekend? I hope you were all able to take a little time to get some rest. Happy Monday to you friends!

Photos by Caitlin Flemming

TGIF!

As the week winds down and Friday comes to a close, I'm excited for the weekend that lies ahead. After a week of non-stop rain, thunderstorms and even hail last night I'm more than ready for a sun filled weekend. I'll be throwing my hair up in a messy bun and hopefully after today hanging up my trench.

Baseball season officially begins in San Francisco today and I can't wait to go to my very first game of the season tomorrow. It's always magical because the city gets energized. On the agenda for Sunday . . . finally organizing our pantry and hoping that it looks like the one above. I love a day of tidying up because it sets the tone for a new week.

Have a lovely weekend and thank you again for all of your comments about the Apartment Therapy feature!

Photos 1 / 2

press: apartment therapy

A few months ago Apartment Therapy approached me about featuring our tiny abode as a house tour - I was incredibly flattered. Well friends, yesterday it graced the pages of Apartment Therapy and I'm delighted to say it got a positive response (something I was nervous about). The ever so lovely Leela Cyd Ross took the stunning photos and I thought I'd share a few outtakes here.

A few items have changed in our apartment - new coffee table and light on my desk from HD Buttercup SF (which is becoming my new go-to shop), got a new pillow for the chair in the window from West Elm (it's SO soft) and I've re-arranged our West Elm bookcase.

I'd like to give a big shout out to my favorite shops to source items for my apartment - HD Buttercup SF, West Elm, Summer House in Mill Valley, Grenouille, Designer Fluff, and Erica Tanov Marin.

Be sure to head over to the feature for the entire home tour.

Thanks again for all of the amazing support friends! This blog wouldn't be the same without you. I've got to say, you keep me motivated to keep inspiring you daily.

Photos by Leela Cyd Ross

I'm Loving . . .

This antique and modern dining room - I've loved this look for a while. 

What can I say about this ensemble? It's just perfection. I'm not usually a printed pants girl, but this works.

Hello delicious recipe. I have a feeling I'll be making this over the weekend. Doesn't it look delicious?

The perfect weekend look - striped shirt (which I'm always in) and a bun. It's pretty much my uniform.

Poppin is my new favorite go-to for chic, clean and color coordinated office supplies. For anyone that loves to have everything in one color - this should be your first stop. I'm obsessed with their notebooks, pens and ruler. Be sure to check out the interview I did with them and you'll get a peek at my desk.

Ever since I saw Jessica's beautiful leather/suede Celine in Salt Lake this past January, I've been on the hunt for one. It makes the handbag look a little less structured. It's at the very very top of my wish list.

What are you loving this week?

Photos: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 

on the menu: oatmeal cookie chunk ice cream

Ever since Eric and I got married, exactly two years ago today(!!!) we've experimented with ice cream making. It was the first wedding gift we received and it's been so fun testing out new recipes. Although it doesn't help my waist line . . . .

When I came across this recipe on dinner or dessert I immediately thought of Eric- he loves so many of the ingredients in the recipe I knew he'd want to give it a whirl right away. It's delicious, but be aware that you'll want it all the time - it's addicting!

Enjoy dessert lovers!

Oatmeal Cookie Chunk Ice Cream

makes about 1 quart

2 c. heavy cream

1 c. whole milk

2 eggs

3/4 c. sugar

2 tsp cinnamon

9 oatmeal cookies, broken into small pieces

1/2 c. milk chocolate chunks (optional)

Mix the milk and cream together in a pan over medium-low heat. Heat the milk mixture for 10 minutes or until it reaches 140°F and then remove it from the heat. In a bowl, beat the eggs until lighter in color and fluffy. Add the sugar to the egg mixture very slowly. Then slowly whisk the milk mixture into the egg & sugar mixture to temper the eggs. If you added the milk to the egg mixture quickly then the hot milk would cook the eggs and you would have scrambled eggs, you don't want that! Now add the the entire egg/sugar/milk mixture into a pot and heat over medium-low heat for 15 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove mixture from the heat and pour it into a clean bowl and refrigerate the mixture for 1 hour. Stir in the cinnamon and freeze the ice cream according to your ice cream maker's manufacturer instructions. I added half of the cold oatmeal cookie pieces into the ice cream mixture 5 minutes before it was done mixing and then folded in the rest after removing the ice cream from the ice cream maker.

Recipe from dinner or dessert

a brand new week . . .

After a weekend learning a ton at blogshop, I'm completely rejuvenated to create beautiful and inspiring posts here on Sacramento Street. From barreling, to masking, to animation, they literally go over everything in a step-by-step process that has you leaving day two not feeling overwhelmed but eager to jump into it on your own. Seriously, if you haven't thought about taking the class - I highly recommend it.

Instead of photographing my own Monday morning inspiration board I thought that I should share the board I created in class. I wanted to show you how much I learned from both Bri and Angela. In keeping with my aesthetic, I wanted to create a board that showed beautiful spaces I've adored over the past few years.

I hope all of you have an amazing and productive week ahead of you. I think you know what I'll be doing every night this week - practice makes perfect!

happy blogshop weekend!

Oh, it feels so good to have the weekend here. I’m jumping for joy that it’s here because I’ll be spending the entire weekend at BLOGSHOP! Tonight I’ll be prepping the goodies, decorating the awesome space we arranged and meeting up with all the creative people that are making this weekends blogshop a HUGE success. I can’t wait to wrap my head around photoshop. Since I’ve been teaching myself, I think it’s finally time to learn some real tips and tricks from both Bri & Angela!

Have a good one everybody. See you back here on Monday morning!

xx, Caitlin

kitchen: which one do you adore?

One could say that I'm very particular about my kitchens - I want my future kitchen to be clean, minimalist and ALL white. As my mom and I stood in her kitchen daydreaming about what we would do with it, I began to think of all the possibilities . . . the tile, counter, stove, shelving. The sky is the limit, and there are so many options out there.

So these are a few of our many favorites that we've tagged over the past few months. Some are just vignettes and others are whole kitchens - I'd love to know which you adore.

Photos: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6

on the menu: shaved squash salad with basil & ricotta salata

This past weekend I was on a salad kick - trying new combinations out and looking for recipes. Let me tell you, one can never bore from a salad because there are just so many options out there. When this particular salad recipe popped onto my screen I was intrigued - I love squash, I love ricotta salata and anything topped with almonds has my mouth watering immediately. I didn't get a chance to make it over the weekend, but it's 100% on the menu for this week.

Bon appétit! 

Shaved Squash Salad

1 pound mixed summer squash, sliced very thin

1/4 c. basil leaves, coarsely torn

1 small red onion, sliced thin

juice of 1/2 lemon

1/3 c. olive oil

salt & pepper

1 Tbs. creme fraiche or sour cream

salt & pepper

1/4 c. sliced almonds, toasted

1/4 c. ricotta salata, grated

Combine squash, onions, and basil in a bowl.  To make dressing, whisk lemon juice and creme fraiche in a small bowl.  Drizzle in olive oil while whisking constantly, until emulsified. Toss squash with dressing, almonds and ricotta salata.  Serve immediately.

Recipe from Farm House Table

a brand new month . . .

With a new month and week upon us - it feels like a fresh start. Spring cleaning has been accomplished, the laundry is folded and put away and the entire apartment smells like a garden thanks to the flowers Natalie gave me. What makes this week even more special is Eric finally gets from spring training. 

A few things I'm loving this week - the new issue of Kinfolk (which is stunning and beautiful), blooms to mark the beginning of spring and a brand new bottle of Rodin hand lotion. 

I hope all of you have a creative and productive week ahead.

Photo by Caitlin Flemming