four favorites + a giveaway!

June is a month filled with traveling. Because of that I thought I'd share my four essentials for traveling. Most important - my Lo & Sons O.G. tote. I'm not kidding when I say it comes with me on every single trip. I tried to use another tote once and it ended badly - my things were disorganized and I couldn't find my stuff. Luckily this post comes with a giveaway! One reader will win an O.G. tote – that’s right friends. At the end of the post I'll tell you how to enter.

1. A Lo & Sons O.G. tote to keep me organized.

2. Rodin Hand Crema that I can't leave without.

3. A fun scarf for chilly airplane rides.

4. Chic sunglasses.

Now here's how you enter the giveaway:

•  Head over to Lo & Sons twitter account and show them some love.
•  Leave a comment below about which color bag you'd adore to have for your summer traveling.

A lucky winner will be chosen next Tuesday (ending at midnight PST). Please be sure to leave your email address if you don't have it in your blogger profile.

But there is more! Lo & Sons is currently having a 25% off sale right now, so be sure to take advantage of it.

Good luck to all of you!

for the love of herringbone + a giveaway!

All a girl really needs to get through her daily routine is a tiny clutch that fits her essentials – well ladies that wait is over. Herringbone is a local Bay Area handbag collection that makes it simple with only three sizes in an array of stunning colors. My current favorite is – black suede with rose gold pipping and zipper. I’m also lusting after the darling makeup bag that hasn’t left my side, it is in all black suede.

The collection is a joint venture from a dynamic duo - Shawn Burke and Camille Mason. Together they designed the necessary sizes that they felt were lacking in the market. Each are perfectly named: mini necessaire (perfect for makeup in your handbag), necessaire (fits all of your essentials) and the clutch (a little over sized and has the perfect bit of slouch to it).

Lucky for us, these lovely ladies are giving away the stunning gold necessaire to a Sacramento Street reader! Seriously readers, this is one of my favorite giveaways yet because I know how much I use my own, so I have a feeling whoever wins it won’t take it out of their hands.

To enter, all you need to do is . . .

• Comment below about where you would take this fabulous clutch out on the town.
• Be sure to follow Sacramento Street.
• And pop over to Herringbone’s facebook page and ‘like’ them.

Good luck to all of you!

Available online at Herringbone Bags - $120 - $205.

Giveaway will be end next Monday, February 13th at midnight PST.

a feature + winner!

This week, like every other week, has me in a flurry. So much so that I haven't had a chance to tell all of you about being featured in the current issue of ‘we like we love.’

When Alyssa came to me a few months ago about being part of this issue, I was incredibly flatter and honored. I've been a huge fan of ‘we like we love.’ since the launch. Be sure to click here to read about my five like & loves. Also, it's available in print (woohoo!) and would make for the perfect stocking stuffer.

Thank you so much Alyssa for creating such a beautiful feature - it surpassed my wildest dreams.

************************************

And now for the winner of the Lo & Sons giveaway . . . . CONGRATS to Caitlin Dentino! I'll be emailing you shortly with details.

Image from we like we love

the ultimate handbag giveaway!

All of you know that I live for my Lo & Sons OG handbag - it's the ultimate bag for travel, work and overnight trips. For a person that likes to be super organized, it's perfection. When they came out with a whole new line of handbags this Fall I jumped at the chance to see them. Let me tell you, they thought about every single detail - from the pockets, to the lining, to the way it lays on your body when you wear it.

So when Lo & Sons wanted to host another giveaway I jumped at the chance to give one of my amazing readers the Mott and OG handbags. We put together the best giveaway for the holiday season - one for a family member or friend and one for yourself. Of course you can choose which one you want to keep for yourself (they are equally fabulous), but I'm telling you, once you use the OG you'll never want to switch bags again.

Here's how you enter:

• Head over to Lo & Sons twitter and show them some love.
• Leave a comment below about who you would give one of the handbags to as a gift.

A lucky winner will be chosen next Thursday (ending at midnight PST). Please be sure to leave your email address if you don't have it in your blogger profile.

But there is more! Lo & Sons is currently having a 40% off sale right now, so be sure to take advantage of it - they have a great travel tote for men (it's going to be under the tree for Eric this year - shhh).

Best of luck everyone!

GIVEAWAY! $100 for Holiday Cards at Minted

Last year, Eric and I couldn't decide whether or not to send out a holiday card and by the time we wanted to send one, it was far too late. That's why when November rolled around this year I jumped at the chance to design our first holiday card. The first stop I made was Minted.

After looking through hundreds of designs, I decided to go with the design that Jenna Lyons picked out as the winner of the holiday design contest. When you purchase this design, Minted will donate 15% of gross profit from the sales of Etched to Teach For America. "Minted believes in enabling the growth, creativity, and careers of independent designers. Teach For America's mission is to build the movement to eliminate educational inequity by enlisting our nation's most promising future leaders in the effort."

There are thousands of designs to choose from and there is definitely something for everyone. I can't wait to see what all of you pick as your favorite. I'm off to go assemble and address mine!

Well, I'm incredibly excited to announce that one lucky reader will win a $100 Minted gift certificate! Just pop over to Minted and then leave a comment here telling us which holiday invitation you would purchase with the certificate.

A winner will be chosen one week from today and please be sure to leave your email address.

Photos by Caitlin Flemming

it's friday + a winner!

I can't tell you how excited I am that the weekend has finally arrived. Tonight I'll be prepping the house for a photo shoot on Saturday (very excited about this one!). Flowers have been purchased, different outfit options have been laid out and I hope that by the time I hit my pillow tonight our apartment will smell super clean.

After the shoot it's going to be all about catching up with friends, doing a little fall shopping, and since rain is in the forecast, I think snuggling up at home with a cup of tea and a good book is needed.

Before you all head into your weekend, I would be forever grateful if you pop over to Facebook to vote for my "Modern Thanksgiving" board I created for a DwellStudio contest.

Finnaly, the winner of the Designer Fluff giveaway - congrats . . . LISA from With Style & Grace! You've won two pillows of your choice. We can't wait to see what you pick out.

Hope all of you have a lovely weekend. I for one hope it goes by quickly because I cannot wait for Thanksgiving next week!

xo, Caitlin

Photos: Wit + Delight

it's friday!

I'm off to the Russian River for a much anticipated girls weekend. I can't wait to put on my comfies, catch up with my besties, cook hearty, cold weather meals, and lounge by the fire. It's going to be so incredibly rejuvenating!

Before you head out for the weekend be sure to enter the Designer Fluff pillow giveaway. Pop over here to enter!

See all of you back here on Monday.

xx, Caitlin

*Photos: here and here

pillow party with apartment 34!

Finding the right decorative pillows can be challenging - finding the perfect fabric, pattern, size and filling is not an easy task. You'd be amazed how pillows can pack a powerful punch in a room. Boutique pillow line Designer Fluff does it better than most. Back in May I was introduced to Designer Fluff by my New York contributor, Lauren Larson and I instantly fell in love. The fabrics and patterns were incredibly unique.

Erin and I had the opportunity meet the lovely Audra Canfield during our summer trip to NYC and her personality shines through her stunning work. This quote epitomizes her approach to her designs:

Audra has generously offered up a extra special giveaway of two of their stunning pillows to Sacramento Street and Apartment 34 readers!

Here's how you enter:

• Head over to Designer Fluff's Facebook page and show them some love.
• Leave a comment about what your dream Designer Fluff pillows would be.

That's it!

One winner will be chosen from Sacramento Street and Apartment 34 on Thursday, November 17 and announced on the Designer Fluff Facebook page.

Good luck lovelies, this is a giveaway you definitely won't want to miss out on!

hello november + winner!

Can you believe another month has passed? I certainly can't - I feel like October flew by since I started a new position at Kendall Wilkinson. It has been a whirlwind month. With November gracing us with beautiful, sunny and crisp days - I'm ready to dive into layering clothes and scarves, along with spending more time at home getting cozy and of course enjoying the holiday cups at Starbucks that just came out (they always put a little skip in my step).

I'd like to welcome two new November sponsors to Sacramento Street - Designer Fluff (an amazing giveaway is coming soon with them) and Michelle Drewes (my go-to photographer for just about everything). Be sure to pop over to both of their sites.

And now the moment you've all been waiting for the winner of the Graphic Image is . . . Gaby from The Vault Files! Huge CONGRATS to you! I'll be contacting you shortly with some giveaway details.

For those of you who didn't win, Graphic Image has kindly offered a discount for Sacramento Street readers. Upon checkout enter STREET to receive 20% off the entire store! This discount will be available for a month (hello, get some early Christmas shopping done!).

Photos: feminin and Design Sponge

it's all in the case + giveaway . . .

I've been on the hunt for the perfect iPad case for some time now - to be honest it's almost been a year. First we bought the standard black one that Apple sells, but it was way too boring in my opinion. Then I ditched the regular iPad case and stored it in one of my Clare Vivier clutches, but Eric wasn't a huge fan of that. So the search for the perfect one continued for months and months. Then one day I had a little time to do some research and went to one of my favorite sites Graphic Image - I have their address book, business card holder, and agenda (yes, I'm obsessed). As I poked around I saw that they were now carrying iPad cases!

Tada, this is the case that I picked and it came just in time for our Dallas trip this past weekend. It goes with all of my other Graphic Image products. It's like the textbook cover you always wanted in high school.

I know that there are a lot of you out there that have probably been on the same hunt. Well, it's all ending today readers because today I'm giving away a personalized iPad case!

Here's how to enter:

- Pop over to Graphic Image to let me know which color is your favorite.

- Follow Graphic Image on twitter.

- For an extra entry follow Graphic Image on Facebook.

A winner will be selected next Monday at 3pm PST.

In the meantime, Graphic Image had kindly offered a discount for Sacramento Street readers. Upon checkout enter STREET to receive 20% off the entire store! This discount will be available for a month (hello, get some early Christmas shopping done!).

Good luck everyone!

*Photos by Caitlin Flemming

lip service verdict + a giveaway!

As you know I've been trying out different Estée Lauder color glosses the entire week - it was challenging, but good to step out of my comfort zone. Well readers, the verdict is in on my favorites . . .

The three above I loved, but these glosses went on quite sheer and had a hint of sparkle. They would be my basic go-to's for a light shimmer.

These next two I didn't love on me - not sure if it was the outfit I paired them with or if they just didn't suit my skin tone. I wanted to like them on me, but they just didn't strike my fancy.

Let's talk about my winning colors! The Cranberry Shine was completely out of the ordinary for me, but it totally grew on me as the day wore on. I began to realize that a pop of color on the lips adds a little pizzaz to the day. The Nude Rose was delightful - perfect for an everyday gloss for the office or weekend. I kept finding myself wanting to re-apply every few hours. And lastly Rose Emotion, all I have to say is "hello lovely!" - it's utterly divine! A little hint of pink can do no wrong in my book and I'm now obsessed with this gloss. I've told all of my coworkers about it.

Now get down to this lovely giveaway that Estée Lauder has partnered with me on. Estée Lauder is offering a bundle of lip glosses to a lucky Sacramento Street reader!! Here's how to enter:

1. Be sure to follow both @caitlinflemming and @EstéeLauder on twitter.

2. Then comment below on which of the eight colors above you would love to start wearing.

A winner will be selected and announced on Monday!

I know that the winner will busting out some luscious lips this coming holiday season. Good luck everyone!

ps. If you prefer lipstick, pop on over to Erin's giveaway!

*Photos by Caitlin Flemming

Disclaimer: All lipsticks were provided as a courtesy by Estée Lauder. I did not receive compensation for this feature.

lip service . . .

This week I'm adding a little beauty into the mix. When Estée Lauder came to me asking if I'd test out a rainbow of lip glosses I immediately jumped at the opportunity - who can resist a little beauty glamour.

I'm going to be honest with all of you - I'm the girl that wears a pale pink or nude lip. I never go outside my boundaries when it comes to lips. So, it's time to step outside my box and challenge myself.

On Friday, I'll be showing you the colors I've worn (from above) this week and telling you what I thought. And of course we'll be adding something extra to this post - a giveaway! Who doesn't need a few more glosses for their handbag?

Be sure to pop back in on Friday!

*Photos by Caitlin Flemming

Disclaimer: All lipsticks were provided as a courtesy by Estée Lauder. I did not receive compensation for this feature.

in the kitchen with the butcher and the baker + giveaway

When a nose to tail butcher meets a crafter who loves to bake, their kitchen always smells divine. Material Lust was lucky enough to get invited to dinner made by The Butcher and The Baker. On the menu, pork butt braised in milk with sour cream corn bread.

An artist and butcher, Jake Levin got his training a year ago at Fleisher’s Meats in Kingston, NY while balancing an MFA at Bard. Butchering quickly became an art form on its own.
Jake knew he didn’t like working in the ‘art world’ and wanted to work with food - “I wanted to do something that helped change the way people ate and farmed. I like having a job where I use my hands. And I love meat. I was first exposed to the idea by Tom Mylan of Williamsburg’s - The Meat Hook, who told me about Fleisher’s Meats in Kingston. I like the physicality of it, and the versatility of it. I also love helping people learn about sustainable meat, and also to give them access to it, which helps support small farmers.”

Pork Butt Braised in Milk

• 2-3 lbs boneless pork with cross-hatched skin
• 1 quart of milk (non-homogenized or raw if you can get it)
• 5 whole peppercorns
• 5 juniper berries
• bay-leaves
• grated nutmeg (optional)

Place a heavy dutch oven (either cast iron or enamel) on a burner with high heat. Add a couple of tablespoons each of butter and olive oil. When the butter stops foaming put in the pork, skin side down, browning it on all sides, a few minutes per side. When the pork is browned pour in two cups of milk. If you want you can also throw in a few bay-leaves, five whole peppercorns, five juniper berries and some grated nutmeg. Bring the milk to a simmer, then turn the heat all the way down and cover with the lid slightly ajar. Check the pork every now and then, turning it onto each side occasionally. After about an hour or so the milk should be curdled and turned into a nutty brown sauce. At this point add another cup of milk, bring to a simmer again then turn the heat to low and cover completely. Let it cook for another two hours, checking it occasionally, adding milk if all of the liquid is gone, and turning the butt. When the pork is tender and falling apart, take it out and put it in a baking dish or an all-metal pan and put it under the broiler, skin side up. Cook until the skin is crisped golden brown. Meanwhile, bring the sauce to a boil adding a few tablespoons of water. Serve the pork covered in the sauce.

As for the Baker, Silka Glanzman was the girl who made all the birthday cakes - “I always enjoy baking more when I know there will be company. It's just escalated from there. Baking is really meditative for me and I love the science. Whatever you put in the oven comes out completely different. There's a lot of suspense, which I love, but of course also gives me anxiety. My favorite thing to bake is an apple pie with a lattice crust. Classic and beautiful.”

Smitten Kitchen’s Sour Cream Corn Bread

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup yellow cornmeal
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon dried aleppo flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon table salt
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/3 cup buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Preheat the oven to 400 °F. Generously butter a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or coat it with a nonstick spray.

Whisk flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, aleppo and salt together in a large bowl. In a smaller bowl, whisk together the egg, sour cream, buttermilk and olive oil. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ones, mixing until just barely combined. Spread the batter in your prepared pan and bake for 22 to 25 minutes. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.

For even more mouthwatering recipes from their Kitchen, head over to The Butcher and The Baker.

Now for a little giveaway - get a piece of Headwest Design, perfect for any Butcher or Baker on their next trip to the green market.

Sacramento Street and Material Lust are giving away a tote set made from vintage linens with two small drawn string bags by Headwest Design. To enter:

- Tell us what farmers market vegetable or fruit you love picking up for Sunday night dinners.

- Follow @MaterialLust on twitter or facebook

- Follow @headwestdesign on twitter

Also be sure to check out their adorable Etsy shop. Giveaway ends on September 30th. Good luck everyone!

Photos by Material Lust

GIVEAWAY: A West Elm . . .

Just two weeks ago I got the Parsons Tower from West Elm. My husbands first thought was "where am I ever going to put this" - well with a little re-arranging and then a bit of re-decorating, it now has a special place in our dining room. In all honesty, he should know that I always have a master plan in my head. Once it was all done, I began thinking about how others would decorate theres Parsons Tower.

West Elm is giving away a Parsons Tower to one lucky Sacramento Street reader. Do you have the perfect spot for the Parsons Tower? If so, how would you see yourself decorating it? Would it be with beautiful books, travel treasures, family heirlooms?

1. To enter, leave a comment (with your name and email) letting us know where and how you would decorate your own Parsons Tower.

2. Pop over to the West Elm Facebook and Twitter page and follow/like both them. (if you already “like” it then you’re already entered.)

An important detail. You must live in the United States to enter this giveaway. This giveaway ends July 8th.

*Photos taken by Caitlin

minted giveaway!

Back in February, I was asked to be a judge on Minted to pick my favorite baby or bridal shower invitation. Being a paper/stationary-aholic I jumped at the opportunity. After sifting through hundreds and hundreds of beautiful designs the one that stood out the most was called "Umbrella of Advice" designed by the lovely Carrie O'Neal.

What drew me to this baby shower invite was the use of beautiful typefaces and the vintage feel of the umbrella. Growing up my mom would give me old French books from flea markets to do crafts with - this brought back a lot of those memories. I'm hoping I can use this invitation for the next baby shower I host!

Tomorrow all of the shower invitations that won from this design challenge will be up for sale. I couldn't be more excited for all of these amazing designers that put so much time into these invitations.

Well, I'm incredibly excited to announce that one lucky reader will win a $150 Minted gift certificate! Just pop over to Minted and then leave a comment here telling us which invitations or stationary you would purchase with the certificate.

A lucky winner will be chosen Wednesday, April 27th (ending at midnight PST) and please be sure to leave your email address if you don't have it in your blogger profile.

Invitations: one, two, three (coming soon), four, and five