Thursday's Tidbit

Um. Whoa. These pieces by Eske Rex are amazing, on every level. Not only are these finished works beautiful and provocative, but the method of creation is pretty crazy. These ball point beauties are created by a machine. Yep, a crazy Danish drawing machine.

I'll let the artist explain:

Drawing Machine is a construction involving two pendulums, each suspended from a tower construction and connected through “drawing arms” and moveable joints. A ballpoint pen resting on a drawing surface covered with paper is mounted at the point where the pendulums come together. The pendulums are set in motion by hand, and their movements are represented on the paper. The Drawing Machine serves two purposes: On exhibitions where the movements of the pendulums affect the entire room, and the experience engages the beholder’s body. While the rhythmic repetitions cause the beholder to pause, the drawing emerges on the paper, and as a tool where investigations on the relation between time and movement.

Amaze. 

via. 

Weekend Wrap-Up

How were all of your weekends dears? Ours was an experience to say the least - we went to MONSTER JAM! My first monster truck rally - it was crazy town USA. We got an early start, tailgated, took in the show, and then headed back to the City to continue the night out. Tailgating was probably my most favorite part of the day. It was nice to play dress up (lot's of mullett wigs, and American flags in the group) and spend time with friends I don't see often enough. It was a loud, rowdy, uninhibited evening - and it was a blast. Then, like I said, the rest of the weekend was low key. ;-)

Sunday was the polar opposite of Saturday. I went on my usual walk about, and happily found myself watching the Oscars red carpet coverage with my love Di, before heading home to continue the lazy evening with the hubs. The perfect way to round out the weekend. 

What did you all do? I'd love to hear! 

Images via yours truly. 

Wed Day

Duel Income No Kids. The hubs and I are DINKs. We actually have been for a while now, but it hadn't really hit me what a special moment this is in our lives until recently. We are through our shaky and uncertain early mid-twenties, and finally have our shit together. We're not rolling in it by any means, but we are finally feeling secure, and we're without many of the responsibilities we'll have as we begin our family. It's a period of relative freedom -- a singular time. I'm not sure if this is part of the culture of living in a large city or just the "crowd" we've found ourselves in, but many of our friends are in the same boat. Perhaps it's just a generational shift toward waiting a bit longer between marriage (or partnering-up) and having children. Whatever this cause, this time feels like it ought to be savored.

Image via. 

Tuesday's Tips & Tricks

Don't get me wrong, I love nail art as much as the next gal. But there's something so refreshing about nude nails. I have small hands with short fingers, and I think this perfectly matching nude color is really flattering -- it's a soft look that really elongates. It creates an elegant mannequin-esque "Barbie" hand look that I'm kinda diggin' at the moment. In the photo above, I used Dior Nail Lacquer in Safari Beige. I'm also keeping my nails longer than usual, which I'm also diggin', even though it's more up keep than my usual super short mani.

Image via yours truly. 

2013 Oscars

I really love the Oscars - it's an unapologetically cheesy, glitzy evening. 

Amy, Naomi, and Jessica killed it on the red carpet. I think Jessica's look, head to toe, is hands down my favorite awards season look. So glamorous ladies - stop it! 

This had to be my favorite Oscars moment: Adele just being amazing, whateves. 

Then this happened, and it couldn't have been cuter. 

Did you all watch? What were your favorite moments? 

(P.S. this was my least favorite part of the show - thoughts?)

images via, gif via. 

Marbled

I dream of the day when the hubs and I will have more than one bathroom. In my fantasy world, my personal bathrrom looks something like the room above - a beautiful girly retreat. Plus I'm a sucker for white marble - so pretty!

Greg Stewart ID via. 

Monday's Mantra

A fantastic reminder - xo!

Image via. 

Happy Weekend!

What are you lovelies up to this weekend? I can say I am doing something I've truly never done before ... I'm going to a monster truck rally! What?! I know, what?! It's going to be an experience to say the least. Other than that, it should be pretty low key. ;-)

Whatever you do - I hope you have a splendid time. Enjoy the link love - xo!

YOU HAD ONE JOB! HA!

Louis, you rock my socks.

This girl is a genius, the world is shocked. How do you feel?

I loved this show so much when I was younger.

The real cost of a shrinking government.

Qualities of successful people.

Easy ways to green your home.

Go ombre at home. Would you dare?

Spanx: good or bad? discuss.

Street style for all.

Image via. 

Cheers ...

it's Friday! What is it about short work weeks that makes everything so manic? Um, it's shorter, duh. In any case, we made it. Let's celebrate.

Italian Spritzer 

• Ice
• Lemon slices 
• 3 ounces sparkling wine
• 2 ounce Campari

Fill a small rocks glass with ice. Squeeze in the lemon. Pour in the wine, followed by the Campari. Garnish with additional lemon slice and drink. Enjoy!

Image etc via. 

Friday's Finds

Welp, I finally did it. Last week I broke down and bought myself a Clarisonic Mia. I'd been wanting one but wasn't really motivated to spend the dough, until my face threw an especially dramatic tantrum. After using it for a week my one thought is: why didn't I get one of these sooner?! Seriously. It's amazing. I have combo sensitive skin that only recently has started to get its feelings hurt and throw fits. But oh man, does this little Mia ever set things right. It's soothing and cleansing; after a week I already see an improvement in tone, texture, and clarity. Have a birthday coming up? I highly recommend requesting one of these little babies.

Image via. 

Thursday's Tidbit

Acupuncture, hurts so good. I have an appointment this week and am really looking forward it. 

I've been going regularly for about three years now. Some people go as much as once or twice a week, I go about once every six weeks for a tune up. I was really nervous my first appointment. I was worried it would hurt mostly, even though everyone says it doesn't - someone is going to stick you full of needles, that's weird. What I didn't know then is that the needles used are thinner than a human hair, and miraculously it really doesn't hurt. You are aware of the needles, there is a sensation, but it isn't pain. The best part is that it works. Within minutes of getting stuck, calm washes over me. My energy settles in a way I've never experienced.

I don't really know how it works, I just know that I feel healthier and better in my own skin since starting. I also suffer from chronic optical migraines - before acupuncture I would get hit with a bad one about once a month (and by bad I mean loose sight in one of my eyes, feel sick to my stomach, half a head full of pain, bad). Now I really only suffer from one of these bad migraines about twice a year - amaze. That's just one of the concrete benefits, there are other harder to explain benefits I've noticed since starting acupuncture like lower overall stress, and more inner peace (seriously). It really is incredible.

Do any of you do acupuncture as well? Would you ever try it?

Image via. 

Bread Lust

So, like a crazy person, I gave up bread for lent - because I am apparently a glutton for some Catholic punishment. This year Ash Wednesday (the start of lent) fell on 2/13/13 - a week ago. So guess what I've been dreaming of for the past week? BREAD!

Allora, such is life. In 33 more days I can fix myself one of these tasty babies, eye on the prize people...

Roasted Strawberry, Brie, and Chocolate Grilled Cheese 

makes 2 sandwiches

• 6 strawberries, quartered
• 1/2 teaspoon canola oil
• pinch of salt
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 thick-cut slices of multigrain bread
• 2-3 ounces of brie cheese, sliced
• 1-2 ounces high-quality chocolate

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Toss strawberries with oil and salt, then spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes.

Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-low heat. Butter the sides of two slices of bread, place them on the pan buttered-side down, then layer on a few slices of cheese, chocolate and berries. Top with a few more slices of cheese, then butter one side of the other slices of bread, and place on top (butter side up). Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese has started to melt, then gently flip the sandwich and cook on the other side until golden. Serve and enjoy!

Soon ...

Recipe and images via. 

Wed Day

On Friendship. If you polled all the happy couples out there, I think they would all say (in one form or another) that one of the most important reasons their relationships works is that "he/she is my best friend."

God knows I love my girlfriends (my sister included), they enrich my life, bring me joy, laughter, and comfort - I can honestly say I do not know where I'd be without them, but ... the hubs is my best friend. He's seen me at my worst (something I hope my girlfriends never witness), he's seen me at my best, he's seen me at my most vulnerable, and he's seen me be strong in way's he cannot. Plus we just have fun together, we enjoy being around each other. He gives me the freedom to be my silly self, won't judge me for my weirdness quirks, and vise versa. It doesn't matter what we're doing, we can always make each other laugh. Passion comes in waves (hopefully not spaced too far apart), but if you and your partner have a strong friendship to anchor you, you'll never blow that far off course. In my experience, at least. :-)

Image via. 

Weekend Wrap-up

Hey hey, kids! How were all a y'alls weekends? Ours was pretty, pretty, pretty good. Three days is the perfect amount of time if you ask me. Saturday was a lazy lazy day, not much happened aside from a long walk and a mani pedi. I cooked dinner, we opened a bottle of wine, rented Skyfall, and called it a night. Sunday was our fun day fo sho. 

We picked up a zip car, packed a picnic  and headed north for the Russian River.  Our first stop was Arista Winery - a really beautiful and peaceful family owned winery. If you like a nice pinot noir, this is a place for you. We did a tasting, picked out a bottle we both liked, and claimed a picnic table. It was really nice to spend the afternoon just chatting and enjoying being together without computers, phones, or our TV as distractions. Plus there were goats - goats! The black and white one above was especially friendly (and especially interested in our crackers). Our next stop was the river itself, we did a mini-hike wandering down the banks. Finally it seemed like a good idea to wrap up the day with dinner at the Russian River Brewery, which indeed it was. 

Monday was another lazy day. I ran errands, cleaned the appartment, went an another looong walk, and had a nice long, much needed, chat with one of my dearest friends. Not a bad three days - just what this girl needed. 

What did you all do? I'd love to hear - xo! 

Images via yours truly. 

Tuesday's Tips & Tricks

Isn't this side braid bun combo beautiful? This would be perfect for a wedding, but just as lovely for a special night out, or for your next birthday celebration. 

1. Part hair, a nice deep side part is perfect for this.
2. Grab a small section of hair and begin a French braid as you normally would:
3. & 4. Split into 3 parts.
5. Start French braiding, making sure to braid tight and diagonally across the head.
6. Secure braid with a hair tie.
7. Roll the braid up and in, making a pretty little bun.
8. Secure bun next to or above ear with hair pins.

Optional finishing touch: add sparkly pins, clips, flowers, fake birds, or whatever. Boom!

Images etc via Once Wed. 

Bonus day

Hope you all are enjoying this day off as much as Rico. See you tomorrow for regularly scheduled programing. Get out there and have some fun - xo!

Image via yours truly. 

Monday's Mantra

Yes, let's!

Image via. 

Happy Weekend!

Three. Day. Weekend. Mmm. Let's say that again: three day weekend.

The last few weekends have been busy to say the least, fun busy, but still busy. I am so looking forward to some down time, some park time, some girl time, and maybe a little day trip or a mani pedi. We shall see. I'm happy to embrace a few easy breezy days.

What do you all have planned? I hope you next three days are restful, or exciting, or both - whatever you feel you need. xo!

A day in the life - takes me right back to 1998.

My favorite Girl's episode to date.

Beauty stalking at NYFW. (also.)

The art of the love letter.

Walking: A Master Class.

A lovely post on happiness.

My newest addiction.

Such a creative mani idea.

The LA that could have been.

There's a Golden Girl for every occasion.

Image via. 

Cheers ...

it's Friday! Just because Valentine's Day is past, doesn't mean we can't still have a pink drink.

Pink Lemonade Champagne

• 1 pink lemonade - concentrate in the freezer section - thawed
• 1 bottle champagne - chilled
• 1 cup vanilla vodka
• sugar for rim
• ice cubes - optional

Mix lemonade and vodka in a pitcher. Slowly add champagne to sugared glasses.
Yum!

Via. 

Friday's Finds

Lauren Hom is a designer based in NYC who created this Daily Dishonesty project - a series of hand lettered posters that document the little lies we all tell ourselves she tells herself on the reg. ha! 

Oh man, these speak to me. Which one speaks to you?

Via. 

Happy V-Day

Happy Valentine's Day my sweets, I hope your day is bursting with love. So grateful for all of you who take a moment to swing by - sending lot's of x's & o's.

PS: Take a moment to check out the 2013 VDay happenings.

Image via. 

Cozy

I love that this space is predominantly black and white, but still feels warm and cozy. If I were braver I'd totally get a white sofa, alas, I may be too spill prone for that.

anyone know the source? 

Wed Day

Hey, have you heard? It's almost Valentine's Day! Such a sweet and dangerous day, sweet to think of our loved ones and tell them how much they mean to us, and dangerous because of all those damn expectations! The hubs and I usually (try to) keep it low key - we're having dinner at this romantic spot. Other than that, all I really want are some flowers, and perhaps a love letter or a compliment or three. ;-) How about you dears? What are you hoping for this Valentine's Day?

Images via and via. 

Deflated

Have you ever had a day that takes the wind right out of your sails? That leaves you deflated and a bit worse for wear? A day when everything is just a little bit harder than it should be? That was my yesterday.

Nothing terrible happened, it was just an icky day. We all have them - and I guess that's my point. We all have a bad day now and then - it's not the end of the world. Cry if you need to, dust yourself off, and pull yourself together. Life goes on, and day's get better.

Image via. 

Tuesday's Tips & Tricks

I know you were sitting there fretting about how to make a heart shaped cake for Valentine's Day - well never fear. I've got you covered. 

Bake two sheet cakes, one square one round, same size (8 or 9 inch pans work well for this). 

Cut your round cake in half. 

Place the round halves adjacent to the square cake to make your hear shape. Now you're set to ice. 

Boom, you're welcome. :-) 

Images etc via. 

Weekend Wrap-up

Oh hey there, how were all of your weekends? Mine was a bit of a blast. Friday night we celebrated the hubs' birthday at NOPA, a truly swanky spot. It's a San Francisco must fo sho. Then Saturday we celebrated our dear friend Val's 30th. The birthday girl chartered a "cable car" to chauffeur a group of us to bars around the City - we stopped here, here, and here. It turned into a mobil dance party pretty quickly, especially after a mimosa or two. I must say, dancing on a trolly blasting club music while cruising through downtown San Francisco is not a bad way to spend an afternoon. Sunday was admittedly less productive, we did sneak in a nice long walk and a lunch date at a taqueria. Not to shabby, if I do say so myself.

What were you celebrating this weekend?

Photo's via yours truly: the view of the bar at NOPA, Ash and the trolly, ze girls (Di, K, Val, Ash, me, Mer). 

Monday's Mantra

Words to live by. Happy Monday dears!

Image via. 

Happy Weekend!

It's a weekend of birthdays! Saturday is the hubs' birthday (hello 29), and also happens to be the same day one of my best gals is celebrating her 30th. Hello, fun times? Is that you knocking? So I'm taking my main man out for an old fashioned night out of dinner and drinks, just the two of us Friday night. Then Saturday we're meeting up with a much larger group to celebrate our sweet friend Val in true San Francisco style (i.e. with brunch, cable cars, and day drinking - I can't wait).

What do you all have planned? I hope you all have reasons to celebrate as well this weekend. See you here Monday - xo!

We're just 20-somethings, right?

How to choose the perfect perfume.

Valentine's Day Gift Inspiration.

This art installation took my breath away.

Doesn't this look scrumptious?

I think I might have to try this.

The light that shines.

There'e life in the ice.

Rules of exceptionally healthy people.

The centrifuge brain project.

Celebrities high school photos.

In love with this wedding.

Image via. 

It's Friday...

let's celebrate! How 'bout with a little cocktail? A pear vanilla number perhaps? 

Ingredients:

1 ounce of vanilla vodka
1 ounce of pear vodka
Club soda (to fill glass)
1/2 small Bosc pear
Sanding sugar (for garnish)
Nutmeg, fresh
Ice, shaved

Directions:

Blend ice into a smooth texture with a blender.

Rim your glass with sugar and freshly grated nutmeg mixture. Use a pear slice to moisten the glass rim first. 

Add the shaved ice to the glass. Pour vodkas and club soda to fill. Slice pear rounds and position in glass. Stir. Enjoy! 

Image and recipe via. 

Friday's Finds

You know you work in the environmental field when you are super jazzed by your new reusable cup. Yep, I'm pretty jazzed about this one.

We all know that waste is an issue, so why not take preventive measures by using as many reusable items as possible? Well, because you still have to be cautious about the reusable items you choose to use. The plastic reusable cup for instance, better for the environment, but not so good for human health. Plastics leach all kinds of harmful chemicals, especially when they come into contact with hot liquid. Even BPA free plastics leach harmful chemicals, chemicals that may interfere with reproductive hormones or cause cancer. Yikes is an understatement.

So how do you strive to be less wasteful and also not expose yourself to unnecessary chemicals? Well, at least when drink wear is concerned, simply choose glass and or stainless steel containers. This brings me back to my original point - I got a new reusable travel coffee cup, and it's cute! I set out to find a reusable glass coffee cup, that wasn't huge (hello extra calories), and still appealed to my design sense. Happily, I came across JOCO Cups. Glass 12 ounce (the same size a "tall") travel cups that are barista certified. Boom. Sold. It just arrived and I'm super jazzed. Did I mention that?

Even Rico and Sofie were excited and decided they needed to crash my photo shoot.

Photos via yours truly. 

Ta Da!

Did you notice? I have a new header and I couldn't be more tickled. Even after my redesign a few months back, I din't feel like my header was quite right. So I made an appointment with my favorite art director, my handsome and talented husband, who created this beauty for me. Whatcha think?

I think I'm in love.

Thursday's Tidbits

I do believe in the power of lipstick - sometimes you gotta fake it to make. I also believe in buying myself flowers (but y'all knew that), candles (I'm really digging this one at the moment), a nice chat with my sister, a glass of wine, and an episode or two of Girls. I also remember something my dad used to ask me: will this matter in a year? will this matter in a month? will this matter in a week? so why does it matter now?

How do you pick yourself up after a hard day?

Image via. 

Bouquet

So you may have noticed that I have a thing for white flowers. I love that they add little something special without distracting from the more permanent decor elements of my appartment. Don't get me wrong, I do like to jazz it up with a pop of color now and then, but I always end up gravitating back toward a white bouquet eventually. Right now I am really loving this trio of tulips, winter whites to also remind us that spring is just around the corner.

Image via yours truly, more bouquets here.