Happy Easter!

image via. 

Happy Weekend!

Happy Easter Weekend lovies. What do you all have planned? It should be pretty low key in these parts. One thing I will be doing is sending lot's of love my mama's way. Today is her birthday! I love you mama - you're the best mama a girl like me could've hoped for.

I hope you're all are able to take a moment to celebrate someone you love this weekend too.

See you Monday - enjoy the link love until then. xo!

The Seder Plate - a nutritional breakdown.

What extremely successful people were doing at 25 - what were you doing?

A single girl starter kit? I've never heard of such a thing.

Margret Cho deserves to be naked. As do we all!
PS: remember this?

Kamala Harris, another badass lady from San Francisco.

Michael Scott, so wise.

The best moments from the Real World, when I actually watched it.

2 minutes to better health.

Awesome origins of ordinary words (did you know that the origin of vagina is "sword sheath"?) 

I can't wait to read this book. 

Image via. 

Cheers!

It's a holiday weekend made for Easter brunches, and it wouldn't be a brunch without a mimosa.

Bleeding Mimosa

Ingredients:

2 lb blood oranges, juiced

Champagne

Method:

Pour blood orange juice into ice cube trays, freeze for at least 6 hours. Fill champagne flutes with blood orange ice cubes, top with champagne.

Enjoy! 

Image etc via. 

Friday's Finds

Espadrilles may be the perfect shoe for spring, and these babies from Madewell are spot on. 

Argan Daily Moisturizer

As the weather begins to warm (in some places at least), it might be time to make some subtle changes in your skincare routine. A recent swap I've made has been changing out a heavier SPF moisturizer for a ligher one. However, light does not mean less effective - exhibit A: Josie Maran Argan Daily Moisturizer with SPF 40.

It's mild, absorbs quickly, fights aging, and has argan oil to give you "that glow." Perfect for the transition out of winter into spring, and eventually to summer.

What swaps are you making?

Thursday's Tidbit

Spring cleaning - 'tis the season, no? Daunting, but necessary. However, if that task could be accomplished in just one day (say a rainy saturday), that would be something, wouldn't it? Well, the ladies at Glitter Guide have you covered. Take a look at their plan to get your pad in tip top shape in a single day.

Oh, and in case you were wondering what supplies you'll be needed, they rounded that up as well.

Happy cleaning!

Via. 

WED Day

An interfaith marriage at Passover.

The hubs grew up Jewish while I grew up Catholic - we're not very religious but we both still feel very connected to our faiths. I definitely identify as a Catholic, but I've always been fascinated by Judaism; marrying into a Jewish family that's been so welcoming has been a total blessing. Learning about the faith and the culture has been an enriching experience. At this time of Passover, with Easter on the horizon, I feel very lucky to take part in both celebrations.

Usually we head up to the hubs' home town in Humboldt County for a Passover Seder with the family and close family friends. This year we won't be able to sneak away, so I decided to put together our own mini celebration. Here's our Seder Plate:

Everything on the plate is very symbolic. Here's the break down: 

The bone (a lamb bone in this case) is symbolic of the special lamb sacrifice that was made before the exodus, and would have been made annually at the temple the afternoon before Passover. 

The egg represents the holiday offering brought durring the day to the Holy Temple. 

Bitter herbs (maror) remind us of the bitterness of the slavery of the Jews in Egypt. Grated horseradish, romaine lettuce, and parsley are commonly used for this.

A root vegetable (onions here) is symbolic of the back breaking work of the Jews under Pharaoh. 

Charoset, a mixture of apples, nuts, wine, and (sometimes) honey symbolizes the bricks and mortar from the Holy Temple and also reminds us of the work of the enslaved Jews. 

The three matzot (usually covered and placed below the plate) are symbolic of the three castes of Jews: Priests, Levites, and Israelites.

But why the orange (er, tangerine)? In the 1980's, Susannah Heschel, a well-known Jewish feminist scholar, famously included an orange on her Seder Plate as a symbol of inclusion of women, gays, and other marginalized people in Judaism. Spitting out the seeds of the orange once eaten takes this a step further to symbolize the rejection of homophobia within the faith. Isn't that beautiful? 

The top photo is the hubs and I under our chuppah with our Rabbi on our wedding day (by Lisa Fitts), the bottom photos via yours truly. 

A Spring Bouquet

I may have gone overboard this time, but I don't care. There's a lot going on, but somehow this still felt Easter-y, Passover-y, and Spring-y to me. Don't judge. This is what I'll call a "generous" arrangement of palm frawns, white lilacs, white lisianthus, and pale blue hydrangeas. I won't be stifled! 

Image via yours truly. More bouquets here. 

Tuesday's Tips & Tricks

Why not create a fancy gilded marble effect on your Easter Eggs using a simple gold leaf kit? The result is so pretty, and elevated somehow, don't you think? Just lovely if you ask me.

Image and tutorial here. 

Weekend Wrap-Up

It was an easy-breezy-go-with-the-flow kind of weekend that seemed to go by in a flash.

To kick it off we met up with sweet friends (old and new) at this neat bar, went for a long walk by the bay - a weekend necessity of mine as you know, had a few lazy lunches (here and here), tried dinner at Hog & Rocks (a new-ish spot the hubs and I were both itching to try - oysters and ham? yes please!),  then finally, we rounded the weekend out with a lazy sunday spent wandering around Golden Gate Park with a few of the Hubs' cousins. Not too shabby if you ask me, not too shabby.

How were all of your weekends dears?

Image of the Conservatory of Flowers by yours truly. 

Monday's Mantra

Wise words to remember as we enter this time of Passover and Easter.  xo!

Via. 

Happy Weekend!

Hey kids, what are you up too this weekend? I for one am really looking forward to ... some unscheduled time! Yep, that's right: no plans. Except for maybe a dinner out with the Hubs. I'm so excited to see where the wind blows these next few days.

I hope you all have a lovely few days and I'll see you monday - xo!

St. Peter's in 2005 and in 2013. What a change. Fun fact: I was there in 2005. 

It's hard to meet people, you have to get closer.

Are teens tiring of Facebook?

Win the climate change argument.

The real benefits of optimism.

LEGO dance!!

You are my wild. So sweet.

Are you near a food desert?

Stunning.

A million times.

Oh, yeah. This.

Image via. 

Cheers ...

it's Friday! Let's cut the chit chat and just toast to that, shall we?

Guava Sangria with a Touch of Sage

Ingredients:
1 bottle of rose wine
1/2 cup cognac
1/2 cup pureed guava or any other type of tropical fruit
1/2 cup pear juice
1/2 cup cranberry juice
1 cup sprite
Thinly sliced orange spheres
Boiled and strained cranberries
Fresh sage

Add all ingredients in a pitcher, tasting as you go. Set fresh sage aside and serve as a garnish to achieve a hint of sage flavor in your sangria (do not add it in the pitcher, it can be too much). Serve on the rocks.

Image etc via. 

Friday's Finds

So I know I'm late to this party but ... Clinique chubby sticks?! These are my new favorite thing. Seriously. No. Seriously. They glide on like a creamy moisturizing balm, but really pack a pigment punch with a hint of shine, and have stubborn staying power to boot. The colors range from neutral to poppy and perfect for spring. Color this lady smitten.

Image via. 

Thursday's Tidbit

I've been jonesin' for an adventure lately. I'm not really sure where I want to go, or what I want to do, but I feel an itch. An exciting, something is on the horizon tingle. Do you get that feeling? Anticipation of something you're not sure of?

Well, whatever it may be, I think it's gonna be good. xo!

Image via. 

Weekend Wrap-Up

Hi dolls, I never asked how your weekends were? Fab I'm sure.

My little sister (who happens to be about 7 inches taller than me) was in town with her man-friend, so it was whirl-wind to say the least. The weekend kicked off with happy hour here, followed by a late night dinner here (delish, I recommend the pho que), and wrapped up with another late night dinner here. In between we took a few loong walks, saw some sights, had a few treats, grabbed brunch, and met up with my friends for a beverage (or two).

I love my sister bunches. It was such a treat to have her and her beau here. I really wish we lived closer. They left on Sunday evening and I felt sulky all of Monday. Happily, I feel much better now, and I think the super fun visit will go a long way in tempting them to come back.  Fingers crossed. :-)

Image via yours truly. 

Wed Day

Do you flirt with your partner? 

I'm naturally a flirtatious person - so naturally I'm flirty with the hubs. I think it's fun, and if you can't flirt with your partner, who can you (appropriately) flirt with? The hubs, however, is slightly less flirty. Always has been, so that wasn't a real shocker. Isn't a bad thing, we're just different in this way. (Gas & Breaks, remember?) Here's an example "flirty" gChat:

me: Hey Handsome
Hubs: Sup?
me: What are you wearing?
Hubs: A flannel ... ?
me: I'm not wearing anything 
Hubs: We both know that's not true.
me: It could be.
Hubs: Nope.  
me: ugh. 
Hubs: What are we doing for dinner?  

Oh silly, such is life. :-) It's all about balance right? 

John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette by John Barrett. 

Simple Summer Squash

Sometimes the simplest recipes are the best, don't you think? You do just enough to let the ingredients sing, then stop and enjoy ... 

Summer Squash with Goat Cheese & Thyme

4 young summer squash, sliced 1/2” thick

1 1/2 teaspoons fresh chopped thyme, divided
2 oz crumbled goat cheese
extra virgin olive oil
salt

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

In a bowl, toss the squash slices with 1 teaspoon of the thyme, enough olive oil to lightly coat, and a generous pinch of salt. Place the squash slices on a baking sheet in a single layer, season with a touch more salt. Roast for 15-16 minutes, turning once halfway through.

Remove the squash from the oven and place on a serving platter. If you’d like, drizzle on a little more fresh olive oil and add another sprinkling of salt. Crumble the cheese over the squash and top with the remaining half teaspoon of thyme. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Sounds lovely, right?

image etc via. 

Tuesday's Tips & Tricks

I'm going through a serious air plant phase. We have three little guys at home, and I have four separate little guys at work. There's something so beautiful and interesting about them, like alien sea creatures. Plus they're seriously easy to take care of.

Just mist them twice a week, or (my preferred method) soak them for an hour or so every other week.

Then find them a cute home to hang out it. No soil necessary, easy peasy, no? I've had a few of my guys for years, caring for them this way. I can't say the same for my succulents.

Images via yours truly. 

GAP Flats

I've been on the look out for a pair of cute versatile weekday work flats, me thinks these babies from GAP might be just the ticket.

Monday's Mantra

Yes, you are. xo!

Image via. 

Happy Weekend!

Happy weekend dears, what are you all up to? Any fabulous St Patrick's Day celebrations on the horizon? My little sister and her beau are going to be in town this weekend, so I'm looking forward to late night dinners, late morning brunches  and some good old fashioned catch up sessions. I'm sure we'll throw some green beer in there somewhere too.

Have a great couple days, may the luck of the Irish be with you. Meet me here Monday? xo!

What the ... ?

FML. Mercury's in retrograde again.

So proud to call this inspiring woman my congress person.

The happiest facts ... ever!

Sugar, maybe not so sweet.

Would stay in a pop-up hotel?

This is my happy place.

More to lean into.

Are you up all night?

What do you this about the way we share?

Image via. 

Cheers ...

it's a feels-like-spring Friday, and my kid sister is getting into town this afternoon. Let's drink to that!

Pear Rum Blush

• 1 1/2-ounce pear juice
• 3/4-ounce dark rum
• 1-tablespoon cherry grenadine
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 ounce prosecco
• Pear slice and cherry for garnish (optional)

Pour the pear juice, rum, grenadine and lemon juice into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until the outside of the shaker is ice cold. Pour entire contents into a highball glass. Then gently float prosecco into the glass and garnish with pear slice and cherry. Perfecto! 

Enjoy. 

Image etc via. 

Friday's Finds

Wowza. I was stopped in my tracks by this table. What an amazing and creative way to bring the outdoors in.

Via.

Bouquet

Oh, you know, just some pretty white roses and a little eucalyptus. This isn't an unheard of combo, but for me it's also pretty special. Back home, my grandpa had several amazing rose bushes beautifully brighting our front yard. Since his passing they've been inherited, and lovingly cared for, by my mama. The eucalyptus also reminds me of home. My family's house sits on a hill, overlooking farmland that stretches to the pacific (yes, quite a contrast to the urban jungle of San Francisco), that farmland is surrounded by a wind break of eucalyptus trees - the sent wafting up our hill into our living room ... 

Images via yours truly. 

Thursday's Tidbit

GlamGlow Tingling and Exfoliating Mud Mask. 

Well, there is some hype about this product at the moment, and in my mind it's well deserved. Y'all know I love my masks, and this is one of my new favorites. This "10 minute facial in a jar" goes on as a grainy mud (complete with green tea leaf bits), and starts to tingle - man, does it tingle, the first time I tried it, it felt more like a burn actually - but the discomfort subsides in a minute or so (beauty is pain people).  It dries in about 10 minutes, hardening and drawing impurities out of your skin. After you wash it off, you're left with smooth, plump, tight skin, plus visibly smaller pores, the perfect pre-party treatment. Try it yourself.

Dear Universe ...

this is the kind of appartment I want to live in ... in San Francisco ... for a reasonable price. Just putting it out there. Okay, thanks.

Image via. 

Wed Day

Just a little reminder on this Wed Day, that it really isn't about the wedding - even though it can feel like that in the moment - it's about the commitment and the bond between you and your partner. Hopefully your wedding was/is/will be a beautiful happy day, but God willing it will not be the best or the happiest day of your life. Hopefully each day, month, year will be better than the last. Hopefully, you'll look back on your wedding an think "that was nice, but what we have now, together, is more than I ever could have imagined." Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying it will be easy, but hopefully it will be worth it. And it will be beautiful. 

Image via. 

Just Because

This Gemma Correll sketch is so Rico and Sofie - made me smile.

Hope it made you smile too - xo!

Tuesday's Tips & Tricks

Those who know me, know I love me my coffee. I fell in love with espresso while living in Rome, my first coffee love, but have since come to appreciate cold brewed coffee, and have developed an affection for my french press.

Ah, the french press: seemingly simple to use, but getting that perfect french press brew is an art my friends.

First you have to start with good beans (these are my favorite), ground coarsely or the grounds will sneak into your cup. Use one tablespoon of grounds for every four ounces of water you plan to use in your press (this can vary due to the size of your press or by how much coffee your intend to make). Once you've got the coffee ground situation under control, add boiling water to the press pot (add as much water as coffe you wish to consume or serve - duh). Now just step back and wait a moment, I know it's tempting to add the top and just plunge right in - but don't rush it. Wait one minute (yes, literally 60 seconds) and then stir, to break up the "bloom" of grounds sitting on top of your water. At four minutes you can finally secure your press lid and plunge the strainer down. Pour and serve immediately. Don't let the coffee just sit in your press, it will get real sludgy like real fast.

I also like to add just a splash or two of creamer or half and half to smooth things out - lately I've been really into using a coconut milk based version. Mmmm...

Enjoy!

Image via.

Weekend Wrap-up

This weekend was much more restful compared to the last few weekends 'round these parts. It was a weekend of long walks, and long late night wine spurred talks.

My mama was in town and thankfully I was finally feeling un-sick. Friday was an doozy of a work day, so it was such a treat to take my mama out for a glass of wine that evening - we went to Cafe Muse, one of my long time favorites, and stayed out later than expected, which was also a nice treat. Saturday was a beautiful day in the City, perfect for a loong walk and a late lunch here (another favorite), followed by a super yummy dinner out here (yet another fave) to celebrate my mama's birthday.  She headed home on Sunday, so I took the day to clean house, run errands, and otherwise catch up. Yep, this weekend was just what the doctor ordered.

How about you crazy kids? How were your weekends?

Image of Rico Chainsaw and Sofie via yours truly. 

Monday's Mantra

Yes it will ... xo!

via. 

Happy Weekend

... and International Women's Day!! What are all you dears up to this weekend? I'm looking forward to a little r&r as well as some quality time with my mama. Nothing major, a dinner out here, maybe brunch and a long walk or two. We shall see where the next few days us.

Wherever the next few days take you, I hope you have a lovely time. See you Monday - xo!

Model mamas.

Celebrities, from most to least charming.

Chocolate avocado pudding? yes please!

The For Fathers Project. So sweet.

Nora Ephron, remembered by her son.

Hope and health.

Will you Lean In?

When I grow up ...

Popping water balloons in space.

Tweenstagram!

Image via. 

Cheers ...

it's Friday! We survived another looong week. Let's have a drink, yes? 

Elderflower Champagne Cocktail
Fill a tumbler with ice. Fill three-quarters of the glass with dry champagne or prosecco. Add thinly sliced cucumber and fresh mint. Top off with St-Germain.

Fancy, without the fuss - me likey. 

Via. 

Friday's Finds

I'm loving these asymmetrical black pumps. Classic with just enough edge to be interesting. Que bella. 

via. 

Thursday's Tidbit

House guests in a small space.

Like I mentioned, my mama is coming for a visit - she arrives this evening and is staying through Sunday. I'm really looking forward to seeing her, but I'd be lying if I said that having a houseguest in a small space dosen't present it's own set of challenges. Here are a few of my survival tips:

Clean. This may be a no brainer, but a clean home (in my opinion) is a welcoming home. Plus in a small space, every mess is apparent. Give your space a good scrub down, make sure things are tidy, and that you have extra clean towels, sheets, and blankets on hand.

Flowers and candles. Little touches can make a major impact in a small space - fill yours with some sweetness. You'll be surprised by the difference candles and flowers make.

Sleeping arrangements. I dream of the day when the hubs and I will have a spare bedroom, until then guests sleep on the sofa. Luckily, our sofa is relatively deep and pretty comfy. I have extra bedding, pillows, and blankets to make it as bed-like as possible. You may have to get creative, but if you keep comfort in mind, you can find a solution that works for you and is still nice for your guests.

Little extras. I like to make sure I have extra tooth brushes, TP, wine, coffee, and any little extras you know your guests will enjoy or might need available.

Let go. Once your guests arrive, let it all go. The house will probably not stay tidy, it may feel cramped, but try not to focus on that. Just enjoy the special time you have with your loved one.

What special tips do you have for hosting guests?

Image via. 

Chicken Soup

Oh man guys, I really wanted to put together a thoughtful and thought provoking WED Day post for y'all today - but I just don't have it in me. Work has been in hyperdrive lately, and my weekends haven't exactly been restful - I guess you can't burn the candle at both ends without it catching up to you eventually.

Yep, I have a cold - ugh. An icky little cold thought it would be cozy to take up residence in my poor little sinuses. The worst part is that I really can't BE sick right now, there is still so much work to do, the hubs to take care of, dishes and laundry that won't wash themselves, and a weekend visit from my mama to get ready for. Hmm, at least there'll be someone here to take care of me... 

While I'm pulling myself together over here, why don't you check out this yummy looking chicken soup recipe - get it? I have a cold so I'm posting about chicken soup ... ugh.

Sorry guys, cut a sick gal some slack.

Tuesday's Tips & Tricks

In my teens and early 20's I used tea tree oil pretty regularly to combat breakouts. But since my skin has become more, er, adult in my mid and late 20's I'd gotten out of the habit of using oils on my face. Until recently - I've added oils to my AM and PM routines and have been really happy with the results.

On one of my last trips to Sephora, I picked up a little sample of this NUDE ProGenius Oil. I've been using it in the mornings after cleaning/toning (in place of a serum, and before a vitamin c or peptide treatment, followed by a moisturizer with SPF of course). Put a few drops in your palm, warm it up in your hands, and then gently pat it onto your face and décolletage - a little will go farther than you think. It absorbs nicely, plumps up your skin, and give you that "glow." Plus it also creates a nice canvas for whatever other creams or make-up you might apply.  

In the evenings I've been using Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate, after cleaning/toning and before my retinol moisturizer. The application process is the same as above - it soaks in deliciously and works it's magic while you sleep. You wake up with a noticeably prettier complexion.

Would you give beauty oils a shot, are there any you're digging lately?

Weekend Wrap-Up

Hi-ho there kids, how were your weekends? Mine was lovely actually - a good mix of productivity and fun. Like I said, on Saturday the hubs and I took care of our taxes (glad that's over with), grabbed coffee, ran errands, and checked off our to-do's. That evening I met up with Val and Mer - we primped at Val's and headed to the Academy of Sciences for a birthday party/charity fundraiser in the aquarium. It was such an awesome venue for a party - even the fish were having fun (I hope!). It was a real treat to be able to take a break from dancing and stroll through the exhibits. 

Sunday I was up and at 'em bright and early, despite the late-ish night before. Sunday mornings are my favorite. I savored my coffee, did some pinning, and eased into the day. I had left the day open because there was a chance I'd need to go into the office (a rare occurrence), but that didn't happen so I had a free day on my hands. I went grocery shopping and texted ze girls to see if I could  persuade anyone into taking a walk with me. Happily, Mer and Val were keen. We walked to the Golden Gate, through the Palace of Fine Arts, split a hot dog, and headed and back to Val's for some girl talk in the light of day. It was a really nice way to wrap up a really fun two days. What did you all do? I'd love to hear. :-)

Images via yours truly.