Have a sugar-filled weekend!

Happy (almost) Halloween!

Three years ago this weekend, Ken and I bumped into each other at a Halloween party, and I jokingly agreed to a date. I still can't believe that "yes" led to a wedding. Hahaha. I'm so happy we have a picture from the historic night!

What are your weekend plans dear readers? (I think we might team up with some little kids and sneak in a bit of trick-or-treating.)

I can't wait to see everyone's costumes come Monday. The blogosphere is going to be packed with hilarity! Until then, enjoy the last weekend in October.

And Ken, you're still pretty cute, a whopping three years later. :)

Andy G

Many many congratulations to Mr. Andy Grammer for the release of his new video, "Keep your Head Up." 

Aside from the song being awesome, the video is interactive and let's you make changes as you watch! Take a look and a listen. :)





Note to Andy Man: (Andy remember us little people. The ones that still liked you when your voice cracked and you put too much gel in your hair. xoxo.)

Swedish Cabin

My heart skipped a beat when I saw this amazing Swedish cabin. It belongs to production designer, artist and interior decorator Carouschka Streijffert.

Apparently she wasn't too impressed when she first saw the little house--but the secluded island it's on won her over immediately.

She redesigned and decorated the cottage alongside carpenters from a neighboring island.

The chimney and wood baskets get me everytime. 

[via Stylefiles]

Plush

I am dying over Hagar's plush little whales from Happy Red Fish. They are impossibly cute.

Many thanks to Mayi over at HeartMade for introducing me to this little shop!

Studio Chocolate

My painting studio is in a big warehouse right next to a chocolate factory (this is dangerous on so many levels).

I never thought much about the chocolateir until today's DailyCandy feature on them. Apparently, Recchiuti Confections is famous for creative flavors like lavender and Earl Grey infused truffles. And their newest flavor? BBQ. 

They infuse local restaurant Everett & Jones' hot barbecue sauce into dark chocolate ganache and then coat it with their signature Venezuelan dark chocolate. The result? A "hits-you-a-minute-later smokiness and tang that balances the cocoa flavor."

I know where I'm headed post-lunch.  :) 

Available at Bi-Rite Market, 3639 18th Street, between Guerrero and Dolores Streets (415-241-9760 or biritemarket.com)

London meets San Francisco

I am blown away with San Francisco based Turner Duckworth's holiday card.

At first I didn't see it....but after a closer look, I realized the silouette of the SF skyline becomes London's when turned upside down!

Can you see it? 

(The lights in the window transform into a starry night, and the moon becomes Big Ben's clock!)

The Elements of Style

So, we didn't quite make it to Yosemite this weekend. I think we are going to shoot for sometime in November to take advantage of all the low winter rates (any and all recommendations are still welcome :).

We did get to see the Maira Kalman exhibition at the JCM however. And it was amazing! The show comes down today and is headed for NYC. If you're in the area, I highly recommend seeing it. She is such a fabulous writer and illustrator.

My favorite part of the exhibition was this short film she had on display. It's an homage to the "elements of style." And the beagle she includes is so cute. :)

Planning Yosemite

San Francisco is looking a lot like this lately.

So to escape the rain and fog, Ken and I are thinking about packing up and heading to Yosemite! Neither of us has ever been, but all we've heard are rave reviews from friends that have visited.

Do any of you dear readers have tips for a relaxing Yosemite weekend? We would love to hear your recommendations for places to stay, eat, hike, etc.

[cloud photo via YesPlease]

New Paintings

The three part commission I had this summer is finally complete and installed! Here's a peek at the last portrait I did of Miss Madison.

42"x42", Oil on Canvas, 2010

The three paintings are now in their new home, hanging happily together on the wall. :)

And here are the links to the other two portraits in case you missed 'em!

*Raleigh Mai
*Caleb

Autumn in New York 1942

Wasn't the style of the 40s so beautiful?  I love these autumn inspired photos from Steven Meisel.

Such incredible styling. Makes me wish I was born in the days when ladies wore gloves and hats...

F. Scott Style

The Great Gatsby is one of my all time favorites reads, but who knew Fitzgerald had such great personal style? Check out his beautifully worn briefcase.

It reminds me of the Goldpfeil Leather Collection, but way cooler. :)

[via DNA]

Scarlett Fever

This silent film starring the stunning Scarlett Johanson puts a smile on my face every time I watch it.  

 

(via...everywhere)

Common Place

Mark your calendars, San Francisco friends! Tomorrow night is the much awaited opening of The Common, a SoMa clothing boutique and art gallery extraordinaire. :)

There's word of a coffee bar in the back, as well as an adjacent gallery. Their space is also available for rent (how perfect for a wedding reception). Plus their opening invite design is awesome.

Alex Kanevsky

Alex Kanevsky is one of my all time favorite figure painters. His colors are stunning, his use of light is perfect, and the movement he captures is totally mesmerizing.

I've never actually gotten to see his work in person, so you can imagine my excitement when I found out his paintings are HERE in SF, until the end of October.

Check out his new show "Heroes and Animals" at the Dolby Chadwick Gallery in Union Square. For any art lovers out there, this is one show not to be missed.

Pie Ranch

Well if it isn't Monday. :) How were your weekends dear readers? Ken and I took a little impromptu trip down Highway 1 to the famous, Pie Ranch.

Shaped like a single slice of pie, this farm is dedicated to educating urban populations about the source of their food. They work with San Francisco highschools in promoting awareness about the benefits of local farming and are also responsible for providing Mission Pies with their produce (yum).

Word on the street has it that they're planning a Halloween hoe-down--will keep you folks posted. :)

Have a sunny weekend!

What do you folks have planned for this weekend? I think a shopping date is in order--my birthday cash is taunting me. :)

First on my list is Seed Store, have you heard of it? They apparently carry lots of Dear Creatures and other small fashion start ups. Also, Flora Grubb is having a SALE. My shelves could not be more excited.

In any case, enjoy the sun! It's finally out in SF. :)

[photo via Lauren Ward]

Jetsetter

Have you guys seen the amazing website Jetsetter.com? Kenny just found it yesterday, and we have been glued to it ever since.

It's a website that gives you exclusive deals on the world's greatest vacations. They have a globe-trotting team that scours the planet for incredible places, and then they plan a whole trip around it! 

These are the current vacays they're advertising....
(I am jonesing for the Napa one big time.)

If there's anyone out there planning a honeymoon--enjoy!

Black and Spacious

I'm usually drawn to white walls and airy rooms, but I am seriously intrigued with these black walls.

The rooms feel cozy and chic at the same time, especially with those gorgeous wooden floors and crisp white trim.

I'm thinking if we had lots more space I'd consider parting with some of my white walls. :)

Would you ever paint a room or two black?

[via Bliss]

October Two.

Reasons birthdays are the best days...

1. Pumpkins.

 

2. Surprise ice cream cakes with your face on them! (I think this might be the first time one of Jose's pictures was reproduced in frosting.)

3. It's the perfect excuse to have a movie night on the back porch. Plus you get to pick the movie (Hook with Robin Williams).

4. Sugar is inevitably involved.

5. Birthday flowers!

6. And of course, you get a wish. :) Though this year, it seemed all of mine had already come true.