Cupcakes!

SO much to say, so little time. I've been home only about a total of five daylight hours this week... okay, okay, I exaggerate a little. Seriously though, I've had so much fun this week, and I want to share a few pics from the good time I had last night.  

There's a place in Seattle called Trophy Cupcakes, and the amazing owner of the business recently wrote the most beautiful book! She came to San Francisco to teach us tips on decorating cupcakes (I have a LONG way to go on my skills... notice that I didn't include pics of my own cupcakes, haha!). I got to go on my own without anyone to watch, which was a welcome mini break in itself, and I enjoyed it even more than expected! I love hearing back stories from real life success in starting businesses, and Jennifer is a delightful lady. I actually never ever buy cookbooks because I don't use them, but I want this one. I'll be dreaming of that buttermilk frosting... 

As I said, so little time! We're headed to the rodeo, yeehaw! Happy Friday! I'll hopefully get a chance to post this weekend and share everything else!!  

xo

SF Loving: Hayes Valley

I've been finding myself in Hayes Valley quite a bit lately. The location is central to pretty much anywhere in San Francisco, and it has a funny mix of urban vibes and small-town charm.  

The area has not always been pretty or appealing, really, so it's grown in a good way in recent years. There is a little park and green strip of grass in its center, victorian homes and fabulous shops and restaurants surrounding. 

Ohhh San Francisco in the middle of Indian summer. I can hardly think of a better place to be. We've become addicted to adventure and exploring, and - unfortunately this week- sweets!! I kind of wish this weather would stay forever... but I also really love boots, tights, and scarves, so I guess it's a win-win at this point. 

xo.  

Places to Go: Lux SF

Mani. Pedi. Repeat.

I love Lux SF. 

I got my first mani-pedi when I got married. I didn't understand how it could possibly be as good as people say. Let me tell you: it is. 

My nails do not get the TLC they should. They get dry. They are generally uneven. They wash too many dishes. Basically, they get the shaft. ;)

One day, a few weeks ago, someone said to me "come try a mani pedi at Lux!" and I did. It was after a crazy day of wrangling cute little energetic girls, and it was exactly what I needed. Lux is fresh, immaculate, with perfectly friendly faces, and lovely conversation. Their color options are unreal- I was thinking a standard navy would be nice, but when I saw the deepest, most gorgeous green, I opted for that, and LOVED it. 

Bubbly water, warm mittened creams, and gentle techniques. Eighty minutes of bliss... And speaking of bliss: they use Bliss products that smell like citric amazingness. 

Lux is so good, I took a selfie for it. I never take selfies, but when I asked Sophie to take a picture of my nails, it was 26 shots of blur (I blame my over-full phone, rather than her photo skills.. upgrade coming soon!). Anyway, I wanted a shot of my dark green, and here it is:

They also have fabulous shades of pink in case you're like my dad and do not think dark green is the best pick. ;)

Oh and hey, BONUS: Lux is located in the most adorable neighborhood called Hayes Valley. It's full of adorable restaurants, a tiny park, boutiques, and sweets shops. What does this mean? Take your girl friends and have a great evening out in the area, or bring your little girl for a nail date, and follow it with a little stop at the play structure across the way! Perfect.

(More on Hayes Valley and other bits of its charm soon). :)

Kate 

Lux SF kindly provided complimentary services to me, but all opinions are truly favorable and are truly my own. xo

That Was Fun: ReMake

Brit & Co. hosted their very first workshop and crafting fair this past weekend in San Francisco. I wasn't able to make the first day of the two-day workshop, so I missed hearing some of my favorite creatives share their inspiration, but I was able to drop by the second day to see artisans share their work. 

I love going to this type of thing. People create amazing things every day and sell them here and there- online generally- and events like this bring art to life. The best part is meeting the makers and chatting with them about where they're from, how they've made their pieces, and how they started their businesses. So many entrepreneurs!

A few pictures of some loveliness: 

Chewing the Cud || Viola is sweet and makes incredible textiles! Her site is gorgeous too.

Ross Lab || These beauties stack and each come with a perfect little bamboo spoons!

Yield || the bag unzips to become a picnic blanket! genius for my lifestyle.

Legos || Creating is for everyone! (kids too!)

Tops || Creators also teach letterpress classes in the city!

Thank you Brit & Co. for inspiring creativity and hosting such a lovely event!!  

Make Your Mark

I fell asleep on the couch at my parent's house at 7:30 tonight. Everyone should invite me for over for dinner, right? Ha. 

I'm sleepy! Maggie has been waking at 6:30 this week (new 2-year molar maybe?) and we are sooo spoiled with the 7am wakeup that this crazy still-dark wakeup call is taking it out of us. I know a lot of friends whose children wake at 5 and they're probably wanting to have some choice words with me right about now, so I'll move on.

We used the car today and drove to the beautiful north bay for a Mark and Graham Trunk show at Pottery Barn. Have you heard of it? It's a new brand with a modern monogram on their products. So much prettiness. I don't own much that is monogrammed, but there is something extra special about a piece that has been specifically monogrammed just for you, you know? It's particularly perfect for buying wedding gifts or Christmas gifts.  Everything feels like fine quality and it was good to see in person. They'll be doing more trunk shows this fall, so be sure to look for one in your city. :) 

After we shopped, we crossed the pretty bridge with all its views (we HAVE to walk the Golden Gate Bridge soon. It's one of those things locals always forget to do with their kids and I am determined to go this fall!), and went to see my family. We brought a nice batch of apples (obviously) to cut all together at my parents' and made a crumble for dessert. It was unreal. I'll totally be rounding up these recipes I've been getting up for apples, and get some recipes to you. One thing I'm learning? Apple recipes hardly need any ingredients to be good.  

There you have it. A day in the life. It was a good Thursday. Thursdays are so close to Friday that sometimes they feel almost as good. 

That Was Fun: America's Cup

By this point, you've probably noticed that we love the America's Cup. 

Yes. We can't get enough. Maybe boats aren't your thing and all your friends live in San Francisco and post pictures everywhere of America's Cup, over and over, and you're like "is this over?" Nope. It's not. And when it is, we'll be so bummed because it's so good to watch. 

Side note: I love having a blog at times like these. It's my little journal and letter to my daughters to show them the things they got to experience when they were too little to remember. If you're anything like me, you have far too many pictures taken to ever print... but I'm so pleased can show them this, and they can see that they really were around for things like this historical sailing summer in the city. 

Back to it: we went with my grandparents to get the view of these boats. I think I've mentioned that my grandpa used to sail and race to amazing places. He's been trying to teach us what we're watching when we watch the boats, but it's seriously a new language. As much as I'd love to glean a ton of knowledge and pick up the language of the sailors, it's most fun to simply hear stories. We love to listen to them speak with animation and thrill about the days on the boats, and explain the races to us because they know exactly what is happening. :)

The final races begin Saturday. Excited to see team ORACLE! :)