Wean Green and Ramblings

Have I mentioned I'm not that into plastic? I'm not intense about it (we definitely have plenty of well-loved toys that are plastic!), but when I was writing regular blog posts for The Honest Company, I learned a lot about toxins and how to prevent using them regularly in our home. I was also able to learn about new brands that are affordable and make pretty products... and even if plastic is cheaper, I'd rather invest in a few sturdy products that are safer. My motto is that the less we have in our home, the more we use the things we have. It kind of works across the board for us- in our wardrobes, our groceries, and in dishes.  

The favorite products for us right now are by Wean Green. They create tempered glass dishes that are 5x stronger than a basic glass, and they are PERFECT for taking on our city adventures. We always have snacks handy. The lids snap and don't fall off, thankfully (anyone else had situations in their diaper bags with lids falling off containers? Ack!).

Is it weird that I think these would be kind of perfect to add to Christmas stockings? I'm the type of mom that gives their kids practical things in their stockings... don't judge. My girls have thus far loved finding new silverware and socks in their stockings, so if practicality works, by all means! Or you can just get them next time you're due for new kids' dishes. I'm getting the square lunch version next. Maybe for Sophie's 5th birthday? HA, I'm kidding. We do get our kids toys too, sometimes. ;) 

In other news, today we stayed home for the first time in about two weeks straight. I thought it would be this amazing, welcome change in pace... it was good, but gosh, I was getting stir crazy. Am I suddenly one of those people that needs to be out and about every single day? This will not bode well for rainy season that's coming right up. Speaking of rainy season: Sophie said she likes it best. "Really?" we said, "Yes!! Umbrellas and puddles!" Of course. Rain. 

Really though, I thought I was up for an endless Indian summer around here, but it got a bit chilly today... and I liked it.  I bought apple cider from Trader Joe's tonight and it was perfectly crisp and so right. I also bought leeks and pancetta from Trader Joe's. Who knew they go amazingly together (sautee them with garlic, salt, pepper for the perfect side dish)? Sophie and I were raving. Those samples get us every time, seriously. Also of note: the line at TJ's tonight was insanity. Longest everrrr. Sophie said we might never get through it, and I agreed... but we did get through it and we did get our leeks and pancetta and cider and other crucial things, and we're home and cozy now. As it should be. 

Happy Monday, friends. We made it!! 

xo.  

ps. Wean Green products were provided generously for review. All opinions are our own, 100%.  

Loving and Linking

Photo via Little Goodall

Adorable. So, so adorable.

Thoughts on Gwyneth's celebrity and privacy. I think she makes some great points.

Better ponytails here (I need a little upgrade on my ponytail front, so I'm totally a fan of this). 

Oooh, the best leggings went on sale.  I particularly love the green. 

Dresses for everyday. 

Yummmmm.... baked, not fried! 

Are we already talking 2014? I'm up for it if it involves calendars this cute (and this free!).

OH, are you using Lil Stylers? TechCrunch highlighted it this week (my kiddos are on there! Proud mama here...)

Why is it that food in mini forms are so appealing to me? Anyone else want to make all these things in individual dishes because it's just that much cuter?  

Maybe you've seen this map of popular names already, but Brian and I LOVED it. Those little Sophias started popping up everywhere after we named Sophie...  

I hope you all have had as good a weekend as we have. I was basically spoiled by Brian all weekend as if it was still my birthday. I also got to take advantage of all the freebies for having a birthday this month (sugary Starbucks drink? YES, I will) I love Octobers so much. 

More manana. xo. 

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

Monday Morning Apple Pie

Good morning!! Weekend is over, and we're starting this week fresh with a little video, brought to you by Sophie. I love when she gets in this mode of "here's how you do it," and she tries to use her professional tone to teach.

She was SUPER excited to host her own video to "tell all the people how to make an apple pie." 

IMG 1708 from Kate Brightbill on Vimeo.

This is the pie we kept. We gave two away, and shared two with our dear friends, who saw this video and hopefully didn't mind that their piece was likely touched, patted, and sampled lovingly by our four-year-old. 

Happy Monday! I have a good feeling about this week. It's starting to feel like fall!!!  

xo,

Kate

Ps. For the recipe, see THIS post. Ours looks a little different, but they taste the same... and that is, amazing.