Kate & Pippa

Totally feeling this sister love...

Flowers Grow in Brooklyn

A New York Minute...or Two

How was your weekend? Did you do or see anything fun? I, myself, watched this hungry squirrel eat lunch on a tree stump while strolling through Fort Greene Park in Brooklyn. What brought me to NYC, you may ask? Oh, just the chance for this:



My (sort of) Bill Cunningham moment...



Just kidding. No, really, I wanted to see the Empire State Building! No, not that either...



Actually, it was so I could laugh with my girls...and laugh and laugh...and do a bit of this:







and of course, to read Bossypants in style..

More to come!

He Who Seeks Beauty

This movie made me want to wander around NYC on a bicycle in search of beauty. Like Bill Cunningham, I hope I find it.

Image from here.

Beautiful Women

Just because I live in San Francisco doesn't mean I can't spend a Sunday in my hometown of L.A. In my less than 24 hour visit home, I got to enjoy a day with my loved ones (including my fabulous cousin Tracy) in the Southern California sun.

As most of you know, my family has a very important wedding on the horizon. With my sister getting married soon, there's so much to be happy about. So much so, that it's as if we're in a constant state of celebration. I must say, I'm really getting used to all of this fun and I'm loving the party feel.

Speaking of parties, yesterday I went to one that was off the charts. What was so special about this gathering was that it was entirely organized, curated and attended by women.

No wonder it was so beautifully chic and perfectly styled...

























And speaking of beauty...



The day before I went to L.A., I got to enjoy another display of beauty and love (but this one in SF, my home sweet home). My friends Maggie and Travis got married!! It was an absolutely perfect wedding and I was so delighted to share their most special day with them. Maggie's hair was gorgeous, natural and elegant. I love how her tendrils are so wild and free.

Congrats Mags and Trav!
All my love to you both! xoxo

Wildflowers & Words

Seems like the right way to spend the weekend. If you were to curl up with a book in a field of lupines, which one would it be?

Feet on the Ground, Head in the Sky

I did it! Yesterday I successfully ran the Artichoke Half-Marathon in Pescadero, California. There was a time (perhaps when P.E. was forced upon me in high-school) when I never, ever, ever could imagine myself running just for the sake of running. Yet, when someone asked me what I was running the half-marathon for, I easily said: I'm running it for myself.

Working towards a goal and finally reaching that goal provides so much satisfaction (and relief!). My mind and body are still in shock over the whole thing, but it was one of the most beautiful days I've ever known.



Pescadero is a small little town, just south of Half Moon Bay. My sweet parents came up for the event and supported my every move, cheering my on as I ran along the course. Those moments when they appeared (mile 6, mile 8, etc), brought a smile to my face and filled me with adrenaline - the perfect combo to reach that pivotal state of euphoria that keeps your legs moving when your mind says NO.









Along the 13.4 mile route, I got to enjoy wildflower fields, country roads and sunshine - although the sun got way too intense at times. You know the Joni Mitchell song when she says "Clouds got in my way?" For me, it was the opposite. Each time a cloud covered the sun, I was cooled instantly by the shade. I've looked at clouds from Both Sides Now and clouds did not get in my way!

I struggled the most during the last 4 miles. It wasn't easy getting to that finish line! But I did make it. To take my mind off of the running, I spent those last miles bird-watching and spotting each and every California poppy. I saw bluebirds, redbirds and yellow-birds, poppies in full bloom and some poppies just ready to open up to the world.



Here's my finish! (photo taken by Sarah...



...who came to cheer me on, which meant so much to me.)



Everyone who crosses the finish line, gets an artichoke. Isn't that amazing?! We are all winners!

Afoot and Afield in San Francisco

Last Saturday, my friend Jessica and I went on an epic walk around San Francisco. We wanted to explore, on our urban hike, the city we already love. When wandering around on foot, there are new and different angles that give way - as opposed to scootin' around in a car, a bus or a bike. There's no doubt SF offers undiscovered treasures and we were eager to traverse some roads less traveled (by us, anyway).



Our journey started in the mission. We made our way down Valenica, through Civic Center and Downtown, and then off to Chinatown where we indulged in, what else? - DimSum.



We moved onward toward Crissy Field (with the help of the 30 bus line) where the flowers outside the Exploratorium were in full bloom.



Along the Marina was where we picked up the Bay Trail, which wiggles up into the Presidio and under the Golden Gate Bridge.



Soon enough, we were on a nature walk surrounded by Cypress and Eucalyptus and the qualities of city life felt distant and faraway. Right around the time we hit Baker Beach, it was apparent that our feet were getting a little angry at us. We knew it wasn't likely we'd make it to our destination just by walking. So once again, we hopped aboard Muni and headed to where we were headed: Judah St between 45th and 46th Avenues in the Sunset - home to Trouble Coffee, the General Store and, of course, Outerlands.



This was my second time at the General Store and it just keeps getting better and better when I go there. It's a beautifully designed shop, full of vintage and hand-made items. Many products are locally made, which contributes to the homey and craftsman vibe this little boutique gives off. It wasn't yet dark out, so everything glistened.









I want everything! There's also a sweet back patio, where succulents live happily outdoors and in a greenhouse.











I love this pic I took of Jessie - I was trying to channel Closet Visit, carefully curating her colorful shirt against the landscape. (Did I do okay, Jeana?)



After an 8 mile walk in the sun, it's only natural to have a refreshingly light beer and dinner at Outerlands. I mean, duh. Cornbread was featured on the menu that night, which was truly inspired. It had a little spice, thanks to some green peppers. To say we lathered our cornbread in butter would be an understatement. We may have even asked for a second butter...





The sun was hot that day, but as it set the night turned chilly - so this big bowl of carrot garlic soup was the perfect nourishment.

All days should be this dreamy. So happy Jessie and I could share it together, xo