Happy Halloween!

Rolling Pin

Sometimes there are things that are just so ridiculously adorable and affordable that you have to get them (with a gift card & 15% off coupon, of course).

Do I need a new rolling pin? I don't believe I've used the plain one that I have in my drawer since I got it as a wedding gift six years ago... so the answer is no. Yesterday I was at Anthropologie and saw this beauty and fell in love. I thought to myself that this is motivation to start baking consistently. I also told myself how grateful my husband will be that I got it because he'll benefit from those baked goods.

I looked at the price tag: $9.99. Before my discount.

Well okay, Anthropologie, if you insist.

Fall Party Wish List

No. 1 Easy Share M575 Digital Camera...Kodak
No. 2 Nevin Flatware...Anthropologie
No. 3 Get Together Invites...Rufflewood
No. 4 Mums Wreath Kit...Paper Source
No. 5 Log Vase...West Elm
No. 6 Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate Stick...Ticket Kitchen
No. 7 Ursula Throw...Ikea

Paper Bag Gift Wrap

I've used my share of cute gift bags to wrap presents in a hurry but there's something kinda sweet about giving a gift that's been wrapped in paper and tied with a ribbon. I am a perfectionist and love rules so when I wrap gifts I practice all the guidelines my mom taught me: use just enough paper to keep the wrapping smooth, fold the paper to hide raw edges and tuck in your corners. I will, however, allow myself a bit more freedom and creativity when it comes to the materials I use. Fabric, buttons, twine or pipe cleaners can sometimes add just the right whimsy to make the recipient smile before she even gets to what's inside.

Today I wrapped a gift using the only paper I had on-hand: a grocery bag! I've resorted to the paper bag many times in the past and have been completely satisfied with the results. I thought I'd show you just how cute the unexpected can be...enjoy!

Find the bicycle and bird gift tags in our Paper Shop!

One fine day

It's a Monday and things are good. Naptime for my girls, iced coffee, city views, and shorts. I'll take it.

Ahhhhh October!

I can never decide what I like best about the beautiful month of October. Top contenders are:

Fleet week... the second week of October in San Francisco every year. The weekend tends to be gorgeous and the planes put on stunner performances over the bay, bridges, and Alcatraz.

Always a party. Always gorgeous.

Boots. Every year I spot a pair of boots- almost always brown because I can't help it- and I tell my husband they're a must-have. I say "They're classic! I can wear them forever!" and I hope that around my October 12 birthday they'll land themselves in my closet. Which the last two years they have. This year I received spending money which gives me the predicament: the new boots which maybe I don't need per say, or fall dresses, cardigans, and preppy shirts? Either way, the search for the fall boot of the year is one of my favorite October pastimes.

The other best part of the month is having amazing orange and purple flowers on my coffee table! My husband came in with a smile and this vibrant bouquet wrapped in brown paper and tied with string.  Whenever I get flowers I wonder why I don't buy them more. It's a dilemma really. If I bought them weekly would they still put authentic smiles on my face every time I walk past? Or is the reason that they bring so much joy in the realization that they're a special occasion delight? I might have to try that and let you know.








This doesn't even address the other perks of October like the availability of pumpkin spice lattes, the smell of fireplaces, the indecisive weather (that's somehow a bit exciting to me), the cozy sweaters and the caramel apples... the list goes on.

For the Love of Shelves

The kitchen in my studio has an old-fashioned charm but with the charm comes very little storage. Thankfully my dad is a generous and talented craftsman who created the perfect open shelf to hold some of my frequently used items and to display some of my favorite colorful pieces as well! Functional decorating is a necessity in any studio apartment and this shelf is the perfect way for me to do that. Thanks Dad!

PS, the red utensil print is available in our Etsy shop!

Rain or Sun

The last two days have been such a strange weather mix. It rains, then it's sunny with blue skies, then rain again 10 minutes later. Rain shouldn't really come to San Francisco in October at all. It's supposed to be our summer warm weather right now.

The good news is that it made Sophie's day to wear her new boots (Missoni for Target, the lucky girl!) for a bit outside today... even if it was during one of the hours of perfectly blissful sunshine.