New York.

In less than a month me, FH, my sister, and his sister will descend on NYC for a weekend of fun. I'm thrilled for numerous reasons:

1) I get to go back to NY.
2) My sister is coming, who hasn't really been farther than Denver. Or anywhere without an older relative.

3) I get to work out of my NY based office for a day to finally meet some people who I work with.

4) The food. the shopping. cold weather and an excuse to wear my uggs and boots and scarves.

This time I'm actually going to have chestnuts from one of the street vendors. And eat more street food. Since it's a big up and coming thing here in SF I'd really like to indulge a bit more in it in NY.

Central Park. This is on the top of my sister's list as well. I really hope that there are some leaves left on the trees when we get there.

So, in a nutshell, I'm really excited. I'm glad that my sister is finally going to join me on a trip.  I'm also trying to think of stores to hit up while I'm there - and I think topshop may be on the top of it. I was so excited to get to go to the one in London this year and I found a fabulous old silk scarf there that I can't wait to see the NY store.

And in no particular order, things that will also be a highlight:
Dunkin donuts. There is no dunkin in SF, or anywhere near us. This is usually accompanied by a hot chocolate. Yum.

Serendipity 3. Hopefully it's not cold enough that I can't take my sister to the actual location and have a frozen hot chocolate.

Rockefeller Center. Although we will miss the holiday excitement by about 2.5 weeks I'd really like to try a spin out on the ice.

All the shopping. Bloomies! Barneys! All the other smaller stores that have fun treasures hidden in them.

Little Italy. As if I ever need an excuse to eat more Italian food I'll have to try a cannoli here.

Petrossian. We had brunch here back in 2009 and ever since then I've been dreaming about their cinnamon sugar crusted french toast....

And that's just the things off the top of my head for now. If you've been to NY before feel free to shout out some places that have been awesome finds for you.

36 hours in LA

This weekend future hubby and I flew an hour south to Los Angeles to attend the wedding of a dear friend. Since we landed so early we had lots of time to explore a bit. iPhone photo roundup below.

Our top list of places:

Randy's Donuts. The big famous donut - we finally found it! Located near the rental car services in Inglewood near LAX these donuts didn't disappoint. 805 West Manchester Boulevard, Inglewood, CA


Omlette Parlor, Santa Monica. FH has been going here ever since he was born. Whenever we're in socal we make it a mission to go there. 2732 Main Street, Santa Monica

Venice beach. Reminds me of Santa Cruz but a little more extreme. Got a little sunburned but had fun people watching.

Getty Center, Los Angeles. My first time here. The gardens were stunning - if I lived in the area I would be there once a month with a picnic and lunch. Amazing collection of work as well - plus its architecturally stunning.  1200 Getty Center Drive, Los Angeles

Old town Pasadena. Lots of shops and restaurants and ice cream to satisfy whatever you are craving. Got to watch my niners win over the lions at a little bar with a bunch of other niner fans.

I'm starting to think that perhaps we should visit la a little more often...


not overcast, just smog...

irses at the getty - just stunning in person.

views from the top of the getty



pumpkins in old town





hibiscus in pasadena that reminded me of hawaii





brunch jam with our wedding date on it



Sweater weather

I honestly think that CA has some bipolar weather. Last week we were sweltering with near 90 degree temps and this week we have dipped to the low 60's with rain and snow (!!) in the mountains.

This past weekend I treated myself to a bit of a shopping splurge. I was feeling as though my wardrobe was lacking some grown up pieces and that my sweater collection could do with some shuffling out of old items and bringing in of new ones. Enter Nordstrom. And their POV section. And their sweaters, and skirts, and tops, and more sweaters. I had a grand time and walked out with some more adult-like pieces and sweaters to bundle up in at work and also on the weekend.

Today (because of the pouring rain that was dumping down on my way to work) I'm wearing my newly purchased turtleneck sweater/poncho with banana republic black jeans and rainboots. Pardon the mirror shots.

Sweater via Research and Design, 49.00, Nordstroms.com.; jeans, banana republic; rainboots, macy's.

Other items that came home with me:

 Caslon dolman striped sweater, 59.00, photo via nordstrom.com

Halogen pleated knit skirt, 78.00, photo via nordstrom.com

Halogen ruffled pencil skirt, 68.00, photo via nordstrom.com

Halogen houndstooth sweater, 78.00, photo via nordstrom.com

Whew! Needless to say, my visa got a workout. But, I think they are all pieces that I'll wear numerous times with different things.

Also wishlisted some items for Christmas there.

Stay tuned - I finally got my leopard print flats. Reveal coming shortly!



Happy Autumn + Current loves

I'm not sad over the fact that it's autumn; in fact I'm quite happy. Autumn hosts some of our best weather here in San Francisco - plus I'm thrilled for any excuse to be able to wear sweaters and boots. So here's a list of some things I'm loving now that the season has officially changed.

pardon my messy desk

Starbucks seasonal offerings. I cannot get enough of the salted caramel mocha. LOVE. I'm also enjoying a pumpkin latte at the moment. And if the spiced caramel apple cider comes back out... add another to my fall indulgences.

Football. There's something about a warm blanket or pants, the evening falling early and football on tv. I'm always going to be true to my team - the San Francisco 49ers. Here's to hoping for a better season than the last few.

I kinda love this whole look. From Macy's.com

Tweed. A coworker was kind enough to bring me a pretty pink tweed scarf as a thank you and ever since then I've been dreaming about a tweed jacket or blazer. With Chanel being the Queen of the tweed jackets - and notably out of my price range - I'm hoping to find a tweed jacket or blazer that's not too bright and also that won't break the bank (although after a basic search today that may be harder than I think..). The one above from Macy's may fit the bill - but that means I would have to order it from online. Macy's online, 58.99.

who doesn't love boots? (once you get them on...)

Boots! You can't go wrong with boots in the fall. I'm working on breaking in a pair of Frye Jane 14 pull on boots (if anyone has any tips, lord please let me know) and once they are done I can't wait to wear them out and about. Purchase yours here at Nordies for 297.75 and make sure you have a boot horn handy to take them off.

So what are you currently loving - or what are you disliking?

Vegas wrap up + wedding shoes

I honestly can't believe how fast the weekend went by! We had a fantastic time. Thanks to a fantastic hookup we were able to stay at the Planet Hollywood. The pool area was particularly fantastic on Saturday - not many people were out! The spa also was gorgeous as well. Major props for having showers built into the massage rooms so that way you can shower off without trekking through hallways dripping goo.

We dined at Koi inside the PH which was absolutely fantastic. The crispy creamy shrimp was outstanding as was my ahi tuna main. We danced the night away at the Bank inside Bellagio and hit up Tao in the Venetian for a bit.

My only regret is that we didn't stay a bit longer! But all good things must come to an end and gives us reason to go back. ;)

Photo from Nordstroms.com

Also in wedding news... I picked out a pair of wedding shoes but I'm not so sure I'll keep them. 1) they have a 3 inch heel. Me and heels don't exactly get along. and 2) they are white and scream wedding shoes. I doubt I'll ever use them again, even if I were to dye them. I'd really like to find a pretty blue pair but.. alas. We shall see. Badgley Mischka Salsa pumps via Nordstrom.

Hope your Wednesday is fantastic!

Chinchilla.

This is Ollie. He's been having some health problems lately. I'm a little worried about my little guy. I took some photos with him tonight. Since we're off to Vegas this weekend he will be staying with my parents who can keep a close eye on him.

Good thoughts and well wishes for Ollie would be fantastic.

Photos from Vegas sometime next week. Have an awesome weekend!

Fall is almost here!

In the rest of the country, that is. Here in Cailfornia our Summer is really starting to get underway. But... with the change in seasons elsewhere that means fall catalogues are here and I'm obsessing over what to get. I've compiled a list of some of my must haves for the fall (once it finally gets to SF...).

Camel sweaters. I'm SO in love with the color camel it's not even funny. I found this particular sweater while surfing at Nordies and I can't get over how cute it is. I also love that  comes in an array of gorgeous colors. I love the camel (of course) but I'm also privvy to the maroon. And the elbow patches? Ack I love it! The price isn't that bad... but I may hold out to see if this particular one goes on sale or if I can find a cheaper version. Halogen elbow patch sweater at Nordstroms for 69.00.

Mustard. The color mustard. I think it looks fantastic paired with jewel tones - reds, greens, and of course your blacks, whites, and greys. Since I'm not that brave I may toy with the idea of going for a mustard colored scarf. But then again... who doesn't love a good cardigan? This jcrew one is tempting me only because it's a lighter mustard... but part of me years for something darker. Jcrew Eden cardigan  - 89.50.

Leopard print flats. And my search goes on for these. I seem to be having a hard time finding a good pair that's not any flourescent color. Or maybe I'm just too particular. Which is why I love yet another jcrew item, the Nora calf hair ballet flats. The price is a little steep (okay, way steep, as in I may wait for sale for these) but I kinda think they are perfect. Perhaps if I win big in Vegas next weekend.... Jcrew Nora Calf Hair Ballet Flats - 250.00

Nude flats. Aside from needing them for an upcoming wedding in March I don't have one single pair of nude colored shoes. Oh the horror! I'm keen to these Michael Kors shoes. I think they're pretty cute - and since they are nude I can wear them with just about anything (except maybe brown.. or mustard...). Michael Kors Odette flat at Endless - 150.00

Well that's it for now. What is on your fall wishlist?