a roundup: christmas baking & crafts

When the holiday season rolls around, I always joke that I turn into a crafty person. As much as I wish (and my Pinterest boards would make you believe), I seem to only make time for it around holidays. Christmas is never an exception - I've made my own holiday cards for years and this year, it's possible I went a little overboard. But, crafting never hurt anyone right?

Cocoa Customization Kit
When I stumbled across this idea on Pinterest, I knew I had to make it. The little tubes are darling, I loved all the holiday colors and it was a cute spin on the traditional hot chocolate mix gift. Here is the link to the original post from Megan Reardon of Not Martha.

Each kit that I made, contains a tube of cocoa powder, mini marshmallows & crushed candy canes, 3 stir sticks (thanks Starbucks!) decorated with holiday accessories (mini jingle bells, colorful light bulbs and poof ball thingys - a technical term), attached with holiday washi tape. I bought gift tags, added some flair with a chevron stamp and tied them the stir sticks with baker's twine.

The most difficult part was actually finding those dang little plastic tubes! Luckily Megan was great and answered my question over Twitter very quickly. :) Impress Rubber Stamps is where she directed me to, but I found them at Cherry on Top as well! 

Cinnamon Sugar Roasted Almonds 
Joining a large company this year (10,000 people vs. 60), meant I had to fine an easy to make (in bulk!) co-worker gift.

When I stumbled across this recipe for **CROCK POT** Cinnamon Sugar Roasted Almonds, I knew I'd found it! Unfortunately  I packed up / ate all the almonds before remembering to take a photo, but I promise you, they were delicious.

I scooped 2-3 scoops of almonds into easy bag, and tada! :)

These cute kraft bags came from Impress Stamps. Sealed with Washi tape (are you sensing a theme yet? If not, you soon will), tied up with baker's twine & the same gift tags.

Washi Tape Christmas Tree Cards
Every year, since I can remember, I've made homemade Christmas cards. This year, on top of everything else I was planning, I was looking for simple & easy. This is what I came up with.

What's easier than different sized pieces of Washi & glitter tape, in the shape of a Christmas tree. I added rhinestones for the star on top & a bit of extra flair!

Peppermint Chocolate Cupcakes
Cupcakes seem to be becoming a habit so for our Christmas eve dessert I made these guys. This recipe from Glorious Treats, is a great chocolate cupcake. (Believe me, I tried a Martha Stewart one first - and eww).

I hope you all had an amazing holiday season that was spent with loved ones. Cheers to an amazing 2012. 2013, let's see what you bring!

thankful.

for my amazing friends, family and co-workers. the ability to live in a city as amazing as san francisco. my health. my freedom. and most of all the opportunities that have been give to me that have gotten me to where i am today. xx.

the best black friday sales

There is nothing quite like the rush of getting a deal. That's why I love Black Friday. No matter how good the deal though, I still refuse to go to the stores. And reason #356 why I love the internet! 

(image from perfectbucketlist.tumblr.com)

Here is a list of great steals & deals online (most are now through Monday!)

ASOS is offering 20% on 11/23 with BLACKFRIDAYBONUS & 30% off on 11/26 with CYBERMONDAYSPECIAL

On Black Friday, BaubleBar is giving you incentive to stock up! 2 baubles, 15% off (code: FRIDAY15), 3 Baubles, 25% off (code: FRIDAY25), 4 Baubles, 35% off (code: FRIDAY35)

25% off everything at Madewell with code: TREAT

25% off your purchase at J.Crew with code: COLOR25

(The J.Crew Factory store is offering 40% off everything + an extra 15% when you spend $100 or more with code: GIVEANDGET) 

Up to 50% off at Nordstrom (Can I get a oooh, yes!) 

Shopbop is offering up to 35% off with code: BIGEVENT12

CUSP is offering an additional 20% off sale items 

30% of DVF with code: HOLIDAY SALE

Anthropologie is offering an additional 25% off on sale items

Tory Burch is offering deals on 11/23 too. Up to 30% off with code: GIFTFORYOU 

guest post: pumpkie pie cupcakes

I made some seriously delicious (if I do say so myself) pumpkin pie cupcakes for my work potluck last week and my good friend Caitlin was nice enough to feature them on her blog TeaspoonSF. Go check out the post, and make a batch for your self this week!

Let me know how they turned out! xx.

Just do it.

Go out there and make your voice heard and VOTE. 

some thoughts on growing up

As my 27th birthday approaches it's been great to have time to reflect on what matters most in life to me, where I have been and where I want to go. It's not always an easy thing to do, but often necessary.

I had the opportunity to see Tony Robbins live in action on Friday at my company's conference: Dreamforce. After all the dancing, hugging, screaming and jumping around, he asked us two questions:

1) What's an area of your life where you're really pleased? Why?

2) What's an area of your life that you are not pleased with? Why?

Needless to say, I jumped, I laughed and I cried in front of my brand new co-worker (who mostly looked at me like I was a crazy person, but hey, I'm a crier, he's going to have to get used to it). And most importantly, I was given the opportunity to reflect and remind myself what really matters: family, friends and my health. 

Looking at these two areas helps us focus on where we need to grow while also allowing us to be thankful for what we have. I see it everyday, people are so focused on what their life lacks seemingly without any appreciation for what they do have. Sometimes I want to yell at them, WE LIVE IN THE BEST CITY IN THE WORLD, stop your complaining! I know it isn't that easy, but I'd challenge you to really reflect and see where the good is in your life.

 It might be time that we start to 'trade expectation for appreciation,' in the words of Tony Robbins.

just something to remember

words of wisdom

photo from gaping void. 

currently craving: mansions on the moon

I love catching bands at Bottom of the Hill - it is by far one of my favorite venues in SF. I was able to catch Mansions on the Moon when they came through (on their first ever show in SF!) and they were fantastic live. But I guess when your latest EP is produced by Pharrell Williams, you should probably be pretty awesome. Listen to their EP Lightyears here! 


'

words of wisdom

That Oprah is a pretty smart lady. Life is too short to do anything else. 

currently craving: walk the moon

Okay, maybe I'm biased because the song has my name in it. Just maybe. But listen to it, and try to tell me that you don't think it's awfully catchy.

Walk the Moon just released their full length yesterday - I highly recommend a listen. Check out the album on Spotify!

it's been awhile...i'm sorry

Wow, it's been quite the crazy few months from Coachella, to San Francisco's renowned Bay to Breakers and a Memorial Day trip to Vegas. But here is to being a better blogger and a pretty long Instagram recap of what has been going on :)

Dip-dying with Olivia for Coachella

Tribal nails completed the Coachella look!

Usher made an appearance with David Guetta at Coachella! 

Snow Patrol at the Fox Theater 

Reliving Coachella at the 1015 Folsom Sahara Tent Party with Megan 

Bay to Breakers Costume: 3 Blind Mice 

The girls in Vegas

Vegas disposable camera photos were quite hilarious

SF Giants Games = Summer. 

Sugarland at the Shoreline Amphitheater 

You can follow me on Instagram here: 

coachella! it's finally here.

Headed out tomorrow for a party in the desert (with dip dyed hair mind you!) I'll be sure to post a round-up of all the fun next week. For now, I say to you:

easter crafting

WOW. Talk about an insane couple of weeks. Looking forward to a chill weekend. Watch movies, wear sweats (while looking adorable still I promise), crafting and some brunch & park time with friends. And since I'm not headed home for Easter this year, I'm looking to Pinterest for some Easter craft inspiration.

All photos from Pinterest. 

I can't get over those adorable glitter dotted eggs (can't imagine those would be very easy to eat though!)

currently craving: mark foster, a-trak, and kimbra

Today, my amazing and talented coworker (and friend) Olivia introduced me to this awesome song Warrior. It's a collabo from Mark Foster (Foster the People) and Kimbra (of Gotye "Someone That I Used to Know" fame) all mixed by A-Trak. Pretty cool if you ask me.

spinsters of sf patron's reception

The best part about Spinsters of San Francisco: all the awesome events! And this Saturday is no exception. We're hosting our annual Patron's Reception at One Leidesdorff in San Francisco (you have to check out the venue, it's gorgeous!) While the event will feature all the Spinsters' staples: fun dancing, amazing outfits and great drinks, this one is extra special because it is also our largest fundraiser of the year! I'm on the committee and we've spent the last few months gathering donations and securing sponsorships to make the event & silent auction amazing. Not to mention, to raise lots of money for Oasis for Girls!

We'd love for all of you to join us, and you can check out all the details here. 

As always, dressing up is a favorite part. And a super exciting treat, Kristina (remember my Stella & Dot party?) is styling the Spinsters Executive Board & Patron's Committee with gorgeous Stella & Dot baubles! While she's doing the styling, here is what I would put together if I had the reigns. (And I'm so excited about the Badgley Mischka dress I rented from Rent the Runway!) 

Stella & Dot Petra Fringe Earrings, Stella & Dot Petra Braided Bracelet, Badgley Mischka Midnight Glamor Dress (via Rent the Runway), Whiting and Davis Dimple Mesh Clutch, Sam Edelman Pixie Pump

Loving the hollywood glam feeling of the accessories with the unexpected spikes on the pump! Looking forward to Saturday!

dip dye hair

Last year, a feather. This year, dip dye. Here we come Coachella!

All photos from Pinterest. 

Especially loving the mix of colors, pink, green, and purple. Did I mention Coachella is almost here? 

words of wisdom

Blessed with so many amazing friends who are talented, smart and beautiful. Feeling so thankful!

currently craving: tanlines

Discovering songs like this make me thankful I have super cool friends. (Thanks Paul!) Just added their show at the Rickshaw Stop on April 27th to my concert calendar.

currently craving: m83

Love M83. Love. Along with Midnight City, this has to be one of my favorites on their album "HurryUp, We'reDreaming." Enjoy! 

week in instagram and a gorgeous sf weekend

Lovely week and an even more gorgeous weekend. A good friend of mine from high school was in town and spent the weekend doing a lot of eating, drinking and outside sunning.  (Insert sunny SF status update here!) 

   

My new Pour La Victoire flats! 

Coachella tickets are here! The countdown can officially begin. (ps. could they be more excessive with their packaging?) 

Enjoying the view of the bay with my friend the seagull. Thanks Steph for the picture!

Mary, me, Steph and Ally at SF Beer Fest! 

Classic SF picture. 

You can follow me on Instagram here! 

style: coachella fashions day 1

If you don't already know, I'm a huge fan of Coachella. This year will be my 3rd year and I. cannot. wait. While I tend to dress relatively preppy most of the year, Coachella is the time my inner hipster comes out. Here's my inspiration for Day 1. Loving the corset top with the maxi skirt look. (Now just for the associated diet plan to get me there.)

1. Michael Kors - Tristian Aviators, 2. Rebecca Minkoff Mini Savannah Hobo, 3. ASOS Maxi Skirt, 4. Sam Edelman Gladiator Sandals, 5. Target Wood Earrings, 6. Free People Studded Bracelet Set, 7. Mara Hoffman Embroidered Bustier Top, Similar: ASOS Corset in Mex Tex 

currently craving: fun.

Yes, I always crave fun but this time, it's a band. I've had a crush on this band since oh, I don't know...2004? The used to be (plus minus a few members) called The Format and their first single was appropriately titled, First Single. I'm sure you remember it:



Since then they've had a few albums. I love their new single from their latest record, Some Nights. It makes you wanna yell 'WE ARE YOUNG' from the top of your lungs. Just listen to it a few times, and tell me you didn't do the same.

my week in instagram

Here's a look at my last week through the Instagram lenses.

Geographer show at 330 Ritch. You can stream their entire new album (out next Tuesday 2/28) here!

Fun new lipsticks. 

NARS Schiap

Make Up For Ever / Rouge Artist Intense #38 Satin Coral

Sparkly Pour La Victoire flats!

Manicure courtesy of Butter London. Recommend a quick stop if you are ever in the Seattle airport! 

Color: Trout Pout / Frilly Knickers

currently craving: gotye

The chorus of this song has been stuck in my head for weeks. Maybe it's because he sounds a bit like Peter Gabriel (who was a childhood favorite). Regardless, the hook is awesome and I'm looking forward to seeing him at Coachella. Speaking of which, I'll be posting a roundup of some Coachella fashions this week!

rainy day cravings

Whenever it's raining, there is nothing that I love more than a comfy pair of jeans and a soft sweater.  I've been on the hunt for some pastel jeans and I love these from ASOS. Another recent discovery: lipstick. I was converted a few weeks ago at Sephora so I think I'll give this bright pink one by NARS a shot.

Old Navy Sweater, Nars Lipstick in Schaip, ASOS Skinny Jeans in Soft Rose

seattle weekends

I'm headed back to the Seattle area for the long weekend. I spent most of my formative years there, and my parents still live up there. I love the area and get so excited to visit and return to my favorite spots.

Because I consider myself from Seattle but live in SF, I have to celebrate both. In that spirit, I love city posters but have run out of space in my room to hang them (that is until I convince my roommate we should decorate our hallway with them!) Until then, I'll share a few of my favorites here.

 Space Needle City Scene from loosepetals ($20) 

Rainy Day Blue Print from Ork Posters ($27) 

Seattle Skyline Illustration from LisaBarbero ($20) 

I Love Seattle Wood Block from LuciusArt ($39) 

How do you celebrate your hometown love? 

currently craving: bombay bicycle club

This week's Craving Music is straight from London, England. Bombay Bicycle Club is playing tomorrow night at the Rickshaw Stop at PopSceneSF (and at Say Media's party with Geographer, which is where I'll be checking them out!)



Give them a listen and let me know what you think.

valentine's day stella & dot party

This past Sunday, I had so much fun hosting a Valentine's Day party for my girlfriends. (Check out my party inspiration post too!) It was great to have a few different groups of friends meeting for the first time as well. I put together a few different snacks & desserts. We had heart shaped brownies, red velvet cupcakes and pretzel sticks covered in white chocolate and sprinkles. Not to mention, my favorite Valentine's Day treat: conversation hearts!

In addition to the treats, we also had fun trying on lots of Stella & Dot jewelry with one of their fabulous stylists, Kristina. If you ever want to host a party in SF, definitely talk to her!

Here are some of my favorite pictures from the day.

Part of the spread! 

White chocolate and sprinkle covered pretzel sticks. 

Heart Brownies (Who knew brownies tasted ever better with frosting on them!) 

Stella and Dot Setup from Kristina! 

Mary modeling one of the favorite statement necklaces.

Bahari Necklace ($98)

Loving all the gem stones for spring.

I ended up with these two this time around. 

On the Mark Necklace ($49)

Together Forever Necklace ($49)

Really loving the latest Stella & Dot spring styles. It was so tempting not to buy more!