Neon Trends

Neon colors seem to be trending on my Pinterest lately. Guess I'm moving on the from aqua, black and tangerine phase I had going a couple months ago.
I like this new trend of mine. Since Northern California has been so gray and rainy, it's nice to get a few pops of color in here and there.
Do you guys ever notice a trend on your pin boards or tumblrs?

Source:
1. Granny Stripe Blanket found on The Purl Bee's Flickr
2. Medium Neon Bud Vase found on Adrian Wallace's Etsy (already sold!)
3. Book Ends found on Marie Claire Maison
4. American Street Houses By Materiality Office on Arch Daily

Mint Green for St. Patty's!

 

 

In honor of St. Patrick's Day coming up, I thought I would post some things I've come across in my favorite shade of mint green! Do you guys have any plans to celebrate the holiday??

Source: 1. Bloig Magasinet 

             2. Hey, Jade Necklace from Mod Cloth

             3. Victorinox Tomo Swiss Army Knife in Mint

             4. Essie Nail Polish in Mint Candy Apple

             5. Pigeon Toe Ceramics Spring/Summer 2009 Collection

A Coffee Break

Yesterday my mom and I were a little bored and wanted to get out of the house. It seemed like the perfect opportunity to try out a new little coffee shop in town called Acre Coffee.
The front window of the shop is really what first caught my eye. It sits at an angle and the panes can fold completely open bringing the exterior and interior together... I love it!
The interior of the coffee shop did not disappoint either. It had an industrial feel with some rustic elements mixed in. It's a smaller space so there was room for a few small tables, a wall counter with bar stools and a large farm-style community table that had seating for 8. All around the shop were little lamps, terrariums, and art that made the space feel more like the little country home filled with awesome vintage finds that you dream about at night (well at least that's what I dream about!)
All together, Acre Coffee is pretty much my favorite cafe in town now. A well designed space and a mean cup of chai tea makes me one happy customer.

(Photos courtesy of my cruddy phone)

Lately...

Last weekend I had a Groupon for a new pair of eyeglasses from a little boutique in San Francisco. My parents are always up for a Saturday morning adventure so they accompanied me to Union Street where the store is located.
After about 45 minutes, I, along with the assistance of one of their fantastic employees, found the perfect pair of nerdy glasses for me. I'm so excited! They should arrive in about two weeks so prepare for a very vain post of me modeling them (Just kidding! Sort of...) because I'm sure I will never wear contacts again.
When we were done at the eyeglasses store, my parents and I wandered up and down Union Street which is always fun. So many cute little boutiques, cafes and restaurants.

There was an interesting house just off of Union Street that had a very clever way of adding a green element to their home which was located directly next too a beauty salon. Don't you just love this vertical garden filled with succulents??  My dad had me take photos of it because he is in the process of xeriscaping the yard and thought something like this would add a nice element to it.

A cute cat soaking up some February sun in the front window of this store.

So many outdoor cafes on Union Street...great place for people watching.

 This flower shop brought a nice bit of color to the city.

And finally, we can never call it a trip to the city complete without stopping at our favorite ice cream shop. Swensen's has the best Swiss Orange Chip and Green Tea ice cream!

Pink

Job searching really messes with your self-worth. I've been feeling unprepared, unworthy, and just down. What I've concluded is: you can't get a job without experience but you can't get experience without a job.
Luckily, I've been seeing a lot of motivational things on the web saying things along the lines of, "Nothing worthwhile comes easy" and "She said she could so she did."
I'm not giving up.
I've also been seeing a lot of pink. I don't know why but it just makes me happy.
So hey, if you're feeling down maybe this montage of pink will make you happy too. What's not to love about cake, ice cream, random pink walls and a pink Pepsi machine?
See, now your smiling too...

1 // 2 // 3 // 4

Bits of My (Birthday!) Weekend

This past weekend my very best group of friends from college came to my house to celebrate my birthday weekend. We have known each other for at least 6-7 years and although we do not get to see each other as much as we use to, we manage to get together a couple of times a year to catch up and hang out. 

We spent the last three days partying, playing Quelf, having adventures on Pier 39, eating LOTS of good food (see the lobster bisque above), and watching the sun set on Baker Beach. Not a bad way to celebrate a birthday if you ask me...

Unemployment To Do List Item 2: Healthy Chocolate Cake

I do not know what this obsession with bad-food-done-right kick is about but I'm going with it. I love cake... and chocolate, but I also like to eat healthy. Someday I will indulge in making the most chocolatey of chocolate cakes but I found this really interesting recipe over on Healthy Indulgences. It is interesting because it is made without flour, sugar or dairy and has a secret ingredient. What is the secret ingredient, you ask?
Black beans!
What?? Yes!
Sounds weird, right? ...I'm in.

Photo Credit

Looks yummy, right? We will see if it tastes just as good as it looks.