See ya!

We're off to New York tomorrow morning for Memorial Day weekend.

I have a day of business meetings planned for Friday. On Saturday, Rob has arranged for an epic bike ride around the island of Manhattan. It's a glorious harebrained scheme! Maybe to the Met on Sunday, we'll see.

Have a great weekend!

Wedding Wednesday: Band

I'm happy about the vintage wedding band I found. It goes really well with my big ring, which is is also silver with diamonds and gold on the band. I don't think I'll usually wear them both at the same time, but I could.

I know it isn't traditional to buy your own wedding ring, but I like that I picked it out myself. Seems balanced to have one ring from Rob and one of my own. Now we just need to find Rob's band and it's one more thing checked off the list.

Wedding Wednesday: Bridal Party Gifts

Now that I saved approximately $480 on bridesmaid dresses, I feel like I can splurge on bridal party gifts. The hard part will be picking what to give. Should I go for an "heirloom" piece or something fun and functional? Here are some ideas I looked at while brainstorming:


















1. Picture Frame- This would be cute for a wedding photo after.
2. Vase - This curvy Aalto vase is a modern classic.
3. Gold Bangle - This is the sort of thing I would wear all the time. My current favorite.
4. Perfume Bottle - Delicate and super girly. The Conran Shop has a couple different styles.
5. Cashmere Throw - Yeah, I would love to have this too.
6. Pearl Studs - A classic from Macy's.
7. Sun Jar - It's a nice sentiment.
8. Cheese Set - Mmm...fancy cheese. They also have this Fabergé pattern in a cake set and salad tongs.

I've never been a bridesmaid, so I'm not sure if these are appropriate. At the last wedding we photographed all 6 bridesmaids got 60" strands of pearls, way beyond my budget. What presents have you received for being a bridesmaid?

Wedding Wednesday: Cake Topper

I'm excited that my sister is making me a cake topper! Before she offered, I was just going to use fresh flowers. There are so many terrible cake toppers out there.

The only lovely one I've found is this paper version from MissAvocado via Etsy (They're named Esther and Edwin!). I like that it isn't a knick-knack. You could press it in your wedding album after.

Things I Love Today: Summer Linens

What is it about the start of summer that inspires nostalgic feelings? Nostalgia for things that never even happened. For rhubarb pies you didn't bake, swimming holes that didn't exist and garden parties you never attended. I blame it on the Country Time Lemonade commercials.

That ambiguous nostalgia combined with the fact that I reached a milestone at the gym last night (10d!) has me shopping online for a treat. I think three sets of these napkins from Anthropology might satisfy both cravings.

Recipe: Baby Artichokes

Yum. You can buy a big box of these tender little baby artichokes for only $2.50 at Trader Joe's right now. They range in size from a golf ball to a pool cue. Rob and I ate them last night with a quick dinner in between the gym and the laundromat. This isn't much of a recipe, just some tips:

Baby Artichokes

Boil an ample pot of water with a lemon cut in two and a splash of olive oil. Cut the artichoke stems down and chop off the top 1/2 inch from the top if desired. Add the artichokes. Cook for about 20-40 minutes, depending on the size.

While the artichokes cook, make your dips. I like either a balsamic vinaigrette or the "aioli" a a friend introduced to the family. It consists of good quality mayonnaise mixed with soy sauce. Sounds weird, I know, but it is tasty. You can also make a quick traditional aioli with mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic and truffle oil.

Drain the artichokes and serve with your dip. Because these artichokes are so small, you can eat most of the small leaves and the heart directly. No need to spoon out the center.

Things I Love Today: Nordstrom Rack

Every time I go to Nordstrom's Rack, I leave vowing never to shop anywhere else again. I've found my favorite DVF dress there, my favorite red flats and my favorite pair of CoH jeans.

Today was no exception. I went at lunch with Rob to get socks and left with a great pair of comfy muted gold peep toe pumps for the ball. We also got a pair of Reefs and a hat for Rob and Neutrogena Helioplex UVA sunblock. Love it!

Weekend Round-Up: When the Fog Comes Rolling In

(Arg...forgot my camera again. Photos are coming soon)

Thank heavens the heat wave finally broke this weekend. I've never been so happy to see San Francisco's thick fog!

On Friday, it was still blazing when we went to the gym after work. Bikram bouldering! Back at home, a cool ocean breeze was finally picking up. We had a light dinner and called it a night.

I slept in on Saturday and stayed in my nightgown most of the morning. Rob picked up the photos from the wedding in early May and we sorted through a bit. At 11:00, we went for a ride on the tandem bike. To SOMA for a bike shop errand. Then along the embarcadero and through the madness of the Oyster Festival at Fort Mason for a lunch picnic at the Palace of Fine Arts lagoon. There were a few happy law school graduates taking photos in their caps and gowns by the water. From there, we biked up to Union Street to pick up my wedding band and then, tortuously, over the Pac Height hills and Alamo square hills to get back home.

Quick showers and into the car to drive to San Jose. Rob's sister and nephews were at the convention center for a chess tournament. We watched the awards ceremony and had pizza in their hotel room. The littlest one is so big! At 8:00, we drove back up North picking up Margaret along the way. To bed early.

Up at 6:30 the next morning to prep for Bay to Breakers. Nicole has arrived late in the night to join us. With very little planning, we dressed up in party hats I had in the closet and tied helium balloons to our backpacks. The weather was ideal, brisk and sunny until Golden Gate Park. We walked all 7+ miles in exactly 3 hours. I love the community spirit and quirkiness of this event. In one block, you'll see babies, eighty year olds, nudists, runners, frat boys, hippies, etc.

An hour long N-Judah train ride back to the neighborhood. A greasy spoon lunch at It's Tops. Back home at 1:30, we put on a movie but everyone fell asleep for a long nap within minutes.

We watched the rest of There Will be Blood in the afternoon and finished sorting the wedding photos. Nicole left for Napa. Margaret stayed and helped me cook a delish dinner of tuna steaks, rice and asparagus. We turned in early and, despite the long naps, slept like babies.

Urban Girl Almanac: Too Darn Hot

This heatwave has me walking slower, taking it easy and getting less done. I feel like I'm going to start talking with a southern drawl if it keeps up. Nothing like the frenetic pace that normally comes with our brisk NorCal weather. Here's what I learned this week:

• Lead climbing at the gym is much more tiring than regular climbing.
  
• Flower arranging with a bunch of women is so fun.
  
• Pesto pasta always seems to smell better than it tastes.
• I only have three good outfits for when it is warm.
  
• There's been a produce explosion this week. All the sudden there are delicious tomatoes, artichokes, strawberries and corn. I can't wait for the stone fruit to arrive.
• Regardless of your feelings for the yellow dress, you have to admit it looks pretty darn cute on my sister.
• Seriously, if this heat continues I might take to sleeping on the fire escape like that couple in Rear Window.
• Why is it that the one thing you want to wear is always the one thing you can't find in your closet or laundry hamper? Which comes first: the wanting or the missing?
  
• There was a huge street party in the Castro last night to celebrate. We could hear the cheering from home, seven blocks away.
  
• I think the weather beat me again today. My wide belt seemed like a good idea, but became an instrument of torture once it was over 80 degrees at my desk.
  
• LOST! I'm sad that I'm going to miss the finale next week when flying to NY.
  
• I want to go to the movies tonight for the free AC.
  
• This week's San Francisco art is from Chantal deFelice via Etsy.
  

Bay to Breakers is this Sunday! I'll be there loaded up with sunblock and Gatorade. Have a great weekend.

Things I Love Today: Wicker Glassware

I recently stumbled across the exact same wicker-covered pitcher that I bought in Napa last year. I love the thick recycled glass and the pattern. It has a sturdiness that goes well with a batch of minty iced tea or a bouquet of flowers. I could really go for a glass of that tea with lots of ice in one of the matching glasses.

PS: Here are the rest of the photos from our LAC flower arranging party this week.

What to Wear: Beat the Heat

Listen up weather...you may have won yesterday (and a tiny bit today when I was walking to work with no shade) but you're going down. I'm dressed to beat the heat in a white pencil skirt, wide belt, a black tee and purple flats and I have Brett Dennen on my ipod. I'm staying composed. I will not melt.

Here's an outfit I used as inspiration last night when forming my game plan:

Dress - Pretty in red and white from BCBG, and on sale too!
Sweater - It's nice to have a little coverage, even if it is blazing hot. This short sleeved number is great for summer.
Belt - Adds a little polish to the combo.
Flats - With a pretty ruffle on the toe.
Clutch - A big heavy bag is the last thing you want on a hot day.
Sunglasses - A must have.

I feel cooler just thinking about this outfit.

Heat Wave

This heat wave has turned me into a melted mess. It rarely gets this hot in this city with no air conditioning. My hair is a wreck, I need a shower and my makeup wore off at 9am. How does the rest of the country survive summer?! Fall is so much better.

All I know is that I'm eating a pint of honey ice cream and fresh white corn for dinner and that this is making me really happy. Go marriage!

Ladies Activity Club: May Flowers

(Note: I forgot my camera at home in the bike-madness. This photo is from Steph and I'll upload the rest tonight.)

We had the May LAC party at my apartment on Tuesday. Pepper and Tracy hosted, so I got to kick back and enjoy! Our activity was May Day flower arrangements, the small bouquets that hang from a door knob to celebrate spring.

The girls provided felt, ribbon, twine, cans, jars, wire and a glue gun along with a huge container of renunculas, tulips, freesias, gerber daisies, mums and more from the flower market. It was fun to see to everyone's creativity and perspective. Each arrangement was so unique.

I made two small arrangements each with a different colored felt flower and bow. I took one of my arrangements to work and I've been enjoying the doorknob bouquets at home. I think I'll keep the vases around to make small arrangements when we have company or weekend guests. They're instantly festive.

To Do: Bike to Work Day

Today is Bike to Work day in San Francisco and the weather is cooperating perfectly. It's unseasonably hot, ideal for taking the tandem out for a spin.

For the special event, the Bicycle Coalition hosts energizer stations around the city where you can get free snacks (first nectarine of the summer!) and totes on your way to and from work. Plus, our office is hosting a special biker's-only lunch at noon. And then on the way home, there's a party at the Rickshaw with valet bike parking. Don't forget your helmet!

Wedding Wednesday: To Do List

There isn't that much more to do on my wedding planning checklist! The last couple months have been so productive. Here's what I still have ahead:

• Finish, print and mail the invitations
• Work with Tracy to finish my wedding dress.
  
• Order cheesecakes from New York.
• Suits!
• Pick out clothes for the ring bearers.
• Book someone to do my hair.
  
• Make birdseed tossers.
• Write our ceremony and vows.
  
• Buy bridal party gifts.
  
• Send invitations for the rehearsal dinner.
• Showers and bachelorette party.
  
• Make the photo "booth."
• Buy a wreath.
  
• Finalize the show participants.
  
• Buy red wine and champagne.
  
• Decide on/make seating cards.
  
• Help people book hotels.
  
• Finalize our menu and pay the caterer 50%.
  
• Get our marriage license.
  

I'm not that stressed right now about the wedding. Mostly I feel good about how the engagement photos came out and am throwing my credit card at the rest. I think the stress comes in waves ;)

Wedding Wednesday: Guest Book

I love when two wedding dilemmas have one answer! What to do with the gorgeous engagement pictures Paul took? What to do about a guest book for the wedding?

Voila! Make a photo guest book at Blurb.com. Meg gets credit for turning me on to this idea!

For about $25, you can make a lovely hardback book with your photos and pages for guests to sign. The design software is super easy to use and there are fun layouts to choose from. Our book is mostly full page shots, with a couple of these quartets thrown in.

When I told someone about this idea, they asked "but what if they mess with the photos, draw mustaches on you and the like?" My answer is: that would be even more memorable.

Wedding Wednesday: Bridesmaid Dresses

Margaret found these lovely silk/cotton dresses at her shop in Burlingame. They're the nicest color with a universally flattering fit, satin lining, delicate buttons up the back and fabric covered beads in the front. And at $40 a pop with her discount, I get to treat my bridesmaids to their dresses.

The brand is Esley and they also come in ivory and kelly green. I couldn't find them online though.

What a Wonderful Town!

You can tell just how big a geek I am when I burst into musical numbers before traveling. For last November's Paris trip, I had Bonjour Paris stuck in my head for a month. Now, a trip to New York has me singing New York, New York...which really can't be done without some wild arm gestures.

Rob and I are going to NY for Memorial Day weekend, staying at the palatial apartment of a wealthy business acquaintance while he's out of town. This our first vacation there since moving to San Francisco and I think it will be so different. The photo is from a trip a few years ago where we spent a whole day in Central Park.

I've done most of the tourist stops before, so this will be more relaxed. I'm thinking ABC Carpet and Home, shop for suits, the Staten Island Ferry and maybe the Met. Any other must-see recommendations?

Bargain: Basketweave Wallet

I bought this simple green wallet at Forever 21 a few weeks ago as waiting-in-line impulse purchase. It's really grown on me and now my friend is buying one for herself. So fun for summer.

The color is a little brighter in person, almost a Kate Spade green. It's not metallic like the blurb says. Inside, there's space for cash, a coin pocket and card slots. Works as a clutch too and only $10!

If you want the same wallet in a different style, they also have navy anchors, red hearts and patent white/yellow.

Things I Love Today: Miracle Cream

I'm on day three of a new skin care boot camp. San Francisco's cold, sunny, and windy weather has been doing a number on my face. My skin is naturally dry anyway, and super parched after walking a few miles outside each day. Plus, I've had a huge teenage style pimple on my chin. Blurg.

Out with the super thick Lancome sunblock, the irritating cold cream and the too-harsh Purity cleanser. In with a new regime based around Kiehl's ultra facial cream.

This super moisturizer was developed for mountaineers in Greenland and uses plant extracts from Antarctica/Australian desert to keep your face hydrated all day. I love the marketing pitch and it is amazing so far; really light and durable. And not crazy expensive either.

I'm also testing out the Kiehl's milk cleanser and their toner. I haven't used toner since junior high. Apparently, you should apply it in the morning because it helps your skin absorb moisturizer. Who knew?

So far, so good. My face is actually hydrated for more than a few seconds and there's no sign of a breakout. Keep your finger's crossed!