Posts from — December 2009

2009 was a fantastic year and is probably best told through pictures.  I am humbled by all of your support and I can’t wait to see what 2010 will bring.  Happy New Year.

Pizzeria Delfina is one of my favorite restaurants in San Francisco for their near-perfect pizzas, fabulous wine selection and eclectic array of appetizers.  I tend to be pretty stubborn when it comes to trying new things, but the pig ears with lime and chili oil were truly life changing.  It’s a nice reminder that the safe choice is not always the most fulfilling.

{Breadsticks along the bar}

{Affetati Platter}

{Fried pig ears with lime and chili oil}

{Last slice of Margherita pizza}

Vintage Blazer and Glasses, H&M Sweater, J.Crew Scarf, Gifted Citizens of Humanity Stirrup Legging Jeans, Hunter Boots, Gryson Bag

Since there’s almost always a 20% chance of rainfall in San Francisco, I pack my Hunter boots whenever I head up north.  They make gloomy mornings infinitely brighter and when it doesn’t end up raining, they’re comfortable enough to run around the city streets for hours.  My dad played tour guide yesterday and took us to Hayes Valley, Chinatown (for fresh crab) and Fillmore Street and made it home just as the fog rolled in.

These last few days have been perfect.  I’ve drunk my weight in champagne, caught up on every movie, taken endless naps in front of the fireplace and my cell phone’s battery has been dead for days.  Christmas was an absolute delight and I can’t remember the last time I felt this relaxed and content.

{Christmas Eve rustic table setting}

{Buckwheat blini, smoked salmon, Crème fraiche and caviar}

{Rainy mornings}

{Rock legend angels on my parents’ tree}

{Last piece of Bûche de Noël}

Melisa’s post yesterday made me nostalgic about holiday traditions.  They’re such an important way to create memories and I love the process of reestablishing them year after year.   My boyfriend and I are leaving first thing this morning for San Francisco (with kitten in tow) and I can’t wait to get home.   Here are some of my favorite rituals that I’m most looking forward to.

-Getting dressed up for Christmas Eve and having a crab feed at our neighbor’s house.
-Waking up super early on Christmas and listening to the same CD we do every year (The Roches’ “We Three Kings”).
-Eating buckwheat blini with caviar and champagne while we open the presents in our stockings.
-Sitting by the fire for endless hours with my family and friends.

I hope you all have a wonderful holiday and I’ll be back on Monday.
xo

Finding the right hostess gift can be a challenge, but it’s a dignified way of showing gratitude.  I recently entertained a guest who was less than gracious during her (five day) stay and while a gift wasn’t necessary, it certainly would have set a different tone.  You don’t need to spend a lot to show your appreciation, but here are some of my favorite hostess gifts that make a big impact.

1. Candlestick Vase - $42
2. Silverware Dishtowel - $38
3. Overdue Notebook - $24
4. Capri Blue Candle - $25
5. Juice Glasses - $32
6. Exotic Chocolate Bars - $7.50

Shantilly Bow Tie Necklace, Topshop Blouse, Anthropologie Tank Top, Michael Kors Watch, Citizen of Humanity Avedon Skinny Jeans, Coach Boots, Gryson Bag

I’m admittedly fickle when it comes to denim.  High-waisted styles look best on me, but they need to be worn with heels, and sometimes that’s just not doable.  Skinny jeans are great for tucking into boots, but usually they’re terribly unflattering.  When Marisa, from Citizens of Humanity, offered to send me two pairs of their denim leggings (I refuse to call them jeggings), I was skeptical.  To my surprise, they’re tight enough so that they don’t bunch or encase your thighs like sausages, but comfortable enough to feel like you’ve left the house in your pajamas.