I have always noticed these owl eye windows when walking down Fillmore. I recently actually read the sign below--"Eye Research Institute!" and thought it was hilarious & fitting. Here's to appreciating unique and quirky details around and smiling to ourselves.
beautiful things i saw today: black victorian + statue
I love these all black Victorians! And looks great with the statue in the window.
beautiful things i saw today: sf building
This is one of my favorite buildings in San Francisco. Isn't it beautiful? It reminds me of Paris. It is located on Franklin Street. Notice it next time you drive by on the left!
beautiful things i saw today: palace of fine arts
oh i'm just on a run in the morning before work.....
The Palace of Fine Arts was constructed for the 1915 World's Fair (Panama-Pacific Exposition), which showed the world that San Francisco had risen from the ashes of the 1906 earthquake and fire. Designed by California architect Bernard Maybeck, this beauty sits in its original location and is the last reminder of that great gathering that drew crowds of 18 million people. What a party!
beautiful things i saw today: together forever
I noticed this sweet couple on my walk to work. They were arm and arm, out and about, enjoying a sunny San Francisco day. Adorable.
sf wine spot: union larder
Union Larder in Russian Hill is great for a glass of wine before dinner. Located on Hyde Street, watch the trollies go by as you enjoy wine & cheese. If you're headed there for date night, you could get your nails done at Parlor on Polk Street before then walk up the hill.
de Young art
Art in the de Young museum in San Francisco. Anti-Mass, 2005, Cornelia Parker.
Wood charcoal (retrieved from an Alabama church destroyed by arson), nails, & wire.
This sculpture was constructed from the remains of a Southern Black Baptist Chursh destroyed by arsonists. It appears to defy gravity, suggesting the temporarality of everything physical. In the title, "mass" refers to both the elemental substance of the universe and the Catholic ritual, bringing together science and religion. Think about this piece compared to a figurative image of a burning church or injured people. The simplicity of the burnt wood evokes an entirely different experience and journey for the viewer.
beautiful things i saw today: lemons, purple, & house
This was a lovely sight on my walk this morning. Lemons, purple flowers, and this elegant home. Notice beauty. Pause. Appreciate it.
beautiful things i saw today: thinking spot in the presidio
Wouldn't this be a great spot to sit and think? A quiet moment in the Presidio (a park in San Francisco). Photo by yours truly.
blueberry pancake cupcakes: susiecakes
Has anyone tried the blueberry pancake cupcakes at SusieCakes? They are only out in July. Maple icing-it really tastes like a blueberry pancake-so good!
beautiful things i saw today: painter
I noticed this guy while walking in Hayes Valley & thought it was cool. Art is all around!
Roberta Freymann: vacation shirt
Part of planning for the honeymoon of course includes shopping for a few new things. Shirts & dresses from Roberta Freymann say "summer" and "vacation to me! I went with this blue one, which will look great with white shorts, white jeans, or jeans. The other options were good contenders! Sorry for the serious face-wasn't planning to use these on the blog!
(yes, that is my giant hat in the background my sweet husband gave me as I am psycho about not getting my face in the sun! It is from Goorin Brothers).
SF girls can buy Roberta Freymann on Fillmore. The rest of the world can find it at Saks or from their website. A few other options below.
jo malone: new neighbor
Jo Malone just opened up in our neighborhood. This product is sold in department stores, but not usually it's own store.
Walking home from brunch, I passed by & decided to go in to check it out. I was greeted by a friendly face who offered me a complimentary 10 minute arm & hand massage. Yes, please! We talked through my fragrance preferences (rose, jasmine, gardenia, orange blossom), and with her guidance, we chose a few to combine for my massage. I walked out of there with soft skin & a fresh new scent.
She suggests making your own unique fragrance by making a combination.....all of their "flavors" compliment each other. Below are the ones I am drawn to. It was a fun experience, and I will buy one to take on the honeymoon!
Gift idea: gift card for a friend who can go to the store to make her own custom fragrance combination. The candles are lovely too!
Stop by their store for the experience. You can't really choose perfume from online shopping. Which scents are your favorite?
beautiful things i saw today: dog in gym
This guy brightened my day. I love a chill but friendly dog greeting me as I walk in the gym. I love a gym that lets someone tie up their dog inside to greet people. He loved the attention, but never sat up. A sweet & gentle spirit!
beautiful things i saw today: rose + victorian + palm
On a walk, noticed these beautiful roses in front of a gorgeous white Victorian with a palm tree. Nice combo!
beautiful things i saw today: SF architecture
The photo above I took on a morning walk. I am lucky to live in a place with so many alluring things to notice when you look up from your phone.
Although not in the typical horseshoe shape of Moorish architecture, the arch still reminds me of that style. Arco lobulado is the description I learned while living in Spain, which literally means "lobed arch." There may be a different English description.
The grey & ivory colors are the same used in my living room. I don't know when this was built, but it is from another time. I am so thankful San Francisco enforces strict rules about preserving old buildings.
Notice beautiful things around you! It helps me stay present & maintain a positive outlook.
sf happy hour spot: leo's
I lucked into randomly walking into this place on a Friday after work in downtown SF with a girlfriend. Apparently, it's a hot spot!
We enjoyed the tropical wallpaper (especially since we're both from Florida), oysters, & lively atmosphere. Only flaw was our dinner of french fries + wine was $110.....but worth it to spend quality time with a friend.
goorin bros.=stylish hats
Gift idea=hats! Goorin Bros. makes hats for both men & women.....but this is a great gift for guys who are sometimes hard to shop for. I gave one to my husband on his birthday, we gave hats to the groomsmen in our wedding, we also gave hats to the ring bearers in our wedding.
Goorin Bros. in North Beach in SF is the flagship store, and they now have stores all over the US. Or you can use one of my favorite activities: online shopping!
Use this gift idea again......once for a summer hat and again for a winter hat.
urban hike in sf
Maybe this looks like the jungle or the rainforest....but it's right in the middle of San Francisco. I adore SF's hidden alleys & secret stairs. Did you know our enchanting city is home to over 300 stairways?
The Greenwich Steps on Telegraph Hill are one of my favorites because they feel like a secret garden.
sf sunny day spot: baker beach
Yes, this looks like a postcard, but I took this photo on a warm spring afternoon when my 4:30 conference call cancelled. Carpe diem!
If you live in SF, Baker Beach is an option on a sunny day. If you are visiting SF, don't expect a Caribbean-type beach, but the Golden Gate Bridge view is nice! (as you walk closer to the bridge, there is a nude beach area).
Lesson: if your 4:30 conference call cancels, go outside & enjoy something beautiful for an hour!