6.29.2012

Specky and Sally's last day as co-workers

Six years ago, Sally joined the team of a wonderful organization.  She was excited about the job and loved the mission statement.  What she didn't know was that she would meet one of the greatest friends a gal could ask for - Specky!

On her first day of work, Specky trained Sally on her job functions.  Immediately, it was clear that these two had some stuff in common and maybe, just maybe, might be friends outside of work.  When Sally's stomach started gurgling from hunger pangs around 11:15 (geriatric style!), she went out on a limb and asked if Specky would like to get some lunch.  It didn't matter that lunch itself wasn't that tasty - their nonstop conversation and belly laughs made up for any lack of flavor.

Fast forward just a bit and you wind up with two crazy gals who share a bizarre sense of humor, are total and complete squares, once decided not to shop for a year and don't get tired of each other...ever. 
While we both know this is not the end of the friendship, we are sad that we won't be able to refer to each other as "co-workers" after today.  Specky has made each of Sally's workdays hilarious beyond comprehension and she has learned so much from her wise ways.  To say that you will miss someone just doesn't feel adequate in this scenario.

Before Sally cries all over her keyboard, she'll give Specky one last look at the ol "fingers jammed into the eyeballs so the tears will stop" move (one of her signatures):
Love ya, Specks!

6.28.2012

R.I.P. Nora Ephron

We were sad to read that Nora Ephron passed away earlier this week.  Ms. Ephron was a filmmaker, director, producer, screenwriter, author, novelist, playwright, journalist, blogger and food lover who created wonderful films, including some truly spectacular scenes.  In fact, Sally's favorite movie of all time is "When Harry Met Sally..." and it's also the movie that almost sent Specky into labor with her first child (true story!). 

Rest in peace to a powerful, influential, funny woman who will be missed by many.

6.27.2012

Summer sandals

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All it takes is one nice day in San Francisco and we lose our minds over cute summer sandals!  The options listed above would be great additions to our summer wardrobes and, the good news is...none of them will break the bank. Happy shopping!

Images via ZapposZapposNine WestPiperlime + Piperlime

6.26.2012

Technology-free zone

This past Sunday marked the second technology-free day in Specky's household.  Just one weekend day a month Specky's family has started doing their best to set down the smart phones and iPad, turn off the television and well, just enjoy each other.  What started as a "can we actually do this?" has quickly turned into a day that Specky treasures.  No quick checking of emails, playing Words with Friends, texting, and/or Facebooking.  No smart phone as saboteurs.

You may be thinking, "Just one day? How hard can that be?" Well, full disclosure: On Sunday, Specky watched Curious George with her son before remembering that it was technology-free day, Skyped with two of her best friends because it was the only day/time it worked, and used Google Maps to get directions to a birthday party in San Francisco.  Better luck next month!

For better or for worse, our lives are entangled with technology, but for one day a month Specky is trying to get her family to just "be" with each other without distractions.  Plain, old-fashioned family time.

Could you and your family/partner go a full day without using your smart phone/iPad/computer?

6.25.2012

Back to school

Yes, school is out for the summer, but there are quite a few local restaurants and institutions offering short-term courses we may have to take advantage of...

The SF Cheese School is a delightful place to snack on some cheese, sip on paired wines and learn about what makes it all so delicious.  Their classes fill up quickly but some openings remain throughout their summer schedule. If you're really committed to cheese, sign up for the 3-day intensive cheesemonger course!


Experience the smell of freshly baked bread at Sour Flour's bread making workshops

Did you know that the Fairmont Hotel has bee hives on their roof?!  Take a class in rooftop beekeeping 

Brush up on your cocktail skills at Beretta

Happy "studying"!

6.22.2012

Friday Five

Another weekend, another chance to try something new (like Picasso, above, learning ballet!).  We hope your weekend is a joyous break from the work week!

Let's dirty up our diets
The art of the wedding toast
We love wine time's wine reviews
The #1 multi-tasking kitchen gadget
Spruce up any package with polka dot tape

Photo via Tumblr

6.21.2012

June *children's* book recommendations

"If you give a mouse a cookie" has become our favorite phrases in lieu of "if you give an inch, they take a mile." Kids love the silly story and the illustrations are great.

Blueberries for Sal is a classic story about the adventures of a little girl and a baby bear hunting for blueberries and a mommy mix-up. It's currently Specky's son's go-to for bedtime.









It's a Little Book is short and sweet.  Great for getting your little ones involved with the story and kick-starting their critical thinking skills.














6.20.2012

Unique SF


Have you heard of the upcoming event Unique SF?  Over 250 designers and artists will be participating in this weekend-long shopping bonanza!  Some of our local faves, including Etta + Billie, La Cocina, Frolick Jewelry and In Haus Press, will be in attendance and tickets are a mere $10 (with all proceeds benefiting the fabulous 826 Valencia).  We're looking forward to checking it out next weekend!


6.19.2012

June etsy finds

Apparently, we're into gold and red this month! Here are our finds for June...

Sally wears these stacking rings nearly every day and loves them to bits
Slim Stacking Rings in 14k Gold Fill, Set of Three - Recycled Metal

Signed & Numbered's frames come in a variety of shapes, colors and sizes
5x7 Picture Frame with Vintage Red Dye Finish in Wide Bones Style

Death and Texas' clutch would go well with any outfit 
The Clutch in Natural

An amusement park-themed notebook is a lovely place to jot down some summer memories
letterpress notebook Swings carnival

A gold patterned pillow would spruce up any room
Metallic gold & off-white handprinted organic hemp pillow cover 20x20

All photos via shops as linked above

6.18.2012

Beach towels



Chief Joseph Spa Towel
chevron ikat beach towel
Blog Beach Towel.Opens in a new window
Curvy Stripe Beach Towel - Blue (78x34").Opens in a new window

A recent heat wave has us craving some time by the pool or ocean.  These towels could perk up anyone's beach bag!

6.15.2012

Friday Five/Dad Love

Specky (dressed as Tweedle Dee) and her dad
Sally being silly with her dad


Specky's wonderfully fab husband with their two cutie pies 

Happy early Father's Day to all of the dads out there.  Thanks for your quirky quips, support and helping us appreciate the importance of being silly.  

Still need ideas for how best to celebrate dad?  How about:
Making him laugh with Batman has diarrhea
Trying one of the top three things to do with dad on Father's Day in the Bay Area
Handing him this
Listening to these kids (their dad must be SO proud!)
Taking a nice walk, err, maybe not






6.14.2012

Werk it out


We are both needing a little motivation these days when it comes to workouts.  Perhaps these links will help us step our game up a notch!
The best workout tanks
 A list of natural foods for a burst of energy
Glass water bottles

6.13.2012

Get Ready for Father's Day

Father's Day is around the corner.  
If you need some last minute gift ideas, check these out:

Hello Lucky's gift guide
Apartment Therapy's gift guide
Also, how awesome are these Cool SF Dads?


6.12.2012

Kids draw the news

Have you heard of the New York Times' feature, Kids Draw the News?  The series allows children (12 and under) to submit drawings related to news stories featured in the newspaper.  We're huge fans of these cutie patootie interpretations and look forward to following along!

All images via City Room Blog

6.11.2012

Monday, Monday

 
May you find the joy in the simplest of things today. Soak it up.

6.08.2012

Friday Five


In case you'd like buy Barry Zito's house (for a cool $11.5 million), here it is
Don't be a victim of Vertical Video Syndrome (thanks, Aaron!)
Make some roasted grapes for your next cheese platter
A fun interview with Joanna from A Cup of Jo 
HBO's Girls paper dolls

6.07.2012

NYC re-cap #2

Day 2 began here with these cutie pie hosts

The crew trekked down to the West Village for a  FABULOUS brunch at Extra Virgin
Bloody Marys, french fries with gorgonzola fondue (for realsies), smashing eggs benedicts and french toast that should be outlawed as a breakfast item set everyone up for lots of energy for the long day ahead.

After consulting Jo's guide, Sally was itchin' to walk along the Brooklyn Bridge and stumbled upon the Storycorps' booth along the way (it was closed for interviews, otherwise she would have been all over it)

Of course she had to re-visit her favorite spots in Little Italy, including DiPalo's

And, in a very "give a mouse a cookie" moment, decided to visit Eataly
where her head almost exploded with all of the Italian delights


Naturally, all of the salivating made her thirsty so she 
had to try some "Bastianich Vespa Bianco" at Birreria

A few hours later, and more appropriately dressed for the evening, it was - surprise! - cocktail time at Hotel Gansevoort, which did not dissapoint in sunset views, drinks and people watching

Del Posto was the dining spot for the evening which is every bit as delicious, special and over-the-top as you can imagine.  They provide stools for your purse (heaven forbid it rests on the ground!), escort you to the restroom and give each lady a box of chocolates on the way out, m'kay?  Seriously fancy but no pics to share - trust that it was completely wonderful! 

Day 3 consisted of nursing quite a pickled liver, taking one final stroll in Central Park and having separation anxiety over having to leave.  

A humongous thank you to Sally's husband, friends and family who made this trip so incredibly fabulous - truly a dream come true!