Feeling California

While in NYC a few months ago, Alex and I had a distinct California moment.  At some point during a random evening, we realized that we were the only ones in a restaurant NOT wearing black.  Me, donning a vintage dress looking more like Janis Joplin than the icon herself and Alex in a cream colored cable knit sweater looking like an ordinary Cali dude shucking oysters in Tomales Bay.  No matter, we had a fabulous evening with our East coast friends while realizing we had become genuine Californians not just by the way we dressed, but in the way we lived.  Speaking to our hosts about how much we love the weather, the landscape and the spirit of the West, a deep feeling of contentment came over us.  It has been two and a half years since our move to the West Coast and in this past year California really began to feel like home.  We've made new friends, immersed ourselves in our respective jobs, expanded our networks and explored the many wonders of the Golden State.

I'm proud of my East Coast roots and will always honor them.  I still get excited every time we travel there to reconnect with family and friends and to revisit the many places that have shaped us into whom we have become.

I want to thank our family and friends who have been patient and supportive during our move and for still remaining so close to us across the miles.

Happy New Year!

Scenes From A Holiday Tradition

Two and half years ago (when we first moved to California) we embarked on what has become a brand new Christmas Eve tradition.  With few friends and family members nearby, we felt the need for a new way to mark the holiday for the children and for us as well.  Honing in on my  Italian heritage and our love for pasta, we decided that an early, hearty dinner in San Francisco's North Beach neighborhood would do very nicely.  Combined with a Christmas Eve service, some shopping for last minute gifts and yummy regional treats to savor at home while preparing for Santa's imminent arrival, this new tradition felt just right.  Our return home later in the evening (physically and spiritually fulfilled), still allows for time to tend to unfinished holiday details.  This outing has become something we all look forward to and our very own hallmark for the holiday.  We hope that in years to come both local and visiting friends and family members can join us in our  [fairly] new Christmas tradition.

I hope that all of you are enjoying a wonderful holiday season filled with fond memories of old traditions and/or  fun times creating new ones!

Sugar Stick Holiday Wrap

The holiday wrapping marathon has begun and this year there's something a little sweeter about it:  sugar sticks.  Yes, I'm adding sugar sticks to our packages this year.  The secret is out for any of you who are receiving gifts from us.  The rest of the embellishment is quite simple. It is comprised of twine, an oversized cedar sprig and a fern frond.   I especially like when the greens hang over the packages as if they were concealing their contents.  Take a look:Do you have a special motif for this year's holiday gift wrapping?   Do share if you do.  Together we can start our very own pinterest board!

My Last Minute Holiday Gift Guide

I actually enjoy the hustle and bustle of a "last minute" holiday shopping.  There's something to be said for the spontaneity of finding an item that will make a perfect gift for someone on my list.  I also like the fact that there's little or no time to hem and haw over decisions to buy or not to buy.  Here's my last minute holiday gift guide that meets standards of vintage appeal and classic style applied to modern aesthetics.   Maybe one of these gifts will be perfect for someone on YOUR list...

1.  Komono's Winston Monte Carlo Croc.

2.  Schoolhouse Electric and Supply's Half Oval Hoop Earrings.

3.  Zara's Mixed Knit Gloves 

4.  Pendleton's Chimayo Throw

5.  Lego's  Architecture Series

6.  William and Sonoma's Leather Clad Flashlight

Gather, Rest And Reflect: 9 Fireplaces

When winter is in full throttle, there's nothing like a fire to warm the soul and body.  A fireplace is not only a focal point in a room, but the heart of a house:  a place to gather, rest and reflect.  I recently started pinning images of my favorite fireplaces.  While some are classic and elegant, others are funky and fun.  If you're lucky enough to have a hearth in your  home, use it often and invite friends and family to bask in its light and warmth.  We certainly do!

Do you have a fireplace in your home?  Send us a picture!

Images:

1./2./3./4./5./6./7./8.