A Fresh Start

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2010 is just a few days away and I have only come up with one resolution. 

It's actually a VERY boring resolution, but I want to be more routine/time efficient.

Super boring and kinda nerdy -- I know. 

But between working in Palo Alto and living in SF, a lot of my free time is spent commuting. 

So hear me out, I hope to:

Listen to more books on tape

Call friends/family during my drive 

Commit to afterwork Pilates sessions

And stick to my grandma bedtime

Are you making any resolutions for yourself this year? 

CHEERS to a fresh start!!

Northbeach at Night

San Francisco is a city full of charm. I just wish I was a better photographer to capture it!

Walking through my neighborhood last night I was happy to see that many Christmas lights were still up. I definitely wouldn't be opposed to these lights staying up year - round. ;)
They bring a magical feeling to the tiny streets of Northbeach.

Sex & the City 2: Trailer

I saw this SATC2 trailer on A Cup of Jo and had to share!!

I'm actually running off to see It's Complicated right now. And I also saw Sherlock Holmes this weekend. It wasn't as good as I expected, but I did happen to fall asleep at one point... so that could have been the issue.

I just LOVE going to the movies! ;)

Fifi the Furry Vest

I am back in SF and sporting my new fur! 

My mom surprised me with this faux vest for Christmas and I am in LOVE.

But WHY are there always a few people who make fun of fur?

Example: While out to dinner tonight at E' Tutto Qua our waiter kept petting my fur and asking if "Fifi" would like a glass of water as well.

Ha, ha... I didn't find this to be very funny.

Happy Belated Xmas

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I hope your Christmas was lovely! Mine was definitely Cheetah-filled,

but a girl can never have too much animal print. ;)

Did Santa bring you anything FUN this year?!

I got almost everything on my list.

But the holidays are truly special because of the people you're with and the activites you do together! Here are a few of my favorite holiday traditions: 

Christmas Eve Crab Dinner

Driving around town to see all the pretty lights

Blasting the N'Sync Christmas Album

Church with my family

Going for a walk in Bidwell park

PS: Shout out to Aaron! Thanks for always reading my blog! ;)

Merry Christmas to Me

During my 'staycation' I happened to pick up a little Christmas present for myself from Footcandy, a shoe and purse boutique in Santana Row. I have been on the look out for a large leather brown or black handbag to carry to work.  And this Tory Burch Hobo was on sale and calling my name! I love the front pockets and "cheetah-esque" style closures. 

Do you approve? It's okay to buy Christmas presents for yourself right?! 

Santana Row Staycation

My boyfriend and I went on a "Staycation" this weekend to Santana Row. It is always a treat to stay in a nice hotel but it was especially fun to go back to the area we met and went to college. We did a little Christmas shopping, dined with friends, and drove through the Santa Clara campus to reminisce. ;) 

The lights and holiday decorations truly put me in the Christmas spirit! 

Gingerbread House Creations

What's Christmas without gingerbread houses and family fun?

Most Cheerful:

Most Spirited:

Most Creative (pre-collapse):

Friday Xmas Links

Hello friends... TGIF, I have some fun xmas links today! 

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This happy holidays video from The Rockstar Diaries is adorable. I watched it on repeat.

These White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies look delish.

This 'love tree' is so cute, and such a creative yet easy DIY way to decorate your tree!

Snoop Dog made xmas cookies with Martha, see video clip here. :)

Lovin' this pink house in the snow and this pink xmas tree.

 AND if you live in SF:

I recently found out about this vintage clothing boutique: Bianca Starr in the Mission. I wanna go asap.

You should totally check out: Therapy, which just opened another location a few blocks from me in Northbeach.

Added bonus:
Need a makeup make over? Read this article by Marie Claire. 
(I always forget the lifespan of mascara)

SJP's Latest

 My girl SJP's new movie: Did you hear about the Morgans? comes out tomorrow...

Are you going to see it?

Count Down: One Week

We are one week away from Christmas Eve, the count down has officially began for me!! 

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Have you finished all of your shopping?

Oh Happy Day

Happy. Happy. Joy. Joy.

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So many reasons to be happy today:

It's hump day

I'm working a short day

Tonight's my office holiday dinner 

AND my boyfriend is driving all the way here!!

My mom just bought me the JCrew Jacket I wanted

Making gingerbread houses this Friday

More Christmas parties to attend this weekend

It's raining outside (I love the rain)

Next week is Christmas

Life is so happy and fun

Oh Joy!

Little Italy Gem: A. Cavalli Cafe

It's official, I signed the lease to my new apartment and will be moving neighborhoods in a month!! I have mixed emotions as I am very excited for a change, yet sad to leave my cozy  apartment, tucked away on Telegraph Hill.

I have been living in San Francisco's 'Little Italy' aka Northbeach/Telegraph Hill for a year now and will be sad to say goodbye in January. I know I will still frequent my favorite hot spots but in honor of my last month here I will be posting about my neighborhood "gems." 

First Gem: A. Cavalli's Cafe

Cavalli's is a go to for yummy, yet simple Italian dishes. As soon as you step into this cute cafe you will feel transported to Italy. If you're in the neighborhood stop by for the most authentic Italian food in Northbeach. Try the caprese salad, it's my fav. 

Holiday Cheer

A little Monday 'Holiday Cheer' from my apartment to yours...

The lights in my neighborhood make me happy. I enjoyed a night stroll and took a few photos! Christmas in the city is magical.

Tara's Tees

My girlfriend Tara designed these cute tees for the Banana Republic Outlet Stores. I picked two up this weekend on my way home from visiting my boyfriend in Sacramento. I'm excited to sport a designer I know personally! ;) They are selling out fast, so hurry to your nearest BR outlet!

Great job girl!

Sex & the City 2

The new Sex and the City 2 Poster came out...

OMG, can not wait. I am pretty much Carrie obsessed. :)

WET and WILD Friday

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Get out your umbrellas, beanies, scarfs, rain boots etc., it's going to be a wet one.

I'm excited for a rainy weekend, but wishing I didn't have as much to do! Tonight I am going on a date with my little sis. She works at Banana Republic so I will be stopping by after work for a little looky (apparently they have cute jewelry right now) and then we are going out for a late dinner and possibly some Christmas shopping! Tomorrow I want to check out the Rock & Republic jeans sale in Fort Mason before I get on the road to Sac Town. I'm not looking forward to driving in the rain, and praying that Saturday there won't be as much traffic.

Question: any books on tape recommendations? I want to spice up the drive! 

DIY: Home Dry Cleaning

I hate paying for dry cleaning. And I hate ironing. 

oh, hello friend

So with that happy combination I have come up with a system of how to get away with rarely going to the dry cleaners and never having to iron. Here's how I stay wrinkle free:

1. Hang up clothes as soon as you take them off

2. Blot any spots or spills as best you can with a damp cloth

 3. Invest in a steamer (these babies work great and are actually fun to use!)

4. If clothes are just a tad bit wrinkly pop them in the dryer for a few mins

5. Let shower water run hot with bathroom door closed, allowing garments to hang and steam

6. When flat ironing your hair, use iron to smooth out any bent collars on your blouse
7. Buy a Costco size pack of lint rollers (they are your best friend)

8. For deep wrinkles, or if desperate, take clothes over to your boyfriend's house 
(At least that's what I do. He iron's for me, it's pretty great!)

Save your dry cleaning money, treat yourself to a pedi instead!!

Gilty Pleasure

Gilt Groupe; every girls 'gilty pleasure.' 

Gilt Groupe

If you are not yet a Gilt Groupe member, get on this band wagon. 

Think designer labels up to 70% off the original retail price. Yes it can be dangerous, but it is oh so fun to get those morning emails. I honestly get anxious at 9am PST, when scrolling through the designer duds! When I see "In Members' Carts" I start to panic, do I want this, do I need this? Because let's face it, the best of the best goes fast! I have made a few lovely purchases (at killer prices) off this site including: Tory Burch heels and Rich & Skinny boyfriend jeans. There is even a Gilt Groupe iphone app, which I may or may not have ;) ... just in case you are on the go when the clock strikes - SHOP!

PS: Gilt Groupe is for men too: Gilt Man and recently came out with: Jetsetter for amazing travel deals.

Date Night: the house

I went on a date with my lovely roomie last night!

We decided to finally try 'the house,' which happens to be down the street from our apartment. This tiny Asian Fusion restaurant looks to be a-hole-in-the-wall, but is actually a true gem in the middle of Northbeach! If you have never been, plan a date night with someone special and GO! I had heard great things and have wanted to try it for some time now, so  my expectations were high. My roommate and I were both very impressed, 'the house' lived up to it's awesome Yelp reviews! She ordered the sea bass (a house speciality) and I ordered the salmon. We split a yummy cesear salad with crispy scallops to start (a-mazing). The restaurant is small and was full, so definitely make reservations if you plan on going. 

Movie Review: Brothers

It was chilly in SF yesterday; perfect for an afternoon at the theater.

My girlfriends and I went to see: Brothers (click here to watch the trailer). I highly recommend going to see this film, although definitely bring your Kleenex because it's a tear jerker. Amazing acting by: Tobey Maguire, Jake Gyllenhaal (so cute) and Natalie Portman. This movie hits home, especially now that we are sending more troops into Afghanistan.

The Cheetah Jacket

Here it is folks... :)

Shh it's a Surprise

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My friend Shelia successfully planned and pulled off the cutest surprise party last night for our girlfriend Kare. Complete with strawberry birthday cake, sparkling, pretty flowers and party favors! I don't have pics to post today, but I promise to start posting more photos of me, my friends (if they don't mind) and the lovely life I live. :)

Enjoy your weekend!!! 

PS: Making my Cheetah Jacket debut tonight at Kare's bday round #2.

(Check back for pics)


PSPS: A few lovely links for you... 

How cute is the Christmas INTRO on the Tory Burch website? 

Heart shaped mini pumpkin pies. Yum in my Tum.

How NOT to wear Sequins.

Anthropologie has a-mazing jewelry right now. Love this necklace.

Have you been entering to win: Oprah's 12 days,  Shopbop Handbag- a- day ?!!

Seasons Greetings

I successfully finished making our family Christmas cards last night! 

My mom bribed me to do this. hehe

I used iphoto on my Mac to make a photo collage of 2009 moments. 

It was fun to look back through my photo albums at the memories we made this year; although I realized I need to start taking a lot more pictures! (I think this will be my New Year's Resolution)

etsy

If you're not making your own Christmas cards this year, these 'Tree Decorating' cards are super cute from the Etsy shop of: Le Papier Studio. 

Stuff MY Stocking

Dearest Santa,

I would like to help you out.
Here are 10 stocking stuffer ideas for you, for me, ... all under $20.

Rosebud Salve ($6)

 essie nail corrector pen ($14)

essie nail polish ($8)

Nars Nail Polish ($16)

St. Ives Apricot Scrub ($3.29)

Glitter Magic Wallet from J.Crew ($16.50)

Hanky Panky Underwear ($18)

Godiva Dark Chocolate Truffles

Aveda Hand Creme ($19) 

 

Starbucks gift card

If you liked any of these items, forward on to your Santa! ;)

Lovin Tights

I am loving tights right now. 

I want every color and style out there! 

These are too cute...

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And I like this bedazzled look...

(she made them herself!)

cupcakes and cashmere

Pretty Wreaths

Have you decorated for Holidays? 

I purchased a mini tree for my apartment and decorated it with candy canes!! 

It was very cute until my roommate's pug knocked it down and ate all of the candy canes. :(  

a cup of jo

Maybe I should have gone with a pretty wreath instead.