Category Archives: San Francisco

San Francisco Love

IMG_5141Since I am taking off in just a few short weeks for Europe, I’ve been thinking about how much I really do love San Francisco.  It’s such a beautiful city.  I constantly find myself photographing it and even spending time photographing one specific place.  One day, a while back, my friend Marc and I went photo adventuring near the Golden Gate Bridge.  He’s an extremely talented photographer and a lot of fun to practice shooting with.

IMG_4551

IMG_4537

IMG_4530(Marc and I practicing portrait photography)

IMG_4546

IMG_4548(Marc shooting some up close and personals with this bird.  Not a bad setting.)

IMG_4552

IMG_4486(Marc)

I will never get tired of photographing San Francisco!  It’s an incredible city with some of the most breathtaking views.  I’ll keep the blog updated with my take on other countries as well of course but I wanted to take a minute and share my love for one of the greatest cities in the world.  Happy Thursday everyone!

Dear SFMTA

So, a big part of city livin’ is taking public transportation and some days it can be smooth sailing. Other days, not so much. I know it’s a $2 ride but I think it’s time we start implementing some rules because it is clear to me that the Muni is a lot like the wild wild west; every man for himself.

Rule #1: All riders must be conscious.

Bus RideThis one is pretty cut and dry. Your ass better be awake for the entire ride or you’re outta there. This happened behind me on my ride home from work. If my rules were in place, he would be given a lollipop and asked to leave. Everyone goes home happy- he gets a little treat and we get the rest of the ride not having to position him back into place.

Rule #2: Cooking is for the Kitchen.

I didn’t take a photo of this one but trust me when I tell you a man sat next to me on the bus and took out two slices of WonderBread from his backpack. He then took out 4 packets of mayonnaise and proceeded to spread it on thick to create a disgusting ass mayonnaise sandwich. He took a bite and while chewing turned to me and asked, “would you like some?” Needless to say, I declined. Yes, it was thoughtful and yes, it tested my gag reflexes but please just wait until you’re at home to pull out the condiments. Thanks.

Rule #3: Double Decker Bus Style Please.

BARTIf we had double decker trains, scenarios like this wouldn’t happen. I would prefer to read my magazine in peace, not underneath a Mr. Clean look-a-like. But I would take this over a mayo sandwich any day.

Rule #4: Quit Hatin’, You Hater.

furI’m not trying to say that everyone who rides public transportation should be wearing Gucci furs (Neiman Marcus example above with security  wires still attached to the fur to prove I don’t own something this ridiculous). In fact, I like riding the bus with all kinds of people as long as you bathe regularly, don’t breathe on me, and keep your hands where I can see ‘em.

I feel like if my rules were followed we would all get places faster, make more money, and be overall more jolly. In actuality there will just be less horror stories for me to exchange with my friends, so I don’t know what is worse- having a stinky co-passenger or having no stories to tell. I guess I’ll take the stories for now.

“This Love’s For Gentlemen Only”

photo 1When I heard one of my favorite bands was going to be coming to San Francisco and playing one of the smaller venues in town, I think I stopped breathing for a second.  I knew I needed a ticket some how, some way.  Problem is, the show sold out in 10 seconds!  This show was not to be missed.  Long story short, a very good friend of ours was looking out for my die-hard, Phoenix-loving, heart and found me a ticket to buy last minute.  I will forever be grateful to him for the ticket.  The show ironically fell on April 1st (I thought someone was punk-ing me at first) but this show was no joke.  These parisian musicians played a 90 minute set including new tracks, Wolfgang Amadeus tracks, and even a few tracks from It’s Never Been Like That.  Thomas Mars, the front man, took his time to connect with all concert goers and even walked through the crowd during the end of their set to get up close and personal with the back of the room.  I had my phone to snap a few photos once I could snap out of my mega-crush on these talented guys.

photo 2(Opening with their brand new single “Entertainment,” Mars wasn’t scared to get up close and personal)

photo 5(During the instrumentals for Love Like a Sunset Part I and II, Mars laid on the ground and let the rest of the band carry everyone away with the beautifully trance provoking tunes)

photo 4(For the beginning of the encore, Mars came out with only one guitarist and covered Air’s “Playground Love” while sitting right on the edge of the stage in the crowd.  It was incredible)

photo 3When it all sadly had to come to an end, the entire band joined Mars back on stage only to perform my most cherished Phoenix song… Rome!!!  I couldn’t have asked for a better experience.  This band has a way of combining sounds and lyrics in such a fun and talented way.  I’m in awe that I was able to see such a phenomenal band, in such an intimate setting.  I’ll be seeing them again in less than two weeks at Coachella, however that time I’ll be joined by 80,000 others.  With major rock star status, I feel so grateful that I was able to get a ticket to this show and gaze at them while they crooned the crowd.

Were any of your there, too?

Look How it Shines for You

IMG_7593

The biggest news in San Francisco as of lately has been the lighting ceremony that took place on Tuesday night on the Bay Bridge.  This holds a special place in my heart because this is the bridge I drive across all the time and I think it’s extremely beautiful.  They have been testing the lights all week and in the beautiful weather we have had, the bridge was nothing less than magnificent.  It’s currently the world’s largest LED structure with 25,000 LED lights individually programmed by Leo Villareal.  For two years these beautiful, luminous lights will shine for you.  Don’t miss out on a huge part of history right here in our own city.

IMG_7582

IMG_7585(Isn’t it beautiful??  This is before the light ceremony.  These are the standard lights)

IMG_7591(Right when the lights started, the rain began to pour down)

IMG_7594(The lights moved in all different patterns)

IMG_7598(It’s interesting and smart that all the lights on facing outward so that drivers cannot see any of the lights from the driving span.  I could see this being very distracting if drivers could see the lighting)

IMG_7601<3

IMG_7599

IMG_7606(Shannon invited me to come to her company’s roof top for the viewing and it was spectacular and breathtaking)

IMG_7615(The rain was creating these awesome huge bokeh dots)

IMG_7611(Sparkling)

IMG_7612

This is such a beautiful site to see and a cherry on top of one of the most beautiful cities in the world.  If you work in the city, don’t forget to take the long way home sometimes.  In my case, this is what I see when I take the long way and it’s the best way to end my day.  Enjoy!

The New Old School

IMG_7497I’ve been looking for a bag bigger than a purse for traveling on weekends and that I could carry my lunch and wallet to work with.  When I saw this amazing Brandy Melville backpack, I couldn’t resist and I’ve worn it every day since.  I carry it to work, I pack my gym clothes in it, and keep it packed for overnights with my frover.

IMG_7509(Steve Madden booties, Forever 21 key shirt, Urban Outfitters hat, Roxy shorts, and Nordstrom BP sunglasses)

IMG_7529(The shirt also has small shoulder pads which I love, it’s so old school but new school)

IMG_7500

IMG_7516(I also loved the zipper down the back of this shirt)

IMG_7504

IMG_7514(These flat studs are awesome because they don’t snag on anything!)

IMG_7495

Unfortunately, they sold out of this bag really fast but you can find more of their cute bags here.  Shoulder pads and backpacks used to be “old school” but I have full faith they are coming back.  At least, I’m going to treat them like they never left.  They are so convenient and now there are so many cute options!  Why not be proud to wear a backpack?

Purse and Polish Pairs

 

 

We are such fans of colors and convenience.  Sometimes, you run out the door and don’t have time to throw on your new necklace or rings that you wanted to.  However, you can always look fun and stylish by pairing these fun nail polishes with fun purses.  We did some color matching and think these are all great color pairings for Spring!

IMG_7044(We love this hot pink neon polish with the cobalt blue purse from Urban Outfitters)

IMG_7039(This little purse I found in a tiny shop in Italy back in 2007.  I adore it and it’s a special travel memory that’s never gone out of style.  Perfect to pair with a soft, romantic color)

IMG_7040(Subtle rainbow tweed and a bright accent color go great together)

IMG_7043(This top shop purse is one of my favorites)

Spring is on it’s way!

Just A Few Angels On An Island

IMG_7283

Since the weather has been so beautiful in San Francisco, my friends and I decided to check out Angel Island.  I had never been and my friend, Shannon, had so she knew it was worth the adventure.  You have to take a Ferry there which was actually a lot of fun!  We took the Ferry from Tiburon which is such a beautiful area so we decided to have lunch there first.  After we got to the island, it was beautiful sights for miles.

IMG_7240(Catching the Ferry)

IMG_7241(Lots of sail boats enjoying the sun)

IMG_7244

IMG_7248

IMG_7249

IMG_7250(I loved these little boats)

IMG_7256(The Golden Gate Bridge looked beautiful as always.  Such a different view of it from Angel Island!)

IMG_7258

IMG_7262(The Ferry leaving Tiburon)

IMG_7267(Hiking around beautiful Angel Island)

IMG_7273(There are a bunch of different camp sites you can stay at)

IMG_7278(Wish I knew who these people were to give them this photo! So cute)

IMG_7289(A bird and a bridge)

IMG_7290

IMG_7291

IMG_7299(My other friend Chelsea and Shannon)

IMG_7306(The views are incredible)

IMG_7311(Birds eye view)

IMG_7314(the colors are un-beatable)

IMG_7318(They have these amazing little benches everywhere to have lunch or just enjoy the views)

IMG_7320

IMG_7323(I love this photo of them)

IMG_7324

IMG_7326

IMG_7333(Picturesque)

IMG_7336

I definitely recommend this fun adventure to anyone.  There is a walking loop, a biking loop, and so much more.  They even have a little cafe and place to rent bikes right by where the ferry drops you off.  It was even a great place for families because right where you get off the ferry is a large lawn with picnic tables and plenty of space for kids to play.  We walked a lot of the loop that wraps around the island which was great for exercise, fun, and picture taking.

We hope you have a great weekend, Happy Friday!

Terracotta Warriors.

photo (6)San Francisco is lucky enough to have the Terracotta Warrior’s visiting the Asian Art Museum for the next couple of months. I never thought I would have the opportunity to see them in person and I am so thankful I did, they are magnificent!

Tile(The beginning of the exhibit has artifacts that are over 2,000 years old!)

horse bells(These are some bells that horses would wear around their necks)

helmet(This helmet is made up of 80+ carefully carved limestone tiles)

Terracotta Warrior(Each Warrior was life-size, they say there are close to 6,000 in total!)

Terracotta Warriors(There are even life-size horses, helping the First Emperor in his afterlife)

terracotta warrior(Each piece was carefully painted before they were buried. Now, all that is left is the amber color of the terracotta but I still find them beautiful)

To find out more about how you can experience this special exhibit and learn more about the Qin Dynasty, China’s First Emperor, and the amazing Terracotta Warriors go here!

Braided Top Knot

IMG_7074

It’s hard to have a cute up-do that’s fun and sophisticated.  One day I had my hair in a pony tail and wanted to add something to it.  Not have just a typical bun or pony tail.  So I braided and twirled and ended up with this easy to do bun!

IMG_70851. Start with a regular pony tail

IMG_70842. Separate strands to start braid

IMG_70833. Braid hair until 1 or 2 inches from the ends of your hair

IMG_70824. Twirl braid around the base of your pony tail

IMG_70815. Tuck the ends of the braid under one of the elastic loops holding your pony tail

IMG_70796. Pin any crazy, out of control pieces down unless you like how they look

IMG_70777. Voila!  Scope it, so easy.

Do The Harlem Shake

Our friends at the Fernando & Greg Morning Show invited us to be a part of their hilarious video recreating the Harlem Shake sensation! The formula is very simple and it is always the same- one person starts the dance solo and once the beat drops, the place fills up with crazy people dancing in silly outfits. We had a lot of fun, check it out and make sure you make it to the end to see the blooper! Oh yeah, Chelsea is wearing the blue wig and Britt is in the rainbow hat with the heart sweater!