{ we left our hearts in san francisco }

Over the weekend, we spent an incredible couple of days in San Francisco. In addition to seeing this magical production of Peter Pan, we had time to walk the city during the day. We decided to stay close to the Ferry Building and the strip along the piers...indulging in a perfect mix of tourist attractions and local hang-outs. I thought I'd share a few of the gems with you...

clear skies above the ferry building

{ ask a native...this is rare! }

a visit isn't complete without a sweet treat from miette

Gott's Roadside...my new favorite lunch spot {dinner was good too! }

I loved that it was warm enough to walk at night

Red's back deck was the perfect spot to enjoy our breakfast on a sunny San Francisco day

shared smiles with family {my favorite part of the weekend}

Did I mention how hard it was to leave?

P.S. I panicked when I realized that I didn't have a digital camera for the weekend {ours was stolen recently}. Then I remembered the camera on my new iphone. I was pleasantly surprised by the results, especially after a little experimenting and post processing with Camera Bag.

{ added to my someday list: nick's cove }

I recently came across the site for Nick's Cove & Cottages and have been day dreaming about it ever since.

Located on a secluded stretch of shoreline in Tomales Bay--about an hour north of the Golden Gate Bridge--Nick's Cove is a small settlement of buildings and cottages built mainly in the 1930s. The cottages were recently restored & reinvented to create relaxed luxury lodging-- featuring a mix of original details and modern amenities such as wood burning stoves, private decks with seaside views, and luxurious bed linens. With an on-site restaurant by renowned SF restauranteur, Pat Kulteo, my only concern is that I'd never want to leave this idyllic spot.

{ america the beautiful }

Popping in quickly to say "hi". We've spent the last couple of days reveling in our nation's capital and its incredible beauty. I'm in awe of how much there is to see, do, and learn here--I think every American, if not everyone, owes it to themselves to visit Washington D.C. at some point in their life. 

This photo was taken last night at the entrance to the World War II Memorial which sits at one end of the reflecting pool, opposite the Lincoln Memorial (which you can see in the distance). We spent about 30 minutes taking in its stunning beauty and reflecting upon the sacrifices endured during this period of history to give us the freedom and opportunities we enjoy today. 

We then walked along the reflecting pool to the Lincoln Memorial, which is nothing short of awe inspiring at night. It was a powerful and moving experience and all the more memorable sharing it with a few of my favorite peeps. 

I'm off now to take in as many sights as possible over the next couple of days--I hope my feet hold out. I miss you all and will be back soon...

{ come fly with me }

Did I ever mention that my daughter's Oma and Opa invited her to tag along with them on a trip to Washington D.C. this summer? As if that wasn't already enough, they then extended the invitation to me as well. I'm still pinching myself and beyond excited about the adventures ahead of us. We leave tomorrow and I hope to post some highlights next week from the road. Until then, have a wonderful weekend!

{ road trippin' }

Imagine if you will, two parents, their 5 year-old daughter, 1 year-old son, and brand new puppy traveling across the country for 8 weeks in their bright orange 1970s Volkswagen van. Did I mention that the camper had no stereo or air conditioning, and that the children both ended up with chicken pox? If it sounds like a scene straight out of Little Miss Sunshine, you're not far off, but in fact, it is how my family and I spent one (very) memorable summer of my childhood. My happy, carefree memories of it, I'm certain, are quite different than my mom's. How she survived that one with her sanity still intact, I'll never know. 

As you might imagine, cross country road travel in my adult life has never really appealed to me. My feelings were: Been there. Done that...would prefer to collect cool hotel samples instead.  This summer, however, I've spotted several of these adorable caravans on the road--some new, some refurbished--and suddenly I have road trip envy. The thought of fixing up one of these little homes away from home, hitting the open road, and rediscovering the U.S. with my own family is sooo enticing. What do you think...could you sacrifice a few modern conveniences and do it?

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend filled with new discoveries of your own!

image via Lynsey Fryers

{ shhhh... }

I have a little secret...we took a road trip up to the mountains over the weekend and had such a good time that we decided to extend it for an extra day. I'll meet you back here on Tuesday.

photo from the lovely, lovely portfolio of Tara Donne

{ idyllic }

Just a little slice of paradise to share with you all as we kick off a new weekend. I spotted this little gem during our recent holiday in Alberta, Canada. It's a private guest cabin--one of several--perched along the river on the grounds of  The Post Hotel & Spa--a historic log lodge that dates back to the 1940s. It's breathtaking location in the village of Lake Louise and  close proximity to one of the Canadian Pacific Railway stations, made it a popular summer destination for couples and families traveling by train. *Sigh*...how utterly romantic. I've already started saving my pennies for next time...

Have a beautiful summer weekend!

{ we're back! }

We spent the last few days exploring Banff and Lake Louise. The weather could have been better--we ran into lots of rain and fog--but it didn't stop us from taking in the stunning beauty and wonder surrounding us. I will have some pretties to share with you once we're unpacked and settled back into our routine. For now, I wanted to share this little treasure I spotted near the lake just as we were leaving--I think it's the part of my heart that was forever captured by this magical little corner of the world.

{ highlights: calgary stampede }

I was skeptical, but we had a blast!

Midway rides, junk food, & fabulous people watching...what more could one ask for? 

Honestly though, the Stampede is an impressive production and quite the experience.

Today, we wrap up our stay in Banff and head back to Calgary before going home tomorrow. I miss you all and can't wait to catch up! Lots more to share...

{ howdy }

We've arrived in Calgary and settled into our digs for the next few days. Little one and I are navigating the City on our own while poor hubby sits in conference meetings and events over the next couple of days. Did I mention that we're here during Calgary's biggest event, Stampede? Everywhere we go, we're surrounded by a sea of cowboy hats and boots--not my typical scene, but if dear Audrey can do it, I figure I can give it a shot. 

Today, our real adventures begin--first, the Zoo; tomorrow, a little Stampede action, and Sunday we're off to Banff and Lake Louise--I'll try to post some photos.

 Have a fabulous weekend everyone!

P.S. While the chuck wagon races and rodeo sound absolutely fascinating, I printed and packed this just in case.

{ be back soon... }

image via Carol Texas Ranger

Busy today packing and finalizing last minute details before we leave for a little family adventure tomorrow--more details to follow in the coming days. In the meantime, treat yourself to a little Parisian excursion via this lovely photo stream.

{ sweet dreams... }

I'm quite certain I would be very, very happy if offered the opportunity 

to stay at the oh-so-quaint Bed of Flowers B & B in Holland.

{ where you'll find me when i win the lottery... }

Happy Monday and Happy June! Can you believe it? June already. Thank you for all of your sweet comments and anniversary wishes over the weekend--they meant so much to me.

I recently stumbled upon this new blog--authored by artist/photographer--Tim Irving, who's currently living in Southern Europe and journaling his discoveries via the oh-so-lovely StyleMed. It's quickly become my new escape whenever I need a few minutes "away".  Rather than a travel guide, Tim's posts and photography offer an insider's peek into mediterranean life, design, and decor. And yes...it's every bit as charming and genteel as you'd imagine.

This home spoke to me immediately. Lovingly refurbished, decorated, and furnished with materials obtained freely from salvage yards and builders skips scattered around Europe, the home's meticulous restoration took nearly 3 years to complete. *Sigh*...one of those storied pasts I finds so irresistible.  

Simply divine

Private courtyards, quirky birdhouses, and the cutest flamenco dancers ever--all waiting to be discovered on the breathtaking StyleMed blog. Treat yourself to a visit when you have a moment.

Thank you Chelsea for the intro. All images via StyleMed

{ going places }

I'm so excited! Two of my favorite, favorites, Nichole and Victoria, have recently added their lovely photographs of my two favorite cities to their etsy shops.

heart graffiti via littlebrownpen

First stop, San Francisco a la SFGirl. These new additions to Victoria's shop feature diptychs from her Sunday in the City series, which are currently on exhibit at the Curiosity Shoppe. I've added, Rosy Outlook to my wish list--it will be a lovely reminder of my grandmother, Rose, who was a born and raised SF Girl herself.

Next, we take a quick hop over the pond to bask in Nichole's Paris series...*sigh*. I have been living in Paris vicariously through Nichole's blog over the last several months and am so thrilled she is sharing some of her charming photographic works with us. And, she's made it so easy! Each of the photos in her shop are available as downloadable photo files, which can be printed at home--brilliant, right? 

I'm particularly fond of the hints of Parisian blue found in these two prints.

Thank you Nichole and Victoria...I adore both of these cities and love seeing them through your discerning eyes.

Quick Links:

Little Brown Pen shop

SFGirlByBay shop

{ a model citizen }

I'm so excited to share an exciting new addition to our fair city with you all today, The Citizen Hotel, which marks the newest addition to Joie De Vivre's collection of boutique hotels. We try to stay in one of these delightful hotels whenever we plan an overnight stay in San Francisco. Each property captures the essence of its City with its own distinct personality, impeccable design elements, and {hip} vibe. So, I was thrilled when I heard one was coming to Sacramento and recently had the good fortune of being treated to a tour of the hotel {thank you Sarah!} Would you like to see what all the hoopla's about? Follow me...

image via the Sacramento Archives & Museum Collection Center

The Citizen Hotel's building, formerly the beloved Cal State Life Insurance building--had fallen to serious neglect and disrepair in recent decades. In true Joie De Vivre fashion, the developers of the hotel fully restored the building to its original 1920s era grandeur--and then some--ensuring that its distinctive architectural elements were preserved and honored. The results, as you will see, are stunning. 

The law library themed lobby and registration area is a nod to the building's former tenants--many of whom were local Sacramento law firms. Fun Fact: the law books you see lining the walls were donated by former tenants of the building.

the original outgoing letter box found just off the lobby

The guest rooms are absolutely gorgeous. It's obvious the designers took extra care to blend the charm of the building's historic past with modern conveniences and technologies

Playful political references--a tribute to the hotel's adjacency to the State Capitol--add to the hotel's fun factor

I loved the the bags for the hotel's complimentary blow dryers

and the Citizen's version of  "do not disturb" 

Each room had an amazing view

All of this--coupled with an out of this world restaurant--what's not to love? {Be sure to treat yourself to the complimentary muffins served at their Sunday brunches.}

This is merely a sneak peek of all there is to discover via the Citizen Hotel site and blog {and of course, an actual visit to the hotel}. Have I enticed you all to come experience Sacramento's downtown renaissance for yourself? Please say, yes!

Quick links:

The Citizen Hotel

The blog: We Approve This Message

Sacramento Events at Sacramento365

{ my place or yours...nichole robertson in paris, france }

coffee love by littlebrownpen

Happy Friday and welcome back to another My Place or Yours feature. I've been looking forward to today's post for weeks because it takes us to one of my favorite cities in the world, Paris...yes Paris...for a visit with Nichole Robertson of the lovely and charming blog, little brown pen.

I became an instant fan of Nichole's incredible sense of style, spot-on finds, and eloquent observations via my daily visits to her blog. It was there that I also discovered the little brown pen shop--a wildly successful endeavor recently launched by Nichole and her husband, Evan, which features irresistible {and affordable} ready-to-print designs.  She's since become one of my best blogging friends {BBFF :)} and I was thrilled {and yes, a wee bit jealous} when Nichole announced that she was moving with her husband and two young sons to Paris for a six month rendezvous. Lucky for us, today, we get to tag along and experience this enchanting city with Nichole...

Please tell us where you live, and a little about yourself
Last November, my husband Evan and I found ourselves at a juncture in our lives where we could work from anywhere (Evan had just left a full-time position at Ernst and Young), had children who were not yet in school, and happened to be incredibly sick of living in the New York City suburbs.

Over too many glasses of wine one night, we asked ourselves this question: if we could live anywhere in the world for 3-6 months, where would it be? Answer: Paris.

So we pared down (actually about 75% of our possessions), packed up, and now live on Rue St. Paul in the heart of Paris.

I credit two things for making it possible. Our flexible jobs – I am a freelance writer, and my husband is a business development consultant. And our lifestyle. We both share the same values when it comes to living, and champion memories over material things. We don’t own a home, and we don’t own a lot of stuff, so we channel that money into other things. We’re certainly not living the high life, and there are definite trade-offs (I sometimes ache when I see a friend’s beautiful garden or gorgeously renovated kitchen), but most of the time, I am happy with our choices, and they’ve allowed us to live as fully as we have.

Three words that best describe Paris are...
beautiful, refined, appetizing

What is your favorite time of day?
Twilight. We take a walk after dinner, and at the moment, it coincides with sunset. We walk along the Seine, cross Pont Marie to the Ile St. Louis, and head toward Notre Dame. It’s about a five-minute walk, and as we approach Notre Dame, it’s often bathed in the most beautiful pink light. As the sun sets further, there’s this great moment where it’s not quite illuminated by the night lights, but it’s dark enough that it takes on the quality of a huge shadow in the sky. You have to be there at the right moment to catch it.

After our boys burn off some steam in the Park behind the church, we head home via Rue St. Antoine, which is alive with shoppers and cafe goers. I love the soft glow and buzz of conversation coming from the cafes. It puts me in the best mood.

Currently on my radar...
Éclairs. All shapes and sizes. Caramel and chocolate filled. I have one every day with my afternoon coffee. My current favorite shop is Miss Manon at the corner of Rue St. Paul and Rue St. Antoine.

My most cherished spot in my home is...
The dining room table. The bulk of our day revolves around eating the food we bring home from the shops we visit in the morning. For example: Fresh fruit for a mid-morning snack, cheese, bread and salad for lunch, éclairs in the afternoon, and rotisserie chicken and roasted potatoes from the boucherie for dinner.

My favorite meal of the day is breakfast, and my children love their new “morning coffee” routine. They each have their own small latte bowl, and we fill them with a teaspoon or so of coffee and warmed milk (just enough so it changes to a light caramel color). They squeal and clap as if it were liquid chocolate. Now that our 18 month old is starting to communicate better, sitting down to eat a meal is my favorite time of day. Now if the kids could just discuss the economy or Rimbaud, we’d be set.

Favorite discovery...
The people. We’re all familiar with the stereotypes, but I’ve found them to be completely untrue. Just about everyone is super friendly and many have helped us assimilate into Parisian culture.

Our main interaction is with the local shop owners and they take pleasure and pride in helping us select the perfect bread, vegetable or wine. It’s such a stark contrast to the big box-style approach to customer service we’re used to at home.

Where do you go to escape?
Notre Dame. Each time I’ve been to Paris, I’ve made a point to go to Notre Dame multiple times. It’s no different now. We live just a few blocks away, and walk past it at least once a day.

It's a humbling, absolutely logic-defying masterpiece. And architectural achievement aside, there’s something about the unbelievable cavernous space above you. As soon as you walk in, you look up.

When you stand in its shadows and grasp that it took 200 years to complete (sans modern tools), it’s an incredible testament to passion and faith.

On a personal level, it’s the most humbling and peaceful place I’ve ever been.

What are your favorite local shops?

Naturalia

Though I enjoy shopping at Monoprix for French grocery goodies, Naturalia carries the natural and organic food we’re used to eating. They sell oatmeal, whole grain breads and organic produce.
Naturalia

75 Rue St. Antoine

L’Atelier
My former colleague and Friend Delphine let me in on this Parisian secret. Every baguette, every croissant, every single item in the shop is to die for. Light as a feather with a crackly brown crust that shatters into crumbs my sons lick from the table.
36 Rue de L’Atelier
Rue de Turenne

Chez Hannah
The. Best. Falafel. Ever. Crowds, faces dripping with tahini and smiles don’t lie.

Chez Hannah
Rue des Rosiers

Carre D’Artistes
Modern, local art for sale. Reasonably priced with framing! I plan to purchase a few before we leave.

Carre D’Artistes
66, Rue St André des Arts

Best-kept local secret...

La Rouge Gorge
Deb of Bon Bon Oiseau insisted (thankfully) that I check out La Rouge Gorge--one of her favorite spots in Paris. It’s just down the street from us, and has a cheerful, old world Parisian feel. The owner always recommends the perfect glass of wine, and doesn’t mind that I speak in broken French.
La Rouge Gorge
8, rue Saint-Paul, Paris 4th

An ideal spot to linger over lunch...
Cafe Beaubourg
It’s right across from the Pompidou center, and it’s fun to sit and watch people meander by. They also have the best frommage blanc I’ve ever had.

Cafe Beaubourg
100 rue St-Martin, 4e

When visiting Paris, don't miss...

Chez Omar
We first went to Chez Omar a few years ago after my friend Catherine recommended it. It’s hard for me to eat cous cous anywhere else without comparing it to the delicious versions they serve here. The Vegetable cous cous comes in a huge bowl with just the right amount of flavorful broth. Heaven.

Chez Omar
47, rue de Bretagne

If you had the opportunity to live anywhere else in the world, where would we find you?
I tend to like extremes: urban life or remote, rural life. It’s the in between (cookie-cutter suburbs) that leave me most unsatisfied. Who knows, we may end up in the mountains next.

What is your motto?
Live simply, minimally and in the moment. Arguably cliché, but it’s truly how I live my life. Pleasure in the details is what it’s all about. Those details add up.

I am most homesick for...
Long hot showers. My cat. Whole Foods (so, so sad, but true).

Merci beaucoup Nichole!

Quick Links:

Enjoy daily updates of life in Paris via Nichole's blog

Take a moment to stop by the littlebrownpen shop