Drastic Changes.

{OPI, Midnight in Moscow}

Quite different from my usual choices, but reflects my mood perfectly. Perhaps my feelings towards the drastic change of weather.

Vampy, dramatic and glamorous - all in one little bottle.

Sprinkle me.

While I am absolutely smitten with Fine Foods at Home (first mentioned here), I just can't justify paying someone to chop my broccoli and cauliflour. Now don't get me wrong, I am still a very active customer, but realize I am totally capable of cutting up my own veggies, and quite frankly, I am just not there financially....hahhhh, someday :) Until then, I head to the Crocker Galleria Farmers' Market each Thursday for fresh vegetables.

To jazz up my farmers market finds, I just add homemade Parmesan breadcrumbs...SUPER easy to make!

Ingredients:
9 slices of white bread, very stale
1/4 cup butter
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons dried parsley

Directions:
Break up bread slices into a large zip-lock bag and crush with a rolling pin. Or just hit 'Start' on the food processor....whatever you like. Set breadcrumbs aside.

In a large skillet, over medium heat, melt the butter: breadcrumbs, pepper and salt. Cook until the crumbs smell toasty (about 5 minutes).

Remove from heat and toss the crumbs, Parmesan, and parsley in a large mixing bowl; let mixture cool.

Store in air tight container until ready to use.

Enjoy!

Stuffed.

The face of a guilty Thanksgiving overeater hiding from the camera. I'm happy to report Ziggy's slow moving waddle is no longer, but just in case, he will be taking the stairs going forward :)

Poppy.

{LJN reminiscing the halls of Stanford Law School with old class mate during Alumni weekend}

Although it is Thanksgiving today, I wanted to acknowledge a very special man in my life, My Godfather. Thank you for always lending an ear and for endless insight and knowledge, and most of all, continuous encouragement.

Happy Birthday, Poppy! xoxo

Turkey Cake?

Talk about an interesting take on a Baskin-Robbins holiday ice cream cake. And while the image alone just bothers me, the expressions on my co-workers' faces was well worth it after we lit this bad boy up with candles to celebrate November birthdays.

Fun dessert alternative..? Maybe not for most, but at least it is at my office - some thing I definitely give thanks for. :)

Have a very Happy Thanksgiving!!

Turkey Troops.

Thanksgiving is just days away. If you happen to find yourself in the San Francisco area, join the Turkey Troops!

Fine Foods at Home.

I have never been known for my culinary skills and have a serious issue with eating leftovers - I just can't do it! So for the past few weeks, I have been eating an assortment of quality food, conveniently delivered each Tuesday to my office. Each delivery comes with clear and concise storing and heating directions (they even color code with cute little dot stickers) and is totally affordable.


While I know I am essentially reheating food, doing so with the stove top and oven seem to eliminate the "leftovers" wall I seem to have subconsciously built throughout the years. Another positive is that I am actually using my kitchen - now using my oven for more than just extra sweater storage. AND, when you return the cooler bag from your order you receive a sweet treat - a reward for recycling!

Fine Foods at Home = My latest love.

ELLE DECOR Showhouse.

Immediately upon my return from London, I attended the 16th annual Home Tour brought to you by Junior League of San Francisco -- VIP style. This gave exclusive access to the VIP experience venue for a champagne brunch hosted in a spectacular home overlooking the St. Francis Wood, luxury car service provided by British Motor Cars between all homes, a one hour home-viewing head start before opening to general public, and a goodie bag full of treats from those at the Marketplace.

This was ELLE Decor's first-ever designer showhouse. All proceeds benefit the charitable work of the Junior League of San Francisco.

These ladies sure know how to put on a fantastic fundraiser.

Suddenly Satchel.

Every which way I turned in London, I couldn't help notice all the birds carrying their essentials in brown leather satchels. I was lucky find the perfect one for me at Topshop (see here).

Here are some of my favorites..

1. PS1 Leather Satchel in Saddle, $2,175
2. Warehouse Leather Buckle Satchel Bag, $147
3. Lilly & Franc tan satchel, 55 GBP
4. Leather Piped Detail Satchel, $100
5. Fossil 'Vintage Reissue Lock' Leather Crossbody Satchel, $159
6. MICHAEL Michael Kors Large Harness Satchel, Luggage, $398
7. Tan chain strap satchel, 25 GBP
8. Rebecca Minkoff 'Covet' Top Handle Embossed Leather Satchel, $395
9. Aubin & Wills Sandbanks leather satchel, $650

Chinchilly.

A sleek granite gray.

Reminds me of London's foggy night sky.

I miss it dearly.

{essie's chinchilly}

London Night Strole.

After a long day of shopping on Oxford Street and a delightful (and filling) high tea at the Balioni London, I quickly fell into a food coma just minutes after entering my hotel room; later waking up at an obnoxious hour - too late to do much of anything as it was our last night in London. So instead of sitting around flipping through the channels on British television, my mom and I bundled up and took a night strole in London...

Such a lovely place. It makes me happy.

{Thrifted fur coat, Topshop top & satchel, PacSun denim, Ralph Lauren boots}

Speaking of Ralph Lauren, check out Ralph Lauren 4D.

A little moment of happiness.

Who doesn't love a little moment of happiness?

Eat here.

Coco Momo Kensington
25 Gloucester Road
Kensington, London SW7 4PL

Wembley Stadium.

{Wembley Stadium}

One of the highlights of our London trip was the adventure out to Wembley Stadium to cheer on the San Francisco 49ers. Since the 2005 season, the NFL has hosted a regular season American football game outside the US in the International Series. This year was our lucky year and it was the 49ers going to London! Mom and I walked to the Gloucester Road station and traveled by tube to the stadium. Fortunately, this was a journey worth traveling when San Francisco beat the Denver Broncos! Let's go 9ers!!

{49er tailgate - a little home away from home}

{9er tight end ;)}

{Wembley Stadium field view}

{Evening sky at Wembely Stadium}


Hopefully, we will have success again this Sunday. Go 49ers!!

London Pop Culture.

For the night's I had a hard time falling asleep, I thank London pop culture for tucking me in at night. Here's what I saw on the tele....

{Celebrity Juice featuring Leigh Francis' alter ego Keith Lemon}

{Brits love Holly Willoughby, television personality}

{Singer-songwriter, dancer & actress Pixie Lott}

{Lord Sugar of The Apprentice}

{Favourite commercial ever}

Tiny Treasures.

Lucky for me, the Fall weather in London was crisp and beautiful. The bright and sunny days allowed time to explore the Notting Hill neighborhood surrounding the Baglioni London. As I walked the quaint streets of London, I discovered a tiny boutique - Season. While the department store Selfridges is impeccable and full of knowledgeable associates, I adore the one-of-a-kind feeling Season offers - lovely owners & luxurious clothing.

Visit Season.

28 Gloucester Road,
South Kensington
London SW7 4RB

020 7584 9333

{Season storefront}

{Tented ceilings}


{Garden}

Chanel.

{Lace top, American Apparel; Pearl's, JCrew; Purse, Ruehl}

I'm not typically a lipstick wearer, but this has all changed since discovering Chanel's Rouge Coco in Mademoiselle, and now my chapstick is taking a back seat. Each shade of Rouge Coco, released in 30 colors this past March, is named after a defining detail in Coco Chanel's existence - Attention down to every tiny detail.

Learn more about Coco before Chanel in Coco Avant Chanel.

Poppy Appeal.

{donate poppy shop}

While in London, I quickly took notice to the presence of the poppy and soon learned Poppy Appeal was a fundraising drive sponsored by The Royal British Legion. Each year, artificial poppies, meant to be worn on clothing are given in exchange for a charitable donation. This is The Legion's leading charity providing financials, social and emotional support to millions who have served or who are currently serving in the British Armed Forces, and their dependants. Poppies are ubiquitous from late October to mid-November every year and worn by the general public, politicians, the Royal Family, and other UK celebs. Poppies are worn up until Remembrance Day to remember the fallen of the First World War, and implicity of all wars. What a lovely (and stylish) way to show support!

Jet lag.

Sleep deprivation is definitely setting in and I am taking in every last Zzzz I can before work this morning. Plus who wouldn't want to stay in bed the extra few minutes when waking up to a sweet face like this?

Ziggy always knows how to bring a smile to my face. Hopefully, this will bring one to you as well. Love this little guy!

Baglioni Hotel.

Want to sleep in style? Arrive at Baglioni Hotels at one of their 8 fabulous locations. My stay at the Baglioni London was nothing short of exemplary and look forward to my return....

Stay here.

{view from Kensington Park}

{Baglioni Hotel}

{Reception}

{bedroom suite}

{our suite}

{the loo}

{Dining}

{bar}

{bye bye Baglioni}

Thank you American Express Platinum for recommendation & accommodations.

Home Sweet Home.

I just got home from a quick trip to London with my mom. I had the best time with her - exploring our lovely Kennsington neighborhood, enjoying our beautiful hotel and watching the San Francisco 49ers W-I-N!!

Thank you, Mom, for such a wonderful, memorable time xoxo

Love my 49ers!!

My return to work was also quite memorable with the San Francisco Giants parade that passed right by my office. What a special experience!

Congratulations to the World Series Champs!!

More to come on my London trip....

Back to Basics.

For me, there is nothing like opening a fresh tube of mascara. While I know there are hundreds upon hundreds of different kinds of mascara - making all kinds of empty promises to lengthen and volume -I always find solace with CoverGirl LashBlast mascara. Being the avid mascara enthusiast I am, I have tried my fair share of mascaras yet always end up back where I started. Added bonus: mascara is totally affordable at less than $10 a pop.

Fashion Night In.

Fashion Night Out happens all over the world to celebrate Fashion Week everywhere. Following Vogue's success, the British publication Vogue.com is celebrating the online side of fashion in hosting the first ever, Fashion Night In. Shopping begins this evening from 5pm to midnight (UK time). The digital equivalent of the globally successful Fashion's Night Out, Fashion Night In promises to be the most stylish stay-at-home shopping experience ever.

See participating retailers here.