Case in Point

Sometimes after a long day at work, my favorite thing to do is to go for a walk in the cool evening breeze around my neighborhood. Although heels aren't normally the most desired walking shoe, my roommate and I both added some new pointy toed pumps to our closets this week, and we wanted to try them on for a post-work stroll. I just love going for walks with my camera and finding colors and objects to be inspired by along the way. In this case, the blossoming flowers of the season and a cotton candy pink vespa were the perfect compliment to my pastel-inspired ensemble. 

Happy Friday!

{shoes: diane von furstenburg //  blazer + shirt: h&m // skirt: lulu's // watch: michael kors // necklace: local designer purchased at heidi says

photo credit: LLC

Mother's Day Weekend

After work on Friday, I drove to Carmel to spend the weekend with my mom and it truly felt like a mini vacation. We spent time by the pool, napping at the beach, eating yummy food and taking walks through the quaint neighborhoods. I just love visiting Carmel, especially when it's warm enough to return home with a sunburn. It's so important to make time to escape from routine and enjoy a glass of champagne with no agenda. 

{I'm guilty of unintentionally repeating these flower jeans far too many times on my blog, but they are just my favorite spring item}

{thanks to my mom and her love of great spas, I'm lucky enough to frequent this amazing spot often}

{a delicious way to hydrate}

{I've been living in Chambray, I just can't get enough of these comfy shirts dressed up or down}

{my pretty mama}

{enjoying sunshine and bubbly with my mom at our favorite rooftop lounge}

{on me: shirt: H&M (similar here) // pants: Topshop (similar here) // sandals: Coach (old) // sunglasses: Marc Jacobs (similar here) // watch: Michael Kors}

SF Street Style via LLC

One of my favorite subjects to photograph are people, especially people with great style. My roommate, and writer of LLC Style, has a sophisticated yet playful look, that is always so much fun to capture on camera. I'd describe her style as classic, clean and always colorful. In other words, J.Crew meets Kate Spade with a splash of Zara. 

 Since we moved into our apartment in December, I've had so much fun snapping photos of her outfits in our picturesque San Francisco neighborhood. Here are a few of my favorite snapshots from some of our recent shoots.

If you're in the San Francisco area and are interested in collaborating on a shoot, drop me a line at seramichael@gmail.com.

Have a lovely week!

{collages 1 + 2 were photographed in San Francisco // collages 3 + 4 were photographed in Los Angeles}

Currently Loving: Mint + Coral

{1. Zara maxi skirt // 2. Zara pointy toed pumps // 3. H&M crop top // 4. Zara high heeled sandals // Etsy striped straws} 

In honor of May Day, I wanted to share my favorite spring color combo as of late. I tend to gravitate towards a specific color palette each season, and right now I can't get enough of mint and coral. Together or on their own, I just love these soft, feminine hues. I may have gone a bit overboard in the mint department, as my new car is also this lovely shade of green, but that's one accessory that will be sticking around long past springtime. As you've noticed, most of this collage is made up of items that can be found at Zara, another thing I just can't get enough of this season. 

Easy Weeknight Dinner

I love food and one of my favorite treats during the week is to go out to a great dinner. As much as I love dining out, my wallet doesn't always agree. If you're anything like me, cooking is the last thing you have energy for at the end of a long work day. I enjoy the process of cooking, but it can often seem like so much effort at the end of the day. Last week I made this simple polenta dish for dinner, and was pleasantly surprised by how easy and tasty it was. It turned out to be the perfect mid-week dinner: simple, easy and transitions from stove to table in 15 minutes.

All you need is:

1. polenta

2. your favorite pasta sauce

3. arugula

4. parmesan cheese

5. olive oil

6. cracked pepper

Slice polenta into thin medallions and cook in a frying pan with a touch of olive oil. Once cooked through, top with pasta sauce and parmesan cheese. Serve with arugula and cracked pepper for extra flavor. 

Bon appetite. 

Cheers...

To the weekend!

{image via A Cup of Jo}

I found my kitchen's twin. I discovered this image on Joanna's blog, and the resemblance to my kitchen is uncanny. I love how this SF family (featured in the apartment tour in the link above) made the most of their small space. As we know, space is limited in SF apartments, and we too styled our kitchen similarly with an island for a table and barstools for chairs. It's fun getting creative with small spaces. Do click on the link for more great ideas.

See you Monday.

D.I.Y. Terrarium

Last week I told you about my amazing trip to the not-to-be-missed Treasure Island Flea, which by the way is happening next Saturday and Sunday. While I was there I discovered the best deal on succulents I've found yet. I purchased all of the plants below for a total of $7. The best! I love these plants for two reasons: you don't have to have a green thumb to make them flourish and they make for great city plants, as there is no room for anything larger in my mini apartment! I have to admit that I salvaged this vase from the trash can at my office, but as soon as I saw it I instantly thought it would make a great terrarium. 

Here's how to make your own:

Step one: find an assortment of succulents in different heights and colors that will compliment each other.

step two: find a circular or round vase and fill the bottom with a layer of small stones that can be found at the nursery.

step three: fill the vase about 1/4 of the way full with soil and decide how you want to arrange your succulents in the terrarium.

step four: make holes in the soil with your finger and plant your succulents accordingly. There are many great examples online if you need a some new ideas.

Terrarium tip: be very careful to not overwater these plants. Succulents are perfectly happy with just a little bit of water and natural sunshine from a kitchen window or bright living room.

Happy planting!