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!

Scenes from the Weekend

Although San Francisco has a reputation for being notoriously foggy, I have been tremendously lucky in the sunshine department since moving to the city. I do live in an especially sunny part of town, but this weekend was exceptionally warm and amazing across the entire city, I even have a sunburn to prove it. I spent the weekend exploring neighborhood stores and flower shops for inspiration, enjoying the sunshine at a rooftop launch party and sharing good food and fun adventures with my mom who came to visit me this weekend. Of course there's never enough time to squeeze in every magazine and restaurant on my list, but there's nothing like a fun-filled weekend to feel refreshed and motived come Monday.

{springtime tulips that I picked up from Bloomers in Pacific Heights}

{fresh flowers are my favorite way to brighten up any space}

{Saturday morning sunshine accompanied by croissants from the newest addition to my neighborhood, b. patisserie}

{rooftop views at a company launch party}

{trying to catch up on some necessary reading materials}

It's Friday!

{image via}

 Doesn't this look like an amazing place to curl up all weekend with a good book and a glass of wine? I wouldn't mind. I love getting ideas for fun things to do each weekend, what are some of your favorite weekend activities? I hope your weekend is wonderful and relaxing.

See you Monday!

Borrowed From My Roommate's Closet

You know that feeling when there isn't an empty hanger in your closet, yet you can't find a thing to wear? Lucky for me, my roommate (writer of LLC Style) has something close to a dream closet. She also just purchased a new camera, so we woke up on Saturday morning feeling inspired for a shoot. When I couldn't decide what to wear, we decided to switch things up and she styled a look for me inspired entirely from her closet. I thought this was such a fun idea for a blog post and of course, I had to share. I felt just like I was playing dress up, which of course was a favorite every day activity for me at age seven.

skirt: H&M (similar here) / shirt + necklace: J.Crew / jacket: Zara / clutch: Marc Jacobs / sunglasses: Prada / shoes: European boutique / nail polish: c/o OPI / lip color: Revlon

{photo credit: LLC}

Treasure Island Flea

When I first moved to San Francisco, I researched the best flea markets in town and marked them all on my weekend calendar. The Treasure Island Flea only happens once a month, so I was eager to finally make it a few weekends ago. I grabbed some friends and a cup of coffee and headed across the bridge for some Saturday scavenging. It was everything I hoped for and more. Prices are higher than the average flea market, but the assortment of amazing finds is incredible. My roommate and I wanted everything in sight and left with full trunk. It's really great for shabby chic finds, succulents and a tasty assortment of food trucks and live music. It makes for a great Saturday excursion and I can't wait to return next month.

Lately via Instagram

one: Roosevelt Hotel pool / pink accents / if you're going to San Francisco... / Central Kitchen

two: flowers + domino / new bakery on my block / chic mani by p&k / my new minty fiat!

three: yes, that is Rihanna and she was amazing live / Foreign Cinema / Easter florals / a ferry boat to Sausalito 

I'm so ready for the weekend. I just couldn't seem to catch up this week. I'm looking forward to some San Francisco exploration and time outdoors in this beautiful weather. 

See you Monday!

Lucky FABB Look: Spring Break Florals

I just love adventures. As you know, last week my friend Laura and I left foggy San Francisco to attend the Lucky FABB fashion and beauty blogger conference in sunny Los Angeles. It was so much fun packing up the car after work and heading out for our mini spring break adventure. We stayed at the Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood, where we snapped some photos on the star-studded sidewalk after the conference. This outfit is an unintentional ode to my Topshop splurge in London this past summer. When picking items to wear to the conference, I instantly gravitated to the springiest pieces in my closet, which in fact, all happened to be purchased from Topshop. 

Although we are back in San Francisco, the warm L.A. weather followed us home for a delightful surprise. It's amazing how uplifting a little bit of sunshine and warm weather can be.

jeans (similar here), peplum top, blazer + bag: Topshop / necklace: Forever 21 / ankle booties: Dolce Vita

{photo credit: LLC}

Lucky FABB West 2013

What a weekend! I couldn't be more ready to jump into bed, but not of course without telling you about my trip to L.A. for Lucky FABB West, presented by Lucky Magazine. About 300 bloggers were invited to attend this two-day event, to learn from industry icons and network with fellow fashion and beauty bloggers. The conference was held at the beautiful SLS Beverly Hills, and of course they didn't miss a beat. Fresh flowers, candy carts and a Smilebooth photo booth, were just a few of the blogger-appropriate features decorating the lobby. 

I loved being able to network with like-minded bloggers, all of which have a love of sharing beautiful things (hello Instagram!) and being creatively inspired. Kelly Osbourne shared her fierce approach to fashion, Drew Barrymore talked about life and beauty, Betsey Johnson premiered her new reality show, Emily Schuman (Cupcakes and Cashmere) talked the business of blogging, Eva Chen (Conde Nast) and Hillary Kerr (Who What Wear) talked success and Rachel Nguyen (That's Chic) shared her knowledge of styling. It was a treat to learn a few tips and tricks from some of my very favorite fashion and lifestyle photographers, as well as industry icons that I look up to every day. I never wanted it to end. And of course, Lucky Magazine sent us off in style with an entire Le Sportsac weekend duffle bag, filled to the brim with fabulous goodies. 

{bloggers tweeting away}

{my springtime ensemble}

{Drew being interviewed by Lucky editor-in-chief, Brandon Holley}

{a fun gift from Smilebooth}

{pretty floral details}

{I loved the chic interiors of the SLS Beverly Hills}

{bloggers on the run}

Happy Monday!