The Top 5 things on my radar this week!

Portland, Oregon Edition.

{Photos via Oregonlive.com | Eater PDX.com | The Fledglings Gourmet}

Tasty n Alder

A follow-up to John Gorham’s uber popular Tasty n Sons, this downtown Portland hot spot will be my first food related stop next time I’m in town. Period. With brunch items like Korean fried chicken, Bim Bop bacon & eggs and a sinful sounding chocolate potato doughnut with creme anglaise? I mean. Come on. And that’s just brunch! Dinner looks equally off the hook. I can’t wait to try it all!
Sidenote: Gorham’s new book Toro Bravo is being released on October 15th and is tops on my holiday wish list.

{Photos via Callooh Callay | Official Mfg. Co. | Frances May on Twitter}

Frances May

This boutique has my name written all over it. From their simple website + branding to carefully curated selection of designers {think A.P.C., Mara Hoffman, Steven Alan, Dieppa Restrepo} to the fact that it’s run by a grandmother + granddaughter duo {how sweet is that?!} – it all adds up to a true dream shop. Even Lucky Magazine gave it their stamp of PDX approval. And on top of all that, there’s zero sales tax! Ummm, for real? Done and done.

{Photos via PDX Pop Now! | Oregon Music News | Portland Monthly Magazine}

PDX Pop Now!

A free, all-ages celebration dedicated to expanding participation in Portland’s music scene. How awesome is that? PDX Pop Now! has been around since 1998. It started out as an online listserv that organically morphed into a festival. It is put on by an all volunteer crew, who are committed to celebrating and promoting Portland’s music community. Shouldn’t all cities have something like this? I think so. This year’s summer festival is July 19th thru 21st, so if you’re in the area, stop on by for some auditory inspiration!

{Photos via Portland Monthly Magazine | Plastics Today | Frank D. Joe for The Oregonian}

Remedy Wine Bar

Remedy, a neighborhood wine bar is set to open this Friday June 21st in the North Park Blocks area of Portland. Their focus is international small brand wines and family-run wineries. With a super laid back vibe and expert wine selections {combined with a simple menu of local + seasonal dishes}, this is a wine lovers dream spot. I love that they are focusing on small labels that aren’t on your radar necessarily. It means you will likely discover something affordably amazing every time you go. Remedy, here I come!

{Photos via CJ Castillo | Sam Bowman via Chicago Weekly | Artwork by Stephen T. Leflar}

Powell’s City of Books

To say this is a book lovers paradise is a bit of an understatement. I’ve walked by Powell’s flagship, which spans a city block, more than once. It’s sheer mammoth-ness left me feeling a smidge intimidated to even go inside. I mean, there’s even a map to help you navigate! But next time, I will brave the aisles and probably end up spending the better part of a day inside their four walls. This literary wonderland has been a PDX staple since 1971 and has grown to include four full-service bookstores, two specialty stores and their famous online store. If Reading Rainbow was still around today, I’d want LeVar Burton to shoot an episode here. Just sayin’.

What are you wanting to hit up in Portland right now? Leave a note below and let me know what’s on your radar!

xo

The Top 5 things on my radar this week!

Chicago Edition.

Second City

This place needs no introduction. The Second City is a legendary training ground for up and coming actors and comedians. Their history is long and impressive.
Think: Alan Arkin, John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, Gilda Radner, Martin Short, Catherine O’Hara, John Candy and Eugene Levy – just to name a few.
The performances are top-notch. The training is unlike any other.
And I would LOVE to catch a performance, in their hometown location!

Caffè Oliva

A beach? In Chicago? This newly opened hot spot at Ohio Street beach is definitely on my radar.
With a Mediterranean inspired menu, this idyllic little spot is the perfect place to grab a bite + a drink, lounge in one of the private cabanas with your friends and take in the beauty of the surroundings. Plus I hear it’s a great spot to watch the 55th annual Chicago Air and Water Show!

The Midwest Independent Film Festival

With on-going programming, this film festival looks like a great spot to check out the latest and greatest indie filmmakers {from the midwest of course}. The first Tuesday of every month they showcase a new film and usually have a fun Q+A with the filmmakers and cast afterwards. I love that the festival is ongoing and that it highlights it’s own indie filmmakers who are out there making their dreams happen. So very cool.

Broadway Antique Market

If Nate Berkus says this place is a goldmine, that’s all I need to hear. Unlike a lot of other antique markets and fairs, this spot is open to the public 7-days a week. That leaves plenty of time to rummage through their antique furniture, clothing and knick knacks. And hopefully score some great loot!

{Photo by Andrea Bauer}

Rickshaw Republic

This restaurant has my name written all over it. I’m a sucker for places that serve authentic, street-food from Asia. And so there’s no doubt that this family-owned Indonesian hot spot is a must try! The whole street food thing has become somewhat of a trend in the U.S. over the last few years. There are a ton of places in L.A. and San Francisco that I’ve tried. Some have succeeded wildly and others are a disgrace {and usually owned/operated by someone who doesn’t understand the culture}. I love that this was created by an Indonesian family, who is living out their dream of owning their own restaurant – done their way.
They say their food is, “authentic, unpretentious and delicious.”
I say, THANK YOU!

What are you loving in Chi-town right now? Leave a note below and let me know what’s on your radar!

xo

A journey back in time

Anyone who knows me, knows my affinity for Alabama (and the South in general). I didn’t grow up there, but I attended Auburn University for my undergraduate studies.

A lot of people ask me, what drew you to Auburn? To Alabama? To the South in general?
To be honest, it was mostly because my family wasn’t keen on the idea of me leaving the midwest for the “big city” (a.k.a. NYC), so when we traveled around, touring college campuses and came upon Auburn, to my own surprise, I loved it {and so did my parents}!

The campus was so picturesque, a quintessential college town. It was a small place for sure, but with a big soul. And rich in history. I immediately felt at home. Like I could be safe there and also learn, grow and be out from under my parents wing for the first time. It was a wonderful place to call home for four years.

Though I am super grateful for the time spent there, they weren’t the easiest years of my life. I struggled with loving myself enough, with partying too much, tumultuous relationships and of course the typical early 20′s question . .. “Who am I?”
But despite all of the difficult moments, I still felt safe there. People were nice. Friendly. Open. Well that is . . . unless they weren’t.

You see, Alabama is a state of extremes. I met some of the most open and accepting people there. And yet I experienced some of the most blatant and harsh forms of racism and sexism to date in my life.
That’s the thing about the South. It’s got a checkered past. It has done some things that no one should ever do. Enacted laws supporting inequality, has denied humanity to an entire race and even killed a number of them. It’s shameful. And horrific. And makes my stomach turn. And yet {or maybe because, of this}, the modern day South is filled with soul. You can feel the weight of those who were shackled, their tears that fertilized the land, their screams that still echo from corner to corner of the entire state. It’s a complex place. But a beautiful place.

And this brings me to THE SCOTTSBORO BOYS.

Last night, I was taken back to my Alabama days, at Center Theatre Group’s THE SCOTTSBORO BOYS at the Ahmanson Theatre. This Tony Award winning {to the tune of 12 of ‘em} musical is a wildly entertaining show that boldly tells the true story of the nine African American men accused of a crime, they didn’t commit, back in 1931.

From the minds of John Kander & Fred Ebb {creators of Chicago and Cabaret}, the music and lyrics take you on a wild ride of glorious music, inspired storytelling, innovative staging and extraordinary performances. It is emotional, powerful and poignant, even though the events occurred more than 80 years ago.

This controversial play gives light to one of the most infamous events in American history. The Scottboro case ignited the civil rights movement. The nine boys, ranging in age from 19 to a mere 13 years old, were convicted of raping two white girls on a train in the deep South. They were sentenced to death. But that wasn’t the end. The ensuing drama, multiple trials and pain that followed is a stain on our country’s past. The show does an amazing job of riding the line between emotional depth and comedic relief.

{Photo via SF Theatre Blog}

It must be said, this isn’t a “feel good” play. But in all fairness, it’s not meant to be.
In my opinion, great theater makes you think. It makes you squirm in your seat. It’s uncomfortable. AND it’s breathtaking, beautiful and inspiring. This show is all of those things. And more. In fact, Whoopi Goldberg says, “It knocked me out. This is probably the best show I’ve seen in ten years”.

There are so many points about racial inequality, justice and how we treat the disenfranchised. I am left pondering what it all means. And feeling simultaneously horrified and in awe of these nine boys’ journey. A journey that saw them in and out of prison and court rooms for more than 10 years.

{Photo via Indiewire}

I should note that just last month, April 2013, the state of Alabama, finally pardoned the nine boys, absolving them of their crimes.
Though this feels too little, too late, I hope that we as a country, and the world at large, can learn from these experiences. It’s my deep wish that history won’t continue to repeat itself – again and again.

Here’s a little trailer that gives you a preview of this powerful show:

THE SCOTTSBORO BOYS is playing at the Ahmanson Theatre in downtown LA thru June 30th.
And I’ve got another special giveaway for you beautiful people this week.
2 tickets to the May 31st (8pm) performance.
If you’d like to win, simply leave a comment below and tell me why you want to see the show!
Bonus points if you tweet this out by clicking here.

The giveaway ends and a winner will be selected on TUESDAY May 28, 2013- so don’t delay!

CONGRATULATIONS to Kathy Mendoza! She is the lucky recipient of a pair of tickets to The Scottsboro Boys, courtesy of Center Theatre Group!

Stay tuned to the blog for more giveaways + goodies coming your way very soon!

And if you’d like to score yourself some seats, click on the image below, and you’ll get a special LIMITED TIME OFFER!

{Photo courtesy of Center Theatre Group}

xo

DISCLOSURE :: Financial compensation was not received for this post, but complimentary tickets were gifted from the organization. The opinions expressed here are my own. Regardless of compensation, I will always give my honest opinions, beliefs, and reviews of my experiences. My goal is to provide you with the best curated content and information – always. Cheers!

The Top 5 things on my radar this week!

NorCal Wine Country Edition.

{Photo via Remodelista}

Hydeaway House in Sonoma

I posted this in Miscellany a few weeks back, but it’s so beautiful that I had to post again. I simply MUST stay here during my next Sonoma visit. It’s a prefab dream come true. A modern take on a wine country retreat {which you can rent for short term stays}. I’m such a fan of the clean, modern yet rustic design. And the indoor/outdoor style living. The massive windows. The spaciousness. It’s my idea of a dream house!

{Photo via Shed}

Shed

A modern day culinary emporium in the heart of wine country. This couldn’t be a better idea. The building itself is gorgeous, a whopping 10,000 square feet of space made of recycled steel panels, with huge windows and garage doors that create a stunning indoor/outdoor effect for shoppers. It’s genius and I can’t wait to visit!

{Photo via Bardessono}

Bardessono

Technically I’ve already been to this luxurious hotel in the heart of wine country. I visited when I was producing events and weddings in the Bay Area and again when they launched their Shop, which my good friend helped bring together. But I haven’t yet stayed in their rooms. Or visited their spa. And it’s long overdue. Bardessono is one of only three LEED Platinum certified hotels in the U.S. Meaning, they’re extremely eco-friendly and employ environmentally sound practices across not only their building materials but in their business practices as well. It’s something I deeply admire, hence my excitement to go stay and experience their brand of wine country elegance in person.

{Photo via Kadist}

Ben Kinmont Bookseller

It seems fitting that a store specializing in super-duper antique books, on all things gastronomy, would relocate to one of the richest culinary regions in the United States. I recently heard about this famed NYC bookshop, which is now located in Sebastopol (near wine countries best) and have been thinking about visiting ever since. Though it’s by appointment only, I still dream of dropping in and perusing the shelves of 15th and 16th century books on food, wine, perfume and all things related to taste. Hope I get to visit this treasure trove soon.

{Photo via Simply Salted}

The Culinary Institute of America

I’ve written about the pride I take in being a well-rounded foodie. And yet, I haven’t taken any proper cooking classes to speak of. Lately I’ve been eyeballing CIA’s classes, and specifically their Boot Camps. How fun would it be to learn some knife skills, learn how to make the perfect bread and become a master of sauces? My dream vacations are always about good food. These classes would just take it to the next level. Sign me up!

Have you been up to NorCal wine country lately? I’d love to hear what’s on YOUR radar!
Do let me know, in the comments below.

xo

A grand finale to Birthday Month!

As some of you know, I’d been celebrating my birthday month for the 30 days leading up to my actual birthday on April 29th.

The grand finale + icing on the cake of birthday month was a performance of FELA!, the lauded Broadway musical, which has briefly landed in L.A. at the Ahmanson Theatre.

Even though I’ve lived in L.A. for several years in total, I’d never been to the Ahmanson before this. It was an extra special treat to finally get to step foot into this downtown venue. It’s surrounded by other fabulous venues like the Mark Taper Forum and the Walt Disney Concert Hall. And it really is a great place to relax and see a live show. I’ve definitely been missing out!

{Image courtesy of Center Theatre Group}

A friend and I got ready on Tuesday night and headed downtown for the show. I actually wasn’t familiar with the premise of the show, so once we made it to our seats, I grabbed a copy of the program and read up.
FELA! is based on real-life Nigerian musician + performer + rebellious activist, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, who used his music as a weapon to fight back against military regimes in his homeland {and beyond}. He was a larger than life character, who produced more than 70 albums during his prolific career, all the while collecting loads of fans, ranging from Sir Paul McCartney to James Brown to Mos’ Def. He was known for his raw, candid performances and for his love of women. He dared to speak what many others would not. When he passed away in 1997, at the age of 58, his nation mourned and celebrated him by taking to the streets of Lagos to the tune of over a million strong.

{Adesola Osakalumi in Fela! – Image by Sharon Bradford}

No doubt, Fela was a powerful figure. He was the hottest musician in Africa during the late 1970′s, performing at his club called The Shrine, where he and his friends created a whole new genre of music – Afrobeat.
I wasn’t super familiar with Afrobeat before seeing this show. I had heard bits and pieces but seeing Fela! is a total Afrobeat immersion, with its’ pounding rhythms and bold lyrics designed to fire up the crowd and effectively “give the finger” to repressive military dictatorships throughout the country. I loved it!

The show was unstoppable. The beats were unrelenting. The lyrics were incendiary. The performances, captivating. I couldn’t take my eyes off the stage. And considering it takes A LOT to keep my attention, that’s saying something.
The collective of dancers and musicians are ridiculously talented. The spirit with which they perform is contagious. In fact, it’s left me feeling like I really need to take a dance class. Pronto!

Michelle Williams {of Destiny’s Child fame} holds her own as the character Sandra, opposite Fela Kuti played by the electrifying Adeola Osakalumi. In my opinion, another of the standout characters was Fela’s mother, played by Melanie Marshall. Her voice is beautifully haunting, even operatic at times. Her scenes were unforgettable.

{Adesola Osakalumi and Michelle Williams in Fela! –Image by Carol Rosegg}

At first, when I read about the show, I wasn’t sure if I would be able to resonate with the story or message. But that is the furthest thing from true. This show is so relevant today. Not just to me, but to everyone. Especially given the political climate around the globe. The courage and conviction that Fela and his devotees showed, even in the face of persecution, is nothing if not admirable.
The overarching message I took away from the show can be summed up in the words of another Firestarter / Peaceful warrior, Mahatma Ghandi, “Be the change you want to see in the world.” Fela Kuti so embodied this idea. In fact, he made it his life’s mission to ignite change in his community and in his country. If this isn’t a powerful lesson and example, I don’t know what is.

{Michelle Williams, Adesola Osakalumi and Melanie Marshall in Fela! – Image by Photo by Ryan Miller/Invision/AP}

FELA! is at the Ahmanson Theatre through Sunday May 5, 2013. There are still tickets available!
In fact, thanks to the amazing folks at Center Theatre Group, you can get discounted tickets by clicking here.
Get yourself to a show – you WILL NOT be disappointed.

YEAH! YEAH!

DISCLOSURE :: Financial compensation was not received for this post, but complimentary tickets were gifted from the organization. The opinions expressed here are my own. Regardless of compensation, I will always give my honest opinions, beliefs, and reviews of my experiences. My goal is to provide you with the best curated content and information – always. Cheers!

{Image via Taylor De Cordoba}

Yep it’s true, I’m an art virgin.

Don’t get me wrong, I love art.
More specifically, I love seeing another people’s creative work.
It’s fascinating – the color and patterns and lines, that come out of a creative mind.
Such beauty.
But for whatever reason {intimidation, laziness, not being “in the know”}, I’ve never attended a gallery opening, or been to an independent art gallery for that matter. The shame!

When I moved to LA about eight months ago, I came across a really fun blog written by the lovely Heather Taylor, called LA in Bloom. I poured over her blog, watched some fun videos she did and learned that she co-owned an art gallery called Taylor De Cordoba in the Culver City Arts District. Needless to say, she seemed like a seriously cool woman, whom I would love to know.

Thanks to the It’s-A-Small-World of social media, I found out about and attended the opening reception (and inaugural event at the new gallery digs) on Saturday night. I have to admit, I had butterlies, like it was the first day of school. Since I certainly don’t consider myself “knowledgeable” about the art world, I felt a bit lacking in “cool factor”. However, that promptly changed once I stepped inside.

NYC based Simone Shubuck, who’s work has been exhibited at galleries around the world and holds court at the MoMA in New York, is also a floral designer for some of NYC’s biggest (think Mario Batali and The Standard Hotel among many others).

When I saw the press photo for the event, I was instantly enamored. In her new exhibition, “Do You Like Old Things, or New Things That Look Old?“, Shubuck muses on our relationship with the past and the present, using analog materials (paper, pencil, crayon and paint) to create mixed media collages that are visually dynamic and totally inspiring.

I found Simone’s work to be absolutely beautiful. Stunning. Intricate. And fun!
When I got up close to each piece, it was amazing to see all of the many lines and details that went into creating the whole. I’m still reeling from how beautiful Simone’s work was and how it made me feel. How all of my senses came alive. How I felt a sense of whimsy and childlike magic.
And just like that, I wasn’t’ worried about my cool factor and instead was captivated by the beauty. By the work. And by the creator and everyone who gathered to appreciate and celebrate her.

If you’ll be in Los Angeles between now and June 1, 2013 – be sure to check out the new home of Taylor De Cordoba in Culver City and see the exhibition of Simone’s work.
Below I’ve included a few photos I shot at the event – I’ve also included a photo of yours truly, shot by the lovely and talented Lani Trock for Refinery 29.

Enjoy!
xo

{Designer Clare Vivier et moi}

{Photographer Lani Trock}

{Photo by Lani Trock for Refinery 29}

I’m gonna do a little something different for this week’s Wednesday post.

Since birthday Month celebrations is in full effect, I wanted to share a little bit about a recent celebratory adventure. And more important share the work of P.S. Arts with all of you.
‘Cause they rock.
I hope you enjoy the recap!

Sooo . . . this past Sunday, I had the great pleasure of attending a charitable event in support of P.S. Arts.
The legendary Yale Whiffenpoofs took the stage with guest Darren Criss and belted out some incredible songs, all in support of arts education in schools.

First of all, I wish I could say that attending this event was solely an act of charitable giving.
But alas my motives weren’t entirely pure.
Like a few million other girls (and boys) out there, I wanted to get my eyes on Darren Criss up close.

I’m such a fan of his from Glee. In case he’s not on your radar, Darren is one of the most interesting young performers coming up right now. His voice is other-worldly, he’s a damn fine actor and he’s a super likeable guy from the Bay Area.
Yes. I have a wee little crush on the boy.
Moving on.

The Yale Whiffenpoofs are the world’s oldest and best-known collegiate a cappella group.
The group {also known as “The Whiffs”} were established in 1909 by a quartet of Yale seniors. Today, the group carries on. Each year, fourteen senior men are selected to participate in this celebrated Yale tradition.
The roots of this elite group and their signature song can be traced back to the Yale Glee Club in the early 1900′s. To this day, The Whiffenpoof Song is sung at the end of every concert as a celebration of brotherhood and tradition. If you’re interested, you can find out more about the Whiffs here.
I highly recommend checking out one of their shows if you ever have the chance. It’s good ‘ol fashioned fun.

All the tradition and formalities aside, these boys can sing. I mean REALLY sing.
I’ve heard a cappella group’s before, but this was over the top.
They had such strength and power and vocal control. It was so impressive.
Hats off to the Whiffs!

And Darren Criss was . . . awesome.
That’s really all I can say without acting like a giddy 14-year old.

All of this great talent was put on display in support of an organization that has been serving Southern California schools for more than two decades. Their mission? To improve the lives of children by providing arts education to underserved public schools and communities.

My life was profoundly affected by the theater department in my junior high and high school back in St. Louis. I honestly can’t imagine my life without the arts.
In music, drama and art classes, I found myself. I found a language that I could speak. A tribe that I could call my own. A way to express myself and develop a sense of value and purpose.
Art changes lives.

The mission of P.S. Arts is one that’s close to my heart. I’m really looking forward to continuing to support and be involved in their good work. Be sure to watch the video(s) below and visit the P.S. Arts site to learn more about how you can help support the arts in schools!

Darren Criss on Glee

The Yale Whiffenpoofs

Do you have a story about how the arts changed or enriched your life? I’d love to hear. Leave me a comment below!

xo

The Top 5 things on my radar this week!

St. Louis Edition.

{Source: National Poster Retrospecticus}

The National Poster Retrospecticus

I love this! A showcase of some of the best printmakers who go the extra mile in creating beautiful, creative posters and fliers. I’ve always been a lover of well designed posters ever since my high school days. Well, I guess NKOTB posters don’t count, but we’ll just bypass that blip on my otherwise curated radar. *wink*

{Source: The Baseball Travelers}

Cardinals Baseball

Baseball season is beginning. I haven’t been to a game at Busch Stadium in years. 7 years to be exact. There’s something about Cardinals baseball. The beer. The hotdogs. The familiarity of red and white. And Fred Bird. If you’ve never experienced STL baseball, it’s a must.

{Source: Somewhere in St. Louis}

The CWEA House Tour

I lived way out in the burbs growing up in St. Louis. And rarely made it downtown. The Central West End was always a favorite spot whenever we did head down. The old brick historic homes are majorly lust-worthy. Today many of them have been bought and restored. When I’m back I always wish I could just go and check them out. And now, I can!

{Source: Tumblr}

The City Museum

This place has been on my radar for over 4 years now. Every single time I’m back home I think about going and then time gets away from me. It looks way too fun. A wild and crazy outdoor installation / urban jungle gym? My inner kiddo says, “Yes please!”.

{Source: St. Louis Magazine}

3rd Annual Food Wine Design

Culinary Week in Missouri almost sounds like an oxymoron. However, I’d really like to check out this event. I know that the culinary scene has really picked up in recent years and I’m interested to meet some local chefs and mixologists and see + taste for myself.

What’s on your radar STL friends?
Anything I should check out next time I’m in town?
Let me know what’s up in the comments below!

xo

The Top 5 things on my radar this week!

Salt Lake City Edition.

{Source: The Copper Onion}

The Copper Onion

Voted Best Restaurant by Salt Lake City Magazine this year, The Copper Onion is without a doubt on my must-eat list. The CIA trained chef and owner, Ryan Lowder, is creating some of the freshest and inspired new American cuisine in the city. The guy’s cooked at 3-Star Michelin restaurants. Let’s hope he knows what’s up!

Salt Lake City Farmers Market – Downtown

I love a good farmers market. I find there’s no better way to get to know a town, than to stroll the local farmers market meeting locals and sampling fresh produce. It may still be chilly in Salt Lake, but I love that people still brave the cold once a month, during the winter, for the Downtown Winter Market. Sadly, the next one isn’t until April 13th, but for whoever will be in the area then, please check it out on my behalf!

Wiseguys Comedy Club

I’m headed to SLC to see family, specifically my ailing grandmother. It won’t be an easy trip and my heart will be heavy. So a trip to Wiseguys Comedy might just be what I need. Nothing like some belly laughs to keep things light and keep me and my family laughing! Plus, this weekend Michael Yo is performing. He describes himself as a “Half-Black Brother with a Korean Mother”. Yeah. Must get tickets!

{Source: eatingsaltlake.blogspot.com}

Chow Food Truck

I love a good food truck. So I’m excited to see that SLC has gotten hip to the food truck scene. I’m most excited to try Chow. It’s created + run by some true restaurant pro’s – let’s hope they know their Asian food, because I’ve got a hankering for some coconut-lemongrass chicken tacos. Yummm!

{Source: Trip Advisor}

Washington School House Hotel

Though not technically in Salt Lake, I had to include Washington School House Hotel. I know I wrote about this spot before in Miscellany for your Weekend. But it’s so beautiful, that it’s for sure on my radar as I head off to SLC this weekend.
Not sure if I’ll need to stay there, but I most definitely hope to swing up to Park City to check this place out. The exterior is uber charming and the interiors, luxurious and comfy. My kinda place!

What’s on your Salt Lake City radar?
Anything I should check out this weekend while I’m there?
Let me know in the comments below!

xo

The Top 5 things on my radar this week!

San Francisco Edition.

{Source: The Architect’s Newspaper Blog}

Aether

I’m not even a woodsy, outdoorsy kinda girl {my idea of “roughing it” is a Motel 6}, but Aether’s San Francisco outpost, filled with plenty of quality wears for the outdoor enthusiast, is definitely on my must-see list. Mostly for the obvious reason. It’s made of three shipping containers! Peep the cool video below . . .

{Source: The Bold Italic}

Ramen Shop

Ok. I’m cheating.
This one’s in Oakland, but I just had to include it. It’s Ramen. In my old ‘hood (Oakland).
A worthy reason to pull me across the bridge if there ever was one!

{Source: Aesop}

Aesop

Aesop has hit my old stomping grounds on Fillmore Street. This Australian brand is among my top favorite skin + body care lines.
Clean. Luxurious. Perfectly scented. I highly recommend trying out their products. I’ve only seen them in boutiques and major luxury retailers, so I’m super excited to check out their new west coast digs.

{Source: Alt Summit}

Altitude Summit SF

I have such awesome blogger friends. They alert me to new blogs I should check out and most especially events like this one {thank you Rubies & Ribbon}. If I can make it happen, you bet your sweet cheeks, you’ll see me at Alt SF.
UPDATE :: I just saw tickets are already sold out. Sign me up for the waitlist por favor.

What’s on your San Francisco radar?
Anything I should check out this weekend while I’m in the Bay?
Let me know in the comments below!

xo