New Line of Gooco Printed Cards

Matt Brajot of Llamacafe just designed two new cards for his hand drawn type line.These guys were all gocco printed and will be available at Press: Works on Paper starting next week. Come get this limited edition print while you can!

The Pop Up Shop

On the way to happy hour at T Rex, the girls and I discovered this wonderfully charming little store called The Pop Up Shop which is literally that, a treasure trove of French finds that will last only 6 more weeks! From classic white ceramic ramekins to all things le petit prince, this store has wonderful and unique gifts. The prices are so reasonable and the proprietors are warm and welcoming! Check out their hours below...

located at 1316 10th Street off Gilman in Berkeley

Scouting Shots

some inspiration pics for a short film...

two other shots, taken along the way 

A Night Out

After a long couple of days at work, I treated myself to a night out with a friend. I started with a trip to Freshly Cut, a beautiful floral shop in Berkeley that creates the most unique and gorgeous arrangements. After a cup of tea, some good conversation and a much needed refill of inspiration, we headed to Adesso on Piedmont for drinks and hors d'oeuvres. My mojito was delicious and our appetizer was pretty tasty.

I ended the night at one of my favorite neighborhood cafes, the Elmwood on College. Tonight the Elmwood celebrated its first donation to one of its charity recipients (50% of Elmwood's profits go to a customer selected charity), Bread Works. The atmosphere was friendly as always and the food was delicious! Homemade strawberry sodas passed in fluted glasses on trays and crostini topped with local goat cheese and peach mint chutney circulated on pretty white plates.

I love that the food is sourced from local farms and everything down to the fresh fruit syrups in the sodas are made in house. I'm looking forward to weekend morning where I can enjoy a pot of loose leaf earl grey! (A pot, not a cup, served in a red tea pot! How perfect is that???)

Cafe au Lait at the Elmwood Cafe

Happened into the Elmwood Cafe this evening and had the most wonderful mocha made with the Cafe's own ganache and served in the most charming French Latte Bowl. I was lucky enough to meet the owner, Michael Pearce, who told me a little about how he came to take over the 89 year old Berkeley neighborhood soda shop (once called Ozzie's) and restore it to its original charm...
If you order a hot drink, expect to enjoy each sip from one of these French latte bowls...

Yellow and white striped awnings flank the corner side entrance while French bistro chairs and marble topped tables welcome patrons to stay and enjoy a treat!

A hidden treasure... Between two original 1921 built-in shelves, this peek a boo window offers a glowing scene of book patrons perusing at neighboring bookstore, Mrs Dalloways!

Elmwood Cafe makes all their baked goods on site including their delicious jams!

Perhaps most amazing is the Cafe's pledge to charity. Elmwood Cafe contributes a whopping 50% of their profits to charities locally and globally. Best of all, cafe customers get to vote for their favorite cause!

Owner Michael with assistant Carrie

Michael has succeeded in his vision to return this charming and historic neighborhood cafe to its original splendor by creating a unique space that serves delicious homemade food, fosters community and supports charitable causes with a nod to tradition and vintage detail. A definite feel good cafe!

Local Spots Perfect for Picknicing!

My friends Christina, Tracey and I were discussing all the local historical spots that are perfect for a Spring picnic. Our lunchtime talk inspired me to do a quick post on all the places I've spent summer days wandering in gardens or eating sandwiches and berries on an old quilt in the shade. The first to mind is the Filoli House I visited last year with MJ. This historic spot boasts beautiful gardens, pools and many buildings to explore. It's sister house, the Muckross House in Killarney, was one of the highlights of my trip to Ireland.

Ad I've said before... my dream kitchen. One of two at Filoli...

Second in my thoughts is Ardenwood Historic Farm. I've been on dozens of picnics here since childhood and even picked tomatoes in the summer with my Mom and Grandma in the fields outside the park. Throughout the year the farm hosts period appropriate activities like making ice cream in a wooden barrel, gardening, and going on hay rides among other things. The Victorian house on the property can be toured and there is often a beekeeper selling local honey. On my last trip I met their resident "wild" fox who has been hanging out for a few years. He was so close I could have touched him, but took this pic instead!

A place I recently discovered and loved, was the John Muir House in Martinez. The house is beautiful, and you can walk up through the attic all the way to a glass enclosed Widow's Walk which would be ideal in a rain storm with a cup of tea. The orchards beyond are spotted with persimmon, apple, quince and fig trees. At the back of the property is an Adobe house which is also a museum on local history. Its a true treasure!

If you are in Martinez you might as well continue onto Walnut Creek and visit Shadelands. The House here has a unique history and is quite beautiful. I discovered it because it hosts a biannual antique show which is one of the best locally. If you can swing a trip when the antique show is on, you are in for a treat!

Another goodie is the McConaghy House in Hayward. This is a place I haven't been to in years, but remember in fondly from childhood field trips and visit during Christmas when it was decked in greens and ribbons. There are so many treasures here in the Bay. You're only a google search, a car ride and a picnic basket away!

Galettes at Cibo in Sausalito

Last night I was treated to a baking workshop at Cibo with the girls from Maison Reve!

Cibo is this wonderful bakery/eaterie in Sausalito that uses local organic ingredients and creates delicious seasonal pastries and more. Tara, who owns Cibo with her husband, was delightful! We learned how to make the best pie, tart, cookie and galette dough, then made 3 galettes to take home. I had so much fun!!!

The incredibly talented and wonderful women who make up Maison Reve. Yasmine, the owner, treated us all to this wonderful workshop to celebrate what a success the last year has been for MR and I was so happy to be included! Merci mille fois!!!

Spring Window

Better Pics! Here is a better look at the Spring Window. They look even better in person if you can make it down to the store!