SNAPSHOTS FROM NAPA

After our camping trip we spent spent a delightful afternoon in Napa visiting a few wineries. Frog's Leap was by far our favorite. We not only loved their wines, but the property is just gorgeous. They have an organic garden of both veggies and flowers, a historic red barn built in 1884 and rows and rows of grapevines and olive trees. To end the perfect day we had dinner at Ad Hoc- a Thomas Keller restaurant that serves a four course seasonal meal, changing each day. I highly recommend a stop at both Frog's Leap and Ad Hoc if you're ever in Napa. 

SWEET STYLE. NAPA

wearing:
loeffler randall jacket {similar style}
madewell jeans
vintage loafers {similar style}
forever 21 hat

On our drive to the campsite in Napa, one of our friend's cars over heated. Since we had a little time to kill waiting for AAA, James and I explored this unmarked road lined with oak trees. In Los Angeles, roads overgrown with lush greenery are a rarity, so It was somewhat of a welcomed change of scenery. 

SNAPSHOTS FROM LAKE BERRYESSA


 
The first stop on our trip up north was camping at Lake Berryessa. It was cold and rainy the first day, but it made our campfire all the more cozy. We had an entire peninsula to ourselves {the best campsite in my opinion} which was absolute heaven. It was almost as if we had the lake to ourselves. The next day we woke up to sunny skies and spent most of the day lounging and floating in the lake. I got in once, but I'm a total wimp when it comes to cold water and happily read my book on the shore. I don't think I'll become an avid camper anytime soon, but I really enjoyed being surrounded by such beauty and sweet friends.

GUEST POST // 5 TRAVEL ESSENTIALS

While I'm spending the week in Marin, my dear friend Teissia of Firefly Events has sweetly agreed to share a guest post. Teissia is an amazing wedding planner and since she travels for work constantly I asked her to share her 5 travel essentials. Thanks for stopping by Teiss! 
1. Wedding Magazines (Martha Stewart Weddings, InStyle Weddings, Brides, New York Weddings). The airplane is the best place to stay up to date on the latest wedding trends.
2.  Essie Mojito Madness. This color is perfect for summer and I always have it with me in case I need a touch up. I can't tell you how many chips I get in my nails in transit or when I'm working a wedding. 
3.  Steamline Luggage. Since I plan a lot of destination weddings I am often traveling with my clients and it's super important that my suitcase be as stylish as the weddings I plan. 
4. Viscid Watch. I can't travel without a watch (telling time on my phone just doesn't cut it for me) and this watch is great because it's stylish AND light! Something that's super important to me when I'm on the road and working.
5. Corium Zipper Pouch. This pouch is perfect for cosmetics or jewelry and I love the geometric pattern.


-Teissia 

GIMME SHELTER

Tomorrow we are headed to Lake Berryessa to camp for the weekend with friends. I promise to take lots of photos as always, but I assure you our camping trip won't be nearly as chic as the photos above. Have you heard of Shelter Co.? They come to your campsite and set up a luxury lodging experience, complete with real beds, down comforters and Pendleton blankets. You can even have them add on an outdoor movie theater, catering or showers. Sounds pretty amazing right? I guess I'll have to except our borrowed tent and blow-up mattress. 

{photos via shelter co.}

CAMP COMFORT

1. Herschel Supply Backpack $85
2. Stanley Vacuum Bottle $40
3. Electric Lantern $69.99
4. Lou Sunglasses $115
5. Chambray Shirt $68
6. Trailhead Shorts $72
7. Opinel Knife $8.35
8. Shapeshift Tanksuit $90
9. Two Strap Sandal $34.95
10. Pendleton Blanket $88


James and I are going camping in Napa one week from today. It's his best friend's birthday and we're celebrating by camping on a lake with almost forty people. To be honest, I'm not much of a camper. I'm no stranger to it, since I went to a hippie school for twelve years where camping and hiking were part of the curriculum. But I much prefer the niceties of running water, comfy beds and of course bathrooms. However, I'm very excited for this trip and I'm ready to bring out my inner outdoorswoman. 


{photo via shelter co.}

WHISK ME AWAY

1. Flared Anabelle Dress $198
2. Clare Vivier La Tropezienne Tote $405
3. Night Astor Set $106
4. The Sandy Bank Sandal $168
5. Rafia Hat $49.50
6. Super Lucia Sunglasses $163


I can't help it, I've got vacation on the brain. Even though we have no plans of leaving town until later this month {we're going camping in Napa}, I find myself daydreaming about an impromptu weekend road trip. Pick a place on the map and let's drive. If you could go on a weekend road trip where would you go? 


{photo via toast}

SNAPSHOTS FROM PIONEERTOWN


I just came across these images that I never shared with you from our trip to the desert back in March. On our way back from Palm Springs we stopped in Pioneertown to check out the famous Pappy & Harriet's. Pioneertown was built to be a movie set for old westerns from the 1940s-50s, but the buildings still remain. Supposedly the post office (which is still up and running) is the most photographed post office in the country.  Walking through the town, you can't help but be transported to a different time. If you are planning a trip to Palm Springs or Joshua Tree I highly recommend a day trip here. 

SNAPSHOTS FROM PALM SPRINGS

Just a few remaining shots from some of our Palm Springs adventures. Incase anyone is planing a trip there shortly, here is  little rundown of our itinerary...

El Gallito- inexpensieve Mexican, not touristy, cash only. 
Cheeky's- best brunch spot in Palm Springs. Make sure to try their cinnamon roll- yum! 
Lord Fletcher's- hasn't changed since 1966, was recently on Anthonly Bourdain's No Reservations. The bartender told us jokes and showed us his wind-up toy collection- need I say more?
The Parker- one of my favorite hotels. Designed my the amazing Jonathan Adler. We came for cocktails and truffle fries. I also love to come here for brunch and walk around the beautiful property.
Birba- new favorite restaurant in Palm Springs. Delicious pizza and cocktails. I recommend the braised greens pizza and the heated snake cocktail. 
Toucan's Tiki Lounge- gay bar, perfect for dancing your heart out until the wee hours.  


SNAPSHOTS FROM THE ACE

It has been far too long since I've done a 'snapshots' post and I've missed it. Believe it or not I have more photos to share  from some of our desert outings. Yes I may have gone overboard, but The Ace deserved a post all it's own. Our two days at The Ace were amazing as always. It was fun to be there again, but this time with two of our friends- Phil and Afton. We did a lot of lounging by the pool, laughing until late at night and of course enjoyed our free bucket of beer {courtesy of the ace}. The weather couldn't have been dreamier at 83 degrees- yeah we totally lucked out.

PALM {SPRING BREAK}

Since I am still editing through my photographs from Palm Springs, I thought I would share some of the photos I took with my iphone. The whole trip I found myself trying to balance taking photos with my camera and my iphone. Sometimes holding one in each hand. Yet still I didn't get some of the shots I wanted to. I am sure many of you fellow photographers and bloggers out there struggle as I do, with putting the camera or phone away. It's hard when what you do professionally intersects with your life. How do you know when to enjoy a moment and not document it?

PALM SPRINGS GETAWAY

1. Suno High-Waist Bikini $320
2. Wide Brimmed Hat $158
3. Fuji Instax $60.49
4. Spicy Grapefruit Margarita 
5. Mary Jane Sandals $248
6. Dolce Vita Valentina Dress $275
7. Farmer's Market Tote $45
8. The Paris Wife $15


Can you tell I am having a hard time focusing on anything but our trip to Palm Springs tomorrow? These are a few things that are coming with me and a few that I wish were. 

SNAPSHOTS FROM MARIN

These shots were taken over Christmas in Marin. Believe it or not, half of them were taken with my iPhone (can you guess which ones?). Our first night at the Ranch the temperature was somewhere in the 20's which felt cozy and festive. We woke up to frost on all the grass and plants and in the sun it sparkled almost like snow. It has been magical to keep returning back here and capturing the seasons. This time felt noticeably wintry- the usually lush garden was in hibernation and the trees were bare and gray. As someone who grew up with Christmas in southern California, it was a welcomed change.

Somehow it's the weekend again! This week seemed to fly by. Do you have anything planned? We are thinking about checking out Pacific Standard Time, before it's too late. Happy Weekend! xo  

SNAPSHOTS FROM SAN FRANCISCO

We only spent one night and day in San Francisco, but it was completely heavenly. At night we celebrated James' 30th and durring the day we just drove around the city, stopping when we felt inclined. We ate lunch at Tartine and then took a walk through Buena Vista Park. If you've never been, it's insanely beautiful and perched on a hill looking over the city. We ended the evening sipping hot cider and watching the sun set behind the Golden Gate Bridge. I do hope to make it back there this year, and hopefully for longer then one night.    

wearing:
f21 trousers
vintage loafers
vintage coach purse 

SNAPSHOTS FROM OUR HOLIDAY

Since the year is coming to a close, I thought I would leave you with one last post. These past few weeks have been exactly what I needed. I have barely turned on my computer and I kind of love it. Although I must admit, I haven't been completely disconnected. I've been busy taking and sharing photos of our holiday on Instagram. All of these photos above were taken with my iPhone 4s. Isn't it amazing what an iPhone can do? It has really made photography accessible to so many. These were all taken in San Francisco and Marin, where we spent Christmas. I have yet to look through the photographs from my camera, but I am sure there will be a few worth sharing. 

Any fun plans for New Years Eve? We are still trying to decide. Neither one of us are feeling like getting fancy this year. The more I think about it, staying in with some delicious food and champagne sounds just perfect. I will be back to regular posting after the new year. I adore all of my sweet readers! Thank your for making this past year so incredible! Happy New Year!  xo
  

AN APPLE A DAY

Since it's been a busy week for me and blogging has fallen to the wayside, I thought I would share some photos that I never got around to posting from Marin. We are actually headed back there in less then a week to spend the holidays with James' family. Can you believe Christmas is only 10 days away? Eeee I sure am excited!     

  

SNAPSHOTS FROM OJAI

These are a few more photos from thanksgiving in Ojai. The scenery varies so much for such a small town, It really feels magical. I feel so lucky to have grown up in a sweet place such as this. Of course I didn't always feel that way. Once I hit about 12 years old I couldn't wait to be old enough to move to a big city. I even spent my last few years of high school at a boarding school. Anything to leave this place. I am most definitely a city girl at heart, but I ache for the country from time to time. What about you? Are you more drawn to the city, the country, or do you need a little mixture of the two?