Savvy Shopping: Style Smaller | The Shop

One of my good friends, Kate, from the lifestyle blog, Style Smaller, is turning her dream into reality today!   Kate just launched her own children's shop, Style Smaller | The Shop, on her blog site.  She has carefully selected pieces from artists and makers who create beautiful, functional and affordable things.  The Shop will be full of those truly special items for the perfect children's birthday present or special accessory for your children and your home.  

Happy shopping! 

Cheers,

What will your verse be?

I'm sorry to be so MIA lately.  Ever since the New Year, I seem to be in a rut and I can't get back into the groove of things - especially related to the blog.  Anyone else have this problem?  It was so nice to have that time off over the holidays with the family.  It has really made me try to look at all of my priorities and try to figure out the best way to balance all of the balls I have up in the air.  

The last couple of weeks I have had all of these things really touch me and make me try to assess what is important and what direction I want to head.  If you follow me on Facebook, you might have seen that I had a little bit of an emotional epiphanie after watching the movie, About Time.  Here is a quote from the end of the movie that really spoke to me: 

"The truth is, now I don't travel back at all, not even for the day. I just try to live everyday as if I've deliberately come back to this one day. To enjoy it. As if it was the full final day. Of my extraordinary, ordinary life!"

I just want to make sure that I'm living each day to the fullest and appreciating all the little things especially with Charlotte, Tatum and Landon.  They seem to be growing up so fast and I want to make sure that I'm there for them and soaking up all the adorable moments.

I feel like my blogsite (combining my photography & blog in one place on WordPress) has been put on pause.  I'm so close to completing it.  I just need to push myself to do it and then hope that is the motivation and inspiration that I need to get back into the swing of things.  I want to make sure if I'm taking time away from the kids, that the content I put out there is worth that time.  

I've also really connected to (funny enough) the iPad Air commercial that uses beautiful images along with a quote from John Keating, a character from Dead Poet's Society.  

"We don't read and write poetry because it's cute. We read and write poetry because we are members of the human race. And the human race is filled with passion. And medicine, law, business, engineering, these are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for. To quote from Whitman, "O me! O life!... of the questions of these recurring; of the endless trains of the faithless... of cities filled with the foolish; what good amid these, O me, O life?" Answer. That you are here - that life exists, and identity; that the powerful play goes on and you may contribute a verse. That the powerful play *goes on* and you may contribute a verse. What will your verse be?"

So what I'm asking myself and asking all of you, "What will your verse be?"

Cheers,

Getting Back Into the Swing of Things

I can't believe it is already 2014!  This last year flew by so fast and so did the last two holiday weeks. It's time to get back into the swing of things, but I'm having trouble doing that.  Anyone else feeling that way?  

The kids go back to school tomorrow, so that might help me feel like things are moving again.  I don't know about any of you, but I have barely been on my laptop for the last two weeks and I kind of checked out a little bit from the social media world.  It was so nice just to focus on my family and friends and really enjoy the holidays.  But now I need to get my motivation back and get things moving over here at Savvy in San Francisco and in the Sanchez household.

My immediate to-do list:

1. Finish blogger to WP transition and photography/blog site redesign (was supposed to happen over the holidays, but I chose family instead).
2. Set up an editorial calendar
3. Organize our bedroom (which should include some major hauls to Goodwill).
4. Have the kids go through all of their toys and fill up three bags to donate them.
5. Get back on a healthy eating habit and a consistent workout schedule.  I definitely overindulged over the holidays and need to take back the control.  

How are you starting off your New Year? 

SpitfireMom Society

I'm excited and honored to be added to a fantastic list of SpitfireMoms in the SpitfireMom Society on The Spitfire Girl Design blog!  Make sure you head over to Heidi's site to hear more about how being a Mom influences my work and more! 

Trying to Find Balance

Tatum with two of her girlfriends. They have no idea how lucky they are to live in such a beautiful place!

I hope everyone had an amazing weekend.  Mine was packed full of family time, a fun date night in Napa with Carlos and a pretty fabulous spa day at Nob Hill Spa with some of my besties.   

Things have been a little crazy over here at Savvy in San Francisco and I wanted to thank you for all hanging in with me while I figure things out and let some things settle down.  I wanted to share with you what has been keeping me busy and less attentive to the blog. 

With the holidays rapidly approaching (how did that happen), I have been busy with family photoshoots.  Photography has been a top priority to ensure everyone can get their pictures in time to order their holiday cards.

Brands have been kicking the events into overdrive because of the holidays and I've been trying to be better about not filling my entire week with events.  But sometimes it's really hard to turn down some of these fun evenings.   

Specifically related to the blog, I've been working on two exciting things. One - Savvy in San Francisco is moving from Blogger to Wordpress.  Two - the blog is getting a redesign.  I'm combining my blog and photography site into one place.  I can't wait to share the redesign with you!  While we are talking about it - anything you would like to see more of on the new site? Features, etc.?

Most importantly, my three children have been keeping me busy, as they should be!  It's always a constant internal struggle with myself on whether I am giving them enough of me and balancing all of my priorities out in the right way.  But, I think that is something that every parent struggles with on a daily basis. 

Anyone have any fabulous tips/tricks on finding balance? 

Thank you for being patient with me and I hope to bring you a much more new and improved Savvy in San Francisco soon!  

Cheers,

*image via my iPhone. 

Cheers to the Weekend

Cocktails at Bottega in Yountville - I love the large ice cubes in a cocktail!

Cheers to the weekend!  Has this week felt extremely long to anyone else?  Excited that Friday is finally here and can't wait to kickoff the weekend with date night at Farmshop tonight!

• I'm headed here tomorrow in downtown San Francisco and I'm excited to hear some interesting speakers and meet some fellow bloggers in real life!

• Sunday we are probably headed out to Nicasio Valley to do a little pumpkin patch expedition!

• I read this blog post and it kind of stopped me in my tracks!  It's something that all parents have to stop and think about.  Are we doing the best that we can do?  Are we letting stress and life get the better of us?  This post made me cry and made me want to really think about my actions and responses towards my kids! 
• Also, if you live up in Marin or on the North side of San Francisco - Target has opened in San Rafael - making it a lot closer for us to spend all of our money at! 

What are your plans this weekend?  I hope you all have a fun and relaxing weekend! CHEERS!

DSW - Shoe Lover Boxed Lunch Event

I recently co-hosted a fun boxed lunch event at DSW with three fabulous San Francisco fashion bloggers, Kristin of Style Nik/Racked SF, Maria of Kitties & Couture and Kate of The Fancy Pants Report.  Who doesn't want to get together at lunch time to grab a quick bite, enjoy a margarita, hear about the shoe trends for fall and most importantly, SHOP?

We enjoyed some delicious 41 calorie margaritas from Laughing Glass Cocktails (they are delicious and from a local Bay Area company started by three savvy women in Marin) and a tasty boxed lunch from Beautifull.  

DSW's stylist shared with us some of the hottest trends for Fall including shooties (think heel and bootie), metal tipped shoes and vintage boots are making a comeback!  

If you haven't been to the DSW Union Square location, it is not to be missed.  They have a huge selection of shoes (four floors) and a fabulous selection of designer shoes.  I may or may not have picked up those Missoni and Givenchy heels pictured up above for a STEAL! 

Happy savvy shopping! 

*images by Ernesto Foto & my iPhone.

Cheers,

RE:MAKE

                   

Today I'm getting inspired by a fantastic line up of creatives at Brit+Co's RE:MAKE conference here in San Francisco!  We are talking about everything from 3D printers, Pinterest, Design to Beauty and Fashion.  I can't wait to share more with you about the day!

This weekend is supposed to be a warm one in the Bay Area, so might be one of our last weekends to enjoy the pool. Other than a soccer game on Saturday morning, we don't have any plans and that sounds just right!

What are your guys' plans this weekend? Any fun ideas on how to enjoy this gorgeous weather this weekend? 

Cheers,

Cheers to the Weekend

Moscow Mules at Cafe des Amis

Cheers to the weekend!  This has been a such a long week, jam packed with too many commitments. Let this be a lesson to me not to say yes to everything.  But it is really hard to turn down some really fun opportunities.  Unfortunately, they all collided on the same week and I couldn't say no!

The rain (which was a surprise) which I normally am not a fan of, came at a great time this morning.  It allowed us to stay put at home and take it easy (I potentially might still be in my pajamas as I type). 

This week, I had a very fun media garden lunch and hotel tour up at Bardessono in Yountville, hosted a lunch event at DSW in Union Square, attended a Music in Schools Today charity event and went to the Greek Theater to watch three emerging artists from the Restoration Hardware Music label.  I'm hoping to share more details about these events soon on the blog.

Next week is full of activities as well, but only three days of activities versus four - that shows I'm cutting back, right? 

What are you up to this weekend? 

*Photo taken with my iPhone (I'm kind of in shock with the clarity of the picture - makes me want to reach out and take a sip!)

Cheers,

ALT Summit - San Francisco

Today I'm busy being inspired by Altitude Summit!  They are here in San Francisco for a one day conference to inspire, engage and encourage us to go out and DO!  Check out my instagram feed and my twitter feed for glimpses from throughout the day and quotes from some of the inspiring speakers!

*image via Altitude Summit

Cheers,

Melissa 

Google Reader is Gone - What Now?

What is your reader of choice when you read your blogs?  I was using Google Reader and was so sad to find out that Google was discontinuing it.  I have two alternatives that I have switched my long list of blogs that I read over to.  I'm going to compare the two (Feedly and Bloglovin) and see which one I like best.  If you were following me on Google Reader - they've made it easy to download your blog roll into a downloadable file and then both Feedly and Bloglovin have an easy upload process from Google Reader.

Today is the last day for Google Reader, so make sure you switch over sometime today!  If you want to add me to your Bloglovin list you can go here!

Cheers,

Cheers to the Weekend

Cheers to the weekend!  This week has been about getting back into our routine after vacation - school, eating and the gym.  It's been a pretty successful week since I've been to the gym twice and I'm headed there tomorrow, I've lost three more pounds (woot woot) since before leaving on vacation (which I didn't think would be possible while trying to eat at kid-friendly restaurants), managed to get Landon to school on time (barely) and I had a fun and much needed girls night out on Thursday.

This weekend we are excited to enjoy this gorgeous weather (tell me the rain isn't coming in March) by heading to the Farmer's Market.  Then in the evening we will be helping the lovely, Erin, of Apartment 34 and her husband celebrate their new loft!  Then we are headed over to Local's Corner to try out this Mission neighborhood seafood spin-off from Local Mission Eatery.

Hopefully next week I will be able to share more pictures from our road trip, pictures from the opening launch party for Freda Salvador and a fun giveaway for all of those mommas or mommas to be! 

What are your plans for the weekend? 

Cheers,

Cheers to the Weekend

(Jacket & top from StitchFix, Lucas Jack Earrings & Ted Rossi Bracelet from Rocksbox, Cole Haan Booties (similar here and here), clutch from Florence, Italy)

Cheers!  A little late to get this out, but better late than never!  This has been a very busy week and I'm so glad that the weekend is here.  The weekend is packed as well, but it makes it so much easier when I have Carlos by my side to take it head on.  

I took this picture at the Neiman Marcus Spring Trend preview event at the Rotunda Room this week.  It gives you a glimpse an update on my New Years Resolutions!  I've lost 20 pounds for project lose baby weight and I'm starting to really feel it.  I'm feeling great and happy that I'm more than half way to my goal.  I've been trying to be consistent about hitting the gym at least three times a week, juicing and eating a lot of whole foods (less processed, higher in protein and lowering my carb intake) and it's been working pretty well!  Hopefully just another 1.5 to 2 months until I hit my goal!

I had a fabulous time on Monday when I received a cooking lesson by Kitchit over at Erin's loft.  It was for a fun and delicious Valentines Day Dinner idea with Caitlin and Courtney.  Be sure to check out Erin's post on it and I will hopefully have some more pictures to share with you as well from the lesson.  This was the second time ever that I tried oysters (I know....I live so close to Tomales Bay, how can I not like oysters) and I actually liked them with mignonette sauce! 

Last night Carlos and I snuck in a little date night at one of our favorite neighborhood restaurants, Frascati, followed by cocktails at La Folie Lounge.  Today is filled with a ballet lesson, trip to the farmer's market, visiting a friends new house and a birthday party.  Tomorrow I'm hopefully getting a trip to the gym in and then following it with a brunch with some fabulous ladies!

What are you up to this weekend? 

Cheers,

Cheers to the Weekend - Mini ALT

I don't know about you guys but this has been the longest short week ever!  It could have something to do with the cold that has been brewing in my head.

I've also had a serious case of ALT Summit envy!  I went last year, but I couldn't get a ticket this year, since they sold out in a half hour!  Since I couldn't make it I decided to give myself my own mini ALT sessions by finally finishing up reading Blog, Inc. by the adorable Joy Cho of Oh Joy.  Not only does she have some amazing tips on blogging, but she also has some pretty fantastic bloggers who are featured in the book.  They answer some of those questions you have always wanted to ask them but never could get up the gumption to ask.  If you are serious about blogging, this is definitely the book to read.   

If you don't own the book but want a taste of ALT, I highly recommend checking out the #altsummit hashtag on Twitter to pick up helpful tips shared from bloggers that attended ALT.

This weekend is pretty low key and we don't have a lot of plans, which is just what the doctor ordered!  What are your plans for the weekend?

Cheers,

Remembering Sandy Hook

Brika - A Well Crafted Life

Crafting station to get our creative juices flowing. I'll do a post later on the cute necklace I made that night!

Founders - Jen & Kena (are they not adorable) image via Portraits to the People

Fellow San Francisco Bloggers and Creatives at Makeshift Society & Jen & Kena giving us a sneak peek at the website!

Amazing food and desserts from Craftsman & Wolves.

Sneak peek at the Brika website.

Gorgeous stationary from the talented Shana Frase (who was at the launch party to meet people). 

Another talented artist, Samantha Barsky from Noteify (also at the launch party), will be featured on Brika.

Caitlin "assisting" me in our DIY project! 

Last Friday night, I had the privilege of attending the Brika launch party at Makeshift Society.  I was able to meet with Jen and Kena in person to hear more about their ideas behind this fabulous new site.  It's a curated website that brings to you some amazing artisans' goods along with the story behind them.  I've always connected to a product or a service more when I know the story behind the company or person.

Brika has just launched today in beta version and will showcase items from house and home, beauty, accessories, paper goods and more.  I can't wait to check out who they have chosen and pick out some wonderful treasures for gifts for the holidays!

*images from Savvy in San Francisco's iPhone unless noted.

Cheers,