On April 19th, I turned 30.

I always thought I'd be kind of freaked out by this birthday. If you asked me 5 years ago, I might have pictured an enormous farewell to my 20s (girls trip to Bali, going heli-skiing in Alaska, something like that). And I probably would have imagined being pretty freaked out by the prospect of turning a new decade (thanks in part to my kinship with Rachel Green, who as you know, didn't handle her 30th very well). But, as seems to be the case with just about every big change I've faced, by the time it got here I was ready.

Still, I'm one of those people who does care about birthdays. They mean something to me - a chance to check in, refresh, and reprioritize. And let's face it, maybe I like feeling a little bit special for a minute there (*insert blushy-smiley-face*). So the weekend didn't come without its good share of preliminary stress and troubles. Was it going to be special enough, something I'd remember down the line? Am I where I hoped I'd be at this point in my life? Was it going to be terrible without my family and besties (back in Boston) by my side?

Somehow everything settled in a few days before the big three-oh, when I realized I am where I want to be right now, in every way.  And I was lucky enough to celebrate with a weekend full of my favorite things: Jimmy, friends, the ocean, fire, camping, good beer, road trips, food, games, and music.

Here are some silly photos from one day of that weekend - bocce and bonfire on Ocean Beach.

Live Music Weekend

The Fillmore^^ 

^^Hanging with The Stone Foxes. But more importantly, the new friend I met on the left there was meant to be my new bestie after a great night of gallivanting together...but after the show I lost her phone number!! Sad story! If you know her, give me a holler ;)

Jimmy and I had a weekend o' music. Rocking out, dancing and singing my heart out (interspersed with the laziest lazy days) was exactly what I needed after a trying week. We got so amped up by the two great shows we went to, that we also grabbed tix to another upcoming show, and spent the rest of the weekend scouring for new artists on Spotify.

Care to hear some new stuff? Here's a little mix of the shows we saw this weekend + shows coming up + new stuff we found this weekend.

Have you had your live music fix lately?? Who did you see?

Have a wonderful week!

Sister's Take on Bay Area Vintage

We have a special guest today - my lovely sistah Stephanie! Steph is one of the best shoppers I know, especially when it comes to antiques/vintage/consignment- and with all of the amazing markets around here I figured I should call on the pro to get a feel for Bay Area vintage shopping. Yesterday I finally got to join her at the Alameda Antiques Faire (it was ah-maze-ing) to see her at work, and I decided she should share a little something here about her vintage obsession as well.

Here are some photos from Steph's travels through the Treasure Island Flea and Marin's "French" Antique Market... 

A: are flea markets around here better than what you saw back East?

S: The Bay is where it's at. In Boston the majority of flea markets tend to revolve around cardboard boxes of American Eagle socks; you're not quite sure if you're thrifting or sifting through Free Craigslist accumulations. So, moving to the Bay was a breath of fresh air-- here you'll find the pretty, the prettier, the hipster and the delicious. 

A: what do you love about flea markets?

S: I love the mass amounts of inspiration that I get from walking down a few aisles. I love being in a sea of imaginative minds that are all scheming to create something the same way I am. I also am deeply in love with the west coast image and though I am a born and raised New Englander, I feel it is closer to my own personal style. The free and easy vibe, the eclectic mix of prints and color. Fashion stimulates and inspires me and I get that in its rawest form at the weekend flea. 

A: how would you describe your personal style?

S: I'd describe my style as comfy/versatile grunge. I love oversized sweaters, flannel, tees and tanks mixed with tight jeans, a fitted jacket, a beanie, doc martens and some dark red lipstick. That's my go to. I also love super girlie vintage dresses for nights out. Leather and lace. Anything colorful, comfortable and edgy that makes me feel good.

A: what are your best tips for flea/vintage shopping?

S: It's a good idea not to be too specific with what you're looking for. This is a vintage affair, not the mall. No one likes to be disappointed and it's less fun that way! Be open to items with a history that might have a nick here and there, but tells a story. My favorite things to look out for are jewelry, purses, wall decorations and the softest vintage tees around.

A: and a random one: what are your top 5 favorite smells?

S: The smell of rain on hot pavement. It brings me back to my childhood quicker than you can say "Salute Your Shorts". As well as old books, freshly made bread and bacon.

A: any last tips for us?

S: My most recent DIY interest is window panes, check out this link for a few ideas on how to use them. You can definitely find these items at the flea!


Thanks, Stephie! Come back anytime!

Lights, Colors, Sea Lions

Back in March I spent a couple of gorgeous days in this new city of mine, just walking around and soaking it in. Postcard worthy shots in every direction, I tell you! We love where we are living out in the East Bay (1/2 hour from the city), but I'm so glad that we've been getting into town as much as we have been. San Francisco is a magical place. 

Tomorrow we're heading to Yosemite! We'll be camping (or rather..."glamping"...) with some amazing friends, and I just can't wait. I'll be sure to post pics soon. Enjoy the weekend everyone!