What I Learned from My Blog Hiatus & Other Friday Finds

Business of blogging

Happy first Friday of September friends. I must say it does feel very good to be back. Even as much as running a daily editorial site (and all the social media, constant oversharing and self-promotion it requires) can feel a bit relentless sometimes, a decade in I remain inspired by the talented people and amazing design I uncover every day.

I did learn a few things about myself during my month off that I thought I’d share with you.

The day really must not have 24 hours in it, because I did not accomplish even 10% of what I’d hoped to.

No matter how many meditation apps I download, I’m very bad at finding 10 minutes to sit still.

See also: I really really really cannot wake up before 7 am. Sorry (not sorry).

I’m pretty sure I need to take a time management and organization course – I used to be the most organized person you could ever meet. I blame #mombrain. It’s a very legitimate thing.

Hello, my name is Erin, & I am addicted to my phone. This job is not so helpful with that one.

Instagram Stories sucks up way more time out of your day than you think it does. Time yourself and see.

Family and friends feed the soul.

As does really good wine. Preferably consumed with family and friends.

There’s also a lot going on in the world of more critical importance than how to redecorate your living room. It could affect all of us for at least a generation. So paying attention & getting involved is rather important. Just sayin.

But with all that, I am excited to dive back into things – I have a couple of fun new series up my sleeve, plenty more peeks of my house – nope didn’t get that finished on hiatus either – more design inspiration, entertaining tips and plenty of travels. And obviously, I always want to know what you’re interested in so never hesitate to let me know!

Now that I’m back on the interwebs, I’ve found many a fun thing that I think you should check out too.

My incredibly talented friend Kate has launched new art prints in her shop. I love them all.

Another dear friend Jen recently talked about choosing to keep your business smaller and how it can be the best thing for you. I highly recommend giving this podcast a listen.

If you need some innovative nursery ideas, Sarah’s design is damn genius.

Feeling like you need a fall wardrobe makeover? My friend Catherine is doing a fall closet prep and you should check it out.

I’m going as minimalist as I can for fall. You can see more of my inspiration here.

I want to be a more crafty mama this season and I’m feeling like I could actually pull off these fall-themed arts & crafts.

I want to thank you for your support and for just being a reader. It means the world. More fun to come!

first image via the apt34 archive

Retail Therapy & Other Friday Finds

Business of blogging

Happy Friday friends! Did this week feel as long and jam-packed for you as it did for me? Where is the summer slowdown?? I’m hoping August might usher in a reprieve (does the President take the entire month of August off? Let’s hope so). One way I’ve been injecting a little fun into my days is with the new Instagram Questions feature. Have you tried it?? You can simply ask anyone you follow a question in their stories. I’ve learned so much about people I’ve known for a long time! One of the questions I’ve gotten most frequently is “what are my favorite shopping destinations in San Francisco?” That can actually be a bit tough to answer as San Francisco hasn’t always had the best shopping, but I feel like it’s improving every day – so much so that I think I should resurrect my Retail Therapy series. Would you be into that?? For example, I’m obsessed with the new shop KIM + ONO.

The stunning new store in the heart of Chinatown creates a moment of refreshing minimalism amongst Grant Avenue’s hustle and bustle. Tiffany + Renee Tam, the sister duo behind KIM + ONO, partnered with designer Danielle McWaters of Designsake Studio to rebrand the 30-year old family business (previously called Old Shanghai). Layering craftsmanship and heritage into the new identity and retail space, the brand’s new look feels lush and astutely edited. Designsake brought in architect Alan Tse of Alan Tse Design and designer Valerie Santillo of Kamperett and together they transformed the old factory building (what was once the Far East Flea Market) to a modern interior space, bright and airy, creating a welcome respite in the heart of Chinatown. I’m obsessed with Val’s oversized floral mural on that back wall.

The new store focuses on wellness, community and sisterhood, offering not only their beautiful botanical print kimonos (perfect for bridal parties, expecting mothers, or your day-to-night fashion statement), but also curated brands like Ayurveda Apothecary, Object Enthusias Virtuvi, P.F. Candles, Odeme, Pigeon Toe and Herbivore Botanicals in addition to hundreds of unique silk and charmeuse kimonos. KIM + ONO just won “2018 San Francisco Magazine’s Best of the Bay Winner: Best Place to Shop in SF” and it’s easy to see why.

But then I also have to share a bit of sad news. Another amazing store in San Francisco, that I didn’t even get to the chance to profile here yet recently experienced a devastating fire. Yonder Shop, founded by ceramist Linda Fahey, carries both Linda’s original works but also an amazing collection of artisan pieces for your home, books, cards. Her collection was beautifully curated and edited. I loved walking into their space. Sadly, last week there was a fire in the shop’s building. Thankfully no one was hurt but Linda lost so much. A GoFundMe page to help Linda recover her store has been started and it would be amazing if you could offer even the tiniest bit of help. Click HERE for details.

For anyone not in San Francisco craving some retail therapy, my edit from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is now live! You can see it right here – and remember these are new fall pieces currently on sale. The getting is mighty good, but I think this coat, this boot, this shirt, this scarf and these jeans are my favorite finds.

If you’re curious why I feel like I need retail therapy right now, this New Yorker piece captures my current mood perfectly.

Maybe instead of adding to my closet, I should switch up a room or two in my house. Alicia is giving me major inspo.

Or perhaps I should just throw a dinner party like Cassandra.

This weekend, we are escaping back up to wine country (have you caught my latest Instagram story about my trip to Signorello Winery – one of the wineries that lost everything in last year’s Napa fires – check out it before it’s gone!) to soak up some sun and I’m thinking this line should become my summer uniform.

Or maybe I should just hop on a plane because this Italian vacation rental on the beautiful island of Capri has me entranced.

Whatever you do this weekend friends, I hope it is magic. Till Monday!

photography by delbar moradi

Southern Charm and other Friday Finds

Business of blogging

Summer in San Francisco is always a bit of an odd experience. It’s often gray, cold and windy. Highs rarely hit higher than 65. No really, it’s true. But I’m getting a dose of real summer now with near 100 degree temperatures in Austin, Texas.

It’s been a few years since I was last in Austin and feels so good to be back. I’m here for a design inspiration experience with Hunter Fans. It’s been such a treat to get out my usual Bay Area bubble and get a dose of that southern charm. We’ve been able to tour the Southern Living Magazine Idea house – if you’re in Austin you must go. Meredith Ellis did amazing work with her design. We’ve toured some of Austin’s most delicious (and gorgeous) restaurants and today we’re visiting the the Blanton Museum of Art and taking in some of the sights around South Congress to fuel our design engines. The day is going to end with a design challenge (eek!) so be sure to check out my Insta-Stories this week. I’ll be sharing everything there.

And since I’m lucky enough to get a major dose of inspiration this week, I thought I’d share the best interior design inspiration I’ve spied on the interwebs of late.

My bestie Cassandra as made some amazing updates to her living room. I think it’s about time I go be a house guest.

Color is making a major comeback in design. Not only did I talk about it this week, but so did Jenny Komenda and she shared one of my favorite examples of a sophisticated, color-filled home.

The Southern Living Idea was filled with print and pattern, but I love Honestly WTF’s causal Californian take on the look. Click her for major print, pattern and color inspiration.

If you’ve been wondering if pink is still having a moment the answer is yes.

Austin is full of porches and patios. Kirsten’s patio makeover is giving me major outdoor area envy.

I wish I’d had more time to research Austin before my trip. If only a book like the just released 500 hidden secrets of San Francisco existed. If you’re headed to SF this summer you need to get this book. I’m getting too because there are still so many things about this town I don’t know about!

On a fashion-related note, while in sweltering Austin, I’m busting out shorts for the first time since having Carter. It’s not something a 38 year old should do without forethought. Thankfully, Jen had great shorts styling tips for me.

Let me know if you’d be interested in an Austin highlights post. I know I’m only getting to dip my toe in this cool city but I’m loving everything I see so far.

Till Monday!

photo of the pool at our Austin home – the South Congress Hotel. I’m obsessed.

Hard Truths and Friday Finds

Business of blogging

Friends, this week. This week has been a tough one. At the outset, the loss of Kate Spade had me so sad. Kate Spade was one of the first shows I ever attended at New York Fashion Week. The creativity, ingenuity and message of female empowerment that Kate Spade ignited was so impactful. Her brand inspired me to be braver. With my outfit choices and my life choices.

And then came the news of Anthony Bourdain.

His passing has struck me down cold. Maybe because he’s been beamed into our living rooms for so many years. Maybe because I wanted to travel and eat just like he did. Maybe because he was a voice for the often voiceless and a champion of the underdog. He was the guy I always said I wanted on the proverbial “dream dinner party.” We live in a time with an extraordinary amount of pain and an extraordinary lack of kindness and human decency. The technological tools that were invited to “bring us closer together” (and on which this little corner of the internet so heavily relies) actually serve to put a very inhumane amount of distance between us.

While the losses of these two brilliant humans is tragic, I’m attempting to take the loss as a reminder to be gentle. To be kind. To reach out. To connect. Everyday. And not with a heart or a like or an emoji. But with a call. A hug. A “tell me what’s going with you lately.” We say please reach out, ask for help. But when you’re drowning in emotional & mental turmoil it can be impossible to catch your breath long enough to speak. That said I have included the contact information for the National Suicide Prevention Hotline below. Because it is the very very least I can do.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call 1-800-273-8255

There were an amazing array of things that brought a smile to my face this week – from attending the Pinterest Creators Conference to spending time with treasured friends (have you seen my 16 hours in Seattle on Instagram?!) so I want to share smile-inducing links for this week’s Friday Finds in the hopes they’ll lift your spirits as well.

My friend Alicia’s house is goalz.

And this gorgeous furniture collection is making me want all the things.

While I love my wine, I’ve been wanting to cut back and I think this mocktail would definitely help.

As will this refreshing smoothie.

If you’re looking for bright and cheery right now (aren’t we all) this home tour should do the trick.

Page turners also always help me get in a good mood so I might pick up one of these summer reads this weekend.

Why overpay for a summer stray tote when you can make your own?

And in an extremely timely post, Victoria profiled amazing, inspirational women who are also struggling with mental health challenges.

We’re all in this together. Let’s take care of each other a little bit more.

Till Monday.

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