Stylemindchic: June 2012

6.26.2012

Girls' getaway to the beach!

It's early......and, thankfully, the coffee is brewing. I'm finishing my packing for a beach getaway, with two of my nearest and dearest girlfriends from graduate school. There has been the recent purchase of a beach house and we are more than happy to help her break it in.

There is certain to be some lounging at the beach

Lots of catching up.... laughter, deep conversation, shared memories of 20 years and maybe even a few tears....

Some gorgeous California sea views

Perhaps a little dining at the beach

and a nap or 2........

Images

Right now it sounds just about perfect...........
Cheers to you and enjoying this week of summer to the fullest! Heather

6.24.2012

Advice for our 20 year old selves.

As I was leafing through my old photo albums the other day, I came across a few images of my carefree 20 year old self. Glimpsing the bright eyes, boundless energy and the 'sky is the limit' kind of attitude got me to thinking........

What would I tell my 20 year old self, 30 years later, if I knew then what I know now?

Don't be in such a rush....take that semeseter abroad during college.
Take the French. You may not know it now, but that choir conducting class you were required to take for the same credits, will do you absolutely NO good.... zip. Oui? As it turns out, France is one of your favorite places to travel and it would come in so handy.
Your body will never be as sleek, firm and smooth as it is now, so don't waste time wishing it was more perfect.
Though great hair products may not have been invented yet, please try to find a way to tame that unruly beast. A triangular shaped chin length bob with curly bangs has never been, and will never be, flattering. p.s.-maybe you should invent the flat iron!
Don't get married at 20.... no matter how grown up you think you are, and no matter how sweet the boy, you both have significant life to live, before you tie the knot that will be painfully untied at 25.
Don't put off having babies until life is perfect....sadly, you may miss the fertility window....and life is never, ever perfect. You would have loved being a mom.

On Facebook I asked family and friends what advice they would give to their 20 year old self. It's fun to share these insightful and humorous responses.

The destination does not matter nearly as much as the journey, so pay attention to every moment of every day. Tara
Don't worry so much about what people think and please put on your sun screen!!! Linda
Follow any plan; travel and see the world; do anything but get married. Don't get married. Jacqueline
Was trying to think of advice for my 20 year old me but I honestly think I need more advice at 26. Lol! Lauren
Don’t perm and wear side pony tails!! Andrea
Don't get married, instead follow your plan and get your law degree. Patrice
Worry less and have more fun! Mireya

Love yourself the way you are and don't change to please others or to fit in. Friends should like you “as is”! Evelyn
Save money! Tammy
Know that you have unlimited potential, dare to dream big!! Drive is the most important factor in success! Jeri (mom)
Follow your passion. Don't just settle for security. Let your soul sing! Teresa
Save all your money for one-way plane tickets!! Briana
Enjoy + appreciate your 20 year old body (enjoy not having to wear 2 bras). Lily (and friends at Creekside Cellars).
Enjoy the moment...life works itself out. Appreciate your health and energy. Wear sunscreen! Drink more water! Appreciate and spend more time with your parents. Tell those you love how much they mean to you. Be aware of the beauty that is always around you in the subtle things. Melanie
Marry the RIGHT person who lets you be yourself and don't sweat the small stuff (90% or more of the "stuff" is small!). Darla
Love yourself. You are enough. Don't give up who you are for a relationship. A relationship with a man is not more important than the relationship with yourself. Love yourself first. Glenda (and friends on girls' weekend in Seattle)

images

Make sure the person you marry is someone you know more than a few months. Debbie M.
Travel abroad and experience all you can! Michelle Z.
You don’t have to marry every person you date…Don’t put your education off…. It’s harder to go back + finish up later. Dorie
Be good to yourself: good nutritious food, ample sleep, dance often, be kindhearted. Remember that every day is a new day so don’t sweat the small stuff! Most of all/love much….beginning with yourself: this IS what makes the world turn. Valerie

What a treat to share your words of wisdom on Stylemindchic.

Thanks for playing ladies! Cheers, Heather

Dorie and niece Rylee (photo credit Dorie)

Looking for a special gift?? Checkout the stylemindchic Boutique.
Free gift wrap and shipping!

6.22.2012

Getaway Guide (San Francisco) Top 5

English: Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco at sunset (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

San Francisco.........my, first and favorite, love affair with a city. As they say, you never forget your first love. I've been visiting San Francisco since I was very young. I remember trips with my family to Golden Gate Park for viewing the Conservatory of Flowers or the Japanese Garden, a concert at the iconic Grace Cathedral, chocolate at Ghirardelli, or the gorgeous flower displays in the windows at Macy's around Easter. Somehow we often ended up at Union Square for shopping and lunch at Blum's. I remember a luscious dessert...a cake with the most amazing crunch frosting (I suppose I haven't quite gotten over it). Occasionally, my parents would splurge and we would dine at 'The Iron Horse' a quintessential San Francisco restaurant on Maiden Lane, just off Union Square. It was all red leather banquets, candlelight and white linen tablecloths. I remember the waiters wore formal black jackets (with tails?) with starchy white shirts. It was very Old San Francisco and quite fancy for a little girl~I loved it.

Since that time I have enjoyed numerous getaways and found some new favorites in this beguiling city. There is no way to cover all that delights in San Francisco, I'll simply share a few of my go to favorites.

To Do:
Golden Gate Park-home to the The De Young Museum-historic and classical art with an eclectic collection of revolving exhibits. The Park is also home to the Conservatory of Flowers.

Pacific Heights-take a walk or a drive through this elegant and historic neighborhood with classic mansions and fantastic views of the city, the Golden Gate, and the bay (Divisidero is a good choice to get you to Pacific Heights-from their you can meander your way around the neighborhood).

Catch a Cable Car-take a ride on the historic line-perfect for sightseeing and getting around the city.

Golden Gate Bridge- walk or rent a bike to cross and visit the charming Sausalito on the other side.

Take in the sights and sounds of Chinatown to the north of Union Square.

Buy fresh flowers on the street corner in Union Square as a souvenir of your perfect day in the city.

To Stay:

Hotel Adagio-Urban, sleek boutique hotel in the heart of the Theater District. The Adagio is one of our favorites, in the perfect location, just blocks west from Union Square and flanked by several high end boutique art galleries.

The Clift Hotel- is just across the way from the Adagio. This sleek, modern, whimsical hotel designed by Phillippe Starck has a stylish vibe.

The W Hotel-Sleek, modern hotel near the Moma (Musuem of Modern Art). Fantastic roof top in warm weather.

Intercontinental Mark Hopkins- A classic! The top floor Lounge/Bar-Top of the Mark-boasts outstanding city views-and some nights a live band on the dance floor. A personal favorite since we started our Honeymoon here back in 2000.

To Dine:

First Crush-Intimate, romantic, food and wine near Union Square in the Financial District.
Perfect start to a memorable San Francisco evening.

Balboa Cafe-Iconic SF restaurant/bar maintains that old San Francisco charm.

The alley gets crowded. Make reservations!

Belden Place-the Alley- often called the French Quarter of San Francisco. A diverse group of dining spots offer an array of cuisines with an international flavor. Outdoor dining adds to the ambiance.

The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus in Union Square-A lovely setting for a special lunch or afternoon tea.

Sociale- in Presidio Heights tucked away at the end of an alley on Sacramento Street this romantic gem is like a European getaway in a quite neighborhood.

Almost anywhere in North Beach-for authentic Italian!

To Shop:

Here is a great guide to shopping in San Francisco.

Some of my favorites:
Union Square-Iconic spot for luxury brand shopping and a gorgeous tree at Christmas.

Chestnut Street with a distinctive neighborhood vibe.

Sacramento Street-high end, stylish boutiques for fashion and home decor on the border between Pacific Heights and Presidio Heights.

Fillmore Street-fashion and home decor shops in a high-end, picturesque neighborhood.

The weather in San Francisco can be mercurial. On the hottest day of summer inland, it can be shrouded with billowing layers of fog and a bracing wind. Since the weather can turn on a dime, layering is always the way to go.

Celebrating Our 10th Anniversary at the Mark Hopkins, September 2011

This is just a start. Would love to hear about your San Francisco favorites~ please add your ideas below.
Cheers, Heather

6.18.2012

Design Crush-Kelly Wearstler

"Living without color is like living without love."
Kelly Wearstler

Her bold, bright, and graphic designs shout 'wow' and have elevated Kelly Wearstler to a design stand out for many. Her use of light, shadow and depth is brilliant. Every space has a touch of whimsy to ease the formality of historical and classic furnishings. Unexpected elements created balance and interest. Rather than asking 'why' Kelly Wearstler seems to ask 'why not?'