Yoga Practice

Image from the book, Yoga: The Art of Transformation

The practice of yoga with the idea of relaxing the mind, has always intrigued me. I've wanted to find a place that I could go to and workout ever since my move. Before you know it I found myself in search of a yoga studio. By using yelp and filtering through locations, comparing photos and reading reviews I found myself a match. I was scheduled and very nervous for my first Alignment Hatha at Ocean Yoga in Pacifica, Ca. The closest I had been to yoga prior was in my living room with youtube or a girlfriend showing me.

I was transformed after my first yoga session, the class was not easy and you have to be one with your mind. I always thought it was silly the whole inhale exhale, but that is so real. I am inspired and cannot wait for my next session and to learn new poses and techniques. 

Tranquility & Creativity

I've discovered my deepest passions when my mind is most clear. By minimizing all distractions and removing unnecessary items, allows me to have a clear vision. These are the recurring thoughts as I style for specific themes and moments in my life.

One evening, it dawned on me that it had been a while since my last bubble bath. As I lit my Jo Malone candle, I realized how lovely the trio was arranged within the marble tray. The soft pinks & creamy white flowers softened the vanity top, layered with a wood detail for added texture. Between the wood and glow of the fire with the detail of the necklace provides a delicate warmth throughout.

My passion for interiors and love for styling allows me to create and capture these brief moments in time.

“The things you are passionate about are not random, they are your calling.”

— Fabienne Fredrickson

Tropical Party

This past weekend I put together a bright and colorful tropical themed birthday party for my grandmother. As far back as I can remember she loved to tell stories of vacationing in Tahiti. What better way to celebrate her birthday by bringing paradise to her.

Cake time - decorations purchased at Party City & Napkins from Target

My mother made the cake with homemade chocolate frosting. She loves to bake cakes for all of our birthdays. For this recipe she added a half cup of coffee to the box cake to mix it up a bit and to add a homemade flavor.

Pineapples, Party City

Leis, Party City

What would be your favorite theme to throw for a party?

The Garden within the Island

Can you believe it's almost Friday? I feel like the weekend just ended and we were in Washington. We recently just flew up to Seattle, WA to visit family.  It was my first time visiting outside of the airport terminals. I had stopped through before but never left the airport, it's very funny how that tends to happen. 

The trip was primarily focused on destination, Anderson Island which is the southern most island in the Puget Sound. It is accessible by ferry which makes for an eventful stay. Call me an outsider but this was wild to me, a ferry never slows us down here in the Bay Area traffic is the only thought in our minds. I found that making the ferry times was a bit stressful. The ferry ride slowed down all problems in the world. 

The island was full of tall pine trees native to the area and two lane roads veering off into all directions. Our stay was in a beautiful vacation home surrounded by lush gardens. I was in awe of the gardens and jealous of all their land. I only have a small balcony and am limited to potted plants. The garden was like paradise and surprises around every corner. They had tomatoes, onions, garlic, sunflowers, peas of different varieties. 

Yellow Onion, growing tall with beautiful flowers.

Garlic Bulb, tall curvy Spathe perfect for pesto sauce

This trip was one for the books, the quick ones always are. 

What was one of your most memorable vacations to date?

Happy Friday

What Magical places will you discover this weekend? The excitement over the weekend is always so anticipated and unexpected of the adventures in store. 

Lake Almanor, Plumas County

Long weekends are meant for packing the car and traveling towards the mountains for some much needed downtime. I like to escape the Monday through Friday 9 - 5 routine. Allowing myself to regenerate my mind, body and soul. I feel that I become more inspired for the next week, next project and build new ideas for the blog. 

As a young child I remember traveling up to Plumas County, for three day weekends to visit family. The small down of Chester is home to many shops and boutiques.

My favorite owned by my Grandfather is Morning Star Log Furniture. He makes custom log furniture anything you can dream of he can make it happen. My second favorite stop for a mid day pick me up is the Coffee Station housed in an old auto body garage. Two great spots for an afternoon scoop of ice cream would be Lassen Gift Company & Soda Fountain or travel around the lake to Paul Bunyan Resort for a frosty.

This small town located on State Route 36 is definitely one to stop through and enjoy some shops and local treats.

Spring Mix

The vibrancy and colors of spring is something I enjoy every time April comes around. The rolling green hills, sprinkled with wildflowers lush from the months of rain fall. The amount of colors present in nature this time of year is unreal. Gardner's and people alike flock to their local nursery's to replicate the scenes they find in nature. Bright colors bring joy to the soul and through this people plant beautiful flowers and nurture their gardens all spring for summer time harvest.

“Spring is a time of plans and projects.”

— Leo Tolstoy

Il Fornaio

Weekend patterns and textures all around through the entrance mosaic floral squares to the repetitive ceiling beams in the restaurants main room.

Xo Stephanie 

Deck the Halls

The christmas season comes around once a year and it sometimes feels like we may set our goals high. We will buy everyones gifts early and not rush around at the last minute. Those holiday cards we all think are so cute and would be a lot of fun to send out. Somehow they always seem to fall short of going out in the mail. This season I'm holding myself to my promises and setting time aside for to send out my christmas cards to friends and family near and far.

"May your Christmas and new year be filled with joy and laughter."

Florals & Thanksgiving

Before we know it November turns into December and the Holiday season is in full force. I wanted to take a moment and share this beautiful table setting I created for Thanksgiving at my grand-mothers home. 

The idea for this design was inspired by my many trips to the San Francisco Flower Mart. A corner block of warehouses full of vendors packed with flowers, plants and craft supplies. It is simply heaven for a girl like me. 

This project was a lot of fun in the way of letting my creativity flow, choosing flowers, foliage and decorations that not only made me feel good but also went well together. Everything came together very nicely and my grandmother was very happy indeed.