Taking a moment to stop and smell the roses.
Cherry Blossom Season
I've been lucky enough to live in cities where cherry blossoms are in full bloom this time of year. When I lived in New York City there were a few blossom trees tucked away on little streets, but each year I would still make a trip out to the Brooklyn Botanical Garden to see rows upon rows of cherry blossoms blooming. It was one of my favorite Spring traditions.
Now living in San Francisco, the city is covered in pastel pink blooms, every walk outside really feels like a dream. My new cherry blossom tradition here is to take a day trip to the Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park to enjoy the blooms with a cup of tea and a slice of green tea cheese cake. My favorite part is when a little gust of wind comes along blowing pink petals everywhere, just like a cherry blossom snow globe.
San Francisco Pinks
Since I love all things pink, I thought I'd share a few of my local Bay Area favorites that are all about that pastel hue.
C A F E R ÉV E I L L E
A cafe with good coffee, pastries and pretty pink tables, what's not to love? Cafe Réveille is a local favorite, we even took advantage of their decor for our recent Sweet & Spark photoshoot. Also, I am super excited that they just opened a second location closer to home!
B O T A N I C A L G A R D E N
Signs of spring have been popping up all over the city like cherry blossom and almond blossom trees. Patrick decided it would be perfect timing to visit the San Francisco Botanical Garden to see their collection of Magnolia trees. So many beautiful pink and white blooms to soak in, I took so many snaps!
T H E M A R I N A
After visiting the clothing trade shows or scouting for photoshoots, Jillian and I always find ourselves grabbing lunch at Blue Barn down in the Marina. I love walking around surrounded by all the pastel pictaresque houses, we even spotted this baby pink vespa scooter last time we were there!
Weekend Brunch
A new favorite find complete with french toast and iced lattes: 20th Century Cafe.
Vintage Shopping in New Orleans
We spent a lovely long weekend in New Orleans a few weeks ago for a friend's wedding, always a cherished place of ours to re-visit since Patrick went to college there. Whenever we are in town, I make a point to visit one of my favorite vintage boutiques Vintage 329. Chalk full with cases of vintage Chanel jewelry, I spend at least an hour attempting to see everything. Besides their Chanel collection, they have an array of curated sunglasses, posters, vinyl records, books and antique fine jewelry... heaven!
After all that window shopping, I usually work up an appetite for something sweet. Right across the street is an adorable pastry shop called Cafe Beignet, not to be confused with Cafe du Monde which is a few blocks away. Nothing like an iced latte and beignet combo to re-fuel for more vintage shopping! Be sure to peek into the other antique shops around the French Quarter, so many hidden gems.
S H O P T H E L O O K
Sweet & Spark Pink Lace Top // Illesteva Sunglasses // Levi's Wedgie Fit Denim