Create a wow powder room

<div><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/54801/FORMA-Design-modern-powder-room-other-metros"><br /></a></div><div style="color: #444444;"><br /><small> <span style="font-size: small;">How often does a powder room get the royal treatment?   In many homes  powder rooms are  small,  windowless with functional aspects.  These elements usually defy  anything exciting happening in the space.  I'm out to prove that a powder room can be the star of your  house. </span></small><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> Use tile as an accent </b></span></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/54801/FORMA-Design-modern-powder-room-other-metros" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="FORMA Design modern powder room" border="0" height="675" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/54801_0_8-8070-modern-powder-room.jpg" width="450" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><small> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/professional/6852/FORMA-Design" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">FORMA Design via Houzz</a></small></div><div style="text-align: center;"><small><br /></small><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Buy exciting accessories</b></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><small><br /></small><br /><small><br /></small></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/83694/utopia-projects-modern-powder-room-other-metros"><img alt="utopia projects modern powder room" border="0" height="640" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/83694_0_8-5441-modern-powder-room.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/modern/powder-room" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Houzz</a></small><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><small><span style="font-size: small;">The contemporary nature of the wall mounted vessel sink and hand crafted mirror is further enhanced by  horizontal striping on the walls. There is no doubt what the star of this room is. </span></small></div><div style="text-align: left;"><small><br /></small></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Choose a theme </b></span><br /><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/49474/Powder-at-Hualalai-tropical-powder-room-other-metros"><img alt="Powder at Hualalai tropical powder room" border="0" height="750" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/49474_0_8-2680-tropical-powder-room.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designer/hawaii" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;"></a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/winteriors/willman-interiors-gina-willman-asid" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Willman Interiors / Gina Willman, ASID via Houzz</a></small><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><small><span style="font-size: small;">The subtle Asian details in this room have been duplicated in all of the pieces.  If you choose a theme for a room its success is always in the details.  </span> </small></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Use wood effectively</b></span><br /><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/258753/Modern-Contemporary-Powder-Room-contemporary-powder-room-chicago"><img alt="Modern/Contemporary Powder Room contemporary powder room" border="0" height="640" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/258753_0_8-1800-contemporary-powder-room.jpg" width="470" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/kitchen-and-bath/chicago" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;"></a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/marius-daugvila/marius-daugvila" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Marius Daugvila  via Houzz</a></small><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">This bathroom design is enhanced by the addition of the vertical strip of wood that backs the vanity and accentuates the asymmetrical placement of the sink.  A round mirror works against the vertical line. The vase of twigs (wood again) mimics the vertical lines and helps to balance the asymmetrical layout. </span></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/191767/Lively-powder-room-contemporary-powder-room-montreal"><img alt="Lively powder room contemporary powder room" border="0" height="666" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/191767_0_8-5520-contemporary-powder-room.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designer/montreal" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;"></a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/unevieencouleurs/andre-couture-coloriste-decorateur" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Andre Couture Coloriste Decorateur</a></small><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><small><span style="font-size: small;">This bathroom also relies on vertical wood  detailing for interest.   The pops of green bring  a natural  feel to the room.</span></small></div><div style="text-align: left;"><small><br /></small></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Rely on large mirrors to increase your space</b></span><br /><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/312957/Residential--powder-room-phoenix"><img alt="Residential powder room" border="0" height="626" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/312957_0_8-8049--powder-room.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><small> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/ownbydesign/ownby-design" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Ownby Design</a></small><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><small><span style="font-size: small;">When you have a free standing vanity using a floor to ceiling mirror behind it enlarges the room significantly and it also creates strong vertical lines.  The dark cabinet with silver banding shows up well against the mirror.   </span></small><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/356269/Formal-Power-Room-contemporary-bathroom-chicago"><img alt="Formal Power Room contemporary bathroom" border="0" height="820" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/356269_0_8-6681-contemporary-bathroom.jpg" width="500" /></a><small><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></small><small> </small></div></div><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/dspacestudio/dspace-studio-ltd" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">dSPACE Studio Ltd</a></small><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Choose a bold wallpaper </b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/333012/Tiptoe-through-the-Tulips-contemporary-powder-room-minneapolis"><img alt="Tiptoe through the Tulips contemporary powder room" border="0" height="750" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/333012_0_8-0365-contemporary-powder-room.jpg" width="500" /></a><small> </small><br /><small> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/oharainteriors/martha-ohara-interiors" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Martha O'Hara Interiors</a></small><br /><br /><small> </small><small> </small><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Go for contrast  </b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><small><br /></small></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/140512/HHL-2010---Bathrooms-contemporary-bathroom-other-metros"><img alt="HHL 2010 - Bathrooms contemporary bathroom" border="0" height="748" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/140512_0_8-7570-contemporary-bathroom.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designer/other-metros" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;"></a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/atmosphereid/atmosphere-interior-design-inc" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Atmosphere Interior Design Inc.</a></small><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><small><span style="font-size: small;">You can count on high contrast to bring a room to life.  There's nothing like black and white to create impact. </span></small></div></div>

Create a wow powder room

  How often does a powder room get the royal treatment?   In many homes  powder rooms are  small,  windowless with functional aspects.  Thes...

Read more »

San Francisco, Part 2

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Q6ea-767H6vq_dMzWdResshyphenhyphenzOSG8kbDqjBUaM_9DxiPOzkajpion_jDGEauvucBm_0p4azYJGjFFHcq5YitvbZIxmLUTYtAc0yb-6_-Y0LrLN33nJqyQCpY550OhDFa2RIiZWZy0Mg/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Q6ea-767H6vq_dMzWdResshyphenhyphenzOSG8kbDqjBUaM_9DxiPOzkajpion_jDGEauvucBm_0p4azYJGjFFHcq5YitvbZIxmLUTYtAc0yb-6_-Y0LrLN33nJqyQCpY550OhDFa2RIiZWZy0Mg/s640/photo+5.JPG" width="478" /></a></div><br />Yesterday, I mentioned that among the 1,232 sights we saw in San Francisco, I made us all take a trip to <a href="http://www.gumps.com/">Gump's</a> to peruse all of the luxury goodies that I always see when I shop their online store.  I had exactly 18 minutes on the parking meter so it was a quick run through, but I'm an incredibly efficient browser of fine goods.  Here are some of the things I spotted and loved. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.gumps.com/p/towels/blue-nightingale-embroidered-towels">Blue and white embroidered towels</a> inspired by Ming Dynasty porcelain.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg48TzYIaV1bTGj4voZlNBWBjMOcrmJJ7UqeuIrnDv24jqcETkPiZe3TFzCRFoEfFi9Y9kecvR1QQFiijjY8v-hUQRUYZwL3rSpUKocB6otsJe42xZhou4B21FtMQg6GUbMeizFFfNrQEA/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg48TzYIaV1bTGj4voZlNBWBjMOcrmJJ7UqeuIrnDv24jqcETkPiZe3TFzCRFoEfFi9Y9kecvR1QQFiijjY8v-hUQRUYZwL3rSpUKocB6otsJe42xZhou4B21FtMQg6GUbMeizFFfNrQEA/s640/photo+2.JPG" width="478" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://www.gumps.com/p/bathroom-decor/blue---white-bath-accessories">Blue and white bath accessories</a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXi-mQTakMuozatGVDSlHVZzTbyiWLTwtcIsFBiLH-mfioczw0RWk7I7xXsTPYU-oUBVH8jSYm5j-HKOgAVHNJF0WXjc4W0s4PZsBUGeJBQQxlComAXcS7TtbAj-mL5i_J0pZ5tg1y5yA/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXi-mQTakMuozatGVDSlHVZzTbyiWLTwtcIsFBiLH-mfioczw0RWk7I7xXsTPYU-oUBVH8jSYm5j-HKOgAVHNJF0WXjc4W0s4PZsBUGeJBQQxlComAXcS7TtbAj-mL5i_J0pZ5tg1y5yA/s640/photo+3.JPG" width="478" /></a></div><br /><br />This is a horrible picture, but I need these <a href="http://www.gumps.com/p/bedding/chippendale-sheet-sets">chippendale sheet sets</a>.  I'm obsessed with pretty embroidered sheets.  There's nothing more luxurious than beautiful sheets.  I want to by an embroidery machine just so I can make my own -- <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">this is where you leave comments with embroidery machine advice :)</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhliPGvooqwQV59TlzMH514rDySLmsqpzHoVKEx41gy30f7NL1Oq0gsDwq7DouUhgw6TooLxL31ZYbWHWwot0TzolYSDwfLH11EFpNopZThVmO5ZZycYvEUeJACYiPciUoRyy6nywwqj18/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhliPGvooqwQV59TlzMH514rDySLmsqpzHoVKEx41gy30f7NL1Oq0gsDwq7DouUhgw6TooLxL31ZYbWHWwot0TzolYSDwfLH11EFpNopZThVmO5ZZycYvEUeJACYiPciUoRyy6nywwqj18/s640/photo+4.JPG" width="478" /></a></div><br /><br />A pretty contemporary meets classic table setting<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdga7h76il5jTAwWJZzf7uNu9b-B3VYndp40kY1yw1UljTNknWo2Ibj_mzG76lqrPcBu4kMj8UFtkvdemr7sIkoLuw_oEpQhqO3y2QBkvst858_I23Oytn5aRxdoDVsnTx5Qbs2PWuv74/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdga7h76il5jTAwWJZzf7uNu9b-B3VYndp40kY1yw1UljTNknWo2Ibj_mzG76lqrPcBu4kMj8UFtkvdemr7sIkoLuw_oEpQhqO3y2QBkvst858_I23Oytn5aRxdoDVsnTx5Qbs2PWuv74/s640/photo+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Again, a bad picture, sorry y'all, I suck at taking iphone photos while Edward is threatening to break free from the confines of his stroller, but I loved these floral porcelain jars.  I'm going to dream about them tonight.  I wish they were mine. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgqs6cKGtgQc5Pg_FxGx2bj62iSZTjO3UYSd-sr-yNKSkse70hQsgfrjb9hItru28eWyqIriHzCMDiW8fFok_yD21KjEdLB35gtTPvnrAatZX1_6s9v7DQRNS_9IVFUdlP0aZWu3qKvgk/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgqs6cKGtgQc5Pg_FxGx2bj62iSZTjO3UYSd-sr-yNKSkse70hQsgfrjb9hItru28eWyqIriHzCMDiW8fFok_yD21KjEdLB35gtTPvnrAatZX1_6s9v7DQRNS_9IVFUdlP0aZWu3qKvgk/s640/photo+2.JPG" width="478" /></a></div><br /><br />I also wish these <a href="http://www.gumps.com/p/asian-decor/kimono-pillows">kimono pillows</a> were mine.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZBwnSvzIZ_oV4q4du_j_qBjxprhpIaHC-3EZL88fQJgX8gEgTR0gJbLnKmyN30xJc9YdtAYX5Y0SESJ7bjtn3yExe16S05h9eQWwba1df3INjvVbzyZJiJNL0fMu1T5LWTrdr2qxJ3zk/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZBwnSvzIZ_oV4q4du_j_qBjxprhpIaHC-3EZL88fQJgX8gEgTR0gJbLnKmyN30xJc9YdtAYX5Y0SESJ7bjtn3yExe16S05h9eQWwba1df3INjvVbzyZJiJNL0fMu1T5LWTrdr2qxJ3zk/s640/photo+3.JPG" width="478" /></a></div><br /><br />And for the childrens ...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM6782jiFThqnQMAnaiOl3zdc5ne6mtahU6QmiovCfsXwXJWxsu5cU2zm5MvlcuAJc9YWcyFWn0Cep1MaE8dpUaqZXOw1Yc_56XOMDIdVBqrUap1wuVCJsMJVys17TbAafcJlFbKRfLV4/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM6782jiFThqnQMAnaiOl3zdc5ne6mtahU6QmiovCfsXwXJWxsu5cU2zm5MvlcuAJc9YWcyFWn0Cep1MaE8dpUaqZXOw1Yc_56XOMDIdVBqrUap1wuVCJsMJVys17TbAafcJlFbKRfLV4/s640/photo+4.JPG" width="478" /></a></div><br />Oh holy grail, look at all the blue and white!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS3TXX15FsMEqcH8ReZe70mYrjLwYO2v912p8WkZvOQM9Yl0tfGt_E8w9JeSakdsdCFzQlPLNbhh6yDmS885lLAIiPzim7Ukrg9tHLXKENwlNaB8_acFO_ZDYeJSOqsZEESYmidg9aKvU/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS3TXX15FsMEqcH8ReZe70mYrjLwYO2v912p8WkZvOQM9Yl0tfGt_E8w9JeSakdsdCFzQlPLNbhh6yDmS885lLAIiPzim7Ukrg9tHLXKENwlNaB8_acFO_ZDYeJSOqsZEESYmidg9aKvU/s640/photo+5.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Ugh, I wish I had been more thoughtful of my picture taking skillz.  I blame my carelessness on part excitement and part fear that Edward was going to lose it.  We were pushing our luck at that point.  My dream is to go back someday when I have a new house and buy all of my finishing touches here.  It's just so well-edited and styled in the store that you can't help but be inspired!<br /><br />Tomorrow, I'll be back with the last of my pictures and then it's peanut butter jelly time (that's code for back to design blogging time - sorry, I'm writing this at night, which I rarely do because I become a crazy person from 5 pm on.  Most moms do.  It's just part of the deal.  Post-second-cup-of-coffee morning gives me fresh brain and a better attitude in general.  Does that even make sense?)

San Francisco, Part 2

Yesterday, I mentioned that among the 1,232 sights we saw in San Francisco, I made us all take a trip to Gump's to peruse all of the lu...

Read more »

San Francisco, Part 1

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibkCAY5iibPw2__OZ6TPCvuDQDGz3Fd2IjtHptBPqMX8mnrIH3Sh6xfg9ZBYvo3C0tsi5xs0JeZ60Zc1uCaZYhS0LqDnH8Zox8w6s_is4PAfIFIRfmwUpDyVXiKtLOu0_Ty8AnNLvdoLM/s1600/DSC_0322.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibkCAY5iibPw2__OZ6TPCvuDQDGz3Fd2IjtHptBPqMX8mnrIH3Sh6xfg9ZBYvo3C0tsi5xs0JeZ60Zc1uCaZYhS0LqDnH8Zox8w6s_is4PAfIFIRfmwUpDyVXiKtLOu0_Ty8AnNLvdoLM/s640/DSC_0322.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Morning y'all! Pardon my lack of posting the last few days, I'm in recovery.  Traveling with a toddler is like taking 8 hours of boot camp class and my <strike>little</strike> body is plum wore out.  Edward is actually a great traveler and we are very lucky that we can take him most places.  We packed a lot in to our two days in San Francisco.  It's funny because vacations with a toddler are <i>very</i> different than they are with just the two of us, but I've found that since I've changed my expectations and redefined what a vacation is to our family now, I've really been able to enjoy traveling in a whole new way.  It's all about fun experiences and exposing Edward to as many awesome things as we can.  Moments of quiet and relaxation are now pleasant surprises, but not part of the plan.  You can't fight your toddler's toddlerness so you might as well enjoy it, right?<br /><br />Bear with me as I share a few photos from our trip, and then we'll get back to designery goodness, I promise. <br /><br />We went everywhere and pretty much hit everyone's suggestions.  Below is a view of a tree just outside the <a href="http://www.calacademy.org/">California Academy of Sciences.</a>  I know, I'm soo artsy <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">not really</span>.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNBSH-Nf6gK5lhbCL_7nd-cGKBHjWCf-rwdBsceRCjr_jNZYZu4povZNyUnjzCQwT1k3JRnmfv5W817rFULpC6HK79yO8_r-qGPBXtje4TN0b9dJittWiUo768BF6_8cOOhuDXhlcjKTk/s1600/DSC_0231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNBSH-Nf6gK5lhbCL_7nd-cGKBHjWCf-rwdBsceRCjr_jNZYZu4povZNyUnjzCQwT1k3JRnmfv5W817rFULpC6HK79yO8_r-qGPBXtje4TN0b9dJittWiUo768BF6_8cOOhuDXhlcjKTk/s640/DSC_0231.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Edward loved the <i>feesh.</i>  He ran through the aquarium like it was the most magical place on earth.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMr0QnsmOBSllrY67YmHNF6a-JcXu5Gq5VqE0SucPBFIyE5pECpcYrryhP7d6Fv1j5tEBKhw7ao_B0YkTAMLgqSDm-LrZnaeoneEuh1Vu_QSHGYvc8vwgDlOpDCxKBIu8UHN2DorKZ9qk/s1600/DSC_0246.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMr0QnsmOBSllrY67YmHNF6a-JcXu5Gq5VqE0SucPBFIyE5pECpcYrryhP7d6Fv1j5tEBKhw7ao_B0YkTAMLgqSDm-LrZnaeoneEuh1Vu_QSHGYvc8vwgDlOpDCxKBIu8UHN2DorKZ9qk/s640/DSC_0246.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Of course, I had to visit the famous <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Painted_ladies">painted ladies</a>.  This is what was playing in my mind as I snapped the picture: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">Ahhh Ahh Ahh Ahhh Ahhhhhahhhh </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">What ever happened to predictability? </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">The milk man, the paper boy, evening T.V. ... </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">Everywhere you look (everywhere) </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">There's a heart (there's a heart) </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">A hand to hold on to. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">Everywhere you look (everywhere) </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">There's a face of somebody who needs you.</span></i></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br /></span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHe3DJx_dK-DHoZCZK-v0bjyv65JStvhNpQl5-HTxskNOFvDITLfKZJRs8R8U0EGPNvWt5JbWmQxJw7oTXIxi8ux40UsGhiWA55SbB8Vdp3-mAqzyqIOesIqC37uS-E5MiQf7_ktI2sC0/s1600/DSC_0299.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHe3DJx_dK-DHoZCZK-v0bjyv65JStvhNpQl5-HTxskNOFvDITLfKZJRs8R8U0EGPNvWt5JbWmQxJw7oTXIxi8ux40UsGhiWA55SbB8Vdp3-mAqzyqIOesIqC37uS-E5MiQf7_ktI2sC0/s640/DSC_0299.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />We then headed to <a href="http://www.pier39.com/">Pier 39</a>, checked out the Sea Lions and had lunch at <a href="http://fogharbor.com/">Fog Habor Fish House</a>, which had great views and great food.  Sea Lions fascinate me.  They're so squishy and blubbery and they love to lie around and snuggle and yell at each other.  It reminds me a lot of my college days.  I could watch that for hours. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5_uH5HdP20ZiOgapW8t114XlZ3VzHS-4WcavlUgKvRaUIZOuwkSiD4MQvqpQn-RlaOFSZH5WmIrT-DlZ41_UdDEREjoS_6T49hHXsWIYvIU5bxx2yJ0IPJTk1KHLqm4_SvLmZcgOchPs/s1600/DSC_0286.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5_uH5HdP20ZiOgapW8t114XlZ3VzHS-4WcavlUgKvRaUIZOuwkSiD4MQvqpQn-RlaOFSZH5WmIrT-DlZ41_UdDEREjoS_6T49hHXsWIYvIU5bxx2yJ0IPJTk1KHLqm4_SvLmZcgOchPs/s640/DSC_0286.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />We walked around a bit, and I bought some chocolate at <a href="http://www.fudge-house.com/">The Fudge House</a>. It was delicious, of course.  After Pier 39, we headed to <a href="http://www.gumps.com/">Gumps</a>, which I'm saving for tomorrow's post - lots of blue and white! Then we had some time so we went to the <a href="http://www.ferrybuildingmarketplace.com/">Ferry Building Marketplace</a>, where I wanted to buy everything.  I love a good farmer's market!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXGYiwTZI0HQbqCQqAJSEdhUgckNMMB2D1np-AKVemwECW3IjVeY1izv74OfadQH30HtD0wKlx-VSjocLTFXT85JfNYdXyhjS-JiUWIOx9iih-_iLgVpYbgFIYdnZRRkfgAO5kbTjo6x4/s1600/DSC_0308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXGYiwTZI0HQbqCQqAJSEdhUgckNMMB2D1np-AKVemwECW3IjVeY1izv74OfadQH30HtD0wKlx-VSjocLTFXT85JfNYdXyhjS-JiUWIOx9iih-_iLgVpYbgFIYdnZRRkfgAO5kbTjo6x4/s640/DSC_0308.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />I found <a href="http://store.davesgourmet.com/productdetails.asp?productcode=dabps+conv">my favorite pasta sauce</a> that I can only buy in the fall at Costco in KC. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1k1NO9tAkFN1hT90i0zvDi99o44TBIEWb61MkJBO8iQQxM0satRsHj6kpvH0UzVRYfjCSnKdq_VVMUcwPPSalfg-c3wGmBMsqt3FMnNkSSQhx1C6z03Sqw6NQxSptOJl1XZSL2uWGM8o/s1600/DSC_0305.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1k1NO9tAkFN1hT90i0zvDi99o44TBIEWb61MkJBO8iQQxM0satRsHj6kpvH0UzVRYfjCSnKdq_VVMUcwPPSalfg-c3wGmBMsqt3FMnNkSSQhx1C6z03Sqw6NQxSptOJl1XZSL2uWGM8o/s640/DSC_0305.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />I heat it up with chicken sausage and pour it over spaghetti and it's like the easiest, yummiest meal ever.  My friend who introduced me to it uses it as a pizza sauce with chicken sausage, carmelized onions and mozzarella, which is also amazing.  Two recipes for y'all! Boom!<br /><br />That night we drove across the Golden Gate Bridge to have dinner at an awesome restaurant in Sausalito  called <a href="http://www.sushiran.com/">Sushi Ran</a>. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidSWzwPwbdcvvS2ymDVSJoG1TRZGhQ_0MOSON0IUtDb-A8Y1gvG64G5soWHq44YNwaoHJfL31pDIWObuYuVxU_6My57IJVbFENg7WTdb1xCyneagw-AREEGUKLqjW8-sGQKUVa3-Z31ZA/s1600/DSC_0323.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidSWzwPwbdcvvS2ymDVSJoG1TRZGhQ_0MOSON0IUtDb-A8Y1gvG64G5soWHq44YNwaoHJfL31pDIWObuYuVxU_6My57IJVbFENg7WTdb1xCyneagw-AREEGUKLqjW8-sGQKUVa3-Z31ZA/s640/DSC_0323.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">How gorgeous is that sunset? Not only did I have some of the best sushi I've ever had (like melt in your mouth delicious), but the atmosphere was so lovely and chill and comfortable.  Edward slept in his infant carseat/stroller contraption at the table with us -- he still hasn't reached the weight limit so as long as he sleeps in the car, I'm keeping him in it.  It was the perfect ending to a super busy day.  </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Tomorrow, I'll share pictures from my trip to Gumps! It's a fabulous store!  I was in hog heaven.  </div><div><br /></div>

San Francisco, Part 1

Morning y'all! Pardon my lack of posting the last few days, I'm in recovery.  Traveling with a toddler is like taking 8 hours of boo...

Read more »