Wow. It seems like we were just celebrating Thanksgiving and now it's December 31. So it's that time again for the annual "Year in Cities" post. Same rules as 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010: One or more nights must be spent in each city.

• Carmel, CA
• Las Vegas, NV
• Scottsdale, AZ
• Boston, MA
• New York, NY
• Singapore
• Bali, Indonesia
• Calistoga, CA
• Guerneville, CA
• Los Angeles, CA
• Los Cabos, Mexico
• Hilton Head Island, SC

We started 2011 in Carmel, and decided to end the year in the seaside town as well. This morning, we walked to La Bicyclette for breakfast (fresh-from-the-oven cinnamon rolls are the daily special on Saturdays!), then strolled around town while it was still pretty empty. We took the long way back to the house with a walk along the beach and then decided to visit the Carmel Mission (it's been on our list of places to check out for a while now).

This year has been busy, busy, busy, so it's nice to take it easy and spend the last day of 2011 relaxing and enjoying such simple pleasures. Here's hoping that 2012 is filled with many more adventures, big and small!

Posted at 12:26 PM | Link
Filed in Travel

With the 49ers-Steelers game delayed yet again because of a power outage, I thought I'd take the opportunity to do a little blog update with some of my favorites things of late.

A couple of weekends ago, my nephew came over to hang out with me while Jon was out of town. We made sugar cookies using these Star Wars cookie cutters. They were cute enough without any adornment, so we didn't bother with any frosting or candies.

I love this neon pink and orange ribbon (apologies for the grainy iPhone photo). It reminds me of the neon holiday decor story that Kate Pruitt wrote for the Anthology winter gift guide.

When we were in Mexico for Thanksgiving weekend, my sister and I did a little shopping in Los Cabos. I got this amethyst and sterling silver ring, which I've worn almost every day since.

The other day, Jon and I were in Bernal Heights and stopped in at Avedano's for the first time — and it will definitely not be our last! The sandwiches there are insanely good. And I don't usually even like sandwiches. Just up the street, Sandbox Bakery is another good spot. I love their cheddar, bacon and scallion biscuits (which I first discovered at Flora Grubb).

Posted at 06:57 PM | Link
Filed in Food & Drink, Friends & Family, This & That

When we first looked at our current home, it was the living/dining area that sold me. The room is rather large, with high ceilings, and views of redwood trees just beyond the deck. For Jon, it may be the living space downstairs that did the trick. He knew right away that he wanted it to be a home theatre and it's the only real project we've undertaken in this house.

Lately, I've been on the lookout for cool movie-related art for that room. And since discovering her Etsy shop yesterday, I can't stop thinking about Claudia Varosio's versions of various film posters.

There are so many to choose from! Decisions, decisions ...

Posted at 05:28 PM | Link
Filed in Casa de Jon-Minh, Design

We ate churros for Thanksgiving. Well, sort of. We spent the holiday itself at my parent's house, but then flew down to Cabo the next morning to surprise my nephew — who was down there for the week celebrating his ninth birthday. It was a crazy short trip (we were in Mexico for less than 48 hours actually), but it was nice to soak in some sunshine for even just a little bit. Here is Jon hanging out in the tiny pool on our patio:

I don't know what's up with his newfangled electronic reading device. Long live print!

Anyway. Our room was pretty awesome. I don't think this sink would work in my bathroom at home, but I love it:

My favorite thing may have been all of the wood in the room, especially the doors.

I am now obsessed with having a gigantic, metal-studded barn door in my house.

Posted at 06:45 PM | Link
Filed in Travel

Last weekend, Meg and I were in L.A. for a handful of photo shoots — literally, a handful. I still can't quite believe that we pulled it off, shooting five homes in two days. I think we both proceeded to take an additional two days off to recover from the whirlwind.

Here's a couple of pics from one of the homes: an adorable 11-year-old pug, and you know, an Emmy award.

     

Last year, during our first-ever business trip for Anthology, Meg introduced me to this great Japanese spot, Furaibo, and during this recent visit, we went back there for dinner. I could eat Japanese food every single day, and that place is right up my alley. Other food highlights: the truffled arancini at Chateau Marmont and the short rib bowl at Forage. On the shopping front, Mohawk General Store was awesome. It was probably a really good thing that our schedule was tight and we didn't have much time to buy stuff!

Speaking of shopping, locally, I'm super excited that Steven Alan is opening up shop next this week in Hayes Valley!

Posted at 03:39 PM | Link
Filed in Anthology Magazine, Travel

We went to the Bridge School Benefit yesterday — it was my first time catching the show, but hopefully won't be my last. You can read more about it and check out additional photos on SF Gate.

Photo: Dylan Entelis / The Chronicle

The line-up was insane and included Arcade Fire, Beck, Eddie Vedder, Foo Fighters, Mumford & Sons and, of course, Neil Young (the organizer of the event, which is in its 25th year). My only gripe about the day? The $9 burritos were made with nacho cheese. I wish I was making this up. It's just not right.

Posted at 06:12 PM | Link
Filed in That's Entertainment

I spent the past two weekends in two very different places: Guerneville (California) and NYC. One was very relaxing, one was anything but (though lots of fun).

In Guerneville, there weren't a lot of places to shop, but I did manage to score this little guy for $2 at Sonoma Nesting Co.:

NYC, on the other hand, provided way too many opportunities to spend money. I think after four days there, I now have to put a moratorium on purchases for the rest of the year. In addition to the usual shoe and handbag temptations at Bergdorf, my wallet had to contend with the recent openings of Ladurée, Marimekko and Uniqlo. The latter was just a couple of blocks from my hotel, and I have to say: I can't believe the lines on opening day! That was some insanity. (Also, why is there almost always a line in front of the Abercrombie & Fitch on Fifth Avenue? I'm so perplexed by this.)

Opening Ceremony expanded its store a few weeks ago and I couldn't resist snapping a picture of the painted stairwell on the third floor:

This weekend, I'm staying put and really looking forward to clearing out some shows on my DVR.

Posted at 04:47 PM | Link
Filed in Travel

Over the past year, we've spent a fair number of weekends in Carmel — in part because we have a free place to stay there. Since we've become regular visitors to the seaside town, we've developed a list of go-to spots:

• Cottage of Sweets: This candy shop is about the size of my kitchen, and is packed with all sorts of sweets. I always get the gummi peaches and chocolate-covered gummi bears; occasionally, I treat myself to a piece of fudge, too.
• Luca: I love the homemade pastas at this casual and affordable Italian eatery. And the bellini martini is a pretty good reason to come here, too. The restaurant recently opened a Salumeria next door, so my new thing is to pick up half a pound of fresh pasta as well as a pint of bolognese, and take it home to enjoy for dinner. (In fact, that's what we'll be having tonight!)
• Aubergine: This is a sister restaurant to Luca; it's located in L'Auberge hotel and offers a more sophisticated experience. You can dine in the main room, or there's also a lounge (basically a room between the hotel lobby and Aubergine). In the lounge, you can order off the Aubergine menu or the lounge menu, so I actually prefer eating in here. The homemade madeleines, which I think are on the lounge dessert menu, are amazing.
• La Bicyclette: We recently tried this place for the first time, stopping in during the window between lunch and dinner, when they offer a limited menu that consists of salads, soups and pizzas. You can also order dessert. Everything we ate was delicious. And I am a fan of the elderflower mimosa. (After reading that the SF Chronicle deemed La Bicyclette one of the best breakfasts in Carmel, we returned in the morning. I thought it was okay.)
• The Tap Room: I don't go to steakhouses very often, but I rarely visit Carmel without going here. I am happy ordering just appetizers (chili, French onion soup, popcorn shrimp) and side dishes (mushroom risotto, potatoes au gratin, mac and cheese, mashed potatoes). Jon loves the grilled bratwurst with sauerkraut.

Less-than-stellar photo of La Bicyclette pizzas via my phone.

Posted at 05:33 PM | Link
Filed in Food & Drink, Travel

I love the blend of rustic and vibrant elements in this table setting:

Friends of ours got married at an estate in St. Helena this weekend, and it was a lovely event — from start to very fun finish.

Jon and I decided to stay at Solage in Calistoga because I've been wanting to check it for a while now. I wouldn't say it was a disappointment, but I think there are other places I'd prefer to stay at in the area. (In Napa Valley, my favorite hotel/resort is The Carneros Inn.)

If you do find yourself in Calistoga during the weekend and it's brunch time, I highly recommend the cinnamon-sugar donut holes at the restaurant at Solage. Other food highlights from the weekend included lunches at Ad Hoc Addendum and Redd. For me, the biggest challenge of visiting the Napa Valley is there are waaay too many restaurants I want to experience, and just not enough room in my belly! (Next time, I'm going to Bottega, for sure.)

Posted at 07:34 AM | Link
Filed in Food & Drink, Friends & Family, Travel

Issue No. 4 of Anthology will be released in a couple of weeks, and it includes a feature on my own home. While the photos in the magazine were shot by Kelly Ishikawa, I recently asked Victoria Smith — yes, that Victoria Smith — to come on over and snap some pics of the place for Refinery29. Victoria's photos, as well as the interview with me, are now up on the site!

I love that Victoria brought Lucy to the shoot. Of course, she made it into a couple of the shots, including the one below (taken in the guest bedroom).

Also: Lots more photos of my home can be seen in Issue No. 4!

Posted at 07:58 AM | Link
Filed in Anthology Magazine, Casa de Jon-Minh

I can't stop looking at these shoes!

The good and bad news is: They don't come in my size. So I can't have them/won't blow $350 on them.

Posted at 10:11 PM | Link
Filed in Wearables

Whatever you did on Sunday was most likely a lot more interesting than what Jon and I did: install about 200 carpet tiles in a garage. (At least it was a garage in Carmel, so it felt just a smidge like a weekend getaway.)

Before

In progress

The tiles are the Flor "Working Class," which was chosen for its durability. The Flor catalog includes a garage done in a checkboard pattern in these colors, and we thought it would be perfect for this space, which will be used as a game room.

It took us about six hours to complete the project. We started at the center (hence the blue chalk lines in the floor in the first photo) and worked our way out to the edges (it's basically wall-to-wall carpeting). I can't wait to see the room once it's filled with the air hockey and foosball tables!

Posted at 09:42 PM | Link
Filed in Projects

A couple of years ago, Jon bought his mom one of the small Longchamp Le Pliage tote bags for her golf outings. I was rather impressed that he picked out such a simple yet stylish design all by himself! A few months ago, when I was thinking about what to bring on our trip to Bali and Singapore, I kept coming back to that same tote. I ended up getting the large size in curry:

It worked out great, especially since I could fit a big stack of magazines in it. (I bought so many foreign magazines during our trip!) The style works for carrying around town or down to the beach. It also has a small pocket for your lip balm, cell phone, hotel key, etc. My only complaint is that I wish the pocket had a closing mechanism. (I ended up attaching some adhesive-backed velcro squares as a temporary fix.)

Posted at 09:29 AM | Link
Filed in Buy! Buy! Buy!, Travel, Wearables

After years and years of doing laundry, it finally happened to me: I washed a dark item with a white item and then the white item was white no longer. I bought this sleeveless wrap top in Singapore and ended up throwing it in the wash with a load that included a pair of navy pants. So when I pulled the top out of the dryer — you guessed it — it was pale blue.

Everything I read about bleaching clothes freaked me out. And I was just about to give up when I had a junior high school flashback: Rit Dye! A quick search on Amazon revealed the existence of a product called Rit Dye 65 Powder White-Wash. The reviews gave me hope that the shirt could be white again. And within seconds of dropping it into the pot of Rit-infused water, it did indeed return to its original color. Here's the proof:

Please pardon the wrinkles — the top was fresh out of the dryer when I snapped the "after" photo. The point is: If you need to revive a white article of clothing, give Rit's White-Wash a try!

Posted at 05:36 PM | Link
Filed in Wearables

Did you see this house in the NYT yesterday? It is one of the best homes that I've ever come across in an editorial. It was featured in an issue of O at Home years ago, and I still remember it very well. (In fact, this house is the reason I was bummed that O at Home closed in 2008. I wanted to see more interesting places like this!)

I love the home's setting and the simple yet well-designed interior. (There's a bunch more photos of the place — inside and out — in the NYT slideshow.)

Posted at 10:19 AM | Link
Filed in Design

I don't spend much time in the kitchen, so if I'm making a dish — on more than one occasion even — then you know you don't need to have any skills to do it yourself.

One of my go-to desserts is the Greek Yogurt Ice Cream that Caitlin Freeman (the pastry chef at Blue Bottle Coffee) provided us for Issue No. 1 of Anthology. It is ridiculously simple, and also ridiculously good. Trust me. It pairs well with anything fruit-related — whether it's just a pile of cut-up fresh fruit or a fruit crumble. We went with the latter for our Fourth of July spread, and it got me thinking that I should share the recipe.

Photo by Thayer Allyson Gowdy (an outtake from the Anthology shoot)

1 cup half-and-half
1 cup sugar
2 cups whole-milk plain Greek yogurt

1. Combine the half-and-half and sugar in a heavy-bottom saucepan and warm over medium heat until sugar is dissolved, stirring about 3 minutes. Be careful to not let it come to a simmer. Pour into a small mixing bowl and press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the mixture. Refrigerate at least 2 hours and up to 1 day.
2. In the bowl of a mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat yogurt on medium until smooth and creamy. With the mixer running, slowly pour in the cold half-and-half mixture, scraping down the sides of the bowl midway through, mixing approximately 2 minutes until combined. Freeze according to the instructions on your ice cream maker.

That's it!

Posted at 02:51 PM | Link
Filed in Anthology Magazine, Food & Drink

I don't usually take outfit photos — as you can see from my Flickr images on the right, I was an utter failure at last year's Bloganista project — but I was so pleased with myself for actually wearing a rather grown-up ensemble today. My usual work uniform = t-shirt + jeans + Converse.

Maybe it was the amazing weather that motivated me to dress up a little today. And the fact that I picked up a bunch of new stuff during my vacation:

In Singapore, I discovered my favorite new label: Écrin. I wasn't able to find much information about the brand online, but I believe it's based in Korea. I bought several pieces and they're so easy to wear, with a bit of a stylish twist. (For example, I love the drawstring waist on this navy top, so you can change the look by cinching it tighter or looser.) The Paul Ropp necklace was purchased in Bali. (I'm trying to accessorize more these days.) And the tote is from a kikki.K shop in Singapore.

Speaking of vacation and clothing, there's a pile of (finally unpacked) laundry that's calling my name!

Posted at 05:17 PM | Link
Filed in Travel, Wearables