a n h - m i n h . c o m

A while back, Meg put out a call for some helping hands for her fabulous Modern Economy sales. I couldn't make it to the SF event in April, but signed up for the Portland sale. It went down this weekend, which also marked my birthday. Initially, I was going to travel solo ... But then my sister wanted to join me, since her best friend lives up there. And then Jon decided to tag along as well.

So, in the end, I got to spend my birthday weekend with all sorts of great people. Which, of course, makes me one lucky lady. But on top of the awesome company I kept? I picked up some fantastic stuff at the sale. AND I enjoyed meals at Clyde Common and Saucebox. AND I met Lise (from Apartment Therapy) and Sally in person! AND I just had to squeeze in multiple trips to Stumptown Coffee.

Not only was the Stumptown coffee excellent, but they had these beautiful glass light fixtures. Pretty, pretty.

Posted at 08:07 AM | Link

• Yesterday, Jon completed his first century ride. Ever. And it was for an incredible cause: the Lance Armstrong Foundation. Because he raised a certain level of funds for the San Jose Livestrong Challenge, we were invited to a dinner on Saturday night. (Yes, Lance was there with Kate Hudson.) It was amazing to hear all of these inspirational stories and we're looking forward to possibly going to Austin later this year for the Ride for the Roses.
• I visited the home of a shoe designer this weekend for a future SF Chronicle article. This is what I learned: I am not a size 4 in women's shoes afterall. I'm a frickin' size THREE. And I have narrow heels. Perhaps I'm destined to shop in the children's shoe department forever.
• Elizabeth came over yesterday to take photos of the areas of our house that she's been especially instrumental in designing. The whole move/new house thing is just now starting to feel real. I've even started packing up some boxes, but there are many many more boxes to go.

Posted at 08:17 AM | Link

When I saw Jill's collection of house drawings over at Together Gallery, I had to ask if she would consider a commissioned piece of my own house. I was thrilled that she agreed, and even more thrilled when I received the drawing yesterday:

I love the way she's captured our house with her unique style of illustration. And this is definitely something we'll proudly display for many years to come — no matter where we live.

Posted at 07:38 AM | Link

One of the booths I'm most looking forward to at next week's National Stationery Show is that of Mixed Co.:

Last year, some of the super-talented ladies who make up this collective shared a booth that was one of the best I saw at Javits. And I can't wait to see what they've come up with for this year's show!

Posted at 08:22 AM | Link

• A good Friday indeed! The office was closed, so I spent the day running around SF with Elizabeth. Lots of design stuff accomplished for the house. And even a yummy lunch at Luna Park. (Mmmm ... mini-corndogs ...)
• Saturday entailed more driving — this time to Berkeley. I made a stop at Bette's Oceanview Diner's take-out for old time's sake (years ago, I worked on Fourth Street). The lemon-pistachio cookies are just as good as I remember.
• I was in the (510) working on an article and was lucky enough to squeeze in a lunch with Lisa and Nancy at 900 Grayson. I had never heard of the restaurant before, but I'd definitely go back for the spicy chicken and waffles.
• Today, I had to work off some of the calories from the cookies and fried chicken. Yes, it was my morning with the trainer. Afterwards, I watched my nephews scour the backyard for Easter treats.
• Jon was in Tahoe the past few days, so I made some progress on a couple of house projects, too. Well, my productivity had more to do with the lovely weather than his absence. Spraypainting the guest bedroom nightstands has been on the list for a long time, but the weather finally cooperated.

And that was my weekend!

Posted at 07:57 PM | Link

We spent the weekend in Carmel, celebrating Jon's birthday. There were gifts (though sadly his big present requires a six-month wait). There was cake (tiramisu). There was a much-needed visit to the spa (him, not me). And, of course, a trip to the Big Sur Bakery (one of my favorite spots).

Posted at 10:18 AM | Link

We are all done with our holiday shopping! Woo-hoo! And we didn't venture into a single store. I am loving all of the free shipping offers that abound right now, as well as the Amazon two-day free shipping that Jon's dad hooked us up with.

But the really big decision remains: What to get for dessert on Christmas Eve? I think we may have to hit up Miette *and* Noe Valley Bakery.

Posted at 06:56 PM | Link

So how did we end up spending Thanksgiving in Mexico?

Earlier this year, my dad put in a request for a family vacation to Los Cabos. Now, this is a man who doesn't ask for much. Which means that when he does ask for something, everyone pays attention. But with the kids' school schedules and other vacation plans already on the calendar, the only time we could all travel together was Thanksgiving week. So off we went — 12 of us — down to Mexico last Tuesday.

While we still managed to have turkey for Thanksgiving dinner (well, everyone except my brother, who opted for a grouper entree), it was the empanadas, the churros, the hot chocolate (good in the evenings), the fish tacos, the chile rellenos, the mango smoothies and the buñuelos that I have the fondest memories of. Food-wise, that is.

In terms of quality family-time, there was plenty of that as well. In addition to days (and I do mean entire days) spent at the beach or pool, there was a dolphin outing and a fishing excursion (we've got the mahi mahi sitting in our freezer as a souvenir). My brother's family took the bulk of the photos, but here are a few from my camera:

The view from our beachfront balcony.

Continue reading "Thanksgiving Travels" »

Posted at 08:17 PM | Link

Since our anniversary fell on a Tuesday this year, we put off our anniverary trip a few days and headed up to Napa on Friday afternoon. Every year, around our anniversary, we take a trip somewhere. Somewhere close, somewhere far — doesn't matter. The only rule is that it can't be a destination where we've already stayed overnight together. We're supposed to alternate planning the trip, so it's a surprise to the other person. But I blew it this year so Jon knew in advance that we were heading to the Wine Country.

We stayed at the fantastic Carneros Inn, which I *loved*. I've been wanting to check out this place for years, and it did not disappoint. At all. Food highlights included dinner at FARM, lunch at Bistro Jeanty (the tomato soup in puff pastry is excellent), and dinner at Ad Hoc. Of course, we enjoyed a few tastings (Joseph Phelps, Twomey and Silver Oak). Here are some photos from the weekend — taken despite the fact that I dropped/broke our camera:*

Among the grapes at Clos Pegase, which features architecture by Michael Graves.

Eh. We weren't that impressed really.

Our cottage at the Carneros Inn.

Mmmm ... Yummy wood fence post.

* Jon is always harassing me about using the wrist-strap when I'm taking pictures. This just further proves that I really should listen to him more often.

Posted at 06:04 PM | Link

Poor Jon. In the name of our anniversary, I dragged him up to the city last night after work. First stop: The Curiosity Shoppe. I got a sneak preview of the store, which is officially opening tomorrow night. (You can read more about that at AT:SF.) Next up: Dinner at The Salt House. We love Town Hall (the same folks are behind both restaurants), but were disappointed in the fare at SH. At least the dessert was tasty. Final destination: Meg's Craft, Inc. launch party. it was fun seeing so many familiar faces, and there was a steady stream of people lining up to have Meg sign their books. We joined the line, just so we'd have a chance to chat with the busy lady!

And speaking of busy! Not only are Derek and Lauren of The Curiosity Shoppe working feverishly to get the store open, they are also kicking off a new craft column over at design*sponge. Today, they're showing us how to make wine crate display cases. Awesome.

Posted at 10:10 AM | Link

This marriage thing? Pretty great.

Posted at 08:38 AM | Link

Look what has been officially announced! I'm planning on attending ... hopefully you will, too?

Posted at 02:27 PM | Link

So I completely forgot to take any pictures last Saturday — even though I was all psyched to participate in "24 Hours of Flickr." At least Evo had her camera by her side ...

Look at all the pretty colors!

Notice how ridiculously large that chocolate cake is. We managed to drive that beast from SF all the way to The Sea Ranch without much damage to the towering chocolate pieces. What can I say? My husband knows how to work those windy roads when there's a two-foot cake in a cooler in the way back of the car. (Apparently, all of that extra-careful driving made him really hungry.)

My feet are the ones that look like they belong to a seven-year-old. (I wear a size 2 in children's shoes.)

I like this picture because I look really tall. Thank goodness for big rocks to stand on.

One last look:

Posted at 03:26 PM | Link

We spent the weekend down at Sea Ranch, where the coastal breezes were quite welcome. We grilled lots of yummy meats, walked down to the beach, caught up on magazine reading, relaxed on the deck, stayed up way past our usual bedtime, and barely made a dent in a chocolate cake the size of my torso (we were there celebrating Phill's birthday).

Now we're back at home — where it's 80+ degrees in the house. Yep, it's around that time of year when we start wishing we had a/c in the house.

Posted at 08:59 PM | Link

• The in-laws were in town this weekend and on Friday night, we headed to The Village Pub — one of our local favorites — for dinner. After we had consumed our entrees, the GM stopped by our table. It turns out, he was familiar with my food blog! And he comped our desserts! And he remembered Jon's name! And that someone in the family was from South Carolina! The food that night had already left a favorable impression on all of us, but after the GM's visit, my father-in-law remarked that THAT is how you run a successful business. Indeed.
• Yesterday, I had the pleasure of hanging out with Jill and Meg in San Francisco. I cannot wait to see what these two talented ladies come up with for the Stationery Show in NYC in May.
• Today, I was back in the city — this time, with Jon in tow. Our good friend Nick's one-act play was performed as part of the 6th Annual BOA Festival. It had SUCH a good twist at the end! No wonder it had already been selected for festivals in Chicago and San Diego, too!

Posted at 08:33 PM | Link

Further proof that our friends have the cutest babies:

Noah - born February 26

Posted at 01:53 PM | Link

I love my sister dearly, but when it comes to Christmas, she sucks. She's one of those people who buys things whenever she wants, so there's nothing left in the entire world to get her when the holidays roll around. Plus, she is so generous, and loves giving so much, that she 1) has trouble keeping presents a secret, or 2) wants to be the giver of all great gifts.

Example #1:
Us, entering the bookstore...
Me: I need your help with ideas on what to buy Mike (her husband).
Her: Okay. I'll try to think of something.
We separate for 15 minutes, meeting up again at the cash register.
Me: Hey, is that a guitar book for Mike?
Her: Yes.
Silence.
Me: Maybe I can buy it for him for Christmas?
Her: Yeah, I thought about that when I picked it up. But no.

Example #2:
Her: What do you think of this sweater?
Me: It's cute. I like it.
Her: I got you one for Christmas! Act surprised.

Example #3:
Conversation two days ago...
Me: We need wishlists for the boys.
Her: Okay. I'll try to think of things they need.
Conversation today...
Her: So I bought the boys some clothes at GapKids...
Me: Why did you buy it? Why not just put them on the wishlists!!!
Her: Sorry.

Posted at 06:03 PM | Link

Wow. This was the first year I actually did eat way too much. My brother and sister-in-law cook with enough butter to even shock Paula Dean.

And just so you understand why I'll be on the couch recovering for the next 18 hours, this was tonight's dessert consumption: pumpkin pie, carrot cake, rugalach, cupcakes AND apple bread.

I'm thankful we only eat like this once a year. And I'm thankful for elastic-waistband pants.

Posted at 08:58 PM | Link

Everyone thinks that the kids related to them are THE cutest ever, right? Well, I'm no exception. Here are my nephews — the astronaut and the San Jose Sharks hockey player:

We took the boys trick-or-treating, checked out all of the scary houses on the block, admired the other kiddies dressed up for the holiday, and returned home to dole out fistfuls of candy. Just like last year, the sweets went fast. We shut off our lights at 8pm and then retreated to the back of the house, where we're still hiding out from the remaining trick-or-treaters wandering about our neighborhood. (Jon's actually working on a take-home midterm, while I'm sifting through the many holiday catalogs that have already started flooding our mailbox.)

And, yes, we got at least one Steve Irwin at our door tonight.

Posted at 08:31 PM | Link