Thank you bloggers, customers and friends for all of your support these past years. I am overwhelmed by your continuous interest and enthusiasm, and truly humbled by each and every one of you that take time out of your busy lives to leave comments on this blog.
1. Wall of Streamers-MS, 2. highfashiondav3, 3. 26, 4. Champagne Cork, 5. Tissue Paper Chandeliers, 6. DP Rosé 1988!, 7. Rose champagne - infinite bubbles, 8. Pink Champagne On Ice, 9. black patent oxfords, 10. afterparty, 11. pink cupcakes, 12. Emily & Neal #22
Therese's lovely ironstone set
Next we have the, "IboughtthisformyselfforChristmas" gift. Love that! I think we can all relate. Ruth at The Beautiful Life had been eye-balling this antique industrial steel cart for over a year. She finally broke down and treated herself. It helped that the shop owner had marked the price down 50%!
Ruth was so elated to finally own her "dream cart," but puzzled as to where to put it. So, it sat on the porch for awhile. And then, walla! The kitchen was the perfect spot to use it as a sideboard/island. Look at all the cute things she put on it. Good job Ruth!
The kitty enjoyed the "dream cart" before its kitchen destination
Don at Civility Design was absolutely in love with this Art Nouveau 'Seau a Glace' (ice bucket) from the early 1900's. He purchased it from a dealer in France and gave it to his partner Jaymes for the holidays. What an exquisite piece!
"Breathtakingly beautiful, elegant and artistic in person, that is as much a piece of art as it is functional! Objet d'art to the highest degree!!" --Don (I couldn't agree more. I would love to have one grace my sideboard!)
Well, the holidays are almost over. Hope you had a wonderful one, filled with joy, laughter and memories to cherish.
What a fun way to start off the New Year! Noel at Fanciful Designs is having a giveaway with some very special treats...
The winner also receives a 2010 calendar -- an exclusive poster from one of my favorite shops, 'Tail of the Yak' in Berkeley, California. So beautiful!
Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas.
Sitting at the computer so much, my back, neck and shoulders are constantly hurting. Well, stumbled upon these goodies in the mall. Yes, one of those kiosks in the mall, and I was sold. Heat these babies up for two minutes in the microwave, rest on your aching body, and walla! It loosens all of those muscles.
2004 Holiday Card - Toasting in the New Year with Frank Sinatra
1994 Holiday Card - Us as kids
2000 Holiday Card - Vito celebrates Chanukah & Christmas
2002 Holiday Card - Cable Car ride in San Francisco to do some holiday shopping
2005 Holiday card- Hanging out in the Haight
I used to get really sad watching hundreds of people glaring at these little animals and taking photos. Then I spoke with my neighbor who has been volunteering this year. She said that over 200 animals have already been adopted.
All cats and dogs up for adoption have been medically screened, vaccinated, micro-chipped and spayed or neutered. SPCA representatives are at Macy’s while the pets are on display to answer questions from anyone interested in pet adoption.
This weekend San Francisco hosts the Renegade Craft Fair Holiday Sale at Fort Mason. I've never attended one before, so I thought I'd check it out! Great to support small businesses during this holiday season.
There were over 150 vendors selling everything from jewelry and clothing, to ceramics and stationery.
I love the beautiful paper products by Diva Pyari at Linea Carta. Diva grew up in the fashion industry in California, later living in the north of Italy, and all along practicing new forms of craft; painting, printing, jewelry-making, clothing design, graphic design and calligraphy.
Love these cards. Original illustration and hand-lettering, individually screenprinted by the artist. 
Beautiful linen "Under the Sea" calendar...
There were a ton of folks flocked around this booth. Ex Libris Anonymous creates one-of-a-kind journals that are all made from recycled book covers.
Since I love typography, the Ork Posters line intrigued me. Their neighborhood posters have wonderful graphics.
Each poster features a map of the area, with each neighborhood listed in beautifully twisted typography.
But, of course, San Francisco...
Recession Clothing. What an apropos name. Recession Clothing started in 2007, in the midst of the economic downturn, with the belief that it’s time to go "small."
Each piece of clothing is meticulously made in small studio in West Oakland, California. I'm kind of loving their Heather Snap Neck Dress. What a great layering piece.
What's a day at a craft fair without some sweet treats? P.O.P. Candy's booth was brimming with shoppers. Their yummy handmade brittle is delivered fresh from Santa Monica, California.
But of course, I purchased 3 bags; the traditional mixed nut P.O.P. mix, Rosemary Almond, and Pecan Butter Crunch. Yummy. One bag eaten so far...(no...not just by me...)
Their 49 Mile Drive Series caught my eye. Each of these 8×10 paintings is individually painted on canvas by Annie Galvin.
Well, I couldn't resist purchasing one for my office. This is the lovely Annie holding my newest addition!
What have I been doing since Tuesday? Looking up at the sky for a balloon. That's right, a yellow helium balloon with a magical golden key to the Palace Hotel.
Whoever finds the balloon and its golden key will get a special prize - a three-day stay in Room 888, the Palace's Presidential Suite, a luxurious accommodation that comes with a tragic history. President Warren G. Harding died in the Presidential Suite in August 1923.
First we had brunch at the Claremont Resort & Spa nestled in the Berkeley Hills. The Claremont Resort opened in 1915 as the Claremont Hotel, and is one of the most beautiful properties in Northern California.
Oh, such a stunning family... models for sure... (left to right) Janet, Jeanna, Noel
Us gals ready for our egg breakfasts...with fruit of course...
What would a short visit be without a little shopping? Of course, a trip to Addison Endpapers was on the agenda.
Addison Endpapers is located on Telegraph Avenue in Oakland. Yes, the same Addison family as in Wendy, who I blogged about a couple of weeks ago. This is one talented family. Okay, I'm divulging one of my favorite secret spots...ssshh....
The shop is filled with the most beautiful items like handcrafted paper boxes, gift wrap, notions and vintage jewelry.
Noel & Janet admiring the beautiful paper goods...
Noel's little pile is building up. So far, miniature mushrooms and fancy paper tags...
These gorgeous boxes are entirely handcrafted by the Addisons...
One of my favorite boxes...what amazing workmanship...
Love the wrapping paper...
Jars of notions await you as you walk in...
Janet & I with our silliest grins!