vmac+cheese

This week I…

+ Did four loads of laundry. Trust me, this is an accomplishment. Folding it all is another issue entirely.
+ Guest posted (today, actually!) on The Yuppie Files, where I’m sharing 10 random facts about myself. Sweet Valley may have come up.
+ Had lunch with Erin of Apartment 34 fame. She inspires me!
+ Heard back about an apartment we wanted to rent in Aix en Provence. We got it! We’ve never done an apartment rental abroad before, so I’m a little nervous but also really excited. It’s going to give us good reason to shop the local markets and I can’t wait to sample the produce there.
+ Finally was able to decide on and book a hotel for the coastal portion of the adventure. We’ll be in the tiny town of Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, not far from Villefranche-sur-mer. Hello, sunshine.
+ Went dress shopping with my mom. We ordered one!
+ Had a fantastic dinner on Wednesday night at new local favorite Terzo. How I lived in SF for almost 6 years without going there is beyond me!
+ Worked on the curriculum for a cooking class I’m teaching this Sunday. It’s the first in a series of 6 I’m doing and I’m totally stoked. This first class is going to focus on basics. I’ve been looking through some different notes and books from my culinary school days and it’s been like a walk down memory lane. And actually, I just learned there are a couple spots in the class that have opened up, so if you’re in SF and are interested, email me!

LINK OF THE WEEK: Earlier this week when I was hunting down an image source, I came across this post on Nichole’s blog, which led to the blog 47 Park Avenue. It chronicles the renovation of a beautiful old London home, owned by Michael and Jonathan. If you have a thing for ridiculous light fixtures…you might die a little when you see this project. (Like this or this). Also, I am now obsessed with this simple dressing area.

Bon weekend, friends!

{Image Credit: Jeremy Harwell for Decor8}

Filed under: Friday Link Love | 17 Comments »

This week I…

+ Guest posted over on Alex’s blog, and shared more details about Vivaleur! This website should be coming any day you guys, so stay tuned.
+ Obsessed over the above jacket, which I saw on Hanneli, for no less than half an hour. Scalloped edges meet Chanel meet glamma chic. Joe had a bunch of shirts made at a local atelier, and now I’m brainstorming how I can get this jacket made there too.
+ Scheduled an engagement photo shoot. We went back and forth on doing this, but as I built out the wedding website (which has undoubtedly been the most fun part thus far), I realized some photos of us that aren’t 3 years old (or 9, in some cases) might be nice. We shoot in just a few short weeks! I bought this little dress for the occasion.
+ Got really excited, because my mom is flying out from Texas next week to come see my potential wedding dress with me. It’s NOT the Jenny Packham. It’s another one. Me and that dress, we’re almost in a serious relationship…and I just need my mom’s stamp of approval. Beyond the dress viewing, I’m looking forward to taking a day or two off of work and hanging out with her in the city. I haven’t seen her since late last summer. Yeah, I know.
+ Started booking out hotels for our big French vacation, and found that we might have waited a little too long. This is SO unlike me, but I guess I’ve had other things on my plate! To all you amazing readers who commented and emailed before regarding your experiences there… what is the one city you think we should base ourselves out of in Provence, and what is the one city we should base ourselves out of on the Cote d’Azur? We’re finding we might have to forgo our original plans, and I’m looking for 2nd and 3rd home base options! Send hotel recs!
+ Spiffed up the house a little and got ready for the weekend. We’re having friends over tomorrow night for a pizza and game night thing. Praying I am not hungover on Sunday.

LINK OF THE WEEK: Two to share! (more…)

Filed under: Friday Link Love | 17 Comments »

This week I…

+ Wondered how on Earth I ever lived without an iPhone for this long. I mean, seriously, Instagram? It looked like you people were having fun, but I just had no idea how MUCH!
+ Officially booked our plane tickets to France. Two weeks spent in Paris, Lyon, Provence and the Cote d’Azur. Who’s excited? This girl.
+ Completed a birthday invitation graphics project that was super fun to put together. So sparkly and pretty — it made ME want to throw a party!
+ Had lots of Skype calls, both for clients and to connect and catch up with friends. Whoever invented Skype is my hero. It’s the next best thing to grabbing a coffee with someone when they live a bagillion miles away.
+ Got my ass handed to me at my first barre class in months. I rewarded myself with an entire bag of Kettle barbecue chips. Sooo, basically back at square one.
+ Decided that the weeks are going by much faster now that I’m working at home. I think this must mean I’m having a good time.

Wait, it’s Friday, again, already? And APRIL? Is this real life?

What does everyone have planned for the weekend? We have another low key couple of days ahead of us. Last night at dinner I asked Joe what he wanted to do this weekend and he goes, “Catch up on sleep.” This usually translates into sleeping in until the very late hour of 8am, then doing something like a long walk around the city and brunch. Which, yeah, okay, isn’t really all that bad. If I had planned ahead in any sort of way, I would’ve figured out some hilarious April Fool’s joke for this Sunday. I’m organized, but not THAT organized.

Link of the week: A few good ones to share! (more…)

Filed under: Friday Link Love | 18 Comments »

This week I…

+ Begin reaching out to some of my favorite small business owners to sponsor this here blog. Consider this the official call! If you’re interested in sponsoring vmac+cheese — whether you’re an Etsy shop owner, a small brand, a big brand, or even a blog — shoot me an email and we can talk rates and package deals.
+ Had three fantastic blog consult/Photoshop Elements tutorial calls with equally as fantastic clients.
+ Had a great FaceTime chat with Gabrielle, who provided me with lots of France recommendations! I am also secretly obsessed with her adorable Australian/Canadian accent.
+ Got together with friends from my previous job for lunch. It was just like old times…minus the work drama (well, for me at least).
+ Guest posted over at Amber Interiors, where I shared some truly embarrassing photos of my messy house. Welcome to my real life!
+ Sent in my passport for renewal. Thank goodness I remembered to do this with enough time to spare.
+ Am getting my hair cut today. I can’t even talk about how badly I’m in need of this. I got a great deal through Bloomspot and will be trying out this salon. It’s perfect because after the cut, I’m headed over to try on that wedding dress, so I won’t look like a complete mess. Fingers crossed I like the dress slash it’s not a bagillion dollars.

We have zero plans this weekend (well, minus a dinner double date tomorrow night), and I’m looking forward to a low key couple of days after the hustle and bustle of the last few weekends. I can’t believe next weekend, April begins. WHERE IS THE TIME GOING?

Link of the week: A couple great links to share with you! First, I really loved Julie’s DIY paper-covered tray. Very easy for newbie crafters like me and so customizable to your own home! Give it a look. Second, I loved looking through the roundup of bookcases Nancy found that feature old issues of National Geographic. My parents had a huge collection of these magazines when I was a kid…I am 99.9% sure they ended up in recycling. Oh how I’d love to have them now!

Bon weekend, everyone.

{Image Credit: Mark Saleen Photography via Desire to Inspire}

Filed under: Friday Link Love | 15 Comments »