Friday Favorites 002

Rise and Shine! This week I've been fighting the rain and trying to stay dry. Metaphorically and in real life, of course... I really need a new umbrella. lol. Aside from the actual rain, I've basking in all the self-care I need to act as an umbrella for sad thoughts. I keep it to a minimum on KK because there are so many brighter things to share and that's where I want to guide all of our energy towards. However, I also want to also be transparent through my highs and lows. I do my best to keep a content, happy, grounded image online. Far too often, I'm actually a hot mess, which a far more accurate depiction of my true self. Sometimes I'm moody and need to recharge. Sometimes, I'm happy but just hilariously clumsy as hell. I'm working on letting loose a bit and showing those more candid & un-curated sides of me.

Through this life-long emotional roller coaster, I gotta tune in to the same advice I often share. I'm no stranger to understanding the importance of emotional first aid, and I'm an open book when it comes to talking through depression and anxiety with friends. I know one of the healthiest things to do is to express what's on your chest, with someone, or through a medium that makes you feel safe. When I have these deeper conversations, one thing always rings true: take it one day at a time. So join me, and let's do just that. 

On another lighter note: I've got another list of fire ass favorites for you all! Keep reading for things I've been feelin' lately!

FRIDAY FAVORITES

1. WINE TASTING IN THE BAY: In the last two months, my girls have been back twice: first for Galentine's and just went back last week for Anjuli's birthday! Sometimes, the trip to wine country is too much of day trip. Rock Wall Wine Company has fine wine, good food, and a huge outdoor patio for lounging all day. It takes nothing more than a short trip across the Bay Bridge for a mini getaway.

2. FOR THE GRAM: As you know my vibe and overall aesthetic is well, dark colors and jewel tones, so Fall forever has my heart. Spring is upon us though, and with new seasons... it's a time to bloom! Time to take risks. I can't get myself into pastels easily except a few poppin' exceptions, but I've been taking some risk with white and I think I've got a few ideas up my sleeve for upcoming fits. For me, capturing the season's elements into my photos are just as important. I came across this read, 6 Tips to Photograph Spring by Artifact Uprising. It gave me some real good inspiration.

3. FOR THE HOME: You guys know how I feel about keeping a cozy minimal home. If you love hygge and other Scandinavian design trends, you'll love this approach to home decor that comes straight from Sweden, called lagom. Pronounced "lah-gom," which means "not too little, not too much," lagom is all about balance and finding that spot that is "just right." It means not overdoing it with clutter or decor, but also not living in a sparsely decorated home or too minimalistic. This lagom decor guide from Invaluable helps you learn more about ways you can easily add lagom decor to your home, like filling your home with plants and other natural materials like wood or stones.

4. BRING IT BACK, BRING IT BACK: One of my favorite posts I've written was Lessons Learned from Growing Up in the Bay. This may sound like a shameless plug, but I read this same post often to remind me of how beautiful, eclectic and diverse the culture is in the Bay. Take a moment to visit this throwback. It'll make you happy you're right at home in this special little bubble of ours.

KK Challenge: Try something new

KK is meant to inspire you to explore new places in San Francisco, but sometimes doing just that makes you realize new things about yourself! On the theme of trying new things, I'm throwing in a new challenge at the end of these KK:FF Round-ups. 

This week it's all about getting out of your comfort zone. Try something new. What is something you have thought about trying but haven't done yet? Manifest it. Even if it's as small as trying that one place you pass by each day, take a moment this week to walk into opportunity. 

Let me know what you'll do to step out of your comfort zone in the comments below! xo

Yoga, Chai and Live Cello

What used to be a laundry mat owned by a family many years ago, is now one of San Francisco modern day creative escapes. The Laundry, is a local hub for creativity, community and connection and has been only open for about a year or so. It's a pop-up coffee shop, an art gallery and a venue, all in one. 

I had the opportunity to discover this sanctuary as a Hype Influencer at one of their several monthly experiences, a yoga class with live cello. Before getting settled, Abbie and I walked downstairs to a dimly lit, yet colorful and calm room. We laid out our mats, and sipped on some chai tea before the rest of class settled in.

Between our instructor Maayan's soothing voice, and Josh McClain's cell vibrations, the environment nurtured a calming sound bath to bring focus to our practice. Something about the vibrations and accoustics of the cello really elevated the whole experience. After a long day in the office as an Executive Assistant, there's nothing I enjoy more than a calming class to slow my pace before bedtime. 

Thank you Hype for hosting a wonderful experience!

If it wasn't for this app, I wouldn't have been able to discover such unique activities in this crazy city. Using Hype has given me the insider scoop to places I've never known about, and new stories that bring happiness and health to my life.

EVENT HOST: Hype
VENUE: The Laundry 
YOGA INSTRUCTOR: Maayan 
CELLIST: Josh McClain

Making Terrariums with Paxton Gate

I can't tell you how long I've been wanting to take a terrarium class! Luckily, Hype App was hosting experiences for a few of their San Francisco influencers, and I received an invitation to attend a class with Paxton Gate. Paxton Gate, a store full of natural world inspired oddities and curiosities has two store locations in the Mission District of San Francisco.

We were welcomed into a naturally lit cozy classroom on the second floor of their building. Wren, our knowledgable instructor had all the materials set out for us upon our arrival. We began the day by introducing ourselves and sharing our inspiration for taking the class. Some of the attendees had been returning visitors from Paxton Gate's previous plant classes, so at that point, I already knew I was in good hands.

We finally got to get our hands dirty! Following her lead, Wren showed us the essential parts of a bog, the ideal environment for carnivorous plants. Unlike others, carnivorous plants such as Venus Fly Traps, Sun Dews and Pitcher Plants need to consume insects because their soils usually lack nutrients. The insects help them stay nourished, and surprisingly, it's more novelty. They really only need about 3-4 small bugs a year to survive.

Wren had all the details visually written on the board for us, which made it extremely easy to follow. The class was so informative, I had to start taking notes on my phone so I knew how to keep my new little plants alive! She set a solid foundation from telling us about each plant's origin, the importance of layers and design and most importantly, aftercare.

Along with meeting several others taking the class, my new friend and fellow Hype Influencer, Nick Ryan was curating a minimal bog. He kept it creative and made it his own! 

BUILDING A BOG

I have the hardest time making decisions sometimes, and it didn't help when we were given so many (and I mean MANY) fun choices! We got to pick from a variety of rocks, plants and moss to incorporate into the bogs. With so much creative freedom, each of us participants went home with a terrarium as unique as ourselves. 

THE END RESULT!

Isn't it adorable?! My newest little plant bbs have been holding up well thanks to having this great class, and it's been fun to watch them catch little bugs around the home. In short, take a class with Wren! She is THE BEST! I know sometimes it's hard to justify paying for a fun class in SF when you can DIY and Pinterest, but I can't express how valuable it was having her botany knowledge and guidance each step through the creation process. 

PAXTON GATE'S PLANT SECTION

After the completion of the class, I walked down the street to Paxton Gate's main location. The store is incredibly one of a kind! I found myself wandering the back of the store and into their patio. The whole back section was full of plants and I was tempted to bring something home, but I knew I had three new plant bbs to take care of, and I was so excited to bring them home. 

Thank you again to Paxton Gate and Hype App for hosting my experience! 

Don't forget to follow me on the Hype App! @kimiko.marie