san francisco hotspots for suitcase magazine

Not only am I super excited to have some photos up over at Suitcase Magazine, the entire project was so much fun because I got to work with my dear friend Christian (who happens to have impeccable taste). I'm really looking forward to working with this team again soon.

vegan cooking class for pause & shine

Pause & Shine hosted a vegan and gluten-free cooking class with Chef Linda Tay Esposito via Kitchit for a small group of women about a week ago. I, personally, was delighted that although the menu was completely vegan, it was also completely nut-free (I'm allergic and most vegan versions of dishes use nuts as substitutes).

Chef Linda created a delectable pan-Asian menu which we then prepared and cooked before eating together at a long, candle-lit table. An ideal Thursday evening in my book.

Find recipes from the evening here and see more photos from the event here.

paris in san francisco

When I can't jet set off to Paris whenever I want, I can find bits of the charming city here in San Francisco. Crissy and I had breakfast at the Hayes Valley La Boulange and sipped cafe au laits from bowls in a quiet, sunny corner of an otherwise busy boulangerie. The soft light and vibrant storefront get me every time. Special thanks to Crissy for being the prettiest model and sweetest friend.

vive la tarte

I teamed up with my pal Ashley to shoot these delectable pies from Vive La Tarte. Arnaud and Julie were delightful to work with-- it was wonderful to hear how they still use traditional family recipes and make all of their tartes based on seasonally available ingredients. I can personally vouch for the creme brûlée, lemon meringue, and beet-apple-goat-cheese (not pictured) tartes. The flavors and textures are divine and I'd be happy to eat the majority of my meals on that crust.

I might be getting carried away. Or not.

jessica

I think our entire office would agree that Jessica is one of the most lively, eccentric people you could ever know. There have been times when I've glanced up from my desk and double took in her direction because she's wearing the most unique, most Jessica outfit you could imagine or she's in the middle of another Whitney dance routine.

So, you can imagine how fun this shoot was at the Legion of Honor. Mix in her beautiful curls and sweet wardrobe alongside golden hour and this is what comes to life.

landon

When I took these photos, Landon was only six weeks but one big baby. It was like he was growing faster than the average rate but still retaining all of his cuteness. It was heartwarming to see him simply watch his surroundings and play with Phil and Liz.

This shoot was in a home and simple for it, but I prefer them this way. I'm a friend, just visiting, and sharing a few quiet moments.

I think there's something to be said about portraits at home.

the holiday violet

The Holiday issue of The Violet is out today and I'm really excited to have contributed a few pieces and photos-- one from my trip to Munich and one where I teamed up with my girl, Kellee, about nail art (that girl is talented).

Now that I've become a Contributing Editor, I've loved the strange combination of routine and surprise (that is, the opportunity to contribute regularly but also the surprise of how cohesive and unique each issue is). This issue is no exception-- I'm particularly loving Molly's piece on dumplings of the world and Carmyn's beautiful photography. I love my Violet family.

the bermudez family

A few months ago I realized that even though I love working for a company I support and believe in, I'd become lackluster about my own passions and my goals for myself. Mostly in the regards to photography. One Portland morning, I had tea with Leela and she reinspired me to try different genres and constantly challenge myself (along with finally posting my portfolio).

Fast forward to a Saturday in the park, with my sister and her beautiful family as my first subjects while I tried my hand at family portraiture. I've always known that I love taking photos of, well... love, but I'd always limited this concept to couples. Little did I realize that family love is a whole big 'nother kind of wonderful love that is just as heartwarming and rewarding to shoot as the other kind. Love is love.