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.

sutro

Having spent the better part of the last four days in bed (read: asleep and/or unable to move from fever or general sickness), I'm anxious to be outside again. I miss the sun and crisp air and the ocean. To me, few things are more calming yet evocative as the ocean.

These photos are from a short trip to Sutro with my nephew, who's recently decided to pick up photography. I'm no pro by a long shot, but I love taking him to my favorite places and teaching him what I know.

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.

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.

lovers' view

I've been fortunate to have a handful of photo shoots so early in the new year but one of my favorite shots so far didn't come from a shoot at all.

We were only at the Sutro Baths for an hour or so but this sweet couple was there before we came and after we left. They looked so happy to be together, keeping warm with their front row view of the Pacific. Simple as that.

ramen family dinner

One Sunday in September, we rented an enormous San Francisco apartment, invited our friends over, and hosted a homemade ramen family dinner.

Ingredients: miso paste (for the broth), nori, ramen noodles, corn, soft boiled eggs, edamame, fish cakes, mushrooms, spicy pepper and oil, and good company.

dynamo donuts

The kind of place with chocolate rose and caramel del sel donuts (among many others). The donuts were rich and indulgent, but my favorite was the lavender view.

Check out Katrina's photos here.

backyard birthday

The cutest little backyard party, complete with picnic blankets, sparklers, and an outdoor showing of Midnight in Paris.

Happy Birthday, Airbnb!