Femme Fair 2018

If you follow me on IG, or know me IRL, then you know that April was my busiest month yet. Along with putting the final touches on a 4-month-long planning process for a big client launch, signing a new client, and starting more new work, I also participated in this year's Femme Fair. There were many points in April where I thought I was losing my mind with just how busy I was (lol), but seeing everything come together and making it through with the support of so many wonderful people made it all worth it.

For those of you haven't seen my oodles of Instas promoting it, Femme Fair is a female-empowerment event that brings together women to connect, inspire, and shop! 2018 marked its second year and I was honored to take part in it alongside 14 other badass blogger babes, a handful of inspiring speakers, and, of course, a team of fiercely talented founding gals. As a gal who has only ever had a small group of gal pals in her life, I was overjoyed to meet, connect, and bond with so many strong and inspiring ladies through this event. I was also utterly impressed by everyone's creativity -- the booths were unreal. Speaking of booths, mine would have been nothing (and I mean nothing) without the help of my endlessly supportive, patient, and loving boyfriend. Did I mention that the stack of pancakes sitting on my table was a surprise from him? Yeah, I know. He wins the "best boyfriend of the year" award for that one.

Well, enough words from me. After the jump, see more of this year's Femme Fair captured by Jess Onesto.

Food Friday: Eat, Drink (and be merry) SF

Eat, drink and be merry. Isn't that what it's all about? Give me a reason to celebrate food and I'm there. Just late last month, I had the pleasure of attending another year of Eat Drink SF at Fort Mason. (You may remember the last time I visited, here!) This year, I attended on Sunday, which was a special celebration in honor of the 80th anniversary of the Golden Gate Restaurant Association. On this day of the festival, "legacy restaurants" (those that had been open for at least 20 years) were present, sharing some special bites. Some legacy restaurants you may know of include Alfred's Steakhouse, Sutro's at the Cliff House and Tosca Cafe! Newer restaurants were present too, but it was the perfect mix of new and old that made the day special. A few favorite bites included: Pellegrino's salt and pepper fried chicken (yes, Pellegrino!), Teleferic Barcelona's "El Torito" (think: chorizo in a blanket), and Scoma's smoked salmon with cucumber + fresh horseradish. One thing I love most about San Francisco is all of the amazing restaurants and corresponding food festivals that highlight the talent in the bay. Eat Drink SF is hands down one of my very favorites. Check out the mouthwatering photos at the jump to see why!

Beauty Bites: A Date with Dior

It's not often that you're offered a date with Dior. So when Christian comes a-calling, you gotta answer. The day after I returned from my Coachella / SoCal adventure, I got in a car and made my way down to the new Dior Beauty boutique at the Westfield Valley Fair Mall in Santa Clara. It's actually one of three brand new boutiques solely dedicated to beauty opening up this year - meaning makeup, skincare and fragrance all in one place. Oh, oh and did I mention the boutique is the largest one in the country? Yeah - endless cosmetics, you guys. Starting this month, they'll even have a private spa room for facials, so you can get that full beauty game going in a day's visit. So, you can see why I didn't want to miss out on previewing the new space, right?

pancakeREVIEW: Shoes of Prey Custom-Designed Sandals

About three weeks back, I was introduced to the Australian-based shoe retailer, Shoes of Prey. I had never heard of the brand before, but was intrigued when I found out they were launching shop at Nordstrom. I've always associated Nordstrom with great service and quality, so anything the brand partners on, I'm all ears.

YOU'RE INVITED: Masala Bhangra with pancakeSTACKER & ATHLETA SF

Hello, friends! I'm hosting another fun fitness class with my pals at Athleta on Fillmore this Saturday, 12/3 from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. and would love for you to join us. Last time around it was Zumba - this time? Bollywood dancing! Being that I'm a fitness class lover and dance enthusiast, I think this one will be right up my alley, and yours too, I hope! Along with moves to wake you up, there will be something special for the first 25 who show up, and free holiday wrapping to get you jump started on your presents for the season.

RSVP, here!

EVENT: Makers Market Holiday Pop-Up, 11/19

The holidays are steadily approaching, but fear not, I've got just the thing to help you knock out some shopping. Join me this Wednesday, November 19th for a fun little holiday pop-up shop with Makers Market, a purveyor of handmade in the USA, organic, sustainable or ethically-produced products. I'll be there alongside Kelly of A Side of Sweet and Caroline of Perfect 10 SF. If you're looking to support the makers this holiday season, this is your chance to do it. After the jump, see my top picks for the holiday season. 

Food Friday: Veuve Clicquot #VCTasting at Namu Gaji

Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of dining at Namu Gaji for a private Veuve Clicquot tasting. It was an evening filled with Clicquot-yellow and lots and lots of bubbly! Veuve Clicquot Champagne Specialist, Francois Hurtel hosted the tasting and walked us through four rare vintages including a Vintage Blanc 2004, Non-Vintage Rosé, Vintage Rosé 2004, and Clicquot Demi-Sec. It was such a treat to take part in such a memorable evening. Prior to the event, Namu Gaji was on my foodie list of places to try out, so I was ecstatic to finally cross that one off the list. Okay, but enough small talk - let's get to the food, shall we?  

Alyssa Nicole Fall '14 "Still Cold" Collection Preview

I recently had the pleasure of attending the Alyssa Nicole Fall 2014 collection preview, which took place on FIDM's beautiful rooftop deck. True to San Francisco's nature, the Karl the Fog came rolling in just as the models started walking out. And, although it made for a chilly evening, nothing better could have set the mood for the show. This season, the line was filled with deep blues, inspired by coldness and the stars. The line, appropriately named, "Still Cold" was Alyssa's interpretation of fragility. While I've loved all of Alyssa's past lines, I can't tell you all enough how much I loved this one. As soon as the models starting lining up in tweed and soft wool, I knew this was Alyssa's best collection yet. I can only dream of wearing those perfectly structured pencil skirts to meetings! But enough about what I think. Scroll through to see all of Alyssa's beautiful pieces and more scenes from the evening.

YOU'RE INVITED: Zumba Saturday with pancakeSTACKER & ATHLETA SF

I'm so excited to invite you guys to a fun fitness-filled event I'm hosting with Athleta on Fillmore this upcoming Saturday, August 23rd! The event starts early in the day at 8:30am with a one hour Zumba class, where you can all show off your killer dance moves. From 10-12, we'll have prizes, giveaways, food, and juice tastings by Project Juice! Athleta just got in a ton of cute new clothes for fall, so I'd bet my bottom dollar that some of you won't resist the urge to leave the store without them. I picked out my 'fit for the event a little early just to give you guys a sneak peek on what you can expect to see in store. All are welcome to join, so please feel free to RSVP and spread the word! You can sign up, here.

Barneys New York SF x Givenchy Beauty Event

All photos by: Melissa de Mata

I recently hosted an event at Barneys New York SF in partnership with Givenchy. It was an evening filled with makeovers and some of my closest blogging buddies. I tried out a darker nude lip, something I wouldn't normally put on myself, but loved that I was able to experiment with colors outside my comfort zone. It was even more fun to watch each gal transform and take on a new look -each look was different from the one before.

pancakePRIZES: Gilt City and La Marca Spa Event Giveaway

San Francisco, it's time to treat yourself. Gilt City and La Marca Prosecco are having a fun little soiree for all those who are ready to get pampered. Join us, next Thursday, June 26th at my favorite city salon, Beauty Company for champs, manis, pedis and more! There are two sessions available: 6 - 7:45 pm or 8 -9:45 pm. Tickets are $35 through Gilt, but I'm offering two free tickets for my lovely readers!

My favorite type of "me" time is actually yoga. Don't get me wrong, I love a mani pedi and massage, but nothing gets me calm like an hour long yoga session. What about you? Comment below with your favorite "me" time ritual, along with which session you'd like to attend, and you'll be entered for a chance at a ticket!  I'll email winners on Wednesday, June 25th, so be sure to leave your contact info! 

What To Do in San Francisco This Weekend

I rarely post about upcoming weekend events, but with so many cute things going on, I thought I'd help share some things that I think you've gotta try. Be warned, most of this list is comprised of foodie nods, but since you presumably also like food, I thought you wouldn't mind. If you like this type of post, let me know and I'll add weekend roundups to my schedule of posts!

Bacon Bouquets from BloomThat 

What: BloomThat and Bacon Bacon have teamed up to send you bouquets of bacon! Enjoy 6 pieces of bacon (along with one chocolate covered one) for $15, all within 90 minutes of ordering. 

Where: Delivery available in SF, Palo Alto, San Jose, Oakland and Berkeley (You can order a bacon bouquet from ANYWHERE in the U.S., but recipients must be located in one of the aforementioned markets.)

When: Saturday, 6/14 through Sunday, 6/15 from 11am - 3pm

Why: Forget to get dad a present? Here's one way to say ILY. And, if you didn't forget, get it for yourself, because, well... bacon.

The Brownie and Madam Optical Co. Blogger Brunch

A little known (but maybe not-so-secret) about me is that I wear glasses. There used to be a time when I'd rock my specs full time, but as I grew older, contacts were easier to wear, and great fitting frames were hard to find. Nonetheless, every single night, I take out my contacts to give my eyes a rest and put on my frames. I've always settled for glasses I sort of liked, because I knew I'd only wear them at night. And then, I was introduced to Brownie and Madam and I'm happy to report that I've found a set of specs that I can't get enough of.

Join Me! FREE Target C9 by Champion Boot Camp Class, 6/14

You all know that I love to work up a sweat. Even more, I love to work up a sweat in some cute threads. I have to admit that I haven't been on my A-game lately, especially due to last month's whirlwind weeks, but it's a new month and the perfect time to get back into tip-top shape. Luckily for me, beach body season doesn't really start until September or October, here in San Francisco, so I'm not too, too far behind. I finally got myself back into my yoga routine this past weekend, and I'm looking forward to incorporating more gym time in the days to come, starting with a free boot camp class by Target C9 by Champion this Saturday, June 14th at 2:00 PM at Marina Green Park in the city. 

#AAUFashion Show Photo & Video Recap

Last week, I was invited by MAC Cosmetics to check out the Academy of Art's Graduation Fashion Show. I had never been to the show before, but after attending this year's there is no way I can miss another one! MAC was the show's official makeup sponsor and the looks were directed by Senior Artist, Victor Cembellin (who is basically a beauty genius, you guys.) Victor graciously invited me backstage so I could preview the looks before they hit the runway, and, of course, snap some photos for you guys! The look was dramatic in the best kind of way - dark eyes outlined by black grape pigment, blacktrack eyeliner, and a hint of sparkle. Oh, and can we talk about the models? Freaking gorgeous. All of them. The Missoni women were also in attendance to accept their honorary doctorate award. It was incredibly inspiring to listen to their speeches, and then to see the students' work come out on the runway. Talk about impressive. Take a look at all the photos and my video recap after the jump!

Drybar SF x Beefeater 24 London Dry Gin Event

Last month, I attended the preview event for the new Beefeater 24 Gin. The event was held at Drybar, which couldn't have been more perfect. I mean how cute is it to have some scrumptious spring cocktails while getting your hair done? I'll admit that I'm not too much of a gin gal, but after having some tasty mixes of Beefeater's new gin, I think I've changed my stance on the drink.

Beauty Bites: #MACrockscolour

Get ready for a photo heavy post, y'all! This week, we're skipping Food Friday for another Beauty Bites post. I mentioned last week that I have partnered up with MAC and have been so excited to share the news. The new flagship MAC Pro Store recently opened in the city - conveniently located in Union Square on Powell, for all to see and enjoy. It's unlike any MAC store I've ever been in - it has everything you could ever want from a cosmetics store. Fresh and funky lashes, colors upon colors upon colors of lipsticks, eye-shadows, and glosses, and a rocking team to help you find what you need.

J.Jill Inspired Style Corte Madera Event

J.Jill 1610 Redwood Highway Corte Madera, CA 94925 


Earlier this month, I was invited to take a peek at the new J.Jill Inspired Style store at The Village at Corte Madera in Marin. It's not often that I travel outside the city for an event, but I was really excited to take a look at a store that was a bit different than my usual go-to's here in the city. I have to be honest - before this day, I had never walked into a J.Jill store. I was familiar with the store, but I was always under the impression that it was for an older demographic. But, as you know, I am always open to trying out new places, in hopes that I'll learn more about a store's clothing and story, and hopefully, find something that's just right for me. So, when I was invited to preview the new Inspired store line, I couldn't pass up the offer to visit.

Alyssa Nicole Spring '14 "White Noise" Collection Preview

Local San Francisco designer, Alyssa Casares previewed her new demi-couture line for Alyssa Nicole Spring '14 appropriately titled, "White Noise." Inspired by different shades of white, Casares brought to life beautifully designed skirts, dresses, gowns, and even her first pant suit. The collection, which is a move from her contemporary line, was brought together with tulle, white denim, chiffons, and silk. It was such a treat to watch sketches and ideas come to life from such a talented and sweet spirit. Alyssa even made a custom design tulle skirt (which you can order, custom) for me to wear to the event! My favorite piece from the line is, of course, the Silk Organza Mermaid Bridal Gown - I mean how gorgeous, right? But, since I'm no where near wedding bells, I can definitely see myself rocking the Silk Check Pencil Skirt.

To see all of the Alyssa Nicole "White Noise" line, check out her lookbook, here, and her beautiful fashion film directed by Dexter Ho.

theBalm SF Party

Last week, I attended theBalm's new San Francisco flagship store opening with my gal pals / lovely coworkers, Alyson, Mira & Jackie. Conveniently located on Valencia Street in the Mission, the new shop is right in the heart of one of the city's most cool and creative neighborhoods. In need of a touch up before popping over to one of the Mission's trendy restaurants? Well, now you're in luck!