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.

Tasty Tuesday

I'm lucky enough to have food on my plate everyday and a plethora of restaurants to choose from any time I dine out. It's never something that crosses my mind twice - where the next meal is coming from, or if I'll even have enough to eat. But, not everyone is that lucky. Did you know that in California alone, more than 1 in 4 children don't know where their next meal will come from? Did you know that 23.1% of children in California live in poverty? In San Francisco alone, 37% of demand for food assistance is unmet. Those are some pretty startling facts, my friends.

This year, I'm partnering with No Kid Hungry to raise awareness about their 9th annual Taste of the Nation event here in San Francisco, which takes place this Thursday, March 24th at the City View at the Metreon. The No Kid Hungry campaign aims to end child hunger in America by ensuring that children get the food they need, each and every day. Taste of the Nation brings together the city's top restaurants, wineries, breweries and more to help donate their time and culinary skills to help raise proceeds to fight childhood hunger. All proceeds from ticket purchases go straight to the beneficiaries who help bring food to locals in need.

San Francisco Staycation

During the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, we sometimes forget to take a little time out for ourselves. This past holiday season, I was able to take a night off from work, events, gatherings and the busy city with a night at the new Courtyard Marriott Union Square. Just a walk away from Union Square's shopping, and some of the yummiest food spots in town, the Courtyard couldn't have been a more ideal place for a little staycation.

Food Friday: Four Favorite Foodie Spots in San Mateo

Alright, you guys. Here's the scoop. I recently partnered with HP, who is currently on tour with Meghan Trainor (you know her from her catchy "All About the Bass" hit), to #BendTheRules bring you a different kind of Food Friday stack today. Taking inspiration from their HP x360's four modes (laptop, tablet, tent and stand), they've asked me to interpret the number four in any way I'd like. What a better way to do so than with a super stacked Food Friday post, right? (Four times the noms, y'all!)

You know that I'm always sharing what I eat with you over on Instagram, but not all the places I dine at are SF-based. Take for instance, last week's trip to Oakland. Thought I'd flip the script once again and take you to the other side of town. Having grown up in the Peninsula, I have more than a couple of favorite places that I like to give my money to on the regular. And because I love them, I thought you just might, too. So, if you find yourself in San Mateo, here are four foodie spots you've just got to visit.

Food Friday: Brenda's French Soul Food

Brenda's French Soul Food 652 Polk Street
Rating: 2.5-3/5 Stacks

Let me start by saying New Orleans has been on my to-visit list since 2010. It's 2015, and so I think that means I should just book a ticket and go, right? In 2015, I want to be more spontaneous. I want to travel, I want to see things, explore, feel more, and be. I know you guys clicked on this post because you wanted to see some food porn, and instead here you are getting emotional word vomit. So, before I digress any further, let me just say, if you've been to NoLa, please leave a comment and tell me to go - what should I see, eat, do? Okay. Now, here's your food porn.

Food Friday: Plow

Plow 1299 18th Street
Rating: 5/5 Stacks 

You've undoubtedly seen the photo from what I assume to be the most Instgrammed brunch spot in the city. Have you gotten plowed? Because I did. And it was magical. It was on my list for all of 2014 to eat at this spot, but since it's a little far away from where I live in the city (hey, sometimes you don't want to take the bus for over an hour, okay?) I never found myself able to go. Then 2015 came around and my friend (with a car, hooray!) helped me fulfill my dreams of #gettingplowed. It's a real hashtag, you guys.

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: Swan Oyster Depot

Swan Oyster Depot 1517 Polk Street 


It happened. I finally made it to Swan Oyster Depot! Any Anthony Bourdain fans out there? Then you must remember the episode in which he makes a quick trip to SF and stops by this seafood lover's paradise, right? Well, long before that episode aired, I had this place on my list. I'm a hugeee seafood fanatic: I see food, I eat it! Corny jokes aside, if you haven't heard of this place and you're looking for a spot to grab some fresh seafood, put this one on your list.

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.

Outside Lands 2014: Day Three + Video Recap

We made it to day three of Outside Lands. (Missed day one or two?) So while day one's weather was so-so and day two's weather was miserably cold, day three's weather was surprisingly sunny (so sunny that I got a tan!). Wish I had known that the weather was planning to warm up because I dressed like I was ready for another foggy evening with Karl. Day three was much more relaxing and filled with lots and lots of food (which you will soon see when you scroll through the snaps). Aside from the ramen burgers, mac and cheese, and sweet potato tots, I also had the pleasure of seeing my favorite act - Flume. Flume was by far my favorite set of all three days. (No surprise there - remember Coachella?) I had no problem dancing in my Restricted "Country" boots to the entirety of his set! To see the aforementioned ramen burger and more, scroll through for more photos and my final recap video!

Outside Lands 2014: Day Two

Day two of Outside Lands was nothing short of amazing. It was the coldest day out of the three (whomp, whomp), but I didn't let that stop me from frolicking around in my maxi and midriff. Those who follow me on Instagram might know that I also teamed up with Restricted Footwear this year. Restricted Footwear was so gracious in equipping me with my dancing shoes for all three days of the fest. (You might remember the brand from my time at Coachella!) And, they even let me share the wealth with three lucky ladies, all of whom won three pairs of festival footwear! On day one I wore my "Westside" booties (as seen in yesterday's post). But what about day two? Scroll through to see my snaps!

Outside Lands 2014: Day One

Another Outside Lands festival has come to an end, and boy, am I having withdrawals. It's no secret that I am an avid festival-goer. I love the free-spirited feelings, the loud music, the dancing-with-no-inhibitions, and the good, good vibes. There's nothing that music can't heal, so imagine three days of non-stop, back-to-back jams! This year, I was so very excited to partner up with my pals at Chictopia to give followers a look at Outside Lands through the eyes of an true Bay Area native. From the fashion and art to the music and food, I tried to capture it all for my Instagram-takeover. If you didn't catch all my snaps on Instagram, fear not - I've got dayssss worth of posts to catch you up, starting with this one.

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.

Food Friday: Padrecito

Padrecito 901 Cole Street San Francisco, CA 94117

Ah, yes - a new Food Friday post to feast your eyes on! A couple weekends ago, I dined at Cole Valley's Padrecito with my fave photog friend, Melissa. We caught up over delicious drinks, lots and lots of guacamole, and the tastiest tacos in town. Let me start off by saying Padrecito has been on my list for some time. Back in 2013, I eagerly awaited its opening. Having dined at Mamacita many a time, I couldn't wait for this gem to often. So, it's embarrassing that I never found the time to visit the restaurant once it finally did open. Still, as the saying goes, better late or never. Was it worth the wait? You betcha.

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.

pancakePROFILES: Bun Mee

Foods originating from the eastern hemisphere happen to satiate my palette more so than not. I'm a lover of Japanese food, Indian food, Filipino food, Vietnamese food, and more. While I gravitate more towards traditional asian food, I won't say no to a delicious fusion dish. If we are being totally honest with one another, I never really crave sandwiches. But, when I do, I crave a fresh, spicy bánh mì. Cue Bun Mee - my SF staple when it comes to the perfect Vietnamese stop. I had a chance to connect with restaurant entrepreneur, Denise. Denise left her career in corporate law to follow her passion of running her own business. Luckily for us San Franciscans, that meant opening up Bun Mee.

As part of my pancakePROFILES series, I asked Denise a series of questions from what inspired her to open Bun Mee to her favorite pancake (of course). Curious cats and foodies at heart, read more after the jump!

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.