Over the weekend, we celebrated the first birthday of two of the most adorable twin babies ever. Hazel and Eli’s parents, Nick and Milcah, threw the party in the most amazing setting in Oakland at Roberts Regional Recreation Park. I had the honor of helping with some of the party decorations (specifically the flower centerpieces, birthday garland and balloon table decor). Milcah wanted to use lots of color for the decorations and it was perfect with the forest as a backdrop. I obviously took a million photos so I’ll be sharing more photos from the party on Friday (all the kids at the party were too cute for words). Nick and Milcah and their family are so much fun, it was a lovely celebration and I’m so happy we got to be a part of it!

photos by jforjamie ©

Specifically the Courvoisier baby, Moana. I’m about to overload you with cuteness. After our hike, Cheryl and I got pedicures and then went back to the Courvoisier abode and played with Moana. I must have snapped about 100 photos of her just drinking her bottle because she was so darn cute doing it. I mean, the whole family is gorgeous so no wonder their child is one of the most adorable things I’ve ever seen. I don’t know what’s in the water but our friends produce some pretty darn cute kids.

photos by jforjamie ©

This weekend, I spent a day with my lovely and gorgeous friend Cheryl in her city of San Ramon. We decided to go on a hike in the hills and have a picnic. The area of the East Bay where she lives is rolling with these lush hills that have peaks overlooking San Ramon and the surrounding cities. It’s quite beautiful! We were also some of the only people on the trails, maybe because it was 90-something degrees out. We got some girl-time, exercise and a lot of sun. Afterwards, we treated ourselves to pedicures and then spent some time with her gorgeous baby girl (more on that on Wednesday’s post). We’re making this type of outing a regular occurrence!

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My sweet friend Joe planned a surprise birthday dinner for his partner Jeremiah in Mountain View at Sakoon. Jer was genuinely surprised (which is the best) to see everyone and it was so lovely spending time with everyone. Also, the food was delicious! My sister also brought a gigantic chocolate cake from Susie Cakes that was to die for. Such a wonderful celebration for a wonderful person, happy birthday Jer!

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We celebrated my lovely friend, Nova’s, birthday a tad late by having brunch in Hayes Valley in San Francisco. Nova picked a cozy and delicious restaurant called Chez Maman and we met up with my other friend Stormy and her boo Chris. I ordered a pear and endive salad that was AMAZING and french onion soup (I can never resist FOS). Stormy brought the most delicious french macaroons to top off our meal. Afterwards we walked around Hayes Valley and I quickly decided it’s my new favorite neighborhood. More on the neighborhood later, happy birthday again Nova!

photos by jforjamie ©

I am so delighted to introduce Victoria of the blog xoxo-victoria. We (virtually) met recently but I instantly fell in love with her blog and design aesthetic. I love meeting new readers and I’m so flattered Victoria spent the time to make an appearance on my site. I’m so excited for this newfound friendship and to share her blog with you!

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I am absolutely flattered Jamie asked me to do a guest post on her blog. I just recently started blogging the beginning of this year, 2013. I have always had a passion for photography, fashion and design. After years of school and late night studying had  sucked the creativity out of me, I felt like I lost a bit of myself. So, my friends and family encouraged me to start a blog to let my imagination flow, show my work, and express myself. It has been a wonderful, refreshing experience, and I have met talented and inspiring people. I am grateful and only hope to be an inspiration as well.

One of my best friends/bridesmaids/partner-in-crime, Stormy, invited me to meet her at a nearby park with her dog, her boo and his family. I had no idea this place even existed and it was just a short 10 minute drive from our home. I was obsessed with the ducks or geese (whatever they were) roaming about the park amongst the people. There’s even a little train for the kiddos that goes around the park. I loved getting to spend some quality time with Stormy (thank you for listening to all the wedding gab) and meeting her future family in law. One of the highlights of the lake is that downtown Los Gatos is just up the road, my new favorite shopping district. Another hidden gem added to the list, thanks Stormy!

photos by jforjamie ©

Part of my (many) birthday celebrations in December involved a surprise visit from 2 of my favorite gals, a delicious dinner and an amazing Swedish princess cake from Schubert’s Bakery. My lovely friends friends (who also happen to be bridesmaids), Nova and Dayna, arranged with Chris to be at our house with dinner and cake in tow by the time I got home from work. It was the best weekday surprise ever and I wish they were hiding in my kitchen every time I came home. I couldn’t be luckier for friends like these!

photos by jforjamie ©

For my birthday, one of my best friends/bridesmaids/soul mates, Adrianna came to visit me. We spent the weekend relaxing, eating, shopping and getting pampered. It was so special that Adrianna was there to celebrate with me and see our new home. We got a little wedding talk in and caught up about life in general. I also didn’t lug my camera around so we could just relax and enjoy each others’ company. We did however, take the opportunity (we would never pass one up) to do an impromptu photo shoot while out at brunch in Mountain View with our lovely friend Michelle. One thing we aren’t is camera-shy!.

Hope you have a wonderful and safe weekend!

photos by jforjamie ©

I celebrated my birthday (about 7 times) in December, surrounded by some of my loving friends and family. One of my best friends/bridesmaid, Adrianna, came from Los Angeles to visit for the weekend which was an extra special treat. Chris arranged a birthday dinner at Joya in Palo Alto. I am so grateful to those who took the time during this busy holiday to come out and spend time with me. It was truly a special night/weekend/week/month!