Inspired Occasions: Porch Parties

Welcome back from the holiday weekend! Did you enjoy your 3-day break? I hope so! Inspired by the BBQ's and summer weather that are now upon us, I decided to put together some Porch Party Essentials for this summer season. These are just fabulous...




1. Eco-Friendly Reusable Outdoor Straws from Pottery Barn - $15.00 for Set of 12
2. Mason Jar Drink Dispenser from Pottery Barn - $69.00
3. Porch Parties: Cocktail Recipes And Easy Ideas For Outdoor Entertaining by Denise Gee, Chronicle Books - $16.95
4. Biodegradable Bamboo Plates & Flatware from Sur La Table - Starting at $12.00 per Set
5. The Bailey's Citronella Candle from Terrain - $25.00
6. Teahouse Lantern from Sundance - $35.00
7. Rex Olive Faux Wicker Arm Chairs & Eddy Round Outdoor Table from CB2 - Starting at $69.95
8. Basketweave Placemats from CB2 - $2.95 Each'

Happy June!

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Parking Day 2009

This year I actually got to participate in Parking Day 2009 (perhaps a "perk" to my recent furlough Fridays?), and was so excited about it!  Amanda and I had our morning bagel and coffee at my favorite neighborhood cafe: Caffe Greco.  We sat in our delightful parking spot and sipped out of our giant latte mugs and enjoyed the amazing SF weather.  One more thing I love about this city!  

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The merchants in North Beach loved the flexible dining so much, they extended their parking patios through the weekend all along Columbus Avenue.  It was seriously awesome!  For more about what Parking Day is, and how extremely successful it was this year, check out StreetsblogSF.org!

{image from here}

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Love of linen.

I have been SCOURING Etsy for great gift ideas...and I want to share with you the lovely things I discover (and that I adore the most)!  Buying handmade is wonderful...I feel good about supporting small artisans and also find an amazing variety of inspired work out there. 

Here is a little shop I heart: Jewelweeds...handcrafted green design (love that!).

Love these lavender filled sachets with block printed leave patterns.  Ohh I love linen!   These would make an awesome hostess gift, thank you gift or even favor!

...and these linen napkins you can mix and match!  Pair these with something off a bride's registry for an awesome shower gift (you can choose colors to match her kitchen!). 

This heirloom baby blanket seems so much more precious than those you can buy in the big chain stores, doesn't it? 

This Poppy embroidered cosmetic case is just darling!  I love the button closure.

We follow Jewelweeds blog...make sure you check it out for more inspiration!  

She is one talented gal!

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