Silence is Golden

photo taken by me, in Big Sur, CA

Among many things this past weekend, I learned how valuable absolute silence can be. Don't get me wrong I don't want it all the time, but seriously taking time to tune out everything around you for a few minutes each day is a wonderful thing.

A "Happy Anniversary" is in Order

Sunday was a pretty epic day for San Francisco, seeing as how it was the 75th anniversary for the Golden Gate Bridge. I'm a huge lover of the Golden Gate and always seem to do a deep sigh of happiness each time I drive over it. Goodness, 75 years is a lot!

Consciousness

Apologies are needed on my part for not posting since last Wednesday! This memorial weekend was a big one for me seeing as how I went to a six day yoga, music and art festival. I literally just got back and as I sit here in this chair typing I can already feel the improvement in my posture. The photo above is one I snapped on my iphone at a place called "Temple of Consciousness"; where you could go at any time to meditate, hear unbelievable music and simply relax.

1940s Street Style

photo source

The style in the 1940's was remarkable, lets be honest. This series in Life Magazine is titled "Beautiful Girls in New York" and was taken in the summer of 1944 at Rockefeller Center. I adore all these vintage looks from the hats and high waisted skirts to the bold prints. It's all tremendous.

Getting Excited

Photos by Sophie Van Der Perre and found here

I'm getting SO SO SO excited for this upcoming weekend. I will be attending a yoga, music and art festival in Southern California with a handful of my best friends. I've been trying to incorporate yoga into my daily life and can't wait to put it to the test this weekend. All our camping gear and my most hippie clothing are a must. Right when I saw these hippie chic inspired photos by photographer Sophie Can Der Perre I knew it was time for an excitement post.

Daily Dose of Paradise

my beautiful friend Daniella and a candle lantern above an outdoor plush bed 

lover birds

relaxing with my feet up and exploring one of the neighboring hotels

outside the Hacienda San Angel {where we went for our bday dinner}

the necessities {sun hat, mojito and portable music player} and the great room in the house where we were staying

so happy to share a birthday with one of my closest friends

I felt that it was about time I shared photos from my birthday vacation to Mexico. I went with four of my closest friends, one of which I share the same birthday with {pictured above}. Swimming in the warm ocean was big on my list of things to do, as was getting an even tan to bring back with me to SF. One of the highlights was a spectacular dinner at the hotel Hacienda San Angel and endless amounts of girl talk the entire trip. 

Ok, now I'm feeling a bit of nostalgia. {sigh}

Baking Class Hosted by Pot + Pantry

Pot and Pantry has been on my San Francisco radar for a while now. I'm a huge fan of taking classes and workshops at the various venues throughout the city so when I saw that Pot and Pantry was hosting a Skill Exchange, organized by Mi Piace Kate, I signed up immediately. The class was titled: Breakfast Pastries, Scones and Quick Breads and I'm happy to report that I am now a scone master and can't wait to bake this weekend.

Side note: I love that this city is run by creative types and that everywhere you look there is something to do that is inspiring, makes you step outside the box and is inexpensive! Kate put on these skill exchanges/ workshops for FREE, but you had the option of donating $10 {I donated in a heartbeat}. There is good in the world and this is a prime example of that.

Happy Friday

photo of me taken by Daniella Dolenc

Happy Friday! This week seemed to drag but I'm pretty sure thats typically what happens when you get back from vacation. This weekend is going to be a friend filled one. With dinner reservations for a party of 12 at this German restaurant, one of my closest friends from high school visiting and Bay to Brakers {a race where everyone dresses up and the city goes wild, literally}, it's sure to be a great one.

Daily Dose of Day Dreaming

photo by Craig and Eva, found in Style Me Pretty

Don't get me wrong I love my home but I can't help but day dream what it would be like to live in this stunning tree house.

"Wedding Party"

photo source

I simply can't get enough of this editorial shoot, titled "Wedding Party", in Vogue America from June 2009. After doing my research I wasn't surprised to find that Grace Coddington {I love this article about her in NY Mag} is the stylist and creative director behind this shoot. She is, and will always be, the best out there.

Illuminated

photo by one of my best's, Daniella 

I'm back from my birthday trip to Mexico, and I hate to complain in any way shape or form but reality doesn't even compare to where I was the past four days. This photo was taken as I was making my birthday wish by one of my closest friends, whom is also a photographer, Daniella. {go check out her online portfolio} Prepare yourself because I am going to be posting mass amounts of photos from the trip.

Birthday Details

we hung balloons from the ceiling, such a festival way to decorate in a small space

fresh flowers

diy paper flowers hanging from the trees in my backyard

vintage silver pie sliver from J's grandmother 

vintage tea cup from england and peach blueberry pie

I'm sorry it took me so long to post photos from my birthday bash last Sunday {I will blame the fact that lately I don't want to be near my computer when I get home from work}. It was such a marvelous day, in the mid 70's, and filled with lots of love and laughter. I got super crafty a few nights before and made all the decorations myself.

Ready To Fly

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Long airy dresses, sunsets and pure happiness... there is going to be a lot of this going on in Mexico this coming weekend. I'm ready. SO READY.

A Little Girl's Paradise

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I'm in awe of this magical bedroom found via The Shelby {one of my favorite sites out there}. The hanging flags, light blue walls, brightly colored pompoms and lavender beauty table are all outstanding. This young ladies imagination must be soaring!

Sweet Talk

I'm so so so happy to finally share some of the photography from a vintage shoot I did for Jessica from the freshly named Sweet Talk Vintage. In the next month Sweet Talk Vintage will go live on Etsy and let me just be the first to tell you that Jessica has some remarkable pieces in her vintage collection. How stunning is this vintage green, polka dot {they are tiny little dots} with lace trim, dress that she wore for our test shoot?! Check out Jessica's Tumblr page.

Instagramming

1. one of my best girls and I enjoying my backyard
2. fresh bouquet of flowers
3. birthday decorations
4. a stunning gate + new dress + Berkeley exploring

I'm finally one of the cool kids... over the weekend I got an iphone, oh yes. You can follow me on  Instagram @ DoseofTay. This weekend was over the top amazing. My birthday party was a great success and you can bet that theres lots of pictures to share. I hope you had an awesome weekend!

A Jaw Dropping Fashion Friday

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I'm in awe of these photos taken by Kalle Gustafsson. I love when a photographer can capture a moment in black and white and quickly switch to memorizing color.  Seriously, how stunning are these photos?!

Friday Happiness

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Happy Friday! I simply couldn't resist sharing the home of artist Issabelle Tuchband with you, found via The Shelby. I loved this photo of her colorful backyard complete with blooming rose bushes, ornate painted pots and old cobblestone floors.

Getting Excited...

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.... to decorate for my upcoming birthday party. I'm planning on hanging balloons from the ceiling of my apartment, such as the ones pictured above.

"Acid Modernism"

                      

This space is perhaps the most unbelievable, well thought out, home I have ever laid my eyes on. Thank goodness that there is an entire video displaying all its spectacular features. {video found here} I'm not sure which I want more... the natural lighthouse located on the top floor or the xylophone dinner table. Take a look for yourself.

Sneak Preview

A little preview of a HUGE project I'm currently working on. Photo and all photo editing done by me.

Birthday Party Inspiration

all photos found here

This year I was debating even having a birthday party, considering I will be away on my actual birthday, but right when I saw this photo shoot by Jose Villa {who is one of my favorite photographers} I completely changed my mind, and decided to base the theme of my party off this exact shoot that Jose did for Enjoy Cupcakes. What caught my eye the most was the soft colors, deliciously displayed treats and the girly yet rustic feel. Even thought I don't live in a vintage Airstream like the one pictured above I'm going to do my best to pull off the theme in my cozy house and lush backyard.

Daily Dose of an Outdoor Wedding

rustic lanterns and masons jars used as vases

lovely fresh flowers on each table. I adore the smell of lavender and have since a young girl. 

the young at heart uncle that is loved by all

swing dancing and lemonade in mason jars

lots of dancing by all ages

Weddings are such a joyous occasion dont you think? This particular wedding was J's cousins, who decided on an outdoor ceremony and then the reception to take place in a natural wood building with perfect lighting. It was so earthy, simple and incase you can't tell from the pictures, it was a grand time complete with an epic dance party.