Two weekends ago I got off work early and caught a plane to San Francisco.  Unfortunately due to our home being worked on M wasn't able to join me.  The weather in Southern California was 100+ degrees.  I was so excited to go to Northern California as it was only in the low 60's and at night in the 50's.  While packing I made sure to include a jacket and a thick sweater (which came in handy!).  It was perfect timing on going as my other cousin from San Diego was flying in the same day as me.  It was a great little getaway with the family.

Whenever going to the bay area I'm not really into doing tourist things as I've been there so many times.  Luckily it was my first time staying with my cousin and I forever adore his neighborhood!  Every morning was always a good breakfast adventure and evenings were spent in & out of different bars and hip restaurants.  Every evening it got so cold and foggy I had to wear both my jacket and thick sweater.  On the last day, I took a quick trip to San Mateo and visited a dear friend and had lunch with her and her fiance.  It's never enough time up north, but it's always another reason to go again.

What do you like about San Francisco?

I worked with a lovely gal named Erin last year.  When she got engaged she instantly asked me if I can do her save the date cards.  At first, I was very intimated as I only really crafted with physical things vs. letter press, or printing.  I let Erin know that I couldn't do her save the dates and regretted it.  Fast forward to now and being the sweet gal she is she got in touch with me asking if I can make her baby shower invites for her family.  I instantly said YES and got to work!

What I loved about it is Erin gave me the free range to put together anything I wanted.  E gave me the information of what needed to be on the invites, but everything else was in my hands.  What was even better is that she shared her pinterest board for this occasion which gave me more confidence in putting together her invites.  Below is the finish product -

I knew I had to input floral's cause that's E's style.  I made sure not to put in girly colors, but not keep it so traditional "baby boy blue".  I didn't want to clutter everything on one page so I double sided the invites.  The front was the important info (time, date, location), everything else was put on the other side.  Since the other side of the invites were so plain, I added a few washi tape patterns, and silver seals to add the finishing touch.  I was going to add some things to the envelopes, but I didn't want to get carried away.  Simple and cute was the motto I was going for, and I think it came out great!

I packaged everything in rae&ella style, and sent it off.  The day that E received the invites I was incredibly nervous but she instantly reassured me and loved it.  I wasn't able to go to her baby shower but I will be sending over love!  Cheers to baby boy slowey!

One of my favorite things to do during the summer is to be outside with friends and family.  Whether it's at the beach, or a get-together in a cozy backyard, it's always a good time!  During the beginning of July, my cousins, M, and myself took a little staycation at a close by estate for the long weekend.  One morning, we got into the flow of things in the kitchen and sooner or later we were cooking, slicing, drinking and doing our own thing on the island or the sink and on the stove.  We ended up making breakfast tacos, with freshly made guacamole & veggies.


We used alot of the same ingredients from yesterday when we had a bbq.  It was the perfect morning outside, quiet, and cool.  Soon after breakfast everyone went for a swim, as I relaxed in my room (that included a lion's foot tub).  I'll be sharing the estate later on this week.  Hope you had a great weekend and let's make this week good! Xo

After celebrating with D and Leanna, I went to Vegas with M.  I've been eyeing the tea room in Mandarin Oriental for about 5 years now.  I've always tried to make a point to go and even made reservation years before although, it  never worked out :(  Finally when coming here for some birthday-celebrating I made it firm that I NEEDED to come here.  Let me just say, the wait was well worth it :)

I made reservations in advance, I would suggest to do the same as they only serve afternoon tea at three different times (12pm/2pm/4pm).  Spaces run quick, so I highly encourage to book ahead.  M was kindly enough to accompany me.  I thought he would just have  few drinks as I sipped tea, but he decided to have tea as well which made the experience even more sweet!

The tea room is located on one of the higher floors so when walking into the hotel you would walk straight into the elevator.  I honestly had to say that we had the best seats in the house.  Our table was centered, front, and facing the view of the strip.  Not to mention nobody was in front of us we had it all to ourselves.  As always, I went with a black fruit tea, and M chose a Jasmine Green Tea.  The sandwiches were amazing and the scones filled us up quickly.  We had no room for dessert so we took the goodies back to the suite to indulge with champagne later that night.

This is a place I would definitely want to celebrate with my girls.  I already have this planned for birthday tea's ahead!

View the full afternoon tea menu here.

Happy August Everyone!