Favorite Outtakes

October was a busy month! My mom was visiting, which was great but she got a terrible cold while she was here. Still, we did get in some fun time, like going to Columbia Road and Liberty on a few days. Despite not feeling well she was really helpful with our girls since Andrew was away for a bit of that time. My book launch events were great as well. It was a lot of fun to meet people who are genuinely interested in crafty shops in London and to sign my book for them. Quite a strange feeling to sign your own book but one that was very enjoyable! And it was fun to bake some cute sewing themed cakes and cupcakes.

Willa Home

You might remember that Lisa closed The Pickled Hutch a few months back and started a new venture with her friend, Elena, at Willa Home in Burlingame. I've been meaning to stop in for quite some time and finally made the short hop to Burlingame to see the shop. Lisa's told me all about it, and I've seen some terrific pictures on her blog, so I knew I'd love it, but in person it's even more beautiful. The shop is in a long, narrow loft style space with butter yellow walls and a turquoise ceiling. The ceiling features two large skylights that fill the space with inviting, natural light. Willa Home has something for everyone--whether your taste leans toward mid-century modern, bohemian vintage, primitive shabby chic, or old world French--anyone could surely fall in love with something here. If your style's ecclectic, you might want to bring a really big basket to fill, and quite possiblly a truck. Or if you just need a little birthday or hostess gift, you'll also find lovely gifts such as Alexis Bittar jewelry and Lafco candles.


I love the way they merchandise items, often by collections, like the hotel silver below. Items featured as a collection always pop a little more than when they're displayed alone, and with the charcoal gray backdrop and the ship oil paintings--I'd like to pick up the whole cabinet as is and take it home!


I also love the way they combine the sophosticated with the primitave, like these more refined crystal lamps on the shabby painted table, and the silver trays in the primitive toolbox.

The lighting in the shop is truly stunning. It casts the most amazing light and shadows on the salon style walls. I would like to live in there!



Collections of white above and dogs below that really make a statement and allow everything to stand out.



If you're in the San Francisco bay area, go see Will Home for yourself sometime. It will leave you feeling inspired. And be sure to tell Lisa and Elena hello!

Willa Home
1414 Burlingame Avenue
Burlingame, CA 94010
Tues. - Sat. 10 - 6
650-375-1213

What's Cookin': Omnivore, Books on Food

Y'all know Andrew loves to cook (and I love to eat!), so when we heard an exclusively cookbook bookstore was opening in our neighborhood, we were really excited. Omnivore, Books On Food, has a great selection of both new and old cookbooks. Their selection of rare, antiquarian books is especially impressive. Looking at the old bookcovers alone is enough to entertain me! They just opened, but they already have a full calendar of events coming up. If you live in San Francisco, it's a great new place to check out. Go to their web site for more information. Here are a few pictures.