DC reminds me of Berlin and I don't know why

April 02, 2014 in TRAVEL, INSPIRATION

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3huoI5XbNk&feature=youtu.be

Summer in San Francisco, guest blog by Jane -- local artist & creator in NOPA

August 13, 2013 in TRAVEL, INSPIRATION, IN THE STUDIO

This is our first guest blog post! We'll be highlighting local artists and creators in San Francisco for the next few weeks. Thanks Jane!

Summer in San Francisco

On this chilly, overcast day, I’m bundled up in my apartment with a couple sweaters and a blanket: turns out it’s August, so what better thing to do than think about my favorite places in San Francisco, foggy summer day aside.

I live in NOPA (North of the Panhandle), a small and relatively newly named neighborhood, bounded by Divisadero, Masonic, Fell and Turk streets. Even in this small radius of only a few blocks, there are so many great places to eat, shop and hang out.

Nopalito is one of my favorite brunch, lunch and dinner spots nearby. Located in Falletti’s plaza on Broderick street between Oak and Fell, there is often a wait to get in, but if you stop by during odd hours (they are open throughout the day) or right when they open in the morning, you’re usually guaranteed a table. You can sit inside at the bar overlooking the kitchen, at a shared table, or in their enclosed, heated front patio area.

They have small plates and large plates to accommodate all appetites. Some of my favorite dishes include: Ceviche Nayarita, Ensalada de Lechuga, Empanada con Desebrada de Res, Enchiladas de Mole con Pollo, Pozole Rojo, and Carnitas.

The ensalada and ceviche are refreshing on a warm afternoon and the pozole will warm you up on a chilly evening. Get the carnitas to share, or plan to have leftovers.

After a meal at Nopalito, walk over to Divisadero and Hayes to check out Rare Device, a store filled with unique, well-designed and often handcrafted items. They have everything from jewelry to kitchen accessories and host monthly art shows and community events.

You will walk in and immediately think you need one of everything in the store. My boyfriend stopped there to pick up this sweet card and gift--I can’t wait to send some Pantone postcards to my friends! It’s a great place to go to support local artists and artisans as well.

Speaking of local artisans, Workshop SF is a wonderful resource for learning new skills. Located at the corner of Baker and McAllister, they have classes ranging from Screen Printing for Newbies to How to Make and Blend Tea taught by local makers and DIY professionals.

I recently took Sewing 101, where we made our own beer koozie and sock puppet. Workshop has also partnered with Western Editions, originally a Kickstarter project, to offer Letterpress classes in the neighborhood. Workshop often hosts DIY parties for making, mixing and mingling!

There are plenty more amazing places in my neighborhood and throughout the city, but these are just a few of my favorites. Now the chilly weather has me thinking it’s time for some pozole from Nopalito!

About our guest blogger: Jane Philipps previously worked with me on the design/production team at Betabrand. She then worked in product development at Levi's and is currently making art and doing freelance projects in San Francisco. Feel free to email her at jane.philipps(at)gmail.com for more insider tips about NOPA, art, and living in the city!

Wander: Dolores Park

July 17, 2013 in TRAVEL, INSPIRATION, IN THE STUDIO

Travel time from anywhere in San Francisco: 5 minutes to an hour, depends on where you come from. Ideal trip length: an afternoon. Nice to haves: blanket, sweater, sunscreen, beer and a sandwich from that place on Guerrero or pizza from Delfina or both. Directions: Take the bart towards Daly City/SFO and get off at 16th and Mission and walk.

Dolores Park, San Francisco.

wind smashed ipads now have hope Berlin has Apple store...

April 26, 2013 in TRAVEL, INSPIRATION

Berlin. August. 2012. // Berlin. May. 2013.

When I was in Berlin last summer I took only my ipad. One day I had it plugged into my friend's power strip and I was doodling away at some silly thing when the wind gushed in from the open window (you know those giant windows that open with that twist handle that remind me of insane asylums for some reason--white, thick, stark). Because my ipad was connected by cord it flew out of my hand and slammed on the floor, the glass smashing into a million pieces. Or at least this is how I remembered it. I think I was hung over.

Anyway, it was maybe day 5 of my 2 and a half week trip and there went my ipad. I was sad, but also kind of giddy. I don't know why; the trip had a very strange start and everything was just so amazing I couldn't really be upset.

I wrapped it in clear plastic before I boarded my train to Leipzig. When I got back to Berlin I ended up going to Potsdam for the day with my friend and my borrowed bike. I left my ipad at my friends house because it was a sunny day and I wanted to bike around the lakes and go swimming.

In Potsdam, I found this store that sold apple products and got myself an ipad protector clear plastic thing. I put it on my ipad when back in Berlin and it all stayed intact until I got back to the US, weeks later, and was able to get it repaired.

Point is, next time I'm in Berlin I can just go to the Apple store because one is opening Friday, May 3rd at 5pm. You heard it here first (and I heard it here first).