Infusing grandeur into otherwise drab Monday mornings with five things/ideas/events for the week:

I.  I’m a sucker for dazzling views of the Bay Area.  My favorite is the cityscape from the Oakland Hills.  A photographer who shares my sentiment published a video of time-lapse photos that he took over the course of a year.  Titled “The Unseen Sea” for the constant fog, this piece will surely take your breath away.

II. With two of my closest friends getting hitched this summer, I’ve become privy to the painstaking components that go into wedding planning.  One of the most common dilemmas is the party favor. What is desirable, small enough for guests to take, affordable, and encompasses both the bride and groom?  Apparently not much…  Not to worry - I’ve devised the perfect present!  Sea urchin air plants.  This adorably eco-chic gift requires only two components: air plants and urchins.  Esty and ebay provide an array of options at around a dollar per piece.  Get a task rabbit (or your bridal party) to assemble.

III.  Planning decor for a going away party is something of a challenge.  My go-to craft stores don’t happen to carry “Happy Moving” signs and a cake seems inappropriate for the occasion.  When I was recently delegated this task, I turned to Pinterest for inspiration.  After endless photos of parties that were too subjective for my subject, I found two DIY projects perfect for the party.  This one required punching holes in photos of the going-away girl with her friends, and tying them to the bottom of balloons.  The second was a cheeky play on Blow Pops.  Simply fill short vases with lollipops, print personalized signs, stamp with hearts, and glue to striped straws.

IV.  This looks like a ridiculously fun place to dance the night away!  If you agree, join me at the Art Point gala Saturday.  The Bastille Day affair - appropriately titled “Riviera Regatta” is a nautical-themed party reminiscent of a summer night in the south of France - including a sunset champagne toast, French nibbles, open bar, impressionist painting tour, and the beats of super hot DJ Marija Dunn. 

V. And while we’re discussing feteing the French, nothing is more appropriate to make in their honor than French Onion Soup.  My version takes a bit longer than most - it’s all about caramelizing the crap out of the onions, but I guarantee it’s the best you’ve never tasted (yet).

Have a wonderful week!!  xx tt