BFHU – preamble

Finally!  As promised this is the kickoff to several installments of Budget Friendly House Updates (BFHU), a series of blog entries that highlight some relatively simple and cost effective ways to take your space next level!

For those that don’t know, we live in San Francisco where the housing market is insane.  It is very common for multiple all cash offers to be made at well above the list price.  When we purchased our home 3 years ago, we did not have the option of making an all cash offer.  We barely had enough for 10% down.  To be as competitive as possible, we would routinely waive all contingencies, including inspections, and submit our offer with a personal cover letter detailing in earnest how we would love and care for the home.

When we made the offer on our current home, we had been house hunting for half a year, submitted offers on 4 homes, and were becoming discouraged.  We learned that 32 offers had been submitted, and that we were not the highest or the cleanest offer, and yet the seller chose us.  Then our lender tried to renege, but that’s another story.  We closed on the house 2 weeks later and words cannot describe how lucky we felt and still feel.

Since that time we have been tackling one project after another to fix up the house; keeping our promise to love and care for the home as we make it our own.

As a starting point, below are the photos from the original MLS listing for reference.

entry hallhouse2

living roomhouse3

dining roomhouse4

kitchenhouse5

hallwayhouse6

bathroom

house10

master bedroom and sunroomhouse7

sunroomhouse8

guestroomhouse9

backyard
(fyi – those are very large and thorny blackberry bushes)

house11

xoxo

ash2 Comments

Nordstrom SALE!

nordstrom sale

Has it really been three weeks since my last post?  How embarrassing.  In any event, the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale CANNOT be ignored.  I just finished scrolling through pages and pages of sale awesomeness and wanted to share with you some of my top picks!  If you have a Nordstrom card you can shop now with early access to the sale through July 21.

Caslon – Print Split Neck Blouson Dress on sale for $49 (reg. $79).  I love dresses and the color of this one transitions from summer to fall easily.  As the temps drop just add a denim jacket or cardigan and/or tights and boots and voila!  Also comes in black and white.

FOREO – ‘LUNA mini’ Compact Facial Cleansing Device on sale for $74 (reg. $99).  I have one of these and I love it!  It’s particularly great for travel since it dries quickly and holds a charge for months.

Topshop – Hooded Colorblock Duster Cardigan on sale for $56 (was $85).  Living in San Francisco there is a constant threat of chilly fog rolling in.  This hooded duster would be perfect!

Vince Camuto – ‘Peera’ Cutout Bootie on sale for $99 (reg. $149).  How cute are these?  Wear them now without socks and as the weather turns cooler pair them with tights.  They’d look awesome with dresses as well as cuffed boyfriend jeans.

Soft Joie – ‘Lilyana’ Roll Sleeve Shirtdress on sale for $145 (reg. $218).  Another dress that can easily transition from summer to fall.  Love everything about it.

Tom Ford – ‘Alicia’ 59mm Sunglasses on sale for $253 (reg. $380).  Who doesn’t need some oversized glasses?  They ooze glamour with a hint of drama.  Tom Ford is genius.

BP – Open Front Cardigan on sale for $31 (reg. $48)   and a hooded version is also on sale for $44 (reg. $68).  These cardigans are perfect to combat:  the San Francisco fog, chilly airplanes, over air-conditioned offices, and fall breezes.  And they look smart with skinny jeans and sleek flats.

Hinge – ‘Cora’ Block Heel Sandal on sale for $66 (reg. $99).  Versatile sandal in a neutral color.  Again, looks great with dresses, jeans, rompers, etc.

Soprano – Stripe Rib Knit Midi Dress on sale for $24 (reg. $38).  This dress caught my attention because of its options options options… Pair it with flip flops poolside; some white tennies and denim jacket to run errands; a white crop sweater and sandals for brunch– so many options!  And it’s less than $25?!?!

Happy shopping!

xoxo

 

ash1 Comment

red white and blue

red white blue pic

Summer is here!  And in just a couple weeks it’ll be the 4th of July bringing with it a three day weekend filled with backyard barbecues, beer, wine spritzers, picnics, and fireworks!  I’m so excited I can’t hardly stand it!  So much so that I’ve already started scouting cost effective outfits in the colors of independence–

RED

ASOS Twist Front Cami Slip Dress $45

Mango Embroidered Beach Bag $64

ASOS TIA Wide Fit Lace Up Heeled Sandals $56

 

WHITE

ASOS Cotton Midi Sundress with Lace Inserts $56

New look Straw Striped Beach Bag $25

New Look 2 Part Block Heel $32

 

BLUE

ASOS Denim Bardot Off Shoulder Dress with Ruffle $56

ASOS Leather Cross Body Bag with Tassel $40

ASOS TAYLOR Tie Leg Perspex Heel Sandals $64

 

What are you going to wear?!!

xoxo

ash1 Comment

gifts for dad

dad gifts

In case you didn’t know, Father’s Day is just around the corner.  Whether you’re celebrating dear ol’ dad, your baby daddy, or your friend/brother/son-in-law who’s a new dad – here are some gift ideas for you!  Is he:

Outdoorsy dad?  Let him relax in a Do Good Hammock from Uncommon Goods ($195).  This hammock-for-two is not only great for some R&R, but it helps support the Mlabri people of in northern Thailand.

Techie dad? A media streamer may do the trick.  Popular ones on the market these days include Apple TV ($69-$149), the Roku 3 ($100) or Roku Streaming Stick ($50) , and the Google Chromecast ($35).

Boozy dad?  The Whiskey Connoisseur Crate from Man Crates ($169) is the solution.  NB:  The whiskey is not included in the package, BUT he will get a personalized whiskey decanter, glasses, aerator, and more, all sealed in a wooden crate that he gets to bust open with a small crowbar… because that’s what men do.    Or just go with a bottle of whiskey.  Not sure which one to get?  Checkout the 10 Whiskeys Every Man Should Know list by Men’s Fitness.

Sporty dad?  Baseball season is in full swing, so maybe treat your dad to a day at the game!  Or any pro game for that matter.  And if you don’t happen to live near a pro team or stadium, a subscription to a live streaming service with a sports package is sure to be appreciated (if he doesn’t already have them)!  There are several live streaming services to choose from, e.g.:  Sling TV ,  MLB.TV, and NFL Game Access.

New dad?  A survival kit.  DadGifts.com offers a variety of “New Dad Survival Kits” ($65-$150) ranging from a basic Dad’s Diaper Kit that includes goggles, wipes, rubber gloves, and hand sanitizer; to the The Ultimate Kit with earplugs, Advil, reference guides, and much more.  Too cute.

Fashionable dad?  Skip the socks and ties and get him a new pair of shades!  These Ray-Ban Clubmaster Wood sunglasses in Brown/Green Classic ($290) are a great contemporary take on an iconic frame.   

Foodie dad?  Well if you live in the Bay Area, pick up a Fred’s Steak from Shaub’s at the Stanford Shopping Center.  If you don’t know what I’m talking about, have a google.  See, e.g.     An online option is Lobel’s Prime Dry-Aged Cowboy Steak ($99), a huge 28-32oz bone-in rib steak of prime dry-aged beef.    And be sure to pick up a big red wine to pair with that meaty goodness.  For some suggestions check out Gayot’s list of Top 10 Steak Wines.   

Bookworm dad?  He loves to read, but how do you choose a book he’ll like, or one he hasn’t read yet?!  Try an e-book subscription!  There are a few to choose from, for example:  Kindle Unlimited,  Scribd , and BookBub .

Handy dad?  Get him a tool chest/work bench combo with the Husky Mobile Workbench ($298).   Or if all else fails, a 6-pack of his favorite beer and a Home Depot gift card.

 

 

xoxo

 

 

 

ash1 Comment

spring suede shoe obsessions

suede shoes

Soft suede just oozes elegance and femininity- unless its heavily fringed or studded and then it may take on more of a hippy or native american vibe.  Suede was a prominent trend in the 2015 spring/summer shows, and I would love to see it keep going and going… particularly with shoes!

My current spring suede shoe obsessions (left to right, top to bottom)-

Steve Madden “Kitty” Ghillie Sandal – $89 at Nordstrom.  I actually just bought these this past weekend.  The laces are on trend, and the low block heel give a little lift while staying casual and comfy.  I’m heading to Napa for a girlie weekend this Friday and these are definitely coming with!

Klub Nico “Tarina” Gladiator Sandal – $199 at Nordstrom.  With a little bit more of a heel, petite studs, and laser cutouts, this is maybe the girliest ‘gladiator’ sandal ever.  It’s a great neutral color and pairs just as great with dresses as it does with jeans.  These heels are also sold at Anthropologie for $240 (see Jordana Heels).

Manolo Blahnik BB 105 Suede Point-Toe Pumps in Cobalt – $595 at Saks.  I heart these shoes so much.  I’ve lusted after them for more than a year now.  I’ve even talked friends into buying them.  What’s so great about them?  The color.  Go see them in person.  The color is simply amazing.  I think I may need to add these blue suede shoes to my closet this season 😉

Stuart Weitzman Nudistsong – $398 at Stuart Weitzman.  A simple, clean, classic, and sexxxy sandal.  The cut on these is just perfect.  The heel is a bold straight line to elongate your leg, and the toe strap is slightly angled to display those perfectly pedicured toes.  The Nudistsong is the wearable version of the super hot Nudist sandal.  If you want a super sexy sandal for sitting, get the Nudist.  If you want to be able to walk and dance and strut around, go for the Nudistsong.

Happy shopping!
xoxo

 

ashLeave a comment

shortbread and jam

Shortbread is my favorite.  And lavender-rosemary shortbread is my VERY favorite!  For six months I lived in London and shortbread and tea became a favorite snack.  So did chips and beer, but that’s for a different post.  Another UK takeaway?  Strawberry jam.  For whatever reason, strawberry jam is the most popular flavor in the UK, and all of Europe for that matter.

With spring in full swing my rosemary and lavender plants are ready for picking, and rumor has it that strawberry season has arrived.  So it’s time to stoke that London Town nostalgia and cook up some UK inspired treats!  Or do what I did and ask your sister to make them for you 😉

shortbread ingredients

lavender-rosemary shortbread cookies
ingredients:
3/4 tsp rosemary, chopped
3/4 tsp lavender, chopped
2 heaping tablespoons honey
1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups unsalted butter (room temp/softened)
1 cup sugar
2 egg yolks
2 2/3 cups flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
directions:
combine the sugar, honey and butter. mix them together in mixer (with the paddle attachment if you have one). add the lavender, rosemary, e.g. yolks, and vanilla. mix everything together again until thoroughly combined.
add the flour and baking powder to the wet ingredients. mix everything on the ‘stir’ setting (or just hand stir) until everything is combined. CAUTION:  don’t over-stir. the dough should be sticky and a little wet
dump the dough onto a piece of parchment paper or cling wrap and form into a log about 1 1/2in in diameter. freeze for a half hour or so.
remove dough from the freezer and slice 1/2 in thick. (or you can roll out on a floured surface and use a cookie cutter). place on baking sheet lined with parchment paper, sprinkle with sugar, and bake at 350 for 9-10 min – or when the sides start to turn golden but NOT brown.  remove from oven and cool on cooling rack.
shortbread2
strawberry chia seed jam
 
ingredients:
24oz strawberries -sliced
2-4 Tbs honey, maple syrup, or agave
2 tbs chia seeds
directions:
in a medium saucepan, combine the strawberries and 2 Tbs honey. cover and bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it begins to liquefy (about 5 to 10 min). once the fruit is liquid, bring it to a gentle boil and let cook until it breaks down and becomes saucy, about 5 min. mash lightly until at your desired consistency.
taste the jam for sweetness. if you want it sweeter, stir in additional honey a few tsps at a time.
stir in the chia seeds and let cook one minute. remove the pan from the heat, stir once more, and let sit for 10 min. the jam will continue to thicken as it cools. (if it’s still too thin, add 1-2 tsps of chia seeds)
transfer the jam to an airtight container (mason jar if you have it).  the jam will keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, or the freezer up to 2 months.
jam1
jam2
enjoy!
xoxo

ashLeave a comment