I love shopping small and have made it a big part of my gift giving. And I was thinking, it might be fun to gather my favorite social media friends to come up with a wide selection of shopping small sources in the Bay Area. So each of us have chosen one place we recommend shopping small at. I can’t wait to explore many of these shops that are new to me. THE PODOLLS – CAITLIN OF SACRAMENTO STREET One of my go-to small shops where I know I can always find something I love is The Podolls. The husband and wife team have a store in Noe Valley and also one in Hillsboro. Much of the clothing in their shop, they have designed themselves. On my most recent shopping trip, I found a dress for me, a stocking stuffer for my son, and a pair of shoes. Everything they have in the shop is carefully curated and makes great additions to your wardrobe or home. It feels right to spend my money with folks who work hard to deliver quality and style in San Francisco. ST. FRANK – ASHLEY KANE OF BRUNCH ON CHESTNUT St. Frank is my favorite place to shop for unique and authentic gifts (whether it’s for a loved one or a “to me, from me”). They have the most unique and beautiful textiles and accessories handmade by artisans from around the globe. Their collection is a perfect mix of vintage and new– the collector’s, home styling enthusiasts, and entertainers in your life will approve! MILL MERCANTILE – LESLIE SANTARINA OF SPOTTED SF Classic. Simple. Beautifully designed essentials for your wardrobe, especially for the everyday “t-shirt and jeans” kind of gal. Mill Mercantile has a lovely collection of home goods, books and quarterly magazines. They stock harder to find, indie brands from US and international makers. For the men folk, they have a separate shop called Unionmade. FLORA GRUBB – ERIN HIEMSTRA OF APARTMENT 34 When it comes to gift giving I like to go for something a little unique. My local nursery, Flora Grubb is the perfect for that. Be it an air plant, a beautiful piece of pottery or the perfect little potted succulent, I always find something special. HUDSON GRACE – CRYSTAL PALECEK OF RUE MAGAZINE Walking into Hudson Grace is a sensory experience every aesthete will love. From the beautiful white dinnerware, to the sophisticated scented candles, and the rich textures of baskets and linens, visiting is an elevated experience for all. Hudson Grace is definitely one of my go-to spots for holiday shopping and treating myself throughout the year. ESQUELETO – AMANDA HOLSTEIN OF ADVICE FROM A TWENTY SOMETHING Esqueleto is one of a handful of stores on Temescal Alley in Oakland. It’s one of my favorite places to not only shop but get inspiration. If you’re looking for unique, artisanal gifts — everything from bohemian jewelry to home decor — Esqueleto has some really cool pieces. ALCHEMY BOTTLE SHOP – BIANCA SOTELO OF A FAB CHALLENGE Alchemy Bottle Shop is the prettiest booze shop in all the land filled with special small batch and locally crafted spirits. Each product, down to their gorgeous vintage barware, is carefully curated and unique. A beautiful bottle is a multipurpose gift in my book: it looks stunning on a bar cart, and is a novelty to drink! There are many reasons to #ShopSmall TWODAY but one big motivation is the amazing Shop Small for 2X Rewards promotion American Express is running through the end of the year. So get out there and discover your favorite small shops you can support this holiday season. You can use Amex Shop Small map, to help you find participating shops. You can also enroll for our card at enrollment page. I hope you enjoy finding your favorite small shops this season – happy holiday hunts! *As you know, you must be 21+ to consume alcohol. Please drink responsibly. All opinions are my own. Thanks for supporting sponsored posts that keep Sacramento Street doors open. Photos courtesy of Caitlin Flemming | Andrea Posadas | Leslie Santarina #lifestyle

Last month, I was thrilled to be asked by McGuire to design a table for a celebration of their Fall 2016 Introductions, which includes pieces by the talented designer Steven Volpe, an AD100 recipient, and McGuire’s first lighting collection in over a decade, designed by Jonathan Browning. The dinner was held at the McGuire showroom here in San Francisco and a group of talented designers and publishers came to celebrate the launch of the collection. The task at hand was to design a table that complemented McGuire’s newest introductions and the more modern look and feel embodied by the current showroom. The table was set under Jonathan Browning’s stunning Muir Chandelier for McGuire, and we then used various McGuire styles for chairs. Although they represented seasons past and present by a mix of McGuire’s master designers including Steven Volpe, Barbara Barry, Orlando Diaz-Azcuy, and Laura Kirar, the chairs were all a soft grey hue McGuire calls Matte Smoke. The result was a beautifully cohesive table that had far more interest than having all the same chairs, and they served as great conversation starters. McGuire has always been a favorite showroom for me and they are well-known for their quality, use of natural materials and fine craftsmanship. Since some of the conversation got sidelined by recent current events, we learned that McGuire has been in almost every White House since JFK – now that is something! In my plans for the table, I wanted to create a warm and inviting atmosphere with gray tablecloths in velvet, ivory and gold plates, wooden carved chargers, and brass flatware. Flowers were made to look as if they had just been picked in a country meadow and they were placed in wooden vessels. I also used two dozen brass candlesticks and mercury glass votives to help the table glow in the evening light. This is always a favorite time of year for me to think about entertaining and how to put together a perfect table. I hope you’re also having fun with the tabletop design as you have friends and family over at this time of year! Photos of tabletop by Andrea Posadas for Sacramento Street #entertaining #interiors

I am the daughter of an environmentalist who always made it clear to me that we could all take steps to be kinder to our world. We share the planet and need to take individual steps to make as small of an impact as we possibly can. Check out SodaStream video Shame or Glory. And consider a SodaStream for yourself or to buy it as a gift this holiday season! Here are some ways all of us can help to improve the planet: Turn off lights when you leave a room. You can also lower the brightness of your bulbs and save energy – and the great thing is that you’ll save money! Use reusable bags when you shop. I keep a stack in my trunk. It’s easy to do and you won’t be wasting paper. Consider buying items in bulk. You won’t be wasting packaging and you will need fewer trips to the grocery store. Try to make a habit of buying produce directly from the farmer. There are arrangements you can make to have boxes of produce delivered once a week or if you don’t do that, consider visiting your local farmers market. Finally, avoid buying drinks in plastic bottles. They often end up in landfill and are also a key factor in the pollution of our oceans. One solution I have found for my love of mineral water is to use SodaStream. No more heavy bottles to lug up my stairs and then back down to the recycling bin. I can have my mineral water and not harm the environment in the process. It’s a simple way to take tap water and make mineral water in an eco-friendly manner. I usually add a slice of lemon or lime (I pretty much use them in everything) to my mineral water for a perfect way to keep hydrated. This post is a partnership with SodaStream. All opinions are my own. Thanks for supporting sponsored posts that keep Sacramento Street doors open. Photos by Andrea Posadas for Sacramento Street #lifestyle

Set the table ahead of time. I will often set the table the day before we are having friends over. You can get it completely set up, with the exception of flowers and greenery. Prepare those closer to the event – especially if you are using greenery directly on the table! Consider having a potluck where everyone brings something. That way you aren’t stuck in the kitchen for days! If you don’t like the idea of a potluck but you’re still short on time for preparation, you can always buy some items prepared and then make others yourself. I often buy some parts of a meal already prepared. Let’s face it: we are all busy at this time of year! But the last thing you should do is be stuck in the kitchen and your guests left to fend for themselves! Consider a signature drink. You can have wine and mineral water as alternatives, but a fun cocktail can break the ice. Finally, choose your outfit ahead of time so you don’t have to think about it the day of your party. All opinions are my own. Thanks for supporting sponsored posts that keep Sacramento Street doors open. Photography by delbarr moradi #entertaining

Smashed Cauliflower Ingredients 1 Large head of Cauliflower 1/2 cup chicken or veggie broth 1 tablespoon of butter or Olive Oil 1 Teaspoon of Worchestire sauce 1-2 Teaspoons of salt 1 Tablespoon of Chives Cracked Pepper Directions Remove green leaves from cauliflower and wash head well. Cut into 8 wedges, leaving the core and stem intact. Place cauliflower and stock of choice in pot and bring to a boil. Immediately turn to a simmer, place lid on pot and let cauliflower steam until completely soft, about 12-15 minutes. Drain excess liquid, and using a potato masher (or a large whisk) mash the cauliflower until it’s the consistency of mashed potatoes. Season with butter or oil, worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper. Sprinkle with chives before serving. Serving Size: 4 Tip: This is a great ‘blank canvas” recipe that people can dress up however they want. I love to add goat cheese, charred scallions or crispy sage. Obviously, a much lighter alternative to mashed potatoes and I have had people tell me they can’t taste the difference. Photography by delbarr moradi / Food by Jessica Robertson #recipes #entertaining #cooking

ROASTED AUTUMN SQUASH Ingredients 3 Squash, assorted kinds (I used Hubbard, delicata and acorn) 2 Tablespoons of Olive Oil 2 Teaspoons Kosher Salt 1 Tablespoon of Chili Powder 1 Tablespoon of good quality honey Directions Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cut Squash into a variety of shapes. I like some wedges, some coins and some dice. Just try to keep them roughly the same size. Toss the squash in the bowl with everything but the honey. Spread onto a sheet tray and roast for 20 minutes, until you can pierce with a pairing knife and it slides in easily. Depending on the power of your oven, you may want to put the tray under the broiler for a minute or 2 to achieve little blistered spots. Remove from oven and drizzle with honey. Serve hot. If you can get your hands on Hot Honey (an ingredient that’s trending right now) you can skip the chili powder. Or, you can even make your own hot honey. Serving Size: 6 – 8 Tip: There are so many beautiful types of seasonal gourds, and lots of people don’t realize that the skin is edible, delicious and nutrient dense. If your unsure the Squash you have has an edible skin, ask your farmer at the weekly market or do a quick google search. POMEGRANETE RELISH Ingredients 1/4 red onion, small dice 2 lemons, zest + juice Zest of 1 orange 1 Tablespoon of pomegranate molasses 1 Teaspoon of Kosher Salt Pom seeds of 1 large pomegranate 1-2 Tablespoons of quality finishing olive oil 1 Tablespoon of chopped parsley Directions Combine first 5 ingredients and let sit for 5-10 minutes. Fold in seeds and stir in oil. Taste and add more salt or lemon if needed. Stir in parsley just before serving. This is a great stand in for cranberry sauce and a pint size mason jar makes a killer hostess gift! Be sure to check out Jessica’s tips on cooking a fool-proof turkey. Photography by delbarr moradi | Food by Jessica Robertson #recipes #cooking #entertaining

Tips on Cooking the Perfect Turkey Always make sure your bird is fully defrosted and room temp before going in the oven. This can be achieved in a sanitary way by stopping your sink up and letting the bird sit in room temp water, while still in it’s package for 30 minutes before you unwrap and season. Always season the cavity of the bird as well as the outside, which will flavor the bird from the inside out. Keep the bird elevated on a rack while roasting so it does not sit in it’s drippings. Roast low and slow (about 300 degrees) for approx: 15 min per pound. Most important and most often skipped. Let the roast bird rest a minimum of 35 minutes, (I have let mine rest for an hour and it’s still piping hot! Rest the bird uncovered. You don’t want that beautiful crispy skin to steam! Lastly, remain calm and don’t get intimidated. Remember: It’s just a big chicken. More Thanksgiving recipes from Jessica will be coming your way tomorrow – they are delicious! Photography by delbarr moradi | Food by Jessica Robertson #cooking

I always have a feeling of anticipation as the holiday season quickly approaches. After summer, when everyone spends every possible waking moment outdoors, I look forward to more gatherings with friends and loved ones. Recently, I designed a Friendsgiving for my fellow social media friends, sponsored by Gap Inc. We were all able to choose our holiday attire from all three stores – Old Navy, Banana Republic, and Gap. Creating the setting for our Friendsgiving was an honor and I was able to stretch my creative process with the use of a nine-foot French farm table, a bench, and vintage chairs from my favorite go-to antique shop – Elsie Green. I used apothecary bottles and jars for a mix of flowers and grasses and combined them with my favorite brass candlesticks. I filled in the center of our table with simple olive branches. I mixed two different patterns of vintage brown and white transferware and paired it with bone-handled knives, monogrammed napkins, and wicker placemats. Even with so many different things going on, the tabletop was also simple and cohesive. I’ve always been a fan of mixing old with new, and this particular Friendsgiving was the perfect test. To top it off, I commissioned one of my favorite quotes by Cesar Chavez for the wall: “If you really want to make a friend, go to someone’s house and eat with him…the people who give you their food, give you their heart.” Surrounding myself with great friends here in San Francisco to celebrate this Friendsgiving feast was the perfect way to kick off the holiday season – Therese of Craft and Couture, Erin of Apartment 34, Amanda from Advice from a 20 Something, Erica of Honestly WTF, Nichole of Vanilla Extract, Jeanne of Shop Sweet Things, and Todd of Honestly YUM. SHOP THE POST My Outfit: Jacket by Banana Republic – Faux Fur Collar Cardigan | Turtleneck by Old Navy – Semi-Fitted Turtleneck Tee for Women / Denim by Old Navy – Mid-Rise Rockstar Built-In Sculpt Jeans | Necklaces my own Set Design by Caitlin Flemming / Photography by delbarr moradi / Food by Jessica Robertson /Tabletop props from elsie green / Calligraphy by Bright Room Studio This post is a partnership with Old Navy. All opinions are my own. Thanks for supporting sponsored posts that keep Sacramento Street doors open. #lifestyle

[show_shopthepost_widget id=”2115331″] This post is a partnership with World Market. All opinions are my own. Thanks for supporting sponsored posts that keep Sacramento Street doors open. Photos by Delbarr Moradi for Sacramento Street

Something I think is vital in childhood is being given the room and space to wander. For many of us living in cities, this can sometimes present a challenge. Thankfully, most urban areas have set aside parks and protected areas, where wandering can still take place. I have a tendency to gravitate toward the Presidio in San Francisco, since it’s only a few blocks from where I live. I want Jackson and I to be able to set out with no agenda, except to wander. I never take my eyes off of him, but I let him lead the way. On these adventures and wanderings, I prefer having both Jackson and I in layers. Especially in San Francisco, where it can be summer and winter in the same day! My go-to place to find affordable and stylish clothes for both of us is at Old Navy. I love the variety of items that you can mix and match. I find their children’s clothes fun, well priced, and they fit Jackson perfectly. You don’t have to spend a fortune to have your children and yourself, for that matter, look stylish. Jackson needs to have layers of clothes (and lots of them since he gets dirty in a nano second!) and I always find clothes that I can mix and match for him at Old Navy. But truth be told, I also find great pieces for me. The vest I’m wearing is versatile (I have it multiple colors) and can go with a variety of outfits.This time of year I love wearing gingham! Adding a fun snowflake sock with boots adds a little something to an outfit. If you need layers for winter, stop by Old Navy for all of your family needs. You will find your dollar can stretch and you’ll still be stylish. Fashion can be fun – embrace layers and set out and wander close to home! Caitlin: Quilted Vest in Ivory | Classic Flannel Shirt in Gingham | Rockstar Super Skinny Jeans in Dark Wash | Fair Isle Boot Socks in Black Snowflake Jackson: Shawl-Collar Cable-Knit Sweater in Carbon / Thermal Henley in Charcoal Stripe | Gray Skinny Jeans | Sherpa-Lined Boots in Black This post is a partnership with Old Navy. All opinions are my own. Thanks for supporting sponsored posts that keep Sacramento Street doors open. Photos by Andrea Posadas for Sacramento Street #style