When I was asked to be a part of a group of moms to share our personal experiences of becoming a mother – I waved a huge flag saying “YES!” We’ll be chatting about a few different milestones when it comes to motherhood but I was especially interested in talking about feeding. It’s about to get REAL honest around here about feeding because I’ve had friends reach out to me about my experience. If you have no interest in babies or motherhood I promise more inspiring posts will be up for your to enjoy in a few days. Before becoming a mom I had gone to the classes, read a few books (not many) and talked to new moms about feeding, but I didn’t know that it would be such an emotional roller coaster. They tell you that your baby will find your breasts on their own and latch. You may have to help them, but then they will get the hang of it. Friends, that was not my case. When Jackson was born I was all about breastfeeding – I was excited for the bond we would have while he fed and the quiet moments we would share together. Well, this wasn’t the how it turned out. He had no interest in latching on – they said it was because he was so tiny. We had to syringe feed him. At the hospital we tried over and over again to latch him on. Nothing. We tried it with a nipple shield – something I didn’t even know existed. Nothing. So, the nurses and doctors said I would have to hand express in order to feed him with a syringe. This is not something any mother dreams about. It was exhausting. It lasted a week and a half. After appointments every other day with the lactation consultants, we finally got him to latch but he wasn’t gaining any weight. Something no mother wants to hear. Finally, they told me I would have feed him with a bottle along with breastfeeding. He wasn’t eating enough on the boob. At that point, you just have to do what’s best for your child to be healthy. Believe me, there were a lot of tears. We introduced the bottle and he took it like a champ. Eating much more, which led to him sleeping a bit more. But he still wasn’t gaining the appropriate weight – we were going to the lactation consultations two times a week. It basically felt like home. They told me that my milk, because he didn’t latch at the beginning wasn’t producing the fatty milk. It was producing skim milk. It felt as though someone had punched me in the stomach. What did that mean? What could I do to fix it? How could that be when I was producing so much milk with my pump? These were all of the questions I had swirling in my head. It turns out there wasn’t much I could do but he needed certain nutrients that I wasn’t providing. So, we introduced formula mixed with breast milk. It was probably one of the hardest moments I had after giving birth – it wasn’t the lack of sleep, it wasn’t the change of lifestyle, it was the fact that I couldn’t give him what I thought would be the closest bond we would have together. But, in the end it was the best decision we ever made. About two days into introducing formula to Jackson he was a different baby. He wasn’t fussy, he slept more, he just loved life and that’s the way he has been ever since. We lucked out in the baby department because we have the happiest baby on the block. Now, we’ve moved onto solids and this little guy loves it all. You name it, he’s had it. Not once has he spit it up. He may make a funny face and look at me saying “what is that mom?” but then he eats it and opens his mouth for more. The hurdle we faced early on was something that I’ll never forget. Although it wasn’t how I pictured feeding my baby, I wouldn’t have it any other way. He is now the kid that will sit there drinking his own bottle on my lap looking up at me. I cherish those moments of him looking into my eyes. Since I’ve talked with other moms about what I went through I’ve had a handful of friends reach out to me asking questions because they find themselves in a similar situation. If you are going through it please don’t hesitate to reach out. Honestly, it’s so important to bond with other moms when you are going through these trying times. If I hadn’t had my mommy and me class at DayOne each week to go to, I’m not sure how I would’ve dealt with the situation. Those moms and I will forever have a bond for what was said behind those doors and this was one topic that struck a chord with me. Just remember, you aren’t alone, this happens to many moms and you should do what’s best for you because that is what matters most! Make sure to check out the other mama’s of the series, talking feeding: Could I Have That The Effortless Chic Ave Styles The Refined Woman Parker Etc A Daily Something Our Style Stories Smitten Studio Apartment 34 Hope you enjoyed this post – next month all of us will be talking about work/life balance! Photos by Delbarr Moradi (Jackson was 10 days old) #lifestyle

I love living in a city – even if it means I have to forego a decent garden. I live in an apartment in San Francisco with only a small front porch but I decided to try my hand at a herb garden this week. I love the idea of a fresh array of herbs I can snip to garnish a fresh salad or whatever I happen to be cooking. Pictured: Potting Soil | DeWit Dutch Trowel | Japanese Carbon Steel Shears | Enameled Steel Watering Can in Ivory | All-Purpose Pruner I turned to Terrain and found the perfect oval shaped pot to plant my herbs. When I arrive home and turn into my little porch, I have to smile when I see my petite garden. One little snip of tarragon or thyme to use in a salad infuses a lovely flavor and makes me so happy! Pictured: Fiberstone Low Oval Planter Now is your chance to win $100 toward making your own herb garden or any other item from Terrain’s lovely site. There are so many possibilities for bringing a garden to your porch – or if you’re lucky enough – your garden! To enter to win the $100 Terrain gift card, simply tell which indoor or outdoor planter is perfect for your house on shopterrain.com in a comment below. I’ll be notifying the winner via email on Sunday, September 13th. Good luck! This post is a partnership with Terrain. All opinions are my own. Thanks for supporting sponsored posts that keep Sacramento Street doors open. Image by Emily Scott for Sacramento Street #lifestyle

I have been dreaming of pasta these days. Having just come back from Italy where I proved to myself I could eat pasta everyday and all day – I can’t help myself. Instead of hearty pasta with meat sauce I have been craving easy one-dish pastas that take advantage of the simple summer season and all of its fresh flavors. This summertime pasta is just that – a bowl of pasta goodness that is filled with garlic, tomatoes, basil and of course, Parmesan cheese. I used to think that pasta needed a big heavy sauce to go with it. Something like a Bolognese or marinara (which are delicious don’t get me wrong) but after sampling pasta dishes all over Italy, I much prefer a simple flavorful pan sauce. Plus they are way easier to make. This pasta’s pan sauce gets its flavors from sautéing shallots and garlic, then deglazing the pan with a little wine. By adding in cheese, butter and lemon zest, you have a delicious sauce that will highlight the pasta and the blistered tomatoes that top the dish. Make sure to add enough salt – the right amount of salt will take this dish from tasty to perfection. Cheers to the last week of “unofficial” summer! ~ Amanda Summertime Pasta Ingredients 1 cup cherry tomatoes 3 Tbs. olive oil 1 lb pasta, such as spaghetti or fettuccine 2 shallot, thinly sliced 3 gloves garlic, minced 2/3 cup white wine 2 Tbs. butter 2 tsp. lemon zest 1/3 cup parmesan cheese, grated, plus more for serving 2 Tbs. basil or mint, julienned salt and pepper to taste red pepper flakes, optional Directions 1.) Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted water according to the label instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining and set aside (tossing with a little olive oil if needed to prevent sticking.) 2.) Warm 2 Tbs. olive oil in the same pot over medium heat. Add the cherry tomatoes and sauté, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes have started to wilt and blister about 5 minutes. Remove tomatoes and their juices from pan and set aside. 3.) In the same pot, warm remaining olive oil over medium high heat. Add shallot and garlic and cook for about 1 minute until shallot is translucent. Carefully deglaze the pan with white wine and continue cooking until the wine is reduced halfway, about 2 minutes. Add a large pinch of salt and turn the heat to low. Add lemon zest, butter, and cheese and stir until butter is melted. Add pasta and coat with pan sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce. Fold in tomatoes, herbs and a large pinch of salt and pepper. 4.) Serve immediately with more Parmesan cheese. Recipe & Photos by Amanda Frederickson for Sacramento Street #entertaining #cooking

When I first started shopping for Jackson I thought about what kind of style he would have – would he be preppy, sporty or a classic little man? It’s hard to decide before you even meet them but as I began putting together his wardrobe I found that I started to think about factors I hadn’t thought about before – where was it being made? Was it organic? What exactly was he going to be wearing . . . these are all things that I kind of brushed aside until he arrived and I started to realize it was important. When Jackson was born, my college girlfriend Jen Hartford, who is the founder of Noble Carriage, sent us a package filled with the most beautiful baby clothes and what has become Jackson’s favorite toy – Max the Raccoon. What I loved most was that everything inside the bundle Jen sent was high quality and organic – this is a quality company that cares about everything they sell. Each piece sold is guaranteed safe for your little one and for the world. Jen makes sure that every company she works with meets at least 3 of the site’s 5 “noble standards,” which are 100% certified organic, fair-trade, locally made, sustainable, or handmade. Watch their video here. Since then, I have been stocking up Jacksons closet with a variety of items and each one is better than the next. He lives in his Billie Blooms and we don’t go anywhere without Max the Raccoon tagging along. When Jen asked me if I’d partner with her on a curated bundle of “Jackson approved” favorite items, I didn’t hesitate to say yes! This bundle is filled everything he loves – a pair of Billie Blooms, an Oeuf Kimono Onesie, Grey Label Booties, a Gray Label Cardigan Sweatshirt and of course, Max the Raccoon from Hazel Village. These Noble Carriage bundles are perfect for new mamas or moms-to-be. This is a giveaway that is near and dear to my heart. You can enter to win this Sacramento Street bundle filled with all Jackson’s favorite goodies OR win a $160 gift card to create your very own bundle! Head over to my instagram to enter. It’s easy and you won’t want to miss out! Then head over to Noble Carriage to check out the curated shop Jackson and I created with our favorite things. It’s cuteness overload! Photos by Gary Sexton for Noble Carriage x Sacramento Street #lifestyle

Having a baby last December has changed my life in a multitude of ways. The rewards of being a mom never seem to end – a first smile, a sweet hand resting on my own, or a cry in the night that ends when I enter the room – I’m one lucky mom! Now that I’m a mother trying to juggle work, baby, and family life – I needed to start thinking about the products in my home, using method has been a real lifesaver in more ways than one. I find myself constantly washing my hands after diaper changes as well as before cooking meals or preparing baby food and of course washing bottles for Jackson. I find that method Nourishing Hand Wash not only moisturizes and hydrates my hands with natural botanicals but it’s also sustainable and good for the environment. I’m left with soft hands and not at the expense of the planet – now that matters to me! And since Jackson is continuously grabbing anything and everything in sight – I can rest assured that the soap in my kitchen and bathroom will not harm him. The coconut milk scent being a favorite for our family, although the almond flower and olive leaf smell amazing as well. My favorite is the method Nourishing Hand Wash in blue (surprise! surprise!) but the green and orange are equally beautiful and effective. It feels good to be able to use products that I find both effective as well as good for myself and my family. It’s a win-win product in my book! This post is a partnership with method. All opinions are my own. Thanks for supporting sponsored posts that keep Sacramento Street doors open. Image by Claire Giffen for Sacramento Street #lifestyle #interiors

It’s been quite a busy few weeks with projects – we are about to finalize all tiles one of those projects. I am excited for to show you the end result…although it won’t be done until next year. Daily walks are a ritual in our family. I’m constantly finding inspiration from the homes that surround us. I cherish the moments I get to spend with this guy during the week. Impromptu trips to Lands End are a must on a gorgeous day! Let’s just say, doing a shoot with Freda Salvador really does show how obsessed I am with their shoes. Now I’m ready to kick back to enjoy the weekend – we’re off to Healdsburg. I haven’t been in years. If you want to see more of what I’m up to throughout the week – follow me on Instagram. Photos by Caitlin Flemming #lifestyle

Each month I feel inspired after we shoot Natalie’s creations. Sometimes we plan a certain theme or color but other times I want to be surprised. This month when I opened the door, Natalie had a tons and tons of beautiful grass – the bucket had an ombre look to it. I knew I was in for a spectacular surprise. She knocked it out of the park friends. Not only were the different varieties stunning, but she pulled out the lotus pod and carefully unfolded it. You are in for a treat when you see what it looked like before and after. It’s truly amazing what Natalie creates for us each month. Read on to find out more about this hidden gem of a flower! Flower Varieties: Left to right: Maiden Grass, Lotus Pod and Purple Fountain Grass I love these lotus pods. They are incredible. Where were they grown? These lots pods are so beautiful in their shape, clean lines and simple yet complex form. This may be the very first time in our three years of doing this post, that I have used a flower that was not grown locally. This lotus is an import from Hawaii, however under the right growing conditions you could grow them other places. I love these grasses. Why did you chose them? I know many people, including myself, have one tall vase in their house where they like to have long lasting branches on display. It’s such an easy and inexpensive way to keep the presence of greens in your home without needing to have a full arrangement. At a certain point in the year I get a bit tired of having branches and want to try something new. That is exactly what happened this month and why I chose the grasses. They are long lasting and have such an elegant look. The same look can be achieved with tall weeds you find on the side of the road. It sounds crazy, but trust me, they can look so elegant when placed in a vase all on their own. Our mother’s were both at this photo shoot, wasn’t that special? Yes! I loved that unplanned we both brought our mother’s to this shoot. We are both so lucky to have our Mama’s live close and share our mutual passions. Yours for interiors and mine for flowers. I appreciate that more and more older I get. Thank you Natalie for this incredible feature this month. I’m constantly in awe of what you create for us! Flowers by Natalie Bowen Designs | Photos by Emily Scott for Sacramento Street #lifestyle

I know that most everyone knows how to make a BLT. The name says it all, right? (BLT for bacon lettuce and tomato.) But consider this a public service announcement and reminder for how delicious a BLT is. I had completely forgotten and made one for myself recently with avocado and basil aioli and fell hard for this old school delicious sandwich. There is no need for a recipe for this food post. You all know how to make a BLT but consider spicing up this tried and true sandwich with some different toppings and ingredients. I added avocado onto my BLT because, well avocado makes everything taste better. I also made some basil aioli which added a bright freshness to the sandwich. For your future BLTs consider adding anything and everything. Today I am sharing my easy recipe for basil aioli – think of it as fancy mayonnaise that goes well with everything from a BLT to grilled salmon to sweet potato fries. I am already dreaming of my next BLT – I think I am going to switch out the fresh tomato in my sandwich for a fried green tomato and top the BLT with some creole aioli. Excuse me while I go make it. Enjoy! ~ Amanda Basil Aioli Ingredients 1 handful fresh basil 1 cup mayonnaise 1 tsp lemon juice pinch of salt. Directions 1.) In a blender or small food processor, combine the basil, mayonnaise, lemon juice and salt. Pulse until well combined. Note: Makes about 1 cup and keeps well in the refrigerator for about 1 week. Recipe & Photos by Amanda Frederickson for Sacramento Street #entertaining #cooking

With the exception of a few times a year, flowers in my house are always white. Of course white can sometimes look plain and one dimensional to some. One way I get around this, is to mix the white flowers with other grasses or greens in season. This month, Natalie has succeeded in creating a rich, wild and innovative way to mix the season into my white flowers. I think you’ll agree that these flowers are a winning bunch!! What inspired you this month? I love color so much but sometimes I need a break and to have a  calm arrangement. I think white and green feels so summery and I always think of white as your signature color, Caitlin. While vibrant summer colors are wonderful, there is something about the freshness of white and green that feels so soothing during the hot months. I love this white rose. What is it? This is an iceberg rose. They are one of the only pure white garden roses and they grow really well in this part of California. They are also incredibly long lasting. My mother has bushes in her back yard and the flowers on them last for weeks! The only draw back to this rose is that they have zero scent. You can’t have everything, I guess! I love these little guys you call Love-in-Mist. I love those, too! Love-in-Mist can also be called Nigella There are so few blue flowers that I really love and these are one of them. I also have a very special association with them as my husband and I got married in a field of poppies and Love-in-Mist. They can also be called “Devil-in-a-mist”, but I'll stick to the devil reference. Looking for more flower inspiration? Be sure to check out the arrangements Natalie has created in the past – I’m always finding inspiration through them. Flowers by Natalie Bowen Designs | Photos by Emily Scott for Sacramento Street #lifestyle

Eric and I recently noticed that Jackson is enthralled with us when we are eating. His mouth opens and he wants to participate in all of the fun! We decided that it was time to open up and begin to use his Stokke Steps high chair. Jackson adores it. We all eat together in our dining room. We want to start out from the beginning to eat our meals (when possible of course because it certainly doesn’t happen every night!) together. He still doesn’t have the coordination to feed himself but he sure does try. We often make his food from scratch and Jackson loves just about anything – especially if we’re eating it. This little man loves basil, broccoli, corn – you name it, he loves it! What I love about this high chair is that it can be pulled straight up to the table. When it’s in the kitchen, we use the tray. Often Jackson will play while I’m preparing dinner. He loves being able to sit up high enough to see what is happening. I’m excited for this new chapter in Jackson’s ever-changing development and couldn’t be happier with my choice! Photography by Emily Scott // brought to you by Stokke #lifestyle