When I first came across Framebridge I was intrigued by their process – it’s an easy to navigate site, which also has an app that will lead you through a step-by-step process to design your own frames for each piece you want done. Another plus, they have an option for a designer consultation if you aren’t quite sure what will look best with a particular piece. I’d say that’s a huge bonus! Since I’ve been hoarding photos that I’ve been wanting to frame for an art wall in our house and for Christmas presents for family, I decided to give it a whirl. Let’s just say it was easy as pie. I quickly uploaded the five pieces I wanted done and in about 30 or so minutes I was done. When I was finished I couldn’t believe I had waited that long to do it all . . . I was even tempted to get even more pictures framed. Beware, it’s addicting – especially when you are putting together an art wall in your home. With that being said, I wanted to share step-by-step details into how I go about putting together art walls. I’m constantly getting asked by readers and friends how to even begin putting together an art wall. I’ve come up with five steps that will help you create one in your very own home. 1. Paper First: Don’t pound a single nail before you do a little planning. Decide which pieces you definitely want on the wall. It’s nice to have a few extra options in case you need to fill in the blanks. Then make a paper template the size of the frames. 2. Mix & Match: Cut out the shapes and experiment with various placements. This small step will save your walls from misplaced holes from the nails. It’s important to measure out how large the wall is so you know that they will fit in. Once you decide on the arrangement take a picture of it. 3. Tape It Up: Transfer the paper onto the wall in the arrangement you’ve decided on. Figure out spacing and height. 4. Time to Commit: Measure where the wire hangs on the frame and mark the paper with a pen. Take the nail and hammer it through the paper – it’s the only way you’ll get it exactly right. Once you’ve done this with each piece it’s time to rip all that paper down. 5. It’s Time to Hang: It’s time to see your vision come alive. Hang your artwork up on the nails. Refer back to the picture you took in case they got out of order. Now it’s time to sort through your photos and artwork and get everything you want framed. Framebridge has a plethora of options and styles that work with any aesthetic you have in your home. Pop on over to start your framing! This post is a partnership with Framebridge. All opinions are my own. Thanks for supporting sponsored posts that keep Sacramento Street doors open. Photos by Heather Day for Sacramento Street #interiors

There is nothing I love more than having the entire house decked out for the holidays. This year we’ve kept it a little more low-key, but this little nook in the dining room was screaming to be decorated. That’s why I turned to Pottery Barn for their beautiful holiday decor to give it a little bling from the usual look – it’s one of my go-to spots for sprucing up the house from season to season. Now that the house feels festive, I’m ready to have a few small gatherings with friends and family before baby Flemming arrives. Liberty Double Old Fashioned Glassware | Silver Mercury Glass Trees | Snowflake Napkins When it comes to the holidays I love having a few signature cocktails on hand to make for guests. This year I’ve had the challenge of creating a cocktail for guests that can also be created into a delicious mocktail for myself. After quite a bit of taste testing I finally came up with a twist on the perfect holiday cocktail that is now my go-to mocktail – the Cranberry Fizz. Just add a splash of vodka for guests and voila it’s perfection. This mocktail is sure to have guests wanting the recipe. Plus, the best part is that it’s easy to make, which means you won’t be stuck behind the bar whipping them up all night long. Are you putting a twist on anything this holiday season? A cocktail? Decor? Recipe? This post is a partnership with Pottery Barn. All opinions are my own. Thanks for supporting sponsored posts that keep Sacramento Street doors open. Photos by Heather Day for Sacramento Street #cooking #interiors

For me, holiday gifts can be tricky. On the one hand I want to celebrate all my friends and family but sometimes it can get a little crazy trying to find something special for everyone. Plus, to be honest, I am not the best shopper. I get a little stressed especially with the holiday madness.  As a remedy I have started to make food gifts for all the people in my life. It has become a tradition to block off a Saturday in December and spend the whole day making holiday candy. My favorite candies to gift are homemade vanilla bourbon marshmallows, chocolate bark and my all-time favorite homemade peppermint patties. There is a myth that marshmallows cannot be made at home. Totally not true. Marshmallows are infinitely better homemade than store bought. There are a couple different ways you can make marshmallows but I have found that whipping gelatin that has been dissolved in water with a hot sugar syrup is the easiest and most delicious way to go. It is kind of a magical transformation – one minute you have gelatin then the next you have mounds of fluffy white marshmallow fluff. You can flavor with vanilla, or cocoa powder or even a little bourbon. There are so many iterations of chocolate bark, I like mine with chocolate, almonds and a large helping of sea salt. Feel free to mix these up and add things like dried fruit, coconut flakes, or other types of nuts. Last, but definitely not least, my absolute favorite holiday candy to make is peppermint patties. Like the marshmallows, once you taste a homemade peppermint patty, store bought ones will never compare. If you only have time to make one type of candy as a holiday present, this one should be it. Plus it is the easiest of the three – no brainer right? So if you are like me and would rather be in the kitchen then out shopping, give the gift of candy instead. I promise the recipients will be blown away. But, be warned, they will begin to expect it from you every year. ~Amanda Vanilla Bourbon Marshmallows Ingredients 3 packages unflavored gelatin 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar 1 cup light corn syrup large pinch of salt 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract 1 tablespoon bourbon Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting Directions 1.) Combine the gelatin and 1/2 cup of cold water in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Allow the gelatin to bloom (dissolve) while you make the syrup. 2.) Meanwhile, combine the sugar, corn syrup, salt, and 1/2 cup water in a small saucepan and cook over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Raise the heat to high and cook until the syrup reaches 240 degrees on a candy thermometer. Remove from the heat. 3.) With the mixer on low speed, slowly and carefully pour the sugar syrup into the dissolved gelatin. Put the mixer on high speed and whip until the mixture is very thick, about 8 – 10 minutes or until the marshmallow mixture holds stiff peaks. Add the vanilla and bourbon and mix thoroughly for another 30 seconds. 4.) Dust an 8 by 12-inch nonmetal baking dish with powdered sugar. Pour the marshmallow mixture into the pan, smooth the top, and dust with more powdered sugar (The mixture will be very sticky so make sure to dust well with powdered sugar). Allow to stand uncovered overnight until it dries out. 5.) Turn the marshmallows onto a board and cut them in squares. Dust them with more confectioners’ sugar. Recipe adapted from Ina Garten Chocolate Bark with Almonds Ingredients 1 ½ cup roasted whole almonds 1 lb chocolate, preferably dark chocolate about 60% – 70 %, chopped Sea salt, such as Maldon Sea Salt Directions 1.) Place chocolate in a medium bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water. Stir until melted. 2.) Remove from heat, add nuts (all but ¼ cup of nuts) and stir quickly to combine. 3.) Spread chocolate-nut mixture on a parchment lined baking sheet, try to spread out nuts in a single layer. 4.) Top with the reserved nuts. Let chocolate set for about 1 hour then sprinkle with salt. 5.) Chill until chocolate is completely set, about 2 more hours. Peppermint Patties Ingredients 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar 1 1/2 tablespoons light corn syrup 1 1/2 tablespoons water 1/2 teaspoon pure peppermint extract 1 tablespoon vegetable shortening (preferably trans-fat-free) 1 lb 70%-cacao bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped chopped candy canes for garnish Directions 1.) Mix the powdered sugar with corn syrup, water, peppermint extract, shortening, and a pinch of salt using an electric mixer at medium speed until combined.  Roll out the peppermint mixture between sheets of parchment paper on a large baking sheet into a 7- to 8-inch round or until it is about1/4 inch thick. Freeze until firm, about 15 minutes. 2.) Once firm cut out as many rounds as possible with a 2” cutter, transferring to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Place rounds in freezer again and freeze until firm. 3.) While the chocolate is freezing, melt the chocolate in a medium bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water. (Feel free to temper the chocolate if you would like, but I usually do not). 4.) Balancing a peppermint round on a fork, dip into the warm chocolate and cover completely with chocolate. Scrape any dripping chocolate on the side of the bowl, then place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.  Dip all peppermint patties and let stand at room temperature until chocolate is set, about 2 hours. 5.) Top with chopped candy canes. Makes about 2 dozen. | Recipe adapted from Gourmet Recipe by Amanda Frederickson | Photos by Emma Fineman for Sacramento Street #entertaining #cooking

Can you believe that it is already December? Even though this year is flying by, December is one of my most favorite months; a month filled with holiday lights, cooler weather and of course holiday parties. A lot of holiday parties. What better way to spend an evening than celebrating the season with friends and family? I love throwing holiday parties and have discovered the trick to a stress-free holiday party is finding the right food to serve. I like to do heavy appetizers and cocktails at my holiday parties. That way it is less formal than a dinner, but guests still get enough to eat and drink. Plus, during the holiday season who has time for a sit down dinner? Appetizers make it easy to have guests come and go casually so they can make all of their holiday parties. Here are two of my go-to recipes for appetizers –a butternut squash and ricotta crostini and a pear and goat cheese crostini. Both crostini’s are delicious and easy to prepare and the best part is that a lot of prep can be done in advance and they assembled on the day of your party. Also, you don’t have to worry about keeping the crostini warm, they are delicious either way, warm or at room temperature. Just set them out when guests arrive and watch them disappear. ~ Amanda Ingredients 1 cup butternut squash, ½” dice 2 Tbs. olive oil ¾ cup ricotta 1 onion thinly sliced 2 Tbs. apple cider vinegar 2 Tbs. maple syrup ½ sweet baguette, thinly sliced and lightly toasted chiffonade of mint sea salt Directions 1.) In a medium saute pan over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the butternut squash and a pinch of salt. Cook the butternut squash, stirring occasionally until brown and soft, about 5 – 7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside. 2.) While the butternut squash is cooking, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to a small sauté pan over medium heat. Once the olive oil is warm, add the onion slices, reduce heat to medium low and cook until the onions are soft and caramelized, about 10 – 12 minutes. Add vinegar and maple syrup and continue to cook until mixture is a jam like consistency, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside. 3.) When butternut squash is cooked, assemble the crostini by spreading 1-2 tablespoons of ricotta on the toasted baguette. Top with onion jam then butternut squash. Finish with mint and sea salt. NOTE: The baguette can be toasted the day before and stored in a plastic bag. The onion jam as well as the butternut squash can be made the day before. Store in the refrigerator and bring all components to room temperature before serving. Makes about 1 dozen crostini Ingredients ½ sweet baguette, thinly sliced and lightly toasted 1 firm but ripe pear, thinly sliced ¼ cup candied walnuts, chopped ½ tsp. thyme, chopped sea salt drizzle of honey Directions 1.) Assemble the crostini by spreading 1-2 tablespoons goat cheese on each piece of toasted baguette. 2.) Top with sliced pear and candied walnuts. 3.) Sprinkle with thyme, salt and a drizzle of honey. NOTE: The baguette can be toasted the day before and stored in a plastic bag. Makes about 1 dozen crostini Recipe by Amanda Frederickson | Photos by Emma Fineman for Sacramento Street #entertaining #cooking

What better way is there to kick off the holiday season than with an old-fashioned tree decorating party? It’s time to gather your girlfriends (or loved ones), heat up the a pot of hot cocoa and put on some of your favorite holiday tunes. This is truly one of my favorite times of year. I invited over Jeanne from Shop Sweet Things and Crystal from Rue Magazine for some quality time to catch up about our holiday plans and get advice from Jeanne about motherhood – both Crystal and I are expecting. Plus, who wouldn’t want to spend a fun-filled afternoon surrounded by Christmas cheer! Last year, some of you may remember that I partnered up with Treetopia to decorate my first artificial tree. I was in awe of the beauty of their trees. It looked like a real tree and we didn’t have to worry about the messy needles, watering or most importantly, getting bugs in the house. When we cleaned up Christmas last year it was so hassle free that both Eric and I were converted. Fast forward a year –We took out last year’s tree and decided that we could’ve gone a bit larger with the tree. That’s when I decided to partner with Treetopia again to get a new tree. We went from having a seven foot tree to a nine foot tree. I never thought we’d have a tree this big but let me tell you, after putting it up, I can’t imagine anything smaller. When it comes to food, make sure you have nice bite sized treats that your guests can enjoy while decorating. Amanda, our food editor put together a beautiful spread – crostinis, a dessert trio and cheese puffs. We’ll be sharing each recipe this month for you to enjoy and make for any holiday party you are hosting or attending. All of them are easy! Decorating a tree can be quite a task – that’s why we wanted to gather friends to help with this occasion (especially with me being 9 months pregnant)! The art to hosting a tree decorating party is just few simple steps. I hope this has inspired you to host your very own tree decorating party. Just remember – it’s all about being surrounded by the people you love and cherish. So spread some holiday cheer and host your very own soiree! Now for the fun part, one lucky reader will win $500 towards any tree of your choice from Treetopia! Enter using the rafflecopter widget below. This post is a partnership with Treetopia. All opinions are my own. Thanks for supporting sponsored posts that keep Sacramento Street doors open. Photos by Emma Fineman for Sacramento Street | Special thanks to Crystal from Rue Mag and Jeanne from Shop Sweet Things for stopping by! #entertaining

Although I love Thanksgiving, I find that sometimes between all the stuffing, mashed potatoes and turkey, (and not to mention those pumpkin cheesecake bars) the meal is really heavy. Almost too heavy. I know that is kind of the point for Thanksgiving but it is nice to have the option of something healthy and crispy. This shaved brussel sprout salad is the perfect solution; crispy, tart and full of healthy flavors to complement all that butter and gravy goodness. Brussel sprouts are an underdog of a vegetable. Only in the last 10 years has there has been a renewed love and realization that they are delicious. These leafy greens are easy to prepare and delicious when cooked properly. This salad is the easiest way to eat them, sliced very thin and tossed with toasted walnuts and Pecorino cheese – so good you will forget that they are actually good for you. Since the hardest part about Thanksgiving is planning, these brussel sprouts can be shaved 2 -3 hours before serving and kept in the fridge. The dressing can also be made and tossed in just before serving. If you don’t have walnut oil, which I love using because it adds a delicious nutty flavor, olive oil works just as well. Enjoy and Happy Thanksgiving! Shaved Brussel Sprout Salad Ingredients 2 lbs brussel sprouts ½ cup walnut oil ¼ cup lemon juice 1 tsp. honey 1 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped ¼ cup Pecorino cheese, grated Salt and pepper to taste Directions 2.) In another small bowl, whisk together walnut oil, lemon juice and honey. Taste for salt and pepper. 3.) Toss brussel sprouts with dressing and serve topped with toasted walnuts and Pecorino cheese. Serves 6 -8 Recipe by Amanda Frederickson for Sacramento Street #entertaining #cooking

Just in time to inspire you for Thanksgiving, Natalie and I wanted to share a few tips on effortless entertaining and creating the perfect holiday centerpiece. For my tips on effortless entertaining, head over to the SF Chronicle where I spilled the beans on how anyone can have a flawless fete. Today, Natalie is sharing her go-to tips on creating a beautiful arrangement for your holiday season. 1.) Never make anything that is too tall. If you cannot see over the arrangement, your guests will ask to remove it from the table and then there is no point in having it in the first place. You can measure your arrangement by putting your elbow on the table and measuring to the tip of your fingers. If the arrangement is taller than your fingers, then it is too tall. 2.) Try and avoid flowers that have pollen because many people are allergic and having a sneezing guest does not help a dinner party. 3.) Don’t use any flowers with strong fragrance. While it can be nice to have the faint scent of a rose at the table, strong floral scents can compete with the food. The aromas of the meal should take center stage. 4.) When selecting the color of your centerpiece be sure to take in account the other elements on the table. Tying in the other tones really turns your look in to a complete table scape. I selected the roses to match the honey colored taper candles and the two balance and play off of each other beautifully. 5.) Think ahead and take account of what other elements will be on the table. Will the table be family style or plated? If family style, be sure to leave room for serving dishes on the table. As a rule of thumb you will need less floral and candles if you are serving family style and more if you are not. 6.) Don’t over think it. So many people are intimidated by floral arranging. Just go for it! Flowers make such a difference on a table and your guests will appreciate the effort so much! Trust me…I know this for sure! I know that this Thanksgiving and holiday season I’ll be using all of these tips Natalie had to share. I hope this helps you create a stunning arrangement of your very own! Flowers by Natalie Bowen Designs | Photos by Caitlin Flemming #lifestyle

With the holiday season beginning that can only mean one thing – the season of entertaining is upon us! To me, an essential for any soiree is a beautiful cheese platter. The beauty of a cheese board is that you can serve it for a casual night in with friends or as a way to entertain guests before a dinner party. With that being said, we wanted to share how the Sacramento Street team puts together the ultimate cheese board. Easy, right? You can really never go wrong with any cheese that pops out at you at your local grocery store or cheese shop. But remember, if you are preparing a signature cocktail do a little research on what would go well together. In this case, we wanted to pair our cheese board with SIA Scotch Whiskey (that everyone should have on their bar cart), which our dear friend Carin just launched last year. It’s the perfect sipping drink that warms your whole body on a chilly night in with friends. The next time you find yourself wondering what you should serve to guests, remember a stunning cheese board will knock any guests socks off. It’s sure to be the hit of the party if you follow our easy steps. Hopefully this will inspire you to plan a little holiday party of your own. Tis the season! Photos by Emma Fineman #cooking #entertaining

A home bar is something every home should have – whether it’s used all the time or more of a decorative aspect of your home. You never know when a guest might want a cocktail. When it comes to creating the perfect bar cart it comes down to a simple equation of what to have – the right glassware, alcohol and a bar cart that can hold the essentials. By the end, you’ll be wanting to spruce up your very own or put one together for the upcoming holidays. The Glassware: You want to have several styles – from highball glasses, to champagne glasses. I love finding vintage glasses that add a bit more character to a bar cart. Chairish has beautiful options right now that are perfect to achieve a curated look. 1.) Mid- Century Modern Etched Glasses 2.) Mid- Century Cut Glass Decanter 3.) Pair of Vintage Lead Crystal Decanters 4.) Napier Silverplate Bucket Full Jigger The Liquor: My rule is to stock your bar with liquor you enjoy the most. From there you can master creating the perfect cocktails any guest would enjoy. You can always expand list but stick to your favorites at the beginning. Our favorites are St. Germain Liqueur, Hendricks Gin, SIA Scotch Whiskey and a favorite mixer tonic water called Jack Rudy – the packaging is one of my favorites! 5.) Jack Rudy Cocktail Co. Tonic Water 6.) St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur 7.) Hendricks Gin 8.) SIA Scotch Whiskey The Bar Carts: Finding the perfect bar area in your home is essential whether it’s in a bookcase, a vintage bar cart or a console. There are a lot of options out there. If you have a spot in your home where you could have a bar cart – go out on a quest to find a vintage bar cart to place everything on. It’s a way to add a touch of uniqueness to your room. 9.) Vintage Brass 1950’s Bar Cart 10.) Metal Rolling Industrial Cart Now it’s time for you to spruce up or create your very own bar area. You could go to a local flea market or pop over to Chairish to shop for all of my favorite bar cart pieces. This post is a partnership with Chairish. All opinions are my own. Thanks for supporting sponsored posts that keep Sacramento Street doors open. #interiors #lifestyle

When we found out baby Flemming was a boy I was ecstatic – I had always dreamed of having a boy. As I began to shop around for clothes and nursery items I was pleasantly surprised by the cute boys clothes. Although I have to admit, sometimes I do find myself in the girls section because their stuff is adorable! With that being said, I’ve been asked by several readers if I’ve found any go-to shops for baby Flemming – the answer is yes. I was in awe of the unique clothing and baby lines I have found through Pinterest and Instagram. Looking for stylish, organic cotton clothing for your little one? Vonbon Apparel is the place to go. They design their own unique patterns that I’ve truly fallen in love with. Who doesn’t love stripes? When I came across Child Hoods I immediately fell in love with their striped sweatshirts and sweatpants – I mean, look at that adorable striped waistband! I’ve been following Whistle & Flute on instagram for a long, long time. I first fell in love with their Je T’aime tees. Since then I’ve found essentials that baby Flemming had to have in his closet. Numpfer has the softest organic baby blankets and bibs. Plus, they come neutral with a pop of color on the edge to add a little character. We’ve stocked up on a few for our little one. Mini Mioche has perfected the art of boy clothes. Their organic eco-friendly line has some of the cutest boys clothes around! Do you have a favorite kids clothing line you love? I’d love for you to share! #lifestyle