tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-272829772012-02-14T09:00:09.607-08:00a spot to share food, fashion, road trips, & adventures of living in The MissionEdenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142153848500930163noreply@blogger.comBlogger2191100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27282977.post-31202567291832289442012-02-14T09:00:00.000-08:002012-02-14T09:00:09.615-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day! In honor of this special day, today's post features jewelry.The Finds (top clockwise): Earrings, $7.67, Crafted; Exclamation Pendant, $33, Faboolux; Initial necklace, $19, My Bella by Liz Lollar; Oxidized Pendant, $40, OfLove; Glass pendant, $8, Tickled Pink. Ciao Bella!Eden Credits: All images taken by their respective Etsy sellers: Crafted, Faboolux, My Bella by Liz

Eden Hensley Silversteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833763676095062097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27282977.post-18806674881550500502012-02-14T06:00:00.000-08:002012-02-14T06:18:12.419-08:00

We haven't gotten much rain in San Francisco this winter. For me, it's meant that I can delay getting more rain-friendly commuter wear. Yesterday as I was walking in the rain in my bright red vintage velvet swing coat, I thought how nice galoshes would be for jumping in puddles.The Finds (top clockwise): Totes Purple Umbrella, $19.85; Stowaway Gore-Tex Raincoat, Bright Berry, $189; Scatter Dot

Eden Hensley Silversteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833763676095062097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27282977.post-35631449817713801912012-02-13T09:00:00.000-08:002012-02-13T09:00:01.898-08:00

In Part 1 of my January Menu post, I covered Mission Beach Cafe's appetizers. Later in the month, cubes and I went back to sample the entrees. To my delight, Goat Cheese Ravioli was on the menu. Throughout my pregnancy I've tried to enjoy ravioli. First in New York. Second at Farina in San Francisco (absolutely delicious!). Third in Monterey. Of the times I've ordered ravioli - with the exception

Eden Hensley Silversteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833763676095062097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27282977.post-68276025301603577882012-02-11T09:00:00.000-08:002012-02-14T07:16:45.440-08:00

Earlier this week I came across a poster on Etsy that I thought would be great for Gates' nursery which I immediately pinned to My Dream Nursery board. It wasn't until later when I was reflecting on Audrey Penven's recent On Gender, idealism, and endless Twitter Fights post that I realized it could imply limitations.Source: etsy.com via Eden on PinterestLike Audrey, my parents raised me without

Eden Hensley Silversteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833763676095062097noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27282977.post-77615329736586653082012-02-11T06:00:00.000-08:002012-02-11T06:20:43.600-08:00

In January I accepted Trevor Carpenter's 2012 Photo Challenge to chose a color for a month and photograph it. There were no restrictions on subject matter, just that your chosen color must be featured. Most of my photos, taken in the morning before I head to work, feature food.This project has given me a deeper appreciation of the ingredients cubes and I buy and eat. Local, in season, organic

Eden Hensley Silversteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833763676095062097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27282977.post-57191420834592144822012-02-09T06:00:00.000-08:002012-02-09T14:00:30.699-08:00

Less than 7 weeks until the premier of Mad Men Season 5! Is your bar ready? For my party, I'll be serving up cocktails with crushed ice from a vintage pitcher into coordinated tumblers.The Finds (top clockwise): Ice Crusher by Waring, $65, Apple Charlotte; Pitcher with Glasses, $44.99, Hazel Home; June Critchfield Cocktail Napkins, $34, MisterTrue; Penguin Ice Bucket by West Bend, $30,

Eden Hensley Silversteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833763676095062097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27282977.post-11665691099886862122012-02-08T06:00:00.000-08:002012-02-13T02:26:52.519-08:00

Our apartment is cozy which means everything needs a place, and everything needs to be put away in its place. For my husband, this means he can never find anything.To store my washi tape collection, I repurposed a 1950s, copper, kitchen wrap organizer from Lincoln BeautyWare. Later, I'll share how I've used ammunition belts and train cases for organizing office supplies and tools. How do you

Eden Hensley Silversteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833763676095062097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27282977.post-71919679477157735672012-02-07T06:00:00.000-08:002012-02-07T06:00:01.168-08:00

I love home offices, big or small. I love having everything neatly categorized and filed away. A well-organized space gives me a sense of peace. These Etsy finds introduce type into the office - some for organization and some for procrastination.The Finds (top clockwise): Kraft Paper Alphabet Sticker Tabs, $6, Cactus Scraps; Emoticon Paperweight, $5.50, Urban Timber Woodworks; Procrastination

Eden Hensley Silversteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833763676095062097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27282977.post-66807454174421906192012-02-06T06:00:00.000-08:002012-02-06T06:00:02.041-08:00

Just in time for the crib to arrive, we finally moved all of the boxes out of the closet. As planned, the crib and one section of my Skandia bookcase/entertainment cabinet fit snuggly.Sprite has decided the room fits her perfectly and immediately settled into the crib for a nap. Now that we have cubbies for Gates' clothes and space for storing her quilts and blankets, it's time for spring

Eden Hensley Silversteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833763676095062097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27282977.post-39361179911255025152012-02-03T07:00:00.000-08:002012-02-03T07:00:09.894-08:00

I'm a sucker for handwritten fonts. With Spring beginning to appear in San Francisco and recent clear warmish days, spring fever is setting in. Today's font, Vtks Sunny Day, captures that distracted feeling one gets sitting in a class listening to a teacher drone on while staring out the window at the Quad or gazing across a blank screen willing words to flow for a white paper while clouds drift

Eden Hensley Silversteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833763676095062097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27282977.post-79694035909367684362012-02-02T18:00:00.000-08:002012-02-02T18:00:01.898-08:00

Spring is beginning to appear in San Francisco, so I'm dreaming of oysters on the half shell on the patio at the Park Chalet. Today's pick from Coach is a fun and flirty take on their classic Willis bag.The Finds: Colette by Naya, Camel Leather, $150; Bow-back Tank by Robin K, Black with Cream, $39; Ruffle-Edge Ribbon Hat, $49; Cotton Side Zip Shorts, Rope, $48; New Willis Bag, Silver with

Eden Hensley Silversteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833763676095062097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27282977.post-48280619821042101372012-02-01T06:00:00.000-08:002012-02-01T06:02:26.802-08:00

We've made it to the third trimester. And with that milestone comes insomnia. So, early this morning I decided on a theme for the first round of thank you notes - Sleepy Baby Animals. What do you think?Ciao Bella!Eden Credits: Illustrations by Gareth Williams. All images taken by Eden Hensley Silverstein for The Road to the Good Life.

Eden Hensley Silversteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833763676095062097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27282977.post-78714071947744607982012-01-31T14:00:00.000-08:002012-01-31T14:00:01.450-08:00

The challenge: photograph one color for a month. The results: nowhere near a photo a day featuring the color blue, but almost photo a day of still lifes. By taking more purposeful photographs on a more regular basis I'm well on way to achieving one of my New Year's resolutions: continue to improve photography skills.Today's the last day of January, so my last day of purposefully shooting the

Eden Hensley Silversteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833763676095062097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27282977.post-79645452463837679842012-01-31T09:00:00.000-08:002012-01-31T09:00:00.787-08:00

A few weeks ago a bunch of our friends headed down to the British Virgin Islands to go sailing. As we're dining with two of them tonight, all I've been thinking of lately is sailing away. Today's shoe pick and outfit have a fun nautical look.The Finds: Laundry Sun Hat, Ink Blot/Daisy, Shelli Segal, $68; Fair Trade Bead Bracelets, Set of 3, $14.98; Striped Adette Dress, True Navy/Prosecco, Kate

Eden Hensley Silversteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833763676095062097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27282977.post-47804719329230743782012-01-31T06:00:00.000-08:002012-01-31T06:20:02.040-08:00

As with color, I believe an accent or two of type can add personality to a space. In our apartment, we have two paintings that include type, one in our living room and another in our kitchen.The Finds (top clockwise): 11 1/2" x 11 1/8" A-Z Letterpress Collage, $85, Top Block Type; 18" x 18" Typewriter Series Pillow Cover, $32; My Adobe Cottage, Faux Metal Letter, $8, Turnbow Designs; Alphabet

Eden Hensley Silversteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833763676095062097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27282977.post-14648266526076088282012-01-30T14:00:00.000-08:002012-01-30T14:00:04.054-08:00

Shopping for baby is not as easy as just popping into your neighborhood Baby Emporium. This makes creating a baby registry more complicated than it needs be. Curious as to why? Pick up a copy of Baby Bargains and page through it. You'll quickly find that the Good, Better, and Best picks for individual baby needs aren't available in the same place.The Finds (far left clockwise): Nest by El Greco,

Eden Hensley Silversteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833763676095062097noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27282977.post-39693002904139223692012-01-30T09:00:00.000-08:002012-01-30T09:00:01.506-08:00

This post is a little different. Today I take a step back to consider how I view technology and how I perceive it being viewed by others. This reflection was spurred by a friend asking the following question:For you, what does it mean to be an active technologist who started in the Web 1.0 era?Here's my answer to that question.Today one could argue that everyone is an active technologist - that

Eden Hensley Silversteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833763676095062097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27282977.post-8987336219346388232012-01-30T06:00:00.000-08:002012-01-30T06:00:05.060-08:00

This weekend I assembled key items from Gates nursery that represented the color palette I had in mind for her nursery. I snapped a photo, manipulated true black and the midtones, and then generated a palette using the Color Palette Generator by Jeff Minard.One color that's noticeably absent from a little girl's nursery is pink. While I love pink and pink was a secondary color in our wedding

Eden Hensley Silversteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833763676095062097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27282977.post-62839656061763195472012-01-27T07:00:00.000-08:002012-01-27T07:50:25.198-08:00

I'm still excited about Mad Men's return, so today's font is retro. To find my pick, I took inspiration from 1960s print advertisements, specifically a 1963 Heublein Cocktails advertisement photographed by Darren Mcgavin. Kelmscott Roman was designed by Nick's Fonts and is available for personal use from Font Squirrel.Happy Designing!Eden Credits: All images taken by Eden Hensley Silverstein for

Eden Hensley Silversteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833763676095062097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27282977.post-54039758878688259692012-01-26T07:00:00.000-08:002012-01-27T07:37:42.694-08:00

After an 18-month break, one of my favorite TV shows returns! Luckily I haven't had to wait 18 months. cubes and I have only been waiting since August after enjoying a Mad Men marathon.The Finds (top clockwise):Relish Tray, $6, The Porcelain Owl; Casserole and Chafing Dish Set, $74, ReFindery; Relish Tray, $16, Mrs. Rekamepip; Footed Candy Dish, $6, Old Time 4 You.I'm sure devoted fans across the

Eden Hensley Silversteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833763676095062097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27282977.post-59669937332554015772012-01-25T06:00:00.000-08:002012-01-25T06:00:04.011-08:00

Destino is my go to spot when I'm craving ceviche and lomo saltado. Now that I'm pregnant (and they have a refreshed menu), we're branching out. Dishes we fell in love with in Puerto Rico such as Mofongo and Ropa Vieja can now be had.Destino, like Mission Beach Cafe, now requires advance planning on our part. Too often just dropping by yields a wait of an hour or more; reservations are definitely

Eden Hensley Silversteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833763676095062097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27282977.post-59338592788400984622012-01-24T06:00:00.000-08:002012-01-24T06:36:28.287-08:00

I enjoyed last Tuesday's Etsy Tuesday Focus on Type post so much that I've decided to make Type Tuesday an ongoing weekly series. Today I'm going to showcase alphabet presentations and words for babies.The Finds (top clockwise): Alphabet Blocks, $63, Little Sapling Toys; Type Baby Bib, $20, Schoolyard; 30" x 30" Dick and Jane Reader Baby Blanket, $66, Superfly Lullabies; 40" Round Portable Play

Eden Hensley Silversteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833763676095062097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27282977.post-40707848465345627302012-01-23T07:00:00.000-08:002012-01-23T07:14:59.749-08:00

Before I got pregnant, breakfast would typically consist of a cup of coffee. Now with a variety of prenatal vitamins requiring food to be consumed with them, organic fruit and/or toast joins my coffee.At the beginning of my pregnancy I was enjoying cherries, nectarines, peaches, pluots, and plums. Then, it was apples, pears, and persimmon. (Cantaloupe, one of my favorite melons, was off limits

Eden Hensley Silversteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833763676095062097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27282977.post-44096992409469277302012-01-21T11:48:00.000-08:002012-01-21T11:54:25.105-08:00

On Tuesday, we went in for our 30 week ultrasound; everything looks good. Here's a 3-D rendering of Gates from that appointment.Ciao Bella!Eden Credits: Ultrasound taken at San Francisco Perinatal Associates, Inc. Collage created by Eden Hensley Silverstein for The Road to the Good Life.

Eden Hensley Silversteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833763676095062097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27282977.post-71728369789671498162012-01-20T06:00:00.000-08:002012-01-20T06:00:01.043-08:00

Ever since I received the latest Pottery Barn catalog, I've been thinking about how to label storage as we move things around and put them away into vintage luggage, baskets, and crates. So today's font - Impact Label - takes it's inspiration from the Dymo Label Makers of the 1970s.I loved the sound our Dymo Label Maker made as letters clicked into place and formed words on the tape. After

Eden Hensley Silversteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833763676095062097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27282977.post-32431887524726239192012-01-19T06:00:00.001-08:002012-01-19T06:42:32.474-08:00

Living in a rented apartment, one's choices for a nursery's color palette are somewhat limited. Having a room with no windows for the nursery adds further restrictions. Yesterday, I finally stumbled upon a color scheme for Gates' nursery.My childhood bedroom sported many colors. If memory serves correctly, I initially chose a deep dark purple for the walls - a color near impossible to paint over

Eden Hensley Silversteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833763676095062097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27282977.post-81604074073726589792012-01-18T07:00:00.000-08:002012-01-18T17:13:42.298-08:00

Growing up I was somewhat of a tomboy. I say somewhat, because while you'd frequently find me scaling pine trees or playing tackle football with the boys, I loved to dress up. And dress up I did, often choosing evening gowns or dress designs that channeled the South or Victorian eras.Often if my outfit doesn't have lace embellishment, you can bet that my petticoats do. In the collage above, the

Eden Hensley Silversteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833763676095062097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27282977.post-85998344052043372362012-01-17T07:00:00.000-08:002012-01-18T17:14:16.218-08:00

Growing up I was surrounding by letters. One of my mom's screenprints which featured all of the alphabet in various typefaces hung in my bedroom along with poems and wooden letters. It's been awhile since my last Etsy Tuesday post, so today I highlight some of my favorite type finds for the kitchen or bar.The Finds (top left clockwise) : Table Napkins, Set of 2, $20, Schoolyard; 3-12" Wooden

Eden Hensley Silversteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833763676095062097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27282977.post-85151504481650047252012-01-16T06:18:00.000-08:002012-01-16T07:44:53.332-08:00

I'm used to data breaches; the company I work for sells Network Forensics solutions that if in place before a breach occurs allows you to figure out what happened. I lost access to my student loan when Citibank was attacked earlier this summer, so I'm used to companies not being upfront about what's going on and suffering penalties. What I'm surprised about today, is how a company known for

Eden Hensley Silversteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833763676095062097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27282977.post-46925969357994912832012-01-15T12:00:00.000-08:002012-01-15T12:00:00.841-08:00

When we first started trying to get pregnant, a friend, knowing I liked Neil Gaiman, forwarded me this link to a narration and video adaptation of one of his poems, Blueberry Girl.I hadn't listened to the poem since we got pregnant. I thought of it again this morning when I was photographing blueberries (Flickr) for the 2012 Color Challenge. After rehearing the story, and crying during this

Eden Hensley Silversteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833763676095062097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27282977.post-52481933473610538482012-01-14T09:00:00.000-08:002012-02-06T05:58:15.740-08:00

Progress has been made towards getting ready for Gates. However, it's too easy to see everything that still needs to be done.Stuff from our wedding still fills corners of the bedroom (pillow forms we never used) and takes up space on the living room floor (printer we misplaced the power cord for until we bought and started using a new printer). Gear from Priceless has yet to make it back down to

Eden Hensley Silversteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833763676095062097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27282977.post-25160514090194680252012-01-13T07:00:00.000-08:002012-01-13T07:00:00.968-08:00

Earlier this week the Editorial Team over at Smashing Magazine shared 25 fresh, free, high-quality fonts. The font that caught my eye was Otama.Otama's designer, Tim Donaldson of New Zealand, describes Otama e.p. as:[a] quiet but confident typeface for selling expensive and fashionable things.Happy Designing!Eden Credits: All images taken by Eden Hensley Silverstein for The Road to the Good Life.

Eden Hensley Silversteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833763676095062097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27282977.post-686256133505402452012-01-12T09:00:00.000-08:002012-01-13T05:36:37.710-08:00

Today I'm focusing on influence and impact measurements. No, I'm not talking about Klout or PeerIndex - they aggregate influence. I'm looking at two other tools - Vizify TweetSheet and bit.ly - that can help you finetune your message and improve your marketing.NOTE: Tools that enable a deep dive into your content's effectiveness come and go quickly. One such tool, BackType that showed the impact

Eden Hensley Silversteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833763676095062097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27282977.post-91222267467032133062012-01-12T06:00:00.001-08:002012-01-12T06:17:20.330-08:00

Good news for anyone who missed New Year's Eve dinner at Mission Beach Cafe; their January menu features three of their NYE courses!cubes and I decided we'd get a plethora of starters and appetizers for our meal. We both started with the soup of the day, a cream of mushroom topped with truffles and truffle oil. The soup was delicate, not heavy like some cream-based soups can be, and rich. I love

Eden Hensley Silversteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833763676095062097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27282977.post-6136457613171133722012-01-11T07:00:00.000-08:002012-01-31T06:10:49.276-08:00

Love color? Want to hone your photography skills? Join me as I take the 2012 Color Challenge! My color for January is blue. What's yours?On January 10th, Trevor Carpenter challenged photographers near and far to pick a color and shoot that color as much as they want for a month (I'm going to aim for every day for a month). For more details about the 2012 Photo Challenge, visit their blog. I'll be

Eden Hensley Silversteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833763676095062097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27282977.post-38247075732065676152012-01-09T09:00:00.000-08:002012-01-10T05:43:14.836-08:00

On Christmas Eve, cubes and I dined at the C Restaurant + Bar. The C Restaurant + Bar is the second Intercontinental Hotel restaurant we've eaten at - Luce in San Francisco was the first. Let me say this is not your typical hotel experience: the quality of food and level of service are amazing.cubes ordered the three-course Chef's menu, while I ordered an appetizer and an entree. (Full-size

Eden Hensley Silversteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833763676095062097noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27282977.post-25791420844569846422012-01-09T06:30:00.000-08:002012-01-10T05:43:53.202-08:00

Yesterday on his way back from Mission Dolores Park, cubes stopped at three of our favorite local shops: Bi-Rite Creamery, Bi-Rite Market, and Tartine Bakery.Knowing he'd be so close to the creamery, I put in an order before he left for Mint Chip and Brown Sugar with Ginger Caramel Swirl ice cream. I wasn't expecting him to come home laden with more goodies. He picked up two of my favorite

Eden Hensley Silversteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833763676095062097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27282977.post-21577155861677709222012-01-06T06:00:00.000-08:002012-01-10T05:53:57.546-08:00

While organizing some of Gates' things, cubes remarked that I'm going to be a good mother. Of course, I inquired why? The reason? Because I was taking great care to think about toys that were both educational and fun. (At the time I was organizing vintage Playskool Match Up Games.)Credits (top clockwise): My Picture Dictionary, Ginn and Company, 1963, $6.75; White Chalk, $5; 9" x 11.75"

Eden Hensley Silversteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833763676095062097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27282977.post-2330074381617341152012-01-05T11:00:00.000-08:002012-01-05T11:00:02.664-08:00

How do you keep track of your electronic inspiration? Copying images to your computer? Or printing images and sticking in a scrapbook or folder? I use Pinterest - a virtual pinboard (or scrapbook). On Pinterest, I collect vintage clothes from my favorite female designers - Anne Fogarty, Toni Lynn, Helen Rose, Hannah Troy. I pin furniture and rooms from my dream house - My Dream Bedroom, My Dream

Eden Hensley Silversteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833763676095062097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27282977.post-12220128218035745202012-01-05T06:00:00.001-08:002012-01-05T07:18:19.505-08:00

Tuesday's mail brought the latest catalog from Pottery Barn - one of my favorite home decor stores. Almost every page was filled with baskets or luggage storage pieces which got me to thinking about my baskets, candy jars, canning jars, and train cases. Since we started reorganizing our apartment in anticipation of a newborn, I've been transferring collections of shells, rocks, and minerals from

Eden Hensley Silversteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833763676095062097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27282977.post-26829600153393463652012-01-03T09:00:00.000-08:002012-01-03T09:00:02.915-08:00

Over the years I have amassed a collection of fortunes. Some were affixed to our fridge. Others were in a ring box. And still others were tossed in with scrapbooking supplies. In total I had 43 fortunes."No one knows what he can do until he tries." "If you follow someone else, you are ignoring your own path." "Fame and fortune are in your stars." "Turn your thoughts within - find yourself." "You

Eden Hensley Silversteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833763676095062097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27282977.post-6033379818706909942012-01-03T06:00:00.000-08:002012-01-03T06:00:00.701-08:00

Mornings have been chilly recently, leading me to consider a pair of comfy slippers as I wander around the apartment. There are lots of cozy options from practical to whimsical.The Finds (top clockwise): Cat Slipper, Grey, $71.00; Warm Whiskers Heated Cat Slippers, $26.99; Isabel Slides, Daniel Green, Black Suede, $37.99; Shagilicious Slippers, Patricia Green, Blue and White, $43; Teresa Booties,

Eden Hensley Silversteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833763676095062097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27282977.post-2586111334925503252012-01-02T11:00:00.000-08:002012-01-02T16:13:05.130-08:00

For New Year's eve cubes and I had dinner at Mission Beach Cafe. They offered a special five-course dinner. I chose Mission Beach Cafe for dinner, because 1) the great food, 2) the friendly staff, and 3) it's where cubes and I celebrated our first new year's as a couple.We dine at Mission Beach Cafe a lot as they regularly serve up food (and desserts) that satisfy my pregnancy cravings. In late

Eden Hensley Silversteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833763676095062097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27282977.post-16445673039179011382011-12-31T11:00:00.000-08:002011-12-31T11:00:04.270-08:00

I look forward to each month's post filled with catalogs from some of my favorite stores: Sur La Table, Williams Sonoma, and more. I clip recipes, ideas for dinner parties, and of course, gadgets. Here's a roundup of some of my favorite gadgets from 2011.The Finds: Cooper Cooler Rapid Beverage & Wine Chiller, $79.95; Chicago Metallic Pie Mold, $24.95; Cuisinart Pulp Control Citrus Juicer, $29.95;

Eden Hensley Silversteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833763676095062097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27282977.post-21491589907512522032011-12-31T06:00:00.000-08:002011-12-31T06:00:05.840-08:00

2011 can be summarized as a year in which cubes and I spent a lot of time together, ate lots of good food, and traveled near and far. Of all the places we ate, two stand out the most: The French Laundry and Rebel. In 2010, we missed out on dining at The French Laundry for our mini-moon. A local gave us a tip for grabbing a table and in February, just in time for my birthday, we received a call

Eden Hensley Silversteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833763676095062097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27282977.post-69485082775385593442011-12-30T18:00:00.000-08:002012-01-02T10:34:06.562-08:00

Besides my craving for Sour Cherry pie, how does a restaurant keep us coming back again and again? Two words: creativity and consistency. Mission Beach Cafe's menu presents new interpretations of old favorites and consistently delivers well-prepared dishes.First let me say that Mission Beach Cafe has spoiled me when it comes to soup. On Christmas, I immediately compared the first taste I took of

Eden Hensley Silversteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833763676095062097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27282977.post-24247955061632285902011-12-30T14:00:00.000-08:002011-12-30T14:00:01.017-08:00

It seems as though every time I have a blood test, a new vitamin is prescribed: D3 the first time and now Iron. So today's Friday Funny comes from Stan and Jan Berenstain's Marital Blitz (Third Printing, 1969).Ciao Bella!Eden Credits: All images taken by Eden Hensley Silverstein for The Road to the Good Life.

Eden Hensley Silversteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833763676095062097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27282977.post-25759204000223291532011-12-30T12:00:00.000-08:002011-12-30T12:00:00.936-08:00

Like past years when my stylist was in Palo Alto, I'm getting my hair done for New Year's Eve. Unlike previous years, I'm also getting my makeup done. Because I'm going to be glamorous, I wanted an elegant party font for Font Friday. Hence my choice of VivaldiD CL. VivaldiD CL is available for download from SearchFreeFonts.com.What are you doing for New Year's Eve?Happy New Year and Happy

Eden Hensley Silversteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833763676095062097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27282977.post-55366144230766542352011-12-29T16:00:00.000-08:002012-02-06T18:08:37.462-08:00

Sexism and stereotypes. I expect that from a 1945 Home Economics text. I'd hope that toy manufacturers and retail stores in 2011 were beyond that as well, but as LEGO proved with their recent launch of LEGOs for girls they're not. Target's toy catalog included checklists for boys (which included LEGOs) and checklists for girls (which included Barbie and other pink items; of course no LEGOs - they

Eden Hensley Silversteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833763676095062097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27282977.post-59372924084597412552011-12-29T11:00:00.000-08:002011-12-29T11:00:00.148-08:00

With New Year's Eve celebrations just around the corner, I've been dreaming of eye catching evening attire and metallic clutches.The Finds: Platinum Band Champagne Flutes, Riedel, $44. Sparkle and Span Dress, Max and Cleo, $117.99 with Gold Accessories (from back to front) - Metallic Reva Clutch, $325, Metallic Logo Clutch, $325, and Metallic Mini Bag, $265. Beaded Lace Shift, Maggie London, $158

Eden Hensley Silversteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833763676095062097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27282977.post-66809920148117800112011-12-28T14:00:00.000-08:002011-12-28T14:00:00.345-08:00

Lots of Eden-friendly food was to be had in Monterey. We started each day with breakfast at the C Restaurant + Bar. While most days we wandered down Cannery Row for lunch and snack options (check back tomorrow), we ate in on Christmas. Food at the Intercontinental Hotel was delicious.cubes and I had the same breakfast two out of three mornings. cubes favored The Clement Eggs Benedict (top left

Eden Hensley Silversteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833763676095062097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27282977.post-29119912143657208092011-12-27T14:00:00.000-08:002011-12-27T15:26:46.786-08:00

For our babymoon we wanted accommodations that offered comfort and service. We chose The Clement Monterey, an Intercontinental Hotel, built in 2007. The hotel is impeccably kept, the staff polite and incredibly accommodating.Miniature bonsai, orchids, a zen garden, and sea otters graced our room. These were nice touches. I hadn't stayed at a hotel that had plants before; it definitely made the

Eden Hensley Silversteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833763676095062097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27282977.post-86718495316373728072011-12-26T06:00:00.000-08:002011-12-26T06:00:01.437-08:00

Over a week ago, I joined cubes at his company's holiday party. They had a photo booth so we took our moment in the spotlight. (We took two turns; the film strip on the right features the best shots.) If you look closely you can see my baby bump.This week on the blog, I'll share memories from our babymoon to Monterey, CA and catch you up on a few places we dined at recently - Farina and Another

Eden Hensley Silversteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833763676095062097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27282977.post-34353921977953178322011-12-23T11:00:00.000-08:002011-12-23T11:11:39.778-08:00

I'm super excited about our upcoming babymoon. We decided to follow our friends' lead and not go too far from home. (Early in the pregnancy I hd grand plans of flying to Austin, TX, one of my favorite spots in the US, but our favorite airline Virgin America doesn't yet fly there. And the potential of TSA pat downs while pregnant sends shivers up my spine.) The theme for our babymoon is simple:

Eden Hensley Silversteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833763676095062097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27282977.post-31982892437030121532011-12-23T09:00:00.000-08:002011-12-30T10:33:33.236-08:00

Earlier this month I came up with the idea of creating a 7x7 photo book of Gates' first 24 months. I think I've finally narrowed my picks for the last of the other two San Serif fonts to two choices:Big Noodle and Telegrafico. Both have very different personalities.Which is your favorite: Big Noodle or Telegrafico?Here's what each font looks like in the layout with the Serif font I chose:

Eden Hensley Silversteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833763676095062097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27282977.post-84423163329712266372011-12-22T09:00:00.000-08:002011-12-22T09:00:00.343-08:00

One of the best things about Jewish holidays is the food, specifically the sweets. Sufganiyot for Chanukah and Hamantashen for Purim. Where does one get these delicacies in the Bay Area if they don't want to bake? Saul's in Berkeley.Last night I came home with a dozen latkes, a pint of applesauce, and a dozen Sufganiyot. cubes had not tried Sufganiyot before and bit in eagerly. He really liked

Eden Hensley Silversteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833763676095062097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27282977.post-42458719446402254882011-12-22T06:00:00.000-08:002011-12-22T06:34:46.533-08:00

For almost a year now, I've watched my Klout scores (yes I mean scores) rise and fall while I remained an Explorer. (Klout attempts to measure one's online influence.) While Klout occasionally has hiccups, it can be a tool for learning.Last Friday, before I started playing with my profiles again, my scores were 28 and 34. My Klout styles were Conversationalist ("You love to connect and always

Eden Hensley Silversteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833763676095062097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27282977.post-84197442218681540462011-12-21T06:00:00.001-08:002011-12-21T06:32:45.326-08:00

Last night cubes and I lit our menorah for the first night of Chanukah. Even though it's a minor holiday, I was excited as it's my first holiday as a Jew. It was nice to spend a quiet hour with him eating dinner without a TV show playing in the background as the candles burned down.The celebration begins by putting the candles into the menorah from right to left. (The candle in the middle is the

Eden Hensley Silversteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833763676095062097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27282977.post-25156563394149552532011-12-20T07:00:00.000-08:002011-12-21T06:36:15.347-08:00

Until last Thursday, cubes and I had never dined at Pauline's Pizza on Valencia, even though we walked by it many times. I'd always assumed that Pauline's served deep dish pies, something that typically is off limits for me. And... Pauline's is almost always packed with a crowd gathered outside, waiting patiently for their turn to dine. Last Thursday there was no line, and with the exception of

Eden Hensley Silversteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833763676095062097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27282977.post-20286557106464523202011-12-19T06:00:00.000-08:002011-12-20T07:24:10.350-08:00

On Sunday, we finally made it out to Destino for brunch. (Lately most mornings I'm feeling too tired to leave the apartment, so cubes brings food to me.) In short, great flavor and healthy portions at reasonable prices. If you love Latin American flavors, add Destino to your list of must go to stops. Destino's brunch menu starts with favorites from their dinner menu - Ceviches, Lomo Saltado, and

Eden Hensley Silversteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833763676095062097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27282977.post-49656543922111602932011-12-16T06:00:00.000-08:002011-12-30T10:32:53.770-08:00

Today's font choice - Geomancy from One by Four Studio - is perfect for a night out on the town. (For those who've been following my dress saga this week, good news the black lace cocktail dress fits!) Happy Designing!Eden Credits: All images taken by Eden Hensley Silverstein for The Road to the Good Life.

Eden Hensley Silversteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833763676095062097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27282977.post-6591309340299061932011-12-15T07:00:00.000-08:002011-12-15T07:00:08.689-08:00

DIY brides discover all sorts of tools and gadgets when they're planning and executing their weddings - Cricuts, JIGsters, Paper Punches in all shapes and sizes. And we pine for them all. Luckily, I didn't stumble across my latest obsession - Washi Tape - until after we exchanged our vows.I now have a train case filled with washi tape of all sizes, designs, and colors and am constantly on the

Eden Hensley Silversteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833763676095062097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27282977.post-81862608657182111532011-12-14T09:00:00.000-08:002011-12-14T09:00:00.480-08:00

Today's post was going to be about my travels to date around the bay area searching for the perfect Chicago-style dog. While flipping through my endless supply of food photos, I got distracted by other goodies I can't have at the moment. Two such goodies I forgot to include in Monday's list: ceviche and Another Monkey's Thai-style Tom Yum Shrimp Nachos.In case you're curious about why I was on

Eden Hensley Silversteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833763676095062097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27282977.post-55794669991428933692011-12-14T06:00:00.001-08:002011-12-15T05:17:21.492-08:00

One detail that both of my holiday dresses share is a bow. One option (the one that might not fit come Friday) has two bows. The other option has one. Both are from the 1950s/1960s, designed by Toni Lynn. Not familiar with Toni Lynn? She designed the maternity clothes for Samantha of Bewitched. You can see more photos of my Toni Lynn finds on Flickr.Bows: Do you love them or hate them?Ciao Bella!

Eden Hensley Silversteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833763676095062097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27282977.post-921870127378845182011-12-13T09:00:00.000-08:002011-12-14T02:46:29.713-08:00

Now that I might not be able to wear my black cocktail dress, I need to find a pair of shoes to wear with my alternate outfit - a floor-length, magenta gown. I'm thinking a pair of simple grey mary janes or sandals.The Finds (top clockwise): 15-A5105 F11 by Amiana, Grey Satin, $83, Zappos.com; Tinah Sandal, Metallic Kidskin, Lauren, $49.99; Driven Pumps by Naturalizer, Elephant Skin Suede, $79,

Eden Hensley Silversteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833763676095062097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27282977.post-49542109718663437872011-12-13T05:48:00.000-08:002011-12-15T05:16:25.441-08:00

Come Friday I may not fit my gorgeous, black lace vintage cocktail dress. I definitely won't fit it come New Year's Eve. Up until last week I fit it, I had inches to spare even. Now I don't. If the baby bump was the culprit, I'd be less sad, but it's not. The dress doesn't fit across the bust. I do have other options: a less formal dress that still fits and a floor length, magenta linen gown with

Eden Hensley Silversteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833763676095062097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27282977.post-90717887189649365802011-12-09T05:59:00.000-08:002011-12-09T07:21:05.507-08:00

I love wandering through old houses, admiring the architecture and furnishings. One "ranch" that I frequented a lot as a child was Hearst Castle. Over Labor Day, cubes and I joined friends on a tour there.Not much has changed since I was a child. Zebras still roam the ranch; we saw some grazing along the edge of the highway as we drove in. The architecture and decor is still larger than life. The

Eden Hensley Silversteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833763676095062097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27282977.post-4337454803527433302011-12-08T09:00:00.000-08:002011-12-08T09:00:06.012-08:00

Today I'm off to Redwood City for Marketo's Revenue Rockstar Tour. So all I'm thinking about is a purse roomy enough to hold my devices and notepad and a cozy jacket.The Finds:Westfield Faux Fur Red Coat, $75.99, Ruche; Elegant Entourage Bag, $49.99, ModCloth.Ciao Bella!Eden Credits: All product images taken by their respective sellers: ModCloth and Ruche. Collage created by Eden Hensley

Eden Hensley Silversteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833763676095062097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27282977.post-86505989382210198702011-12-08T05:52:00.000-08:002011-12-08T07:01:31.317-08:00

One book that's a permanent fixture on my bedside nightstand is The American Woman's Encyclopedia of Home Decorating by Helen Koues, originally published in 1945, printed in 1952 by The Garden City Publishing Company. Everything you ever wanted to know about home decor is covered. For example, do you want to bleach or stain when you refinish furniture? Can you recognize the difference between

Eden Hensley Silversteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833763676095062097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27282977.post-69514057486778357202011-12-07T05:35:00.000-08:002011-12-07T07:19:04.858-08:00

On our one year wedding anniversary, cubes and I headed down the coast to join friends at the Madonna Inn over Labor Day weekend. For me, coming back to San Luis Obispo and the Madonna Inn was like coming home. Special events, such as my grandparents' 40th wedding anniversary and my grandfather's 90th birthday party were held here.Each room at the Madonna Inn is themed. Our room, the Love Nest,

Eden Hensley Silversteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833763676095062097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27282977.post-7515627960879340192011-12-06T09:00:00.000-08:002011-12-06T14:41:39.191-08:00

With the cold weather upon us all I want to do is buckle up and toss on my favorite pair of boots. Maybe it's all the pirate movies I watched growing up but when I think of buckles and stepping out on the town I think ruffles and lace.The Look: Fur Hood Duffle Coat, $119, Dorothy Perkins; "Imply" boot, Franco Sarto, $149.90, Nordstrom; Marcella Tiered Lace Dress, $49.99, Ruche.Yes or no to

Eden Hensley Silversteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833763676095062097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27282977.post-42573679182150950892011-12-06T05:52:00.000-08:002011-12-06T08:10:53.545-08:00

For months, we've walked by Locanda. Every once in awhile we'd pop in to see how long the wait was - never a wait less than an hour or more. Last night while dining with our PR team, I found out why. Amazing food. Great service.First let me say that everyone should start with the Jewish Style Artichokes. The sweetness of the artichoke is offset beautifully by oregano, salt, and pepper. The stem

Eden Hensley Silversteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833763676095062097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27282977.post-30249578756720057142011-12-05T14:00:00.000-08:002011-12-05T14:00:02.126-08:00

Growing up we'd often head to Morro Bay for part of our summer vacation. For dessert, Grandmother would serve a fresh baked pie, either one she'd made or one from Linn's.This past Labor Day weekend, cubes and I headed down the coast to San Luis Obispo. (I'll post other snapshots from the trip throughout the week, where we stayed and what we saw on our Hearst Castle tour.) On our way home we had

Eden Hensley Silversteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833763676095062097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27282977.post-47295069515950960702011-12-05T09:00:00.001-08:002011-12-05T09:00:08.964-08:00

Sunday I awoke craving waffles. Most weekends cubes and I go out for brunch at least one day. Unfortunately none of our regular haunts Mission Beach Cafe, Chow, or Pork Store Cafe offer waffles. A quick search on the Internet revealed waffles were just around the corner at It's Tops Diner.It's Tops Diner has been open since 1935 and is styled as a 1950s diner. There's a jukebox at each table. You

Eden Hensley Silversteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833763676095062097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27282977.post-30243795936596977192011-12-05T06:10:00.000-08:002012-02-06T05:57:31.393-08:00

We live in a gorgeous one bedroom Edwardian apartment. Since May, we've been trying to find a similar space with two bedrooms in The Mission, Potrero Hill, or Noe Valley neighborhoods. We've been unlucky enough to come in second on multiple places. So we're going to make our cozy apartment work for three. Our apartment has lots of storage space: a small closet with drawers in the bedroom, a

Eden Hensley Silversteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833763676095062097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27282977.post-1361079676643040522011-12-04T11:18:00.000-08:002011-12-04T11:39:42.336-08:00

We share our apartment with a four-legged ball of fur - a Maine Coon Cat named SpriteKat. I take that back, she grants us permission to live in her domicile. SpriteKat has been in my life since 2006, when I dreamed her into existence. I wrote down the description of a cat I wanted into a lease and within a week, I found SpriteKat (the living replica of the cat I described) on a rescue site. She

Eden Hensley Silversteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833763676095062097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27282977.post-38847193922993626662011-12-02T05:48:00.000-08:002011-12-02T07:47:29.426-08:00

Everyone says babies grow up so quickly. So how do you capture these memories? Besides marking their height on a door frame? With a monthly photograph! One of my favorite blogs Making it Lovely has two series that I've loved following: Eleanor's Monthly Photos and August's Monthly Photos. Now that we're expecting our first baby, I'm thinking of doing a similar series once Gates is born.I want to

Eden Hensley Silversteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833763676095062097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27282977.post-21161168640722177032011-12-01T11:00:00.000-08:002011-12-01T11:00:00.562-08:00

Last night we dined at one of our favorite spots, Mission Beach Cafe. In addition to scoring the last two pieces of Sour Cherry Pie (my all-time favorite pregnancy food - the perfect combination of sweet and sour), I had a hearty fall meal - soup and pot pie.Both cubes and I started our meal with the soup. The Heirloom Squash Soup - one of their vegan offerings - was topped with Douglas Fir Oil,

Eden Hensley Silversteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833763676095062097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27282977.post-50009628919723801192011-12-01T09:00:00.000-08:002011-12-01T09:00:03.084-08:00

Recently I became addicted to Instagram - an iPhone application that lets you take photos, transform those photos using filters, and then share them via Facebook, Twitter, or Flickr. Now I can get statistics for my Instagram content with Statigram.In your dashboard, you can see your Total Followers, Likes and Comments Received, Top 5 Photos by Likes and by Comments, Top 5 Filters, the % breakdown

Eden Hensley Silversteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833763676095062097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27282977.post-12945576338921040982011-12-01T06:22:00.000-08:002011-12-01T06:22:42.736-08:00

If you've been following me for awhile, you'll know I adore Kate Spade NY. The classic styling. The bright colors. So imagine my surprise when having successfully navigated both Black Friday and Cyber Monday without making any purchases, I awoke Tuesday morning to see the sample sale had been extended another day!Earlier in my pregnancy, I'd been eyeing the Kate Spade NY baby bags. At $300+ I

Eden Hensley Silversteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833763676095062097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27282977.post-63397095865157993492011-11-30T06:00:00.000-08:002011-12-03T05:56:39.697-08:00

Lately when I'm not eating hot and sour soup or potstickers, I'm on the hunt for something salty or salty and sweet. With the exception of the chicken strips and french fries, three of my four favorite snacks are actually healthy.Airpopped Popcorn with Olive Oil and Fresh Cracked Pepper and Himalayan SaltGuacamole with Tomatoes on Toasted Sliced Sour Batard Drizzled with Olive Oil and Topped with

Eden Hensley Silversteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833763676095062097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27282977.post-12220540934232445292011-11-29T09:00:00.000-08:002011-11-30T05:48:56.591-08:00

One of my favorite places to window shop is ModCloth. At any given time I can find hundreds of outfits to dream about. Right now I'm loving these vegan flats and boots with brogueing.The Finds (top clockwise): Cool with That Flat, $32.99; Trim the Tree Boot, $49.99; Dress Up Flat, $37.99.Ciao Bella!Eden Credits: All images taken by ModCloth. Collage created by Eden Hensley Silverstein for The

Eden Hensley Silversteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833763676095062097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27282977.post-14642662147056908722011-11-29T05:31:00.000-08:002011-11-30T05:50:00.435-08:00

Ever wonder what something on a shoe is called? I do. Recently I discovered that all of my favorite shoes (and most of my recent purchases) have small punches for embellishment. I wondered if there was a technical term for this. There is: brogueing. Brogueing: A term that refers to the perforations or small punches that can be used to decorate a shoe.- Source: On the Fly's Glossary of Shoe

Eden Hensley Silversteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833763676095062097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27282977.post-86594232313277920272011-11-28T05:56:00.000-08:002011-11-30T05:50:53.849-08:00

The Thanksgiving holiday is always a nice break for us. It typically means catching up with family and friends, lazy days hanging out together watching TV show marathons, and analyzing and maintaining my blogs. This year was no exception. What's going to happen as a result of analyzing my blogs is an exception. Did you have a good Thanksgiving? How did you spend the holiday?Thanksgiving Day

Eden Hensley Silversteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833763676095062097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27282977.post-61427265199149110952011-07-20T07:21:00.000-07:002011-07-20T07:21:29.516-07:00

Getting "that" shot at "that" moment during a wedding is tough. It comes down to being in the right place and the right time with a dash of luck tossed in. You know the schedule of events. You know human nature. So anticipating the right place, the right time is second nature. As the bride and groom step out to greet their guests, there will be a pause when they look at each other. One of the

Eden Hensley Silversteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833763676095062097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27282977.post-87328201082783773682011-06-27T11:11:00.000-07:002011-06-27T11:11:00.812-07:00

This past weekend our friends Krissia and David got married. As we were running out the door I grabbed my Canon 30D. I'd originally thought I'd go sans camera, having misplaced the spare battery as well as the battery charger for my Canon G12. Photos like this remind me why I have - and need to take out more - my DSLRs: amazing depth of field. I'll be featuring more photos from this wedding

Eden Hensley Silversteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833763676095062097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27282977.post-20814353298468062332011-06-20T06:59:00.000-07:002011-06-20T06:59:47.863-07:00

This year cubes and I helped run Journey to the End of the Night (JTTEOTN); we ran three years ago when Journey was in Oakland. cubes made it successfully to the end; I got tagged between Checkpoint 3 and 4. We staffed one of the two Bonus Checkpoints in the courtyard across from the Jewish Contemporary Museum. Those runners who chose our bonus checkpoint had the opportunity to dance for a

Eden Hensley Silversteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833763676095062097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27282977.post-87546021636310847772011-06-02T11:11:00.000-07:002011-06-02T11:33:29.486-07:00

Yesterday the sky cleared for a little bit in the afternoon and we had blue skies in Walnut Creek. While it feels as if it never stops raining, the moisture hasn't been enough to turn the hills back to green; they're still brown. Did you have sun where you were? Or was it overcast all day? Credits: All images taken by Eden Hensley Silverstein for The Road to the Good Life.

Eden Hensley Silversteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833763676095062097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27282977.post-88940030483659671132011-05-06T06:39:00.000-07:002011-05-06T06:40:09.495-07:00

Almost every morning and evening I walk by the San Francisco Friends School. In the morning the sidewalk is filled with kids. The grounds are beautifully manicured, yet I seldom get a chance to stop and admire them up close. Last night in the golden hour I looked at the landscaping and took some photos. When I'm photographing flowers I look for contrasts. I look for repetition of shape. I also

Eden Hensley Silversteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833763676095062097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27282977.post-39777128467332195302011-05-03T07:15:00.000-07:002011-05-03T07:15:39.557-07:00

The mice will play. One of my favorite artists is Wayne Thiebaud, an artist most recognized for his depiction of cakes, pies, gumball machines, and more. This weekend I read Delicious: The Art and Life of Wayne Thiebaud by Susan Goldman Rubin (Amazon link) and discovered he also painted cityscapes and landscapes. SpriteKat was more interested in another book by Susan Goldman Rubin, Counting with

Eden Hensley Silversteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833763676095062097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27282977.post-69578520241968736992011-05-02T11:11:00.000-07:002012-01-02T12:06:12.022-08:00

I hope everyone had a fantastic weekend. I came down with a nasty head cold on Friday so no Seen Today or Found shot. Instead, I used my time in bed to catch up on my reading and indulge myself with Coconut Bliss Naked Almond Fudge, Rice Milk Whipped Topping, and Grain-Sweetened Chocolate Chips (100% allergy free goodness!). Three of the books I read were Decorate (pictured above beneath my

Eden Hensley Silversteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833763676095062097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27282977.post-3468188993357907352011-04-29T05:05:00.000-07:002011-04-29T05:05:00.366-07:00

Wednesday evening I went for a walk around North Berkeley. As usual I had my camera at my side and ready to go. While Seen Today was never meant to be a photograph a day project it's rapidly turning into that. This column has an interesting side effect: improved editing skills. How so? I, of course, usually take more than one photo (some days I nail it in one take and I just know, but that's rare

Eden Hensley Silversteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833763676095062097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27282977.post-21373980272784651152011-04-28T05:05:00.000-07:002011-04-28T05:05:00.753-07:00

I really like the colors in Kate Spade NY's Spring/Summer 2011 campaign. What I'm not so sure about is whether I could carry off a look in those colors. The more I thought about the Bryce Dallas Howard print ad, the more I began noticing the colors around the house. In the kitchen. On our bookshelves. In the linen closet. And finally, in my closet. (The grocery bags were intentional, the other

Eden Hensley Silversteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833763676095062097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27282977.post-74519658351772048432011-04-27T05:05:00.000-07:002011-04-27T05:05:00.548-07:00

I think Spring is my favorite time of year. It's probably related to the lack of seasons in the San Francisco Bay Area. For the past couple of weeks, each time I walked by Elgin Park I wanted to photograph these blooms. Yesterday I got not one but two opportunities. First in the morning on my way to BART. Then on my way home from BART in the evening. Which season is your favorite? Do you love

Eden Hensley Silversteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833763676095062097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27282977.post-20541319032694885122011-04-26T05:05:00.000-07:002011-04-26T05:05:00.151-07:00

Growing up most of my shoes as well as my costume shoes (last season's hand me downs from my gram, aunt, and mom that my sister and I got to clomp around the house in) were made in either Spain or Italy. All were leather. My favorite brands were Nickels (my favorite pair were a tan version of these red pumps), Bandolino, and Amalfi by Rangoni. My favorite costume shoes were Joyce, Pappagallo,

Eden Hensley Silversteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833763676095062097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27282977.post-5348168640051917822011-04-25T05:05:00.000-07:002011-04-25T05:05:00.612-07:00

Ever since I read about Ghost Type, I've been looking at buildings in my neighborhood and along my commute. So far I've only come across one sighting on Valencia (Eric Fisher captured this same ad on a sunny day). Par-T-Pak Beverages advertised across San Francisco; others have also spotted Par-T-Pak Ghost Type in the Tenderloin. Par-T-Pak was sold at least as far east as Texas and may have

Eden Hensley Silversteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833763676095062097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27282977.post-53995307728408218702011-04-22T07:07:00.000-07:002011-04-22T10:51:32.661-07:00

Every morning and afternoon for the past couple of weeks I have been walking by these yellow Iris. I finally liked the lighting and snapped a photo yesterday evening. I love Spring, don't you? Credits: All images taken by Eden Hensley Silverstein for The Road to the Good Life.

Eden Hensley Silversteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833763676095062097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27282977.post-79960583216289957752011-04-21T06:48:00.000-07:002011-04-21T06:48:38.762-07:00

It's been awhile since Sprite has graced this blog with her presence. For those who don't know Sprite, she's our Maine Coon catdog. I adopted her from Nine Lives Foundation in 2006. She's as feisty as ever, waking us up at the crack of dawn to have the bathroom sink filled with water for her to drink and commanding the greatest percent of our bed - more than 2/3rds directly in the center. Last

Eden Hensley Silversteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833763676095062097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27282977.post-41996228788552163782011-04-18T11:11:00.000-07:002011-04-18T12:50:01.874-07:00

Yesterday we visited one of our friend's favorite thrift stores in Reno, Junkee. (A few more photos are on Flickr.) Unlike thrift stores here in San Francisco, one side is a clothing exchange and the other side is an antique mall. Besides the convenience (or temptation) of both clothes and decor in one spot, I was also intrigued by how the store was decorated. There were four large dressing

Eden Hensley Silversteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833763676095062097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27282977.post-48246398826519380502011-04-15T14:22:00.000-07:002011-04-18T10:09:18.632-07:00

Supposedly succulents - like cacti - are easy to grow. Give them a little dirt, some sun, occasional watering, and you're done. For me, no such luck. The whole experience though has me noticing succulents wherever I come across them. This plant was spotted blooming in North Berkeley outside of a laundromat near Saul's. I like the yellow edged with pink, almost as if the plant got the news that

Eden Hensley Silversteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833763676095062097noreply@blogger.com0