Cari Mateo

Cherry Blossoms

Enjoying the short bursts of bloom at Japantown, San Francisco. Unfortunately the petals don't seem to stay on the branches for very long.

Photos:  © Cari Mateo.  All rights reserved.

Yellow Owl Workshop

Admiring these unique stamp sets and packaging from a San Francisco-based company, Yellow Owl Workshop. The designer, Christine Schmidt, has recently published her first book, 'Print Workshop'. Think I may just purchase her book and try carving my own rubber stamps.

Images : Courtesy of Yellow Owl Workshop.

Window Shopping

Had some time to kill before an appointment and took these pictures of store windows downtown. My all time favorite will always be Tiffany & Co...always fresh, always creative.

Photos: © Cari Mateo. All rights reserved.

San Francisco Giants

If you haven't heard...the San Francisco GIANTS won the 2010 World Series. Certainly was worth the wait.  My dad's happy!!!

Flowie

Whenever I’m at Japantown mall, I will usually spend an hour browsing through books and magazines at Kinokuniya. They have recently added more gift items in their store and carrying brands from local talents.

One such brand is Flowie, a company that designs and manufactures not only hand-screened linen and cotton fabrics but fashion and home accessories as well. Check out their online store and find out more about their designer, Yaling Hou, at her website.

Photos: Courtesy of Flowie.

Wisteria Blossoms

My wisteria vine has blossomed beautifully again. Only wish the blooms would stay longer on the vines. Spring has also brought this new yellow plant in the garden. It's native to this area but I don't have a name. Will have to take it to our local Sloat Garden Center for identification.

Hope you're thoroughly enjoying your garden as well.

Photos: © Cari Mateo. All rights reserved.

Atelier KS

You know that I live in the Sunset District of San Francisco. The homes on my block were built in 1929 by Henry Doelger. The basic construction consist of two bedrooms and one bathroom upstairs with a huge garage downstairs.

Been dreaming about creating a studio down there and I think I’ve found the perfect local designers, Atelier KS. Just take look at how beautifully they have converted this Sunset District garage.

Photos: Courtesy of Atelier KS.

Satin Moon & Period George

Had lunch with friends across the park from where I live and decided to visit my favorite neighborhood store in the area, Satin Moon. Been going to this small fabric store for years. They have a great selection of hand picked fabrics and what they may lack in quantity they certainly make up for in quality.

Across the street is an antique shop full of well chosen fine dining paraphernalia. Period George is a great place to browse. I was immediately attracted to the lamps and cabinets brimming with surprises. On my next visit I plan to look around more thoroughly and bring a roll of quarters for the parking meter.

Both stores are in the inner Richmond on Clement Street between Arguello Boulevard And Second Avenue.

Satin Moon Storefront Photo: Courtesy of Amy La Mode.

Photos: © Cari Mateo. All rights Reserved.

Flowers in Your Hair

When we immigrated to San Francisco our first two houses were two sets of Victorian flats on Belvedere Street, two blocks from Haight. The Haight has changed quite a bit since my elementary years but I still love to frequent this neighborhood. The song is accurate in that you do meet some gentle people there.

Photos:  © Cari Mateo.  All rights reserved.

LIMN

I use to work on Pacific Avenue close to many antique and interior design showrooms. My favorite thing to do at lunch time was to browse at LIMN. Our office has since moved and so has LIMN but my penchant for their furniture, lighting, and home accessory collections still remain. Currently, I am coveting this Proust Geometrica armchair by Alessandro Medini. So if you find yourself in town do check out their showroom and particularly this most excellent armchair. 

 Photos: Courtesy of LIMN