Happy Friday + Link-o-rama

Happy Friday everyone! I'm so excited for this weekend because I get to celebrate the wedding of Rue editor-in-chief Crystal Gentilello to her lovely fiance, Andrew. I love going to weddings, because I'm a little bit of a sap and end of crying 80% of the time. And I'm particularly excited for Crystals wedding because not only are they the most perfect pair, but they both have the best taste, so I know it's going to be visually stunning. I can't wait!

Now I will leave you for the weekend with a few of my favorite reads this week, here and across the web. (links below image)

Photo by Jose Villa

ON CONUNDRUM
The moody and beautiful photography of Annija Muižule.
I get to chat a little with the talented Beth in this weeks Pintastic People post!
Don't forget you can now sign up for news and updates from Conundrum?

ELSEWHERE
I loved reading this post by Megan over at Fresh Exchange about trying to find balance when you work for yourself.

Since weddings are on my mind, I loved this list on Cup of Jo of 10 unforgettable wedding moments.

I'm absolutely besotted with this Melbourne home featured on Sf Girl by Bay.

I was lucky enough to have dinner with some amazing ladies a couple weeks ago and photographer, Eva Kolenko chronicles the night on her blog.

Happy Friday + Link-o-rama

Happy Friday everyone! Did you guys know it's National Doughnut Day today? I highly recommend celebrating the holiday to it's fullest like I already did this morning :) I've had a crazy couple of weeks so I felt like a little extra indulgence today was well deserved. And if you're feeling extra ambitious you can use the below recipe from Portuguese Girl Cooks to create delicious homemade Pumpkin doughnuts.
Now I will leave you for the weekend with a few of my favorite reads this week. (links below image)

1. Check out this really cool DIY T-shirt project over at Sweet Paul.

2. This home tour over on Sf Girl by Bay reminds me I need way more house plants.

3. After celebrating National Doughnut day this salad recipe from Love & Lemons will be the perfect healthy anecdote.

4. Did you see my office tour over on Eva Black's blog? I answer a few of her questions about working for myself and staying inspired.

5. The perfect Fathers' Day gift guide over at Apartment34.

Happy Friday + Link-o-rama

It's been awhile since I've done a Happy Friday post, mostly because I've been so busy. But I have some exciting news that I couldn't wait to share. I finally hired an intern, her name is Nicole and she starts in a couple weeks, which I'm beyond excited for! 

Since I posted about hiring someone a few weeks ago I've been so impressed and honestly humbled by the response, it was a really hard decision to make because there are some seriously awesome candidates out there! So thank you, all of you who applied, for inspiring me and liking Conundrum enough to want to work here.

I'm sure you will start learning more about Nicole in the coming weeks, but for now check out the newest Design Conundrum team member on her instagram, pinterest and blog.

Now I will leave you for the weekend with a few of my favorite reads this week. (links below image)

image via Nicole Lee's instagram

1. Did you guys hear that Victoria of Sf Girl by Bay has her own App now?! All her favorite shopping picks in San Francisco are now on your phone! It's my new favorite guide to the city.
2. I need to try this perfect summery, grilled asparagus recipe over at Rue Daily.
3. Thanks to Calivintage I'm now obsessed with San Francisco based brand Tradlands.
4. Eva Black has the best summer essentials round-up over on her blog.
5. My dear photographer friend Audre recently came to visit and her blog post chronicling the trip, makes me love living her even more.

Happy Friday + Link-o-rama

Happy Friday everyone! I'm super excited because we finally booked our tickets for our belated honeymoon (more details to come in the next couple weeks) And I've found a new obsession with making homemade bagels, I've made 2 batches in 3 days! They are the best bagels ever (recipe in the link section below) Other then that I just plan on taking the weekend easy.

For now I leave you for the weekend with a few of my favorite reads this week, here, and across the web. Enjoy!

ON CONUNDRUM
New contributor, the super talented Stephanie of Baba Souk brings a little color with the first ever Bricolage post.
I get to chat a little with Camille Styles in this weeks Pintastic People post!
Don't forget you can now sign up for news and updates from Conundrum?

ELSEWHERE
Did I mention my new bagel making obsession?! I've been using this recipe from A Beautiful Mess, and love it.
I love this fun Spring lookbook for Marais as soon over at Calivintage this week.
Rue Daily features one of my favorite instagrammers Jonathan Lo of Happy Mundane.

I sometimes daydream about living on a boat, so this story over at The Design Files perfect inspiration fodder.
Get ready for Spring fashion with the perfect shoe round-up at Oh Joy!

Happy Friday + Link-o-rama

Happy Friday again, I feel like it really snuck up on my this week. I'm looking forward to a little r&r this weekend, and the weather here is perfect for it, sunny and high 60's.
For now I leave you for the weekend with a few of my favorite reads this week, here, and across the web. Enjoy!

ON CONUNDRUM
Don't miss the beautiful and moody photography work of Geneviève Bjargardóttir.
A little vacation inspiration this week!
Don't forget you can now sign up for news and updates from Conundrum?

ELSEWHERE
Breakfast just might be my favorite meal, so I loved this post on easy breakfast recipes over at Real Simple.

Breanna Rose gives a little insight into the world of being a freelance designer this week.

Fellow Oaklander and friend Eva Kolenko has wowed me again with this beautiful video about San Francisco Patisserie Craftsman & Wolves.

Aaron De Simone's regular Luxe Pins contribution to SF Girl by Bay's blog is a can't miss.

If you're looking for a little graphic design inspiration, check out this series over at Emmadime.

Happy Friday + Link-o-rama

Happy Friday everyone! Today was exciting for me because a feature I did with Refinery29 came out this morning. It highlights some of the top Bay Area pinners and I was honored to be included with some of my favorite local ladies including Jeanne Chan, Vanessa Correa, Victoria Smith and Christine Martinez. It was so fun having Angela and Maria from the Refinery29 team come to my apartment a few weeks ago and now to final see the outcome, I couldn't be happier!
Now I leave you for the weekend with a few of my favorite reads this week, here, and across the web. 

ON CONUNDRUM

I started a new series on the blog, sharing the creative spaces of people that inspire me. Don't miss the inaugural post featuring the amazing Sarah Swell.
A sunny, springtime Smitten List this week!
Don't forget you can now sign up for news and updates from Conundrum?

ELSEWHERE

A fun interview with One Kings Lane buyer Courtney Grace over at Rue Daily.
I'm in love with this DIY knitted snood as featured over on Park & Cube, next weekend project perhaps?

I'm sure many of you have already seen and read all about the Susy Menkes article hoopla and the responses, but if not I highly recommend reading the original piece and some of the well articulated responses.

This week I went into Smitten Kitchens archives and made these delicious cocoa brownies, and they of course, did not disappoint.

Happy Friday + Link-o-rama

Happy Friday all! The last couple weeks have been really busy for me so I'm hoping to take this weekend to relax and recharge. The hubby and I will also be going to our 3rd comedy show as part of SF Sketchfest, which I'm super excited about. What about you guys any cool plans?
For now I will leave you for the weekend with a few of my favorite reads this week from around the web.

Photo by Eva Kolenko

• A long but very insightful and comprehensive post about social media etiquette over at Design Sponge.
• I need to try this scrumptious looking blood orange and bourbon cocktail recipe from Love & Lemons.
• A little outfit inspiration from the always stylish Anh of 9to5 Chic.
• I'm in love with the beautifully styled and curated Valentine's Day gift guide over at The Design Files.
• Speaking of Valentine's Day get some romantic dinner inspiration from this post over at Apartment34.
• Or spend the holiday with girlfriends like in this fun party story from Rue Daily.

Happy Friday + Link-o-rama

Happy Friday everyone! I'm off on a little mini adventure today since my mom is in town visiting, so just a short, quick post wishing everyone a wonderful weekend ahead! And now I will leave you for the weekend with a few of my favorite reads this week, here, and across the web.

ON CONUNDRUM

Don't miss the weeks Pintastic People post with the amazing Ez Pudewa.
And also check out this gorgeous Swedish dream home, complete with indoor swing!
Don't forget you can now sign up for news and updates from Conundrum?

ELSEWHERE
This recipe from Williams-Sonoma, for Polenta with cheddar, chard and mushrooms sounds like perfection!
I've become smitten with the blog We Wore What since stumbling on it awhile back and this weeks outfit especially.
This weeks Separated at Birth post by Victoria over at Sf Girl By Bay is genius!
The Design Files posted yet another stunning home in Australia for me to lust over!

Happy Friday + Link-o-rama

Happy Friday! I can't believe we're only days away from Christmas! I hope you all have amazing plans and aren't too stressed out and doing last minute shopping. I for one plan to have a lazy weekend, which includes baking, wrapping presents, planning our Christmas meal and catching up on some major relaxing.

For now I will leave you for the weekend with a few of my favorite reads this week, here, and across the web. Note: I'll be taking some time off for the Holidays, so posting will be more scattered.

Image via Chasing Delicious

ON CONUNDRUM
My last gift guide of the season went up this week, check it out if you're scrambling for last minute gift ideas.

Also don't miss my list of favorite food blogs, just in time for Holiday meal inspiration.

Don't forget you can now sign up for news and updates from Conundrum?

ELSEWHERE
Photographer Kate Skogen posted a few more of our beautiful wedding photos over on her blog, every image more special then the last to me :).

I love all of the home decor inspiration Crystal posted for her new home. Flawless taste as always.

Another insightful post from Erin of Design for Mankind about the pace of blogging and staying inspired.

Wayfare launched their newest print magazine! I'm so excited to receive mine, for now you can check out a little preview here.

What were some you your favorite blog reads this week?

Happy Friday + Link-o-rama

Happy Friday everyone! This week the blog got a little ignored, I just turned out to be busier then I expected and all of a sudden it's Friday, don't you hate when that happens?! But I'm super excited to introduce you to the project I was working on. I designed a set of Holiday cards that are now on sale on Etsy!! A letter pressed snowflake design on a beautiful 100% post consumer waste paper with shimmery gold ink, they turned out lovely. I'm so proud of them and couldn't wait to finally show them off! You can purchase them here, or here.

And now I will leave you for the weekend with a few of my favorite reads this week, here, and across the web.

ON CONUNDRUM
Another gift guide this week, this time for your fashionista friend.

I was smitten with blue fashion this week.

Don't forget you can now sign up for news and updates from Conundrum?

ELSEWHERE
I'm definitely making these Gluten and Dairy-free Banana nut muffins from over at Sacramento Street.

Love this really pretty Vogue Australia editorial as seen over at HonestlyWTF.

Great stocking stuffer gift guide over at Say Yes to Hoboken!

This recipe from Smitten Kitchen for cauliflower feta fritters sounds so good and healthy to boot.

What were some you your favorite blog reads this week?

Happy Friday + Link-o-rama

Friday again, hooray! We're having a cozy, rainy day here in Oakland, which makes me want to cook a big pot of soup or maybe this ridiculously delicious looking French Beef Stew with Red Wine! Chilly fall days can also be the best days to just relax and watch a movie while drinking tea, so hopefully I'll be doing a lot of that this weekend.

For now I will leave you for the weekend with a few of my favorite reads this week, here, and across the web.

Image via Katie Ate the Kitchen Door

ON CONUNDRUM
With the holidays approaching I had some amazing giveaways happening on the blog this week, so don't miss those.
The first, an amazing stack of books from Chronicle Books.
The second are these earrings from BHLDN in celebration of my lovely wedding.
Speaking of our wedding, did you see the beautiful images I posted this week by Kate Skogen, I love them so much :)

ELSEWHERE
I love this post Erin wrote about the life of a blogger/content creator, so many great insights.

Jennifer Chong's regular instagram love series is one of my favorites and I especially love her pick for this week.

Did you see the amazing series of posts on SF Girl by Bay this week about what home is to different bloggers? The best, I can't link to just one, you need to read them all :)

And get some beautiful centerpiece inspiration for Thanksgiving in this post from The City Sage

What were some you your favorite blog reads this week?

Happy Friday + Link-o-rama

So I feel like every week in my happy Friday post I talk about taking the weekend easy, and relaxing, but to be honest that rarely happens. I've realized I'm not very good at it, but I want to be, frankly I need to be better at it. I'm always so stressed out, that time to decompress is critical. But a lot of the time I don't know how to say no, or turn off or just be done with a project. So I thought I would ask all of my lovely readers, do you have a hard time taking time for yourself? If so do you have any tricks or tips? 

And now while you ponder that I will leave you for the weekend with a few of my favorite reads this week, here, and across the web.

Image by Martin Wunderwald via Etsy

ON CONUNDRUM
It was election time this week, check out the fun graphic I did to remind people to vote.

A cozy fall themed smitten list round-up this week.
Did you guys see you can now sign up for news and updates from Conundrum?

ELSEWHERE
Did you guys see my picks in this weeks Refinery29 holiday decor round-up? Also see amazing finds from Crystal of Rue Magazine and Victoria Smith of SFGirlbyBay among others.
Camille Styles shows you how to make the perfect Thanksgiving buffet.

I'm loving this very chic black & white round-up over at Sacramento Street.

Williams-Sonoma just launched it's newest brand called Mark & Graham, focusing on the most beautiful personalized gifts. Read more about it over at Apartment34.

What were some you your favorite blog reads this week?

Happy Friday + Link-o-rama

Happy Friday all! This will be my last blog post for awhile, starting Monday you'll be treated to some amazing guest posts by a few of my friends, including Jeanne of Shop Sweet Things, Colleen of Inspired to Share, Jennifer of Jchong Studio and many more. I can't thank them enough for stepping in for me while I'm off getting hitched.
And now I leave you for the weekend with a few of my favorite reads this week, here, and across the web.

Image via Style Me Pretty.

ON CONUNDRUM
Congrats to Carol for winning this weeks 31Bits bracelet Giveaway.
Did you guys see our beautiful engagement photos by the amazing Kate Skogen?
Did you guys see you can now sign up for news and updates from Conundrum?

ELSEWHERE
Learn how to make the perfect flaky biscuits over at A Cozy Kitchen.

I love this insect based trend post over at A Merry Mishap.

I'm now obsessed with Jewelry designer Karin Rae Matthee thanks to this post over at Honestly WTF.

Bold lettering as decor thanks to Desire to Inspire.

This apple tart looks ridiculously yummy, learn how to make it in this post from JChong Studio.

What were some you your favorite blog reads this week?

Happy Friday + Link-o-rama

Happy Friday! This weekend is probably going to be similar to the last several weekends for me, non-stop wedding planning! Speaking of the wedding, I'm so excited to let you guys know that the starting soon I will be having some guest bloggers fill in for me for the couple weeks leading up to the wedding. The posts that my dear friends are planning are so great, I cannot wait. For now I leave you for the weekend with a few of my favorite reads this week, here, and across the web.

ON CONUNDRUM
The super talented Erin Loechner of Design for Mankind was kind enough to answer a few of my questions in my Pintastic People post.
See a little bit of my current wedding inspirations.
Did you guys see you can now sign up for news and updates from Conundrum?

ELSEWHERE
Did you guys see my post over on Apartment34 this week? I took part in her Live Here, Decorate with This series.
A great stationary DIY project over at Design Sponge.
I'm in love with the new series on SF Girl by Bay featuring my friend Aaron De Simone, sharing his favorite pins.
These miso maple sweet potato tacos via Love & Lemons, sound so divine, I think I might need to make them immediately.
I love this editorial shot by Corrie Bond for Marie Claire as seen over at 79 Ideas.

What were some you your favorite blog reads this week?

Happy Friday + Link-o-rama

Happy, happy Friday ladies and gents! This weekend I'm determined to take some time off since tomorrow is my birthday! Hooray, one year older and I doubt any wiser :) And now I'll leave you for the weekend with a few links on what you may have missed this week here, and across the web.

ON CONUNDRUM

Don't miss this weeks Pintastic People interview with Jonathan Lo.
Did you see this weeks Smitten List? It's one of my favorites with items in greens and pinks.

And don't forget to sign up for news and updates from Conundrum?

ELSEWHERE
I'm totally making this scrumptious looking cake from Sweet Paul for my birthday. 

I love this home inspiration over at SF Girl by Bay, it's so light and calming.

Caitlin has a lovely studio tour with the designers at Freda Salvador over at Sacramento Street.

The stunning handbags of Meli Melo as seen over at A Piece of Toast.

Aran of Cannelle et Vanille had a food styling retreat in Whistler Canada and the images are seriously amazing! I want to go next time.

Happy Friday + Link-o-rama

I can't believe it's already Friday again! This week has zoomed by, starting with the Good Morning America interview on Monday and ending with non-stop wedding planning. This shindig is fast approaching guys!! I hope I can slow down a little bit this weekend and enjoy my labor day weekend, but with all the little details for the wedding that need to get done, that seems unlikely. Below, catch up on what you may have missed this week here, and across the web.

Wedding flower inspiration via Style Me Pretty.

ON CONUNDRUM
Did you guys see you can now sign up for news and updates from Conundrum?
I have a brand new sponsor, Jennifer Chong who happens to be one of my favorite people in the world!
Did you see the beautiful photography of Emily Anderson this week?
And check out my favorite picks for dark rooms.

ELSEWHERE
A perfect labor day cocktail via Spoon Fork Bacon.
I love this outfit posted on Gary Pepper.
See what Erin over at apartment34 wishes she was wearing right now, so chic!
I love this colour combo wrap-up over at Bright Bazaar.
Beautiful, intimate wedding inspiration from Elizabeth Anne Designs.

Happy Friday & Link-o-rama

This week has been crazy busy, but also a lot of fun. I got to see so many friends at the Curiosity Shoppe + Target event earlier this week and then two of my favorite San Franciscans, Erin Hiemstra of Apartment34 and Jeanne Chan of Shop Sweet Things came to visit me for a shopping day in Oakland today. And to top it off, tomorrow I get to have brunch with Christine Martinez of Miles to Style and Aaron De Simone of I Heart Luxe. Days like these remind me why I love living here so much, it's such an amazing community of creative people, I could literally go on and on about the friendships I have made since living here, and this week has really made me realize how much I appreciate them all. Which is why I wanted to take a minute to give them a little shout-out! Thank you guys, you inspire me and make me so happy!

Now I'll leave you for the weekend with a few of my favorite blog reads from this past week, enjoy!

1. The perfect casual outfit inspiration for a freelancer like me from Ahn at 9 to 5 Chic.

2. A refreshing drink trio concocted by Colleen at Inspired to Share.

3. Get a peak into the adorable apartment of the amazing Jennifer Chong at Apartment Therapy.

4. I'm in love with this Marie Claire Australia Editorial featured over at Coco + Kelley.

5. The most scrumptious looking breakfast sandwich ever featured over at Sacramento Street.

6. DesignSponge did a feature on one of my favorite Oakland neighborhood shops, Umami Mart! It's always so exciting to see Oakland highlighted, and especially on such an amazing and high profile blog!!

All images taken by me. Don't forget to follow me on twitter & instagram both @designconundrum to see what I'm up to during the week :)

Friday Link-o-rama

Happy Friday everyone! I hope you all have amazing plans for this weekend. I unfortunately have a date with my computer for most of the weekend but I'm going to also try to get outside and enjoy myself and the amazing weather we have been having here in Oakland. Before I leave you, take a minute to see what you might have missed on Conundrum this week as well as a few of my favorite links from around the web. Enjoy!

On Conundrum

Don't miss the latest installment in my inspiring pinners series featuring Jennifer Chong

A super cute Smitten List this week

Ethereal photography by Simon Harsent

Also don't miss out on my daily updates on Instagram! (it's my newest obsession)

Around the web

1. I'm in love with every item Caitlin over at Sacramento St. included in this round-up

2. A Cup of Jo is getting a redesign and Joanna gave us a little sneak peek this week!!

3. OMG this banana bread french toast recipe over at Spoon Fork Bacon looks sinfully delicious.

4. I always love how Anh of 9to5 Chic puts together an outfit and this one is no exception.

5. Apartment34's 4pm fashion fix went on a tropical vacation this week and I like.

6. Thanks to Kate over at Wit & Delight I'm not obsessed with Sarah Murphy Jewelry.

7. The perfect summer dessert, maple & lime roasted peaches. Via La Buena Vida.

Happy Friday + Link-o-rama

Happy Friday everyone! My goal for this weekend is to not work quite as much and maybe take a mini vacation up North along the coast. I've heard of a great oyster spot that I might have to try out. I hope you all have lovely weekends planned as well. Now I'll leave with a few of my favorite links from this past week, enjoy! images via Gem Photo

Super cute vintage marquee DIY project over at Oh Happy Day
I love this post on easy to make egg baskets on The Fresh Exchange
If you get to spend the weekend in Nashville, Elise of Pennyweight has a great round-up of cools spots.
A great entertaining post over at Camille Styles featuring Sara Leetes and her Husband Travis.
Olga, one of my favorite Bay Area gals in a super sweet summer ensemble over at her blog twelveofour
Spoon Fork Bacon's recipe for baked yucca fries with grilled banana ketchup sounds so intriguing I might just have to try it.

Friday Link-o-rama

Happy Friday everyone! So I wanted to share a couple images from a photoshoot I recently did with the lovely and amazing Jennifer from I Art U. I usually don't post pictures of myself, partly because I'm a little shy in front of the camera (I prefer to be behind it) But Jennifer did such an amazing job I just had to show you all how they turned out. And now I'll leave you for the weekend with a few of my favorite links from the past week. Links below image.

 

1. A great round-up for a summer getaway with girlfriends over at The Fresh Exchange

2. This recipe for sweet potato latkes looks ridiculously delicious, via Justina Blakeney

3. A perfect monochrome look thanks to 9 to 5 Chic

4. I love how Jonathan over at Happy Mundane breaks down the reasons he loves this awesome room.

5. This Ratatouille Barley Salad looks so yummy and refreshing for a summer bbq via Sprouted Kitchen