Oh, the places you’ll go

Tags

rome, italy, Paris, Miss Social, natalie grinnell, capri, alaska, vancouver, seattle, napoli, travel plans, 2012, travel guides

It was brought to my attention yesterday, that I am not blogging enough on my Miss Social blog, and that my readers are noticing. I don’t mean to sound sour about it, but frankly I was wondering if anyone really read it anymore anyway.  As you may have read in my post Honesty, I’ve been in a funk the past few months.  And, while I’m not completely out of it yet, inspiration is slowing coming again.

Now that it’s a new  year, it’s time for a fresh start.  Motivation for me always comes from my favorite activity: traveling.  So, to get myself out of this funk and onto bigger and better things, I’m taking all my travel plans off the back burner in 2012.  Here are my big ideas:

1. Seattle.

One of my best friends lives here, so it’s the perfect excuse to take the hour-long flight up to the rainy city for a long weekend.

2. Alaska

My dad just bought a sail boat and plans to sail up the coast all the way to Alaska -where he grew up- this summer.  I’ve been to Alaska a few times before, but never completely by sailboat.  It will be an adventure we will never forget.

3. Vancouver

Vancouver is another place I’ve been a few times, but I’ve really only seen the touristy stuff.  Since my last visit, I’ve made a few friends that live there, so now I can get a better look at the city.  The perfect stop on the way up to Alaska.

4. Italy

I know I’ve been here many times, but I really miss all my friends there, the great food, and all around adventurous surroundings of my favorite cities: Rome, Capri, Napoli, Palermo, Venice.  Maybe this time, I’ll even make it to Milan.

5.  It may seem cliché to say Paris, but there’s a reason everyone wants to go to Paris.  Something transforms your soul as you lay on the grass next to the Eiffel Tower, or sip coffee at a tiny cafe on Montmartre.  I can’t believe it’s almost been 10 years since I was last there.

Where will your travel plans take you in 2012?

images via 1 2 3 4 5

TONIGHT: Digitally Chic’s One Year Anniversary!

Tags

#DCBday, Digitally Chic, meetups, Miss Social, natalie grinnell, San Francisco networking groups, the summit

Wow.  I can’t believe it’s been a year since 6 of my friends and I started Digitally Chic, a fashion and technology focused group.  Each month, we put on happy hours and meetups so that the professional women and men of San Francisco can connect and learn more about our ever evolving industry.

Today, Digitally Chic is celebrating our one year anniversary and we want you to help us pop the champagne!  Join us in celebrating one year of fashion, technology, and fabulous new friends at The Summit in San Francisco.  Guests will enjoy mingling, music & lots of fabulous giveaways (see below)!
Admission is free, but we will be accepting donations for one of our favorite local charities, Family House.   The mission of Family House is to serve as a home away from home for families of children with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses by providing physical comfort and emotional support, free from financial concerns.  You can learn more about Family House here.  We are also accepting donations via Giftiki…When everyone gives a little, together we give a lot. http://hap.pe/tgxWWW

Also, in case you didn’t see my post on Wednesday, check out how to win a $200 gift card to Nordstrom here, courtesy of GoogleSF!
We will also have door prizes and other giveaways from our other great sponsors!  A few of our sponsors include HP, ThinkGeek, Photojojo, Marika King Jewelry, Rodan + Fields, Crystal J. Silk and just added: Retrofit Republic, LetsTalk.com and ModCloth!

The party starts at 9.  Cocktail attire is requested.  Cash bar only.

Event hashtag: #DCbday

I hope to see you there!

SF Ladies: Win a $200 gift card to Nordstrom!

Tags

anthropologie, Digitally Chic, giveaway, google review, googlesf, Miss Social, natalie grinnell, San Francisco

Calling all San Francisco ladies who love FASHION + TECHNOLOGY: Digitally Chic & GoogleSF have teamed up to bring you a contest that will really help your rainy day blues.  We’re giving away a $200 gift card to Nordstrom (yes, you heard right!) and the winner will be announce at Digitally Chic’s One Year Anniversary Party on Friday, December 2nd!  {You must be present to win, but admission is free!}  P.S. Check out even more great give-a-ways below.

Here’s all you have to do:

1) Folllow @GoogleSF

2) Fill out entry form at this link–http://goo.gl/7nOMY

3) Start reviewing as many of your favorite SF restaurants, bars, shops, salons and local businesses on Google Places as you like!

Note: There is a pre-loaded “Places” app on all android phones and it’s available for download in the Apple store.

In addition to this contest, Digitally Chic is also having giveaways from HP, ThinkGeek, Photojojo, Marika King Jewelry, Rodan + Fields, Crystal J. Silk and just added: Retrofit Republic, LetsTalk.com and ModCloth!

For HP’s giveaway: Vivienne Tam Mini 210 PC Giveaway at Digitally Chic One Year Anniversary Celebration, hop on over to Pretty Innovative for the contest rules!

Lifestyle of a Bi-Coastal CEO

Tags

Miss Social, natalie grinnell, new york, San Francisco, travel essentials

My marketing business, Studio 41, is officially a bi-coastal company!  While I’m learning the ropes of my new lifestyle, I’m been taking note of the small things that make all the plane rides, hotel stays, and weird food a little more bearable.  Check out my post on my company blog here.  Come back and let me know what you think!

Take a Bite {Travel Tuesday}

Tags

highline, jazz nightclubs nyc, New York City, the plaza hotel, travel

It’s Tuesday! Woohoo.  It’s my favorite day of the week because I get to write about traveling.  If you haven’t done so already, you MUST sign up for Southwest Airlines “DING!” alerts…that is if you like to book awesome travel at the drop of a hat.  This morning, for example, Southwest alerted me that they had flights from SFO to LGA (New York City) for $99 each way!  That’s pretty much unheard of nowadays.

The only reason I didn’t book this flight was because I just got back from a 10-day New York City trip.  Speaking of which, I had a wonderful time.  It was so great because my sister also happened to be in NYC at the same time, so we were able to spend some time together there as well.

One of my favorite spots was {no surprise here} The Plaza Hotel.  It wasn’t just the beautiful hotel that I loved, it was mostly the Francois Chocolate Bar, where they serve the most decadent hot cocoa I’ve ever tasted and sweet macarons as well.Another fun time to be had was late night hangs at local jazz clubs: Smalls
(183 W. 10th St., 212-252-5091, West Village), Village Vanguard
(178 Seventh Ave. South, 212-255-4037, West Village) and Fat Cat (75 Christopher St, West Village).  It’s a crazy feeling to be in the same tiny rooms that legends like Miles Davis and Coltrane once played. Aspiring and veteran musicians alike play until 4 in the morning, and beyond.

Obviously, one of the best spots in town is Central Park.  Not only did I get to enjoy the New York Marathon (I saw the winner up close!), but I threw a few hours-long walks in there for good measure.  The only thing I regret is not bringing better walking shoes.  You’d think I’d learn by now that heels are never great for walks in this city.

One last thing is the Highline.  Without giving too much away, it’s a public park built on an historic railroad elevated above the streets of the West Side in Manhattan:

So if you’re thinking about going to NYC anytime soon, you better jump on Southwest for that deal!

Honesty.

Tags

honesty, loss, love, Miss Social

{a note to my readers}

My blog usually highlights the exciting and fast pace lifestyle of my 20-something life in the big city and travels around the world.  And, I usually have a lot to write about.  But, as you may have noticed, the past few months have left much to be desired on my blog.  Lately, I’ve been only sporadically inspired in the writing department.

I sit down at my computer every day, log in to WordPress, and click “New Post.”  For the next few minutes I stare at a blank screen.  I start to write a few sentences, and realize those sentences will bore even me, let alone my audience, and close my laptop screen.

Writing is supposed to be my art form, my lifeline, my communication to the outside world.  But, lately, it only seems a burden to publish the things I really feel.  I spoke to my sister about how I was feeling and she suggested I just be honest with my audience.  That no one expects my life to be this perfect one-way street filled with cotton candy and airplanes and lattes in tiny cafes in Italy all the time.

I don’t think it’s in most human’s nature to be completely honest all the time.  We want people to like us, find us interesting, beautiful, smart, funny.  We don’t want people to know about our bad days, breakups, the loss of a job, or the fact that maybe we just can’t juggle everything we thought we could.  You know: Regular human stuff.

So here it goes…honesty.

I recently lost the most important thing in the world to me.  Something I loved more than I ever knew I could love one single thing.

Losing something so dear to me came as shock, because up until recently, my life had been predictable.  Things, for the most part, had gone pretty much they way I planned them.  I anticipated, prepared for, and accepted most events in my life with a smile and an open mind.

Then one day, something came into my world so fast, so completely unexpected, that it threw me for the biggest loop of my life.  Then, seemingly just a moment later, it was gone as quickly as it came, leaving me exposed to the harsh aftermath.

When you lose something or someone dear to you, you are left with a flurry of unsettled emotions, which in my case, meant there was no more room for writing.  My thoughts were consumed with this one subject, instead of focusing on the road ahead, full of new and exciting experiences.   You can’t possibly prepare for something unexpected, so when it happens it’s hard to react in the most mature, logical way.

One important thing I’ve learned through all of this is the human’s ability to heal, and that’s exactly what I plan to continue to do.

You’re Invited! Digitally Chic “Apps & Apps”

Tags

Angelica Rae, Ashley Gustafson, Ashley LaFarriere, Ashley Laurel, Chronicle, Digitaly Chic, Jennifer Benson, Miss Social, natalie grinnell, San Francisco, SF Gate, sharon vaknin

The Founders of Digitally Chic

One year ago, 6 of my closest friends (Ashley, Ashley, Ashley, Angelica, Sharon, Jennie B)  and I met for drinks at Cigar Bar in San Francisco.  We discovered that night that there is no great way for fashion-forward people in the technology industries to connect in their offline life.  That night, Digitally Chic was born.  DC is a networking group that connects the online world with great offline fashion and technology focused events.  Our Facebook group had grown to over 200 members, and our community page has nearly 300 fans.  The community Facebook page (http://facebook.com/DigitallyChic) keeps our audience up-to-date with all things fashion and technology, and encourages like-minded individuals to engage in conversation about daily hot topics.  Our member-only Facebook group not only provides networking opportunities via open conversation within the group platform about fashion and tech, but also invitations to each DC event.  (Membership is currently free, but you have to have a strong & active interest in the fashion and tech industries!)

Each month Digitally Chic has at least one Official Digitally Chic Meetup which falls on the third Thursday, held at a different location each time.  We also have special invite-only events sporadically throughout the year.  Tonight is our October Meetup: Digitally Chic presents Apps & Apps at Roe Lounge.  We’re inviting all fashionable techies to come geek out on some of our favorite mobile “apps” while enjoying tasty “app(etizer)s” & cocktails!  Our favorite fashion & lifestyle apps will be offering small group demos, sneak peeks, and sharing tips & tricks for getting the most out of their services.

Here are the participating apps:

Meet Gatsby (lifestyle) / Location Based Social
http://meetgatsby.com/Digitally-Chic (sign up here to tag yourself with DC)
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/meet-gatsby/id453623862?mt=8

Pose (fashion) / Mobile Shopping
http://pose.com/
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/pose/id402272154
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.pose

Poshmark (fashion) / Social eCommerce
http://poshmark.com/
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/poshmark/id470412147?mt=8

ShopNear.Me (fashion) / Social / Local / Mobile / Fashion
http://shopnear.me/
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/shopnear-me/id438622850

Snapette (fashion) / Location Based / Social-Fashion
http://snapette.com/
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/snapette/id447989461?mt=8

StyleSays (fashion) / Social Ecommerce
http://stylesays.com/ / @thestylessays

Boutiika (fashion) boutique locator
http://www.boutiika.com/

To register, click here.  I really hope you can come tonight and enjoy all that Digitally Chic has to offer.  Even if you can’t make it, be sure to connect with our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter (@DigitallyChic)!  PS.  Yesterday we were featured in the San Francisco Chronicle!

Here are some pics from a few of our past DC events:

Digitally Chic "Chic Manifique!" Meetup

Digitally Chic Nail Polish Swap!

Digitally Chic "Chic Manifique!" Meetup

Digitally Chic "Chic Manifique!" Meetup

Digitally Chic "Chic Manifique!" Meetup

Digitally Chic "Scavenger Hunt"

Digitally Chic "Scavenger Hunt"

Digitally Chic "Scavenger Hunt" Swag Bag

Monday Menu: Chicken with Garlic, Basil, and Parsley

Tags

basil, chicken dinner, garlic, Miss Social, monday menu, parsley, recipe

Happy Monday!  I know it’s been quite a long time since I’ve posted a recipe, but this one was quick and easy, and super delicious.  For me, between working a full-time job, my social life, and traveling, ‘quick and easy’ is the name of the game.

 

Prep time: 10 mins

Cook time: 40 mins

Makes 4 servings.

 

Ingredients

1 tablespoon dried parsley, divided

1 tablespoon dried basil, divided

4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves

4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

2 tomatoes, sliced

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon parsley and 1 teaspoon basil evenly over the bottom of the baking dish. Arrange chicken breast halves in the dish, and sprinkle evenly with garlic slices. In a small bowl, mix the remaining 2 teaspoons parsley, remaining 2 teaspoons basil, salt, and red pepper; sprinkle over the chicken. Top with tomato slices.
3. Bake covered in the preheated oven 25 minutes. Remove cover, and continue baking 15 minutes, or until chicken juices run clear.

Recipe via.

DIY Thursday – Bag Lady

Tags

clutch, DIY, do it yourself, handbag, martha stewart, Miss Social, upstyle

I admit this week’s DIY is not of my own inspiration.  It’s from the Upstyle store on Etsy, as seen on the Martha Stewart show.  If you’ve been following my blog for the past couple years, you know how much I adore Martha’s unique DIYs (like these lovely bauble rings!).  For the gal on a budget (like me, London is calling…) this is the perfect craft project that not only allows you to tap into your creative side, but you can make the perfect bag for any outfit.  And, if you’re feeling particularly crafty, you can make a few for your friends.

Tools and Materials

Decorative fabric for outside of clutch

Fabric for lining

Heavyweight fusible stabilizer

Fusible fleece

Rotary cutter

Grid ruler

Iron

Sewing machine

Coordinating machine-sewing thread

Transparent tape

Bond 527 Multi-Purpose Cement

Metal clutch frame hardware

Clutch How-To

1. Cut 13-by-13 1/2-inch pieces from outer fabric, lining fabric, and heavyweight fusible stabilizer. Cut a 10 1/2-by-13-inch piece of fusible fleece. With an iron, fuse heavyweight stabilizer to wrong side of outer fabric, then fuse fleece to center of stabilized side of fabric.

2. With right sides of outer and lining fabrics together, sew 1/2-inch seams along both longer 13 1/2-inch edges.

3. Turn sewn pieces so right sides are facing out, and press seams flat.

4. Fold in half, matching seams at top, with lining on inside. Sew a 1/4-inch seam on outside raw edges, then trim seam allowances to 1/8 inch and snip in at the corners. Turn again, so outside fabric is on the inside. Sew 1/4-inch seam along edges, creating a finished French seam, then turn right side out.

5. Fold corners down; mark and sew a 2-inch gusset on each. Trim corner to 1/8 inch. Turn again so lining faces out; sew a 1/4-inch seam along gussets to finish seams. Turn right side out one last time.

6. Apply a bead of fabric glue to metal frame. Center over top seam, carefully insert fabric in metal frame, and secure in place with tape. Allow glue to set for several hours.

7. Remove tape, tuck outside corners behind frame, and snap closed.

Complete recipe, including how to make a custom lapel, can be found here.

Feeling lazy?  You can skip a few skips by buying the clutch with fabric of your choice here.

Feeling crafty? See my other DIYs here.

Happy Anniversary to ME!

Tags

friends, love, Miss Social, natalie grinnell, San Francisco, SF Giants

October 1st marks the one year anniversary of my move to the San Francisco Bay, and it’s been the best year of my life.

On October 1st, 2010 my dad and I loaded up my little red VW with suitcases of clothes and boxes of photo albums, and I drove the 3 hours to my new home in the Bay.  I was scared to live further than a short drive to my sisters’ houses.  What would I do without morning coffee with my sister Jessica, or Thursday TV nights with my sister Deb?  What would I do when my car broke down and my dad wasn’t a half hour away to pick me up?  How would I afford clothes, much less food, while starting my own business in a brand new city?  Well, obviously I survived- no, thrived- with the assistance of my helpful family and supportive cast of friends.  Here, in no particular order, are the things I’ve discovered in this incredible, yet exhausting, year:

1. New City.  San Francisco has so many unique features, its hard to talk about just one.  Last night I was on the train heading to visit some family in the Peninsula and there were 3 other commuters next to me.  2 were transplants from Buffalo, NY, and the other from a small town in Connecticut.  We were discussing the pros and cons of living in a big city, SF in particular.  We all agreed on one point: Everyone here wants to be here.  Most ‘locals’ of San Francisco are actually from all over the country, even the world.  It seems everyone had the same idea as me as a kid, When I grow up, I want to live in the city with an ocean view.  Since, for most of us, moving to San Francisco took a lot of hard work and sacrifice, we’re not willing to let anything stop us from getting everything else we want.  Looking around this morning on my walk to work, I can see all the motivated and happy people that all worked so hard to get here.  Everyone is smiling because they’re all exactly where they want to be.

2. New friends.  This has been the most amazing experience.  I moved here barely knowing a soul, and now I feel like I know half the people walking down the street.  This city is really just a small town with really really tall buildings.  Within the first 3 weeks of moving here, I met my kindred spirits: 6 other girls, who have in the last year, become more like sisters.  Without them, this city would have been a lot bigger and a lot scarier.

3. New apartment. Finding an apartment in this city is hard. After a couple of months, I found the perfect one.  Located smack dab in the middle of Nob Hill, North Beach, Downtown, and the Bay, I can walk anywhere.  A little crowded, and a lot expensive, it’s time for me to find a new home, but this apartment made 2011 very comfortable.  Now onto bigger and better things

4. New outlook. With all the changes in my life in the past year, it would have been easy to get overwhelmed, or even drown.  And believe me, sometimes I actually thought I would.  But, as I mentioned before, my family and friends helped in any way they could.    Overall, I couldn’t have asked for a better experience.

If you’re thinking about moving to a new city completely on your own, I would only suggest making sure you have plenty of money saved up to make the whole process a little easier.  Especially for those unexpected plumber bills, dental emergencies, and parking tickets (hey, those add up!).  It also helps to have a few friends and business connections as well, so you’re not completely starting from scratch.

 

Images via:1 2 3 4 5 If they’re not cited, they’re my own