Airbnb Getaway

I’ve been itching for an Airbnb trip for about 2 months now. My last visit to San Francisco was in January. So visiting San Francisco last weekend for a little rest & recreation with my husband is definietly needed. It was also my husband’s 31st birthday, so having a nice getaway together was absolutely well deserved.

For new readers to my blog, welcome! Once a month for business my husband stays in SF for a couple days at an Airbnb. Working remotely from Sacramento, he gets the chance to meet with his team, and be in the office. If schedule’s work out between him, the kids, and myself, we can usually squeeze in some mommy daddy time during his visit. This past weekend….We made it work. I’ve made the executive decision to skip out on one of my sons basketball games, including missing out on pictures!! (Yes! I know, bad mom!) BUT, am I really a bad mom?! A little weekend –parents only– getaway never really hurt anyone. Plus, I keep devote all my time to children here in Sacramento. So….Missing his game, and pictures. Not a huge biggie to me.

Every time my husband stays in San Francisco, he always at an Airbnb in one of our favorite “dream neighborhoods,”Potrero Hill. Potrero Hill is a residential neighborhood in San Francisco, California. It’s actually our dream neighborhoods if ever we return back to the Bay Area. It is known for its views of the San Francisco Bay and city skyline (right along 18th-20th St. CHECK it out!!!), and its very close proximity to many destination spots, and its sunny skies.

We’ve been using Airbnb for about 4 years now, and haven’t really turned back to hotels during vacations/mini-getaways.

UNLESS we get to stay for FREE using our Points we receive from our Chase Sapphire card. ;P

We do occasionally stay at a boutique hotel, which we did last February for our 16year anniversary – which we spent in Santa Cruz.

You can read more about our Santa Cruz weekend HERE at Hotel Paradox.

Overall, our getaways are usually at an Airbnb.

FUN FACT:

Running our own Airbnb is definietly a goal within the next few years!!!

Soooooo please stay tuned to watch me turn from an Airbnb renter, to host!!!!!

Our visits to San Francisco have been way more frequent than ever! Even while we were living in the Tri-city, we rarely came into San Francisco. So it’s just funny how life works in mysterious ways as we’ve moved to Sacramento, and now visit every month or so, and stay at a fabulous Airbnb for a few days to live like locals.

You can check out a video of one of our last visits with the kids in San Francisco. I made a separate YouTube Channel away from my TiffanysTidings channel to hopefully share more traveling adventures!

Click the icon below to watch!

The pictures shown within the post were taken at my last visit (in January) prior to this past weekends.

I’ll post more of my most recent visit next, so keep a look out for that, but please enjoy the pictures of this lovely Airbnb!!

If you like the Airbnb you see in this post check them out HERE!

It’s a Classic Victorian apartment in sunny Potrero Hill! As I mentioned earlier, Potrero Hill is my husband’s and mine’s FAVORITE neighborhood. The host Bethany, is originally from Seattle, and love’s the outdoors, traveling, reading, eating, meeting new people, and playing games, especially Settlers of Catan (Who doesn’t love Settler’s of Catan?!?!?! Junior version is also dope as well!!!)

 

Bethany’s Airbnb is again, in the sunny and quiet Potrero Hill, 1 bedroom/1 bathroom lower unit in a 1900s Victorian house. Great central Potrero Hill location, close to The Mission, Dogpatch, SOMA and walking distance to many tech companies (close to my husbands work, which is why he booked it!) Shuttle stops and Caltrain are near, plus, easy access to 280 and 101 freeways for those commuting down the Peninsula. Whole Foods is around the corner along with many great neighborhood restaurant options and local businesses so a car is not necessary when we stayed.

The place was so perfect for us! It’s a beautiful house in a great location. It’s so lovely, comfortable, and a well-appointed space. Bethany replied instantly to every communication and was very responsive to any request or question – KUDOS to being such a great Airbnb host. Loved how private and light-filled the apt was.

I love gathering home decor inspiration from all the Airbnb’s I stay at!! Can’t wait to host!!!!!

 

Plant & Pottery Passion

Since spring sprung, I’ve been bit my countless mosquitos, but also been bit by the garden bug!! I’ve been taken over by the spring air and have the itch of planting, potting, and improving my current backyard situation. That includes becoming the backyard farmer – as I truly am, and catering to my garden boxes, doing some major pruning of the backyard bushes, and weed work. And last but not least, just adding some life of potted decorative plants, and adding some backyard (budget friendly) patio living.

Since Earth Day just passed, I knew this would’ve been a great time to share a recent visit to the most adorable plant & pottery outlet in the East Bay. The Plant And Pottery Outlet in Sunol, CA. Located along the 680 highway from Pleasanton to San Jose, you’ll see this outlet. Every time I pass through, I ALWAYS want to stop at this place! So finally, one Sunday with my boys and my mom, we checked it out!

If you’re into succulents, tropical plants, and air plants, this is the spot for you!! They have wide variety of plants and of course gazillion pots to choose from.

Check this place out if you’re from the Bay Area, or Northern California!! You’ll love it if you’re into plants or fountains or pots.. Oh sister, you’ll be in plant and pottery heaven!!!

Plant & Pottery Outlet

6467 Mission Rd.

Sunol, CA 94586

You can check them out on YELP!! Give your sista a hello on the Yelp community as I’m a 2017 Yelp Elite!

Say whaaat?! I know! I’m flattered! What can I say….I check-in to A LOT of places!!

Just sign on to Yelp, can add me as a friend on YELP, and you can see all the cool spots I check-into from Sacramento to San Francisco on a normal basis! But I check into a lot of other places too! I like to think of my reviews and pictures a restaurant journal.

As you can see, there are SO many array of succulents and pottery assorts! They even have “broken” pots at a phenomenal discount!! (30%-40%-70% Off!!) I’m not kidding!!! Perfect for DIY projects, that’ll save you nickel and dime.

I suggest coming in with your sneakers, your pocket full of money to spend, grab your wagon, and head over to the Plant and Pottery Outlet in Sunol!!!

Will be back again!

Styling Thrifted Candle Holders

My obsession with thrifting candle holders has definitely reached an ultimate high. I have at least 4 different thrift stores in my area, and each thrift store brings me joy every time I walk in for my daily hunts. Candle holders are my latest craze these days compared to those dollar buys at Target (a weakness to all of us.)

Owning a bunch of brass candlestick holders is starting to become not only an obsession, but a problem. From what seemed to be a small expense of $1-$3 a candle holder, means constantly buying candlesticks… Guys, it’s been a while since I’ve walked into a Bath & Body Works for a good scented 3-wick candle. I’m constantly burning through candlesticks around the house in the evening, my electric utility bill has gone down!!!

 

If you take a looksie at my Instagram feel, I’m pretty sure every other post has a candlestick or two, or three. If you’re not following my IG, please do! I try my best to keep up with it, but if I’m not posting on my blog, I’m sure I’ll be on IG.

Please follow your girl HERE.

@tiffanystidings

My most recent candle holder purchase were these brass Christmas holders from a local thrift store my neighbor told me to check out here in Sacramento. Located in the Arden-Arcade area of Sacramento, Deseret offers great prices, good quality, great staff, and a huge selection. Coming in on a Saturday afternoon, the family and I were surprised by their cleanliness. For a thrift store you usually expect a little grunge feel to it, but Deseret felt like a small town Mervyn’s on liquidation. For those younger readers out there, Mervyn’s is like a Kohl’s.

If ever in the Sacramento area, willing to check out a thrift store, be sure to check out Deseret Industries!!

Deseret Industries

3000 Auburn Blvd.

Sacramento, CA 95821

My obsession with candleholders was influenced on IG of course! These Scandinavian influenced details easily create that warm feel to any living space! Candles are the simplest way to add an extra coziness to your home. Whenever walking to any thriftstore, I’m always searching for these stunning Nordic-style candle holders to accentuate my candles with.

Are going through an obsession of a decorative accessory for the home?! Candles? Candle holders? Throw pillows and blankets?! Comment below! I’d love to know your current obsession!

Or tag me on Twitter and tell me all about it! Twitter @tiffanystidings!

 

DIY Easter Eggs

Easter is among us, as from mid-February to April, mom’s shop at Target, and grab any cutesy, dollar-friendly, Easter item they can find. This year, I am proud to say I didn’t fall into the Target trap (as I only purchased 2 things this entire Easter season at Targte! This Easter, I ended up DIYing the most adorable Easter eggs using craft eggs from Walmart!!!!

Walmart has been a favorite place for me to shop at lately. Although, I can save the 5% using my Target RedCard, and also use Target Cartwheel, I’ve found many of my go-to’s currently at Walmart, and also without walking out purchasing things out of impulse.

We can all agree that Walmart isn’t the fanciest place to shop, as the crowds can attract all sorts of people with different backgrounds, shapes and sizes, but if you put that aside, you know you can get a few more things at Walmart for cheaper, and also save a whole-lot more other than falling into that Target trance.

This April, I was able to score some adorable DIY Craft Eggs from Walmart for $2 ($1.98 to be exact!)  The craft egg selection was huge this year! From chalk craft eggs, pastel chalk, to confetti filled Easter eggs. I purchased the plain eggs as I knew I wanted to paint a few to add a touch of my own personal crafty style in my home.

All the supplies I already had, but if you don’t have these art supplies, these are things you’ll be able to purchase all at Walmart in their craft section, for really inexpensive prices too!! ($1-$3each)

What You’ll Need:

  • Easter Craft Eggs
  • Acrylic Craft Paint
  • Paint Brushes
  • Paint Pallet

Directions:

There’s really no hard-fine rules to this craft, because it’s all on your creative style! I just went with a few solid painted eggs, and added some spring flowers. Others, I did stripes, polka-dots, and other jazzy Springtime prints!

Floral Prints:

Above is a closeup on how I painted my eggs with my spring flowers. The top picture shows step-by-step exactly how I create them!

Helpful tip:

It’s all about blending and overlapping colors!!!!!!

Aren’t these eggs the cutest?!?! I seriously was in the zone while making these (along with binge watching the Gilmore Girls on Netflix!) When complete with your crafty eggs, style them in an egg carton filled with Easter egg grass, or paper filling. I had some from the DollarTree, and also purchased my egg carton from Target (The one other Easter item I purchased from Target all month!)

Have you purchased these Craft Eggs from Walmart?! What cool designs did you create?! Comment below or tag me on IG sharing your Egg-stra special Easter Eggs!

Happy Easter everyone!

Low Budget Easter Buys

I’ve been really close-fisted about festive decor lately. As much as I want to walk into my local Hobby Lobby or HomeGoods, I just don’t want to fall into the trap of buying Spring decorative pieces that are over priced. Check out a few purchases I’ve made within the past month, from candies, Easter decor, and other Spring seasonal accessories.

Easter Decor – Spring Signage | Target

Target’s selection is fairly cute in with their Spring & Easter items. I’m guilty of purchasing this super cute Spring wooden sign, which cost me $3. I really held it down this year going to Target, and not purchasing every single Easter item in sight. I seriously deserve an award.

Easter Decor –  Little Accents & Sweet Treats | The99CentOnlyStore

Besides buying everything from Target for Easter basket items, I wanted to check out the 99CentStoreOnly. This place, always surprises me. After checking out my local 99CentStore, I spotted these adorable bunny figurines for how much……$0.99 girl! So I just bought 2. Just two. I had to hold myself back….


A few favorite things I also like purchasing from the 99CentStore are candies and treats. I was able to score some Ghirardelli Chocolate, Mini M&Ms, and also Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Mini Easter egg carton. All great and favorited chocolate brand named candies, the kids are familiar with, at affordable prices!!

After the 99CentStore, my budget saving booty wanted to check out what Walmart had in store for the Easter season. Boy was I blown away!!!!!!

Easter Decor – Festive Garland | WalMart

From decorative Easter eggs, chalk craft eggs, to Welcome signs, and so many other baking, and crafting items at affordable prices, I didn’t know where to begin. I went ahead and purchased the spring carrot garland, which was about $5, but it was something different that Target didn’t have. So of course, I snatched it – and is currently hanging on my fire mantle. I honest to god love this garland.

Paired with my carrot garland, I noticed I was missing some greenery on the top of my mantle, so I checked out Michael’s to see if there was anything I could purchase, that could balance out the carrot charm from Walmart.

Easter Decor – Faux Greenery | Michael’s Craft Store

Michael’s usually has a 40%-50% off their spring florals during this time, so purchasing a $14 faux green foliage garland at $8, is totally justifiable. Purchasing a green garland to accent my Walmart burlap carrot garland, pairs perfectly together, as it brings the spring feeling into my home, sitting right within my family living space.

What have been your favorite spots to shop for the Easter holiday? Any places worth checking out, that won’t break my wallet?!?!

Spring with Green

Pantone has released their new Spring Color of The Year, and has declared it as “Greenery.” A color that is natures neutral and sprinkled around everywhere within Mother Nature herself. As greenery can be a bold beautiful color, (check out Pinterest, and other Pantone inspiration HERE.) I can understand how it can be a little intimidating to style with in your home. For most of us, you can interpret the Pantone color of the year to be the light fresh yellow green you see within lemon trees, but as for I, I can interpret it another way….

Before I even knew about the Pantone color of the year, I already a color scheme already selected for my living space to represent the spring season. Below, I had my obligatory Target ‘Bloom,’ garland, styled on my Craigslist purchased IKEA hutch, with birch wood logs, and my birds/bird cage sitting high above.

To me, this represents the spring season perfectly within my home. With small touches, a festive garland, and Ross/Michael’s Craft store items, I was able to create a small vignette of spring, using a bit of green hues.

The shade of greenery can be bold and brave as it reminds me of greens and foliage. I love incorporating the color with small touches of its authentic form….Through fresh foliage and green plants.

Below, is a picture of my current dining room. I love simplicity, with a touch of rustic, and distressed wooden textures. From pastel greens on my wooden buffet table to my distressed wooden end chairs of my farmhouse dining table. I love painting furniture with a little green inspiration. Wooden textures are my favorite, so styling with something as fresh as wild florals and a green house plant, gives off the fresh feel vibes of greenery to the room.

The greens from the fresh foliage automatically gives the mood of spring don’t you think?!

If you want to know more about my decorating ideas, especially budget friendly furniture, check out my Decorating Page of my blog!

I swoon over textiles, furniture, and organization! My house is always changing. Just like how I like updating my mugs! I go through obsessions of styles, patterns, current trends, and always shop with a frugal budget. I’m constantly adding new things to my shelf, re-arranging, and also styling with decorative boxes, baskets, and throw blankets. Who doesn’t enjoy a good throw blanket?! This is the area of my blog, where you could see all the corners of my home, from buffet table styling, to coffee table reads!

have you incorporated the Pantone color of the year within your home?! Or at least tried — like I did?

HellaSketchy Sacramento

I’d like to consider myself an artist. An artist who loves to create, build, paint, and repurpose. Last weekend, I attended an interactive studio experience hosted by David Garibaldi and Kuretake Zig. David Garibaldi happens to be one of my favorite artists of urban art!! Now, he’s considered a performance painter, but back in art school in San Francisco, I would buy his prints from the Burlington Coat Factory in SoMa.

Back when I was a broke art student, making my way through school, raising my newborn at the time, but had a great appreciation for urban art. When I noticed some of his prints were sold at a department store at an affordable price…I was all over it.

Prints from his “Rhythm & Hue” show such as “Mr. Brass,” “DJ Jewel,” “Lola Beats,” “Movin’ Strings,” “The Get Down,” “Urban Tunes,” and my husband’s favorite “Lounge Smoke,” I’d purchase these prints, take them on Muni,  bus over to USF, and place them in my husbands apartment. Sometimes I’d have two prints in my hands on the bus! And When I say prints, they were printed on wood, the size of 30″x45″.

David Garibaldi’s work I’ve purchased reminds me of the early chapter of adulthood for me. His artwork spoke to me as I loved the movement of the jazzy feels and urban tone it gave off. Being 21 in 2007, and buying his art with my BART/Gas money was totally justifiable. It spoke to me, and meant a whole lot to me.

When moving to Sacramento back in 2016, it totally slipped my mind that David Garibaldi was from the same city. I actually was at a brewery during my son’s little league uniform pick-up, and spotted David on the cover of Sacramento Magazine. A fellow mom said “You’re a fan? You can probably spot him around downtown because his studio there.”

After that…….I was hooked. I was in the same city as my favorite artist! I could possibly run into him at Temple or along J St!!!

After noticing an IG post from David, and other people of Sacramento accounts, he was promoting an event called HellaSketchy. Hosted at his downtown studio, along with Kuretake ZIG a Japanese Arts & Crafts product manufacturer, HellaSketchy was an open to all ages free event to come and create with David and Kuretake.

The family and I strolled in just around noon, and was surprised to rolled up garage door open to David’s War On Walls Studio. With ample supplies from ink, markers, and dual tip pens, the walls were your canvas. Allowing access to create, and be inspired by David, and the rest of the Sacramento community, you were allowed to let your creative juices flow.

Music was playing, supplies were at your fingertips, and David was at arms reach. My youngest son Tristan was my wing man as I was getting the butterflies to even speak to David alone. (When you have kids, it totally breaks the ice!) Gawd, I’m such an introvert…I needed my 6 year old son to be my wing man.

When in an environment with no limits, no rules, and guidelines, it’s easy to express yourself. HellaSketchy achieved just that! My boys were free to doodle on the walls. Witness other artists and people of the community doing the same thing they were doing.

 

There were so many amazing talent and creative minds who showed up. One comment I read on Kuretake Zig‘s IG was:

“What happenes when you put a bunch of creative minds with talented souls in a room filled with great markers and blank paper? AWESOMENESS! Now thats art!!!”

You can follow Kuretake ZIG on Instagram

@kuretakezig_usa

Support Local Artists

It’s almost Friday ya’ll!! We’ve made through the work week!!! Even if you’re a stay-at-home-mom or student, we’ve all made it!! We all had a week to put in the work we need to tackle through every day life, so Friday being here, we can all take that deep *sigh,* of relief!! In this case, Sacramento folks be on the look out for more fabulous free art out there! Because its #FreeArtFriday!!!!!!

If you’re not familiar with #FreeArtFriday, I did a blog post earlier this week to share my awesome experience. Click on the above link, or link below in the related posts!!!

Given that some of you readers may have read my previous blog post on FreeArtFriday, I’d like to dedicate this blog post to the artist/entrepreneur to whom created the pair of stunning earrings I scored — NoelleWalshJewerly!

Noelle isn’t you’re average entrepreneur, but is a single mother, Jewelry Designer creating modern brass jewelry, made here in Sacramento, California! I’ve met many creative entrepreneurs and there’s something like a mom-trepreneur that has that edge. Especially single mothers — it’s that drive, ambition, and dedication to their business. Their enthusiasm about their craft. I haven’t met Noelle in person just yet, but after being in contact with her a few times via IG, and seeing her online shop, being active within the community, she’s got it down. And I absolutely love that.

The dazzling earrings I scored last #FreeArtFriday were these AMAL* Boho Brass Gingko Drop Earrings

You can purchase them on Noelle’s Etsy shop HERE.

If you want your very own AMAL Brass Drop Earring, you can also receive 20% OFF using the code

THANKS20

Check out Noelle’s BLOG:

http://hopechesthome.wix.com/noellewalshjewelry
Follow her on INSTAGRAM:

@noellewalshjewelry

Please follow Noelle, and support her amazing shop!! Follow her IG as she shares her favorite eats + treats, DIY projects, and puppy pictures too! She’s too cute for words especially her son!

 

Support local artists, you’re helping a parent pay of little league, piano lessons, school tuition. It’s an awesome feeling on both ends.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Weekend Thrift Store Haul

After 5 days of working, my Friday’s usually are made up of a “quick,” stop to my local thrift store. When I say quick, I mean I have about an hour and half to myself between getting off work, and picking up my kindergartener from school. Last Friday, I decided to check out a Goodwill in West Sacramento. This location was a little bit in the “hood,” but having a mod podge of retailers and restaurants next door such as a Mexican taqueria, an ‘I Love Teriyaki,’ spot, and the DollarTree, I felt, just a tad — safe.

As I walked into the thrift store, I knew the exact items I was looking for. Brass, vases, candlesticks. Seriously, thats all I look for. Candlesticks have definitely been an obsession of mine for the past couple of months, and vases have just started to love due to the fact of Spring, and having fresh florals in the home as decorative piece is always nice.

I was able to score an IKEA vase called the SOCKERART (Retailing at $9.99), and purchased it for $3.19!!!

I also got a cool vintage syrup dispenser for $0.69!! It was mission the lid, but I really liked the clear vintage look, along with the size, approximately being 4″ tall.

After I had rinsed all my kitchenware, I took a moment in researching some info on my tiny syrup dispenser. It had so happen that my nice vintage cut glass creamer or syrup dispenser was from the early 1900’s, and can run for about $25. (WHAAAH?) Now, of course, you’d think:  “Tiffany, why aren’t you reselling these pieces?” See, if I wanted to make a profit out of my finds, I honestly, would have already done it. But……My focus are on my blog, and making my own personal brand (through TiffanysTidings.) 

One more item I scored at the thrift store was a brand new unopened Dixit board game. I so excited when I spotted Dixit. To sum it fairly quickly, it’s the visual version of Apples To Apples. This card game was introduced to my family as a gift from my sister-in-law. With cards with pictures, you shape the stories it tells…. Dixit is perfect for adults, children, family and friends. Anyone with whom you share a love for stories.

Curious about Dixit? Read more about the game HERE.

DIXIT

A picture if worth a thousand words!

I got the board game for $4.19! And Amazon has it for $24.97!!! (Heeyoo!!)

After my awesome scores from Friday, I ended up finding some down time on a Sunday afternoon. Leaving the husband and kids behind at home, mommy was able to get some THRIFT time. I went to a different Goodwill in Sacramento, which happens to be my go-to thrift store. Here is where I landed the motherload!!!

I scored more candle sticks, gold picture frames, a cool UrbanOutfitters inspired (vintage) mug for $0.24, and a great condition LIFE board game!!! The family and I have been really into board games/card games lately, so any way purchasing them at a discounted price helps, and checking the thrift store for board games is THUMBS UP by this mama!!

If you’re a fan of thrifting and enjoy my thrift store hauls, be sure to check out my THRIFTING Page of my blog! It’s the one place of my blog where all my thrift store posts are at!!

I honestly can’t wait for the weekend! More thrifting, more savings!

Free Art Friday Sacramento

Since moving to Sacramento, I’ve noticed a great deal in art appreciation and culture in the Farm to fork capitol. From plenty of museums, new murals around downtown every month, and a wealth of art walks, and art bizarres hosted by local coffee roasters every 2nd Saturday. Talk about a strong community!!

Last Friday I participated in Sacramento’s FreeArtFriday’s scavenger hunt. What is FreeArtFriday’s you may ask?! It is a drop-in, post (via Instagram) with clues and finds, for artists of all mediums and skill levels in Sacramento, tagging @FreeArtFridaySacramento.

Usually, I’m always so busy with the boys schedule (karate, basketball practices, and school functions) to participate in a fun weekday activity – especially when you’re kick starting the weekend. So after being on Instagram at the right time of day while waiting for my son to get out of school, I was able to spot a clue from one of the local artists I’ve been following, that was taking part in the #FreeArtFridaySacramento scavenger hunt!

If you’re curious with what Free Art Friday is all about, here’s the account I follow. Click the photo above and check out all the cool talented artists partaking in the fun!!

So like I saw, I saw the post FreeArtFridaySacramento, as well as one of the dear talented artists posting their clues. Noelle Walsh Jewelry is a returning artist who frequently contributes to the free art fun every Friday! I’ve been eyeing her stuff for such along time, I was so stoked that I actually got my hands on her stuff through the FreeArtFriday scavenger hunt!

Thanks to my tiny photographer (my 6yr old son) for taking my pictures of scoring some awesome jewelry!!

SHOP NoelleWalshJewelry HERE.

Noelle also has a personal blog you can check out HERE.

Does your city do fun things like these scavenger hunts supporting local artists? Comment below at let me know what city and state you live in!