Favorites: Pain Bakery

A few weeks ago, I almost died from having the best bread of my life. It was a Country Loaf given to me by Theo's amazing preschool teacher Ayla's boyfriend, Chase, who bakes these lovely loaves for Pain Bakery. This loaf was 50 ounces of pure bliss--with a perfectly toasty crust and a super tender open crumb.

After eating one slice on its own, I decided to make avocado toasts the way they do at Bartavelle, one of my favorite spots in Berkeley--lightly toasted, drizzled with the best olive oil (I used ILA), smeared with organic avocado, a squeeze of lemon, a sprinkle of Maldon sea salt, and a little red pepper (if I had Marash pepper flakes I would have used that instead). SO. GOOD.

Man, if bread could be sexy, this would be Beyonce.

So this olive oil from ILA is the best one I've had with beautiful packaging to boot.

Look at that crumb! And I totally devoured that butt even though I normally don't even like bread crust :)

+ Find Pain Bakery bread here for now.
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Banchan Workshop No. 5

Lately I've been having a love affair with kimchi. We've been eating it at least twice a week with rice, seaweed, and a stack of tofu slices dipped and pan fried in egg--an easy weeknightmeal (perfect for #meatlessmonday).

I had so much fun a few weeks ago shooting Banchan Workshop #5 for Selina at SKYCreatives at the EatWith kitchen studio in San Francisco. Unlike Banchan Workshop No. 2, No. 3 and No. 4, this workshop was all about making one dish--KIMCHI. The guests were so much fun and included some old and new friends including Shu from Aplat who also sponsored the event with her amazing totes, Leslie from Spotted SF, and my friend Carrie and her husband Chris (the class was her Valentine's Day gift to him!).

Here are some of my favorite shots. You could find more details, photos and recipes on the SKYCreatives blog and on her Instagram @skycreatives.

Shujan Bertrand, owner of Aplat, sponsored the event with one of her tote bags for each guest. It was my first time meeting Shu, and she was so sweet, easy going and kind. Stay tuned for an Instagram giveaway for one of her totes.

These cucumber ones were my absolute fave!

Selina's mom showing everyone how it's done.

Delicious kimchi pancakes!

Selina in action

+ Find more Korean food inspiration on Instagram @skycreatives
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DIY + Recipe: Bunny Cupcake Holders for Oh Happy Day

I can't believe Spring is almost here. Today I'm sharing these cute Bunny Cupcake Holders for Oh Happy Day along with my favorite Carrot Cupcake recipe. Enjoy!

+ Check out the entire Bunny Cupcake Holder DIY + Recipe feature on Oh Happy Day
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Favorites: Bitte Spring Collection

This sweet Spring collection by my friend Maia at Bitte is just the cutest--so many of my favorite kids designers.  Have a happy weekend!

1. ECO-EGGS, EGG COLORING KIT - $10
2. HOLZTIGER, EASTER BUNNIES SET OF 3 - $30
3. ELLIEFUNDAY, ORGANIC BABY BUNNY BONNET (pink) - $24
4. OEUF, CHERRIES PRINT KIMONO - $56
5. OUISTITINE, POLKA DOT BUNNY RATTLE - $29
6. PETIT COLLAGE, MODERN BUNNY STACKER TOY - $24
7. POLKA DOT CLUB, CUDDLY RABBIT - $79
8. PETIT COLLAGE, PETIT RABBIT PUZZLE - $5
9. BAJO, MINI CAR (natural) - $9

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Recipe: Black Bean Polenta

When nick and I met over 12 years ago, he was a vegetarian and I was a big time carnivore (growing up in a Chinese household meant some kind of meat protein with every meal). We came to a compromise on our dietary preferences very early on in our relationship (true love!) which consisted of eating mostly vegetarian but fish, chicken and turkey were okay. We weren't strict and my willpower was next to none--I mean, how could I resist the occasional slice of pepperoni pizza?

Fast forward to 2016, and many documentaries later, Nick has gone back to his vegetarian ways but includes fish (so, a pescatarian). I truly admire his tenacity but I must admit, as the cook/baker in the house, this was initially a bit of a challenge for me. Of course, Nick told me not to do anything differently and he'll just eat his own thing. But that would not be enjoyable for me-- the idea of the kids and I gorging on my Lemon Olive Chicken while he ate a bagel and cream cheese? So I've challenged myself to cook more vegetarian and fish meals--on the nights Nick isn't home for dinner, I'll cook my chicken dishes if I feel like it.

One of the biggest challenges as the cook in the house is making something that satisfies everyone. This Black Bean Polenta does the trick--we all love it, it's inexpensive, makes amazing leftovers, great for potlucks, plus it's vegetarian and gluten free. I love the version the Juice Bar Collective makes and found a version from Farmgirl Gourmet that I slightly modified.

+ Full Recipe for Black Bean Polenta
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Favorites: New Tea Collection / ITALY

The new Tea Collection is inspired by travels to Italy and it's SO good. From cute graphic tees to super wearable pants for my two active boys, the latest collection is hard to beat (though this one inspired by travels to India from last year is close). Lucas is wearing the Gran Premio Graphic Tee and the French Terry Playwear Pants while Theo is wearing the Night on the Town Pajamas, the Fulmine Graphic Tee and the Ready Set Joggers. Check out the entire Tea Collection boy's clothing sets and scroll down for a 15% off discount code for my readers :)

We started the day hanging out at home eating one of Nick's awesome omelets, playing and drawing before heading out to Nana and Granddad's in Santa Rosa. Nick decided to take us to see the elementary school he went to when he was a kid where Granddad is STILL on the school board. Go Granddad! It was recently remodeled and the school grounds were perfect for the kids to ride around on their Mini Micro scooters (best scooters ever!) and romp around on the new play structure for hours.

Side Note: This BluTrack toy is one of the best things ever. I put it on my Toy Guide a couple years ago and Lucas and Theo still play (nicely) with it all the time.

We all just love this shirt--Lucas' Granddad used to race cars so Lucas couldn't wait to show him his new tee.

Always moving--whether it's their bodies or their eyeballs ;)

Finally made it to Nana and Granddad's house where there's so much outdoor space for climbing, running, falling down and getting up.

Here we are at Wright Elementary.

Lucas the Ninja

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This mural is still here after 35 years!

+ This is a sponsored post that contains affiliate links. Tea Collection is offering 15% off your purchase for new customers with code GOODONPAPER15. This code is valid from 2/29/16 - 6/1/2016 and cannot be used with other promotions or on third party merchandise.

+ Get 25% off Tea Collection's favorite spring styles with code ROMA

+ Tea Collection ships to Canada for a flat rate of $15, free for orders over $150!
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Sunset Magazine's New Oakland Home First Look

I have been a huge Sunset magazine fan for years now and am SO excited they moved their headquarters to Oakland--yay for the east bay! I was even more excited that I got to get a first look at their new digs at 55 Harrison Street in Jack London Square. I don't think these photos do it justice--I was completely floored by the new office space. From the beautifully designed test kitchen (think Heath Ceramics tiles, open space, cork flooring and clean lines) to the all-glass, floor-to-ceiling wine "cellar", there was no detail left untouched. I also loved that they kept some of the artwork and iconic pieces of furniture from the old headquarters.

After more than 50 years in the iconic Cliff May-designed headquarters in Menlo Park, Sunset moved to Jack London Square in Oakland, a vibrant neighborhood full of small businesses and awesome restaurants, coffee spots, and of course, Miette (my fave!). The new offices were designed by San Francisco architects RMW.

Side note: Our Cliff May-designed home is the only one in Berkeley. We were featured in the January 2011 issue of Sunset Magazine--Lucas was so tiny then!

One of my favorite parts of the office is this floor to ceiling library housing stacks of Sunset magazine archives, cookbooks, pieces from the old headquarters, and even a little reading nook seamlessly built right in.

I could look at this space all day. And that painting!

Below is Margo True (right), Sunset's Food Editor (love her recipes!) with Carol Shih (left), Digital Associate Editor.

And check out Sunset's original test kitchen on the cover the November 1966 issue!

Here's Oakland's Mayor, Libby Schaaf, on one of the office tours.

Below to the right is Sunset's Editor-in-Chief, Irene Edwards. I really loved meeting her--she was so down-to-earth, vibrant and full of positive energy.

I'm allergic to alcohol but this floor-to-ceiling glass wall wine cellar was so dreamy.

More books! And that wooden slat wall--LOVE! Reminds me of a George Nelson platform bench.

I'm also excited to visit Sunset's main test garden beds and outdoor kitchen at Cornerstone, a public garden, event and retail space in Sonoma. Below is Johanna Silver, Sunset's test garden guru. What a rad job!

One of the highlights of the night was guest chef Tanya Holland, Executive Chef and Owner of Brown Sugar Kitchen and B-Side BBQ in Oakland, CA. She demonstrated a quick version of her technique for flavorful fried chicken and served it up with a bright and zingy black eyed pea salad and buttermilk biscuits. Yum!

For dessert were these delicious little Mini S'mores made by one of my favorite bakeries Miette.
Nine of them count as one normal sized one, right?

This is the other kitchen where some photo shoots and guest chef demonstrations take place. The all white dishes and accessories along with the copper Kitchen-Aid mixer (LOVE) were generously provided by Williams-Sonoma.

Sprinkled throughout the office were these gorgeous arrangements by Berkeley's Flowerland (signs were printed by my friend Rori at Paper Monkey Press).

These addictive Candied Rosemary Hazelnuts were a sneak peak from Camp Sunset, A Modern Camper's Guide to the Great Outdoors (Oxmoor House, May, 2016). The recipe is from chef-owner Jason French of the Portland restaurant Ned Ludd. I'm totally going to make these!

I mean, look at their view!

Thanks for the awesome housewarming invitation. Welcome to the east bay, Sunset! Check out more photos on Instagram #TheNewSunset.

The Sunset Celebration Weekend is coming up on May 14th and 15th at Cornerstone in Sonoma Wine Country which will include the debut of the new Sunset Test Gardens and Outdoor Kitchen and will reflect the sophisticated lifestyle and taste of Sunset’s gorgeous new Sonoma Wine Country location.

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Favorites: Tulsi Scarves by Tara Hogan

It's been a little crazy weather wise around here--I'm talking 70s during these "winter" months and then all of a sudden rain and high winds. Either way, I get cold really easily and wear a lot of layers like an old Chinese grandma. One way of keeping warm without wearing a hat (note, I do NOT look good in hats) is wearing a scarf. I love love wearing scarves especially ones that are light and long enough that I could wrap around once or twice and feel cozy.

Not only does she design cute t-shirts, but my friend Tara Hogan of Ink & Wit has designed a new line of beautiful Tulsi scarves. I absolutely LOVE these scarves. Printed by master block printers on the outskirts of Jaipur, India using natural non-toxic dyes, these silk and cotton scarves are light with raw edge ends and have the most beautiful patterns and natural colors. Tara sent me the Ojas design and now I think I need the Amrita or Nadi too!

Scroll down for a special discount code in the Ink & Wit shop!

Tara is offering 10% off shirts and scarves with code GOODONPAPER10 in the Ink & Wit shop until Sunday 2/21/16. Thanks so much Tara!

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Favorites: Ink & Wit

I've been a longtime fan of Ink & Wit, the illustration and design company of Tara Hogan. I met Tara at the National Stationery Show in New York over 8 years ago and just loved her and her sweet illustrations and organic style--I have kept two of her letterpress calendars from a few years back. Now a sweet mama of two boys, Tara has a line of super soft and simple t-shirts for kids and mamas. Two little boys is no joke--finding the time to get back into the swing of things work wise is a huge deal and I'm in full support of that. Tara was kind enough to send us the Earth Dweller t-shirt for Lucas, the Cloud Hopper Rain Stopper t-shirt for Theo and the Moon Mama t-shirt for me, and we have been wearing them all the time. I love the super soft cotton and the gender neutral colors and designs. Plus, they're made in the USA from 100% Fine Jersey cotton.

See how cute Lucas and Theo look in their new t-shirts and scroll down for a sweet discount code for shirts and scarves in the Ink & Wit online shop.

I really don't like photos of myself but I love this t-shirt so I'm making a sacrifice ;) By the way, this is a size large so it's a bit on the looser side which I prefer. Thanks to Nick for snapping these.

Tara is offering Good on Paper readers 10% off shirts and scarves with code GOODONPAPER10. Also, check out their beautiful hand block printed Tulsi scarves--more to come on those! Thanks so much Tara!

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DIY Kids Project: Accordion Envelope Card

My good friend Sally Shim has done it again. With her latest book Be Mine (published by Chronicle Books), Sally shares 25 simple and very doable paper projects for Valentine's Day or any occasion. I love simple, practical and kid-friendly DIY projects and Sally is just so good at that. Remember the Hand Carved Stamps Lucas and I made? We still make gift wrap with that stamp all the time. See, I love practical!

Today I'm sharing one of the projects Lucas and I worked on together as a little Valentine's Day gift for Nick. We chose to make the Accordion Envelope Card so that Lucas could choose little keepsakes to share with Daddy.

Look at Lucas' kindergarten picture!!!

Also, how cute is Lucas' new t-shirt from Ink + Wit? More to come about these amazing shirts!

Materials
5 paper envelopes (I used size 4-bar)
1 colored metal brad
1 piece of cotton ribbon, 16 inches long (I used bakers twine)

Tools
X-ACTO knife
Ruler
Pencil
Self-healing cutting mat
4 piece of tape adhesive
Paper hole punch

How To

1. Set aside one of the five paper envelopes. With the remaining four envelopes, cut straight across the flap, leaving a 1/4" flap. Make the cuts using the X-ACTO knife, ruler, pencil, and self-healing cutting mat.
    
2. Build the Accordion Envelope Card from the bottom up: Arrange the four envelopes on the work surface, one atop the other in a row, opening-side up, with the openings at the top. Join the envelopes together by taping the shortened flap of one envelope to the bottom back side of another envelope, in this way: First cut a piece of tape that is roughly the length of the envelope flap. Then apply the piece of tape to the flap and the back sides of the envelopes. Repeat until all four envelopes are taped together. Add the fifth envelope to the top of the accordion using the same technique.
    
3. Using the hole punch, punch a hole in the point of the triangular flap of the envelope, 1/4" from the tip of the flap. Insert the brad through the hole so the round piece is on the outside of the flap, then separate the legs of the brad and flatten them against the underside of the flap to the secure the brad to the envelope.
    
4. Fill the envelopes with special messages, mementos, and trinkets.

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