San Francisco NACE - Girls in the City Again

On Tuesday, Jennifer, Nicole and I went to the city for the August San Francisco NACE meeting. The topic was Go Green ... Save Green. It was held at Hotel Vitale (Jen's favorite). We had the distinct pleasure of meeting up with Krysta North and Sunna Yassin of Hotel Vitale in the afternoon. Krysta planned Jen and Cory's wedding at Hotel Vitale so it was a nice reunion for them. Krysta and Sunna are top notch in their field and it was an absolute delight to spend some time with them before the event. While we were sitting in the gorgeous lounge at Hotel Vitale meeting with Krysta and Sunna, Duncan Reyes of Events by Design rolled by and with just a little encouragement from Nicole, joined our gathering. Here is a picture of Duncan, Sunna, Jen and Krysta. We can't tear Jen away from client work to go to the city very often so we thought we better document the occasion.

In between meetings we went over to the Ferry Building for a little (just a little) shopping. There are so many great stores in this building and all the food vendors offer local and organic meats, produce, sauces, oils, etc. We found some great olive oil at Stonehouse and after tasting several decided on a few to take home with us. Jen is on a salad kick so she was very happy to find some flavored oils to spice up her salad dressings. We also stopped in Sur La Table. Have you been to this store! Holy fun-toys-for-the-kitchen, Batman! I could barely contain myself and made a bit of a scene gasping and squeeling over all the great tricky tools they have. Thankfully Jen is not easily embarassed so we laughed it off and got out of there before we bought one of EVERYTHING at the front counter! Below is Stonehouse Olive Oil. What a great find!
After narrowly escaping Sur La Table with something left in our wallets, we rejoined Nicole who was trying to work at a little wine bar in the building. Once Jen and I joined her, working was nearly impossible so we broke down and did a little (again, just a little) wine tasting. We got 3 flights (4 tastes each) and started sipping. We tried some whites from Greece and New Zealand, an Argentinian Malbec and the usual suspects, a Cabernet, Syrah and Pinot Noir. Here's the table with ALL our wine glasses. And, some marvelous cheese and bread to go with the wine. mmmm! I love the laptop in the background. Really...we were working!

Good fortune was with us because we also were able to steal some time with Stacie Tamaki of The Flirty Guide and HelpingTami.org before the NACE meeting. As Duncan calls her, the busiest woman he knows! We were delighted to spend some time getting to know Stacie a bit. The Flirty Guide is one of the best sites in the business and Stacie is a truly inspiring person. Stacie, we look forward to crossing paths again very soon! Here's a picture of Stacie, Jen and Nicole.

The topic of the NACE meeting was very interesting and informative. Going green is not as difficult as one might think and it was a great reminder that if we all do a little it will add up to a lot. This is my new modo and I will be incorporating it into conversation every chance I get. So, get some canvas grocery bags and carpool or ride your bike to work folks! Let's all do our part. Check out http://www.greenbiz.ca.gov/ or http://www.greenweddingproviders.com/ for more information on going green.

The night started out on one of Hotel Vitale's beautiful terraces. These terraces are available for events and weddings. I apologize I didn't take any pictures of the view. It was quite spectacular. This is an amazing venue. Check it out if you get the chance. Hotel Vitale is a green hotel. They go to amazing lengths to be green but as Krysta North explained in her talk, it's easier than you would think. Small changes can make a big difference and save you money. One of the things Hotel Vitale does is use "spa water" instead of bottled water. Imagine eliminating plastic water bottles from your life! It's my next green goal that I will conquer.

The actual meeting convened downstairs on the first floor in the Amalfi Ballroom which event designer and NACE Co-Chair, Duncan Reyes, had transformed with huge plants and special lighting for a warm and cozy atmosphere.

The centerpieces were totally eco-friendly. Karen Hsu of Grandiflora didn't use the floral foam they sometimes use and instead used a clever wire which held all the folded leaves together and is totally reusable. The folds in the leaves were then utilized to hold the cut flowers in place. The tray is reusable as well and the leaves will last in a little bit of water for 3 weeks! I love, love, love these centerpieces! They were just gorgeous. Nice work, Karen!

All in all it was an excellent trip to San Francisco. We loved meeting with some stellar folks in the industry and learning more about eco-friendly practices. We enjoyed the luxury and friendliness of Hotel Vitale. And, the location could not be any better! It's San Francisco's only luxury, waterfront hotel. I'm planning a getaway with my husband in early September. I promise to take lots of pictures and blog post about it. -- Carie