A Favorite Shop: Tail of the Yak

It's holiday-time at Tail of the Yak, one of my absolute favorite shops in the Bay Area. The other day my friend Lisa and I took a little ride over to Berkeley to see the seasonal magic at this most charming shop.

You've probably heard me talk about Tail of the Yak before, but I'll say it again. Magic. Owners Alice, Lauren and staff do an amazing job of creating a space that makes you feel as if you've left the world behind. From paper-adorned antique Santos statues to vintage ribbons and amazing estate jewelry, this is wonderland at its finest.

What are these you may be asking? They are "surprise balls." That's right. Artist Anandamayi Arnold has been making various "surprise balls" for the shop for many years. I've seen everything from fruits to lumps of coal.

I look forward to every Christmas to see the newest creations by Anandamayi. This years' florals just knocked my socks off! The surprises are in the bulbs of the flowers.

Surprise balls are wound tightly, like a ball of wool, around their sometimes lumpy contents. Anandamayi starts with a streamer and adds little prizes as she builds the ball. The only problem is it's too pretty, who wants to open it?

Surprise balls run about $18 to around $95, depending on the amount of work involved.

Love this chocolate ribbon...

vignettes of charming ornaments grace the shop...

This is just a very small area of the large jewelry case that graces the shop. Everything is so specially selected and each piece is extraordinary. I could gaze through the case for hours...

curiosities abound such as these figural-shaped graphite pencils...

AND, during the holidays a special annual tradition at Tail of the Yak are custom-designed poster-size calendars by co-owner, Lauren McIntosh. If you make a purchase you get one of these treats! I still have many of my old ones from years back. They are truly works of art.

If you happen to be in the Bay Area, you must visit this charming store. My photos just don't do it justice!

Tail of the Yak
2632 Ashby Avenue
Berkeley, CA 94705
510.841.9891

New Year's Eve Supper~ 1913

Oh how I wish that I could go back in time and attend this New Year's Eve supper at the Hotel Oakland. Can you imagine how grand it was in 1913? I have this elegant menu in my collection and just had to share.

The Hotel Oakland was a grand hotel that opened in the early 1900's and only survived a few decades.

"Monsier, I would like an extra helping of the Nineteen-Thirteen Fancy Ice Cream, please."

Happy New Year!

A Delightful Morning

What a lucky day it was for me yesterday. My dearest friend Janet (FrenchBlue & Co.) and her beautiful daughters, Jeanna & Noel (Fanciful Designs), took an impromptu trip up to Northern California to visit family. We got to spend the morning together which was an unexpected treat!

First we had brunch at the Claremont Resort & Spa nestled in the Berkeley Hills. The Claremont Resort opened in 1915 as the Claremont Hotel, and is one of the most beautiful properties in Northern California.

Oh, such a stunning family... models for sure... (left to right) Janet, Jeanna, Noel

Us gals ready for our egg breakfasts...with fruit of course...

What would a short visit be without a little shopping? Of course, a trip to Addison Endpapers was on the agenda.

Addison Endpapers is located on Telegraph Avenue in Oakland. Yes, the same Addison family as in Wendy, who I blogged about a couple of weeks ago. This is one talented family. Okay, I'm divulging one of my favorite secret spots...ssshh....

The shop is filled with the most beautiful items like handcrafted paper boxes, gift wrap, notions and vintage jewelry.

Noel & Janet admiring the beautiful paper goods...

Noel's little pile is building up. So far, miniature mushrooms and fancy paper tags...

These gorgeous boxes are entirely handcrafted by the Addisons...

One of my favorite boxes...what amazing workmanship...

Love the wrapping paper...

Jars of notions await you as you walk in...

Janet & I with our silliest grins!

Thanks Solomon girls for including Auntie Lynn in your little jaunt up North! Love you guys!

If you're in the East Bay Area of Northern California, be sure and visit Addison Endpapers and perhaps a night at the lovely Claremont Hotel? They have a spa too!

Claremont Resort & Spa
41 Tunnel Road
Berkeley, CA 94705
(510) 843-3000

Addison Endpapers
6397 Telegraph Avenue
Oakland, CA 94609
(510) 601-8112