Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Home for the Holidays!



It’s been a busy fall for the S&B office and the pace doesn’t seem to be slowing down.  As we enter the bustling holiday season, we’re grateful to be a part of our customers’ gift giving traditions. We truly are amazed at how many stockings will be stuffed and trees will be lined with S&B gift boxes this year.  We know that it’s hard to find the perfect gift for our loved ones and we thank you all for choosing the gift of needlepoint.  However, the S&B packages aren’t the only things shipping all over the country these next few weeks.  While some of us are staying put in Washington D.C., many others will travel near and far to celebrate with family and friends.      

So where in the world will the S&B team spend the holidays?  Our office front man, fondly known as “Old Greg,” is headed to Michigan to see his friends and family. Our Southern belle, Kathleen, heads home to Jacksonville, Florida for some fun in the sun. Jaci will have the quintessential Christmas with a visit to New York City and will undoubtedly visit Rockefeller Center for some ice skating and to see the tree.  Peter is traveling the farthest to surprise his adorable twin nieces in London.  His only challenge is finding a gift box to jump out of that will fit his 6’3” frame!  Washington D.C. native, Andrew, will spend the holiday nearby enjoying his family tradition of watching Christmas Vacation on Christmas Eve before he heads south to Florida for a few rounds of golf before the New Year.             
No matter where you are this month, we wish you all a Happy Holiday and wonderful New Year!


We’re getting ready for the holidays! Here’s a glimpse into what our office looks like right now.


While at Bowdoin in 2003, Peter and Austin decorated their college house with 12,000 bulbs. 
The lights stayed up for the rest of the school year… 


Moose is ready for the Holidays!

We know its winter when the S&B men start rocking their Snowy Moose belts!
 

Santa is on his way!  It doesn’t get much cuter than these Santa Face cufflinks (Silver Plated $55).
 

Monday, November 5, 2012

Spotlight On: San Francisco



The San Francisco Giants are making headlines these days after winning the World Series, but the west coast metropolis they call home caters to more than the baseball fanatic.  Rivaling New York City culturally and in culinary options, San Francisco is home to neighborhoods full of great restaurants, shops, museums, and other sightseeing attractions.   So we asked the S&B office what their favorite spots in San Francisco are and here’s what we found…

Favorite Restaurants:  A16 (Italian) - An intimate spot with frequently changing menus and an extensive wine list.  Make sure you order the burrata, a delightful appetizer that S&B’s own Jaci and Chris have been talking about for the past year since they visited the eatery.  For the more eclectic eater, head over to Burma Super Star for a taste of Burmese fare.  It’s definitely worth the wait to experience the uniquely flavored foods at this casual spot. 

Favorite Sightseeing Tour: Alcatraz Island – Step onto “The Rock” and you’re launched into the world that was once home to some of the country’s most notorious criminals.  Reachable only by ferry, the claim still stands that no one has ever successful escaped the prison.  If visiting an old prison isn’t your thing, then enjoy the ferry ride from San Francisco to Sausalito and you can take in the sights of Alcatraz from afar.  

Don’t Miss: The Ferry Building – Eat your way through the Ferry Building at one of the many vendors and shops selling everything from fine cheeses to gluten-free baked goods to fresh oysters.  Three days a week there is also a Farmers’ Market.  For those who would rather take a seat, grab a drink and appetizers at the Vietnamese restaurant Slanted Door.  If you’re too full to walk back to your hotel, consider hoping onto a cable car and fulfill one of the quintessential San Francisco “things to do.”   

Where can you find Smathers & Branson product’s in San Francisco?  We’re bringing classic preppy accessories to San Francisco via several boutiques including The Hound, Toss, and Welcome Stranger.


Custom San Francisco “Golden Gate Bridge”
and “Cable Car” Key Fobs

S&B Employee Charlotte (Right) with her friend Jane at a San Francisco based trunk show in 2011

Peter and Michelle Carter celebrate their 2011 wedding at the Golden Gate Club in San Francisco
(Austin is there too on the left!)