courtesy of cupcakesandcashmere.com
READERS OF EMILY Schuman’s popular blog Cupcakes and Cashmere — a fashion, food and lifestyle site that revolves around Schuman’s life in Los Angeles — may be surprised to learn that the entrepreneur and writer hails from Mill Valley. The Marin native founded Cupcakes and Cashmere in 2008 while working as an account manager at AOL; after a year and a half of doing her job by day and blogging at night, she was able to match her office-job salary and work for herself full time. Today, Cupcakes and Cashmere is a full-scale company, with Schuman handling the creative aspect and her husband, Geoffrey (whom she wed at Mill Valley’s Ralston White Retreat), managing the business side. “So much of the blog is really a reflection of my life, but it’s not all of it; it’s a glimpse of it,” Schuman says. “I think it’s important to maintain that separation.” With one book under her belt, another slated for a 2015 release, successful brand collaborations with Estee Lauder and Club Monaco, and a clothing line in the works (as well as a baby due February 2015), Schuman visits Marin to unplug and lounge with her family. “I spend the majority of my time here at my parents’ house,” she says. “We love to park ourselves in front of the fire, sit at the kitchen counter while my dad makes dinner, go outside and pick vegetables and just relax.” In the spirit of our favorite posts on her blog — “Five Things” — here are five of Schuman’s must-stop hometown haunts. cupcakesandcashmere.com
Schuman Says
SUPER DUPER BURGER “I haven’t tried the actual burger yet, but the vanilla chocolatedipped ice cream on a cone is the best I’ve ever had — it’s made from Straus organic softserve and is my go-to dessert when I’m in Mill Valley.” superdupersf.com
FISH. “This sustainable seafood restaurant right on the water in Sausalito is our family tradition for lunch the day after Christmas. The entire menu is great, but my favorite offerings are the crab roll, clam chowder and fish-andchips.” 331fish.com
CAVALLO POINT “Located at the base of the Golden Gate Bridge, the entire property boasts a haunted-yet-enchanted feel. I’ve only stayed there once, but visit often for a fun pre-dinner drink. Sit at the bar for oysters and a glass of champagne and make sure to pack an extra clothing layer, as it’s notoriously chilly right by the water.” cavallopoint.com
ARIZMENDI “This bakery/worker-owned co-op has a daily thin-crust sourdough pizza with the most appealing toppings (I recently sampled and loved their Yukon gold potato, red onion–smoked mozzarella, rosemary–garlic olive oil and scallion). Don’t forget to stock up on baked goods for breakfast the next morning, particularly the cornmeal scones and English muffins.” arizmendi-sanrafael.com
MOUNT TAMALPAIS “Driving up to Mount Tam to watch the sunset during summer was a nightly event in my teenage years. I never took it for granted, but now that I live in L.A. I’m even more in awe of where I grew up. There’s something about the golden light and a hint of fog on the horizon that always feels magical.”
