Before I moved to San Diego, I had a couple of months to enjoy home-home (New Jersey) and prep for the move. I made sure to get a list of antique shops and restaurants ready, and during my research I stumbled upon an adorable stationery store called Sweet Paper located in La Jolla.
As it turns out, it’s just a few steps from my favorite brunch spot, The Cottage, so it didn’t take long for me to cross it off the list. They have such a well-edited selection of greeting cards, calendars and other paper goods with more goodies at the new VI Star in Little Italy. So basically, between downtown and La Jolla, your paper needs are covered.
Today Sweet Paper co-owners (and sisters!) Theresa Anderson (right) and Julie O’Brien (left) are sharing their rituals. It’s not easy running a store and raising a family, but they do it…with help from coffee and antique shops.
Name: Theresa Anderson
Age: 35
Hometown: San Diego (Home state: Massachusetts. We moved here when I was 12 so I’m forever conflicted on this question.)
Current city: San Diego
Professional title: Owner, Sweet Paper
Sunday Morning Stroll
The shop is closed on Sunday, so it’s my only real day off. I usually sleep in for as long as possible! When I do finally roll out of bed, I put on my tennies, grab a coffee and head down to the Cove. I always walk the same route enjoying the scenery and clearing my head. My Sunday strolls are a good way for me to slow down, even if just for an hour, and appreciate the beautiful city we live in.
Antiquing in Ocean Beach
I absolutely love antique shopping. It just makes me happy. So much so that it’s on my bucket list to go to the Brimfield Antique Show in Massachusetts someday. Until then I am happy to peruse our local antique stores. Every few months I spend a day getting lost in my favorite shops, The Antique Center and Vignettes in Ocean Beach. Some of my favorite pieces of furniture at Sweet Paper were found here, as well as a few treasures in my own home.
Gratitude
Inspired by a gift from a friend, I recently decided to start a Gratitude Journal. A few times a week I take time out to sit down and really think about what I am grateful for. It could be something huge like the roof over my head, or something as simple as a hug from one of my nephews. Writing in my journal forces me to stop and really take notice of and appreciate the wonderful things I have in my life, things I might normally take for granted.
Name: Julie O’Brien
Age: 38
Hometown: I don’t really have a hometown per se. I grew up in Massachusetts and moved to San Diego when I was 15.
Current city: I currently live in San Diego
Professional title: Co-owner of Sweet Paper
Getting the day started
I have 4 boys, ages 4, 6, 7 and 9 so my life in general is crazy hectic. Every morning I am woken up around 6 AM by my 4 year old asking if he can sleep with me (and by that he means wiggle around next to me until I have no choice but to get up). Once up, I head to the kitchen to make the kids a warm breakfast before they head off to school. We talk about the day ahead as they eat and I make lunches. My husband takes the three older ones and I take the little guy to school. Once they are all safely ensconced in their classrooms, I get to have a quiet, uninterrupted coffee (double espresso con panna if I’m splurging and an americano if I’m being good) as I head to the shop.
Wrapping the day up
It is funny that the day ends much the same way it starts for me–in the kitchen with my boys. No matter what crazy after school schedules we have going on, I always come home to cook dinner and we sit down together as a family to eat. Everyone talks about their day and the boys share their school/art work with everyone. Our dinners are usually chaotic, often hilarious, and always loud!
Reading
I love to read. I stick to fiction and have a weakness for historical fiction. My most recent favorite read is A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness. Such a great escape book!! I dream of a rainy afternoon curled up on the couch with a good book. Since that never happens (it never rains here and I have 4 kids) I squeeze in book time every night before falling asleep. At least 30 minutes and sometimes up to 3 hours!
Thanks, ladies! You can also follow Sweet Paper on Facebook and Twitter.
First picture by Bryan Miller; pictures 2 and 3 by Theresa; pictures 4 and 5 by Julie
