Weekend Blinks + Hosting

A few fun things to peruse on this edition of weekend Blinks (blog links):

Claudia Pearson's Sour Cherry Soup Recipe, via Sfgirlbybay

Scratch-off Travel Map, spotted on Hither & Tither

 What looks to be an intriguing book, discovered on The Lil Bee

Baby Clara's weekly photos (the best idea ever!) by John & Sherry of Young House Love

Ballet Lesson Nostalgia, via Mary Ruffle

Hello, hello! This weekend Tiho and I are excited to host my former roommate, Elizabeth and her boyfriend Grant. They are such fun people and great friends. This is the first time they'll be seeing our place since we all moved last April, so I'm looking forward to lots of animated conversation over a bottle of wine (or three). I hope you have a wonderful weekend filled with good company.

Butterflyfood Popsicles

Let's talk popsicles. Specifically, these homemade, multi-layered fruit & yogurt popsicles made by Ashley of butterflyfood. Are these not the damn best-looking frozen treats you've ever seen?

Be sure to visit the Butterflyfood blog, flickr stream, and etsy shop, as they are all chock full of delicious inspiration (food + other pretty things).



(discovered via creature comforts)

Carving with Color: Matisse at the MoMA

I am so ridiculously excited to check out the brand new Matisse exhibit at the MoMA  in Manhattan. Matisse is easily one of my top three favorite artists and this exhibit looks incredible. Matisse: Radical Intervention, 1913-1917 just opened on July 15th and runs through October 11th. Thank goodness I'm officially on my summer break now...I"ll need at least an entire day to ogle (and I have my nifty MoMA educator pass, so I'm in for free, yippee!).

Language of Flowers

I'm enamored with flowers and quite fascinated by the meanings behind them. The first chart explains the different color variety of roses for each month of the year, and the second conveys the Victorian meanings behind some popular flowers. Aren't the visuals charming?

I was excited to learn the official "birth month" flowers and am now pleased to know that Asters and Morning Glories represent September (their colors complement the September birthstone, Sapphire).

If you're interested in learning more about "The Language of Flowers," visit this comprehensive flower symbolism site.

image 1 - via Daydream Lily (original source unknown)
image 2 -  Historiful (a really interesting & informative tumblr site...check it out)
image 3 - Two Hearts Together

Swizzle Sticks

I definitely have parties on the brain because I just performed an impromptu (and completely random) etsy search for "swizzle sticks."

Swwwwiiiizzzzzllllleeeeeee Ssssssstick! Saying it like that reminds me of the second graders I currently teach in summer school when they practice their consonant blends during word study.

Tomorrow is the last day. I wish I thought ahead enough to bring in swizzle sticks and mocktails. What a fun sendoff that would be. Swizzle sticks make everything better.

1- Clear Fused Multi-Colored Glass Drink Mixers

2- Watermelon & Banana Handmade Glass Swizzle Sticks

3- Electric Blue Speckled Swizzle Sticks

4- Lollipop Glass Swizzle Sticks

21 Candles

Wishing my beautiful little sister a glorious 21st birthday today! I love you more than cupcakes, Emmie bean.

(Photo/google)

Miss Capricho

Suffice it to say, I can't stop gawking at these fashion illustrations by Miss Capricho.

Aren't the colors radiant? Marie-Klara is the woman behind the Miss Capricho illustrative design studio and her portfolio excites me in all sorts of ways. Take a peek at more of her "fashion girls,""delightful things," "animals," "travels," and other editorial work here and also on her flickr stream. I also really adore her whimsical "garden of delights" series:

Wouldn't they look divine on the walls of my future little girl's bedroom?

P.S. Miss Capricho, if you're reading this, let's collaborate on a children's book! I'll write, you draw and then we'll make some serious moolah and live happily ever after.

P.P.S I'm not pregnant! Just always scouring for kid inspiration :)

Modish Vintage

Just a few goodies from Modish Vintage. This is the charming etsy shop where I bought my shiny golden apples (seen in the post below). I can't stop thinking that the blooming peony candle holder (bottom) would be divine on my nightstand. Someone else buy it so I'm not tempted, please...

Scenes From The Weekend

It was a  lovely celebratory weekend indeed. Highlights included: live jazz music, french food, an improv comedy show, good beer, bagel breakfasts, and getting all dolled up only to melt in the NYC heat. Did you know that stiletto heals absolutely do NOT stay on your feet while walking in 100 degree temperatures? (Thank goodness for taxis).

It was so wonderful to spend time with my sister. That ring was one of my presents to her. It's a sterling silver infinity knot. I also bought one for myself to wear as a symbolic nod to our sisterhood. 

Emma had a very exciting weekend due to the fact that before meeting up on Saturday, she spent both Friday evening and Saturday afternoon in a recording studio and dancing on the beach for an upcoming music video project by a producer friend. More info to come when it's publicly released...

How was your weekend?

Thought of the Week

(calligraphy by Masha of Ornamelle...isn't it lovely?)

A Few Weekend Blinks + Festivities

A smattering of things that made me smile this week...

 A wedding party in sparkly gold TOMS shoes (spotted on Bippity Boppity Boo)

 Blueberry & Creme Tarts from Sprouted Kitchen (I will make these before summer is through)

The Jazz-Age Dance Party on Governors Island, captured by The Satorialist

Gold Birdie Earrings from Anusha, a cute online boutique (discovered via Elephantine)

Strip. Run. Jump. Yes! (Forever is Today)

Origami piglet spotted on Mustard & Sage

Wishing you a happy weekend, wherever you may be. I am crazy-looking forward to an early birthday celebration for my beautiful sister, Emma, who is in town for a few days. She's 21 next week! A french jazz bistro and late night comedy club are on the Saturday night agenda...

I hope your weekend is filled with yummy food, good music, and plenty of laughter.

Glamour Shots, From Me-To You

If you don't yet follow From Me-To You, I encourage you to hurry over and do so immediately. Jamie Beck is a photographer living in NYC and her work is probably among my favorite on the internet. Everything she photographs is breath-taking, but today I am particularly enamored with these recent glamour shots inspired by Mad Men, cherry red lipstick, and Harlem Jazz, respectively. If I ever get around to having updated head shots taken, I know exactly who I'm going to book...

The last image is Jamie in a photo shoot celebrating her blog birthday. Isn't she such a doll? Talented and gorgeous!

Bluebird, Bluebird

Glass Bluebird of Happiness

Vintage Needlepoint Bluebirds

Bluebird & Flowers Hand-stamped Tags

Bluebird Garden Print

The Bluebirds at Happy Hills

Barnwood Birdhouse-Bluebird

Hand-painted Umbrella Holder

I have a distinct childhood memory of sprawling out on my back in the summer grass dreamily gazing up at the clouds and sneaking curious peeks at the bird feeder with the hope of catching a glimpse of a visiting bluebird.

Imagine my delight last week when I glanced out the window while vacuuming our guest room and came face to face with a gorgeous little bluebird perched on the gutter just below the windowsill.

There must be a reason bluebirds are often equated to happiness.