Color Me Happy

We ended our 4th of July weekend with a bang; racing in the 2014 Brooklyn Color Run, aka 

The Happiest 5K on the Planet. 

It was one of those bucket list things I've wanted to do for a long time--I am so glad we finally signed up for one. We actually ran the entire thing, 'cause three miles ain't no thaaang (except my thighs are burning today, so there's that). I'd say at least half of the other participants walked, danced or skipped for most of it, which, in retrospect, is how I'd recommend approaching the whole event.

Below, a before and after comparison for you. The most fun of all takes place after you cross the finish line, when everyone goes bat-shit insane jumping and screaming underneath rainbow clouds of color. Photo booths, free swag, music and yummy treats (frozen yogurt, granola bars) abound aplenty, making for a fun-filled and memorable experience. I highly recommend participating in an event near you: check out the rest of this year's tour schedule here.

P.S. We're both still washing color off our bodies: My right armpit is purple and Tiho's left torso is blue. It all mostly comes off in the shower, although those darker colors take an extra scrubbing or two...

Amber, Chestnut, Tortoiseshell

Brown.

Part of speech: Adjective.
Definition: "Dark, burnished color."

Synonyms: Amber, bronze, buff, brunette, butterscotch, café au lait, chestnut, chocolate, coffee, fawn, ginger, mahogany, russet, tortoiseshell.

I've always declared myself a mostly anti-beige, non-neutral type of person. Think I may be changing my tune a bit. Although, to be fair, I usually admire brown the most when it's paired with light. Just about anything illuminated by incandescent light causes the sensation of fairies somersaulting in my belly.

Photos: November 2013 // Manhattan

Café Lalo

It's been fascinating to reflect on my own photographic style development these past couple of years. When someone asks me what subject matter I most enjoy photographing, my answer is almost always the same: light and emotion. It might not be the answer they were expecting, but it's honest, and indicative of my inspiration in every respect.

Café Lalo, on west 83rd street, has some damn fine window light, my friends. And damn good cheesecake, in case you were wondering.

Things I Like, V. 13 (Red Edition)

So, this post came about because of that old-school red Fiat 500 up there. It's always been one of my favorite cars* and I am convinced I need one. Tiho made a deadly declaration over the weekend wherein he promised to buy one for me if I learned how to flawlessly perform an oil change all by myself (my lack of knowledge concerning anything automobile-related is laughable).

Never mind that I can't manipulate a stick shift to save my life--that car and I are destined.

I'm currently typing "how to do an oil change" into google...

For now, other red things making my heart go boom boom:

1). World's Fair Striped Duffel from Spotted Moth; 2). Classic Fiat 500; 3). Parsipanny Rainboots from Kate Spade; Chanel #475 (Dragon) Nail Laquer; 5). Kaj Franck Red Heart Enamel Bowl; 6). Red Macbook Sleeve Case by Rib & Hull.

*I would also happily take one in bright yellow. Or baby blue. Or emerald green. Preferably with a country house in Europe where it would fit right in parked along the cobblestone driveway.

Things I Like, V.11

It's Friday again? The days feel as though they are melting into one another. I've been busy working on a brand-new venture that I'm almost ready to share with you. Until then, here's a handful of happy-makers to welcome the weekend.

Got any big plans? I'm hoping to make a few messes in the kitchen and play with my new lens. Also, happiest birthday wishes (tomorrow) to my fantabulous sister, Emmie bean. Hay girl haaaay! (Those candles are here in your honor).

1). Gold Spoon; 2). Book; 3). Scarf; 4). Art Print; 5). Measuring Cups; 6). Sunglasses; 7). Candles

Light & Bright

I thoroughly enjoy sitting near the window and watching the early evening light play off the colors in my living room.

Speaking of color, Nichole's book is just beyond.

Sheila Golden

I've been a fan of Shelia Golden's acrylic floral still lives for years now. Overstock sells vibrant Giclee canvases of her work at super affordable price points, and I can't stop thinking about them.

Aren't they wonderful? Flowers + color = two of my truest loves.

Couplets

(Luli Sánchez // Rothko Cookies)

(Day Lily Art Print // Blue Floral Pillow Cover)

(Raspberry Confetti Kiss Recipe // Color Mixology)

Recent bookmarks that came together to form complementary couplets. Cool beans.

Such a Marvelous Way

Vera Neumann is my idol. Have I ever mentioned I'm an avid collector of her textiles? Cloth napkins are my weakness, and you can frequently find me browsing Etsy, Ebay and flea markets for her iconic silk scarves. I like to believe we would have been friends. Recently, I've taken to spending the last fifteen minutes or so before bed leafing through this gorgeous book.  I haven't any proof, but I'm fairly certain doing so makes my dreams brighter.

Pattern & Play

Beating the winter doldrums with inspiration in the form of star wands; washi tape; play-dough; notebooks; spinning tops and a watercolor phone case.

(Plus a big glass of wine tonight. Whoa baby, what a week!).

Somewhere to Rest Your Head

Whoa, someone stop me from performing online searches for pillows. Goldmine! I'll take one of each, please. (Fine, since you made me choose: periwinkle).

Simply Pleasurable

[Purple tulips in tiny glass jars].


 [Red manicure, raspberry macaron].

 [Green scarf, rainbow confetti ribbon].

[Sweet Potato Bisque, serious snack plate].

Back to the grind this week. Something I read in the December issue of Whole Living a few weeks back struck a powerful chord with me. In an article entitled "The Gift of the Tao," writer Andrew Leonard offered the following bit of wisdom: "Typically, the New Year is marked by grand resolutions, but I throw all that out. There will be no unrealistic goal-setting...I cast about for something small, something simply pleasurable rather than a mighty quest."

"Simply pleasurable." I'm on board with that.

Happy New Year, friends!

P.S. Also, The Joy of Quiet.

Joyeux Noel (Plus A Few Blinks!)

This image makes me absurdly happy. (photo by Leela Cyd Ross)

These Books of Art by Isaac Salazar are pretty incredible. (via Swiss Miss)

This Morning Frost Meadow print by Anna Emilia reminds me of the months ahead and how beautiful they can be.

Feeling all kinds of love for this cute-as-a-button Swedish children's shop, Little Studio.

Next year, I'm going to make this beautiful doily light garland.

I agree. (via Brain Pickings)

Mesmerized by these botanical studies from Frances Pelzman Liscio's portfolio.

I saw these in person at West Elm yesterday and had a difficult time resisting the impulse purchase.

 How to make gingerbread cameras.

60 tiny love stories--reading these made me cry. (via Brandi)

Happy, happy, merry merry! It's somewhat mind-boggling to me that Christmas is actually here, and with it, the end of another year. It's been a good while since I compiled a quality list of blinks: hope you enjoy the random stuff that's piqued my interest recently. Peace and love to all.

I leave you with a quote from Hugo. It gave me chills in the theater earlier this week and I find it apropos to the spirit of the holiday: "I address you as you truly are: wizards, mermaids, travelers, adventurers, and magicians. You are the true dreamers."

Joie de Vivre

I fantasize about living in a gigantic loft with walls covered in colorful art all the way from the floor to the ceiling. I want my kids to grow up in a home bursting with artistic inspiration and vibrancy. My tastes vary, but one style I'm consistently drawn to is bright and quirky, with a French influence in subject matter. These are just a handful of my favorites: I consider them an uplifting splash of joie de vivre.

Chocolat, Jazz, Casablanca, Paris, Favor, Matisse, Chagall

A Few Happy Things

1). All of the birthday comments, tweets, facebook messages, cards and calls I received yesterday. Whoa. If anything can make a girl feel loved on her birthday, it's social media. A huge & heartfelt thanks!

2). The most beautiful camera bag ever. My camera is my baby. I wish I could splurge and give it a snazzy place to rest its head.

3). This red wool cape. Red is my power color and I want to conquer the upcoming fall & winter like a superhero. Except, you know, a stylish one.

4). A love letter to NYC in the form of a poster. Because my city is amazing and there are primary colors involved. Sold.

5). A yellow butterfly. I don't think I could ever buy a preserved butterfly because I'd feel too sorry for it stuck between two slabs of glass. I'm including it here to admire guilt-free, and instead, imagining it alive and fluttering through a garden.

6). The lakeside wedding we're attending this weekend in upstate New York. One last little hoorah before I kiss summer goodbye for good.


Have a superb weekend, my darling friends. Before you go, I'd love to hear some of your own happiness-inducing things.