Paper Doll

Red lipstick, bold stripes, and a little extra oomph with something cheery & bright.

I legitimately wear a similar getup to this on a daily basis, except it's likely I also have dried paint on my butt and a hole in my sock.

With that, I bid you farewell, as I'm off to Rhode Island to eat my weight in stuffing. Happy Thanksgiving, dudes.

Bag / Top / Infinity Scarf / Lipstick / Jeans / Boots / Travel Mug / Earrings

Things I Like, V. 15

Oh man. It's that time of year where I start poking around online in search of holiday gifts for loved ones and grow more and more greedy by the hour.

One / Two / Three / Four / Five / Six

Springtime Favorites

...á la Steven Alan. I popped by the San Francisco store when I was out west and made myself a mental note to visit the NYC location more often. I splurged on one of the lightweight beach/picnic blankets after having admired the colorful collection for nearly two years.

Oh. Also. The orange blossom perfume pictured here smells so damn good. I wanted to lick my wrist upon sampling it in-store. If this descriptive bit from the site doesn't convince you, then I don't know what will:

"The windows were thrown open to let in the afternoon sun, along with a breeze of orange blossoms. She secured fresh flowers into her hair and her eyes sparkled with excitement and anticipation. She had been a whirl of precise motion in her final preparation and took pause to dream about the moment to come."

(sunglasses; striped shorts; flower seed ring; scout socks; orange blossom perfume; anniel italian leather lace-ups; beach blanket)

Things I Like, V. 2

Red today, for obvious reasons. And c'mon, you know you've always dreamed about a strawberry perm.

1). Tiny ruby ring from Catbird; 2). Ooh La La Pillow by Alexandra Ferguson; 3). Foodie face plate via A Beautiful Mess; 4). "I Love You Just the Way You Are" sign; 5). Red gingham picnic napkins from Peppermint Pinwheels; 6). "Beauty is in the Street" print by Blanca Gomez

Happy Valentine's day, friends. I hope your heart feels full.

For the Love of Paperwhites

My paperwhites bloomed, and I am in awe. I potted the bulbs myself; diligently watering and patting the soil every day, and crossing my fingers for extra luck. Two weeks later, and here they are! A first for me. I'd like to grow more floral and plant varieties now: there's something tremendously satisfying about nurturing something into existence.

And just because I felt inspired; a selection of "paperwhites" for donning and displaying:

(ring; canister; earrings; tile)

Emotional Rollercoaster + Weekend Blinks

Dream house, anyone? (Photo by loicmoreau via Frolic)

A gold bicycle. I want one. (photo by Isabelle Bertolini as seen on Wit + Delight)

These color gradient necklaces from A Merry Mishap are calling my name in a big way

Chocolate chip cookies in a skillet. Need I say more? (photo by Jen Causey)

Painterly floral inspiration from Once Wed and the always fabulous Michelle Armas

Reminders. (found via Mary Swensen)

Fifty (free!) things to love about life. (from Tiny Buddha)

The Ageless Appeal of Beverly Cleary via The New York Times

Happy Friday, chickadees! The past few days left me feeling off-centered as I confront the reality of the school year winding down. I anticipate a complete roller coaster of emotion next week (Thursday is our last day). Over the weekend, I plan to relax and carve out time for stillness and reflection. I'm also going to hunker down and get stuff done. Oh and then I want to bake something. Most likely bread, and maybe a cake, too. Have I mentioned that my sister is living with us for the summer? She arrived on Tuesday and we are thrilled to have her. Consequently, my wardrobe just doubled in size, which is fantastical.

Hope your weekend is first rate. xo.

Graduation + A Few Blinks

Hooray for this beautiful image (Oh May, Oh My!) by Majlee, via A Diary of Little Things & Curiosities 

Because witnessing two alpacas kissing should happen every week, right? (photo by Joseph Rescinito, via Besotted blog)

Excited to visit the Chance Co. temporary pop up shop in Soho (211 Elizabeth Street, NYC, Thurs-Sun, 12-7pm for the months of May & June)

Wishing I was in the market for a new bag, because the Guadeloupe Flower Tote is adorable. (discovered on Eat Drink Chic)

Fifty creative questions to create the life you really want. Worth a read.

In love with the newest Shana Murray wall decal (and the words contained within)

 What your American Girl Doll says about the rest of your life. A hoot, and quite accurate (at least for me)

Summer on a string! ($48, by Andrea Jenkins)

So glad to have recently discovered Mint Peach, a lovely and inspiring blog about modern simple living. (How amazing is that art above the bed?)

  Saveur posted an article all about strawberry recipes. I'm in heaven over here.

Happy Weekend, lovely ones! Thank you for taking the time to read my banana this week: I love having you.We are off to Ithaca for the graduation festivities of my darling sister. I am very excited to celebrate her awesomeness.

Until next time, a joyous weekend to you.

This Time of Year

**Most of the comments on this post were lost during blogger's outage and I'm not sure if they'll be recovered. If you feel inclined to re-leave your thoughts, by all means, be my guest! xo.

This is the time of the year when air-dried, semi-wild hair and sunglasses become commonplace. When windows are flung open and I can't help but smile sheepishly at strangers. When I can think of nothing lovelier than a Sunday afternoon spent riding a bicycle into town to fill a basket with flowers wrapped in brown crinkle paper.

This is the time of the year when I am happiest. When any sense of obligation melts into pure, unadulterated spontaneity.

This is the time of year when everything, somehow, feels exactly as it should.

(collage created by me. sources/shopping guide: vintage florals, gold coin necklace, striped jute slip on, city bicycle, straw fedora, yellow satchel)

After the Rain

We all know the age-old saying, "April showers bring May flowers." It's one of my favorite seasonal quips. I happen to like the rain, especially in the springtime when its presence creates a glistening halo on all of the materializing buds. But, like anything, too much of it can become unfavorable. In the midst of the cold gray drizzle on Saturday, as I sat down at my kitchen table with my head in my hands, I realized how applicable the aforementioned adage is right now. In exactly two weeks, I'll submit my not-yet-finished Master's thesis. Before that date, I'll also complete three papers, two projects, attend several meetings and commence parent-teacher conferences. While the rest of my April seems daunting, and at times, nearly impossible, I know that come May, it is done. All of it. Just like that, I'll be able to savor those glorious flowers emerging from the rain.

(Clockwise from top left: Mountain Bouquet Print, Folk Art Card Set, Nantucket Cobalt Tablescape, Cloisonne Drop Earrings)

Five Things

A few weeks ago, Eva at Four Leaf Clover and Cailin at A White Picket Fence tagged me with the stylish blogger award. Several months ago, Elizabeth at Rosalilium and Zaira at Inspiration Crush also tagged me with the same award. I figured it was about time I got my act together and followed the rules. I'm supposed to thank the people who gave me the award (thanks ladies!) and then share five things about myself with all of you. Here goes.

1). I have a small tattoo depicting the comedy/tragedy masks on my lower back. The tattoo is about the size of a quarter: I drew the design myself an hour before getting it done six years ago in Greenwich Village. Theater has always played a significant role in my life and at the time, was something I seriously wanted to pursue. I don't regret the decision to get the tattoo precisely because of that significance. (The mask in the photo above is actually a Swarovski-encrusted pin given to me by my dad when I was in high school. Everyone in my immediate family has ties to theater/performing in some way).

2). I don't have many vices, but fruit gummies are definitely one of them. In fact, I've eaten entire boxes in one sitting before. I rarely buy them because of my lack of self-control. Last night, I bought a single pack from a news stand on Broadway so I could take a picture for this post. I cannot adequately express how difficult it was for me to refrain from eating them until I got home.

3). I majored in American studies and minored in Philosophy in college. Social justice was--and still is--extremely formative in defining my studies and my life. Analyzing it through the lens of some of the world's most profound thinkers shaped a great deal of who I am and what I believe today. (Photo: my rare edition, complete works of Marcel Proust).

4). While I don't belong to any organized religion, I consider myself a deeply spiritual individual. Moreover, I am always interested in learning about various facets of religion and the role it plays in societies around the world. I respect people who can talk about faith and religious beliefs without judgement or agenda. (Photo: my happy Buddha candle and antique miniature chair on the 2nd floor landing).

5). Breton-striped shirts are my number one fashion staple. I own more than I care to admit but have zero qualms about it because I feel instantly stylish and comfortable whenever I put one on. I'm also quite loyal to red lipstick and simple gold jewelry. I'll choose classic over trendy any day.

Well, there you have it. I'm supposed to pass the award along by tagging five people, but I don't think I'm capable of choosing. So, if you're reading this, consider yourself tagged. I'd love if you played along and left a comment telling me something about yourself.

(all images my own)

Blinks + Long Weekend

An assortment of pretties spotted this week:

Loving the vibrant work of new-to-me artist, Hadley Holliday (discovered on Civetta)

I wish I could afford this amazing bag from Kate Spade's summer 2011 collection. It's called "Gwen." My brand new Nikon deserves a stylish portable home, dontchya think? (spotted on Ali Loves Curtis)

 Pretty wooden bracelet (via Bliss)

 I want to bury my face in this peach cake (seen on Kiss the Groom)

 I'm not the only one with a mug problem, right? Loving these colorful "dip" ceramic mugs from Crate & Barrel. (Link found through My Favorite Things)

Speaking of mugs, I've been itching to try this recipe for warm grapefruit tea

 Paris Graffiti Kiss print. I might need to add this to my Little Brown Pen collection.

I've had my eye on public bikes since last spring. This orange one is awesome, especially against that robin's egg blue. (spotted on Seesaw)

 We're having a coin drive at school and I am so tempted to buy this adorable glass piggy bank...my kiddos would have a field day. (spotted on Little White Whale)

Spring decided to come out and play...at least for a couple of days. It's slated to be a balmy 62 in New York City today, and even if the temperature drops back down to 40 again for the rest of the weekend, I'm going to try and hang on to the feeling of sun beams bouncing on my face. I have Monday & Tuesday off for President's day, so technically, a four-day weekend awaits. If all goes according to plan, thesis headway will be made, the house will be scrubbed and a pedicure will be had. Aside from that, we'll see where the wind takes me...

Blowing you all a big kiss. Go enjoy!

Valentines + Blinks

Hey Friday! Wussup! But first, a few blinks (blog links)...

This piano keys quilt is so beautiful.

I'm not always a fan of wedding photo "props," but I could definitely get behind this one (no pun intended). See the rest of the pretty wedding here.

 Beautiful summer bouquet print. (Discovered via Strikes Our Fancy)

Zara kids. Even her hairdo is cool. (via Patterson Maker)

How could you not have fun in this room? (spotted on Bright Bazaar)

Tiho and I recently discussed adding a few wall hooks to our entry way and voila! Look what I find. Problem is, I'd never want to cover them with anything. (via Hooray)

 I've been admiring tablescapes lately, and this one just blew me away. Actually, the entire NYC wedding is perfection.

You're welcome. (from here)

 I will own a Michelle Armas original one day. I will own a Michelle Armas original one day. I will own a Michelle Armas original one day. Affirmations, people. (Her paintings keep getting better & better.)

Hello perfect little gold heart studs. Be mine? (Spotted on Hip Hip Gin Gin)

 Watercolor-dipped baggies of tulips. Simple beauty. (Tokketok's brilliant work)

Feeling very grateful for the arrival of the weekend. I plan to tackle a hefty to-do list, which includes crafting Valentines for a particularly special group of preschoolers. My construction paper and glitter pens are ready. I'm spending today in Connecticut on a professional development retreat with my colleagues (our school owns a nature reserve and lodge there). I'll be home tonight and ready to nosedive into productivity. Don't worry, the house is stocked with wine and chocolate and cheese. I'm as happy as a clam.

Lots of xoxoxoxoxoxo's to send you into Valentine's Day weekend. 

Hope it's a great one!