Things I Like, V.17 (February Favorites)

1). Pretty soap (for making constant hand-washing feel a tiny bit luxurious).

2). Polka-dot booties (for all the sweet new babies making their debut this spring).

3). Cheerful flower bouquets (for brightening up this final month of winter).

4). Fun decorative pillows (to bring an unexpected smile).

5). Delicious tea (for warming up and winding down after a long day).

Snug As A Bug

Where oh where is the snow? Winter is mildly bearable when a sparkling blanket is present on the twisted skeleton trees. Right now, New York is experiencing the teeth-chattering type of cold you feel deep in your bones. So, because I have nothing better to do (a lie--I'm procrastinating), I deemed it fitting to pull together a few cozy provisions currently helping me muster the energy to do anything other than burrow deep under the duvet.

ONE: Sunny-colored flowers. Daffodils are just beginning to pop up in the markets (yay!).
TWO: Cute pompom hats. Makes braving the windchill not quite as terrible.
THREE: Spritzing on a yummy, summery fragrance to trick myself into thinking that season is near.
FOUR: Cozy pajama pants. I'm inclined towards this striped pair.
FIVE: An oversized cable knit throw pillow. I bought mine years ago at Pottery Barn and adore it.
SIX: Socks in a fun, happy pattern. Because nothing is worse then cold toes.
SEVEN: Something hot in my mug at all times. I love a bit of citrus & spice.

Is it freezing where you are? What are some items in your "stay warm" arsenal?

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.

This Will Be My Life

I've been thinking deeply about the concept of home. We might be moving soon, but I'm going to refrain from discussing it further until I know for sure one way or the other. Regardless, I'm squirreling away inspiration with plans to save up in order to invest in a few beloved "forever pieces." This chair and this dining table are right up there at the top of my list. And of course, I can't think about home-related things and not give a cheerful nod to a throw pillow, or a bouquet of something pretty. I take great care and pride in filling my home with objects of both utility and beauty. Wherever our home is created, both now and in the future, I hope that never changes.

(Quotation found here).

The Heart of the Matter

February today? Say what? In honor: Mittens/Bowl/Cheese Board/Driftwood/Wine Corks/Pillow. (Can you tell I absolutely adore hearts? It's because I adore love. Awww snap, enough with the cheese, Kayla).

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.

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).

Home Inspiration: Black, White & Bronze

I love the little home we've created but am feeling the itch to jazz it up as the season changes. I didn't even realize the direction I was headed until I grouped all of the inspiration together like this. Pretty clear vision, huh? It's a tad fancier and more modern than what I usually gravitate towards (Tiho affectionately calls me "grandma chic").

The brass standing lamp very well may be my next splurge. I can't stop thinking about how beautiful it would look next to my couch. And that adorably posh chevron pillow? Only $10, my friends.

Each of the items included here are pieces I've had my eye on for awhile and would seriously consider purchasing. Now all I need is a second job to pay for them all...

"Oh What a Beautiful Day" cross-stitch wall hanging, $29;
Zigzag striped pillow cover, $10.95;
Brass floor lamp, $119;
"Paris Graffiti Kiss" fine art print, $25;
Brass sun, star, moon & universe trivets, $81;
Gold peace sign plate, $21
"A la belle etoile" (under a beautiful star) poster, $49

Greed, Defined.

 Santorini Embroidered Pillow, $34

 Modern Mugs, $10 each

 Lourdes Sanchez Color Blotches framed wall art, $59

Painter's Melamine Dinner & Salad Plates, $20-$24

 Blocked Tulip Bedding, $19-$89

 Rainbow Napkins, $16 for a set of 4

 Modern Bowls, $8 each

What's this, you ask? Oh, just me sitting in my fuzzy slippers and sweats, virtually window shopping West Elm's colorful and completely fantastic summer 2011 collection. I collected my favorites here in hopes that doing so would stop me from maxing out my April budget before it's even created. I know my willpower will go straight out the window if I actually step foot in the store, so I'm steering clear...at least until I can't resist the temptation of that blue santorini pillow any longer. Or that dotted and striped dinnerware. (Let's not even mention those mugs & bowls. Killing me softly).

Spring Cleaning + Blinks

Friday! But first, this week's blinks:

Wow. Those over-sized butterfly prints make quite a statement. (spotted on House of Turquoise)

Yes. And then share it. (more truisms here)

A personal interview about Pompon (quite possibly the cutest cat in existence...previously blogged about here)

 ...And while we're on the subject of cute: You know you're a sucker for pigs swimming

Pretty floral bedding (spotted on Olivet)

 Can't stop thinking about these lovebirds pillows from Kremelife (via Country Living)

 There is something very blissful about this photo by Lola Thomasina

Apple slices + cheese = one of my very favorite snacks (image via Real Simple)

Nothing better than peonies in a pitcher. (Buy the print at 29 Black Street)

Hello hello, you beautiful people.  I must admit, I was pretty checked out of the internet this week, and if I'm being honest, thoroughly enjoyed it. Sometimes you need to disconnect in order to reconnect to what's important. So, this weekend, I'm looking forward to going on a long (sunset?) run and doing a bit of spring cleaning. My mind feels ripe and full right now, and I need to sift through everything brewing inside. Hope you find your respite, too. xo.

Blue & White

To say I'm obsessed with this color combination is an understatement. Fresh, fun and effortlessly chic, blue + white translates as the duo that will never go out of style. I've been bookmarking it like crazy the past few weeks.

My picks:

Bedroom inspiration via Apartment Therapy's unplgged;
Cup on Cup: Bluebird from Molly Hatch Ceramics; $68
Maritime Dress from J.Crew; $78
Peony Bowl from Dishwater Blonde; $45
e.e.cummings "Little Birds" print from Raw Art Letterpress; $27
Embroidered Wood-block Flower Pillow from West Elm; $39
Matisse's "Blue Nude" from Art.com; $10-$150 (This hangs in my living room)
American Industrialist Striped Pillow from Fifiduvie; $25

Best Friends + Blinks

A few blinks (blog links) on this lovely Friday...

So happy to have discovered the mid-century graphic design work of Lora Lamm (thanks to Riflemade)

Like I always say, miniature makes things better (via Ohdeedoh)

Thinking about switching up a few things for spring and am extremely tempted to splurge on this painting pillow for the sofa...(spotted on Oh Joy)

Such a gorgeous, dreamy table scape (via Style Me Pretty)

 Peace. (spotted on Mocking Bird)

Holy wow. This moroccan stenciled staircase is blowing my mind. And it's yellow. (via Style Files)

Oh IKEA, you make me smile. Love the styling in this scene (spotted on Live Creating Yourself)

 The ladies behind Sweet Notions emailed me recently and I think their business concept is awesome. The company up-cycles fashion accessories in order to create social change. Visit their website to find out more and how you can become involved. (I think these Michael Kors wedges are perfect for spring!)

 I'm fairly certain that West Elm's spring line of sheets was designed for me (via Little Green Notebook)

Hey there, lovers. Any grandiose plans for the next few days? I am very much looking forward to a girl's weekend with my two best friends. I am hosting, since neither has seen the house yet. The three of us are like peas in a pod (that's actually our nickname from high school) and it's been awhile since we've gotten together for some quality time. I'm psyched!  Can't wait for the inevitable laughter + wine combination that is likely to characterize the entirety of their visit. Until Monday, friends.

Have a great one.

Shiny Happy Things

 

 

I could try and blame it on the holidays but I'm pretty sure my affinity for everything shiny is permanently ingrained. I'm a believer that so long as thoughtfully edited, the addition of gold, silver, bronze or metallic accents can really, uh, polish an outfit or a room (pun intended).

A few faves:

Golden Throw Pillow;
Pink & Gold Rose Quartz Ring;
Birds of Flight;
Metallic Topsiders;
Bronze Star;
Banana Bud Vase;
Hans Jug;
Atessa Vase