Things I Like Right Now

I don't know what it is about this time of year, but I'm feeling especially greedy for ALL OF THE THINGS. Actually, I can identify the culprit: nesting mode is a very, very real thing and I'm totally succumbing to its influence.

From top to bottom, left to right:

1). A flutter sleeve top to dress the babe in next summer;

2). This braided up-do, because I'm trying to master how to appear stylish with my hair completely off my face & neck (humidity is no joke);

3). A sweet sentiment to hang in the bedroom, recently purchased from the MOMA store;

4). A new rug (and bold color palette!) in the living room. I keep imagining how much time we'll spend on the floor in the months to come and want to refresh the space.

5). This ceramic toast plate. Highly impractical, but adorable nonetheless.

6). Baby knits. Especially of the playsuit variety.

7). These woven placemats, because I'm tired of wiping the kitchen table down after every meal (shaking something out just sounds less arduous).

8). Chocolate espresso cinnamon rolls for when the temperatures dip and I can fathom actually turning the oven on.

9). A cozy, light-weight robe to curl up in this fall when nothing else in my wardrobe fits.

Blackberry-Apricot-Strawberry-Peach Bars

I'm going to go ahead and toot my own horn for a second, because these crumb bars are seriously to-die-for and consequently, I feel proud.

I used this recipe, first shared last year, and just switched out the blueberries for the other fruit (equal parts diced strawberries and peaches plus several slices of fresh apricots as well as a handful of blackberries. Clearly, I'm super precise).

They are so good, you guys. Light, sweet, decadent, and tart all at once. I've been enjoying them with my morning coffee, and--when ambition strikes--the sunrise.

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.

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."

Headed to the Cape + Weekend Blinks

The perfect bouquet? (spotted on Heart of Light)

 So true. Cannot believe another school year is just a few weeks away

Kate Moss's romantic English wedding = jawdropping. (photos by Mario Testino for Vogue)

I'm currently stalking a pair of pompom curtains that look exactly like this. That loose wildflower arrangement is also pretty bangin' (photo by Amy Merrick)

 This house is so stylish and fresh. (See more on Trendland, discovered via Automatism)

 Salted mudslide cookies. Why are you still sitting here reading this?

 Thank goodness I won't be searching too laboriously for a 2012 calendar.  Anna Bond of Rifle Paper Co. made the perfect one and it will be hanging on my wall

 

 Can everyone take forty seconds to watch, consider and share? (via WWF foundation)

 

The online world seemed quiet this week. I'm guessing people are off their computers and outside enjoying these last few weeks of the season. At least I hope so. We're headed to my family's cottage in Cape Cod for the weekend. I can't believe it's the only visit we were able to swing this summer, but I'll take what I can get. And what I can get better include a lobster roll (the buttery kind, because mayo and I do not get along).

Hope it's beautiful where you are.

P.S. A few lovely surprises this week: Erin shared the incredibly thoughtful parcel she sent me a while back and Alli posted about a care package + painting I recently sent her. Man, do I love blogging and the friendships it has afforded me.

Five-Ingredient Fix

That's all it takes to make a muy delicioso smoothie, my friends. And apparently, all it takes to get me speaking Spanish.

1/2 cup strawberries, 1/2 cup blueberries, 1 whole banana, 1/2 cup orange juice and 1/3 cup plain yogurt. Blend for 30 seconds and then proceed to watch your significant other tilt his head back and devour the entire glassful in 10 seconds flat.

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.

Lemon Blueberry Crumb Bars

These were my contribution for Saturday's brunch. Lemon Blueberry Crumb Bars. Rolls nicely off the tongue, yes?

Personally, I find them perfect for breakfast with a cup of coffee or tea, or a mid-day snack straight from the refrigerator, or a late afternoon pick-me-up after a hard day's work. Mildly sweet, extra buttery, and majorly crave-inducing. Just a warning.

They are equally as easy as they are delicious. I first encountered the recipe about two years ago and haven't looked back since. I also love that they're customizable depending on the season. You can substitute raspberries, blackberries, cranberries...honestly, as far as I'm concerned, you can't really go wrong with berries.

This recipe yields about 20 squares, depending on how large or small you slice them. To make the bars, you need:

-1 cup white sugar

-1 tsp baking powder

-3 cups all-purpose flour

-2 sticks butter

-1 egg

-1/4 tsp salt

-The zest and juice of one lemon

-4 cups fresh blueberries

-1/2 cup white sugar

-4 tsp cornstarch
-2 Tbsp dark brown sugar

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease a 9 x 13 (or similar-sized) baking pan. In a medium bowl, mix together the baking powder, flour and first cup of sugar. Add in the salt and lemon zest (but not the juice). Crack in the egg and add butter. (I find it works best to cut the butter into chunks, mash it with a fork and then roll up my sleeves and get down and dirty). Mix all ingredients together thoroughly. Dough should be crumbly. Pat a layer of dough into the baking pan, about 1/2 inch thick.

In a different bowl, stir together the cornstarch, 1/2 cup sugar and the juice of one lemon. This will make a sugary syrup-like substance. Pour in the fresh blueberries and mix so blueberries are coated with syrup. Do not mash. Pour the blueberry mixture over the dough in the pan. Then, layer the rest of the dough on top of the blueberry. This layer should be more crumbly, and not patted down. Sprinkle the brown sugar on top and bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown.

Remove from oven and let cool completely in the refrigerator. The bars cut better when chilled.

Enjoy!

(Go ahead, have another. You deserve it).

Blinks + Loose Ends

How about a few blinks (blog links) to welcome the weekend?

This painting intrigues me, spotted in the home of Reverie owner, Alison Woodward, via The Maker's Project

A perfect way to start the day by 365 Days of Breakfast via Pennyweight

 Such a simplistic, gorgeous space. Wow. (via Inspired to Share)

It seems like Everly grows more beautiful each day. (see more on Dear Baby)

 New iPhone 4 cases from Kate Spade. My boring black one needs an upgrade.

 Oh oh oh, how much do I love this little vignette? Lots & lots. (Sabina Cudic's home via Decor8)

 Did you catch this fun behind the scenes video profiling photographer Lisa Warninger and the styling work of Chelsea Fuss?

Hannah posted a recipe for Meyer Lemon Curd & Cream Scones that sounds simple and looks delicious.

I don't have a garden, but if I did, I'd buy this watering can. (spotted on Swiss-Miss)

 Can't stop staring at this showstopper of a wedding gown (via Once Wed)

I have no idea where this week went. All of a sudden, it's Friday, and I still have a million and one things to get done before my return to reality and routine on Monday. I had a scare last night when I thought my blog was deleted. It was--temporarily--because my email account been hacked. All is fixed, but oh my, I can't even describe the brief emotional roller coaster I experienced. But hey, it's April, which is a very happy fact. The blossoms are coming!

I hope you have a wonderful weekend. I'm going to do my best to indulge these last remnants of spring break while simultaneously tie up necessary odds and ends as best I can. Big hug.

Getting Dressed & Getting Out (+ Blinks)

Voila! Presenting this week's blinks (blog links): i.e. several things I saw and admired recently:

Glad to have discovered the gorgeous artwork of Mara Caffarone via Design*Sponge. Prints available here.

I smiled when I saw these pretty poppies (by A Creative Mint for Decor8)

I can't stop staring at this gorgeous model from the Darling spring/summer lookbook. Isn't she mesmerizing?

Admiring this simple but lovely (Swedish) living room spotted on Freshome

I have more pocket notebooks than I know what to do with, but all proceeds from this set of three from Scout books will be donated to the relief efforts in Japan.

 We have two Ikea RAST dressers in our guestroom and after reading this post on Armelle, I am inspired to (finally) do a similar makeover.

Love this punchy citrus print, brand new from Rifle Paper Co.

Every woman I know has the hots for Joseph Gordon-Levitt...myself included. Tiho and I saw 500 Days of Summer on our first date, which seems kind of ironic now that I think about it (image by Esquire via The Neo-Tradionalist)

 I always look forward to Caitlin McGauley's "Watercolor Wednesday" posts on the Lonny blog.  This week's orchids were especially cheerful.

 I'm thinking I might need to treat myself to this e.e.cummings letterpress print from Satsuma Press, as seen on Not Your Average Ordinary. He's my very favorite poet and this poem in particular holds a special personal significance.

After seeing this $40 Tucker for Target dress on What I Wore, I am so tempted to scoop one up for myself. The vibrant spring colors are calling my name. (Kind of loudly, actually. My ears hurt).

 A recipe for strawberry honey butter? That sound you hear is my taste buds tap-dancing. (discovered via Laken's pinterest)

I'm feeling very excited for all of you because it's the weekend. Due to spring break, this whole week felt like the weekend for me, so while I certainly welcome it, I'm not sure I'll do much beyond lounge and eat. Actually, scratch that. I think I'll get dressed: I'll wear a pretty outfit and don my favorite crimson lipstick. I'm meeting my mom for lunch in the city today, and plan to wander with my camera for awhile afterward. I love my city when I have nowhere to be. 

Enjoy the next couple of days, my loves. Thank you, as always, for your thoughtful conversation this week.