This weekend, I'm going to see country crooner Brad Paisley in concert, out to brunch with a friend, and hopefully penciling in some good shopping...It has been way too long since I've treated myself to some new clothes! Have a fabulous Friday my friends!
I love these accordion cards! I've always been a big fan of holiday cards. My mom has gotten in the habit of putting aside the collection of holiday cards our family receives for me to view when I come home to visit.
I'm a product of 8+ years of Catholic school. As such, I've attended many an Ash Wednesday mass in my day, although since I graduated college, I've been a bad church-goer and missed this middle of the week mass, and the accompanying ashes on the forehead.
I'm pretty excited today because I just joined a weekly photography club! I have always love, love, loved taking pictures. I am a total tourist in foreign destinations, my camera is either in my hands or glued to my side. Yes, I'm a cliche, but I don't care, I savor the results once the trip has long since ended, and all I'm left with are albums full of lovely vacation moments. My friend Lyssa invited me photography club she was a member of, and I am so thankful to have this creative outlet. Every week there's a new assignment or "challenge" to tackle with film. This week is macro (otherwise known as zoomed in). And never fear, I'll be posting some of my shots in the near future. image/antiroom
My future home will have a staircase like this...Bright with lots of light, and a plethora of photographs!
Sometimes, when our schedules get too full, and the morning seems too hectic, and there just doesn't seem to be enough hours in the day...I think we just need a little reminder like this. I've certainly found myself here before. This usually precedes my urge to divide and conquer and attack every project I've begun with enthused gusto, or the alternative simplify...throw out the old and prepare for the new. 2009 already feels like a year of that, trying new things, saying YES more often, and just being happy everyday. image/dazeychic-etsy
My parents cat Cody has been bunking with me for the past 2 weeks, and I think he's becoming...a wee bit portly...shall we say? 
It's Friday! Today has been a very productive week in spite of being sick. I'm hoping to kick this cold/sore throat/cough "thing" I have been battling once and for all this weekend! 
Brunch is my favorite meal of the day. Not quite breakfast, not quite lunch - but BRUNCH! The in-between meal that is filling, fabulous, and typically follows a morning of sleeping in.
I love the hustle and bustle of the city; the fact that your bakery, restaurant, grocer, and convenience store lie just around the corner. I'm particularly fond of my own city - Seattle, but other favorites include New York City, San Francisco, Amsterdam, and London. I am drawn to these whimsical, cartoon cityscapes by matteart. The busy bustle of Damrak Street in Amsterdam, and the chaotic jungle that is New York City. Would be a fun print to hang in a child's room or in a guest bathroom. His work seems the kind that renders more unseen details the longer you stare at it. images/etsy via ffffound
Read any good books lately?
In the mood for a smile? Check out this creative Brooklyn Bridge proposal over at My Spinning Wheels. Blue skies + pink balloons + surprise = one lovely adorable proposal!
Feeling bleh...sore throat, achy, sick all over...sadly, I'm not in much of a mood for blogging my friends. Send me your healthy vibes! See you tomorrow (hopefully). image/lilbee
Valentine's Day was fantastic...
Two of my favorite scents are lavender and citrus. Lavender to relax and calm, citrus to liven and awake. I recently discovered Pangea Organics, an organic bodycare company that brings my two favorite scents into one bottle: Pyranees Lavender and Cardamom (yes, I realize the citrus isn't built into the name, but trust me the scent is there).
Oh it's Friday, and the beginning on a busy weekend. The weekend holds so many things, Valentine's Day, President's Day, the extra-long weekend...so many things to be happy about! Enjoy!
I just rented Keira Knightley's latest flick - The Duchess, new to DVD. The movie was pretty good, an interesting period piece about a historical character - The Duchess of Devonshire - I knew nothing about.
Typically, I'm not a bread pudding person...that is, until I saw this recipe via DesignCrush. However, bread pudding is quite possibly my grandpa's favorite food of all time. This staple dessert often frequents family gatherings, and I usually avoid it like the plague. 
Another fab photo shoot of Gossip Girl's #1 - Blake Lively. I don't know how this glam girl manages to look so sophisticated and chic at only 21, but Vogue manages to capture her glamorous old world style. I think it has something to do with the long blond hair...
I'm not usually a Woody Allen fan, but I did enjoy Vicky Cristina Barcelona. It is a great insight into the sights, sound, and personality of Barcelona. 
I've heard people say before that one of their favorite scents is the pages of an ancient library book. The romantic musk, the age and wisdom that has saturated the pages over the years...
I think adults often tend to forget the thrill Valentine's Day holds for children. My students are bouncing off the walls in anticipation of our upcoming Valentine's Day party. The thought of unlimited candy and sugary treats at school is excitement enough!
I'm headed to Europe this summer with my family! We'll have 2 weeks in Italy and a week in Croatia. It is going to be fantastic, I can't wait!
Oh, j'taime, j'taime, j'taimer!
This gown is ethereal, feminine, and dreamily romantic. Not exactly my style, but lovely all the same. It reminds me of a decadent wedding cake confection. The delicate detail of layer upon layer, I can just imagine how it would twirl and cascade during a couple's first dance. Something about it, maybe just it's unique silhouette is genuinely appealing to me.
For the record: I have loved pomegranates LONG before they were trendy! Long before the days pom-tinis or POMwonderful juice, my family actually had a pomegranate bush in our front yard when we lived in California. My mom used to cut open the pomegranate for us with a huge kitchen knife, and we'd sit at the kitchen counter, picking apart this complicated fruit, the sticky juices running down our fingers. It's funny now looking back as pomegranates seem to be starring in the food world these days! In grade school, my mom would often pack a pomegranate wedge in my lunch, and when I'd pull it out to indulge, people would stare at me in bewilderment. I guess times change... image/maryruffle
Talk about finding love in nature, when cut lengthwise, these Calimyrna figs look like little hearts! A sweet complement to a selection of savory cheeses. A perfect start to a low key Valentine's Day dinner.
I adore crepes. I love crepes. I wish I could click my heels or wiggle my nose and magically appear in Paris. I found this recipe in my latest issue of Martha Stewat living, and thought...ohhh, that sounds AMAZING!
I had a very challenging day on Friday, and came home that night feeling defeated, frustrated, and down on myself. I called my boyfriend, who listened to me vent and voice my frustrations for a good 30 minutes plus. When he arrived at my apartment, he brought a handful of Milky Way Darks (my favorite candy bar) and a carton of cookie dough ice cream, which was so sweet and thoughtful, it completely cheered me up. We spent the evening vegging out, watching some of my fave TV shows I'd saved on DVR. Today, I feel a lot better... image/peachtree
This Jack Kerouac quote is one of my all time favorite quotes.
