May Day

Just in time for May, it's a gorgeous sunny day in my fair city. Happy May Day everyone!

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Wednesday Pretty

Love it!

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Wednesday Pretty

Love this color combo of mums and succulents!

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Brussels in Bloom

I love learning about new traditions around the world. Ever heard of Brussels in Bloom? Some history for you...every other year the Grand Palace Square is turned into the Carpet of Flowers. This Belgian square is literally carpeted with close to a million begonias! Isn't this beautiful and awe-inspiring? The big celebratory weekend is coming up, August 13-15, 2010. Another reason to go to Belgium...

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Funky Vases

I'm kind of digging these funky, whimsical vases by Chive. Most of the vases I own are tall and sleek, which may serve as a beautiful centerpiece, but doesn't lend itself to good conversation across a dinner table. Trying to dodge a vase full of flowers to talk to your guests is never ideal. One of these low vases would be a perfect alternative. The best of both; flora and fauna and great conversation.

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Lilacs

One of the perks of having a yard is the beautiful Spring flowers! I have the good fortune of having two lovely lilac trees in my backyard that have been bursting with blooms. Lilacs are my fave for several reasons. One, they are purple and green (my favorite colors), and two, they are unbelievably fragrant! Just one of those flowers you can't help but dive your nose into to inhale the sweet scent. I picked a bunch of lilacs from my tree a few days ago and am still smiling at the sweet Spring fragrance that's filling my living room.

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So Pretty!

There's something about succulents I just can't resist. I love the pop of green in this bouquet paired with the magenta peonies...so pretty!

via youaremyfave

They're Here!

It's peony season everyone. I saw and swooned over dozens of these lovely stems down at Pike Place Market last weekend. Life is beautiful once again!

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Fresh Flowers

One of life's little pleasures is buying fresh flowers. I currently have 2 bunches of two-toned tulips on display in my humble abode, fresh from the tulip festival. I couldn't resist buying just one bunch, so I splurged and bought 3, one vase for the kitchen, one vase for the living room, and one for my mom who I had brunch with on Sunday.

Ranauculus are one of my most favorite flowers, among my other top faves, peonies, gardenias, and sunflowers. While I wouldn't turn down a dozen red roses, I find I like the "just picked from the garden" look a little more.

What are your fave flowers?

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Totally Tulips

Saturday was a gorgeous day in the greater Seattle area, and the tulip festival was fabulous. Turns out we sought out the tulip fields a week too early, but the daffodils bright and lovely, and in full bloom. My boyfriend was wonderful and obligingly took many photos of our Spring day in the fields. (Going for a funny picture, hiding in the daffodil fields).

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Blue

My photo club's assignment this week is BLUE. Photos of anything and everything associated with the color. I never realized how few blue things there are (both artificial and in nature) until I was faced with a 5-day assignment! Thus far, I've photographed tiny blue flowers, blue tiles in the sidewalk, and the sky's reflection in the hood of my blue car. That's all I got.

Any other ideas? I'm looking for inspiration in any avenue I can get!

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Oh Oh Organic

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).

I received this scent as part of a gift set which is as "green," organic, and earth friendly as they come. Forget the cellophane, my gift was wrapped in a cardboard container with shredded recycled paper filler. Now when I take a shower, I really feel like I'm being green!

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Clutch and Go

I want this clutch! A stylish way to add a little bloom to your winter wardrobe.

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via youaremyfave

Hodgepodge

Loving the hodgepodge of single stems in like colored, but distinctively unique vases. A look worth recreating if I had some more shelf space in my studio!

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Martha's Peony Party

Leave it to Miss Martha Stewart to think up this festive solstice soirée - a peony party! A twist on your average garden party - I'm envious of Martha's peonies, they are simply lovely. Wish I'd been invited!

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In the Cuff

Apparently enamel is the new...well, whatever the latest new trend was (I can't quite keep up)! As for me, I'm a big fan of buying simple, solid colored pieces that you can alter by accessorizing with some fun jewelry to create many an outfit. This shiny magnolia cuff bracelet is bound to add some flair to your summer wardrobe.

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Favorite Things

These are a few of my favorite things...peonies. Since they're finally in season - thought I'd give them a shout out! I love cruising down to Pike Place and picking up a $5 bouquet of these effortlessly beautiful blooms. (Sigh).

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For Each Bloom

These vases for individual blooms are certainly stylish. I'll take the one with peonies for my new mahogany end table!

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Peonies Please

Peonies are one of my favorite things about Spring. They are one of those flower breeds that always appears in bloom, even when just budding. I bought a gorgeous bouquet of peonies and sunflowers at Trader Joe's a few days ago for $4.99, and they've been brightening up my kitchen window all week!

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Tulip Paradise

Off to enjoy the gorgeous local tulip fields! Have a great weekend!

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