Friday, March 30, 2012

Paradise


A little snapshot from our picnic lunch on Monday. I would give anything to be back at Liberty Lake with Chris. I've been in a bit of a funk for the past couple of days, so I'm definitely glad it's Friday. Hoping to maybe curl up with a good book and a glass of wine tonight before settling in for some much needed rest. Wishing you all a peaceful weekend.

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

the Little Big Cottage


















{ken wyner for baltimore style}

It isn't always easy combining traditional and contemporary styles and still having a cohesive end result, especially when it comes to interior designs. Oh, but when it works, it works. This amazing cottage, owned by Dan Proctor, principal/owner of Kirk Designs, and his life partner, Jeffrey Hess is the perfect balance of what they envisioned as a "little bit of Paris in Homeland."

I love everything in this home; the zebra-print rug paired with French-silk Louis XVI chairs, that awesome Jackie O blue foyer with black and white checkered floors, the Art Deco red velvet chair and abstract paintings. Ugh, gorgeous, isn't it? The dining room, designed by Hess is like "a very dark Chanel suit with white cuffs" and draperies that seemed "like a divine hostess gown, perhaps like something Gloria Vanderbilt might wear at the Biltmore," as Proctor described. And how inviting is that master bedroom? The color palette is crisp and clean, and that bed looks like it's just begging for a nap.

My absolute favorite part of the whole house is the painting in the mirrored alcove at the top of the stairs. Entitled 'A Rather 20s Woman Dancing' by an unknown Welsh artist, it was the first piece of art that Proctor and Hess ever bought together some 13 years ago in New Orleans. "We didn't have two nickels to rub together," says Hess. Proctor added, "We couldn't afford it, so when I got home, I called the gallery and asked them if I could buy it in payments." Years later, the painting now sits atop their favorite piece of furniture in the beautiful house they have made together. Home sweet home, indeed.

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Splashy Sandals

{marais usa}

I don't know about you, but growing up in the '90s I had every color jelly sandal imaginable. If you were as much of a fanatic as I was, you're going to go head over heels for these adorable woven sandals by Marais USA. They're like the grown up version of my childhood shoe obsession.

Monday, March 26, 2012

DIY Braided Hex Nut Bracelet



Hey lovelies. Hope you had a wonderful weekend. I apologize for the minimal posting last week. It's been a very busy few weeks, and truth be told I've been just trying to catch up on some rest and quality time with my loved ones. Chris and I are going to have a picnic along Liberty Lake and just relax when he gets home from work. I'm going to make a couple of these DIY hex nut bracelets originally by Honestly... WTF while we're lounging about. I've made a few in the past and just love them. They especially make great little gifts when you want to give something special and unique.


Thursday, March 22, 2012

Grumpy Old Men













I tooootally dig this idea for a Grumpy Old Men birthday party, featured on one of my favorite entertaining websites, hostess with the mostess. This "no girls allowed" event was brought to light by Ryan Haack, photographer and husband of Jesi Haack, of Jesi Haack Weddings for their close friend's 30th birthday celebration.

The guys got together for a super early start at 5:00 am to put on their old man thrift store threads and give a surprise 'coughing and hacking' wake-up call to the guest of honor. How cute do they all look in their old man ensembles?

The day was planned out for some good, solid, goofy male bonding time. Some favorites of the itinerary: long boarding by the local surf spot, breakfast before a sweet 18 holes, lunch at the local clubhouse complete with their favorite whiskey and scotch, swim races, and finally ending at the local dive bar, Goat Hill Tavern.

As much as I love a day of girly pampering, I'm a little jealous of this afternoon out with the boys. It just looks like a blast, doesn't it?


Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Eeny, Meeny, Miney...



I've definitely had kate spade on the brain lately, and these cuties are calling my name. From top to bottom: Gold Coast Lacey, Portola Valley Stacey, and Mikas Pond. Which would you pick?

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Starlight, Star Bright

{bhldn}

How freaking cute are these Stratosphere Mary Janes? I got so excited when I saw these that I spilled my coffee. True story.

Friday, March 16, 2012

Presentation of the Rose


A dance with my Godfather, Walt, at my sweet sixteen.

Wishing you a weekend full of love and cherished memories.

Thursday, March 15, 2012

a Spa Day Tea Party

{bonnie tsang}

It's been a week of extreme highs and lows so far, not just for me but some of my loved ones as well. I would love to treat them all to a day of pampering like this one. One Love Organics designed this beautiful spa tea party, featured on 100 layer cake to promote their natural skin care line. I've always been a big fan of multi-purpose products with 100% natural, non-chemical ingredients, so these might be next up on my skin care wishlist.


An added side note: tell your loved ones how much you cherish them. Every day is precious, and you never know when Heaven's call is coming.


Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Amazing DIY Wedding Suite



Yes, yes you read that correctly: DIY. Natalie Norus of Mint Love Social Club and husband-to-be Christopher Xanthakis dreamed up this incredible invitation suite for their upcoming nuptials, and I nearly fell on my face when I saw them. They began drafting ideas for the suite back in November, but only started seriously on the project in January of this year.

One of Natalie's co-workers created the amazing crest, complete with their Boston Terrier, Muji. After perfecting all their design elements, the couple scoured Etsy and the Paper Source to find their necessary materials. The final product was printed by Columbia Printing only about six weeks later-can you believe it? If you haven't noticed, I'm completely in love with these invites and in awe that Natalie and Christopher made it all happen in less than two months. What a wonderful project for the happy couple to share together before their big day!



Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Something Blue


Brides have been opting for fierce wedding heels as their 'something blue' of choice long before Carrie stepped out in her signature Manolos. While cobalt is definitely a bold statement, I'm all about these chic Tiffany blue pumps. The pearly scalloped detail is super feminine, and really, they're named Elopement Pumps. 'Nuff said.


Monday, March 12, 2012

Drink To Your Health


Hey there, lovelies. Hope you all had a wonderful weekend. I caught up with some dear conservatory friends of mine and basically ran amuck in the Big Apple. We're actually off to the Metropolitan Opera tonight to catch Gaetano Donizetti's L'elisir d'Amore. Super excited!

Before I get my day going, I'll be making myself a green smoothie for breakfast. About a month ago, my friend Robert introduced me to some delicious and healthy recipes, and I've been hooked ever since. I usually make a classic raw green smoothie with kale, spinach, banana, blueberries, honey and a splash of OJ. It's been my go-to breakfast for the past month, and I absolutely love that not only is it super yummy, but by having one I'm getting some seriously beneficial vitamins, fiber and antioxidants.

If you're not 100% ready to hop on the raw green smoothies, try one of these fantastic recipes out. I've long been a fan of Lisa Thiele of With Style & Grace and was so excited to see her featured in the latest edition of Rue Magazine. Her smoothies are all dairy and gluten free, and are perfect for getting important nutrients into your daily routine. Try them out and let me know which is your favorite!

Friday, March 9, 2012

Reflection

{instagram}

I headed over to NYU last night to catch my friend James in the final performance of Kurt Weill's Street Scene and joined the cast party at West 3rd Common after the show. I snapped a photo of one of the cast member's bouquets before closing time. The roses are beautiful, but what I really like is the cool reflection in the wrapping.

Happy weekend!

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Pub Party


I'm totally digging this idea for a beer tasting get together, dreamed up by Camille Styles. I spotted it on coco+kelley, and it was originally inspired by Martha Stewart. As previously mentioned, Chris and I seldom drink liquor. When it comes to great wine or amazing craft beers, however, that's another story.

I think it's an awesome idea to bring the gastropub trend into your own home and have a laid-back soirée with your nearest and dearest. The tablescape is masculine, yet elegant. The menu of roasted Buffalo shrimp, smokey parsnip chips, cocktail meatballs and bacon-blue cheese sandwiches sounds so delish, it's making me salivate. Top it all off with a frothy pint (or three), and you've got one heck of a party. Brownie points if you and your friends homebrew!

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