this is me...

flora and henri children's boutique

2010-04-01T16:06:00.000-07:00

I just posted this over on Pinkerblog, but I thought I'd share with you all too! Enjoy!

As I was wandering around the Capitol Hill neighborhood the other morning, I turned a corner and came across the sweetest children's boutique I have ever seen - flora and henri! Such a sweet name too! Take a look at these adorable outfits...

The sweet little bloomers remind me of the matching dresses my two sisters and I wore growing up - unhappily, of course! My mother sewed the dresses herself along with matching bloomers for underneath. For some reason, I don't remember swooning over them back then as much as I am now.

Along with the adorable clothing and toys for children, they carry many things for mothers as well including Repetto ballet flats (love!) lightweight scarves, and delicate jewelry. Such a lovely shop for the stylish & chic mother and child!

birthday wish list

2010-03-25T22:43:00.000-07:00

I'd love to ride a bicycle like this on my birthday!

sorting things out

2010-03-18T14:34:00.000-07:00

here's a post that I wanted to share that I wrote for pinkerblog, my day job's blog.

While eating lunch today and making my rounds thru my favorite blogs, I came across this very informative post on Black Eiffel about how to be more eco-conscious, including a list of books and films to read and watch to educate yourself. Personally, I've got the "conscious" part done - and how could we not when every where we turn there's reminders to recycle, eat local and ride your bike, not your suv. But beyond all that, the way to follow thru with what we already know is really about convenience and putting together a system that works for you and making it a habit.

In order to create a more convenient system here at the studio, we installed this simplehuman recycling & trash bin system under our sink a few weeks ago and let me just say, it's a dream! It's so easy to sort thru our trash, recycling and compost when it's all organized and easy to pull out and see! Simplehuman has many other designs to make organizing our trash more efficient and easy.....I'm ordering one for home too!

oh baby!

2010-03-17T17:27:00.000-07:00

I'd like to introduce you to someone special...

my godson, Everett James Kavulla!!! Born on March 15, Ev is the most precious, content and sweetest baby you've ever seen. His two older sisters godmother's just so happen to be my older sister and my best friend so I'm in excellent godmother company! It's such an honor and I can't wait to watch him grow up and have a special relationship with him and spoil him, like only a godmother can!

9 months ago must have been one hot July night because I just received more baby news! On the same day Ev was born, my friend Eric's wife had her baby! Congrats to Katie, Eric and little baby Luke! I think it's safe to say that the spring baby boom has begun because many more of my friends will start popping out their little ones over the next month! I can't wait to meet each and every one of them!

this make me giggle:

2010-03-16T21:32:00.000-07:00

"No time to marvel at his sheer luck: Larry just ran."

Unhappy Hipsters continuously makes me laugh. I can't help it. The captions are just so clever! And the architecture and decor isn't too bad either.

do you know what these are?

2010-03-05T17:20:00.000-08:00

they're an early birthday present to MYSELF, that's what these are!

interior inspiration

2010-03-05T12:45:00.000-08:00

lounge-style seating, comfy enough to sink into while throwing your feet up on the large tiled coffee table....marquee letters....mid-century modern stools.....and a photo booth! The Ace Hotel in Portland is pure inspiration!

happy {early} valentine's day!

2010-02-12T19:33:00.000-08:00

Well, now it wouldn't be Valentine's Day weekend without posting a few romantic photos for everyone to swoon over, right? So when I saw these engagement photos & the interview of Jillian and Ed from The Bachelorette I knew these were it!

Looks like things are going well for this once on the rocks couple...they look so happy! I love the photos of them bundled up in the car with a cup of tea...they make me want to take a winter road trip!

Happy Valentine's Day weekend! I hope you're all bundled up somewhere warm with the one's you love!

images by Wedded Bliss Photography

Luca

2010-02-11T09:47:00.000-08:00

A year ago Scott Schuman (aka The Sartorialist) snapped a photo of this lovely creature (and son of famous Italian tailor Mariano Rubbinaci ) and now he's back! Luca Rubinacci....be still my heart.

(image via The Sartorialist)

how to make it in america

2010-02-10T13:41:00.000-08:00

I just watched the pilot for this new show and it's my favourite!

"How to Make It in America" is from the makers of Entourage (yes, that means Mark Wahlberg is behind the scenes) and a cast made up of Bryan Greenberg (major crush on him ever since October Road & the film Prime) Lake Bell (gorgeous), Shannyn Sossamon (gorgeous) and Kid Cudi ("Day 'N Night" rapper slash actor), this show is about two enterprising Brooklyn twenty somethings who are determined to make it big in the NYC fashion scene. And the episode's soundtrack is amazing too. done, done and done!

Thank God you can watch it on online because I don't have HBO (sorry HBO people).

Lonny #3

2010-02-10T12:32:00.000-08:00

Lonny (aka the new online magazine that is like crack for a design inspiration junky like me!) 3rd Issue is now available online!!

This issue's front cover story really caught my eye. Two sisters with two different style aesthetics, decorating two apartments with the same layout...love it! One's a little glam/modern, the other a bit traditional/bohemian but their styles overlapped in more ways than one. It looks like the perfect mix and match of styles with their true personalities coming out in every room. I couldn't help but think of my three sisters and wonder what we'd come up with if we did that! We all have very different personalities and styles, but on certain (read: important) things we agree!

Here are just a few things that caught my eye:

These sheets are a must (yes, I see that they are pink. And yes, I realize that me liking these is going against everything I've ever stood for!)

Love the bold, graphic wallpaper!

Hanging copper pots! What can I say?...it's an obsession that runs in the family!

Beautiful, chunky jewelry organized to perfection! (Oh, and I'll take that caplet at the bottom, too!)

Dare I say, Lonny is quite possibly better than Domino?!

social media replacement therapy

2010-02-09T15:04:00.000-08:00

While wine tasting this weekend (where I was obviously spending a lot of time playing with my new camera and texting/tweeting to tell everyone that I bought it) a friend of mine said, "I feel bad for your future boyfriend, you're always on your iphone!" Now, I took his slightly sarcastic remark with a grain of salt, because he too uses his iphone almost more than me. But still, he does have a point. Hmm...

my new G11. Ain't it grand?

2010-02-07T10:38:00.000-08:00

After much thought, consideration, and a lot of pressure from a few people who will (for now) go unmentioned, I bought a new, fancy camera yesterday!

It's been a long process of contemplating, researching and driving back and forth from the camera store and playing 20 questions with the sales man. For the past few months, I've wanted an entry level Nikon dslr, like this or this. But last week, after I put the money aside and vowed to purchase a camera this week, I started to call around to stores and come to find out - the cameras I was once considering are now discontinued. so lame. After all that research, I am back at square one. crap. After a day of sulking, I convinced myself that the newer models, the d3000 or d5000 would be sufficient choices. That was 24 hrs ago, and I have now come out of that decision and done a complete 180 and decided to not only not buy a dslr, but it's not even a Nikon (gasp!)! I concluded that a more portable camera with the features that I knew I would love and use would be a far better choice than a fancy, bulky dslr, where the only option I was really loving was the fact that I could change lenses, and I probably wouldn't be doing that for a while after I dropped my savings money on the body alone!

So I got this:

And I couldn't be happier. The G11 is a little bit vintage and a lot top of the line technology - perfect for me. Here's a few of the first photos I took with my new camera:

Not too bad, eh?

More to come...

aritzia spring lookbook

2010-02-05T10:45:00.000-08:00

Excuse me while I drool over Aritzia's Spring 2010 Lookbook...

clutch

2010-02-05T02:07:00.000-08:00

Ever since I saw this photo, I've been scouring the web for a fashionable, yet affordable, fold over clutch! And I am happy to announce that I may just have found what I've been looking for!

It was fate that I stumbled up on these lovely Marketa linen bags. I love the casual elegance of the silver threaded linen...it's like hippie meets hipster! She not only has the fold over clutch bags, but a smaller zipper pouch for purse organization or makeup bag! Love that! Oh, and at that price, I might just buy one in every color!

(image via Stockholm Street Style)

i'm a hustler, baby.

2010-02-02T10:05:00.000-08:00

I'd love to put this above my desk at work to remind me to have fun with the craziness that is life! Also, if you look up hustlin' on urban dictionary it will make you laugh. a lot.

via Paper Jam Press

this is happiness

2010-01-31T21:11:00.000-08:00

a polka dot dress and heart shaped purse reminds me of summertime (which I am currently missing. alot)

image via Mr Newton

one.twenty nine.twenty ten.

2010-01-29T14:37:00.000-08:00

oh, Milla. You slay me.

Now, here are just a few observations I (and maybe you) have made:

1) I've begun a slight obsession with leggy brunettes recently. That strikes me as odd because I am, for one, a happy heterosexual female and two, blonde.

2) How did she get on that sandy beach in those fabulous heels? I've ruled out teleportation, so someone probably carried her there. And you know that just made some lowly set assistants ~~day~~ year!

3) I will be spending the weekend at this winter wonderland. It may not be the beach Milla is on, but it will have beer pong, snow and a waterslide! Now that I've typed that out, it sounds a little like Animal House on ice.

4) I never say "slay". so weird.

*this post is dedicated to Lo, who has begged me all week to post something. I bet she regrets that now.

image via dress, design, decor

loving liv

2010-01-20T18:26:00.000-08:00

How can you hate her?

Seriously. She's perfection.

cool kids

2010-01-07T08:18:00.000-08:00

I've been picking up teen vogue long after my teenage year have come and gone. The design & style aesthetic is fresh and not just for the kids.

signature style. check!

2010-01-05T18:05:00.000-08:00

I see myself in so many elements of this outfit. Slouchy wool coat. Check! Opaque black tights. Check! Over-sized pashmina. Check! Platform booties. Check!

If I had a signature style, this comes close to it!

Now, where can I get myself a pair of those gloves. love em!

(via The Sartarialist)

camera lust

2010-01-03T23:29:00.000-08:00

I'm shopping for a new camera (it will play a big part in my NY resolution...more on that later) and this baby is just beautiful. I'll spare you all the nerdy details, but this camera is amazing. I couldn't of said it better than this:

"I like walking around Chicago with the GF1 on my shoulder. It gives me that feeling of Leica superiority without the expense. The Micro Four Thirds system may have originated in Japan, but the romance of shooting on the latest systems is purely European. For the first time in a long time, a piece of electronics has made me long for an era and a place that I never knew. Every soccer mom tourist in Chicago has a dSLR. They may take prettier photos than I do, but damn do I long to be different once in a while. And I'm here to say that, if you crave a Micro Four Thirds for the same reason, it's my opinion that the GF1 works well enough that, well, that's OK. I'm just not trading my dSLR for one."

I agree. My thoughts exactly.

2009: a year in photographic review

2010-01-02T20:19:00.000-08:00

In keeping with tradition, I had to recap the past year by reviewing the memories that were made and the photos that were taken.

The year got off to a rocky start in January when I broke my foot the day before our company moved office locations. I spent the first 4 months of 2009 hobbling around on crutches thru a lot of snow and ice with a huge plastic boot on my right food but I was determined to not let it get me down...

Once the boot came off, I started practicing bikram yoga and found a new love for running- who knew I was a runner?! I spent many Saturday mornings exploring the city....

On a weekend trip to California, I learned the process of making wine - from barreling to bottling...

In the fall, I took a trip to the Tennessee to visit friends and became obcessed with taco trucks and queso dip...

Before the rain set in, I escaped the city and fell in love with road side fruit & vegetable stands and crabbing...

Then there was the wedding...

and now I have a brother...

Oh, and I also became a sports fan!

So, what's in store for 2010? My godson Everett James will be born, a wedding in pdx will take place and I will be buying a new camera in hopes that 2010 will be well documented!

Cheers! x

weekend getaway

2009-05-04T09:08:00.000-07:00

hello, my little tulips!

Here is a present for you all. It's a small glimpse of what I spent my weekend looking at....TULIPS!

I had to "Get Out Of The City and Into The Country" getaway weekend in the Skagit Valley (like, totally!) and on the beach on a little island called Camano. I frolicked through the fields of rainbow colored tulips, stopped along the side of the road for fresh asparagus and Halibut, got my feet stuck in sinking sand along the shore, ran home through a torrential downpour, drank wine and played Scrabble and fell asleep listening to waves crash and rain drops on my window.

It was perfect.

I think I would like to move to the country and open a fruit & veg stand on the side of the road and walk around barefoot all the time. Yes, I'd like that a lot.

xoxo

family photo

2009-04-29T17:29:00.000-07:00

Now this is my kind of family photo. These photos were taken in Central Park, but don't they look Parisian? Oui, I know! If my kids turn out as cute as Design Mom's, then I'll be happy!

Oh! And their kids names are Betty, Oscar, Olive, Maude and Ralph! Love it!

Paris in the fall

2009-04-29T09:22:00.000-07:00

This is me and my adorable little sister in Paris last summer. She's moving to Paris in the fall to study fashion, which means....

I'm going to Paris in the fall!!!!

I'm so looking forward to running around that beautiful city with her again!

(last four photos by little brown pen)

blog cautioning:

2009-04-22T21:37:00.000-07:00

How great is this girl, right? I was just sent the link for her new blog 'we're all mad here' and I just have to say that out of uncontrollable excitement, I pee'd my pants a lil bit.

You're going to want to follow this blog.

And wear Depends.

Trust me.

And thank you Jasa for bringing me out of my blogging coma. It had been one month since my last blog. Forgive me?

growing pains

2009-03-14T09:25:00.000-07:00

I chopped my fringe (that's bangs for those non-euros who aren't in "the know")a few weeks ago for that full, straight across look but now they're growing out and I can't decided what to do: chop again or keep growing for the side-swept look? This gal has the perfect "in-between" bangs that I desire and will try to re-create for now.

(image by Le Fashion)

future husband: take note!

2009-03-10T23:31:00.000-07:00

this proposal is about the cutest thing I've heard of!!

gosh, i just love hearing about people in love.
i love being in love.
love is great!
Which is why when I came across this blog, Rockstar Diaries (great name, btw!) by a newly married couple who live in NYC and chronicle their love and adventures I, for lack of a better word, fell in love! So I suggest you curl up and spend an hour scrolling through their posts. It radiates love. Then afterward, go ahead and give someone a kiss and tell them you LOVE them.

simple luxuries

2009-03-09T18:19:00.000-07:00

It's been a month since I've blogged. Woops! Life's been so busy... I can barely keep up with all the fun things that are happening! I'm not complaining tho - keep it coming!

I really should start becoming more organized though, and I'm thinking an old classic men's clothing valet is what I need. How great would it be to wake up to all your lovely clothes laid out, ready to be put on?

sweet sweater

2009-02-12T17:31:00.000-08:00

mmmm....i think i might need this sweater from Impulse, like, asap.
the back of this is amazing. So cozy and chic.

wanna have a dance party?

2009-02-11T16:22:00.000-08:00

Friendly Fires. My new favorite band that I can't for the life of me stop listening to. And for some crazy reason, I couldn't post the video I was dying to share with you on this blog, so it's here on my music - related blog that I barely post on anymore. :) Enjoy your dance party that will soon come from their contagiously head bobbing tunes!

fruit & veg

2009-02-11T16:20:00.000-08:00

Here's what came today in my organic fruit & veg seasonal bin from New Roots Organics!!

2 Braeburn Apples
1 Rio Star Grapefruit
2 D'Anjou Pears
2 Minneola Tangelos
2 Medium Yellow Onions
1 bunch of Broccoli
1 Gold Pepper
1 head of Green Butter Lettuce
1 lb Klamath Pearl Potatoes (an Heirloom waxy variety)
1 bunch of Tuscan Kale
1 Bunched Carrots
1 Hass Avos

I'm really starting to love getting these every other week. Everything is organically grown and as local as they can get it! I look forward to it every Tuesday and usually spend most of the day scheming and planning recipes to make. And I don't even have to do that because they always include a recipe in my bin to go along with one of items - this week it was Roasted Pear & Butter Lettuce Salad! Yum! They also have a great website with information on what you're about to receive, how to store it all and recipes for just about everything! I had some carrots left over from my last order so I used those in the carrot bread I made tonight!

Looks good, huh?

casual monday

2009-02-09T15:40:00.000-08:00

I spent my Monday being just a girl relaxing at Ladro, sipping latte's, listening to new tunes and catching up on my blogs. Here's a roundup of what I came across today...

It would be nice to work in a flower shop.

I'd love to have a bookshelf full of these.

I'm not the only one who seems to be digging up their deco files.

tweed is like denim to Americans - you can't go wrong.

don't you wish you blogged from here??

we're on the same page - you can never have enough Chocolate

fashion bloggers look good, obviously.

These would definitely get me to drink more (than usual). hehe.

vintage modern

2009-02-09T14:54:00.000-08:00

I just took this quiz (via Decorology) on Sproost to define my decorating style and they pretty much nailed me on the head - Vintage Modern. And here's what it has to say about my style:

Flea Market, anyone? You know you are drawn to modern furniture and interiors, and yet you don't like a space that feels cold and sterile. And who could blame you? That's why Vintage Modern is so appealing to you. Though the backdrop of the room, the walls and windows, are many times white or monochromatic, the furniture and accessories have the color, shape and texture to bring the warmth into the space.

The great thing about Vintage Modern is ease of mixing different styles in the one space. You can have a new modular sofa mixed with a great pair of chairs that your grandmother purchased in the late 1950's. The new and old work appear as though they were destined for each other. Even if you don't have time for swap meets and garage sales, so many of the mid-century pieces were so great that they have been remade and mimicked year after year.

After your style has been defined, they give you some pictures and furniture pieces to go along with your style. And I love them all!

childhood memories turned into decoration

2009-02-08T14:05:00.000-08:00

As I was going through my Deco file on Domino and saving all the inspirational photos I can find, I came across these cute vases that are actually individually sized Martinelli apple juice bottles and it got me thinking... when I was younger, my mom would pick us up from school and sometimes we'd stop by this bakery in McKenry Village (right, Whit?) and we'd sit and sip Martinelli's out of bottles just like these. If I could find those again, I'd die!

goodbye

2009-02-07T11:56:00.000-08:00

I thought everyone had heard the news by now but when I informed my friend Anne last night of the demise of Domino Magazine she was shocked. She had not heard the news yet - obviously, because she just sent them her $20 dollar subscription check (i doubt she'll be getting that back!). It occurred to me that it's only old news to me because it's been circling the blogs that I obsessively read daily for a week now. And since I saw the news all over, and everyone was posting about it, I decided not to. But now after reading the Editors Note, I feel like I must. So here are just a few, but significant inspirational moments from my Domino reading days....

may 2005...love at first sight: the very first Domino cover

i remember seeing this cover and obsessing over Ione Skye's bedroom. I still think about that house and come back to it's pictures regularly for inspiration

Jessie Randal (of Loeffler Randall) on the September '06 cover - her clean, chic and girly style was an obvious translation from her home into her clothing and shoe designing

this was the cover from just a few months ago where they featured the indie fashion and hip boutiques of Seattle and J.Crew creative director Jenna Lyons home - which has lead me to become obsessed with painting my living room that same shade!

Thankfully, Nick Olsen, the deals and decorating blogger from Domino is still blogging...just in a different spot. Phew! I wonder how many other Domino bloggers will continue their inspiration elsewhere?

Now, excuse me while I voraciously save all my Deco files and images from Dominomag.com!

update on the war:

2009-02-05T21:38:00.000-08:00

I've narrowed it down to 3: the willow, potomac and lounge chaise. I've ordered multiple colored samples in all styles and I'll let you know my thoughts as soon as I receive the samples in the mail.

Also, I'm looking for a handsome gentleman to escort me to Crate & Barrel on Saturday to "test out" the chairs. Sufficient cuddling on couches will be involved, but don't worry....it's all in the name of research. Any takers??

spotted:

2009-02-05T12:35:00.000-08:00

just saw these on anthropologie and i'm seriously crushing. They're ahhhmazing!

i've lost that bloggin' feeling...

2009-02-03T13:23:00.001-08:00

I don't know why it is, maybe it's because work's been crazy lately and after work I haven't had a lot of time to unwind. I'm constantly wound. blah.

I'm waiting for something inspirational...and when it hits....watch out.

images via Overflowing

the anthropologie of britain

2009-01-29T09:14:00.000-08:00

I love that by the time i wake up in the morning, my inbox is full of messages. Some from friends who are awake a lot earlier than me and some are great deals from the many companies daily emails I prescribe to. Toast is one of those companies and I couldn't believe the amazing sale they're having right now. Although, it's still in British pounds (that means times two and a little more for us Americans) there are incredibly deals on there! Not to mention, their catalog is beautiful to look at...

a bit dishevelled.

2009-01-27T23:23:00.000-08:00

I love rumpled sheets and un-done beds...it looks so inviting.

image via knight cat

these two are perfection.

2009-01-27T23:00:00.000-08:00

I've loved Albert Hammond Jr ever since I saw him a few years ago in Glasgow - I even bought a t-shirt at his show (and I never buy the t-shirts) and I love Agy because she reminds me of my dear, kindred spirit-of-a-friend Jasa, who rocks the short hair 'do, Willy Wonka shoes and makes me wish I were 18 all over again.

Now Al & Agy are engaged and gracing the pages of Vogue together...

tear

2009-01-26T16:06:00.000-08:00

let me try to wipe the tears away so i can write this post.

sorry, that was a bit dramatic, but seriously, today is not a happy day. And I'll tell you why:

I visited the orthopedic doctor this morning (a man with a REAL foot fetish!) to get a better sense of my foot's recovery and since the foots been feeling a bit better lately, I was anticipating him telling me I can take the large, black boot I've been wearing off whenever I feel like it. Ha! Oh, was I wrong! Not only did he NOT tell me to take the boot off but he took more x-rays and a MRI and realized that my foot's broken in a different spot than I'd originally thought. So now he wants a CT scan to see if we have to operate. OPERATE?! WTF? I tripped on a curb and this could lead to an operation!? This is ridiculous!

So after all the tests we talk "recovery activity schedule". Since foot injuries take the longest amount of time to heal, I must keep wearing the boot for another 6 weeks!...and no running until April, especially yoga and pilates, as those exercises put too much pressure on foot joints! I think the doctor could tell those words: "until April" were a little too much for me to handle as my cheeks got really red and I started to feel lightheaded and hot. Although, he did tell me that I can swim and use the stationary bike to get exercise, so it's not all bad news, as long as the CT scan comes back ok. I can't imagine recovering from a surgery. I've seen enough of Kevin's recovery process first-hand to want to stay far away from that!

After news like that (and on a Monday, no less!) I'm going to need a strong, strong drink tonight.

laptop? lap- HOT

2009-01-23T15:33:00.000-08:00

Amazing, right?! It would only be too easy for me to drop 220 Euros on that amazing piece. My thoughtful friend Matt directed me to Rainier Spehl's website, where they not only design this sexy laptop case but they have amazing installations and interiors like the one below!

Thanks Matty for the highlight of my day!

while I'm at it...

2009-01-21T22:47:00.000-08:00

I fancy these men too!

and I agree with the commentary on this new fashion blog I found, 17 blocks from barneys, about Daniel's suit...ultra slim fit is sexy.

because I can...

2009-01-21T21:57:00.000-08:00

...I'll just say that this man is handsome and embodies many qualities I find attractive in a man.

and we'll leave it at that.

image via The Sartorialist.

sigh

2009-01-21T21:15:00.001-08:00

I'm dreaming of you...

Obviously, my foot is still recovering, but making progress...slowly. I'm done with the crutches and The Vicodin (thank GOD!) but I have a feeling I'll be wearing the boot for another couple weeks. Today was also the first time in the last week where i was able to stay at my house alone and drive myself to and from work.

So...as soon as the boot comes off, I'm going out to buy me some expensive sexy high heels!

loving you more and more

2009-01-16T13:37:00.000-08:00

Whenever you're sick, you really see clearly who the people are that truly care for you. So many people have asked how I've been and have been taking care of me hourly, and I appreciate it so much! So, when I came across this on this blog I knew it was meant to be! I just wanted to let you know that I love you all and I love you more than...

and last, but not least...

This could be the vicodin talking, but oh well. hehe!

studio lust

2009-01-16T12:23:00.000-08:00

Oh clumsy me! A couple days ago I tripped (yes, tripped...while stepping up onto a super slippery curb) and sprained and fractured my right foot. After a trip to the ER, a big boot to wear on my foot, crutches and a bottle full of vicodin, i'm at home resting up. So, while i catch up on my blogging as I lay low for a while, head on over to pinker blog for some office inspiration and a sneak peak of what I've got floating around in my head for our new office space! It's going to be great!

xo

2 of my favorites in one...

2009-01-16T11:06:00.000-08:00

iphone and cupcakes!

via AT Unplugged

"the whole extent of the heavens"

2009-01-14T00:30:00.000-08:00

That is the Latin definition for Totokaelo, the online expansion of Impluse boutique, one of my favorite's in Seattle...or any city, for that matter! Each piece of clothing in there is unique and sooo Euro chic. Their blog is one I browse daily for style inspiration, as they put together the best outfits and now they've expanded their website and personalized it! You apply to become a member and after you're accepted you then create a page for yourself where you can save items you ♥, answer questions like what are your signature items, style inspiration and favorite places to stay, dine and more!
You can also get to know other members online and see what styles they're into now. Best thing about the customized website is that you can ♥ your favorite items and when they go on sale, Impulse will alert you. Love that!

p.s. Katie, I know you're going to want to get on this asap!

is there such a thing as too much inspiration?

2009-01-13T23:05:00.000-08:00

I can (and have been known to) get lost in Living Etc's online gallery for hours. Seriously. It's horrible. But wonderful, at the same time.

this is my dream set up - perfect for entertaining!
i can't help but love lofty, vaulted celings and open floor plans
a cozy corner for reading, writing and snuggling up
it's way too easy to picture handsome Euro husband, four kids (plus dog!) and myself living in this place

2009 calendar picks

2009-01-13T19:06:00.000-08:00

The hours and days seem to fly by so fast lately...I mean, the other day I convinced myself (and Penny!) that it was Tuesday, when it was really Wednesday! In order to keep track of my days, I'm searching for the perfect calendar to display on my desk at work or hang beside it. So until Pinkerton starts designing calendars, here are my choices:

kirtland house press
linda & harriet

sure as blue...these are postcards as well. perfect to send to a friend when the month is over, right?
ink & wit & pistachio press
flora and fauna

so??...which ones do you think would be best?

getting away.

2009-01-12T09:54:00.000-08:00

I got back late last night from my weekend getaway in Arizona. It's always so nice going down there, espcially on the spur of the moment. I needed to escape Seattle and retreat for a few days and my parents home feels like the perfect spa retreat - it's relaxing, cozy and the food is amazing. And the sunsets. Oh, the sunsets. It was also fun surprising my little sister for her birthday. She's studying at The Art Institute of Phoenix, but previously she was a Delta Zeta at ASU and let me tell you...they really know how to party down there!

Now I'm back to the cold and rain, but looking forward to a girls night tonight, as we get together to watch *The Bachelor!

FYI: I do NOT take that show seriously. It's more for mindless entertainment and good reason to get together with the girls and giggle.

my perfect relationship.

2009-01-07T18:08:00.001-08:00

I used to have this photo from the movie Alfie posted on my now non-existent myspace page (old school, right!? It's all about FB now!) and I loved it. It reminded me of the kind of relationship that I love and Le Love just reminded me of it's perfection.

loungin'

2009-01-07T09:56:00.000-08:00

2009 is going to be the year where I finally get serious about decorating. I think I've come to figure out what type of atmosphere I want in my place...now I just need to decorate it accordingly!

First things first: A great lounge-y sofa that just screams "come and cuddle on me!" These from cb2 look about right. What do you think?

Oh, and you can't have the "lounge appeal" without a soothing, warm, calming wall color and this color is just the perfect shade of greyish-blue I've been searching for...

craving something colorful.

2009-01-07T09:50:00.000-08:00

I'm really craving these mugs that I blogged about over at Pinkerton. The Pantone colors are perfectly design-y. I must get some for my new office asap!

wtf seattle

2009-01-04T19:24:00.000-08:00

more snow??!!

really?!

c'mon now. I thought we got this out of our system a week ago?

a year in photos.

2009-01-02T14:41:00.000-08:00

just a few of my scenic snapshots of the last year.

sandy beaches on the east coast...
flying above the clouds with Rainier in view...
scenic drives in France...
miles of grapes in Tuscany...
sunsets in the dessert...
hidden moments in eastern washington...

reflecting on the year that's passed.

2009-01-01T14:19:00.000-08:00

Someday someone might come into your life and love you the way you’ve always wanted. If your someday was yesterday, learn. If your someday is tomorrow, hope. If your someday is today, cherish. by Anonymous

I've been sitting here for hours - the sun has set, my third cup of tea's gone cold and I'm one and a half red velvet cupcakes in - staring at a blank screen, not knowing where to begin to sum up the year that was 2008. So many memories, people and places that have come and gone. There were highs and lows that came and went just like the seasons, and now as I sit and survey those memories, all I can do is smile.

What will 2009 have in store for me? I couldn't tell ya. I was amazed at all the experiences, people and places that I was fortunate to be a part of this last year. If this new year is anything like the last, it cannot be missed.

So, au revoir 2008, hello 2009! Today is a great day. All past mistakes are not quite erased, but fading day by day and all strengths and memories acquired in the year that's passed stay with us and I continue to learn from them. Some resolutions will be kept and some will (most likely) be broken, but year after year the resolution that stays is love. Always love.

Last, but not least, thank you to every one who has been a part of my life in the last year. You are all loved greatly.

xoxo,

b

(photo via overflowing)

admittance is the first step to recovery.

2008-12-29T21:54:00.000-08:00

hi. my names bethany. and I'm an addict.

ok, don't get too worried. It's not that serious. I'm just addicted to blogs!

It's more than a habit, really. blogging is an addiction that is not easily curbed because just when I've become bored with seeing the same 'ol stuff, my partner in 'blogging' crime, Katie unveils more of her favorite blogs, which soon become my favorite blogs. For instance, I've just spent the last hour drooling over page after page of this blog. It's all about her wedding and the planning of every last detail that went into it and I'm loving it all. Letterpressed custom coasters? I die. Jars of homemade jam as place settings?! I'm totally stealing that idea!

Oh, and just when you think this chick might be having a hayride and some old dude in overalls playing a washing board at her wedding, she pulls these out! Love it.

why oh why is there so much clever crap out there that lures me in. I really have no willpower at all.

Now, who wants to be my sponsor?

i am the eternal optimist

2008-12-29T01:35:00.000-08:00

via overflowing

assume the position

2008-12-29T01:04:00.000-08:00

physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness - Joseph Pilates

After spending an hour at the Lululemon store today buying loads of new workout clothes, I went to the gym. After a few too many weeks of not going, and on top of eating Mom's cooking and drinking Dad's wine for the past 2 weeks, it was long over due. And while I was at the gym, I stumbled upon the Pilates room and as soon as I saw the reformer and chair, my heart skipped a beat. I ran right over and assumed the position.
It felt so great getting back into the positions and routine. It's been over a year since I've regularly been doing Pilates and that's just sad. There was a time when I was doing regular classes - twice a week for years. Nowadays, I do the occasional mat routine to keep up with the exercises and make sure I don't forget all that I've learned, but there's nothing like being strapped into the machines and stretching, pulling and contorting your body into all sorts of odd positions that just feels sooo right. It's the best feeling in the world. Such a great feeling, in fact, that I wonder why I just don't go to school to become an instructor. It's a big dream of mine...and a dream that I don't want to not come true. One day, I just might have to drop everything that seems like it's more important, and really pursue my trainers license. I don't want to look back on my life with regrets or what if's or excuses. I want to live it to the fullest, in every way possible.

confession:

2008-12-28T15:58:00.000-08:00

cool kids.

2008-12-23T22:31:00.000-08:00

I stumbled across a new blog today, Pike/Pine, that incorporates two of my most favorite things - stylish people and Seattle. This blog is Seattle's answer to inspirational street style.

my first pressie of the season...

2008-12-23T21:45:00.001-08:00

The sticker says it all.

These packages are my favorite to receive. They've traveled far across the pond to get to me and it's always a welcomed surprise as I unwrap it. This time it was a handmade tartan notebook and cute little ornaments from Becs! Perfect!

You're the best Becs! Happy Christmas to you! xxx

That's the secret I'll never tell.

2008-12-23T21:12:00.000-08:00

Everyone has a secret.

Whatever your secret is - good, bad, scandalous, illegal - everyone has one and you're not alone. If in doubt, peruse this blog for some entertainment. And if you have to get your secret off your chest, send it in.

if you haven't heard...

2008-12-22T23:00:00.000-08:00

It's like, a blizzard in Seattle! The city that averages 3 inches of snow per year, we've been blessed with over a foot within the last week. It makes for an interesting pre-Christmas week, as I still have not bought one single gift. Oh well, it's not about the gifts this year, anyway. I've been hunkering down at my parents house deep in the woods for the last few days because the scenery there is too good to be true, as well as the comfort food, bottom-less wine glasses and wintery midnight walks....

translation please?

2008-12-22T22:44:00.000-08:00

*The blog i just shared with you below is now translated into English. Hooray!

Although, I still might browse it in French. It just makes it that much better.

*Clemence is like, my favorite. Of all time.

bearded man...a bad sign?

2008-12-22T12:10:00.000-08:00

I love men with beards. It's a known fact. I can't help myself. I've loved, liked and lusted after a few in my lifetime....

So, are beards a sign of a bad enonomy? Some ( the WSJ ) would think so! Read the article and decide for yourself!

via A Cup of Jo and The Sartorialist

c'est la perfection

2008-12-09T14:57:00.000-08:00

i just stumbled across this blog and Fell. In. Love. There is nothing I love more than fashionable French people and this site has all that and more. And the fact that it's in French adds to it's allure, not to mention the inspiring hairstyles for my upcoming appointment with bella sylist extraordinaire Val. I have the ever-so-popular side fringe going right now, but the Parisian-esqe THICK fringe is growing on me...check out the options!

via .V

21 days till Christmas Gift Guide...Give a Little Love

2008-12-04T13:03:00.000-08:00

Ok, this gift's for me! Everyone knows how obcessed I am with bracelets, bangles, and anything to put around my wrist and Cartier Love Charity bracelet would be the ultimate luxury gift this year. The bracelets are made with 18kt rose and white gold rings on a colored silk cord. Different colored cords represent different charities and with every bracelet that is sold, Cartier will donate $200 to that charity. If you're going to spend $1000 on a bracelet, why not have it be for a good cause, right?

Also, check out the beautiful website for music playlists and video vignettes directed by Olivier Dahan...all in the name of Love.

23 days till Christmas Gift Guide ...It's getting personal

2008-12-02T14:31:00.000-08:00

You know that there's always someone in your family who has just about everything they'd need or want and you're always struggling to find them the perfect gift. Look no further...

For the person who's hard to buy for - take the classics and make it personal:

I'm a sucker for monograms and initials. Initials are my way of showing effection and nicknaming people and these copper necklaces are a perfect way to do that!

Everyone's wearing cardigans and sweaters these days, but take this cozy gift to the next level and personalize it! J.crew will monogram just about any of their cashmere sweaters like this one above.

These metallic leather pouches by Anya Hindmarch are perfect as wallets for nights out or a cute way to organize the things that seem to float around our bags. They are cleverly engraved with things such as: "martini money", "passport/tickets", "girlie stuff" and "Euros".

25 days of Christmas Gift Guide

2008-12-02T13:52:00.000-08:00

Everyday from now until December 25th, I will be posting some great gifts that I find! I hope they give you some great ideas and if not, it's really just a place for me to keep track of the things I like!

Since I missed yesterday, here's a couple gift ideas for today's post!

For the quirky, silly, comedian in your life who can always lighten the mood:

This knitted mustache is amazing and reminds me of the wine party I hosted, not too long ago.

For your friend who became a little too obsessed with Twilight and has a poster of Robert Pattenson on her ceiling:

It's a recycled wooden Scrabble tile that says: "Edward can bite my pillow, break my headboard, and bruise my body anyday."
Many other cute pendents here!

thinking about jane.

2008-11-29T10:53:00.000-08:00

while flipping through the channels the other day, I stumbled onto the last 15 minutes of the film "The Jane Austen Book Club". From not seeing the whole film, I assume that as the characters in the film read all of Austen's books, it brings each couple closer together and into a better understanding of themselves and life. Looked nice enough to me. Well, that got me thinking about my friend Ashley who is obsessed and totally infatuated with all things Jane Austen. If you're not careful, she'll sneakily find a way to convince you to watch Pride & Prejudice with her- the BBC version, which is 4 hrs long! She has been living in Namibia for the last year, but soon she will fly home! I can't wait to have her back so we can sit at a coffee shop for hours reading, or writing or chatting. She's taught me many things, like how to drive a stick-shift car before we took a long roadtrip to Des Moines. 7 years after we've met, and although life can take you in different directions (AFRICA!!) I'm still so happy to have her in my life and can't wait to welcome her home with open arms!

So, that whole story has led me here, to my next reading book: Jane Austen's Persuasion. A I read it, I will think of you Ashley Jane. Come home soon!

think again. and again, and again, and again...etc

2008-11-21T13:57:00.000-08:00

Think. Again. by The Atlantic is a great site where they ask and answer thought- provoking questions such as When is evil cool? Is America still the land of opportunity? Which religion will win? Why does your dog pretend to like you? There are clips, photos and interviews of every day people trying to answer these questions. Go and think!

Chevron says:

2008-11-21T13:38:00.000-08:00

"Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it."

My friendly, neighborhood Chevron station always has thoughtful quotes posted on a board outside. I will try to share them with you as often as I can.

Enjoy your weekend!

Rx

2008-11-21T09:15:00.000-08:00

I woke up this morning feeling a bit under the weather. Uh oh. All this fun is finally catching up to me it seems.

***still not feeling super. Looks like tonight I may be curled up on the couch with a book, tea and popping a Tylenol PM or two at 8pm sharp. Rest up friends...I hope whatever's going around doesn't take you down with me.

some things I've learned.

2008-11-20T18:18:00.000-08:00

love is not black and white.

it's not simple. or easy.

things can get messy, complicated and confusing.

listen to your heart, not your head.

just keep moving forward.

reading bloody books

2008-11-18T16:39:00.000-08:00

Before my recent trip to DC (which i have yet to blog about...I know. I'm sorry!) when I was in desperate need of a new book, my friend, Katie recommended Twilight by Stephenie Meyer to me. The novel is geared toward young adults but adults are just as obsessed with this suspenseful thriller about the lives of vampires growing up in Forks, Washington, which is located on the Olympic Peninsula and was chosen as the place of residence for the vampires because it is the rainiest place on earth, so says Google. I was a little weary to read the book, as vampires and teen romance novels are not my go-to book reads, but Katie told me it was the perfect book for traveling - a page-turner type book that you can really lose yourself in...and well, she was right! After 2, 5 hr long flights and layovers in airports, I finish the book and became OBSESSED! Thank God there are 3 more books in the series. The second, New Moon, I bought last night and expect to finish in a couple days.

The Twilight series has a cult following, much like how Harry Potter started out, which was evident to me as the flight attendant, Starbucks barista, women on the metro and Barnes & Noble employee all excitedly commented on me reading the book. This Friday, the first film based on the book comes out into theaters. I can't wait to see it..with Katie, of course!

Red or White?

2008-11-16T14:01:00.000-08:00

The 2nd Annual Wine Party was a great success! It turned into a mustache tattoo extravaganza!! It started off with some select wines from my Dad's cellar....

Best dressed award went to Katie...I love the sweater dress, side pony tail & Sam Edelman ankle-strap ballet flats! Perfect!

Anne was sporting the ribbon & bow headband...so GG of her!

Reggie & Matt had the same thought...Argyle is the way to go!

Lovely ladies...

My beautiful sister...

The inspiration for the mustache tattoo began with Kevin...

Very French...

I'm so glad that Reggie's back! Carley...you're a lucky lady!

Senor Rico & Senorita Rosana

serious 'staches....

Until next year....

once upon a time...

2008-11-14T09:52:00.000-08:00

a little french girl tells the cutest story in the whole wide world!!!

Once upon a time... from Capucha on Vimeo.

hot off the press

2008-11-13T15:10:00.000-08:00

The Pike's Place Market news stand. This is heaven to me.

xoxo

2008-11-12T13:16:00.000-08:00

i am back from the wedding in DC...i need a bit more time to re-coop and piece together the amazing, exciting weekend but for now check this blog out! I swoon over these images.

I don't know why I've been in such a lovey-dovey mood lately, but I like it and I'm holding onto the romantic thoughts and feelings in my head for as long as i can!

via A Cup Of Joe

i am..

2008-10-28T00:43:00.000-07:00

an insomniac.

it's 12:53am and I'm awake. Wide awake.

I initially blame it on a past relationship with someone who lived in another country and at the time a normal person should go to sleep was the time when he was waking up...so I would stay up. And that led to many sleepless nights or just a few hours of sleep. Now, it just seems that when I have a lot on my mind I can't sleep. I toss and turn and nothing seems to shut my mind off. I try to turn on some soothing music, but that can sometimes wake me up even more, as I try to concentrate on the song and my mind wanders into memories of how that song makes me feel.

In the middle of the night, I'll go outside and listen to the stillness of the city. There is no sound...and in a big city, that's rare. It's a soothing feeling to think that while everyone is asleep, you're awake and you are enjoying the city at night all by yourself. It's your own.

I want to know...

2008-10-27T09:54:00.001-07:00

What's the scariest, creepiest, bloodiest film you've ever seen?

It's Halloween week and to get into the mood I'm ready to watch some scary movies! I'm thinking about having a scary movie marathon...bowls of popcorn, candy, and curl up on the couch watching a different scary film every night until Halloween. Any recommendations?

so far, the list consists of:
- The Shining (I've never seen this.... I know!)
- Silence of The Lambs
- No Country For Old Men

sassy accents

2008-10-27T09:29:00.000-07:00

I wouldn't mind having this syndrome...

I'm famous!

2008-10-15T12:20:00.000-07:00

Or at least my arms & feet are!

The company I work for, Pinkerton Design, launched our updated website a few weeks ago featuring our new tote bags and I was the "arm model". Since launching we've had a lot of press coverage on great blogs and one of my favorite blogs Automatism featured our tote bags! I almost fell out of my chair when I saw that today!

It was a lot of fun taking the photos...

the background scenery and light was great in some places; you never would know we were outside the cat clinic! Obviously, it was an act of illusion!

so go check out Pinkerton products and our blog! I'll be writing and posting inspirations from the greeting card world weekly!

sooo trashy!

2008-10-14T18:42:00.000-07:00

i live across the street from a bakery and every night after they close, like clock work, people pull up on in their car, bicycle, tricycle or whatever, open up the dumpster in the parking lot and hop in! At first sight, seeing normal looking people jump into a dumpster was a little...umm...weird. But one night I wandered over to explore and sure enough, the dumpsters are full of day old bread. Good bread! Like the raisin pecan bread that I buy for $6 a pop! Oh, and don't worry - the dumpsters are clean and the bread is packaged in the bags still. It's amazing and so entertaining to watch. Now I have a freezer full of dinner rolls!

brrr...

2008-10-14T18:30:00.001-07:00

current temp in seattle: 54 degrees - that's 14 degrees celcius for my euro readers ; It's getting colder and colder these days. Time to start knitting again and after I saw these scarves on Etsy I knew exactly what I'm going to knit. A neckwarmer!

help! please.

2008-10-14T18:18:00.000-07:00

like i said earlier, I'm going to DC in 3 weeks for a wedding. A day time wedding in November in DC. Soo many variables! What do I wear?!!

I have my dear friend Katie who works at Anthropologie putting together outfits for me but none of them seem like The One. Everything I find that's cute is either too fancy for daytime or not warm enough.

What's a girl to do?!

a few nights ago....

2008-10-11T11:49:00.000-07:00

Not a bad night when it involves coffee, magazine and thoughts written into the moleskin.

meet my friend Josh. He teaches our youth about history and tries to mold their minds. He also drinks tea at Ladro with me on random nights while grading papers.

this morning...

2008-10-11T11:47:00.000-07:00

was beautiful.

take a moment...

2008-10-08T16:01:00.000-07:00

and drool over these amazing boots I found at Anthropologie.

I have a similar pair being held hostage in Scotland but I'm sooo very tempted to click "purchase" and move on to these.

getting defensive.

2008-09-29T09:15:00.000-07:00

After a wonderful weekend in Disneyland, it is apparent that I'm no longer in the "happiest place on earth". My condo complex was broken into last night. Cars were broken into in the parking garage and he was found in the building!

All this after a relaxing weekend away and the beginning of my first week of living alone. Needless to say, I'm not feeling safe.

I'm going to be buying one of the following in the next week:

BIG dog.
security system.
gun.
self defense classs.

have any other ideas??

PDX...round two!

2008-09-22T16:41:00.000-07:00

I can't wait for my trip to Portland in 2 weeks! The last time I was in Portland, was 8 months ago. It's been too long! This time, I'll be staying in the "Hawthorne" District, just across the bridge from downtown.

Got any ideas of great sights and places to visit?

enjoy life.

2008-09-20T08:59:00.000-07:00

It's a *little rainy outside, but I won't let that stop me from having a fabulous weekend. And I hope you do, too!

*I tend to look on the bright side.

baby, it's getting cold outside...

2008-09-18T22:33:00.000-07:00

and judging by the weather in Seattle today, it's looking like it's time for me to stock my closet with fall essentials. Here's my top ten list:

one. tights...lots of tights in bright colors are going to look great with these new booties I just bought...

two. neck scarf... this will be a fancier change up from my usual pashmina's

three. wellies...i swear, this season i'm buying a pair of hunter boots

four. umbrella...I'd love an umbrella like this...with just enough room for two.

(image via the sartorialist)

five. sweaters...anything cashmere will feel cozy next to my skin.

six. tall boots....boots! boots! boots! I would kill someone for either of these boots!

Tashkent by Cheyenne (image via shopbop)

Loeffler Randall Matilde flat (image via shopbop)

seven. fall inspiration outfits...

(images from shopbop and impulse)

eight. reading material for cold nights inside....there's nothing better than wandering around a bookstore on a rainy day, picking out a stack of books to take home and devour. I also can't wait to hear some of my favorite authors reading at one of my favorite bookstores, Elliott Bay Bookstore

nine. tea & coffee.... must stock up on peppermint, green & Roobios tea and espresso beans from Cafe Ladro.

ten. a sunny destination to look forward to...

hey zooey....

2008-09-18T13:43:00.000-07:00

wanna be friends? And share clothes? And stay up all night listening to music? OK!

This chick is cool...read this article for proof. Zooey Deschanel is the kinda girl you'd want your brother to date or the girl you'd like to be stuck in a broken elevator with or sit next to on a 5 hour airplane flight and she has the window seat and you're in the middle and you're crammed up in your little nook just giggling and talking the whole time. Yea, you get the idea. Oh, and her clothes are killer, too.