Happy Birthday Wishes!!!

My little sister Noelle shares her birthday with the eve of every new year.  Since this evening can be crazy, she decided to have a birthday brunch.  I've (actually) never been to a birthday brunch party!  It's going to be so much fun.  Happy 23rd Snowelle, I love you!

Photo by Donna Knoxville, of Cottage Days and Journeys

Ballets

These shoesies combine two of my favorite things: breezy ballet flats and flowers!  I've been living in my black ballet flats while on vacation.  I think these ballets, available at Ruche, would go with everything I own!  The transcend season too (which I love).

For the duration of winter I can wear them with sweater tights, tweed shorts and preppy plaid shirts.  In the spring it'll be grey ankle cropped corduroys, a chiffon blouse and chunky camel sweater coat.  Summer's heat will see gauzy, eyelet trimmed sundresses in bright white and flowers pinned in my hair.  If these ballets make it to Autumn they'll be paired with dark skinny denim and nautical striped dolman sweater.

Found via SVPPLY

Pretty Picture/ Alix Bancourt

This photo makes me think of someone very special.  He likes primary colors.  He likes sinage.  He's a New Yorker. 

Yesterday he surprised me by flying out to CA, renting a car and driving up to my parents house!  Such a wonderful boyfriend!

This 'special french fry' pic was snapped by Alix Bancourt, of The Cherry Blossom Girl, on her recent visit to NYC.

Cute Cupcake

I've been seeing a ton of adorable cupcake liners out there lately.  But this one takes the cake (sorry, I had to)!  This lovely little liner will give your cup o'cake a perfect rustic touch.  It would be great for muffins too.

Image from Cupcake(s) of the Day on Tumblr, found via Pintrest

Snow Day

Yesterday was a 'white out' day in New York.  I called the company's weather hotline just to check and see if I had to go into work.  I didn't.  Not that I would've... being on vacation 3,000 miles away.  But I have been enjoying Sunday night's blizzard from here!  There are so many great photos online and wild news articles.  My Facebook News Feed is inundated with snowstorm aftermath pics and status updates.  Check out this craziness!


Photo by Beatrice Letchtanski, found via Bliss

Pretty Picture/ Audrey Kawasaki

About 6 years ago, during an illustration class, a college buddy showed me some images of Audrey Kawasaki's work.  Ever since, I've been a devout fan.  How could you not be?!!!  I could spend hours looking through the various galleries on her site.  I find everything about them soothing; wood grain, soft colors, beautiful svelte women, elegant Art Nouveau-esqe motifs.  Had a rough day?  Put yourself at ease flipping through all Kawasaki's lovely art.

Pictured:  "Tsuri no ma" 2009

Eve Party!

In my family Christmas Eve is a big deal.  We all get together at either my mother or aunt's home; the evening revolves around cheerful conversation, games and (of course) eating way too much delicious food. 

Tonight the buffet menu is Mediterranean; stuffed grape leaves, kabobs, falafel, tabbouleh salad, hummus, baba ganoush, lots of fresh and marinated veggies, piles of herb filled bread, Greek salad and a fruit plate!  I'm tackling the falafel,  Greek salad and fruit plate.  I leave you with the inspiration photo for my fruit plate (which will include the pictured plums, figs & grapes as well as dried apricots, dates and piles of raw nuts) while I finish making some baklava surup! 

Photo on Flickr, found via Pintrest.

Chocolate. Editions.

Matt & Mary of Chocolate. Editions. have the chicest line of coco treats!  I love the mod textural molds they use on their primary bars.  When you surf the site, make sure you check out the flavor, special, and gift bars too.  There are lots of great combinations which look and (I surmise) taste incredible!

Top left to right: Milk Bar, Neapolitan Bar, White Bar

Bottom left to right: Strawberry Bar, Dark Bar, Milk to White Bar

*They do custom orders; so keep them in mind for one-of-a-kind wedding, new baby, corporate, or other personalized chocolates!

Eat Pie/ Wear Sweater Dress

First off, YUM.  Read more about that incredible table of pies here.  And, check out the rest of her site too... it's one of my faves!

Now, on to the sweater dresses.  I love dresses.  I'm a dress girl.  They're versatile.  They don't require a lot of outfitting.  Find the right one, and it's fabulously flattering.  That said, I want to wear one of these suckers while devouring my holiday feast!  They're not too snug.  But, they're not bulky monstrosities either.  They'd look great with tights, flats and a pretty necklace.  The beautiful range of spice colors is so festive too!

Left to right: Asos, Laundry by Shelli Segal, Asos, Zara, & Rag & Bone

Storming

It's been non-stop rain since I arrived in Southern California, five days ago.  As I type this from my parent's dining room, I witness a downpour beyond the adjacent sliding glass doors.  It's wild!  And dangerous.  I'm reading lots about flooding and landslides here.  I am feeling a little stir crazy.  If it lets up (even just a little!) I'm planning to throw on a slicker, harness the dog and hop on my sister's bike.


This sweet picture was taken on the Ventura Pier.  Found on the VCStar.

Gnome Enterprises

I love these hand printed graphic T-shirts!  They come to you from Gnome Enterprise.  Browse the collection and buy online.  If you're lucky enough to be in NYC, check them out at the holiday market in Union Square or Columbus Circle.  You can also find their shirts in Brooklyn.  So cute!

Left to right:
- Bunnies Tee
- Monkey Polaroid Tee
- Brooklyn Tree Tee
- Fox Tee

Happy Birthday Wishes!!!

Today is a wonderful winter day; it's my dad's birthday.  Happy birthday Papa!  Love you.

Photos:
- Pumpkin pie from The Art and Soul of Baking
- Gift topper directions at Martha Stewart
- Cork and confetti image via Delish

* And yes, my dad requests pumpkin pie for his birthday every year!

Goodbye NY/ Hello CA!

I love you, dear east coast!  But I've run away (for just a bit).  The next two weeks, spent with loving family and best friends, will be a (much needed) geographic refreshment.  According to AccuWeather I've traded a white Christmas for a wet Christmas.  But, the warmer temps are making up for weepy skies.  I will try to keep up with my posting while on holiday.  Until next year, au revoir NYC!

Photo from Pseudo Serious via Unruly Things

Happy Birthday Wishes!!!

Today my baby sister turns twenty one.  Happy birthday Steena!  Love you, little rat : )

Photo via BlondBlue

Wreaths (Part Five)

Make your wreath and eat it too?  Yeah, okay.

These wreaths of garden freshies are so unique!  Oh my... Tantilizing turnips!  Elegant eggplant!  Ravishing radishes!  Precious pumpkins!  Sensational squash!  Artful artichokes!  Beautious brussel sprouts!  Need I wax on?  No.  No, I think not.

Top photo: Wreath of gourds, patty-pan squash, purple potatoes, eggplant, artichokes and turnips found on The Runcible Bin.

Left to right:
- Directions for this fetching brussel sprout wreath at the fun Swedish blog Blomsterverkstad, found via The Orange County Register.
- The how-to for a wreath of radish root and greens found at Sunset.
- Mini pumpkin and nandina berry wreath found on My Home Ideas.

Zooey

I totally feel like I'm channeling her in sartorial spirit today.  All sorts of vintage femme going on.  I like.

Top photo found on Listal

My outfit below, clockwise from far left:
- Express black opaque tights (the most amazing tights you will ever wear, I have about 10 pair)
- Cooperative '70s Silk Blouse at Urban Outfitters (check the print out up close, it's so cute!)
- High waist black skater skirt from Miu Miu
- Barney's Co-op laced wingtip heels
- Hohner harmonica necklace from Erica Weiner (my favorite piece of jewelry!)

Cookie Boy

I can't wait to visit my family for the holidays; we have so much fun together!  Before all the festive partying commences, there are lots of impromptu pre-parties  (which really just means lots of cousins and a few 'adults' hanging out all day).  One of the best pre-party/hangout sessions being... COOKIE DECORATING DAY.  It's madness.  The amazing type of madness, that only sugar cookies and buttercream can cause.  I cannot wait for the madness to ensue!

Photo via Cookie Boy (he's genius)

Pretty Palette/ Dusty Pastels

Just a quick post, sharing a pretty palette of icy pastels.  Flora, wooden spools of thread and wingtip oxfords; a few of my most favorite things.

Top: frosty plants by Ez of Creature Comforts, via Looks Good to Me

Bottom left: thread spools from SeeSaw, via Ffffound

Bottom right: oxfords from Simone le Blanc

Wreaths (Part Four)

Oooh la la! A wreath of icy blush or violet blooms? I've been seduced. I'm spellbound, starstruck, speechless. Well, okay, maybe not speechless.

These would be perfect for the person who is looking to avoid a suffocatingly intense, red and green, December decor take-over. Not quite festive enough you say? Singing of spring/summer you argue? Add a velvet bow. Call it a day. And since you're free, go make a cup of hot chocolate.

Top photo: found on the Adina Katz's photo blog.
 
Left to right:
- Magnolia blossom wreath found on the Driftwood Interiors blog.
- Pussy Willow wreath available for purchase here.
- Cherry Blossom wreath found on flicker

Copycat

I just love her getup!  She's totally inspired me to wear my opauqe white tights (that I've owned for 3 years and not yet debuted).  I'm such a fan of the 'winter white' look under a navy coat; so sophisticated.  And the buttery camel shoes with a pale heather grey cap are too chic!  My only outfitting problem... I need every component other than the tights.

Below; left to right:

- Ivory dress, Joseph
- Navy coat, Marc New York
- Knit cap, Marc by Marc Jacobs
- Camel booties, Olsenhaus

Hart's Heritage

Hart's Heritage seeds are just darling!  You can't go wrong with charmingly nostalgic veggie illustrations!  Just think... after you've finished sowing, the empty envelopes would look so fetching matted and framed.  The perfect wall decor for someone with a green thumb! 

I'm not sure that my tiny Brooklyn abode can house a vegetable garden.  But, a couple packets of flower seeds might do!  There is something nice about growing plants from seed.  I guess it's a greater accomplishment when you bring them to flower or bare.

Seeds found on Hickoree's Hard Goods, a great men's store run out of Brooklyn.  Unfortunately some seeds are out of stock. You can also shop Yankee Harvest's site.  They carry a larger variety of Hart Heritage flowers and veggies!

 Photos via yankeeharvest.com

Spotted Moth/ Up-do Prints

These prints from Spotted Moth would look so sweet hung in a row.  I think they would perfectly fill the space above my bedroom bureau.  They are particulary appropriate for me because I wear my hair in a chignon (honestly, it resembles more of a haphazard knot) every day.  At some point (no matter what my hair-do intentions were to start out with) the mane gets swept up, out of my face, to be happily forgotten about, behind my head.  I think I'm somewhere between Paloma and Rebecca generally.

Discovered via A Cup of Joe.

Photos, left to right:
- Liza
- Nicola
- Paloma
- Rebecca

Wreaths (Part Three)

Herb wreaths are a great aromatic alternative to pine.  And, they don't drop needles all over your home!  One of these mixed herb wreaths would look so nice in the kitchen or on dining room wall.

Left to right:
- Colorful wreath of Mexican oregano, sage, marjoram, myrtle, and lavender available for order here.
- Earthy wreath of sage, oregano, rosemary, and bay leaves from Smith & Hawken, via Country Living.
- Banded wreath of Greek and Mexican oregano from Organic Bouquet.  Check out their other beautiful wreaths here.

Pretty Picture/ I.Anton

This image makes me feel wistful and nostalgic.  Photo is from I.Anton's Flickr, check out more dreamy work here.  And set aside at least an hour because there is so much to look at!  Believe me, once you start going through the albums, you wont want to stop.

Discovered via Ffffound

Red Pepper Hummus

This is what I'll be doing in 3 hours. Making. Eating. Patience is difficult to come by when this heavenly hummus is on your mind.

Red pepper hummus recipe courtesy of  Live Well 360.  The pretty pepper image below found at Well Sphere, where you can get a great recipe for roasted red pepper linguine.

- 3 cups drained chickpeas, canned (reserve 2 tbps of juice, plus set aside a few tbsps of chickpeas for garnish
- 1 roasted red bell pepper, skinned, seeded, and coarsely chopped (set aside 1 tbsp for garnish)
- 3/4 tsp minced garlic
- 1/4-1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper
- 2 tbsp chickpea juice
- 4 to 6 tbsp lemon juice
- 4 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/8 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon sweet paprika

Directions: Put it in the processor and hit puree. Magic will happen.

Hitting Snooze

Recent find: Snoozer Loser.  What a kookie little online store!  I love it.  The products are incredibly quirky and lovingly handmade.  Each garment is printed in their studio, located in rural Upstate NY.

Snoozer Loser found via A Cup of Joe.  Visit here for details on how to receive 10% off your Snoozer Loser purchase! 

*Make sure you check out their jewelry too (I am obsessed with this charm necklace)!

Top photos:

- Chatelaine Blouse in Antique Scissor

- Glandelinian Circle Skirt in Antique Birdcage

Left to right:

- Antique Bird Cage Scarf in Wollen Grey

- Antique Scissor Scarf in Black/ Electric Blue

- Seafan Heart Scarf in Navy/ Mustard

3 Potato 4/ Pitchers

Pickup these cream pitchers at (one of my ultimate favorite shops) Three Potato Four.  Things go quickly on this site, so go visit them now!  Plus, they just added a new spot to shop under Gift Ideas.  Hurry, hurry!

Each of these cutie pies is a vintage piece.  They're beautifully bright and perfect for... well, lots of things.  Use them in the kitchen as a pretty vessel.  Place them on a table, full of flowers.  Include them on your desktop to house pencils.  Or buy them all, arrange them in a row, and just enjoy their sunny presence! 

Purchase the green, yellow, and red pitchers before they dissappear!

Carols

This post was inspired by Mariah, from the awesome blog A Size Too Small. She’s doing a series called ‘the twelve days of Christmas’ featuring tidbits of holiday Q&A from her favorite bloggers. Today, question number one (posed to Melanie of You are My Fave) was, “What is your favorite Christmas carol?” Find her answer here!

And as for me... well, I have three (sort of). Carol of the Bells tops my list! I especially love it without lyrics, it’s so ominous. It’s not really very cheery. At all. But, I love the orchestral drama of it!!! Now, some may not consider that a carol. I’m actually kind of inclined to agree. So that brings us to favorite number two, The Wassail Song. And lastly number three (my favorite all through childhood), Silent Night.

Tea & Coffee

These images are taunting me!  Taunting me, I tell you!  Where are my toasty beverages?!!!

A combination of really cold weather and a head cold have me (continuously) thinking of warm tea (to sooth the body) and hot coffee (to energize the mind).  But outdoor temperature and current (un)health aside, I am a coffee and tea fanatic.  Just ask my dentist.  The stains tell all.  So, you can imagine how captivating I find each of these little creations.  The bunny one ultimately gets my vote.  But which would you choose to stick on a wall?

Left to right:
- Illustration by designer and blogger Caroline Rogers, of It Looks Good to Me.
- Print of Fifi Lapin available for purchase here.  Check out Fifi's blog too!
- Type coffee cup, part of the visual identity for Le Bruno. Via Typography Served.
- Espresso/Americano print available for purchase here.  Found on the (adorable) blog Paris vs. New York.

Curious Chocolate

Curious Chocolate is pure choco-cuteness! This sweet site is a joy to the eyes and taste buds alike. Check out their bars, jars, and boxes of truffles or wafers. They have a handful of winsome greeting cards too (each is printed on 100% recycled paper)! I especially like the Chocolate Cupcake ‘recipe’ card.

Pssst! They also have some great stocking stuffers. Really liking this Swiss Army Knife, “the ideal chocolate for all your emergency situations".  Smooth, thick, milk chocolate with a hazelnut praline filling?  YUM.

Till-whadda? Tillandsia!

Q) How lovely are these?
A) SO LOVELY

I’ve got an exposed brick wall that’s begging for adornment.  I think some of this green goodness is called for! 

Tillandsia are a beautiful type of Bromeliad (aka air plant).  They use their roots as anchors, clinging to tree trunks out there in ‘the wild’ and absorb all nutrients through their leaves.  They come in lots of varieties (some with flowers)!  I definitely like when they're paired with rustic & vintage elements.

Top Photo: Tillandsia plant available on Mudpuppy's adorable Etsy shop.

Left to right:

- Hanging glass globe terrariums sold on Flora Grubb.
- Read more about Tillandsias on this blog. 
- Terrarium necklaces by one of my favorite Brooklyn jewelers, available here.

- DIY instructions for recycled (liquor bottle!) terrariums.  Pretty and eco friendly!

A Lil Leo

Pretty kitty!  I want to transcend reality/abandon survival instinct and go snuggle with it.  In lieu of making a furry friend (or becoming a furry’s feast) I will covet leopard prints. 

Hard stop. 

When using leopard, proceed with caution.  Less is more, dear friends.  The cat can pull it off.  Everyone else needs to practice stylistic discretion.

Leopard looks fabulous as an accent; one accessory can instantly make an outfit.  And, if you do want to go a little bolder (ie: leopard garment) try to make less than 25 percent of your total outfit.  Take a cue from the uber cool gals below, a little goes a long way.

Top Photo: found on the blog Them-Thangs

Left to right:
- Ballet flats by Pretty Ballerinas, photo via The Cherry Blossom Girl
- Prada handbag, photo via Stylesightings
- Stella McCartney bralet, photo via Hanneli
- A chic Parisian in leopard and navy, photo via The Sartorialist 

Sparrow Pegs

For me, clothes pins call to mind early childhood; my mom had a line for drying.  It's a happy, comforting association that's spanned a couple decades.  I also have a thing for birds, especially little plump ones!  These clothes pins are too cute.  Pick them up at the Design For Use store.

Wreaths (Part Two)

I’m feeling a little under the weather today. I think the vitamin C was calling out to me in these perky citrus wreaths!

Each of these lookers could be wonderfully accessorized with bushy orange-leaf garlands and a simple centerpiece (like this one from Woman's Day online).  They add cheerful brightness to any space and the citrus smell would be incredibly refreshing too!

Top photo: found on House of Love, a blog from San Diego florist Che Bella.  Che Bella has floral classes from time to time.  Join them to create beautiful arrangements of your own (or wreaths)!

Left to right:

- Wreath of magnolia leaves, seed pods, artichokes and limes available at Circle Home and Design.

- A twiggy mix of lemons and limes sold online at Target.

- Featured on the blog The Cutest Little House in Town, kumquats and hypericum berries complete this wreath of glossy orange fruit and leaves.