Four for Friday

FfF is back!  Did you doubt my commitment?  Tsk, tsk, tsk.  Really, you should know better!  I'm completely incapable of holding back my alluring findings.  It's just not within my power.

So, here we go...

- Find some time to click back through the archives of this blog.  So much lovely package design; it turns me consumer-crazy!  I want everything!  More!  Now!

- If you're a New Yorker, who likes to cook, with nothing planned for this evening, check out this party!  On the other hand, if you like to cook, with nothing planned for this evening, but are not a New Yorker... then you should check out the Big Girls Little Kitchen recipes for something to serve tonight! (This grilled cheese with pears & pecans is staring me down!)

- This wedding is fully of lovely details but my favorite part is the location!  Marvimon in LA.  Read all about the venue's green feats (hurray) and scan their photo gallery (OMG- the back courtyard)!!!

- Flip through this NY Times photo essay.  Beautiful pictures; they tell such a heartbreaking story about America and our diet.

It's the Week's End!

I'm really looking forward to some intense R&R.  It's seemed like the longest of weeks!  Perhaps the relentlessly harsh winter here has something to do with my exhaustion.  Yes.  Yes, I think so.  Definitely.

I don't have any concrete plans for this weekend.  It's nice to 'officially' be free from duties and expectations.  Although I confess, a rough outline of tasks and adventures exists (duh- I'm a total planner nerd).  The image of engineers (planning a future visit to the moon) is from Fffound.  I think my planning is akin to the picture... merely sketched out, but full of intent and purpose.

Are you a planner, dear reader?  What do you have sketched out for the weekend?


Here's what I've got my eye on:

- Two days after I posted this, I found these.  Note to self: they need to happen.  Really soon.  Maybe for dinner.  Okay, not for dinner.  But ASAP!
- So... I've been terrible; ignoring my houseplants for the last month.  Sorry plants*!  I need to take a quick trip to the nursery for some new terracotta pots, fresh potting mix and orchid fertilizer.  I also have a window sill full of annuals past their prime.  These pots are going to get re-seeded with herbs!
- Last weekend I used my Babycakes bake book for an apple-peach pie.  It was good, but lacked the decadent sweetness I'm used to finding in desserts.  This weekend I want to try a family favorite (gluten free/vegan version).  Here is a hint, it's part vegetable pie, part cake!
- Going to find a little time to practice this paper art.  Hopefully it goes well and some crafty V-day cards get made!

*These are not actually my plants.  Although, there is a definite resemblance.  Again, sorry plants!

Happy Birthday Wishes!!!

Today my super sweet big, little-brother turns 25.  Tonight he's headed out for a quiet sushi dinner with the family and his lovely girlfriend.  I wish I could be there!

I'd bring my bro a bonsai cake, hemp ice cream and a huge bunch of eco-friendly balloons.  I'd also make him a fireman's red birthday crown with '25' in glitter!!!  Love you, Mr. Dude!

Pretty Palette/ Ice: Gray & Poppin' Aqua

Blue is about to make a huge comeback, especially in electric shades.  Teal and icy aqua are back on the scene!  Cerulean and deep cobalt are going to make appearances too, but I'll save the dishing on those for another day.  The truth is, I've always had a soft spot for crystalline blues (especially a certain aquamarine ring of grandma's)!  I'm happy to see this lovely color family trending again.  It's so breezy.  Ideal for spring.  But, perfect for brightening up the latter half of winter as well.  How gorgeous is it mixed in with soft gray shades?!

Illustration by Caroline Rogers from It Looks Good To Me, from her post What I Wish I Wore Today.  I wish I was wearing it too, Caroline!  I think I'd opt for a big teal hair bow instead of the dye job though. 

Below, clockwise from far left:
- Poster to live by, for sale on Etsy, found on It's Mary Ruffle
- Cluster of gems found here (and learn all about aquamarines!)
- A chic look from Antonio Berardi pre-fall 2011
-A refreshing treat!  Popsicle found on the Workroom's Flicker, via Pinterest
- Cool lids from Christian Dior's show

Doo.Ri/ Harlequin Print

With New York's Fall 2011 fashion week around the corner I'm playing some catch-up.  The last couple months have been a whirlwind and I've become a very delinquent fashionista.  I've only been through about half of the Pre-Fall shows... eek!  Sadly, I only had the chance to share one obsession with you thus far. 

But, I've reserved today for some in-depth research.   I'll try to share a few more of my favorite looks before next Wednesday's new season debuts.

So, first off is Doo.Ri!  I'm loving this court jester print in pretty peach, creamy ivory and sooty gray.  In any other color combo it would be totally terrifying (brights? yuck!).  My favorite look is on the far left.  This bateau neck dolman blouse has such a pretty winged armhole and ruffle at the side seam.  And paired with relaxed trousers?  Perfection!

Harlequin illustration found on Flickr.  All Doo.Ri images via Style.com

Gung Hay Fat Choy!

Aw!  How could a year named for this little guy possibly go sour?!!!  Such a cute little baby bunny!  Happy new year everyone.  Best wishes to all!

Want to see this fuzzy fellow everyday of the year?  Go here for a desktop wallpaper.

Handmade Valentines/ Lace Doilies

What delightful little cards!  And, Avie Designs has wonderful (flawlessly specific) DIY instructions for them!  While they're completely appropriate as valentines, they would also make darling thank you cards.  Or, if you made them super-mini, they'd be perfect as gift tags.

My baby sissy has made me pretty paper doily valentines for the past few years.  I love them all, they're up on my pin-board and refrigerator year round!  I'm a huge sucker for lace, so their pretty punch texture pulls me in like a magnet.  There's also something charming and nostalgic about them, no matter how simple and rustic or elegant and ornate.  They all sing of young, innocent adoration and pure, unceasing devotion.

Dessert Time/ Mexican Chocolate Pudding

I skimmed through The Minimalists favorite 25 recipes yesterday.  Very few jumped out at me, I suppose because they're mostly meaty dishes, or desserts heavy on eggs and gelatin.  But, Mark Bittman did entice me with this recipe for tofu pudding!

The spices make this one sound heavenly!  I'm thinking about whipping up a bowlful tonight.  Everything on the list is a fixture in my kitchen and the video tutorial makes it look so easy.  Mmmm!


Photo by Evan Sung, for the New York Times

Pretty Picture/ Luci Everett

I'm crazy about Luci Everett's work.  It's sooooo pretty!  Her style is so soft, so deliciously enticing, every piece seems to whisper in your ear and draw you closer.

This delicate geranium watercolor was found on her Flickr page.  I discovered loads more loveliness on her website too.  Check out this mixed media ampersand, party themed sketch book, and gorgeous album art.  She also has a wonderful blog, Happiness Etc.

Found on {frolic!}

Valentine's Fruit Basket

In the spirit of a handmade and heartfelt V-day, here is another idea!  I think this one is especially sweet for those of us in the frigid parts who are missing out on sun ripened fresh fruit.  Pile a pretty assortment (of someone's favorites) in a basket and add a big red bow!  Another spin... fill a bowl with one type of fruit and include a hand written recipe for their favorite desert.  Think: colorful medly of apples for the evening's fritters or a perfect bunch of bananas for a cream pie!

Adorable stickers designed by Kathleen of Twig and Thistle.  Download the printable stickers here!

Pantone Party

Pantone mugs are definitely not new to the scene.  I see them at nearly every knick-knack gift shop in the greater metropolitan area.  But, despite dwindling novelty they're still pretty cute!  And, they're great for any (and every type of) designer.

Now the trendy cup is seeing it's Pantone cousins show up to the party.  Cookies!  iPhone cases!  And Rubik's Cubes?!!! 

Top photo: Pantone mugs available at Graham and Green

Left to right:
- Recipe for swatch cookies on Kim Creative Star
- iPhone cases found on Dope Culture
- Unfortunately, Rubitone is not actually available.  It's a witty product concept from industrial designer Ignacio Pilotto.  Maybe it'll get picked up soon though, after all, it's a darn cute idea!

Behind Closed Doors

I'm one of those people who is obsessed with other people's New York homes.  Forget the Big Red Bus, my NY dream tour would be a weekend of open-houses.  Check out these two incredible places; one located in the heart of the city, at CPS and the other in a tumultuous neighborhood of Brooklyn, Bed Sty.  The Central Park South apartment has a location (and views) to die for.  On the other hand, the flat in Brooklyn is much more my style (eclectic modern).  All photos, by Jamie Beck, are apart of the series At Home With.  This project is rocking my world.  There's no other way to say it. 

Thank you Dress, Design & Decor for bringing the talented Miss Beck into my life!

Pretty Palette/ Valentine's: Ruby Reds

Maybe I'm getting inspired from all the Valentine's hooplah around, but right now I'm loving this glorious range of reds.  I'm especially fond of the play between warm ruby next to strawberry pink and a bluer magenta.  These rouge colors are especially pretty when  offset with a little kiss, or dramatic wash, of winter white.


Top photo taken by the Cherry Blossom Girl



Left to right:
- Anemones and sweet-pea arrangement from Saipua
- Runway look from Louis Vuitton Spring 2011 , found on Refinery 29
- Oil lamp collection found on Flickr

Handmade Valentines/ Quilling

I haven't made Valentines in a few years, but I love the idea of hand crafted love notes.  I was doing a little scouting on Martha's site for inspiration, and came across an incredible article on the art of quilling.  I'd never heard of quilling, but oh my, it's gorgeous!  The delicate curls, scrolls, coils, and folds of paper make ordinary 2D script and flourishes look mundane.  I want to save up some patience and have a go at it!

Snow Duckies

Word on the street says more snow tomorrow!  Apparently this is the snowiest January since 1925.  Yikes.

It has afforded many a pretty picture though!  Like this one, taken by Ashley Bruhn of Hither and Thither.  She snapped it while on a long lunch break, in Central Park last Thursday. 

I just love birds, especially ducks.  I could watch ducks for hours.  Last summer I spent a shameful amount of time watching the duckies bob along in DC's Capitol Reflecting Pool.

For the Love of...

Let the Valentine's Day countdown begin!  I know this holiday has it's fare share of haters.  But, I think it's wonderful.  It's chance to celebrate your love for someone; a spouse, boy or girlfriend, best friend, sibling, parent or other family member.  I try to focus on that, and choose to ignore the fact that it's become a grossly commercial holiday.  (I mean, really, haven't they all?)  I have so many wonderful people in my life.  February 14th is just another excuse to tell them how special they are!

Illustration by Andrew, found on his sweetheart Mariah's blog A Size Too Small

Confetti Treats

What child doesn't become transfixed by Funfetti cake?  Rainbow colored bursts within white fluffiness?!  Yes.  Yes,  I definitely got pulled into that dessert's tractor beam as a little'un.  While I've mostly grown out of the novelty of Funfetti, I still show some serious favoritism toward goodies with multi-colored flecks.  Check out these scrumptious treats.  Now tell me, doesn't the sprinkling of color give them an advantage over other delectables?  They're just more... FUN!

 Left to right:
- "Birthday Cake" truffles from Momofuku Milk Bar in NYC, found via Oh Joy!
- Colorfully topped "Cake Batter Bark" candy from Stephanie Cooks, found via Pinterest
- Chocolate chip cookies home-made ice cream sandwiches with sprinkles from Slashfood

Four for Friday

It's a bonus post to save and enjoy at you weekend leisure, or to indulge in today!  Four for Friday... quickie post (on a whim) with four lovely pieces of content (whimsy filled, of course!)  Four for Friday might become a routine posting.  Or, it might be a once-in-a-while treat.  We'll see at the close of next week, I suppose.

- Take a look at this beautiful wedding.  How fun would it be to mini-bowl at a reception?! I'm mooning over the floral arrangements, dessert buffet and court-side tables.

- Have you checked out Matchbook Magazine?!!!  The blogger buzz is deafening.  You must peruse!

- Baked chocolate doughnuts with ganache.  Need I say more?  Go to Vanilla Sugar.  Right now.

- And lastly, a stunning fashion editorial for Stylecaster by Decade author/illustrator Bernadette Pascua.

Goodbye January

It's Friday, we made it!  The weekend is here, and it's the last one in January!

I've been looking forward to this weekend for a while, because on Sunday I'm meeting up with a big group of college buddies.  We're doing our annual (three years in a row!) Chinese New Year want-some-dim-sum-get-together.  I'm a huge fan of anything dumpling-ed, so bring it on China Town!!!

What more is in the weekend works?


- Some research on hand-made Valentine's cards... it's almost V-day people!
- I'd like to swing by the Whole Earth Bakery and Kitchen, to try something tasty.
- Hopefully I'll make it to Saturday's burlesque drawing.  It's been a year since I attended Dr. Sketchy's!
- It's birthday shopping time for a soon-to-be-fire-fighter sibling of mine.  He's turning 25 next week : )
- And, I owe someone very sweet* a pie.  Perhaps this one, veganized.

*My BF put in 4 (very large) sets of window blinds at my place.  And surprised me with a door mirror (from Ikea, via subway, and then up 5 floors to my apartment).  And installed 6 coat hooks in a brick wall.  And lowered my bathroom vanity mirror so I can see myself without the aid of tip-toes.  And repaired my kitchen light (yes, the one that I didn't use for 6 months because the bulb was bad).  I think owe him a pie every month, for the rest of time.

 Delectable dim sum photo via Fishbowl DC

Smile

Arg, it's dentist time.  Wish me luck!

And on a separate but (photo) related subject: isn't it funny how guys aren't fans of red lipstick?!  Read more on The Man Repeller.  It's very funny, promise.  Despite dudes not caring for red hues on the kisser, j'adore them!  What about you, any insights?

Photo found on Tumblr

Hummingbirds

These little jewel tone babies are instant mood uppers.  Aren't their iridescent colors magical?

Left to right:

- Fuchsia faced birdy found on Flickr (it's an award winning photo, way to go Janine Russel!)

- This green feathered fellow is a Western Emerald from Ecuador, found on Antpitta

-  Love this Purple crested guy?  Download him as a screen wallpaper here.

DIY Business Cards

Just a couple days ago I was thinking, I need to make myself some business cards...

Today I was browsing Creature Comforts (one of my absolute favorite blogs) and stumbled upon Ez's little DIY project.  She was pushed for time before going to Altitude Summit and decided to get crafty.  I love her approach; print out your essential info on heavy watercolor paper and personalize the card face with a little mixed media illustration.  It's a perfectly personal way of doing a small edition of cards.

Cake'spiration and Girly-ness

This flirty cake is such a great embodiment of spring (I'm getting spring fever, I can't wait for flowers and sunshine!!!)  I just loved the mix up of colors and materials;  flowers, bunting, felt birds in an entire rainbow of shades.  So pretty, it inspired an entire outfit!

Cake photo found on the Carter and Cook Event Co's lovely blog.

Below, clockwise from left:
- Polish in stripes and ditsy print found on Fashion Fever, via Pinterest
- Pink hair bow found at Peut-etre, via We Heart It
- Chambray shirt-dress from Patterson J. Kincaid, at Bloomingdales
- Ring found on at Peut-etre, via We Heart It
- Floral clutch available on Etsy

At the Barre

Just a few pretty warm-up photos to kick-off Thursday.

Above, left to right:
- Undone toe shoes found on Everyeskimo, via Pinterest
- From the Josephine album by Mads Teglers
- Arabesque stretch, also from the Josephine album by Mads Teglers

Winter Wonderland

It's a snowy Wednesday in NYC.  I haven't left my office today, but the window still makes a pretty picture.  I've got crown moulding framing an image of 19th Street lofts, complete with snow globe style flakes fluttering by.  

This pretty picture was taken earlier today, on the streets of Manhattan, by the very talented Bindu Wiles.  Check out her website, a beatious blog full of inspirational tidbits and reflection.  Wiles has a great story too.

This photo was found on her Flickr page.

Sweet Sweatpants!

I never thought I'd say it... but I kind of like the sweatpants trend!  No, they're definitely not the type you see your parents lounging in on the weekends.  Although, they'd be super comfy and cool to lounge in yourself!  They're tailored for a shapely fit, with the perfect little harem "poof" at the hemline.  With all the storms happening in these parts, I'm loving the ribbed ankle- it'll keep all the snow out!

Top photo from Heart Charlie, via Cup of Joe (check out her sweatpant post too!)

Shots below from:
- Lookbook.NU
- StreetFSN
- The Sartorialist

Houseguest Survival Kit

I've totally fallen in love with Apartment Therapy's "How to Make a Houseguest Welcome/ Survival Kit"!  A lot of these things I already do (hand-drawn maps, step by step Metro instructions, insider tips for snack stops, coffee breaks, neighborhoods to shops, sights to see, book stores to explore, parks to relax in, etc!)  I'm eager to admit though, that my assemblage looks far less artful than this one.  What else did I learn over there at A.T.?  Something I never thought to get for my dear guests, earplugs!  Just a few months ago my sisters lamented about the volume of street noise infiltrating my apartment.  I rarely notice it, but others definitely do!  When my parents venture east in a couple months to visit, a parcel such as this will await them!

Jade Milk Glass Hobnail

I recently got a super cute Big Ben Moonbeam alarm clock.  L.L. Bean currently carries an update to the original design, check them out here.  It's absolute 50's retro adorableness and an awesome funky shade of pearly jade that flares a little yellow (too chic)!  I've had it in my mind to get some other pieces for a little night table vignette.  This set of jade hobnail is perfect!  Creamer and sugar will now become a sweet set of vases!

Found on Amazon, manufactured by LE Smith Glass

Gorgeous Studio!

Check out this incredible space.  I would be such an inspired artist working out of here!  I mean, how could one help it?!!!  So airy and sun filled; an ideal place to house all my various art and design projects.  The problem is, large & naturally lit spaces are not things you come by easily living in a crowded city.   Top floor penthouse complete with rooftop studio-solarium?  A girl can dream... 

Photo found on the beautiful Tumblr, Nura Loves

Should you have a little extra time on your hands, take a moment to look through the archives of Nura Loves.  These sleeping bunnies are too cute for words and this library is giving me heart palpitations!  I think I could waste the day away finding enchanting images.  Sigh.

Etsy Love/ Window Sill

I just found this super pretty shop, Window Sill.  I'm totally obsessed with the charcoal gray snood my grandmother knitted me for Christmas, so I don't really need another.  But this store has so many lovely ones.  Doesn't this one look heavenly soft?!  It would make such a thoughtful Valentines gift for the special guy or gal in your life.  Check out the wonderful collection of vintage and handcrafted jelwelry items too.  I just love that bee charm!

Top photo: Sparrow Pin

Above, left to right:
- Madagascar raspberry quartz pendant necklace
- Fox-gray alpaca and merino snood
- Petite golden bee charm necklace

Nails/ The French Revamp

When I was back in California for the holidays I spent one blissful day with my best friend Steph, in Los Angeles.  We did things that (5 years ago) we used to do often; shop the Third St Promenade, drink wine at a cute little place for happy hour, grab cheap Japanese grub on National, go to the bank/ coffee shop/ liquor market inside Ralph's grocery!

One treat though was getting a manicure.  I can count the number of professional manicures I've gotten, in my life, on one hand.  Actually, I don't need my whole hand.  Only three digits.  The other two can take a load off.  Kinda sad...  So this most recent manicure was thrilling.  I was so overwhelmed that I couldn't decide on a paint color and went (embarrassingly) with a clear coat.*  But, wouldn't one of these be a wonderful pick?  It's an absolute bouquet of YSL lacquers!!!

Photos found in French Vogue a while back, also visible here

*Truthfully, I still loved it.  It was the most practical pick.  I'm low maintenance (no maintenance) and all the cooking, sketching, miscellaneous crafting takes a tole on polish.  There are few things that make me crazier than looking down at my own chipped nails.  For sanity's sake, I really do think it was the right choice.

Triumph of the Red

Have you noticed a lot of red out there in the world lately?  I've got the advantage in working in the field, hence the trend forecasting.  Brace yourself, because the current red takeover is at it's earliest onslaught.  Red is going to morph and multiply (like you won't believe)!  Deeper shades of scarlet and crimson are gonna get hyped up with a layer of orange infused vermilion.  It's marching upon us; watch out! 

They've already won me over.  I'm completely coveting the collection of flaming fashion below!

Clockwise from far left:

- Deena & Ozzy patent oxfords at Urban Oufitters

- Leather cuff with stone, Topshop

- Column gown, Carolina Herrera pre-fall collection

- Suede side buckle pump, Sigerson Morrison at Shopbop

- 3 Circle wire-wrapped stone necklace, Topshop

- Square stone necklace, Topshop

Happy Monday/ Bundle Up!

The good news is- it's getting warmer.  Brooklyn was 6 degrees an hour ago, and now it's up to 8 in the city!  Keep that chin up friends; tomorrow will nearly be 20 degrees and by midweek we should be back in the 30s!  Take advantage of the chill by pulling out those sweet sweaters.  Layer them up and don't forget a cap and mittens!

Are you a knitter?  Purchase the pattern for this cute owl sweater here, at Needled's shop.


Pretty photo found on Peppermint Musk, via Pinterest