a pretty pill

applique your way

2009-08-03T22:13:00.004-04:00

i'm looking forward to this new project book by kayte terry (photos by jennifer causey). for the past couple of weeks, i've been feeling super crafty and have really been inspired by this blog. there are a few decorating projects that i have been working on, but i want to move on to something more challenging than just painting furniture...i think this would do the trick.

flight recliner

2009-08-03T10:06:00.003-04:00

finally! m and i have found a recliner that suits both of our tastes.

but in this color (grasshopper).

from design within reach

outfit inspiration

2009-08-03T09:53:00.003-04:00

hello monday. i hope the weekend was a good one for all of you. my outfit inspiration for this week is coming from this casual jcrew look. i feel like it is the perfect week for mixing neutrals with an unexpected twist, like these hot pink socks.

inspiration

2009-07-29T23:13:00.006-04:00

lovely inspiration from brooke schwab photography.

click on the photo to enlarge....it's worth it.

ace hotel new york

2009-07-29T08:16:00.004-04:00

i'm heading to new york in a few months and am dying to stay at the recently opened ace hotel. check out these rooms...some even complete with smeg fridges and turntables! vacation pads don't get much cooler than this.

rebecca rebouche

2009-07-28T11:53:00.002-04:00

sweet little paintings by new orleans artist rebecca rebouche.

alys beach

2009-07-27T10:38:00.003-04:00

i'm back from an amazing vacation in rosemary beach. beautiful architecture, crystal clear waters, quaint bike paths, and lots of fla-vor-ice (a beach vacation staple of course). while there, i discovered the incredible alys beach, which just so happens to be in this month's veranda magazine. founded on the principles of new urbanism, alys beach is the epitome of luxurious beach living with a cozy, Mediterranean feel to it.

(photos by me and alys beach website)

beach vacation

2009-07-10T12:32:00.002-04:00

it's time for our annual beach vacation! m and i are heading off to this incredible place for a week of relaxation with his family. this year, my beach mood is inspired by ruffles, pastels, stripes, and my favorite little creature, the starfish. happy friday!

lerario beatriz

2009-07-07T13:15:00.003-04:00

loving the flirty styles of lerario beatriz.

via nylon

san miguel wedding photos

2009-07-02T12:16:00.006-04:00

the photos that i have anxiously awaited for an entire month are finally here! brooke schwab is the incredible photographer who shot my best friend's wedding in san miguel de allende. she did a wonderful job of capturing the intimate setting of the ceremony and celebration, not to mention, made the bride and groom look amazingly gorgeous. these are just a few of my favs, so check out the full post on brooke's blog.

p.s. that is my husband who clearly wasn't having a good time.

for me, for you jewelry

2009-06-30T23:56:00.002-04:00

kate over at for me, for you just added handmade jewelry to her etsy shop. she is already sold out, but not to fret, more are on the way. i like the vintage chains that she incorporated so that the friendship bracelet inspired design isn't so crafty feeling. don't miss the packaging either, it's almost as cute as the jewelry itself!

hello friday

2009-06-26T08:51:00.002-04:00

friday - you're finally here! i have TWO job interviews today and then i'm off to visit my family. have a splendid weekend, trying to keep cool. thanks for tuning in this week, i'm happy to be back.

photo from here

one dress for one month

2009-06-25T17:29:00.004-04:00

ever since i heard about the uniform project, i've been considering giving my own version of it a go. can i be creative enough to wear the same exact dress everyday for an entire month? i think so! as my curiosity grows, i've found a few american apparel staples that might do the trick for this adventure. what do you think? wanna try it with me? any dress suggestions?

loving pamela love

2009-06-25T10:47:00.004-04:00

apparently, i have been hiding under a rock and didn't know about pamela love. after seeing her eagle talon necklace on jane's mom, i was in loooove (hehe...had to). her pieces give the perfect edge to any floral frock and add serious interest to otherwise boring solid tees. she also collaborated with zac posen to create punk-victorian inspired headpieces for his fall runway show.

crow skull

eagle claw

eagle talon

pretty suspenders

2009-06-25T10:26:00.003-04:00

i want these suspenders to wear with...

these shoes...
everyday.

tweet tweet

2009-06-24T23:56:00.007-04:00

i'm soooo late on the twitter train, but here goes anyway. follow all of my oh-so-important tweets here .

side note...my sweet tooth is craving these lovely little bites.photo here

hot bike

2009-06-23T23:32:00.006-04:00

speaking of the weather, it seems like it is the only thing people are talking about lately...all the rain in new york and all of the heat in the south. it REALLY is like a heater on my front porch. it's a little too hot to cruise the streets right now, but here is the love of my hubby's life. i'm very jealous.

i think i need one to match.

under the weather

2009-06-23T23:07:00.003-04:00

i've been feeling under the weather for a few days now. so much so that m and i didn't get to celebrate our anniversary (we were going here). so....i want to do something extra special for him. he's been drooling over this guy for a while now. but wouldn't a surprise road trip be better? any suggestions that are close to new orleans? and how far can marfa actually be?photo here

two years

2009-06-23T17:57:00.003-04:00

yesterday was m and i's anniversary! he never stops making me smile. i love him for that plus a bajillion more reasons.

peace industry

2009-06-17T12:03:00.004-04:00

while i was in san francisco a couple of weeks ago, i fell in love with these hand-made, earth-friendly felt rugs by peace industry. they are absolutely stunning. so stunning that i couldn't pick my favorite and ended up empty handed on the trip home (hubs was happy). here are a few that i couldn't decide between. whatta ya think?

i think that they really bring a room to life.

marimekko

2009-06-16T10:58:00.002-04:00

i think that my heart would stop if i walked into this marimekko store.

photo find

2009-06-15T13:47:00.003-04:00

this weekend, while cleaning out my mother-in-law's closet, i came across these sweet photos of her as a child. i'm smitten with her silly grin and frilly dresses.

mother and daughter in stylish navy and white day dresses

her fourth birthday party (first row on left). this photo cracks me up. look at all of the funny faces the boys are making

mother-in-law with her baby brothers riding a pony in lubbock, texas.

a very modest cottage

2009-06-12T10:58:00.004-04:00

tereasa surratt rescued a run down cabin, hauled it hundreds of miles, and then renovated it, creating this cute 11 x 11 cottage that is now nestled on a quaint lake in wisconsin. lucky for us, she scrap booked the entire process which will arrive in bookstores april 2010. until then, check out her website for a preview. after hearing tereasa and stephanie's renovation stories, i'm itching for a fixer upper of my own.

via kelly + olive

the city sage giveaway

2009-06-09T16:18:00.006-04:00

i know i'm not alone in thinking that anne from the city sage is one of the coolest bloggers out there. well people, she just got cooler....by sharing this rad nate berkus for HSN giveaway with all of us. just visit the city sage (here) for a chance to win three of these gorgeous pillows. don't miss it and good luck!

alexander girard toys

2009-06-09T09:45:00.002-04:00

there is a new baby on the way in my family and i would love to give one of these beautiful alexander girard toys to her (fingers crossed for a girl). with all of those punchy colors and pretty graphics, i would have died for these as a kid.

Alexander Girard Memory Game

Alexander Girard Alphabet Blocks

i'm back....again.

2009-06-08T12:33:00.003-04:00

i'm back without letting you even know that i was going. here's where we went:

to.....CALIFORNIA! to visit our family. we played with our niece and nephew, tasted amazing, local wine, and enjoyed a few days in san francisco.to.....MEXICO! San Miguel de Allende to see my best friend get married.
we spent five days in this incredible villa eating guacamole for breakfast, lunch, and dinner while laying by the pool and catching up with my best friends. heaven.
ok. so now i am back to regular pretty postings. hope you all stick around.

american apparel goodness

2009-05-21T12:00:00.004-04:00

check out the awesomeness going on a american apparel this month. a hooded swimsuit... yes please.

sweetheart two-toned mini dress

tie dye interlock pencil skirt

hooded swimsuit

unfortunately, there is one matter of concern.....

they're bringing back the scrunchie!

new orleans bicycles

2009-05-20T12:55:00.002-04:00

today i'm gathering inspiration from the bicycles in this new orleans picture book. take a look.

more vacation

2009-05-19T15:26:00.004-04:00

i'm back from the beach and fully stocked with massive amounts of sea shells and the biggest sand dollar you could ever imagine. it was such a nice relaxing weekend with tons of reading and too much delicious food.

it is good to be back, but i'm not staying long as my next adventure is taking m and i to san francisco! i have never been as an adult so i'm pumped to explore the city. pretty pretty please leave recommendations for me...eats, shops, special treats, and all your hidden treasures. i don't know how many days i will be there, probably only a few so give me the good stuff;)
photos: me and sfgirlbybay

beach getaway

2009-05-14T11:11:00.003-04:00

i'm off for a relaxing weekend beach vacation with my friends. i'll be back tuesday with photos to share. have a splendid weekend.

photo: here

vintage find

2009-05-14T10:50:00.002-04:00

i picked up this sweet summer floral skirt at a new vintage kiosk yesterday. perfect for my weekend beach getaway, conveniently starting this afternoon!

happy birthday love.

2009-05-13T18:41:00.007-04:00

today is my husband's birthday. we couldn't celebrate today, so i threw him a surprise picnic lunch on our porch yesterday. he adored it and, of course, thinks i am the coolest wife. i also tried to take him to this film, but when that failed (who closes the imax on a tuesday?) i treated him to gigantic cups of coffee and a delicious cupcake from sucre. then, i forced him to do a bit of antiquing; no birthday is complete without a little bit of shopping...sorry babe.

i love him and he rocks my world. happy birthday matty.

home

2009-05-11T09:57:00.003-04:00

good morning friends. this short film, home, from louisiana native matthew faust was the talk of the weekend at my house. the winner of best documentary (short) at the tribeca film festival and named one of new york magazine's five favorite short films, it merges pre-Katrina and post-Katrina images to eerily reveal what faust lost during the storm. take a look and read the local article here.

treat

2009-05-08T09:21:00.006-04:00

it's mother's day weekend, so a happy sunday to all the lovely moms. today m and i are driving home to visit my mom for the weekend and, of course, to get some really good cajun cookin.

before we leave, i just wanted to share this adorable little place and make you wish you were spending the weekend in texas at austin's treat. run out of a refurbished airstream in south austin's trailer park and eatery, treat is a dessert kiosk specializing in gourmet smores, 'mind altering' shaved ice bowls, and even newsstand essentials. they have the cutest treat names and yummiest sounding marshmallow flavors (lavender lemon - yes please). but the best part is that you can enjoy your treats outdoor next to a campfire! wouldn't you like to chill here all saturday afternoon? yummmmm.

the website is www.austintreat.com (i'm having blogger issues).

dreamy book

2009-05-06T22:35:00.005-04:00

eeeek! i can't wait to get my hands on this pretty little book by pia jane bijkerk.

flower power

2009-05-06T21:36:00.004-04:00

crazy cool flower headpieces by hannah read-baldrey.

facetape

2009-05-06T21:10:00.004-04:00

have you guys seen this rad facetape? it makes me want to surprise m with funny faces all over the house.

via high + low

new home

2009-05-06T16:20:00.005-04:00

i'm back and in my new home! setting up an apartment is brutal work, but i loved every single second. now i can fully enjoy the city and our perfect little street. this morning i bounced over to our new gym, brought my wounded louboutin's to the cobbler, dropped off the dry cleaning, and had a facial all in a three block radius....and had delicious, local coffee along the way. sigh...it's nice to be back.

here is a photo of our new living/dining room

please ignore:

poor picture quality

hideous light fixture

dead flowers

but enjoy:

rediscovered wedding gifts (michael aram candlesticks, jonathan adler pillow, and kate spade pretties)

natural light (hallelujah)

mrs. meyer's lavender scented room refresher (use your imagination)

two things i need help with:

1. where do i find a pretty, non bed bath and beyondish bath mat?

2. how do i make a terrarium?

rebecca minkoff sample sale

2009-04-29T11:09:00.003-04:00

this just arrived in my mailbox and i am insanely jealous of you new yorkers who always get the good stuff. if you will be in town, i'm sure you could find some nice goodies.

brette sandler swim

2009-04-27T21:11:00.006-04:00

cute swimsuits by brette sandler. i love how they are simple and sexy with surprising little details. get them here.

artichoke lamps

2009-04-23T11:15:00.004-04:00

anyone have $625 laying around? cause you could get this rad papier mache artichoke lamp from stray dog designs. i would choose one of these two colors to add a little flair to my new study (update- yes i now have a study, because we found an apartment!).

vegetal

2009-04-21T09:19:00.006-04:00

i am totally smitten with the vegetal chair by ronan and erwan bouroullec. it comes in a variety of gorgeous colors (my favorite being mauve) and the organic shape makes me feel connected to my inner nature girl. versatile enough for indoor or outdoor use and perfect for entertaining, i can't stop wanting a set of these. best part is....they're stackable. worst part is....they're not sold in louisiana.

check out this inspiring little video by the vegetal makers themselves.

it's friday! woo hoo.

2009-04-17T11:43:00.006-04:00

happy friday! this weekend is going to be so fantastic. today m and i are searching for apartments and then sneaking off to new orleans' french quarter festival to hear some great music and roam around in the quarter. after that, we will finally get the much needed crawfish boil that we have been craving for months. tomorrow gets even better because we are road tripping to this amazing place for a very special wedding. i hope you all have a splendid weekend filled with lots of pretty things. and wouldn't this be the cutest outfit to wear to the festival today?

traveling day.

2009-04-16T11:48:00.005-04:00

i'm traveling all day today (heading back to nola). until tomorrow, have a splendid day and enjoy this pretty photo by gemma booth. the bike is so rad.

photo: here

the hunting begins

2009-04-15T20:11:00.005-04:00

the search for a new apartment has begun and we're really loving this tiny little jewel. it's on magazine street, has good lighting and pretty chandeliers, but NO CLOSETS! should i kick it to the curb? i've never lived without closet space...what is it like?

photos: here

missing texas

2009-04-15T13:02:00.004-04:00

i have been in houston, texas for the past couple of days visiting my friends. houston is such a fun city and i miss it already. while there, we attended a handful of great parties: a "pink" wedding shower, a good friday crawfish boil, and a "new orleans" wedding party (more to come).

and eek, i also picked up this too cute for words marc by marc jacobs dress. i have been trying to track it down for weeks and finally found it. isn't it adorable?

big news. big move.

2009-04-06T12:03:00.006-04:00

big news for us! after nearly two years in san juan, m and i are heading back home to new orleans....well kind of.

i will be in new orleans while m travels back and forth each month.

we are so excited to be close to our friends and family again; we missed them so much.

as for me...let's see...as for me...anyone have any suggestions? i have lots of ideas swirling, i just need to put them on paper and then take a leap. i am looking forward to finding a great new apartment in a cozy spot just off of magazine street. i'm also looking forward to rediscovering the city. since we have been gone, new orleans seems to has acquired a cooler vibe; hipper bars, delicious neighborhood cafes, and better shopping.

anyway, i made it back to the mainland yesterday and am so happy to be here! i will miss san juan, but if m still has an apartment there.....i think that means i have a vacation home!

photo by me of old san juan.

needing: pretty skirts

2009-04-06T10:02:00.006-04:00

monday has me thinking that i need new bottoms for spring. since i have an athletic build (tiny waist but muscular thighs) its hard for me to find shorts or pants that fit well, so i naturally gravitate toward skirts, which help me from looking too athletic and a tad more feminine. here are a few affordable ones that i'm loving, but feel free to add to the collection...we can never have enough pretty skirts!

dear shoe gods,

2009-04-01T18:34:00.004-04:00

please bless me with these

or these

marni at net-a-porter

a happy return

2009-03-31T12:24:00.006-04:00

whew. i'm back. finally. it's over. and i'm happy.

i've spent the last two months buried in work and the last two weeks desperately trying to catch up on sleep, bills, and what is happening in the real world.

thank you for being patient and hopefully you haven't forgotten about me.

over the next two weeks, m and i will be going through some major life changes (more to come) so posting will still be scarce.

i have terribly missed life outside of my work bubble and really have no clue what has happened in the world, so if you have any good news, gossip, or just want to welcome me back...please leave a note.

here is an action shot of my serious, don't mess with me work face. please disregard the horribly ugly work uniform....they made me;)

a nice award

2009-02-18T15:08:00.007-05:00

hi! i feel like i haven't been here in days. thank you for stopping in even though i've been absent lately. three more weeks and i will be home free! in the meantime, i received this award from the lovely tanya and her beautiful blog captivate me, which probably has some of the most gorgeously inspiring fashion photos around. thanks for the fabulous award! until next time...keep drooling over matthew williamson fall ready to wear.

that coat!

hot pink soles...yes please!

(photos: style.com)

valentine's day love

2009-02-13T16:20:00.004-05:00

i think a heart on your rump means that you can celebrate valentine's day EVERY day! have an exciting and romantic weekend (hopefully with sweets and snuggles).

o! and splendid news...i am going to have a brand new baby niece today! lillian. the perfect valentine. xo.

photo: here

i heart ronson

2009-02-11T13:00:00.005-05:00

san juan isn't by any means the most fashionable place on earth (think skintight jeans, hordes of spandex, and stripper shoes for miles); so, for shopping i have to primarily rely on the internet and zara. normally, i wouldn't get too excited about a jcpenny - charlotte ronson collaboration (i heart ronson), but dude, i'm desperate down here on this island. i am thinking about stopping by to check out the quality. have any of you snagged something yet?

korcula valentine's day sale

2009-02-10T14:58:00.006-05:00

quickly! like now...sprint to the korcula valentine's day sale. 20% to 40% off the entire fall 08 and spring 09 collections. i am drooling over the laura ring (only $79) and gold lattice cuff (only three left). don't forget to check out the beautiful new website and the gorgeous little stingray clutch named after moi!

brooke schwab

2009-02-10T12:37:00.006-05:00

this spring, my best friend is getting married in san miguel mexico and i can hardly control my excitement. i was particularly thrilled when she directed me to her photographer's website. brooke schwab's photography is beautiful and simplistic and makes me feel as though i were present during these moments.

website - here

blog - here

pretty neon

2009-02-05T09:08:00.008-05:00

this week has seemed to drag on forever, until i saw these new neon beauties from rebecca minkoff.

neon rendevous

neon clutch

neon virgina

i lego ny

2009-02-03T12:31:00.004-05:00

christoph niemann's blog, abstract city, never fails to make me smile so big my cheeks hurt. check out his view of new york city through legos. here.

cool

2009-01-31T08:03:00.003-05:00

so effortlessly cool.

(via garance doré)

hello friday

2009-01-30T14:38:00.006-05:00

it's finally friday! i have to work this weekend, but still plan on making time to catch up on a pile of magazines that is rapidly stacking up. i also want to finish reading this book that i found on a borders clearance table. it transports me to andalucian farm life, where honestly, i think anyone could live (wine and cheese on a hillside farm every day....i think so). spanish life is so delightful and so is this colorful photo of my adorably stylish friend cristi. have a splendid weekend!

(photo: cristiandjim's flickr)

ruffles and bows

2009-01-29T16:49:00.003-05:00

i can't help it. i'm a sucker for bows and ruffles and apparently, this soft purple. i know i'm not alone in this...right?

(from elie saab spring couture)

minted

2009-01-29T14:19:00.003-05:00

i'm thinking about using this invitation from minted, by oscar+emma design, for a party i'm throwing this spring. it conveys the right amount of vintage style that i'm looking for and the banner definitely screams celebration. i have been perusing the minted website all afternoon and am particularly enjoying their design challenge (le fete, pictured above, was the july winner). has anyone ever ordered from them and if so, were you pleased?

life isn't fair

2009-01-28T15:06:00.003-05:00

i feel like this animal just ran over me. the march '09 issue of domino magazine will be its' last. life just isn't fair.

(photo via domino; news via rubypress)

chanel in black and white

2009-01-28T10:23:00.006-05:00

stunning black and white with elaborate, paper flower headpieces from chanel couture.

my favorite

a perfectly placed bow

this one - way too 'little bo peepish' for me

(photos via style.com)

pencil fancy

2009-01-27T12:47:00.006-05:00

look at what i'm adding to my collection...pencils with mustaches on them! these are going to be so funny the first time i bust them out at the office.

(via oh joy)

miss me?

2009-01-27T08:14:00.007-05:00

sniff. sniff. i have been missing you guys. i feel like i have been out of touch with the real world for ages.

when i'm not frolicking around the internet, i do have a real job. this real job involves producing a whale of an event that takes place in mid march; therefore, duties are beginning to pile high and the working hours even higher. for this reason, i have been and will continue to be absent on a fairly regular basis. this hurts my heart because i really love being inspired by pretty people and things and working on my creative plans for the future. so, until this brutal work stint is over, i hope you will bear with me.

last week was actually pretty rough, so the boss (who just happens to be my husband) said that we could have sunday off. we decided to go here and spend the day on this private island. the seashells above reminded me of the weekend and how lucky m and i are to be able to live an adventurous life in such a beautiful place.

(photo via simply photo)

busy bee

2009-01-22T19:50:00.000-05:00

like woah....work is kicking me hard. be back soon...hopefully.

korcula blog

2009-01-19T18:33:00.006-05:00

i'm smiling ear to ear and absolutely thrilled to announce that lindley, the talented designer behind korcula, has just started a blog showcasing her designs and revealing what inspires her gorgeous jewelry creations. stop by and give her a nice welcome to the blogging world.

(photo: matthew septimus via korcula style)

new ride

2009-01-19T16:55:00.004-05:00

those of you tagging along on the western road trip, scratch the airstream motorhome. we are now taking "woody"! how splendidly genius is this little guy, who comes equipped with a grill, folding chairs, and home theater system. this would definitely give the trip ultimate (excuse the term) "bomb" status; too bad he is $129,000. this road trip looks like less and less of a reality. p.s. this is not a volkswagen. go here to learn more about woody and blueberry.

(found via: the scoop)

sofia archaval

2009-01-19T10:00:00.004-05:00

fashion stylist, sofia archaval, popped up on the selby today and i am completely floored by her turquoise ring. i truly think this ring was made for me.

a few snaps of her styling abilities from v magazine.

a colorful week to all

2009-01-18T20:39:00.006-05:00

hello lovely friends. a happy week to all of you. i thought these colorful photos from vogue girl korea might be a fine way to start out our week. plastic funnel hat anyone?

(from here via here)

a grand weekend to all

2009-01-16T18:34:00.003-05:00

hello friends ~ i hope you all have a grand weekend! and speaking of grand, look at this house on top of a house on top of a house...........

(by: lizzy stewart via ez)

road trip - who's coming?

2009-01-15T12:20:00.003-05:00

for the past two years, i have been dying to take a road trip out west. my plan is simple: invite my favorite friends, visit marfa and the grand canyon, wear cowboy boots with skirts, and rent this incredible airstream motorhome. who's coming?

(photos: here)

happy wednesday friends

2009-01-14T11:31:00.003-05:00

hello friends. today i am crazy busy. so, until tomorrow, i hope you have a splendid day and enjoy this pretty little scene.

(photo: here)

orla kiely for target

2009-01-13T11:52:00.006-05:00

o my goodness! o my goodness! orla kiely for target! yipee! (too many exclamations?) the tumblers, the serving bowls, the organizing bins, tablecloths, and chair cushions. ahh. i can't wait. o wait. there is one itty bitty problem....no target on the island. i'll have to call in reinforcements. mom are you listening?

(via: apartment therapy)

vintage find

2009-01-13T08:23:00.004-05:00

look what i found while i was home for christmas. vintage ferragamos! mine are navy and they were 50% off. so instead of paying $6...i paid $3. ha!

pencil fancy

2009-01-12T15:07:00.002-05:00

how rad is this pencil collection! what....i know i'm not the only one who collects pencils? i also like yummy ones and colorful ones and stylish ones too.

(photo: the selby)

lauren conrad resort

2009-01-12T11:50:00.009-05:00

happy monday friends. i think this week is going to be a swell one. maybe because i'll be dining at morton's steakhouse tonight or maybe because san juan's biggest festival takes place this weekend right smack in my backyard (well not literally, but close to it).

to start the week off fashionably inspired, i found this adorable little suit that is perfect for my sunday lounging beach side (also great with some of my new christmas loot here and here).

i'm not really a fan of the hills, but lauren conrad's designs are always nice for layering and come in handy as pretty good staples. here are a few goodies from her resort collection.

rachel dress

mackenzie dress

harlow dress

pepper & pistol

2009-01-10T10:51:00.005-05:00

i am going nuts over pepper & pistol's flirty summer collection. the white "summer sizzle" dress keeps begging me to wear it.

(photos: ryan michael kelly, styling: karen levitt)

nastia liukin for max azria

2009-01-10T09:36:00.005-05:00

if you watched any of the 2008 olympics you undoubtedly know about nastia liukin. here she is in an insanely gorgeous photo for max azria's spring ads.

(photo: max azria)

floating lights

2009-01-09T15:45:00.005-05:00

look at all of these low floating chandeliers! a bit on the hazardous side i'd say, but how unconventionally pretty.

(photos: james merrell)

hill country wedding

2009-01-08T08:27:00.007-05:00

if i weren't already hitched, i think i'd make the trek to texas hill country's three points ranch to seal the deal. wouldn't it be romantic to "i do" on this charming hill, celebrate in such an elegantly rustic barn, and then dream sweetly in an airstream camp?

do what you love

2009-01-07T11:57:00.008-05:00

in my pursuit to find a career that is both fulfilling and challenging, i often think of making a living out of the things that i love doing. this is a motto that i think everyone should imbibe, whether occupationally or simply making time to participate in the things you love doing. finding the right professional fit for me is an ongoing battle and people's advice often revolves around choosing a career based on the highest salary offer. i find this notion completely infuriating and old fashioned. working occupies the majority of our lives; therefore, my intention for a satisfying life includes "doing what i love" (now, if only i could pick just one). unfortunately, this print is sold out or it would be hanging right smack in front of my bed for ultimate motivation.

so friends, do you let what you love be what you do?

(first found here)

things i missed

2009-01-07T11:15:00.001-05:00

here are a few great things that i missed while away for the holidays:

joanna's magical engagement pictures

abby made this beautiful story book

good ideas for new years resolutions here and here and here

alix the snow cat

courtney's blog, in(side) the loop, featured in houston modern luxury magazine

a fun photo tour from the selby

marta's delicious looking mint brownies

photos (max wanger via a cup of jo)

happy feet

2009-01-06T20:16:00.003-05:00

i know that pretty much everyone had (or should've had) this pair of slippers on their christmas wish list. well guess what...i got them and woah am i stoked. they make waking up WAY more fun and the little pom pom just makes me smile every time it looks at me. if you haven't gotten them.....do it. they are on sale here.

i'm back!

2009-01-06T16:20:00.005-05:00

i'm back! and wishing everyone a very happy and peaceful 2009. when traveling back home, i just can't bring myself to check emails, browse the internet, or post about pretty things. there are too many friends and family to visit, good food to be eaten, and fun to be had...hence, my absence for the past few weeks. i hope you all understand that my time home is precious to me and needs to be enjoyed to its fullest. here are just a few splendid things i did while home:

organized a garage

dressed as mary-kate olsen for a christmas costume party

played with little nephews and cousins (while accumulating a few bite marks along the way)

rode in a limo bus for new year's eve

excitedly opened many beautiful christmas surprises

enjoyed the the superb company of many friends and family

discovered and delighted in many new places in new orleans

i hope you all had a wonderful holiday just like i did. i'm back home returning to normalcy, so i won't be slouching on any more pretty posts. thanks for reading.

p.s. this is a (really poor) photo of my decorating our gingerbread house.

merry christmas

2008-12-26T11:25:00.002-05:00

a very merry christmas to all of you. things are wonderful and busy here at home (hence the two week no-post). enjoy the rest of your holidays. i will be back soon!

ornament sale

2008-12-16T14:10:00.004-05:00

charming christmas ornaments from anthropologie's pre-holiday sale. still a little pricey for me, but fun to look at and wish for nonetheless.

pincushion ornament

bakery box ornament

cozy cottage ornament

bird song ornament

pincushion ornament

candy colors

2008-12-16T11:23:00.005-05:00

speaking of candy colored, check out these gorgeous sugar treats found on this is glamorous. they are so beautiful; it would almost pain me to eat them.

candy colors

2008-12-15T17:40:00.002-05:00

today i'm liking these candy colored photos from barbara pm's spring/summer collection. aren't they delicious and sweet?

stylish sleeping bags

2008-12-15T11:43:00.003-05:00

these super stylish sleeping bags from pedlars webstore have me wanting a cozy night of "camping out" in front of the fireplace - christmas cookies and papa noel's coffee included.

(found via cookie's nesting blog)

holiday dressing

2008-12-15T09:48:00.004-05:00

merry merry monday to you all. this morning i am thinking about what goodies to pack for our trip home, and realized that i don't have any holiday dresses. i think that any of these choices, via topshop, would be fun and festive. my favorite is the first dress - paired with tights, an extra long cardigan, and booties (see a picture of cute little betty modeling it here).

bow front dress $160

drop waist dress $80 (on sale!)

organza hem dress $90

reko pleat bib dress $90

snow!

2008-12-12T08:45:00.003-05:00

i haven't seen snow in louisiana since 1988.

this is a photo of my in laws home yesterday, after a two inch dusting in the south. i'm very disappointed to have missed such a fantastic holiday surprise.

dear snow ~ please return on christmas eve.

design mom giveaway

2008-12-10T21:37:00.005-05:00

i'm spreading the word, a very merry word, that design mom is having a gigantic, unbelievable, too good to be true giveaway. p.s. i don't know what she is giving away but i know it will be good...it always is. check it out here.

marry me cottage

2008-12-10T14:48:00.007-05:00

seriously - marry me. i love you.

(found via please sir via shootfactory)

cherry blossom girl

2008-12-10T13:06:00.004-05:00

the cherry blossom girl steals my heart each time i visit her site. these alice in wonderland inspired photos are perfectly whimsical.

o christmas tree

2008-12-09T14:13:00.003-05:00

i am absolutely crazy about the simplicity of this christmas tree and the uncomplicated holiday spirit it exudes.

(photo from myliving.dk via here)

haircut help

2008-12-08T18:33:00.008-05:00

ok blogger buddies - i need help. i am currently at one of those dreadful hair junctures....stay short or embark on the ever dreaded grow out phase. i think i have decided to "going long" again, but am not 100% certain, because i haven't found anything worthy enough to transition into. here is what i'm working with now. perhaps this little bob a la nicole richie would work? help-i need your stylish skills. deadline is next tuesday.

happy mondays

2008-12-08T09:18:00.008-05:00

happy monday friends! my weekend getaway was heavenly - an abundance of cats naps in a pool side cabana...need i say more? there are only ten days left here on the island until we scram for the holidays, so this week is going to be brimming with last minute etsy shopping.

on my radar this morning are the new madonna ads for louis vuitton. here's what i'm thinking: why are her legs always open? who could actually walk in those shoes? why is her face so lifeless? and why is there no one else in this smoky cafe? i'm not a fan of the bags, but do rather like the parisian cafe vibe. what are you thinking? agree or disagree? is she too old for this?

(photos via fabsugar)

getaway

2008-12-05T14:49:00.004-05:00

be jealous, o so jealous, because hubs and i are sneaking away for a very private, very relaxing weekend on the east side of island. there'll be lots of talking, lots of reading, lots of sunning, and lots of daydreaming. i'm sure it will be very reminiscent of this magical day.

holiday cuteness

2008-12-05T11:38:00.004-05:00

how cute is this holiday greeting of naomi and her husband. it kind of makes me like colored christmas lights....kind of.

Holiday Love. from Naomi Davis on Vimeo.