Happy May Day.

This is for becca

I really like Feist, she is my hero. Her website is pretty smashing too. My sister is a dancer and I think she would really appreciate the choreography for this video. Her new album, "the Reminder " came out today - on itunes - horray!! - i've been waiting for it.
(I found this video link visiting the lovely - Oh Happy Day blog - it is so great :) )

5 Senses Swap

Yeah! I received another package from the five sense swap. I found out about this swap via Kristen's blog (my 1st swap partner) and I thought, why not do another one? I was lucky to get it today! These 5 delightful items were packaged so lovely, with thoughtful little handwritten tags. Thank you thank you Mary Ann from a very mary design my senses are happy.

Tulip Festival

This weekend we went to the tulip festival, it was absolutely beautiful. Here are a few photos that I took. Don't you just love spring?

A growing wonder

Our little one just turned 6 months this weekend, she started rolling over and eating baby food. My, how fast they grow.

Black + White = :)

Happy Mail! This weekend I received Kristen's box from the mellow + yellow swap that I participated in. It was quite refreshing to receive something so nice in the mail. The packaging was beautiful and contents were equally great. It is such a coincidence that we sent each other black + white items, out of all the colors to choose from. Thanks Kristen! and Thanks Marta for putting the swap together!

letterpress I fancy

3 of my favorite letterpress companies are: Snow & Graham, Hello Lucky and Egg Press. They all produce such lovely stuff. A good place to see them and other great letterpress beauties in one place is LuxePaperie.

Snow and Graham:


Hello Lucky!

Egg press

Gowns galore

I did not know that jcrew had such great wedding dresses. It is nice to see some lovely bridal gowns and dresses for under $250.



As I've been thumbing through bridal mags lately, I am awed by Monique L'huillier she is my favorite couture wedding dress designer of the moment, because of the glamorous detail in her elegant designs.

I love bubble baths

Mac and I just bought our first townhouse - hooray! We have been painting up a storm throughout the place, making it feel more like home. I am looking for color ideas for the bathroom and I found these via Cottage Living Design Assistant. I want a clean and fresh feeling and I like the green-blue and white. Of course, it would also be nice to have a claw foot tub someday.

Paper Italy

Italy is on my top ten places to visit, I found these little beauties, and had to pause for a moment of silence. Aren't these little paper creations exquisite?! I would like to box them all up and keep them. They are created by Studio d. sharp.

Aussie Style

I think that Australian Donna Hay has such beautiful food styling, it is so simple and chic yet elegant. I checked this book out, and it is beautiful. Has anyone tried cooking any of her recipes? The desserts in this book look delicious.

Flying art

Two things that I have an infinity for, butterflies and all things postal, are wrapped up in these little hand-cut pieces. Tracey Bush is amazing, wow, I am so inspired.

Bzzz. bzzz.

Last night Mac took me to dinner at the Macaroni Grill and afterwards we walked through Williams-Sonoma and we saw this cute beehive cake, among other things.



I also came home to find the Dean & Deluca catalog in the mail - lots of beautiful treats!

Feeling girly?

Friday, I went to a quaint little shop in Alpine called Dear Lizzie. I ate with my bro. & sister-in-law in the little cafe/bistro area which was delish. It is one of those shops that makes you definitely feel like a girl, I've also seen little girls have tea parties here - so cute. If you are ever in the area, wanting to be inspired and feel feminine I highly recommend this shop. 

image via pbkids

Cool stuff that they sell:

the best custom stamps I've ever seen by three designing women- you can also find them at Room Service Home




Collage jewelry, trinkets, and memorabilia by Sally Jean - they are made out of glass and metal, I love the one I have which says: "I think I'll be an artist or something."



Gianna Rose Soaps: delightfully smelling and looking

That which we call a rose...

images via Kylie Lambert Flickr

Aren't these adorable - made by Kylie Lambert of Le Cupcake. I would love to learn how to do marzipan.

Happy Earth Day

Last weekend, I planted 3 tomato bushes, some herbs and flowers. We've never planted tomatoes or herbs before so we are excited to see what happens. I found a cool book and website called You Grow Girl. Does anyone have any suggestions or great gardening tips?

creative guest books ...

I think it is great to let wedding guests leave more then just their sig. Wishes, notes, or words of wisdom to the bride and groom seem to be a bit more meaningful. I wish I would have done the Polaroid idea at my wedding.


images via: ms, beaucoup

Baobob Tree

image via bbc.co.uk

I don't think I've seen a tree quite like this before, planet earth blows my mind.

We are what we believe we are. - CS LEWIS

Fun with type

Bembos zoo is great, if you haven't already, check out their site. I love the book too!

Kransekake and such..

images via martha & tilbords

1: cakes stands give great height and display all types of stuff so cute - check out Rosanna and potluck studios for inspiration.
2: These cute little cookies reminded me of #3.
3: Kransekake: a delicious and beautiful Norwegian wedding cake made of ground almonds that my aunt Irene makes -- sooo good!!
4: I love clear containers for drinks - the limes are fun too.

Cyclone

I've had this little clipping forever, I think Cyclone Design is great - this image has a little bit of a picasso vibe, don't you think?

Details...details

Image via brides

1 : cox&cox 2:bloomeryweddings 3 brides 4 ms

1: Thought you could have some fireworks (Todd's an expert right?)
2: I love lillies of the valley - I am going to plant some this weekend!
3: Limes in the vases, I thought added a cool color vibe
4: Guest sign-in isn't that clever!

Have a seat...

images via brides

"a good photograph is knowing where to stand” ansel adams

I love the photography by Rodney Smith. I had the opportunity to hear him lecture, and he is quite a remarkable person with an amazing eye for detail, and great use of light in his photographs. He studied under one of the great photography masters - Walker Evans.

Lunch break shopping

all images from nordstrom

I'm on the hunt for a new black skirt - aren't these cute?! Still trying to decide which one is my favorite.

lights... camera...

image via lena corwin's flickr

images via cox&cox (really great uk store!)

images via brides

Backyard fancies

Some of these ideas could be fun in the backyard area. I think the globes are awesome, (they were around 1 -3 dollars at pearlriver ) there are so many different lighting options I've seen out there - but what time does it get dark in August?


images via brides

The good kind of grass

Grass and beautiful flowers could be really nice on the tables, it is extremely cost effective and only takes about a little over a week to grow. I'm actually growing some now.


images via brides

Dear Virginia,

My heart and prayers go out to those who have recently lost loved ones.


image via flickr

Cakes too pretty to eat

I came across the cakegirls - quite a clever name, and my what spectacular talent. Check out their other beautiful creations.



Cakepower also remarkable, is a hip and an amazing array of artistic cake delights.

Crystal + Todd =

(image by karen hill)

Here are today's wedding ideas:


1-2 martha 3-5:arrtfool 6:april reed cakes

Gotta love audrey

I think that perhaps every girl may go through an audrey phase, I think that mine has lasted for a long time, in fact maybe it has never quite ended. I adore her. I was happy to see this poster on andrea's wall (my 15 yr. old cousin) - it brought a smile to my 'funny face'. I have the book: Audrey Hepburn: an elegant spirit, it is quite beautiful.



“For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone.” - audrey hepburn

For Crystal

My dear cousin, Crystal is getting married in August. This week I am going to post some ideas and inspiration for her. Her colors are green, white, and pink. It is going to be a beautiful garden wedding. I am so happy and excited for her!!



1 western interiors 2-4 martha 5-6 peggy porschen 7 larkspurchicago 8-9 martha 10 oh how charming

The first image I thought incorporates the colors palette well. / The table settings - I think the balloons are hot, and the grass or moss would add pops of green / Lighting: a cool idea with the bags giving a great ambiance / I love and adore peggy porschen's stuff - check out the link. / Flowers: lots of greenery with floral I think is beautiful / Cake : beautiful detailing on fresh crisp white yummy / This idea of photos clipped I think is quite charming and fun.

Birds of paradise

THOUGHT: A bird doesn't sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song.
Maya Angelou

Mac and I watched planet earth in HD, boy is it spectacular. The dedication and aesthetic sensibilities of the camera crew is astounding. We loved the part about the rare birds of paradise.

THOUGHT:
“Success is getting what you want; happiness is wanting what you get” Ingrid Bergman

Beautiful Paintings

PERSON:
I think these paintings are quite remarkable, they are by brian kershisnik.

Near my desk

THINGS:
Surrounded by things I love, here are a few.


I love this old kate spade ad, I tore out of a zine a few years ago. Wouldn't it be great to go to switzerland - it's on my top ten of places to see next, I want to ski and board the swiss alps. Guten Tag!



I love the smell of this volcano candle by capri blue, wish computers had scratch 'n sniff capabilities to share, it's lovely- got it at anthropologie. They now sell them in these lucious clear jars, when my runs out, I'll get this one in pink.



Love magazines, subscribe to lots, so I do my best to put my favs in this magazine rack I got ages ago at potterybarn. I also heart my pina zangaro case. Do I have too much metal?


My mom loves, loves to organizes, as do I. Last year we went to a NAPO organization seminar in Boston where I discovered Russell + Hazel, M.O. and this great JOYS system which stands for 'just organize your stuff'. This binder is designed by Catherine, a graphic designer, it is one of the prettiest systems I've seen. It includes lots of tabs: everyday, wealth, wellness, home, and interests. It is not for the faint of heart - hard core organizing here. Her website has lots of great links, helpful stuff for everyday life.


I like to clip little things I'm working on, or new inspiration that I find, on these metal clips. The bag is great to throw a mag in, or some loose papers. Gotta love paperchase.

Sabrina

PERSON:
I first came across Sabrina because of her books, now she posts and sells her beautiful photography. I think it would be fun to be like the model in these shots, and run around in the tall grass with a lovely long flowing dress.




If you haven't looked through her books, they're worth a gander.

Dishes galore

PLACE:
I heart my polka-dot glasses - they are great for Italian sodas. I found them at FishEddys in NY. What a great dish store.

Milton

THOUGHT:
I consciously try to absorb and be influenced by many of my experiences, so the idea of influence and being influential is important to me. My entire vocabulary, you might say, could be analyzed as a series of influences. The idea is being in the stream of artistic ideas, as someone who sees himself not so much as somebody who has private vision but rather who wants to participate in disseminating ideas. - Milton Glaser

See Jane Work

PLACE:
I love the online store See Jane Work. They carry lovely and great stuff for your office and home. It has brought a lot of my long time office favorites together in one beautiful place!



Today, I got an email from them announcing that they are carrying the Thomas Paul line. I've only know him for pillow design - but it looks like he is expanding! I love his site - check out the birds!




Some of my favs sold on See Jane Work include Russell + Hazel :




Jack and Lulu: fun and poppy colorful stationery! I am a big fan of polka-dots and stripes lately.



Cavallini : European inspired calendars, wrap, notecards, stamps, stickers etc.




last but not least of the short list - Kate Spade don't you just love her different classic styles in handbags, accessories, and now paper! (just couldn't resist posting the elephant plate - how cute)

Elephants

THING:
So, I love elephants. I have a small little collection of miniature elephants that I have been collecting for a few years. They are a symbol of wisdom, because they are known for their smarts and great memory. I saw this charming bathing suit for V at the gap, that I might just have to get it.

Lauren Child - the Princess and the Pea

PERSON:
I first discovered Lauren Child, when I saw my nephew watching Charlie and Lola. It is a great little cartoon - and I love their British accents. I wonder if a child watches the show long enough, if they can pick up the accent too?



Lauren has been busy creating so many unique and interesting little children's characters, books, and shows. One of my favorite finds is this beautiful book - "the Princess and the Pea" it is full of little photographed miniatures and tells of the classic story with a little twist. -Very Lovely.

typography + photography

PEOPLE:
Ed Fella is a designer who has a lot of personality and it definetly shows up in his work. I have his book 'Letters on America' which I adore. Between listening to him speak at an AIGA conference, and meeting Louise Fili in NY, and seeing her large photo collection of typographic signs, I have been enlightened and developed a passion for taking photos of signs and interesting typography wherever I go.

.

Flickr

THING:
I've just discovered the world of flickr. I am a bit of a shutterbug, so it is great to see other photographs that people have taken, and in the future I hope to upload some of mine. I found this shot taken in Rome, on cupcakes on a monday. Isn't it beautiful?

Travel Book

PLACES to see:
I just got this travel book from the library to see if I wanted to purchase it. It is pretty great, and has beautiful photographs. I think I may just have to get it. It would be a great coffee table book. I also just got the cities book - a journey through the best cities in the world. Gotta love Lonely Planet.

Creativity

THOUGHT:
Creativity is electricity and people feel it when they are with you. One of the benefits of creativity activity is the vitality and intensity of focus which causes an awakening of the senses and alters your mood. - Alexandra Stoddard

I love the mail!

THINGS:
I got 2 packages in the mail on Saturday hooray! One was this cool vintage WWII poster I ordered from Barter Books. Someone has also been making repos of the poster on Etsy. (photo of poster via i like's flickr.)
I also got an ironing board cover designed by Two's Company (home chic home line) and purchased at Aldea . I originally saw this great laundry room in the June 2006 Domino Magazine and loved the room and the ib cover. They were 'sold out' of the one below, but I got the black one with white flowers. Tres chic!

cool illustrations

PERSON:
I've been a long time admirer of Grady McFerrin's work. He has a unique style in his illustrations that I love.

Easter Bunny

For Easter, my parents made this little bunny cake from the lovely WS molds.

'Twas Easter-Sunday. The full-blossomed trees filled all the air with fragrance and with joy.
(Henry Wadsworth Longfellow)

Little V

PERSON:
Here is our little miracle, time-consumer, and joy.

Beachside style

PERSON:
I love the stylist for these photographs for venacava, I think that they have a little bit of a kate spade feel from a fashion spread I saw a few years ago.

Great cupcakes for spring

THING:
Aren't these cupcakes adorable? I first saw the animal ones in Martha Stewart kids magazine, which unfortunately they do not publish anymore. But on her website, there are still great ideas posted under the kids section.

Flock Together

THING:
I love this little bird postcard, I got from Urban Outfitters a while ago.

Michael Mabry

PERSON:
One of my many favorite designers is Michael Mabry. I was able to hear him speak at a AIGA conference and was truly inspired by him and his work. He now designs a lot of work for the store Land of Nod. He is also involved in the 1000 journals project.

Blocks and blabla

PLACE/THING:
Even before I was pregnant, I have been wanting these little blocks and toys from the Land of Nod. It is one of my favorite stores for little kids. Since they only have stores in Seattle, and the Chicago / Illinois area, I was happy to go to the flagship store when I was in Chicago last month. The kitty is by Blabla and I definitely want more of their items, they are so vintage, yet also modern. The second set of blocks are by Eeboo.

Love for letterpress and paperie

PEOPLE:
I guess it is time to mention my love and infinity for letterpress. It is a passion of mine whether doing it myself, or admiring the craft of others. I guess it started after taking a letterpress class in college and discovering what it is all about. While my husband and I lived in Seattle, he worked near a shop in the Wallingford district that I adored going into called Flourish that carried a lot of letterpressed cards and paperie. In addition, some of my favorite paperie designers off the top of my head, in the area include, Turquoise creative, Laura Zeck, SugarBean Press and Wilkson.

RAINY DAY

THOUGHT:
"The best thing one can do when it's raining is to let it rain." Henry Wadsworth Longfellow


image via Johann's flickr

Moxy and wee

PLACE/THING:
A few weeks ago I went back to my roots, Seattle and I was able to go to some of my favorite places including Bellevue Square and Watson Kennedy. While at Bell Square, in the Fireworks Gallery shop I came across a few things that I had wanted for Vienna (my 5 month old daughter). Little Uglydolls, I think are a hillarious so I bought her Moxy which she now adores, and I also got her some weegallery cards which I think are brilliant (an idea that I have had for a long time that was created beautifully).

Photographer of beauty

PERSON:
I think that Christopher Baker takes beautiful photographs. He has had his work in many magazines, and books.

Long Lasting flowers

THING:
One of my favorite stores is the Paper Source. Unfortunately, there is not one by where I live, so any chance that I get to go here is a real treat. They have these great flowers paper kits that you can make these bouquets of flowers with.


Also on Martha the other day they demonstrated how to make these most realistic flowers made out of coffee filters from Seattle Flower Designer Cassie Mae - mommymakesroses.com Wouldn't these be fabulous to buy or make to give to family and friends!

A good flower shop

PLACE:
As I was thinking about spring and planting flowers today, I thought about a brilliant flower shop, I came across while in Boston last year on Newbury Street called Winston Flowers. They carry the most stunning selections and make the most lovely arrangements.

For Like Ever

THING:
Just got this poster in the mail on Friday. I saw it in one of my favorite mags Domino and I really loved it.

Melted colors

I cannot recall how I came about finding Jen Garrido's artwork, but I think that it is absolutely original and stunning. I would love to have one of her paintings in my home.

A 7th Wonder

IDEA:
"It's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see." - Henry David Thoreau

PLACE:
Last Monday, I went to the IMAX theatre to see "Mystic India". It was quite good, and the cinematography and images were amazing. The architecture, craft, and culture of this country is so beautiful. I would love to go to India and see the lushness of its vast country and meet a real Yogi and see the Taj Mahal. It amazes me what devotion, strength and discipline that they have. It inspires me to want to be a better person.

A New Beginning

Today is the start of my first blog. Yippee!



IDEA:
Here is a quote that inspires me.
"I see life as an art. As the artist of my own life, each day another brush stroke is made on the canvas which will one day be called "My Life." If I am to live with the end it mind, everyday that I am blessed to live and breath is an opportunity to create the life I envision for myself. I want my life to be one of beauty, peace, style, and grace -- an utterly fulfilling life that inspires me as well as those that I love. It begins by creating a clear vision and then daily making choices, both large and small, that move me in the direction of my dreams."
(found while browsing books at Amazon.com by JacquelineRose.)

PLACE:
I love to travel, I am going to many places including San Juan, Puerto Rico in June.

PERSON:
I adore the work of Sara Fanelli. Check her stuff out!

THING:
I have been on this cupcake kick lately, I know, I know it seems to be a revived phenomenon around the country for the last few years, but when I went into one of my favorite stores, Williams-Sonoma yesterday, I was excited to see that they now carry Sprinkles cupcake mix. I love the packaging and I can't wait to make them. I'll let you know how they turn out.