HAPPINESS IS...

Mark Weaver Art

I am fascinated by the artwork of graphic designer and illustrator, Mark Weaver. These abstract photomontages are from his project, MSCED (Make Something Cool Every Day). I love his use of muted palettes and vintage sci-fi imagery. To me, the collection almost feels like a satirical view of American mid-century optimism. Very Mad Men-esque, don't you think?

{Images via The Jealous Curator by Cargo Collective}

Over-The-Knee Boots

I've always loved yet feared over-the-knee boots. I think it could be all too easy to look like a hooker a la Pretty Woman. But Cherry Blossom Girl rocks them just perfectly with a mini dress and long loose robe sweater. Her boots are from Top Shop. Doesn't she look so comfortable and chic?

{Image by Cherry Blossom Girl}

My Cheese Ball Turkey

Do you like my cheese ball turkey? I'm so proud of him! This is what I made for my family's Thanksgiving celebration. I was trying to recreate this guy but my little bird turned out a bit different.

It was very simple to make. I took two pre-made cheese balls and formed them into one large one. The tricky part was the head. I sliced up a red pepper into two parts - one for the head and neck, the other for the wattle. I stuck them into the ball and placed whole pecans around the body. Then I took five feather-shaped crackers and decorated them with cheese for the back feathers. (I used a plastic sandwich bag filled with cheese whiz with the tip cut off). Finally, I used leftover cheese whiz to form two little eyes and a beak. Black peppercorns were used for the pupils. He's sitting in a bed of dried cranberries.

I hope you all had a happy holiday!

Happy Thanksgiving!

I am grateful for YOU this Thanksgiving. Seriously. My blog is fairly new yet I've been welcomed with open arms into your lovely blog community. This means so much to me. I appreciate every single comment you leave. They truly make my days.

I hope you have an enjoyable Thanksgiving my dears (in the States). Please stuff yourself silly and nap often. I'll leave you with some entertaining links to pass the time. Enjoy your long weekend and I'll see you Monday!

Next time I'm in London, I want to stay here. 

The Nadinoo collection is adorable.

This stylish planter would like nice on my deck.

Have you heard of T.I.N.I. (This Is Not Ikea)?

I've never pea coat girl, but really love this one.

I want to make lemon ricotta pancakes for breakfast this weekend.

Fingerprint rings are genius.

Now there is a letterpress machine that real people can afford.

Can you believe there are Twitter tights?

These photos make me want to wear a red skirt every day.


{Image via FFFFOUND}

The Fawcett House By Frank Lloyd Wright

Heaven on earth. This stunning 3,800 square foot ranch house is for sale for a cool $2,395,000, sitting on 80 acres of farm land in Los Banos, California. Frank Lloyd Wright designed it in 1958-61 (check out the historical photos) and it comes with an 8-acre walnut orchard, angular pool, separate art studio, wine cellar, Japanese garden and koi pond.

Thankfully, there's a responsibility to owning a Frank Lloyd Wright home...it must be maintained according to the original design. Although why anyone would want to renovate this mid-century gem is beyond me. Isn't it marvelous?


{Images via Retro To Go by The Fawcett House}

Zooey

I adore this vintage circus photo shoot with miss Zooey Deschanel by photographer Ellen Von Unwerth. She is always enchanting.

{Images via Don Juans Reckless Daughter}

My Fantasy Thanksgiving

I'm inspired by these photos. Just one year, I'd like to break from tradition and live this Thanksgiving fantasy:

A tiny table nestled in the forest (that Cherner chair must be included), with cheese, bread, wine, and my dearest girlfriends. Perhaps some Miles Davis and a little campfire to roast chestnuts on. Then we would build a fort, tell stories, sleep under the trees listening to owls coo.


{Image via The Style Files by Sweet Paul}

Wizard of Oz Inspired Outfits

I cannot take credit for this perfect collection of Wizard of Oz inspired outfits. Lauren was displeased with the "WOO" and its wardrobe. So she updated their looks as if Dorothy, the Cowardly Lion (who is apparently now a woman), Glenda the Good Witch and the Wicked Witch had to get glammed up for a fabulous party. Didn't she nail it? I just had to share  :)

P.S. I just found a treasure trove of Dorothy red slippers!


{Images by Magpie Mania}

Plane and Train Destination Scrolls

I just love these. So does my big blank wall. Alice and Marika, two Australian gals who have a shared love of typography, set out to design and recreate vintage scrolls used to display the destinations of buses, trams, trains and flights. Each scroll is hand-printed and can be custom made for your neighborhood or city.


{Images via Apartment Therapy by PrintDolls}

Thanksgiving Vegetarian Main Dishes

I've been a veggie since I was four years old. So for today's Thanksgiving post, I wanted to share with my fellow vegetarian friends (and open-minded omnivores) some main dish ideas to replace the bird. Thankfully, the members of my immediate family are all veggies, so it makes Thanksgiving time much easier (strength in numbers!) However, we'll be having our festivities at my cousin's house with extended family who are all meat eaters.

Normally, we bring our own main course, usually with faux-meat, such as a field roast or seitan substitute. But I know some vegetarians are opposed to anything resembling dead flesh, so I found some delicious alternatives:

1. Sweet Potato Gnocci: Topped with melted butter, sage, and parmesan cheese. Pumpkin can also be used. This recipe is adapted by Miss Gwyneth Paltrow.

2. Black Lentils in a Mushroom Zinfandel Sauce: In the photo, it is served with sweet potato mash with coconut milk and garam masala, a trio of phyllo purses (pumpkin-walnut, truffled sunchoke, christmas lima), mashed potatoes, steamed mustard greens, caramelized pear onions and deep fried cranberries.

3. Mushroom and Farro Pie: Flaky pastry gives way to cremini mushrooms and chewy farro (an ancient Italian grain) bound together by ricotta cheese.

4. Scallion Wild Rice Crepes w/ Mushrooms in Red Pepper Sauce: Mushrooms are used to give the crepes an almost meaty texture.

Hungry yet? :)


{Images via: 1. GOOP, 2.  The Wind Attack, 3. The Kitchn, 4.  Gourmet}

New York Nat Headbands

I'm loving these fancy headbands by Natalie, a former dancer who drew her inspiration from the ballet. There's no better way to bring out your inner girlie girl than a pretty little whimsical hair accessory.


{Images by New York Nat}

Ballerinas

So I went to a party at my yoga studio on Saturday and it was full of members of the Pacific Northwest Ballet, who frequent the same classes that I do. As honored as I am to share the same floor space as these rubber band girls made of pure muscle, including this girl and this girl, it is admittedly quite humbling to do the standing splits next to them. Their legs go beyond their heads while mine barely get off the ground. Jealousy aside, ballerinas are beautiful and phenomenal creatures, aren't they?

P.S. Needless to say, I was the only one wolfing down the hour'derves.


{Images by: 1. Visualize Us, 2. and 4. Stefano Rapino, 3. Weronis, 5.The Things That Excite Me, 6. Richard Calmes}

Gratitude

Good morning my dears. In honor of Thanksgiving, I'll be doing a T-day post each day. The gals over at Mod Cloth are holding a Thank-A-Thon, which inspired me to say...

This year, I am most thankful for the love of my life. Hal and I met while I was living in LA and we've been together on and off for about 7 years. When I decided to move to Seattle to be closer to family and settle down, he followed. It took him awhile to do so, but he eventually did. He was born and raised in LA and left his family and lifelong friends behind for me. He doesn't do change well, so I know how hard it was for him. But I have never been happier. This will be his first time spending Thanksgiving with my family and I will be eternally thankful he chose to remain by my side.

“Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.”
— Marcel Proust

An Autumn Bike Ride

I've been craving a bike ride lately. The weather has been pretty miserable as of late, so maybe if the sun peeps out for a moment, I'll bundle up and take full advantage.

Are you up to anything special this weekend? The yoga studio I go to is having a holiday party with free mini-massages (!!!). Any excuse to dress up semi-fancy is always fun.

Here are a few links for your weekend enjoyment...

Wouldn't you love to sit in this beautiful tree swing?

The perfect shade of red lipstick.

A vintage vending machine for art called the Art-O-Mat

I'm just loving this girl's outfit.

An Etsy shop where everything is only $3.50!

The most beautiful place for a canoe ride.

Are you a fashion designer looking for inspiration?

Perfect little ceramics for a window garden.

Mulled wine sounds amazing right now.

I would watch The Edge of Love just for the wardrobes.

{Image by Photography Served}

Lyrimage: "Time In a Bottle"

 






"Time in a Bottle" by Jim Croce is a song that is very dear to my heart. My band, Lorelei, just did a re-make of the original. We wanted to keep the same beautiful lyrics and haunting vibe, but make the music a bit more modern. You can listen to it here.

P.S. Yes, I totally made up the word, Lyrimage. Hey, if Tyra Banks can do it with "smize" (smiling with your eyes), I can do it too. Lyrimage = lyrics + images together. I'm thinking about making this a reoccurring series. Yes? No?

{Images by: 1. We Heart It, 2. 666Conducer, 3. Simply Stardust, 4. Wasting, 5. DayTripper, 6. Alice & The Library, 7. Harry.Ginny.Love, 8. Peonies and Polaroids, 9. LoveyDreams, 10. Holga, 11. Good Music Good People, 12. UppercaseYYC, 13. The Unicorn Diaries, 14. Verhext, 15. Samantha Williams}

Handmade Nation

Have you heard of this documentary? The DVD of Handmade Nation was just released. It explores the rise of DIY, arts, crafts and design in America. Director, Faythe Levine travels to 15 cities, interviewing 80 individuals about their work and growing community that exists through Etsy, online boutiques, blogs, galleries and craft fairs.

Check out the trailer. If you missed the first time around, it will be screening in Seattle on December 4th. It might come to your city too!

{Images by Handmade Nation Movie}

A Space to Create

I've never really had a creative space of my own. Aren't these art studios inspirational? I need a spot where I can write and record music, draw and paint, photograph and blog, meditate and dream.

One day...


{Images by: 1. Igor Palmin, 2.  Marty M. Ito, 3.Tiki*Kiki, 4. Eviloars, 5. Up in the Air Somewhere, 6. Sarah Lechner}

Analog Postcards

Isn't this analog postcard set just the best? They would match my future cassette tape wallpaper. They were designed by Christine from San Fran's Yellow Owl Workshop. I rarely send anything snail mail, but if I had these, I'd be mailing out little notes to my friends all the time for no reason whatsoever.

P.S. Christine also just came out with her fun New York stamp set.


{Image via UO}

Sweet Favors

Such a sweet idea for wedding favors, don't you agree? Elizabeth took candy bars and wrapped them up in photographs of their lives together.

This reminds me of a gift I got from Hal once. I'm a big LOST fan and he gave me a specially designed Dharma Initiative chocolate bar. I vowed to never eat it...but one day I caved.

{Image via Lake Jane by Kiss The Groom}

The Goldeneye Resort

This is what happens to me mid-week...I start daydreaming about exotic locales. This one in particular.

Goldeneye is in Oracabessa, Jamaica, where author Ian Flemming lived and wrote his James Bond novels. Apparently, the resort is now owned by Chris Blackwell, founder of Island Records, who is developing the property into a community of villas and beach cottages each with their own private access to the sea.

It's no secret that I want to be a Bond girl. I must go here immediately so I can fully pretend I'm Ursula Andress emerging from the tropical waters in that iconic bikini.

{Images by Island Outpost}

Owlita Feather Earrings

I would love to wear these earrings when I'm in the mood to channel my inner Native American goddess. Portland designer, Ashley Doty was inspired by owls, folklore and nature when she created the jewelry line using pheasant, rooster and peacock feathers bound in leather. They look pretty fabulous with long locks, don't you think?


{Images by Owlita}

Field of Dreams

Good morning  :)


{Images by Alvertigo}

Wood Slices

Since I'm on my wood kick (oh wait, I'm always on a wood kick), I wanted to share with you some creative ways to use slices of wood.

1. Wood slice walkway:  I really wish I had an outside walkway to do this to, because I find it so beautiful. The slices are simply laid into sand with wood preserver brushed on top to avoid cracking.

2. Wood slice wall:  I saw this look in Martha Stewart's Living awhile ago and it never escaped me. The best part is how she turns larger birch pieces into pegs to hang things on. Genius!

3. Wood slice art:  These decor pieces are from Urban Accent Home. Each slice is from a fallen tree and is completely unique. Aren't they cool?

{Images by 1. Katy Elliot, 2. Martha Stewart, 3. Urban Accent Home}

Brilliant Barcodes

Leave it to Japan to create clever barcodes to match your product. Aren't these fun?

{Images via The Dieline by Barcode Revolution}

Neck Warmers

Can you believe I still haven't turned on the heat in my home? I'm so proud of myself. Instead, I would rather bury my face in these over-sized neck warmers. The best part is being able to pull them up over your head as a hood. I saw a delicious one one at H&M in white, but I thought I'd check out some handmade versions on Etsy. These are a few of my favorites.

{Images by 1. Yokoo, 2.  Beautiful Bridget, 3. Ozetta}

Recycled Furniture by Recreate

I'm fascinated by the idea of taking something made for one use and recreating it for a different use. Similar to my post on recycled jewelry, South African designer, Katie Thompson takes old suitcases and turns them into chairs. She turns old Hoover vacuums into arch lamps, muffin trays into a flower vases, typewriters into a desk lamps, hat boxes into ottomans, and buckets into stools. Don't you wish you thought of these?

{Images via Little Lost Love by Recreate}

The Color Contest Winner

Yay! I had chosen Beth from Chicago's room as one of my favorite picks at the very beginning of the 2009 Apartment Therapy Color Contest. She ended up being the final winner. I liked it because the blue she chose for her accent wall is similar to the blue I have in my bedroom. Doesn't the blue next to white remind of you of Santorini, Greece?

She took her color inspiration from this Niko Case poster. Her tip: don't be afraid to test colors out. She actually had to paint twice to get the right kind of blue. 

{Images via Apartment Therapy}

Sid the Sparrow

Of course, after proclaiming my love for little birds, I received a shock this weekend as I was sitting peacefully in my living room daydreaming. Out of the blue, I saw a sparrow crash at full speed into my window with such force that his life was instantly taken from him. 

I'm naming the sparrow Sid and today I choose to honor him. He probably had a beautiful life, filled with sweet smelling flowers, joyful songs and warm nests. 

Last week, I was disheartened by the news of an old friend's untimely passing. Sid is just another reminder for me of what the ultimate happiness is...LIFE.  And life, I believe, should be celebrated.

{Image via Silver Scents}

Stormy Weekends

A big storm is coming into town. I'm feeling the electric energy that comes when the wind starts to blow and the drizzle begins. As much as I'd like to tango with Hal in the rain, most likely we'll be cozying up inside, listening to thunder, perhaps baking cookies and watching old movies.

I hope you all have a relaxing (and dry) weekend! Here are some great links from around blog land:

An amazing Japanese stair house.

Congratulations Celia on your beautiful wedding!

Must. Have. This. Skirt.

Some great retro furniture finds off Craigslist.

If you're ever in Instanbul, here's a stunning apartment.

One person's trash is another person's treasure.

If you want to be popular, you can't afford to be skinny!

House swapping...for creatives only. 

Antique skeleton keys.

How cool is this airplane bracelet?

{Image byPedro J. Pacheco}

Copenhagen Street Style Favorites

I've been collecting my favorite Copenhagen street style photos for the last month or so. Aren't these gals just perfect? How can everyone in Denmark be so drop dead gorgeous?

{Images by Copenhagen Street Style}

Scrap Wood

My local lovelies, on November 13th, Design Seattle is holding their SCRAP show, where Seattle artists and designers will feature their work made out of scrap wood. These items are a sneak peak.

I love anything and everything made out of wood. I took a wood shop class in middle school, but the only thing cool I made was a pen holder, and it wasn't even that cool. I think it's high time I took a wood-working class as an adult. 


{Images by 1. Loc Trinh, 2. and 3. Grain, 3. FortyFive09 and &c.}

Eternal Gardens

Bailey has been eating all the leaves off my house plants. Maybe I should replace them with some of these peaceful little Eternal Gardens by French ceramics designer, Clementine Dupre. I'm in awe of their simple organic beauty. Aren't they lovely? 

{Images by Libertinage Ceramique}

Shanti Town Yoga Blog

For my fellow yogis out there, you might want to check out my dear friend, Lia Aprile's yoga blog, Shanti Town. She is an incredibly talented yogi, actress and writer who has the ability to draw you into her world by humorously revealing the life lessons she learns from her daily yoga practice. Thank you Lia for your beautiful and hilarious words. You are an inspiration.

P.S. She's going to be on the February cover of the Kripalu catalog!


{Image via We Heart It}

A Beautiful Malibu Wedding

Three things I love about this beautiful Malibu wedding photographed by Heather Gilson. That simple arch of branches, that incredible view of the Pacific...and those boots.


{Images by One Love Photo}

Craigslist Missed Connections Art

I came across Sophie Blackall awhile ago and just fell in love with the concept of her art. She illustrates Craigslist Missed Connections personal ads. They are hilarious, sweet, and sad at the same time. Have you ever browsed them, wondering if anyone has placed an ad looking for you? Have you ever placed one yourself?

Sophie says: "Every day hundreds of strangers reach out to other strangers on the strength of a glance, a smile or a blue hat. Their messages have the lifespan of a butterfly. I'm trying to pin a few of them down."

{Images by Missed Connections}

New Moon Trailer Featuring Lorelei

Yeah, don't front. I know there are more than a few you out there looking forward to Twilight's New Moon coming out next week. A fan of my band, Lorelei, put our song, "Moonless" over the New Moon trailer. It is actually amazing how the images and lyrics correlate!

A Tree House Bed & Breakfast in Southern France

This charming B&B reminds me of the tree house my dad built my brother and I when we were little. Except a bit more luxurious. Orion is located in St.-Paul-de-Vence, just nine miles from Nice. There are four custom built tree houses on the property, each named after a character from The Jungle Book.

Who wants to go with me?

{Images via Indagare by Orian B&B}

Little Paper Birds

I find myself drawn to all things bird-shaped. These little paper birds are made out of book pages, sheets of music, crossword puzzles and maps. Aren't they sweet? They are hand-stitched by U.K. designer, Cotton Bird. I'd love to have a pair of song birds on my piano.

{Images via Naturally Nina by Cotton Bird Designs}

Why I Love Him - Reason #71

 

He knits. Not only does he knit, he learned to knit on YouTube. Not only did he learn to knit on YouTube, he learned so he could knit me a scarf for Christmas last year. And it's a beautiful scarf.

Sesame Street's 40th Birthday

Do you remember the closing theme of the old school shows from the late 70's / early 80's, when they would announce that the episode was brought to us by the Letter A and the Number 3?  They would play this funky chimes song that no longer exists. I found the mp3 to bring us all back. It is awesome.

Happy 40th Birthday Sesame Street!

{Images by 1.Squidoo, 2. Mary Ek, 2. Sound Opinions}

'Roid Week Favorites

Flickr's 'Roid Week is now over and there were so many beautiful Polaroids to choose from. These are my favorites!

{Images by 1. Mrs. B., 2.  RJR Photo, 3. Pooporama, 4. Jes Lee Photos, 5. Otto K., 6. Jeroen Panjer}

My Holiday Outfit for Aldo

Items in this set:

Coggles.com coat, 175 GBP
Fredflare.com dress, $60
Aldoshoes.com shoes, $90
Aldoshoes.com clutch, $40
Givenchy necklace, 1.202 EUR

Here is my entry for the Polyvore / Aldo Contest. They want us to put together an outfit showing our holiday style, using one pair of Aldo shoes and one Aldo accessory. The winners will receive $300, $200 and $100 gift certificates to Aldo. Do you think I have a chance? Mama needs a new pair of shoes!

P.S. That is not a disco ball in the top right corner - its a ring  :)

The Blu Dot Real Good Experiment

Last week, Blu Dot did an experiment. They placed 25 of their Real Good chairs around New York, free for the take. Each chair was embedded with a GPS device for tracking. They plan to contact the new chair owners and make a documentary about who grabbed them, where they went, how they get there, and what their new homes look like. I just love this idea!

{Images via The Inside Stoop, by Blu Dot Real Good Experiment}

Swirl

You are getting sleepy. My lovely friends, if you haven't heard about the launch of SWIRL, then you're in for a treat. It's an online sample sale site - 80% off designer items! Perfect timing for the upcoming holidays.

I hope you have a beautiful weekend! I'll be getting my hair did. It's due time since my hair is currently a long stringy hot mess. Here are some links from around the web to keep you occupied...

Short skirts and knee/thigh high socks should never go out of fashion.

A stylish book shelf design called the Book Harp.

Don't you wish ALL men could pull this off?

Would you like to win $300 worth of shoes from Aldo?

I just adore this outfit.

Sake cups are allowed to be square.

Hmm, today I'd like to trade Seattle rain for Paris rain.

Beautiful films by Guy Bourdin.

The new place to get our Domino fix.

Cute cupcakes not to be eaten.


{Image by Dreambagz}

Raydel Shanks Photography

Raydel's photos make me happy. They remind me of memories of childhood. Hazy and dreamy and sweet. She currently has a 2 for 1 print sale going on at her Esty shop.

I first came in contact with her work through her sister, artist, Jen Renninger. What a talented family.

{Images via Raydel Shanks Photography}

Stylish Bookends

Speaking of books, I love to collect them. It's hard because I want to give them away to share with friends, but there's something about having a colorful collection of all your past reads at your fingertips. My sweet mother, a retired librarian, sent me some unique ideas for bookends and these are my favorites. Aren't they great?

P.S. I'm so grateful for all your comments about my book club and suggestions for our next book. Hmmm...maybe we should form a blogger book club!  ;)

{Images by 1. KleinReid, 2. Liba Style, 3. DIY Life, 4. 7 Gadgets, 5. A Place For Everything}

Bonfire Night

Did you know tonight is Bonfire Night?  The November 5th holiday is celebrated in the U.K., New Zealand, Newfoundland, South Africa, and parts of the British Caribbean. Why not the States?

So put on your coat (it's raining here), grab some wood, matches, toffee apples, jacket potatoes and other traditional Bonfire Night goodies, channel up your inner pyro and get cozy next to a big, crackling fire.  My bonfire, however, will take place in my living room fireplace. I'm a wimp.

{Image by Hmm I Dunno}

Marcie and The Cookies

Girl groups from the 60's have always been an inspiration to my own music. Doesn't this video by Australian group, Marcie and The Cookies just make you smile? They sure got that step touch down!


{Video via I Love Retro Things}

Floating Homes

I was inspired by Decorno's post on floating homes. Seattle has a lot of houseboats, which if you aren't from here, I'm sure you'd know just by watching Sleepless in Seattle. I came across these fabulous pre-fab floating homes from Germany.  I've always found them to be quite romantic, don't you?


{Images via Blue Ant Studio by Floating Homes}

My Book Club

1. The Kite Runner by Khaled Hossein

2. Breakfast at Tiffany's by Truman Capote

3. Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

4. Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov

5. A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole

6. Brave New World by Aldous Huxley

7. My Horizontal Life by Chelsea Handler

8. The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov

9. The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay by Michael Chabon

I am so lucky to have the most beautiful AND brilliant girlfriends who are nerd enough to form a book club with me. The Bookies! We started a few years back when I was still living in LA. After each read, we'll celebrate the book's cuisine and culture, which usually leads to 5-minute discussions about the story and 5-hour discussions about other things.

For instance, after Kite Runner, we ate qorma and kabobs at an Afghani restaurant. After Breakfast at Tiffany's, we ate breakfast at Tiffany's house. After The Master and Margarita, we drank flavored vodkas at a Russian restaurant. You get the idea. Our current book is The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay and I have a feeling Jewish nosh might be in our future.

What books are you reading? Do you have any ideas for our next read?

{Images by 1. Tangled up in Daydreams, 2. thru 9. Amazon}