HAPPINESS IS...

Custom Wooden Glasses

I just got back from the eye doctor and my eyes are numb. Just as I suspected, I am even more blind than the last check-up where I discovered I was more blind than the last. Does it ever end? At this rate, I will be legally blind in five years!

These custom wooden glasses by Urban Spectacles are cheering me up. Designer, Scott Urban will craft a pair to perfectly fit your face. Guess it's okay to be blind if we can look this cool  :)

{Images via Happenstance}

Song Love: "Everyday is a Holiday" by Esthero

Have you heard this song, my loves?  If not, listen up. It will make you happy. I promise. Singer-songwriter, Esthero, has majorly influenced me vocally as an artist. She is a little bit jazz, a little bit pop, a little bit soul/hip hop. "Everyday is a Holiday" is extra awesome because it features Sean Lennon.

Here are your listening rules:

1. Headphones on - makes everything sound better!
2. Volume up loud - this does too.
3. Go outside, whether it's sunny, windy or rainy.
4. Start skipping, dancing, or twirling.
5. Don't be embarrassed about doing #4.
6. Enjoy.

{Image via Le Journal de la Photographie}

Book Planters

I must make my own book planters pronto!

They're from this Italian site. And although I've sung many Italian arias, I never sang about book planters. I typed in the caption: "Libri eco-friendly per ogni stagione" into FreeTranslation.com, and it gave me: "You hover echo-friendly for every season." HA. Oh really? Doesn't libri = books? Anyone speak/read Italian?  :)

{Images via All the Mountains by Sceglier Bio}

Wallpaper Love

Birdhouses, ribbons, buttons, scrap wood, porcelain, retro graphics, little houses, modern lamps and musical instruments. I should have thought twice before painting my walls solid colors. Aren't these wallpapers impressive? Which one is your favorite?


{Images by: 1. - 5. Studio Ditte; 6. - 8. John Lewis; 9. MiniModerns}

Halston Spring 2010 Soft & Flowy Dresses

I've been digging around for some dresses for my Napa trip, and fell in love with the Halston Spring 2010 collection. That coral color is pure bliss to me lately. And the light and airy fabric looks so comfortable. Although, with my luck and finesse, I'd spill vino all over these beauties while wine tasting. Maybe I'll head to Target instead.  ;)

{Images via Style.com}

Turning a Bridesmaid Dress Into a Pillow

Ladies, how many bridesmaid dresses do you own that you haven't touched since the wedding it came from? Samantha is one crafty little cookie. She turned her old bridesmaid dress that no longer fit into a beautiful rose petal pillow. Her slideshow tutorial shows us how.

I would love to knock one of these out, but I don't sew. Maybe if I sweetly ask Hal, he'll make one for me, since he excels at the domestic arts. What about you...do you think you could make one?


{Image via The Examiner}

Wish Boats

Name your boat, write your wish, fold, and send off to sea. Lovely little bio-degradable wish boats designed by Jurianne Matter from The Netherlands and sold at Once Upon a Fold. So sweet!

{Images via Altruism In The Morning}

Rainy Days & Mondays...

...Never get me down. Well, Mondays do. But not rainy days. Call me crazy, but I love the rain. Guess I'm in the right city. Spring showers make for a perfectly cozy day indoors and I'll even open the window to hear it better.

I've even discovered a source for free rain sounds online...oh, yes. RainyMood.com, for all your rain craving needs. Enjoy!


{Images via Tatielle}

Framed Objects

I love the idea of turning ordinary objects into art. These frames come with either a vase, a shelf, or a hook to display favorite items. They are a bit pricey, but I bet if we put our heads together and think outside the frame, we could come up with a crafty DIY version, right?  :)

{Images via All Sorts}

A Private Escape

Happy Friday! I don't know about you kids, but this week has been fairly hectic. I'm dying to find a little private escape to relax and daydream. This tree chair is just perfect.

I hope you all can escape for a bit this weekend. Even if it's just a refreshing walk around the block or snuggling up with a book. Ciao darlings! Enjoy some links...

Love these fabric covered flower pots.

More tea bag fun...celebri-tea.

Such a pretty tattoo.

For my fellow children of the 80's...space invader wall mirrors.

Fried goat cheese, citrus and avocado all together? Sign me up. 

I would also like to escape to here.

Quite a stunning necklace.

Like Lady Gaga?

A clever way to utilize old wine corks.

Gigantic wooden letters of the alphabet make me happy.


And some posts of mine you may have missed...

• Marcie and the Cookies
• Braid Chains
• Retro Parents

{Image Verhext}

Lyrimage: "Somewhere Over the Rainbow"

I'm feeling hopeful today.

"Somewhere Over the Rainbow" was originally written by Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg for The Wizard of Oz, which of course, Judy Garland made famous. But personally, I'm partial to Hawaii's Israel Kamakawiwo's version. You can listen along here.

A Paint-By-Number Wall Mural

This creative Michigan couple purchased a vintage paint-by-number painting off eBay and transformed it into their own custom wall mural. They made a color transparency of the painting, projected it with a friend's projector, and traced the image onto the wall. They recreated their own color chart and numbering system and got to painting. After 8 months, it was complete.

I must say, I'm a sucker for wall murals. Hal and I are working (very slooowly) on a wall mural of our own. Before and after photos will be revealed here. But that means we'll actually have to finish! I might have spoken too soon...

{Images via Design*Sponge}

Bowl Haircuts

I could never in a million years rock a bowl haircut. Many people fear it, traumatized by old childhood photos. Thankfully, my parents were kind to me as a little girl and never went there.

Which is why I totally admire Erin Laura for sporting the cut so boldly...not to mention her impeccable retro duds. Isn't she amazing?

Did you ever wear the bowl?


{Images via Cali Vintage}

Things I Love Thursdays: Photo Collages

Thanks to Gathering Spriggs, I have now discovered the Flickr Group, Things I Love Thursdays, and went to town selecting my favorites for you. Hope they inspire!


{Images by: 1. Photo Puddle; 2. Emma Lamb; 3. Lis (Honeybee Terrace); 4. ~Elena}

A Boat Fort

You may have noticed I like forts. Especially ones on boats. 

{Image via We Are The Atmosphere}

Being A Girl

Sugar and spice and everything nice = Juli Santini Summer 2010 campaign. Reminds me of playing dress-up  :)

{Images by Leninbak}

Paperself Fashion Eyelashes

Little zebra lashes...made from paper! I love wearing faux eyelashes during performances. Although people might not notice these beauties on stage, they'd be cool nonetheless.

They're designed by Ting Yu Wang, inspired by Chinese paper-cutting art. So intricate. I can't imagine how on earth she does it.

How 'bout you? Would you wear them?  :)


{Images via Paper Schmaper by Paperself}

Beer Can Butterflies

Another stunning example of how trash can be turned into treasure. Artist, Paul Villinski, collects old beer cans off the streets of New York City and somehow transforms them into butterfly installations. A beautiful metamorphosis!


{Images via Inhabitat by Paul Villinski}

Natalie Wood

Love note to Natalie Wood...

Dear Natalie. I miss you. West Side Story is one of my favorite movies. Definitely my favorite musical. Ever since watching you play Maria, you captured my heart. Even if you didn't actually sing. No biggie. Thank you for gracing us with your eternal beauty and charm. Love, Shannon.

{Images via: IMDB and Music2MyEars}

Announcing the Catie's Blue Giveaway Winner

Congratulations...

Elle of Wonderfelle! You won the Happiness Is...Necklace! 

Thank you again Brandi, and thanks to everyone who participated! Remember, Catie's Blue is giving a 15% discount until the end of April for my readers who entered and didn't win. Just enter HAPPY in the Message To Seller box during check out. Hook it up!  :)

Ticings Cupcake Art

I was helping my sis-in-law get ready for a baby shower she was hosting this weekend, and of course, cupcakes were out in full force. I wish I had come across Ticings earlier. They are decorative edible icing sheets. Like stickers, you peel and press them on your frosting. Fun, huh?

P.S. Today is the last day to enter the Catie's Blue necklace giveaway. Check back tomorrow for the results.

{Images via Simple Song by Aran Goyoaga}

A Gift Wrapping Kit

This total package DIY wrapping kit is calling my name. It comes with everything you'd possibly need and more to create unique looking packages, including library cards and authentic vintage playing cards. Wouldn't you love to receive a gift wrapped in such loveliness?

UPDATE: Less than 24 hours after I posted this, I discovered that Nice Package is closing up shop! The kit is no longer available. So sad.


{Images via Sacred Lotus by Nice Package}

The Darling Life

Saturday was the first day of Spring and I'm already thinking about Summer. The weather here was in the high 60's, and although gorgeous out, it was still rather cool to be lounging around in bathing suits like these pretties.

Photographer, Laura Taylor of The Darling Life takes delightful photographs. I very much fancy.


{Images by Laura Taylor}

Colcannon

I am so ready for the weekend...how 'bout you? On Saturday, I'm heading out to a post-St. Patrick's Day party and will be inhaling lots of traditional Irish colcannon...aka, green mashed potatoes. Yum!

Enjoy a few weekend links, my honeys. See you again on Monday...

A tiny tie necklace for the ladies.

Incredible golf-themed save-the-dates.

Some of the best inspiration comes in the shower.

This outfit is cute. Could you pull it off?

A pretty way to dress up peanut butter jars.

Submit your retro rooms here.

A hanging lamp made out of coat hangers.

Wild horses...couldn't drag me away.

Adorable fabric wall decals for the little ones.

Lovely photo collection of Ziegfelds Girls.

And some posts of mine you may have missed...

• Pebbles, Stones & Rocks
• A Mother & Daughter Duo
• Jenn Ski's Home

{Image and Recipe by Mangio da Sola}

Flowing Fabric

A bit of black and white beauty for your Friday. Maybe this is why I love chiffon. Aren't these images mesmerizing?

{Images via: 1. The Vamoose, 2. Indiae, 3. StanOd, 4. The Vamoose, 5.Inspirateship}

Cloud Lights

I'd love to hang a few of these magical cloud lights above my bed  :)

P.S. More cloud lights here.


{Image by Alexis Mire}

A Mountain Retreat

Dream house alert! I've added this one to the list. Floor to ceiling windows, check. Sunken living room, check. Cliff top views, check. Embedded in nature, check. Insanely rad fireplace, check!

Really, all it needs is a rooftop lawn, pool, hot tub, and trampoline... and we're good to go. What does your dream house look like?  :)


{Images via Design Relevant by Fearon Hay Architecture}

Socks for Spring

I've never been a huge fan of socks with sandals or socks with peep-toe shoes. I'm more of a knee-high socks with boots gal. But these photos are changing my opinion. I think the trick is to wear low vintage heels. So sweet and girly  :)

Can you believe Spring is official on Saturday?


{Images by Steep Street}

Song Love: "Jericho" by Weekend Players

Some of you asked me to continue Song Love (yay!) so I'm bringing it back. "Jericho" is by no means new, but it's a goodie. Off the Pursuit of Happiness album, it's another tune I can never get enough of. Weekend Players is an electronic duo from England. Pop-jazz singer, Rachel Foster, used to sing for Groove Armada.

This song is mellow, sensuous, moody and encompassing.

Listening rules:

1. Put on your headphones;
2. Sip some tea (morning) or vino (evening);
3. Close your eyes;
4. Think of your love (or fantasy love);
5. Enjoy.

{Image by Leave Me The White}

A Castle in Ireland

 





When I go back to Ireland, the Kylemore Castle is on my to-do list. Doesn't it look like it's out of a fairy tale? It was originally built in 1867 as a romantic gift...can you imagine?

A wealthy couple was honeymooning in Connemara and they were so enchanted by the beauty of the landscape, he bought the land and built her a castle. The estate was later purchased in 1920 by the Irish Benedictine Nuns and is now an Abbey, open for visitors.

Have you been to Ireland?


{Images by Kylemore Abbey Connemara}

Guinness Shamrocks

I have a love affair with Guinness. It all began in Dublin, when I visited the Guinness Factory. They gave us a tour of the facility, showed us how beer was made, and provided us with a pint of beer topped with a shamrock. I was a happy girl.

In the States, I've never received a Guinness shamrock. So U.S. bartenders, listen up. Learn how to make a Guinness shamrock. This video explains the process...in a lovely Irish accent.

What are your plans tonight?  Will you be celebrating with a Guinness?

{Image by AlmazUK}

The Luck of the Irish

Happy St. Patty's Day! Being a Shannon Eileen, I should have that Irish luck thing going for me, right?

I read an interesting article about a professor who studies the luck phenomenon. He discovered that people's thoughts and behaviors are responsible for their good or bad fortune. He concludes that unlucky people have more anxiety, which disrupts their ability to notice the unexpected and take chances on opportunities that arise.

Do you agree? Do you consider yourself lucky?  :)


{Images by: 1. Something Monumental, 2. Pearls and Tea, 3. Anna Aden, 4. Thresca, 5. Amour-Giraffe, 6.Minianna}

Sponsor + Giveaway: Catie's Blue Jewelry

Friends, I am over the moon excited to introduce you to my very first and very special sponsor of Happiness Is..., Catie's Blue, jewelry inspired by color. Brandi, the ever-so-sweet designer behind these luscious handmade creations, is such a joy and I'm incredibly honored to showcase her work.

There are so many beautiful pieces in her shop, I was like a kid in a candy store. Brandi seems to find the most unique and gorgeous gems, unlike anything I've seen. I can tell she puts so much passion and love into each piece.

And she is generous. Brandi is giving away her Happiness Is... Necklace (bottom photo) to one lucky reader!

The Happiness Is... Necklace features a gorgeous pendant of blues and browns. A flawless, warm brown whiskey quartz briolette hangs on the bottom, with an artisan lampwork bead on top. In the middle, rests a cluster of blue gemstones in various shades, all resting on their own handmade fine silver headpins. This pendant swings from a twisted ring, and hangs from a simple sterling silver or fine silver chain, so it can be worn with practically any outfit.

To enter:

1. Visit the Catie's Blue Etsy shop;
2. Leave a comment below, telling me your favorite store item.
3. Winner will be selected by random after Monday, March 22nd, at midnight PST.

Those who enter, but don't win, will receive 15% off anything in her store until the end of April. Simply put HAPPY in the Message To Seller box during checkout.

Good luck my dears!

Green Pocket Tiles

I really want to put a vertical herb garden on the walls of my covered deck. I was looking into the Wooly Pockets, but then I came across these and I'm smitten. Maruja Fuentes designed ceramic tile pockets that you can arrange to create your own wall design. I don't think they are for sale yet, sadly. Who wants to (kindly) harrass Maruja with me? 


{Images via Apartment Therapy}

LOST Posters

I freaked out when I saw these retro LOST posters on Bri's fabulous blog. If you love LOST like I do, I think you'll feel the same way. They were designed by Mattson Creative, who initially sat down to create an invite for his premiere party. He had so many great ideas that he ended up with 8 different posters.

Which is your favorite? Are you enjoying the season so far?


{Images by Mattson Creative}

Miniature Classic Chairs

I'm a bit of a furniture nut. But since a full-sized Eames is out of my price range, these Vitra Miniatures are much more attainable. Each handmade chair is an exact replica of the classic at a scale of 1:6, true to the original in structure and materials.

I'd love to hide little mid-century modern chairs all over my home. I mean, yeah, you can't sit in them. But who sits in $5k furniture anyway? 

{Images via The Mid-Century Modernist by j5k}

Going Home

I'm heading home to Gig Harbor for a couple days. I feel so blessed to have grown up in such a beautiful little town. Isn't it pretty? My folks still live there. It's the perfect weekend getaway, just an hour and a half drive from Seattle. I'm hoping to just unwind and relax.

Have a peaceful weekend as well, my loves. If you'd like to entertain yourself, here are a few links for your enjoyment...

Sneak peak of the Eat, Pray, Love movie. Have you read the book?

People look funny when gross things are dumped on their head.

How's this for a wedding alter?

What this couple did with their $45k Shelter Kit home.

A kitchen without overhead cabinets...love it or hate it?

Mad Men dolls. I want Joan!

If someone call pull of this hairdo, please come do mine.

A lovely light fixture made out of...toilet paper?

The cutest owl-themed birthday party.

Can you believe someone made a turn table out of a tree stump?

And some posts of mine you may have missed...

• Handmade Nation
• Ola Dios
• Goldeneye Resort

{Image by JimsPics}

The Dream

“We plan our lives according to a dream that came to us in our childhood, and we find that life alters our plans. And yet, at the end, from a rare height, we also see that our dream was our fate. It's just that providence had other ideas as to how we would get there. Destiny plans a different route, or turns the dream around, as if it were a riddle, and fulfills the dream in ways we couldn't have expected.”

-Ben Okri

{Image via Kissing Her Cage Good-bye}

Visual Exercises...Like Piano Scales

I adore the fact that Scotland-based scientist-turned-artist, Fiona Watson, likens her still life photos to piano scales. We all have to warm up, right? Yet somehow I doubt her visual exercises are as torturous.

These images are a part of her Playing With The Pieces Flickr set, where she gathers and arranges the "junk" in and around her studio desk, categorizing the 5 elements of Chinese philosophy - fire, wood, metal, water and earth.

{Images via Wild Goose Chase}

The Same Hill, Different Day Project

I've always enjoyed watching how things change over time. Ya know how they do in movies? When the scene rapidly changes seasons to signify the years passing? These photos by Paul Octavious make me think of that and I love it.

The hill especially reminds me of Gasworks Park here in Seattle. Any locals agree? I've had some lovely kite flying days there  :)


{Images via Oh Joy! by Paul Octavious}

DIY - Tea Painting

I've never even thought about painting with tea, but it seems fitting. All-natural watercolors. The lovely and generous Ez is giving us a free printable teacup template to paint on. Or if you're artistic, you can surely draw your own.

Just gather a few different types of tea and steep them individually. More than one teabag per cup will result in a darker hue. I would assume that fruity teas will result in a greater variety of color.

Wouldn't it be fun to turn a tea party into a tea-painting party? 

{Images by Creature Comforts}

Miss Fancypants Swimwear

Be still my heart. Miss Fancypants has created the cutest pin-up editorial for their retro bathing suits. Is it summer yet? 


{Images via Bleubird Vintage}

Underwater Engagement Photos

I've always wanted to do an underwater shoot. In fact, we were considering doing one for Lorelei's first press photos. But then reality knocked me on the head to remind me that I can't open my eyes underwater because I'm afraid my contacts will fall out and unless I plug my nose, water will undoubtedly seep into my nasal passages and I will feel like death for the next few hours.

So I'll just admire other people's underwater photos instead. These were shot by Steep Street and are quite simply...amazing.

{Images via Green Wedding Shoes}

Decoder Save-The-Date Cards

How fun are these save-the-date cards? They were designed by the bride herself, Ming of Ming Makes Cupcakes, and printed on her home inkjet. How could you not attend this wedding?!

{Images via Kellan Studios}

She & Him's New Video: "In The Sun"

What do you think of the first video off She & Him Vol. 2? I sort of agree with EW, in that it's a cross between "Hit Me Baby One More Time", Bye Bye Birdie and a Gap ad. HA. But Zooey looks oh-so-pretty. And it definitely makes me smile.


{Image and video via Allyria}

Bento Box Lunches

Father dear, as much as I loved those peanut butter and banana sandwiches you made for my sack lunch as a child, I really would have rather you cut them into happy shapes and separate them from the fruit with a little grass fence. For future reference.

I spotted these on the lovely Curious Bird. Mena Trott creates adorable bento boxes for her daughter, Penelope. She admits that creating them brought the joy back into meal preparation. I can see why. It's an art form. I bet Penelope is pretty popular at school!


{Images by MGTrott}

Green

Since I apparently have Spring fever, I wanted to share some beautiful images of green from Poppytalk's Spring Color Week. Green has been a favorite shade of mine since grade school. I've acquired new color obsessions over the years, such as orange and turquoise, but green has never faded from my mind. Isn't it soothing?


{Images by: 1. OttomanHandmade; 2. AbbyTrysAgain; 3. Emma Lamb; 4. OrangeSparrow; 5. Cori Kindred; 6. Honey Trees; 7. Lisa Lover of Monkeys}

Fantasy Bedrooms

My bedroom has been neglected. I put love and thought into every other room in my home, except for the place I rest my head. Not sure why this is, but it probably has something to do with the sad lack of closet space.

So here are 3 bedrooms I'm fantasizing about. Not like they are really attainable at this point in my life, but a gal can dream, right? I think each one appeals to a different aspect of my personality. Which one speaks to you?


{Images by: 1. Em & Al; 2. Uzair21; 3. Ffffound!}

The Falling Garden

I would spend hours under the Falling Garden. This fantastical installation by Gerda Steiner and Jorg Lenzinger is housed in the San Staë Church on The Grand Canal in Venice. You leave your shoes at the door and walk barefoot on the fluffy white floor. Wouldn't you love to lie down here?


{Images via A Little Hamster}

DIY - Colorful Pussy Willows

I have some pussy willow branches that have weathered three moves and they are still one of my favorite decor pieces. They're now sitting peacefully in my bathroom.

And I really like this idea of swapping out the buds for little felt balls, which you can get at either Ornamentea or Woolly Fabulous. You simply use a hot glue gun to press them into place. Such a wonderful way to add a pop of color into your home.


{Images by Betz White}