HAPPINESS IS...

A Swedish Sauna House

Ah, to live in a spa. The Mill House is a vacation home in Vastra Karup, Sweden, designed by Wingardh Architects. It was built as a zen modern manifestation of the Swedish ritual of sauna and bathing.

If you twist my arm, I'll stay here.

{Images via Bits of Beauty via Small House Style by James Silverman}

Guggenheim Ticket Art

Stunning works of art by Mia Liu, who used to work in Visitor Services at the Guggenheim. She sold admission tickets to museum goers from all over the world... and kept a few. Her collection of paper stubs inspired these incredible pieces.

So kids, here's a lesson to remember. If we're stuck in a ho-hum job, there are ways to turn it into something creative and inspiring! :)

{Images via A Life Lighter by Mia Liu}

A Different Side of Sarah Seven

Thought I'd share with you this hauntingly beautiful photo shoot of Sarah Seven dresses. They were shot by Elizabeth Messina with French mime themed makeup by Lauren Napier. Such a unique way to feature the gowns, don't you think?

{Images via Kiss The Groom}

Tea Time With Sol Linero

Argentinian illustrator, Sol Linero, and I seem to share a passion for both tea and mid-century design. It was love at first sight. Aren't her prints divine?


{Images by Sol Linero}

Honeyversary Photos

How sweet is this "honeyversary" shoot of Mer and Tim. They did the entire shoot themselves!

Since they never went on a honeymoon, they waited until their first anniversary to vacation together at the Ace Hotel in Palm Springs. Inspired by their engagement photos, they wanted to recreate the vintage vibe and shot the session with only a tripod and wireless trigger. Such a fun way to capture your love travels.


{Images via Postcards & Pretties by Sweet Little Photographs}

Stairways to Heaven

Something out of a dream, right? The tree is actually an art installation by Francois Mechain called "L'Arbre Aux Echelles" at Chaumont-sur-Loire in France. Wouldn't you love to climb it?


{Images via Henry Road}

DIY - Perfect Messy Summer Up-Dos

So pretty and simple. Detailed how-to here. And don't you just love her red hair and lips? I did try this up-do the other day and it worked like a charm. Just make sure to have a massive stash of bobby pins!

P.S. Today is the last day to enter the Lee Arthaus owl print giveaway!


{Images via Jones Fife}

Cool Caravans

It seems like many of us have wanderlust at the moment. Maybe because summer is finally here. Or maybe it's because I've been seeing the cutest vintage caravans of late. These little travel trailers are from the book, My Cool Caravan. And here's another retro gem.

There are so many nooks and crannies of the States I'd like to see. Wouldn't you love to hit the road for a month or so and set up shop in scenic fields and pastures?

{Images by Hilary Walker}

Always Catching The Bouquet

Hi loves. I'm back from my quick trip to LA. I was able to hit up Crackberry, I mean Pinkberry, squeeze in an impressive homemade dinner with my book club girlies, and catch the bouquet at Hal's cousin's wedding.

I used to always let the bouquet drop at my feet. But now it's a game. I can't break my record. This is the third bouquet I've caught in a row! Hal even caught the garter and his family went wild. Hmm... what is the universe trying to tell us?

Thank goodness the bouquet I caught was not made up of succulents like these. Ow. But I think they are much lovelier than the traditional bundle of roses.

P.S. If you're sorely wondering why you've never caught the bouquet, it's about 10% luck, 30% skill, and 60% desire. It involves proper body placement, blocking out with your bum, using elbows, and wearing high heels. Having long limbs definitely helps.

{Images by Flora Grubb Gardens}

Going Going Back Back To Cali Cali Cali

In the fine words of Biggie... I'm going back to Cali and signing off early for a whirlwind wedding weekend in LA. My bags are packed and I'm hitting the sky!

Are you up to anything fun in the next few days? Until Monday, enjoy some weekend links...

Chili mac n' cheese? Yes, please!

How gorgeous is this wedding dress?

Kitty owners, would you build your feline a "catio"?

Why I love chiffon.

Vintage maps + butterflies = pretty.

A cool counter made of stacked books.

Valentino heaven.

Yummy mid century modern goodness.

A tree dressed in lace.

My Collaborative Sketchbook participants... need tips and techniques?

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

• Chalk Animation
• A Mother & Daughter Duo
  
• Hats on Cats
  

{Image via Well They'll Seat Us In The Sun}

Bare Accessories

Do these photos make you smile as much as they do me?

{Images via Nadinoo by Carl Kleiner}

Hanging Vases

Aren't these hanging vases beautiful? They're like flower filled dew drops against the wall. They're by textile and fashion designer, Jurgen Lehl, a German living in in Tokyo. The glass is handblown and the rope is made from the bark of the Japanese lime tree.


{Images via Remodelista by Analogue Life}

Questions For You - Counting Down To Meet Your Soul Mate?

I watched the indie flick, TiMER, this past weekend and absolutely loved it. Have you seen it? It's a sci-fi romance set in the not-too-distant future where people can opt to have timers implanted in their wrists. These clocks will count down to the exact day you'll meet your soul mate. But your soul mate must have their timer implanted as well, or else your timer will be blank. On the day your timer zeros out, you and your soul mate's timer will beep once you make eye contact. Crazy, right?

So this week's question for you is...

Would you want to know when you'll meet your soul mate?

My answer... Before I watched TiMER, my answer was absolutely YES! But after viewing it, I have mixed feelings. A lot of thought-provoking ideas came up, for instance... what if your timer says you won't meet your soul mate until you're in your 50's? Or what if your soul mate never gets a timer implanted and you're always wondering if you even have a soul mate? Or what if you fall in love with someone who isn't your "soul mate" but your timer is still counting down to meet someone else?


{Image by Shirley Two Feathers}

A Collaborative Sketchbook Project

Remember my post last week on The Sketchbook Project? Well, I've decided to partake... with other fellow design, photography, fashion, personal and lifestyle bloggers! Tali planted the idea in my head of doing a collaborative sketchbook, where we all work on a page (or a few) and submit it as one. I personally couldn't imagine trying to fill an entire one up by myself.

So in honor of Happiness Is... the theme will be: "Happy Thoughts". We will all create our page(s) around what happiness means to each of us.

So far, there are 10 lovely bloggers who will be participating:

1. Tali of Imperfectly Perfect
2. Leila of Olive Juice Photography
3. Kirby of Colors of Honey
4. Christina of DeSmitten
5. Carrie of Pattern of Life
6. Rebekah of Copia Verborum
7. Christine of The Five Senses
8. Eileen of BlueBirdLuxe
9. Dyan of Whimsy Being
10. Brandi of Not Your Average Ordinary

Would you like to join us? :)

P.S. Remember, if you're not a sketcher, don't worry. All artistic creations are allowed. Think outside of the box!


{Image via Innerspace}

Deck & Patio Lawns

One of the best things about my condo is that it has a fairly sizable covered deck, which I like to think of as my outdoor living room. And my secret fantasy is to plant grass on it. You know, a lush lawn carpet.

Most people laugh when I say this, but look above... it can be done! Architect, Paul Gleicher, installed a patio lawn for his New York townhouse. Now... just how in the world did he do it?  :)


{Images by Gleicher Design}

Sponsor + Giveaway: Lee Arthaus Owl Prints

If you haven't noticed, I have a weakness for owls. See the new little characters in the top right corner of my blog? I'm so excited to introduce you to their creator today... Nancy of Lee Arthaus, a freelance graphic designer here in Seattle. While pregnant with her now 3-year old son, she was inspired to illustrate again. And her retro and stylized owl creations were born.

Her Etsy shop is an owl lover's dream come true. Seriously... there are so many delightful owl prints in her store (buttons, magnets and pocket mirrors too), your jaw will drop. Nancy was kind enough to send me 3 of my favorites and hands down it had to be the owl band! They now all hang proudly in my home and I love them to bits.

Lucky for you... one of my readers will win a print of their choice!

Instructions:

1. Please be a follower and/or subscriber of my blog.
2. Visit the Lee Arthaus Etsy shop;
3. Leave a comment below, telling me your favorite owl print
   (difficult, I know);
4. Winner will be selected by Random.org and announced on this post after Monday, June 28th, midnight PST.

Good luck!


** CONGRATS Meredith of Munaluna - YOU WON! LUCKY #61! **

The Longest Day Of The Year

Happy Summer Solstice y'all! Daylight from 4:30 am until 9:30 pm will never cease to amaze me. Enjoy the longest day of the year :)

P.S. Don't forget to enter the vintage animal postcards giveaway - you have until midnight PST tonight!


{Images via Retro Beach Flickr}

A Bainbridge Island Day Trip

I mentioned last week that when my friend was visiting, we took a ferry over to Bainbridge Island. It's a quaint little town known for it's small family-owned wineries. There are a few tasting rooms downtown, where we purchased a bottle of Eleven Pinos Gris to go with our cheeses and peaches from Pike Place Market. The top photo is our little spread.

I didn't take too many photos that day, but thankfully, Linda of One Fine Dae, did. She just so happened to be on Bainbridge Island the same weekend and took these lovely Polaroids. I think she truly captured the laid back essence of the island.

Do you have a favorite day trip where you live?


{Images via Daydreameeer}

My Father

Thank you Pop, for pretending to be Santa Claus, making me feel safe on the back of your motorcycle, coaching my softball teams, building me a tree house with a rope swing, filming and editing my school videos, teaching me to parallel park, driving me off to college, and moving me back home.

What would I have done without you, President of the Shannon Eileen Fan Club!? Happy (day after) Father's Day. I love you!

"A father is someone you look up to no matter how tall you grow."
- Author Unknown

Pop Day

Have a wonderful weekend, my friends. I'll be spending some quality time with my pops. Will you be spoiling your fathers or other special men in your life? Enjoy your time together! And as always, here are your weekend links...

A Father's Day napkin shirt and tie.

What an attic should look like.

This cute wellie umbrella holder is needed in my life.

Everyone must know how to cram your life into a carry on.

Turn a plain white tee into a lovely ruffled top.

A dreamy pre-fab on the lake.

So so true.

How to make a clock out of a book.

Think it's possible to get your Master's degree in cheese tasting?

A wooden rug. But not really.

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

• Cupcakes For Your Cupcake
• A Sun-Kissed Wedding
• Ann-Margret

{Images via We Heart It}

Lifeguard Towers

I miss lifeguard towers almost as much as I miss the beach. They sort of remind me of abandoned houses. I just love this series by Amir Zaki, don't you? Who knew there were so many colorful, innovatively designed lifeguard towers out there.

When vacant, they were my little escape. In the evenings, I'd climb up them and assume temporary residence as I watched the sun go down and the moon rise up.


{Images via The Best Part by Amir Zaki}

Mimes In Love

Mimes, along with clowns, generally scare me. But this sweet and silent love affair melts my heart. I love how Ukranian photographer, Furka Ishchuk-Paltseva, captures their innocense and playful spirit. Mimes need love too  :)

P.S. Check out the lovely behind-the-scenes photos.


{Images by Furrrka}

Les Fleurs Colorées

Beautiful French flowers artfully arranged by color. Just because.

{Images via Stephmodo by Cote Maison}

PorTables Vintage TurnTableware

PorTables... you're a sight for sore eyes (love that saying).

These uber cool photo placemats and coasters are made by U.K. designers, Ella Doran and Kavel Rafferty, who were inspired by their own personal record players to create a vintage-inspired vinyl pop art tableware collection.


{Images by Ella Doran}

A Human Nest

In Big Sur, California, you can rent this little clifftop human nest, designed by Jayson Fann of the Spirit Garden. Inside, there's a mattress that sleeps two, but you'll have to bring your own sleeping bags. The nest is just one of many campsites at the Treebones Resort, featuring 16 yurts overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

Would you spend the night here? I would in a heartbeat!  :)

{Images by Treebones Resort}

A Wonderful Paper Cut World

Are you familiar with Famille Summerbelle's intricate paper cut city maps? Well, Julie, the designer behind these glorious creations, has finished her latest and greatest piece of work, a paper cut world map. The completed print is available here. Isn't it amazing?


{Images via Hither and Thither by Famille Summerbelle}

The Sketchbook Project

I sooo want to do this. For $25, The Sketchbook Project will send you a blank Moleskine Cahier sketchbook for you draw, paint, collage, glue, write, photograph or create anything your heart desires around your selected theme.

You have until January 15, 2011 to complete your book and send it in. The sketchbooks will then be bar-coded and become a permanent collection at the Brooklyn Art Library. It will also go on "tour" and be exhibited in select galleries and museums around the U.S.

Who's in?  :)


{Images via The Art House Co-Op Submission Gallery}

Beach Days

Ah, I really miss the beach. I'm sure I've mentioned before that the Venice / Santa Monica beach used to be my backyard. Any free chance I got, I'd take my iPod out for a barefoot stroll along the shore. Or I'd grab a book and plop down in the sand for a little literary escape and warm doze in the sun.

It's funny how you take things for granted when they're so accessible. Are there things that you miss that you once had at your fingertips?

{Images via Souvenirs by We Live Young}

Sponsor Giveaway - Animal Postcards By Passport In My Pocket

Remember when I introduced you to the talented miss Jodi Kendall last month and her blog, Passport In My Pocket? Well, she just opened up her brand new Etsy store, featuring vintage-inspired animal postcards. Aren't they the cutest? They are made from photographs she took while traveling around the world for work, many of which have been featured on National Geographic's Inside WILD blog.

Jodi would like to give away one set of postcards to a reader of my blog!  Each set includes 5 postcards. The winner can pick the animal series of their choice - exotic, barnyard, otter & friends, elephant trunks or elephant faces & feet  :)

To enter:

1. Please be a follower and/or subscriber of my blog.
2. Visit the Passport In My Pocket Etsy shop;
3. Leave a comment below, telling me your favorite postcard set.
4. Winner will be selected by random.org and announced on this post after Monday, June 21st, midnight PST.

P.S. If you have a specific animal request, you can contact Jodi and she will try to capture that particular animal's image for you.


** CONGRATS Kirby of Colors of Honey - YOU WON! LUCKY #7! **

Cleaning Up The Oil Spill

I'm sure you've seen by now the horrific photos of animals caught in the BP oil spill off the Gulf of Mexico. And if you're like me, you'd like to help, but don't know how. Illustrator, Jen Corace, is donating the proceeds of her delightful art print, "Down, Down, Down", to the Gulf Restoration Network. It's being sold on Tiny Showcase until June 18th. It's nice to know that in a small way, we can each lend a helping hand.

P.S. If you're an artist and would like to donate your ocean/water-themed art, Poppytalk is accepting submissions to be donated to Oxfam America for their oil spill clean-up efforts.

{Image via Pikaland by Jen Corace}

Chilled Strawberry Yogurt Soup

This recipe looks divine, no? Perfect for these warmer days, which I can happily and finally say is now :)

Strawberry Yogurt Soup:

• l quart strawberries, halved;
• 1/3 cup confectioners' sugar or 3 tbsp honey
• 1 orange rind, grated;
• 2/3 cup yogurt
• 1/2 cup fresh orange juice

Toss the strawberries with the sugar/honey and orange rind. Let sit for 15 minutes. Blend in the food processor until smooth. Whisk in the yogurt and orange juice. Serve in chilled bowls with sliced berries sprinkled on top.


{Images by Kristina Gill. Recipe via Design*Sponge by Amy Cotler}

The Wind In Our Hair

Good morning, loves. Hope you had a refreshing weekend. My girl Valerie is still in town and we're enjoying the city together. So far, we've Pike Placed, ferried, wine tasted, picnicked, boutiqued, burlesqued, hot tubbed and consumed massive amounts of cheese. The makings of a good time indeed.

A Dear Friend In Town

My girlfriend from college will be visiting me this weekend and I'm so excited to play! This is her first trip to Seattle so it's Operation Fall In Love With My City. We'll probably hit Pike Place Market and the Space Needle. And of course a few other less touristy secret spots. The weather is supposed to be lovely - 'bout time!

Have a sweet weekend everyone. Are you up to anything special? Please enjoy the weekend links...

Doesn't cold cucumber soup cups sound tasty?

Amazing photos of animals in the womb.

Would you wear these gigantic pom-pom headbands?

Beautiful light fixtures made out of wine barrels.

Did you love playing cats cradle as much as I did?

I'm smitten with these tree bark arm cuffs.

Floral fabric guitar cases - yes, please!

If everyone worked here, the world would be a much happier place.

Do you ever fantasize about owning a rolling house?

Pets on furniture. 'Nuff said.

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

• Picnics In Briefcases
• A Belize Engagement Shoot
• Bicycle Seat Designs

{Image via Fos}

Lyrimage: "Fast Car"

Do you remember this song by Tracy Chapman? Released in 1988, "Fast Car" won her a Grammy and set her career in motion. It's the ultimate escape song about getting away, leaving the past behind and starting fresh somewhere new. Every time I hear it, I want to hop into a convertible and drive off into the sunset  :)

You can listen along here.

Editing Your Art

My Lorelei bandmate Chris and I have been working on the last two songs of our debut album. However, we had to make a difficult decision about their fate. Writing and recording went very smooth, yet production went on for months. Something just felt off the entire time. We even took a break and revisited them with fresh ears, but it didn't help. We finally decided to ditch the songs and leave them off the record. We're now looking at a late summer release with 10 songs. I hope it's enough!

I'm definitely bummed that we put so much time and energy into songs that no one will hear. But I'd rather they not be forced. It reminds me of Project Runway, when Tim Gunn tells the over-designers they must learn to edit. I guess sometimes, less is more.

Have you ever had to edit your art?


{Image via k17k by Gabrielle Greiss}

My Carbon Neutral Blog

Did you know you can turn your blog into a carbon neutral one? The "My Blog Is Carbon Neutral" program  by Germany's Make It Green will plant a tree in your blog's name (for free) in the Plumas National Forest in Northern California. This will neutralize your blog’s carbon footprint for the next 50 years. Just think of how many trees could be planted if the entire blogosphere signed up! Convert your blog here.


{Image via Buttonheart / Chloe Price}

A Long Long Distance Love Story Wedding Invite

Over seven years... hmm, there's hope for me and Hal yet!

Isn't this the coolest, wackiest, sweetest, (and longest) wedding invitation you've ever seen?  It was actually designed by the groom himself, Matt Dorfman.


{Image via Share Some Candy}

Books Galore

Sometimes you just want to surround yourself in pretty rooms with books. Lots of them.

At the end of the month, I'll be flying to LA for a wedding, which means I'll be able to get in a meeting with my book club! With me living out of state, our book "discussions" on Mary Karr's Lit and Sara Gruen's Water For Elephants are long overdue. We're trying to find a circus-themed restaurant, but that might prove difficult  :)

We'll also be selecting our next book. As of now, it's between Gabriel Garcia Marquez's 100 Years of Solitude, or Jennifer Baggett's Lost Girls. Has anyone read either of them? Which one should we choose?

{Images via Book Lovers Never Go To Bed Alone}

Audrey's Wise Words

"…I believe laughing is the best calorie burner. I believe in kissing; kissing a lot. I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day, and I believe in miracles."

- Audrey Hepburn

{Images via Audrey1}

An Illustrated Stroll Through Paris

Let's take a leisurely watercolor stroll today through La Ville-Lumière. We can rent a bicycle and pick up some fresh flowers and macarons on our way.

Shell Sherree illustrates these lovely little scenes that allow us to daydream along with her in Paris. Aren't they sweet?

{Images by Shell Sherree - Art of Whimsy}

Effortless Summer Style

It must be nice to be Denni from Bleeker Street. Doesn't she look perfectly casual yet put-together in her high-waisted sailor shorts, thin gray boyfriend tee, and tailored blazer? Even her sunglasses match her orange juice :)

I wonder what she's wearing for shoes... anyone care to guess?



{Image by Garance Dore}

Questions For You - What Was Your Favorite Childhood Toy?

I really love visualizing my friends as children. So let's get nostalgic again, shall we?

My question for you...

What was your favorite toy growing up?

My answer... the Hippity Hop. Apparently it's called the Space Hopper in the U.K. I could have bounced for days. As an older child, my fave toy might be the Skip-Stick. Do you remember that thing? My parents wouldn't dare buy me the real thing. So my crafty dad made one out of a hollow plastic pipe, rope, and duct tape. I loved it, but was mortified to pull it out in front of friends.


{Image via Virgin Media}

DIY - Mid Century Bottle Cap Clock Magnets

My fridge NEEDS some little mid century clock magnets! This is such a cute and easy DIY project by graphic designer, Jessica Jones.

Instructions:

1. Wash, dry, and spray paint the bottle caps white;
2. Download and cut out Jessica's retro clock graphics;
3. Brush the cap surface with Mod Podge and adhere clock face;
4. Glue 1-inch disc magnets (found at craft stores) to the backs.

Happy fridge!

{Images by How About Orange}

Tree Pod Dining

I spotted this fantastic tree pod on Lillian's blog, and just had to share. At the Soneva Kiri Resort in Thailand, you and up to four friends can dine in the trees like monkeys. You board the woven rattan cocoon structure from the ground and are elevated 5 meters up into the air using a series of safety winches. And get this... meals and drinks are served by a flying waiter who is harnessed to a zip line!

This experience will definitely be going to the top of my bucket list. Would you dine in a tree pod?  :)


{Image via Unstitched}

Colored Tights

I've decided I'd like to own colored tights of every shade. Who says they should only be worn in fall/winter? I'll devote a whole entire drawer to them. Even if I don't have one available. Don't they look so playful and carefree when paired with contrast color vintage heels?

P.S. Today is your last chance to enter the Allison Creates jewelry giveaway!

{Images by The Closet Boutique}

Paper Shakespearean Garlands

Aren't these paper garlands delightful? They're handmade in the U.K. out of damaged or unwanted books of the Shakespearean plays, The Merry Wives of Windsor, The Tempest and The Two Men Of Verona. Such a pretty and thoughtful decoration for a wedding or special event.


{Images by Bookity}

A Wish

Hello lovelies. I wish for you a beautiful and productive week full of inspiration and imagination  :)


{Images via Kiss The Groom. Dress by Delphine Manivet}

Saving The Ta-Tas

Happy Friday, folks. What are you up to this weekend? I'll be participating in the annual Komen Race For The Cure. Not running, just walking. If the Race were only 50 meters and it involved hurdles, I'd be all over it! Little did you know that yours truly used to be a track sprinter star  ;)  But walking and talking with friends suits me just fine. All for a most excellent cause.

Enjoy a few weekend links, my dears...

Meal planning magnets for your fridge.

A guitar made out of 2,000 popsicle sticks.

I would say this quote sums it all up.

I dare you to not smile when you see this kitty.

A marriage proposal that choked me up.

Unique and pretty wallpaper.

There is such a thing as toast art.

Grass under your bare feet inside the office...sounds divine.

Make a birthday tree for your friends.

Wouldn't you like to play in this rug too?

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

• Big Floral Headpieces
• Glass Homes
• Analog Postcards
  

{Image via National Breast Cancer Awareness Month}

Romantic Ferry Rides

These dreamy engagement photos strike a chord within me since I've ridden this particular ferry many times in the past. They were shot by the lovely and talented Leila Brewster of Olive Juice Photography.

I've always felt a sense of romance when it comes to ferries, especially ones around the Puget Sound. The views, the water, the wind. Now I'm inspired to take my honey on a ferry this weekend :)


{Images via Dandelion and Grey by Olive Juice Photo Blog}

Fresh Corn & Avocado Salad

I made this salad last weekend and it was incredibly quick and tasty. Perfect for warm weather picnics. Thought you might enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 3 ears of fresh sweet corn, husked and cut from the cob
• 1/2 cup red onion, diced
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• Juice of 1/2 lime
• 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• Freshly ground pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Husk, and cut corn from the cob, removing silk
2. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl
3. Serve immediately or allow to marinate

{Image via ModLife by Gone Raw}