HAPPINESS IS...

The Last Weekend of the Year

My goodness, loves. I'm overwhelmed by your encouraging pep talks regarding my decision to move. Thank you so much for helping me weigh the pros and cons. It's the end of the year, so I'm a bit sentimental. But it's so comforting to know that if I ask for advice, you'll be there. You are amazing.

Our decision? YES! But the landlord wants first and last month's rent plus security deposit on January 1st. Except we already paid January's rent for our current place. We asked if she'd accept a February, or at the very least, a mid-month start. It didn't sound promising, but she's supposed to call today with an answer. Fingers crossed! And either way, we have a roof over our heads  :)

Phew, what a way to start 2011, huh? Do you have any fun plans for the countdown? Got your bubbly and noise-makers ready? I hope you all have the happiest of celebrations! See you next year my darlings. Enjoy the weekend links...

DIY party supplies for NYE.

Hello melodica. I want you!

What a perfect winter meal.

New Year's party in a box.

The Olsen twins have another sister??

A man-made rainbow machine.

How to cut down on holiday waste.

New Year decor that stays up all year.

Make some non-goals for 2011.

A pretty porcelain log lamp.

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

• Bringing In The New Year
• 2010 Resolutions
• A Happy Twenty-Ten

{Image via Champdaddy}

A New Home??

OMG friends! Should I move into this adorable little cottage?

Hal and I toured it on a whim a few weeks ago. It's vintage quaint and quirky... just our style. There's a wood-burning fireplace, 3 small bedrooms, with a workshop / art studio out back. A few other couples handed in rental applications before us, so we put it out of our minds. But the landlord just called me saying the house is ours for the taking!

I'm torn. It's a $1,000/month house... unheard of in Seattle, and $100 cheaper than our current 1-bedroom condo, so we'd save money. But the bathroom is tiny. I mean sitting on the toilet and tall people's knees hit the wall tiny. Our furniture might not fit because old houses don't exactly have open layouts. And it would kill our houseboat dream. Eek! What to do?

P.S. And yes, that is a blow-up palm tree near the porch and a pink plastic flamingo in the front garden.

UPDATE: WE TOOK IT!

Love On The Slopes

There are so many summer engagement photos, it's refreshing to see some love in the snow. On the slopes! Which is ultimate romance.

Emily took snowboarders, Laura & Mitch and skiiers, Shauna & Travis up into the Afton Alps to photograph their love for the mountains and each other. Makes me want to hit the slopes with my honey!


{Images via Postcards & Pretties by Emily Steffen Photography}

Life Resolutions

I'm re-evaluating my life for the New Year. This helps!


{Image via Sour Tang}

Escape Trains

Where are these train entrances and how do I get to them?  :)


{Image via Wet Behind The Ears by Dan-ah Kim}

Faux Foliage

The Tattoo House in Australia was designed with tree silhouette decals over the windows for privacy and shade. How imaginative! They were made using photographs of real local park trees which saved the homeowners the expense of importing fully-grown trees to the site.

The shadows are so realistic, don't you think? Perfect for window walls and glass homes.


{Images via Arch Daily by Andrew Maynard Architects}

Goals & Wishes

I would love these goal and wish clipboards for the New Year. Although my goals and wishes are usually one and the same. Have you come up with any 2011 resolutions yet?


{Images via Oh So Beautiful Paper by Decoylab}

A Pet Bird

The pet cat got a pet bird for Christmas. It's plush with a red breast, green wings, and real feathers. It sings a little song when pawed. I know Bailey loves it because the chirping invaded my dreams last night. Guess it's time to take the battery out.

She also got a leash for leisurely strolls outside. Being an indoor cat, she deserves a chance to experience the world. But I put it on her and she cemented herself to the floor until I took it off. I know it seems silly, but has anyone else tried a cat leash? Any tips?  :)


{Images by Little Brown Pen}

Flutter In Pinhole

Have you heard of these new cameras? The Flutter In Pinhole is a geniusly designed piece of cardboard that folds into an instant Polaroid-style camera. After your photos are taken, it then unfolds into a postcard to write on and pop in the mail. So you can easily send your world travel photos to friends and family back home. Such a novel idea.


{Image via The Dieline}

Soaking Pools

How was your hoilday weekend? I'm back from my family's trip to Edgefield. We had such a wonderful time. I have to admit, it was a bit strange not celebrating Christmas at my parent's house, which I've done every single year of my life. But it was fun to shake things up a bit.

The highlight for me was the outdoor soaking pools (man-made hot springs). One night, Hal and I decided to take a dip during a rain storm. We threw on our suits, robes, and flippy floppies. Ran outside in the freezing cold. Got lost. Cursed and giggled hysterically at our stupidity. And finally found the heavenly pools. We immersed ourselves into hot steamy bliss, and for awhile, we were the only ones there. It felt so amazing to have icy droplets pound down on our heads while being toasty warm under the surface.

Have you ever experienced a soaking pool... in the rain?

P.S. I didn't have my camera with me, so this image is of a hot springs in Iceland. Close enough!  ;)


{Image via Wildcherry's Corner}

Hey, It's Christmas!

If you celebrate Christmas and are looking for some new holiday tunage, I came across this free digital album full of indie artists you might not have heard of before. It's pretty fun and eclectic! You can download it here. Enjoy, darlings!

I'm taking a long weekend off while I spend Christmas with my family. I will miss you. But will come back feeling refreshed and energized, as I hope you will too. Have a happy time with your loved ones, and I'll see you again on the 27th! Until then, here are some holiday links...

6 more free downloads!

Tiny wine cork trees and reindeers.

Imagine spending Christmas in a fairy tale house.

Need to get into the spirit of the season?

Mailing holiday cards late? Use chocolate postage stamps!

A nice post-Christmas detox salad.

Give pie for presents.

Send your loved ones a personal video message from Santa himself.

24 ways to display your holiday cards.

Have you ever had a Austrian linzer cookie?

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

• A Southern / Soul Food Feast
• Christmas Time
• Gift Getting

{Image via Emmadime}

Trader Joe's Paper Bag Gift Wrap

I'll be wrapping a few white elephant gifts tonight and since they're only worth around $10 each, they'd better have some pretty packaging!

Now, I'm embarrassed to admit, I have a ton of Trader Joe's paper bags shoved under my kitchen sink, yet never noticed their delightful holiday designs. Both Merrilee and Leslie put them to good use and made the loveliest gift wrap. Bravo ladies. And bravo Trader Joe's.

I'm off to get me some festive string!


{Images by A Creative Mint}

DIY - Sputnik Mobile

The house I rented for my birthday bash in Palm Springs had a sputnik chandelier, and I've been craving all things sputnik ever since. Dabito figured out how to make one out of an inexpensive satellite hanging photo clip. Just afix mini ball ornaments and boom. Instant mid-century goodness right there.

P.S. He also made a Polaroid sputnik mobile!


{Images by Old Brand New}

Downloadable Holiday CD Sleeves

Everyone loves a mix tape, right? If you're looking for a great last minute gift or stocking stuffer, Jen of PepperSprouts designed this lovely template for us to download, print, cut and fold into a CD sleeve.

I should give them to my family for our Christmas drive down to Oregon!


{Images by Upstate Fancy}

A Swedish Christmas

Much like Paris, I could get on board with spending Christmas in Sweden. It looks like... what Christmas should look like  :)


{Image via The Swede Records}

Grown-Up Homemade Nutella

Holy yum. Danielle's grown-up version of Nutella uses a pinch of ground espresso and replaces cocoa powder with intensely-flavored roasted Cacao nibs to add crunch and a layer of smokiness. What an excellent homemade gift, right?


{Images by Bon Vivant}

A Girl Named Zen

They call her Zen. Photographer, Paul de Luna, captures her name's essence in the most beautiful way.


{Image via Fashion Gone Rogue}

The Winter Solstice Lunar Eclipse

I can see the moon from my living room sofa and I'm all settled in to watch the historic eclipse tonight. Did you know it's the first winter solstice lunar eclipse in 372 years? NASA cannot even predict when the next one will occur.

So night owls, get your cameras ready. Peak viewing time in the States is 3:17 am EST and 12:17 am PST. Let me know if you were able to see it!


{Images via Smithsonian by Sean Bagshaw}

Rolling Huts

It's so exciting to find a place you'd like to visit and later realize it's within driving distance. These minimalistic rolling huts are in Washington’s Methow Valley, only 4 hours from Seattle. They were designed by local Olson Kundig Architects to similate Thoreau’s simple cabin in the woods, in that structures take second place to nature.

Hmm, my birthday is coming up. Maybe I can convice someone to book a little weekend getaway :)


{Images via Neako}

Wool Hand Warmers

My fingers are little icicles and I'm wishing I had these wool hand warmers. If you sew, you can DIY them using old sweaters or cozy wool from Three Sheep Studio. Aren't they sweet?

Thank you for all your healing vibes this weekend. Unfortunately, I have laryngitis and sound like a muppet. This is not ideal for a singer. Hoping and praying I will get better before Christmas Eve this Friday!


{Images via Once Wed by Tec Pataja}

Hibernation

I'm trying really hard to make my weekend a happy one, since I've fallen ill and had to cancel all my holiday plans. Right now, I'm in bed writing my first-ever Saturday post. I've got my laptop, a hot cup of Theraflu, a sympathetic kitty, a good book, and plenty of dvds to keep me occupied. Hibernation does a body good.

I hope you are staying healthy during this crazy time of year. Take care of yourselves, my dears! Here are your belated weekend links...

Pretty packaging for your presents.

Melted snowman cookies.

Typewriter art.

A coat hanger tree.

Create your own snowflake online.

Giant knitting needles.

Imagine having this view from you living room.

A floor of pennies.

Cutie origami Christmas creatures.

Tees are for typography.

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

• Old Holiday Vinyl Records
• Warm Winter Drinks
• Sketchy Santas

{Image via Peonies and Polaroids}

A Guide To Winter Bicycling

Southern folk excluded, you're probably wondering why on earth you'd want to ride a bike in winter? Well Trisha and Dottie of Let's Go Ride A Bike explain:

"Because winter bicycling will change your life. You will better appreciate the differences between summer and winter cycling (for example, not smelling like B.O). You will feel the yin, the yang, etc. By season’s end, you will shed grateful tears over the first buds of spring, the first delicate bird's nest. Also, for hot legs. Obviously."

Okay, I'm convinced! Where's my bike?


{Image by Emma Jayne D.}

Five Days of Felt

For my fellow felt junkies, Kathleen put together a Five Days of Felt showcase for the holidays. I'm loving the pine cones. Happy crafting!


{Images via Twig & Thistle by: 1. The Purl Bee; 2. Family Circle; 3. Small Adventure; 4. Oh Happy Day; 5. Somewhere Splendid}

Couture Drinking Chocolates

Here I am, drinking my cheapo instant hot chocolate mix, when I could be savoring Vosges...

1. La Parisienne: Madagascar vanilla bean pieces + dark chocolate.
2. Bianca: Australian lemon myrtle + lavender flowers + vanilla + white chocolate.
3. Aztec Elixir: Ancho & chipotle chillies + Ceylon cinnamon + Madagascar vanilla bean + cornmeal + dark chocolate.

I think I'm ready for big girl cocoa!


{Images via Paper Schmaper}

Ten Great Years

Love love me do! Such a great Beatles evolution print by Max Dalton. But it's sold out, drat! How clever is the little insertion of Yoko Ono?  :)


{Image via Size To Small}

The Venetian

The real Venice is my favorite city in Italy. The other Venice is my favorite neighborhood in LA. And the fake Venice is my favorite hotel in Vegas. I guess I have a thing for gondolas.

The last time Hal and I were in Sin City, my only goal was a romantic ride through the canals. I mean, it's almost like the real thing. Almost. We had just gotten out of The Strokes concert and Hal carried me piggyback (my shoes were killing me), racing through The Strip to make it to the gondolas on time. We missed it by mere moments.

So this time around, the gondolas were top priority! Our gondolier sang us "That's Amore" as we cruised through chlorinated water and kissed under imitation bridges as the mock sun set in the artificial sky  :)

Writing With Nails

Sometimes the simplest ideas are the best ideas  :)


{Images by Me And Alice}

Gingerbread Craftiness

 

I can't remember the last time I made a gingerbread house. Maybe 3rd grade? Mine were never as inventive as these, however. Or the architectural ones I featured last year.

When was the last time you got gingerbread crafty?


{Images via Black Eiffel by Pepparkakshustavling}

Lola Then & Now

Here she is! Hal's Lola. Isn't she beautiful?

I have to say, it was pretty emotional celebrating her 100th. They showed a slide show of her life. She grew up in the Philippines and had 6 children, all of whom had many more children, some of whom had even more children. She was so happy and healthy. She even did the money dance!

Bring it on, 2079. I'm ready for ya!

Birth Chart Art

This might sound crazy to some of you, but when I was a wee one, my mom had my birth chart extensively read by a Vedic astrologer. Reviewing it as an adult, I've found it to be eerily accurate. The descriptions of my personality, emotional disposition and natural talents were right on.

Wouldn't you love to know what your birth chart looks like? Star Arc will turn yours into a modern graphic print based on the geometry of your astrological aspect pattern. Each one is perfectly unique according to the placement of the planets when you were born.

P.S. My chart also predicted I'd have a happy marriage, birth a son, own more than one house, and have substantial career success around age 35. HA. Here's hoping!  ;)


{Image via Apartment Therapy}

Ski Glamping In The Swiss Alps

Oh dear. I'm still in travel mode. Somebody please restrain me from booking flights to the Swiss Alps right this instant!

Whitepod is an eco resort & spa located in the village of Les Cerniers. I can't imagine anything more romantic and cozy than glamping with your honey in ski-in/ski-out igloos, can you?


{Images via Bliss}

The Real To-Do List

Howdy friends! I'm back from a wonderful trip to Vegas, but a bit overwhelmed with everything on my plate right now. Which is precisely why I need this sign in my life. The real to-do list  :)

I can't wait to share a few photos and stories with you!


{Image via Dream Wish Desire}

Leaving For Las Vegas

I'll be in Las Vegas the next few days for Hal's grandmother's 100th birthday! She is my hero. Vegas is where she wanted to party, believe it or not. And work out her slot machine arm  :)

Have a spectacular weekend dearies, and I'll see you again on Tuesday!  Here are your weekend links...

How to eat a pomegranate.

A library Christmas tree made of books.

Pretty napkin bows.

Love shoes, but don't have a closet?

Hanging chair lights.

Win a set of 3 custom city map prints.

DIY ornaments for the modern tree.

Fortune wine totes.

The cutest printable owl gift wrap.

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

• Les Fleurs Colorees
• Flying Wish Paper
• Lyrimage: "Let It Snow"

{Image by Aqui Ali}

Beautiful Moths

Moths have only been an annoyance for me and an amusement for Bailey. I've never thought they were beautiful, until now. Rivaling their butterfly siblings, don't you think? Allyson Reynolds paints them to perfection.


{Image via Absolutely Beautiful Things}

Houseboat Life

I've been feverishly daydreaming about life on a houseboat. Hal and I are considering a move, and it's always been a dream of ours to live on a floating home for once in our lives.

A houseboat like this modern one docked on Lake Union in Seattle is extremely enticing. Enrico and Yumiko did an amazing job with the renovations, turning it into a little zen oasis on the water.

We're even looking into an older liveaboard yacht, where we can cruise around, drop anchor, and entertain in the middle of the Puget Sound. If Julie and Soeren can do it, we can too, right? Would you ever live on a houseboat?


{Images via The Seattle Times by Benjamin Benschneider}

The Garden of Eden Birdcage Chair

I'm a sucker for all sorts of hanging furniture and this birdcage shaped chair by Ontwerpduo is exceptionally delightful. It's a part of their Garden of Eden collection and comes with soft embroidered pillows. The chair looks miniature, but it's large enough to fit a person. Wouldn't you love to dangle in a tree like a little bird? :)


{Image via The Design Traveller}

Peppermint Hot Cocoa Ornaments

Isn't this a fun little project to make for parties this holiday? Stuff some clear globes with cocoa mix, crushed candy canes, mini marshmallows and a festive straw. Just add hot water and guests can sip peppermint hot chocolate directly from the ornaments.

P.S. These remind me of those sphere shaped tumblers that roll around on the table, but will never spill your drink. They're incredibly cool. I drank out of one at a bar once, but can't find them anywhere. Has anyone seen them online?


{Images via Project Wedding by Carly Taylor}

An Affordable Wedding Gown Idea

I just love what Valerie and Camilla did to jazz up this ordinary vintage-inspired lace dress that cost $248 from Free People. They simply took out the lining and replaced it with a short gold sequined slip for some sparkle underneath.

Wouldn't it make such a sweet and unique wedding gown?


{Image by A Butterfly By Day}

Dress Boys

Bravo if you knew what a "dress boy" was. If you're in the dark like I was, allow me enlighten you! It's a half chair affixed to the wall for you to drape your clothes over. Learn how to make them here.

I need a dress boy for my mess man, since his entire wardrobe is on the floor!


{Images by Ikea Hacker}

Song Love: "Quelqu'un M'a Dit" By Carla Bruni

I'm a late discoverer of Carla Bruni's music. You may have heard "Quelqu'un M'a Dit" from 500 Days of Summer. This song is from her debut self-titled album from 2002, six years before becoming the "First Lady of France" and marrying the French President, Nicolas Sarkozy.

Formally an Italian supermodel, I'm extremely impressed with her singing and songwriting talents. I don't speak French, but I don't think I need to know what she's saying. Her intimate vocals and soft bluesy folk guitar arrangements say it all.

Listening rules:

1. Turn the volume up;
2. Close your eyes;
3. Float away.

{Image via Amazon}

Thunder & Lightning

Whew. I just trudged through a torrential rain storm on my way to the bus this morning. I stepped out the door, saw a flash of lightning, heard an immediate boom of thunder, and knew I was in for a wild ride. The wind blew my umbrella inside out. And I'm soaked to the bone.

Crazy thing is? I loved it. Now that I'm safe and warm inside, I am completely energized and ready for the day. Strange how storms do that to me. It seems little Bailey is thrilled by them too. We are a match made in heaven :)


{Image via: 1. Violet Boutique; 2. OnurY; 3. Vi.sualize.us}

A Doo Nanny Cabin

Butch Anthony built and designed this incredible salvaged pine log cabin to house his family and friends during the annual Doo Nanny, a "micro" folk-art festival, similar to Burning Man. For the past 3 years, it has been held on his property, an 80-acre family compound in the Alabama woods.

Pretty rad, right? And so is the word, Doo Nanny!


{Images via The New York Times by Robert Rausch}

The Sing-Off

I am so impressed with the level of talent on The Sing-Off this season. Did you happen to catch the premiere last night?

A cappella groups weren't exactly cool when I was doing it.  But now it's the hot new thing. What's the deal?

I like to think I helped pave the way :)


{Images via Vanity Fair by Norman Jean Roy}

A Raclette Party

Have you ever had a raclette party? Oh my goodness friends, if you have not, I highly encourage you to do so! This weekend, we fired up the raclette grill and went to town.

If you're unfamiliar, raclette is a type of cheese. A very stinky cheese. The raclette party concept originated in the Swiss Alps and is fairly popular in Europe, but not so much here in the States. It's all about melting cheese over veggies and meats (faux meats in my case) on a specialized grill.

We went a little bit traditional, a little bit not: boiled fingerling potatoes, dill gherkins, balsamic onions, soy salami and sausage, pickled spicy mushrooms, baby heirloom tomatoes, broccoli and cauliflower florets, with choice of raclette, gouda or emmental cheese, sprinkled with fresh ground pepper and chives.

Heaven on a fork!


{Image via Just Food Now}

 

Succulent Garden Jewelry

If you like statement pieces like I do, this succulent garden ring and necklace would make such a darling gift for loved ones with green thumbs. Or even black thumbs! No watering required :)

P.S. Don't forget to enter the gorgeous jewelry giveaway by Anne Maa Designs... tonight is your last chance!


{Images via Papernstitch by Woodland Belle}

Free Holiday Gift Tags

Thank you Amy for creating these free downloadable holiday gift tags for us! Aren't they sweet?


{Images by Eat Drink Chic}

The Exquisite Book

Do you rememember the childhood game, where one person starts writing a story and passes it to the next person to continue it, and so on? The Exquisite Book was based off that exercise and was passed around between 100 contributing artists, illustrators and designers. How fun!

I love collaborative projects like this. Which by the way, our Collaborative Sketchbook Project is in its final phases. There are 16 talented blogger/artists who are participating and I'm starting to receive everyone's beautiful work. I can't wait to share the final book with you!


{Images via Daily Candy}

Hosting a Holiday Gathering

I'm throwing a little raclette party tomorrow to celebrate the season and admire the freshly decorated Christmas tree. There will be plenty of oozing cheese, games by the fire, and perhaps a holiday craft or two.

Have a wonderful weekend dear ones! Enjoy the links...

Peanut butter and jelly cookies.

Light up the world.

Turn an ordinary ladder into a Christmas tree.

I'd like to hang this print in my kitchen.

An old sweater becomes a pet bed.

Amazing pencil carvings.

A great way to hide your television.

Box wine fans might like disposable flasks.

The most genius staircase ever built.

How to make a wine cork wreath.

And some posts of mine you may have missed:

• Painting With Chocolate
• A Parisian Christmas
• Paper Shakespearean Garlands

{Image via Bash Please by Feather Love Photography}

Beyond The Walls

Lina Jaros has an eye for fantasy. These surreal images are from her "Beyond The Walls" series, which she describes as "environmental distortions of everyday surroundings".

Don't you want to jump into her photographs and play house? I'll be the girl. You can be the boy.


{Images by Lina Jaros}

Little Critter Ornaments

I'm putting up the tree this weekend and making it pretty! We have a faux kitchy white one that suits my style perfectly. Don't have too many ornaments yet beyond the retro mini-bulbs, dried orange and lime slices and Star of David topper (happy Hanukkah yo!).

I think these adorable little critters should make their home in my tree. They're all-natural, made from bark, pine cones, leaves, pods & seeds!


{Images via Unruly Things by Terrain}