HAPPINESS IS...

Flying The Friendly Skies

I hate to leave you mid-week, but we're flying to Los Angeles and I won't have time to post while there. I'm singing in my London roomie's wedding and we'll be meeting up with our Cali friends and fam for a casual engagement party at the brew pub where Hal and I met.

Next time I travel, I'll think ahead and maybe get some guest bloggers up here. Would that be something you'd be interested in?

Have a lovely holiday weekend, my sweets. I'll miss you! See you again next Wednesday. Here are a few fun links to keep you entertained...

I wish I were this organized.

Cool skateboard yo-yos.

How to get perfect bold lips.

Are you excited for Missoni for Target?

Work from inside a fishbowl.

Custom morse code necklaces.

One day I'll visit Banff.

This dressing room reminds me of my own.

Gorgeous river mirrors.

The sweetest 60-year vow renewal.

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

• Feeling
• One Hot Mama
• Behida Dolic Hats

{Images via PSA Airlines}

Luggage Love For Him & Her

Packing is not a fun thing for me. I've been known to stay up into the wee hours of the morning just staring at my luggage. 

I'll be packing tonight for my trip to LA and I'm wishing I had these Luggage Love bags to easily compartmentalize my belongings. They're for the stuff-everything-in-a-bag-and-I-don't-know-where-anything-is-and-I-need-help type of packers. Sooo, they're for me.


{Images via I Am Dorkas}

Decorated Playlists

Oh my word. Have you seen Simon Foster's Decorated Playlists? He's a designer and former DJ who creates awesome and obscure music compilations by combining my two favorite things, music and design, into one visually and audibly pleasing experience. I highly recommend...

• Run For Cover 1 and 2
• Mash Ups
• Origin of Species
• Outerspace Ways

{Images via Miss Moss}

Draw-It-Yourself Shower Curtains

I don't have a need for shower curtains in my new house, but if I did, I'm thinking I could get pretty creative with these draw-it-yourself ones by Grain Design that come with a permanent colored marker. They remind me of these duvet covers. What would you draw on your shower curtain?


{Images via Remodelista}

A Traveling Tea Parlour

Lady Bonin, won't you please come to the States with your traveling tea parlour? This little gypsy caravan roams all over South Africa, selling loose leaf teas. Jessica, the owner, will serve you hot or iced tea on the comfy outdoor pillows. She'll even give you a special tea leaf reading.

I absolutely adore this idea. Who wants to start a mobile tea room in Seattle with me?  :) 


{Images via 79 Ideas}

The Handmade Wedding Book

I had my first wedding planning sesh over the weekend. We figured out a location, narrowed down the date, and estimated my family's guest list. I'll give you more details later, but it feels so nice to have a clear direction.

Our budget is small, so we're going to have to get crafty. I spotted this beautifully designed Handmade Wedding book and it seems to have a lot of sweet ideas. Although I don't want to bite off more than I can chew and stress myself out. What DIY projects did you (or would you) choose to make yourself?


{Images by A Subtle Revelry}

A Relaxing Weekend

How are you spending your weekend? I'm having lunch with a dear friend in town and then heading home for major relaxation with the folks. Maybe play some ukulele. And do a little wedding planning... it's probably time I get started!

Have a good one, kiddos. Here are your links...

Wear the world around your neck.

Beautiful bike wheels.

Funny switcharoos.

Will you read the Design*Sponge newspaper?

A darling cat print dress.

My favorite engagement photos of the year.

Start a seedling in a lemon peel.

Turn a t-shirt into a rug.

Homemade pop tarts.

How to avoid camera loss.

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

• A Letter To Stairs
• Zumba
• What To Pack 

{Image via Where The Lovely Things Are}

Brides In Glasses

As much as I'd like to embrace my true self, I don't think I could wear glasses at my wedding. Even though Hal loves me in them, my specs are fairly heavy and after a long day I get headaches. I can't wear them with mascara or else my eyelashes hit the lenses and smudge them up. So big props to these brides for rocking their specs and looking so darn beautiful. Would you (or did you) wear glasses on your big day?


{Images by: 1. Olive Juice Studios; 2. Tealily Photography; 3. Todd Pellowe; 4. Christina Richards; 5. Jonas Peterson}

Watermelon Balsamic Cubes

I made these watermelon balsamic cubes for my barbecue last weekend and they were a hit. The tanginess of the vinegar really compliments the sweetness of the melon. And they're easy to pop in the mouth. I forgot the mint leaves and used balsamic glaze instead of reduction syrup (is there a difference?) But no one would have ever known... until now!  :)


{Images by Showfood Chef}

A Life Size Model Boat

What a sense of humor Michael Johansson has. As a child, he was fascinated by model kits where you pop out the plastic pieces to build your toy. As an adult, he recreates these model kits on an extra large scale. This little dinghy is especially genius, don't you think?

P.S. A life size paper boat.


{Image via Dornob}

Sexy Basketball

Women's basketball uniforms have sure evolved, haven't they? As soon as I spotted these photos of the PSA Airlines flight attendant team, I squealed with delight. The Jets. Aren't they classic? I almost wish my high school basketball team looked this hot. People would have actually shown up to our games! See more sexy sixties stews here.


{Images via San Diego Air and Space Musuem}

DIY - Lavender & Grass Paper

I'm pretty sure I made paper in junior high, but nothing as pretty as this. The full tutorial is on Kiss The Groom. Adding lavender and grass is such a nice touch. I love the woodsy scent of regular paper, so just imagine how lovely this paper smells. Have you ever made paper before?


{Images via by Elizabeth Messina}

An Unidentified Floating Pond Shelter

I can't for the life of me find the source of this image and it's driving me nuts. Anyone have any information on this awesome pond shelter? I'm so curious to know where it is and what it's used for. Any guesses?

** UPDATE ** Thank you Judy for finding the image source! Designed by Andy Cao and Xavier Perrot, Le Jardin Des Hesperides was one of 11 gardens built for the 2006 International Garden Festival at Reford Gardens in Grand-Metis, Canada. Read more about it here.


{Image via Pinterest by Andreas Saudemont}

Mimi Farina's 1968 Wedding

Are you familiar with Mimi Fariña? She was a folk singer in the 60's and sister of Joan Baez. Her wedding to Richard Farina in Big Sur, California, looks so simple and sweet. She was only 18. Don't you love her crown of daisies?


{Images via Liebemarlene Vintage by Erinyes}

Snacks

I'm in a snack rut. The apple and peanut butter one is a classic, but I must try these truffles with almonds and pink salt, or the roasted cauliflower with balsamic vinegar. Do you have any other unusual snack suggestions? I'd love to know!


{Images by Tiger In a Jar}

The Perfect Pin-Up Dress

I'm a firm believer that every lady should own a proper pin-up dress. They make thin girls look curvy and curvy girls look thin. This darling sailor-inspired number by Stop Staring is just perfect, don't you think?


{Image by Cali Vintage}

Receiving Flowers

I feel so loved. My friends and family brought us so many gorgeous bouquets of flowers over the weekend for our little engagement housewarming barbecue. They're placed in every single room I can't help but feel grateful every time I walk into my home and inhale. Do you keep fresh flowers in the house?

P.S. If you ever want to give some floral cheer to your loved ones, I highly recommend you send flowers from here!


{Images via Flores Del Sol by Von Marcus}

My Love Grub Recipe

My darlings, it is high time I introduce you to one of my best besties, Tiffany Shinn. Otherwise known as Miss World. We became fast friends at USC when she joined Sirens, bonding over silly soprano lines. Since then, we've traveled Europe together, formed a book club, supported each other when the men in our lives wouldn't, and devoured more cheese than should be humanly possible.

Tiff is quickly becoming a big deal in the Los Angeles restaurant scene. She reviews hot spots from all over the country on Eat Your Heart Out L.A., a food and love blog. And she's a phenomenal writer. I challenge you to read one of her posts and not to drool on your keyboard or tear up with emotion. Each and every post artfully incorporates details of her personal life. Think Sex and the City, but with food.

She recently asked me to take part in her new series: Love Grub Recipes. Question: what special dish do Hal and I enjoy together the most? Read our not-so-surprising answer here, along with a sweet story of our relationship.

T-bird, thank you again for the heartwarming post. It is beyond words, as are you. Love you friend.

A Feminine Zen Home

Usually, my style is more masculine when it comes to interiors, but I can't help swooning over these calming minimalist rooms with soft pastels and cherry blossoms. This home brings out my inner zen girly girl.


{Images via April and May by VTwonen}

Vows In Ancient Ruins

Wedding photographers, Erin and Ben Chrisman, got married at Hacienda Uayamon in Campeche, Mexico, surrounded by ancient ruins from the 1700's. Can you even imagine having a candlelight ceremony in a crumbling stone chapel in the Yucutan jungle? What a dream.


{Images via Junebug by Kitty and Craig Fritz of Twin Lens Images}

Loving Life

If you love your life, you've made it.

My friend posted this on her Facebook wall and I can't stop thinking about it. The true definition of success.


{Image by Dmitry Kononenko}

Our Very First Backyard Barbecue

We've invited a few close friends and family over for a barbecue this weekend and it has morphed into a small housewarming and engagement party. I'm so excited to entertain in our very first backyard and experience the new grill, hammock, and firepit. Tonight I'm stringing up the cafe lights and prepping the portobello peach burgers. I wish I could invite you all!

Have a beautiful weekend, darling dears! Enjoy the links...

Make a dress in 30 minutes.

Now you can sleep on the moon.

Did you know why otters hold hands?

A tunnel I'd spend all day in.

Gorgeous full body jewelry.

The end bookend.

5 staples for easy entertaining.

Tiny animal origami.

Loving the mismatched bridesmaid gowns.

DIY twinkle toes.

 

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

• Vintage Suitcase Storage
• Just Being Audrey
• White Floors

{Image via Re-Nest by Bethany Nauert}

Tiny Toadstool

The girl behind Tiny Toadstool is my new hero. She's a model, a photographer, a blogger, a crafter, and a vintage shop owner. Is there anything she can't do? She even has one of my nicknames: Shan Shan! Don't these joyful images of her just make your day? They sure made mine.


{Images via Dadaya}

Questions For You: What Would Your Super Power Be?

This poster belongs in our home because I ask Hal this question every time we watch an X-men movie.

So my question for you:

If could have any super power, what would it be?

Hal's answer... Invisibility or flight.
My answer... Influencing other people's thoughts.


{Image via Madame Herve by Pop Chart Lab}

Beegee's Hair

Her name is Beegee and I love her hair. I've never worn the top knot with long bangs pulled out in front with a middle part, but I'm thinking I should. Isn't it a cute look?


{Images via 40 Over 20 by Vanessa Jackman}

Exploding Electronics

What is my fascination with exploding objects? Remember the flowers? I guess I see a lot of beauty in chaos. As long as it's not happening to me  :)


{Images by Todd McLellan}

Summer With Ma + Chr

Everyone on this side of the blogosphere seems to be mourning the end of summer already. Which is crazy talk, since it feels as though it's just beginning here in Seattle. These playful images by Paris-based design studio, Ma + Chr, make me want to hit the beach before it's too late.

How has your summer been?


{Images via Tabitha Emma by Mathilde Aubier and Christine Delaquaize}

Hotel Camping

For those of you afraid of the big bad wilderness, but want to experience camping at its finest, might I suggest Berlin? The Huettenpalast Hotel provides rooms with caravans inside! One step up from my makeshift indoor tent. I'd love to check it out. My only complaint... no campfires. But I suppose a few candles on the floor would suffice.


{Images via Decor8}

The Lawn Dish Drying Rack

I really miss the dishwasher from my old place. I mean, really. That's what you get when you move into a quirky 1930's cottage. But washing dishes by hand and placing them on a countertop lawn would make the chore a little more enjoyable. Love this design, don't you?


{Image via Chez Larsson by Boon}

People In Parked Cars

This photo series by Iain Mckell cracks me up. I wouldn't exactly like it if someone photographed me in a parked car. I'd probably be in mid-lip gloss application, or napping with my jaw hanging open. But it sure is funny seeing what other people do. There's a lot of spying going on here.

What do you do in parked cars?  :)


{Images via Emmadine}

Secret Cheese Plates For One

When I'm left to my own dinner devices, I go to Whole Foods, select three $2 gourmet cheese nubs, and put together an elaborate platter much like this one with fruit, crackers, nuts and jam. I eat the whole thing with a glass of wine. It's my secret guilty pleasure when Hal is away. Please tell me I'm not the only one who does this!


{Images by Sprouted Kitchen}

Getting Married At Home

My mother will tease me when she sees this post. In the 70's, she and my father got married in their home. She always tells me how they spent next to nothing on their wedding, so why can't I do the same? Things were different back then, I say.

But then I see a wedding like this. So intimate and cozy and full of love. Granted, their house is darling and the bride is a vintage scout and interior designer. But I admit, there's something very special about hosting your wedding at home. In familiar surroundings with only your favorite people (and pets).


{Images by Kristen Marie}

Skywriting

I think I might be more inclined to keep a journal if I could scribble my thoughts and doodles in the sky. MoMA says the book is for artists, writers, and dreamers. Or anyone with their head in the clouds  :)


{Images via Sacred Lotus}

Australian Sand

Dark Point. Vast windswept sand dunes along the edge of the Pacific in New South Wales. These photos make me question why I've never been to Australia. Oh yeah, because it's half way across the world. But that really shouldn't stop me from witnessing such natural beauty. Sigh, one day.

Have you ever been?


{Images via Spell by Johnny Abegg}

Turning Orphan Chairs Into A Bench

The folks at 31 & Change upcycled three random orphan chairs from different eras and turned them into a uniform bench. I'd love to see someone use this idea for their dining table. Pretty cool, right?


{Images via Recycle Art}

The Breakfast Project

Who says we can't play with our food. Sayaka has been documenting her breakfasts with a series of playful photographs for the past few years. She must be a morning person. Do you ever get creative with your morning meals?


{Images by Sayaka Minemura}

Sade In Concert

Last night, I did a secret exchange. Like an undercover drug deal, I took a wad of cash and met a stranger in the Chipotle parking lot. I gave him the envelope. He gave me the goods. Sade tickets! It's always been my dream to see her live. Now this Sunday, we'll be watching her seduce the crowd from our cheap Key Arena seats. I'm stoked.

Are you up to anything special? Enjoy yourselves, my loves. Here are the weekend links...

For the cookie monster in your life.

A colorful staircase.

Have you ever played kubb?

Awesome musical bean bags.

Dying to make these lemon sorbet cups.

Real men wear pastels.

DIY scratch-off lotto ticket cards.

A wonderful Amy Winehouse tribute playlist.

Cool suitcase dressers.

How have I never known of ice cream bombes?  

 

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

• Life Calendars
• Beyond The Walls
• Fashion + Film

{Image by Joe Leagle}

A Wedding Dress For Everyday Wear

Would you wear a wedding dress if it wasn't your wedding day? I most definitely would if it was a stunner like this one. I orginally guessed the gown was from the 70's, but it's actually a vintage 30's frock. What a lovely find.


{Image via Fashionising by Craig Arend}

Melamine Plates

We're throwing a mini engagement / housewarming hurrah in our backyard a few weeks from now, and I'd love to serve food on pretty dinnerware that won't break or chip. I spotted these beautifully designed melamine plates from Poketo. Bingo. But I'd almost rather hang them on the wall to admire, wouldn't you?


{Images via Coco + Kelly by: 1. Oksana Badrak; 2. PCP; 3. Marco Cibola}

Celebrities And Their Vinyl

Such an awesome collection of images. See more celebrities and their vinyl here.

P.S. At our local record store over the weekend, we found a rare purple vinyl 45 and snatched it up immediately. Can you guess what it was?  :)


{Images via How To Be A Retronaut}

The Gate Lodge

Someone please buy The Gate Lodge, a cozy little late 18th Century English charmer currently on the market. We can trade vacation homes as they do in The Holiday. It's not often you see a thatched roof and gothic windows in such pristine condition. And for only £300,000? Pennies. Do it! Then let's arrange the swap.


{Images via Keen and Fitting by Strutt & Parker}

Leigh Ellexson's World

 




   




I've entered Leigh Ellexson's world and don't ever want to leave. I adore her dreamy superimposed images, don't you?


{Images via Empty Kingdom}

Your House

I miss art books. Hal used to bring them home all the time when he worked for the Museum of Contemporary Art in LA. This one is especially cool. MoMA commissioned Olafur Eliasson to design a laser-cut negative impression of his Copenhagen house on a scale of 85:1. When you turn each page, it feels as if you're walking through the rooms of the house from front to back. Wouldn't you love a book of your own house?


{Images via MoMA}

Cracks

For the imagery alone, you must see the movie, Cracks. We watched it last night. Ever since Casino Royale, I've had a girl crush on Eva Green. Similar to her creepy role in the tv series, Camelot, she plays a mental school teacher at an elite British boarding school. The story is a bit freaky, but the gorgeous 1930's wardrobe and styling make up for it. So does this quote:

"Girls, we are angels, eagles! To dive is to fly. Set yourself free of the shackles of conformity. Let nothing hold you back except the air itself. You are between heaven and earth. The rules no longer apply."

{Images via: 1. Lucy's Blog; 2. 5. IMDB; 3. 4. 6. Trust Movies}

Illustrated Wedding Invitations

Soooo I suppose I should start planning a wedding. It's a little overwhelming to begin. I have a gazillion ideas running through my head. Is there such a thing as too much inspiration?

Wedding invitations are something that I'd really like to personalize and possibly design ourselves if we have the time. Don't you just love this typographic invite illustrated by Rudi de Wet? I find something new every time I look at it.


{Image via Behance}

Vegetarian Meal Service

Oh Groupon, how you tempt and seduce me. My latest deal is Lucky Palatte, a vegetarian meal service. Starting today, I get 2 weeks of prepared dinners to simply heat up and consume. No thinking required. On the menu: east Indian wrap, curried cole slaw with raisins, Ethiopian veggie stew, and smoked quinoa with savory greens. All meatless, of course. Can you say, yum?

P.S. If you're drooling over this mango blueberry quinoa salad with lemon basil dressing photo, Sala will show you how to make it. I'm wishing this dish was included in my meal service!


{Image by Veggie Belly}

Song Love: "Tip Of My Tongue" by The Civil Wars

Wow, it's been quite some time since I've done a Song Love. Let's change that. I came across the The Civil Wars' song, "Tip of my Tongue", on a random YouTube video and I was so enthralled by what I heard, I don't even remember what I watched. There aren't enough duets in the world. Especially sweet little ditties like this.

Joy Williams and John Paul White's voices blend so well together. For being a country-folk duo, their soulful jazzy sound is pleasantly surprising. And the lyrics? Lovely. I should have made them into a lyrimage.

Listening rules:

1. Press play;
2. Turn the volume up;
3. Listen carefully to the lyrics;
4. Imagine singing it with your love.

{Image via The Civil Wars}

Paper Engagement Rings

Before Hal proposed, I told him I'd be happy with a piece of string tied around my finger. Maybe I should have suggested a paper ring by Yael Friedman. A major upgrade from string and much more affordable than diamonds. I would have been estatic to wear such a cool design.

Of course, Hal didn't believe me when I said the ring's price tag doesn't matter and made me wait years until he could afford this guy. I'm obviously glad I waited, but still. Boys and their egos.

Would you wear a paper ring?


{Images via Brooklyn Bride by Moss}

Laser Daft Punk

For my fellow nerds... we saw a Daft Punk laser show over the weekend. And yes, it was just as awesome as it sounds.


{Images by Vladimir Živković}

Geraldine's Bowls

French designer, Geraldine de Beco, makes these charming little cereal bowls for humans, but I'd use them as milk bowls for my kitty. When you pour in the liquid, a cat magically appears. They also come in bird and wolf. So creative!


{Image via Martha Stewart by Bernardaud}