** Happiness Is...**

What The Sea Said...

Next time we're contemplating pivotal life decisions... maybe we should ask the sea  :)


{Images via Wild Goose Chase by Fiona Watson}

Fear Of Flying

I haven't done much reading since my move, and I'm longing to bury my head in a book. Our latest book club selection is Fear of Flying by Erica Jong. I started it, but haven't gotten far. It was apparently highly controversial in the 70's. Have you read it?

P.S. How amazing is this series by Lissy Elle? She photographs fictional characters getting sucked back into their books. Can you tell which is which? From the top: Alice in Wonderland, Wendy from Peter Pan, and Belle from Beauty and the Beast.


{Images by Lissy Elle}

Fruits & Veggies On My Doorstep

I missed the last Full Circle Farms Groupon, so as soon as it came around again, I bit the bullet and signed up. I now receive a surprise box of organic produce delivered to my doorstep every other week! Loving it so far. We can even add cheeses from local dairy farms! That might be dangerous.

Our first bundle contained red chard, zucchini, onions, spinach, pea pods, carrots, celery,  apples, oranges, and the tastiest mango in the world. We've eaten everything except for the zucchini, as I've yet to find a fun recipe.

Any suggestions for a vegetarian zucchini dish?


{Images by Heidi Schweigert}

Floating Pet Beds

Oh boy. Akemi Tanaka's amazing Curve wall-mounted pet beds are on sale. 15% off, with 10% going to Japan Earthquake Animal Rescue and Support. Bailey does love being up high so she can give us kisses when we get home. I'm so tempted!


{Images via Supermarkethq}

Who Are You?

Such a sweet series by Vivian of Le Petit Bird Told Me. She asks her friends to describe who they are in objects.

What little things would explain who YOU are?  :)


{Images via A Little Hamster by: 1. Vivian Hoebe; 2. Ilse Boersma; 3. Jantine Vaartjes} 

My Interview With Cynthia Rowley

Hello, my darlings. I have a treat for you today! Fashion designer, Cynthia Rowley, is in town to promote her new project, Exhibition A, which allows young art collectors to purchase limited edition pieces from top contemporary artists for only $100-$500. Cynthia was kind enough to take time out of her busy schedule to answer a few questions for me...

What made you decide to help launch Exhibition A?

We started an initiative at our company called “Pretty Penny,” which helps encourage Cynthia Rowley employees to put forth their own business plans. I’m an entrepreneur at heart, so I love seeing that spirit live in the people that work at the brand as well. I am so personally and professionally inspired by fine art that when Laura Martin, my business director, came up with the concept for Exhibition A – a retail site that would really allow young collectors to get in the game and participate in the market – it seemed like a no-brainer. It’s such a timely, important idea!

What advice do you give to young art collectors?

Make sure that the work you invest in is meaningful to you, because you have to live with it. Being informed is also a big part of art collecting: take the time to learn about the artists and works that you’re considering. Exhibition A offers helpful information and commentary on each artist that’s being sold, but if you want to dig deeper, sites like moma.org, artforum.com or artnet.com are also excellent resources.

What is your own most cherished piece of art?

Wow….it’s impossible to pick just one. I’ve been fortunate enough to accrue some really extraordinary things over the years, and I can't imagine ever parting with any of them. The works especially close to my heart are those by family members: my grandmother's self-portrait or anything created by my kids!

Can you tell me the inspiration behind your Spring 2011 collection?

For Spring, I was really interested in the idea of ‘bareness’ – both physically and conceptually. You’ll see the interplay of positive and negative space in the designs—via brightly-colored cabochons and laser cut-outs, respectively—but I also felt the need to strip the shapes themselves down to their barest essential. Planarity, geometrics, invisible knit cardigans and sweaters, and a bright, fresh palette all contributed a very clean, very straightforward appeal to the collection.

What are your favorite trends for the upcoming spring/summer season?

I think all of the brightly colored trousers are a brilliant new trend; our hibiscus double-knits have been a huge hit so far. I also really love the jewelry that's around for spring. It’s all very graphic and sculptural. It’s great for decorating a look in the warmer months without feeling too weighed down.

Thank you so much, Cynthia! For my local lovelies, she will be at the Seattle Art Museum today with artist, Nick Cave. And at the Kirkland boutique, Promesse, for a trunk show from 6-8pm. Come take a peak at her new collection!


{Images by Exhibition A}

Mademoiselle en Fleur

It's hard to tell, but these photos from Marie Claire Italia almost look spot colored. Don't you just adore the pops of corals, pinks, oranges and reds? Mmmm, Spring.


{Images via Fashion Copious by Xevi Muntané}

A Tabletop Design Tool

Have you seen Anthropologie's new tabletop design tool? I foresee fun times ahead.


{Images via The Neo-Traditionalist}

Neil Krug's Polaroids

Does this man know how to take a Polaroid, or what? Gorgeous work. He makes me want to dust off my vintage Land Camera 103, find some film, and go at it.


{Images by Neil Krug}

Ausgebrannt

Ausge-what?? :) Ausgebrannt, German for "burnt out", is a project by Belgian designer, Kaspar Hamacher, who makes wooden stools by setting them on fire. I gotta love a fellow pyro. I wonder what would happen if I tried this on my own...


{Image by Dezeen}

Seeing Again

I lost my glasses during my most recent trip to California. I'm fairly certain that the hotel maid jacked them. I mourned that pair until my blindness forced me to buy new ones, and I found some big plastic 70's frames off Etsy that fit my face perfectly. I had my extra thick prescription lenses inserted and hallelujah, I can see again! I look like a grown-up version of my 4-year old self.

I'll make sure to take some pics and show you soon...


{Image via Red Glasses}

A Dream LA Loft

I thought I had curbed my appetite for loft living. And resigned myself to a less space-is-more attitude. But Philip and Leona's 2,000 square foot factory building in downtown LA has screwed everything up. Now I'm vying for large open rooms, exposed brick walls, rooftop city views, and a place to park a vintage motorcycle! Oy vey.

I love my tiny house. I love my tiny house. I love my tiny house  :)


{Images via Apartment Therapy}

Laughing With Friends

I hope you all have a chance to get out and do something fun this weekend! Tonight, a group of friends and I are going to see an improv comedy show. Can't wait to get my giggle on... since the rest of the weekend, I'll be doing taxes. Ick.

Have a good one, loveies! Here are your links...

Pretty purple pasta.

A disappearing kitchen island.

Words to live by.

Would you wear a mermaid sweater?

A blue forest.

I vow to one day attend The White Dinner.

Throw a hot air balloon party.

Blogger etiquette.

Have breakfast with a giraffe.

The Shakers really had something going on!

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

• Free Art. Yep!
• Miss Fancypants Swimwear
• Rose & Ruby

{Image via Brown Eyed Belle}

Sleep Elevations

Photographer, Maia Flore, has quite an imagination. Or very vivid dreams. Aren't her Sleep Elevations fantastic?


{Images via Life According To Celia by Maia Flore}

Two Vintage Wedding Dresses

I've never seen a vintage wedding dress quite like the one Jess wore for her ceremony in the top photo. What a find, right? She looks like a bohemian angel. For the reception, she changed into the sweet butterfly sleeved dress below.

Why buy one expensive gown, when you could buy two one-of-a-kind vintage dresses for possibly less? I wonder where she found them... or if they were hand-me-downs.

You must take a peak at the rest of this Australian farm wedding. I got a little teary eyed viewing the photos. Photographer, Becky Holladay, describes it as truly witnessing two souls join.


{Images via Once Wed by Becky Holladay}

The Curve Of Forgotten Things

Excuse me while I catch my breath. I just watched The Curve Of Forgotten Things, the most exquisite short film by Todd Cole in collaboration with Rodarte. It stars Elle Fanning with dreamy music by Deerhunter. I think you will enjoy.


{Image by Nowness}

DIY - Scandinavian Accessory Stand

Swoon alert. Annaleena of Sweden shows us how to make this gorgeous rustic modern accessory stand out of three wood poles, some metal hooks, and leather thread. I can do!


{Images via Emma's Designblogg}

Locks of Love

Last night, I braided Hal's hair and chopped off his long luxurious locks. He wanted to donate his pretty curls to cancer babies. We wondered whether he had 10" worth, and indeed he did. Just barely enough!

So today, in order to mail it to Locks of Love, I'm carrying around a plastic baggie full of black braids, which sort of creeps me out.

Have you ever donated your hair?


{Image via Mtime}

Elizabeth Taylor

Liz, you will be missed.


{Images via: 1. The Fashion Spot; 2. Ellf House; 3. Q's Daydream; 4. The Things That Excite Me; 5. Acid Cow; 6. David Haggard; 7. Suicide Blonde; 8. Carol}

Me On DiggersList

I'm super flattered to be featured on DiggersList today! Such kind words... thank you Skaie. She's my newfound blog twin. A fellow design-loving singer-songwriter blogger  :)


{Image via Isabella Kereszt}

The Necklace Swing

You know me and my love for swings! Just can't get enough. I found another indoor swing that doubles as jewelry for the home. German designer, Johanna Richter, makes them out of felt or wood, my two favorite materials :) Come to think of it, I own a wooden necklace exactly like this. If only it were a wee bit larger... ha.


{Images via Sleek Identity}

Free Positive Thoughts

Thank you, Amanda, for creating this sweet downloadable poster. I sort of want to print out hundreds to hang all over the city. I'd love to see everyone's reaction  :)


{Image via Fill Your Well by Kind Over Matter}

A Baby Branch Clothing Rack

A little update on my Shannon room. I finally have my tree branches and as soon as they're primed and painted, they'll be ready to float! And speaking of... how adorable is this baby version? It makes much more sense to hang little onesies from a branch, since they weigh nothing. The wire that I got only holds 100 lbs. After already collapsing a cheapo temporary clothing rack... I sure hope I don't bring the ceiling down!


{Image by The Happy Home}

Memory Leaves

Hidden Memories is a such a beautiful project by artist, Miranda Van Dijk, from the Netherlands. She digitally scans and prints images onto unbleached cotton leaves. Such a unique and thoughtful way to preserve old family photos, don't you think?

P.S. They're available for sale in her shop.


{Images via Poppytalk}

Romper Season

Definitely inspired by Erika in her little floral Blue Kimchi. I just love the pairing of playful rompers with responsible blazers, don't you? I can't wait to dig out my own rompers. If only it were 20 degrees warmer...


{Image by Fashion Chalet}

Spring Inside & Out

We had the most beautiful weekend here in Seattle... exactly what I hoped for the first day of Spring. It felt so amazing to walk outside and feel the sun on my face. I was still bundled up in three layers, but I take what I can get!

If Spring hasn't arrived where you live, create it on the inside like Chelee did with this home. Isn't it inviting? I can't imagine a more cheerful Spring-like space.


{Images via Desire To Inspire by Chele McKee}

BKFST

Morning, loves. Since I didn't eat breakfast today, my stomach is quite angry with me for browsing BKFST, a mouth watering Tumblr page created by Diana and Catherine. If you're at a loss for morning meals, this is your place. Or you can upload and share your own photos and recipes with the rest of us.

What did you eat for breakfast?  :)


{Images via Miss Moss}

For Japan With Love

I try to steer clear of somber subject matter. But the suffering in Japan is just too heartbreaking not to address. Among the millions of Japanese citizens affected, my sister-in-law, Akiko's family, and my dear yoga friend, Sayaka, were there when the disasters hit.

So tomorrow, I'll be participating in the Bloggers' Day of Silence. There will be no posts on Friday, March 18th, to honor Japan. Lydia of Ever Ours and Lucia of Utterly Engaged have graciously organized For Japan With Love, a fundraiser for earthquake and tsunami relief. All proceeds go to ShelterBox to provide the victims with emergency shelters and lifesaving supplies. Feel free to donate here.

I suppose I'll be taking a 3-day silence, since I don't blog on weekends. Sorry for the void of weekend links! They seemed a bit inappropriate on this post.

Much love to you all and I'll see you again on Monday. xoxo


{Image by Ever Ours}

Girls In Green Dresses

Did you wear green today?  :)


{Images via: 1. Scout Holiday; 2. My News Desk; 3. The Life Files; 4. Fashionising; 5. SRC783; 6. Fashion Gone Rogue; 7. Hearty Chic}

Guinness Goodies

Happy St. Patty's Day, my Irish and non-Irish friends! I've mentioned before that Guinness is my beer of choice. When I went home last weekend, my mom made us Guinness shamrock shakes. Boy, were they good. Guinness mixed with chocolate really works. Also in ice cream and cupcakes. You must try!

Are you celebrating tonight?


{Images via Chow}

OLA Collection

I know my ladies will love this new line by Portland goddess Hannah Olavarria. Her OLA Collection is a beautiful assortment of Missoni knit fabric tubes that can be worn as a scarf, hoodie or shawl. Brilliant.

P.S. Do you recognize the delicious photography? Or the face? It's Kelty from Steep Street. Hannah's identical twin sister!


{Images by Steep Street}

Papercut Invites

Aren't these papercut wedding invitations exquisite? They're by Israeli artist, Naomi Shiek. She also does custom work and greeting cards. Pure loveliness.


{Images via Elephantine by Woodland Papercuts}

Wooden Spoons

I've decided to grow my wooden spoon collection  :)

 

{Images via: 1. Danske; 2. Dwell; 3. Graphic Exchange; 4. Mav; 5. Say Yes To Hoboken; 6. Pia Jane Bijkerk}

Le Portillon

These photos are taken by Madelene Lindqvist, a young Swedish girl documenting her move to Paris. Isn't her photography is beautiful? It feels as though we're there with her. Riding along in her pocket. A silent witness to her new surroundings.


{Images via 2 By Design by Le Portillon}

Oatmeal Animal Crackers

I've never in my life made crackers from scratch. And this is just unacceptable, especially after seeing Heidi's recipe. C'mon, adorable little animal shapes? Who could resist?


{Images by 101 Cookbooks}

Roller Girls

I forgot to tell you about my recent roller derby experience! A couple weeks ago, my brother took a group of friends to see the Rat City Roller Girls, Seattle's reneowed roller derby league. Such fun!

My favorite part was when the girls' names were announced: Ivana Clobber, Carmen Getsome, Georgia O’Grief, Missile America... you get the idea. If the team ever recruits me (because I'd be such an asset), I already came up with my name: Speedy GotHotness! Get it? Like Speedy Gonzales... ha. Yeah.

What would YOUR roller girl name be?  :)


{Images via Little Red Glass}

Going Platinum

I've always thought that one day, I'd go platinum. I've been every other hair color under the sun, so why not? I think what has always held me back is the upkeep. My hair grows extremely fast and I might end up living at the salon for root touch-ups.

Hairstylist, Kyleen Murray gives some great tips on achieving the perfect shade. Would you ever go platinum? Or have you already? :)


{Images via Kelli Murray}

Inaluxe Retro Graphics

Smitten with these retro graphic prints by Australian artists, Kristina Sostarko and Jason Odd of Inaluxe. Doesn't the top one remind you of the iconic Orla Kiely pattern?  Except better  :)


{Images via Unruly Things}

Stormy Seattle

The wind kept me up all last night... and I'm a deep sleeper. It felt as though our little house was being sucked up into the air and transported to the Land of Oz. We've been having stormy weather and heavy downpours nonstop. But all is good. I got to wear my rainboots today and splash in the puddles  :)


{Image via Life Of Katina}

The Gig

Happy weekend! Are you up to anything special? We're visiting my folks in The Gig... a nickname for the town I grew up in. Definitely looking forward to a chill night at home.

Enjoy the weekend links, my dears...

For Japan: two little faces of positive.

Is anyone going to SXSW?

An OCD chef cutting board.

Top 10 designs for the Say Something Poster Project.

Remember the slide inside? Here's another one. 

Nat Geo's "Up" reenactment.

The sixties cone BBQs are coming back!

I want a these prehistoric cuties for my window sill.

Hello orange ricotta pancakes.

Should I apply for this?  :)

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

• Cloud Lights
• Greek Island Daydreams
• The Mushroom House

{Image by Sparkle Power}

A Double Decker Dress Shop

Next time I drive down to Portland, I'm going to chase this double decker dress shop down the street like an ice cream truck until it stops just for me.

Jill's vintage travel trailer was my first introduction to shops on wheels, and I'm hooked. Now there's Lodekka owned by Erin Sutherland. To pursue her dream, Erin purchased a 1965 double-decker bus with her unemployment checks and hasn't looked back since. So inspiring!


{Images via Poppytalk by Hula Seventy}

$200 Relax Shacks

Wow... 24 square feet. I keep getting smaller and smaller!

Derek Diedricksen builds his modern Relax Shacks out of upcycled materials and sells his self-published instruction book online so we can build our own. They're all equipped with a bed, a see-through roof, and a heater that runs off vegetable oil.

They look a bit like walk-up coffee stands. But for only $200, they'd make great little guest cabins on your property, don't you think?


{Images via The New York Times by Erik Jacobs}

Littledoe Crowns

I think every girl deserves to wear a crown in her adult life. 


{Images via Tabitha Emma by Rylan Perry for Littledoe}

Controlling Clutter

I'm so proud of myself. I gave away 6 huge garbage bags of old clothing and shoes to Goodwill during my move. It was such a freeing feeling!

The latest issue of O Magazine focuses on saying goodbye to what weighs you down and has a few insightful articles on organizational secrets, how to decide what to keep and what to toss, and 12 ways to unclutter your life. Good reads.

Do you emotionally attach yourself to your belongings?


{Images by Helga Steppan}

Food From Above

I've decided that my favorite angle for photographing food is from directly above. It looks like the dish is sitting right in front of you, ready to be devoured. Ash is a master at it. Am I right or am I right?  :)


{Images by Butterflyfoodie}

Gray

Gray skies get some people down, but I'm not sure why. It's such a warm, cozy, understated color.


{Images via: 1. Decor8; 2. Moeys Photography; 3. Love and Happy Riss; 4. Little Miu; 5. Goose Goddesss; 6. Zarakhan; 7. 79 Ideas; 8. Let's Drink Coffee In Teacups}

Wasting Time?

I need to remind myself of this more often.


{Image via 619 Miles by Sapling Press}

Bridal Booties

It's not often you see a bride wearing booties. But there's something to it, no? They look fabulous on Kimberly. But naturally so... they're Dior. Would you wear booties on your wedding day?


{Images via Frolic! by Brendon Stuart}

A Dream Backyard

Guess who's backyard this is? It belongs to someone who you all know... Sheryl Crow! Um, I really need to become a famous musician fast. Can someone please buy a million copies of my music right now?  :)

This backyard has all my required features. A hammock, a tepee, a covered outdoor living space. Just missing one important thing... me!


{Images by Architectural Digest by Roger Davies}

Behida Dolić Hats

Aren't these hats darling? Inspired by 20's and 30's fashion, Behida Dolić designs hand-draped cloche hats for sophisticated women who want to make a statement.

At first, I thought they might only look good on ladies with long necks and short hair, but they're stunning with long hair as well. They remind me of cozy swim caps. I'd wear one in a heartbeat. Would you?  :)


{Images by Yellowfield7}