HAPPINESS IS...

Warm Spring Rain

It's been a wet week in Seattle and the rain will most likely continue throughout the holiday weekend. No barbecues or beaches this Memorial Day. But my niece, who turns 1 tomorrow, will be all the sunshine we could possibly need. I can't wait to see her face as we sing happy birthday for the very first time.

Have a sweet long weekend, sugar plums. Until Tuesday, here are a few links to keep you entertained...

3 awesome map headboards.

Free audiobooks all summer long.

1920's Gatsby-inspired wedding gowns.

Make your own distressed wooden shelves.

I second these wardrobe staples.

Ever roasted a cauliflower whole?

Genius cloth "paper" towels.

An amazing lighted balloon backdrop.

Crop tops, do or don't?

I love this print of my city!

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

• Tiny Toadstool
• A Bike Brigade
• Outsiders 

{Image via In Good Company}

To Read & Rest

I've had a trying, emotional week, my dears. I think I'll take the next few days to read and rest. My body and my mind deserve a little escape.

Have a lovely weekend, wherever you are in the world. And please enjoy the links...

Wishing this room was mine right now.

A handy guide to stacking rings.

How to land a book deal.

Beautiful ice cream roses.

A spring vegetarian dinner for six.

Frozen pb and banana snacks.

How to manage internet overwhelm.

A cute storybook garland.

Spring roll in a bowl.

A love story in a treehouse.

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

• An Outdoor Open Air Library
• Loving Life
• Childscapes

 

{Image by Carles Rodrigo}

Mother's Day Weekend

Happy Mother's Day to all the strong and supportive mamas of the world. Will you be celebrating on Sunday? Our family will be spending the weekend at my parents' house. The Seattle sun has been gracing us with her presence all week and I'm praying it stays warms for a barbecue and bonfire. Have a very special weekend, my dear ones. Please enjoy the links...

Sweet and simple Mother's Day gift wrap.

A free printable watercolor card for Mom.

The best motherly advice.

The importance of family stories and traditions.

Homemade nutter butters.

A camera lens wedding ring.

Engagement photos modeled after famous musical couples.

The latest issue of Rue is all about the Pacific NW.

Say how you feel in a cake!

DIY dip-dyed sneakers.

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

• Stop The Motion Fridays
• Custom House Portraits
• English Gardens

 

  {Image by Blue Caleel Photography}

Destination Charleston, SC

I'll be doing the Charleston for the next 5 days! My girlfriends and I are meeting Chucktown for our southern adventure. And an adventure it will be, since the weather forecasts thunderstorms during our entire stay!

We have quite the itinerary, thanks for your suggestions on what to see, eat and do. We'll also be squeezing in time to discuss our last-minute book club selection, The Prince of Tides, themed to our destination, of course.

I didn't have time to schedule posts while I'm away, so I apologize in advance for the radio silence next Monday through Wednesday. I'll be back in action on May 2nd with a full recap of our escapades.

Have a wonderful weekend, wherever you are in the world! Enjoy the links...

Inspired by Tuesday's post? Try DIY flower bombs.

7 ways to look better in photos.

This guy is one cool dad.

The anatomy of a cheese plate.

How to make your flowers last longer.

Grilled nectarine cups filled with mascarpone.

A very good motto to live by.

Hi, cute swimsuit.

A fun way to brighten up your closet.

This is how I wore my hair the day Hal and I met, 11 years ago yesterday!

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

• Pincurls & A Turban
• Ulala Collars
• DIY Teeny Tiny Houseplants

{Pre-edited image via Refashion}

Cheer

I know it's hard to remain cheerful with distressing events occurring in Boston. But I really think it's important to focus on the love in this world, which far outweighs the hate. Let's continue to root for the goodness in others.

Enjoy your weekend, my dears. Here are your links...

How we can help the people of Boston.

A true and beautiful post on energy.

Brighten rainy days with this DIY umbrella.

The entire Simpsons intro recreated with humans.

Grapefruit and brown sugar muffins.

Remember playing with parachutes as a child?

Awesome vintage photos of summer art school.

A colorful hexagon room makeover.

Would you wear map-print wedges?

Wish I could attend the Festival of Books at my alma mater!

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

• Wildfox White Label
• Astronauts & Butterflies
• A Timeless Pursuit

{Images via TypeToy by National Geographic, August 1960}

The South

I have a confession to make. I have never been to the South. But all of that will change very soon. In a few weeks, 3 girlfriends and I will be taking a little trip to Charleston, South Carolina! We visited Vancouver in the past and we're trying to make it a tradition to travel some place new every year. We have the hotel nailed, but if you have any suggestions for places to go and things to see, I'm all ears!

Have a sweet weekend y'all and enjoy the links...

Today is National Grilled Cheese Day!

How to make raw stone pendants.

A rad bicycle bar cart for coctails on the go.

5 new accessories from an old leather belt.

Yum yum, stuffed rigatoni.

Can you believe these items are made of wood?

A wild rainbow house with indoor slides.

Would you go into business with your significent other?

Do what you love and do it often - free printable!

A pretty pleated wedding dress.

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

• Wild Pulp
• Traveling In Style
• A Southern / Soul Food Feast

{Image by Southern Weddings}

A Mother Daughter Day

What are you up to this weekend? My mom is coming up to Seattle for our friend's baby shower and we're planning to spend the rest of the day together, maybe taking a stroll along Alki Beach. Doing mother-daughter things. You know, like skipping rope in the sand and such.

Have a wonderful time, sweet peas. Please enjoy the links...

A build-your-own mimosa bar.

Green boxes delivered to your doorstep every month.

Beautiful split-grain wooden lamps.

What do you think of the  hold-the-hair-back strap?

The girl who lived in a billboard.

If you've ever wanted to go on the Sound of Music Tour...

3 sauces to dip artichokes in.

Make a music video for Ok Go.

Would you ever draw on bottom lashes?

A fun April Fool's explosion.

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

• Long Pleated Skirts & Gowns
• Pogo Sticks
• Turning 70

{Images by Sven Türck}

The Real Easter Bunny

Have a delightful Easter weekend, dear ones. Do you have any holiday plans with family or friends? I came across so many Easter egg crafts this year, my weekend links today are all egg-related... enjoy!

Edible confetti eggs.

Genius tea infuser eggs.

Classy white penned eggs.

Colorful marbleized eggs.

Fancy calligraphy eggs.

Shiny gold leafed eggs.

Party-time sequined eggs.

Fun pinata eggs.

Flashy blinged-out eggs.

Intricate string-wrapped eggs.

Artistic black & white eggs.

Tasty sprinkle eggs.

Quirky photo-print eggs.

Amazing wood-burned eggs.

Pretty crocheted eggs.

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

• DIY - An Easter Eggshell Garden
• Sir Hopsalot
• Homemade Cadbury Creme Eggs

{Image by Amanda Keeys}

Black Cat On White Laundry

Last night, I found my little Bailes all bundled up in Hal's clean white laundry. Not clean anymore! She looked so innocent and kitten-like. She has a vet check-up tomorrow to make sure all systems are a go. I'm crossing my fingers that the cat reiki is holding up.

Have a peaceful weekend, loves. Here are a few links for your enjoyment...

A cute cat wrap-around ring.

Everything you need to throw a polenta party.

Would you live in a waffle factory?

Make a garland out of paperclips.

A summer camp for adults only!

What are your thoughts on flatforms?

A lovely crown braid tutorial.

Fun wedding idea: handwritten vows on plates.

Easter table decor inspiration.

Floor-to-ceiling sliding doors instead of walls.

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

• A Palm Springs Trailer Park
• Spring Blooms Around My Neighborhood
• Two Faces

Spring Showers

It's Friday. It's raining. And I'm happy about both. It's the perfect opportunity to lock myself indoors to do taxes. I hope to get a good refund this year. We'll be filing as a married couple for the first time and I'm curious to see how that plays out.

Have a happy Saint Patrick's Day, darlings. We'll be celebrating our Irishness with a pint of Guinness or two, how about you? Enjoy the weekend links...

How to make Guinness brew bread.

DIY jar of luck.

5 creative uses for clipboards.

Have you seen this viral love story?

Spring brunch salad with... chocolate!

Would you sail around the world while pregnant?

Wallpaper? Nope, they're patterned decals.

5 must-read books for new parents.

Beautiful scrap metal animal art.

I'm digging these wood shoes.

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

• Guinness Goodies
• The Luck Of The Irish
• Girls In Green Dresses

A Hello To Spring

I realize some of you are buried in snow. Not to rub it in, but here in the Northwest, Spring is peeking through the clouds. Come visit! The sunshine feels glorious.

What are your weekend plans? I'm looking forward to dinner at Shanik, a new Indian restaurant by the owners of the famous Vij's in Vancouver, then girl time with a bestie who just flew into town on business, and a Sunday brunch double date.

Have a good time, bloggy friends. Don't forget to set your clocks forward! Here are your links...

More sweet Spring inspiration.

Tiny wee fiction: tales that fit within 140 characters.

Have you ever sent someone an apology card?

Feminine floral tattoos.

You'll never believe these clothes and furniture are made of paper.

Plaster hands are popping up all over the streets of Barcelona.

Would you pack all black for a trip to Europe?

Loving these X-rays as art.

Chocolate and avocado pudding.

Pretty gem vases.

 

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

• Earth Circles
• DIY Ceiling Lamp Flower Pots
• Pastel Pants

{Image via Little Green Shed}

Rest & Relaxation

Phew, it has been a long week. I plan on taking some time out over the next few days to seriously relax. The cat approves!

Have a restful weekend and enjoy the links, my friends...

How to cook with 5 ingredients in 10 minutes;

Grown-ups can wear bear ear hats too.

Ever considered painting your walls kelly green?

This article makes me want to clean out my pantry.

When two doctors get engaged, they send X-ray save-the-dates.

Make your own high-low skirt.

Loving this week's pets on furniture. Emu!

5 amazing home theaters.

Graphic nails inspired by the runway.

The new "it" tree.

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

• Glass Logs
• A Rajasthani Princess
• Box of Birds

{Image by Aya Gao}

Craving Bangs

My hair appointment is on Saturday and I'm craving bangs. I've had them before and loved them, so I'm not sure why it's such a scary thing for me. There are 3 things holding me back: 1. my hair is ultra fine; 2. my hair grows ridiculously fast; and 3. I'll actually have to style my hair in the morning, heaven forbid! But I'm majorly due for a change. Do you have bangs?

UPDATE: I went for it and got them snipped! Here they are.

Have a good weekend, dearies. I'm looking forward to meeting my friend's brand new baby girl and watching the Oscars on Sunday!

Here are a few links for your amusement...

A collar for cats who mean business.

What's your favorite way to eat avocados?

A simple idea for wall hooks.

Surprise someone with a pinata cake.

Colorful teaspoon wallpaper.

A DIY upper finger ring.

The new way to make nachos.

5 creative ways to camouflage a flat screen TV.

A delectable hot chocolate bar.

My sentiments exactly.

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

• A Journey On The Orient Express
• Color Color Color
• A Feather In Your Hair

{Pre-edited Image via Rainman by Alexander Kuzmin}

Weekend Exploration

I hope you had a sweet Valentine's Day yesterday. Did you do anything fun? We stayed in. Keeping with the heart-shaped dinner theme, Hal cooked me this to appeal to my inner 5-year old. Good man.

U.S. friends, will you be traveling over the holiday weekend? If not, it's a perfect time to explore your own city. We hope to cross a few adventures off our stuff-we've-always-wanted-to-do-in-Seattle list.

Enjoy the links and I'll see you again on Tuesday...

I'm thinking about getting bangs like this.

A balloon bench inspired by the 1953 French film, “Le Ballon Rouge”.

Halfway to heaven peanut butter cookies.

3 pink lakes on my travel lust list.

Did you know you can dye your hair with real gold?

4 creative flavored butter recipes.

I want to blow up and frame this truly awesome photograph.

Any ladies looking to propose to their boyfriend?

How to make a cool light-up sign.

Would you eat dinner in an igloo?

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

• Sun Boxes
• A Bold Print Dress
• Spaghetti Nests

{Image by Wesley Bird}

Love Notes

Do you and your honey write each other love notes? We don't. After 10+ years of togetherness, everything's been said. But I suppose it's less about the words and more about the effort put in to show you care. Here's a fun idea. An entire wall of origami paper hearts. Inside each pocket holds a little love note to be opened and read. Melanie shows us how to make them right here.

Since V-Day falls on a Thursday, will you be celebrating over the weekend? I think we might visit the Seattle Aquarium down by the pier. Neither of us have been and it seems like a nice and warm romantic outing for a cold winter's day.

Have a special weekend, sweetie pies. Enjoy the lovey dovey links...

More pretty paper hearts for the wall.

And cute love letter scrolls.

Drink bubbly with heart-shaped drinking straws.

Stir up some heat with match book valentines.

Find a secret message in a bottle.

Have breakfast in bed with lace heart pancakes.

Show off your gams with DIY heart tights.

Embarrass someone with a giant printable poster.

Serenade your sweetheart with a love playlist.

Say it right with conversation heart sugar cookies.

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

• DIY Felt Fortune Cookies
• Heart Art
• Roller Skate Dates

{Pre-edited image via Minted by Melanie Blodgett}

Red Lips & White Snow

Admiring this beautiful photo of Katie, taken shortly after she got engaged. She reminds me Snow White and this girl. Don't you love how her red lips and pink cheeks just pop?

Have a special weekend, dear ones. Please enjoy the links...

Super Bowl entertaining essentials.

Incredibly creative business cards from Alt Summit.

Do you stress when hosting friends?

This bride & groom made abstract art during their ceremony!

Cute black cat nails.

Makeup tips for girls who wear glasses.

My favorite color is the Pantone Color of the Year!

Funky tattooed bananas.

Get your man a broquet for V-Day (the Woodsman cracks me up).

Sweet pics of Obama with his mama.

 

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

• Under The Waves
• A Birthday Party In A Box
• Studies In Landscapes & Wardrobes

 

{Image by Katie Louise Ford}

Turning Leftovers Into Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

One good thing about having a baked potato bar is the absurd amount of leftovers. What does this mean? To me, it means fancy grilled cheese sandwiches. Last night, I made a delicious one with goat cheese, pesto, roasted red pepper sauce, sun-dried tomatoes and avocado. Next, I plan to make one with brie and pomegranate seeds. What's in your favorite gourmet grilled cheese?

Have a flavorful weekend, my loves. Please enjoy the links...

25 mouth-watering grilled cheese recipes.

A beautiful winter wedding with a sleigh ride for guests.

Did you know you could live on the back of your bicycle?

A miniature wooden record player.

Incredible snow art.

Wait, cookies for breakfast?

Darling hand knit crowns for kiddos.

A medieval hotel in Italy.

How to make a heart-shaped cross stitch sweater.

A great idea for Super Bowl snacks.

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

• Tea At Sea
• The Sheer Black Dress
• What Birds Do When We're Not Looking 

{Images via: 1-4: Martha Stewart; 5-6: BS In The Kitchen}

Peace & Quiet

Lately I've been in the mood to hibernate and make space for quiet contemplation. Anyone else feel the same? Have a serene and peaceful weekend, dear ones. Here are a few links for your enjoyment...

10 inspirational prints for the new year.

A sweet sound collage of musicians who passed in 2012.

Awesome Wes Anderson playing cards.

How exactly do these invisible bookends work?

Mini pancake skewers for breakfast.

A clever piano key doorbell.

Turn yourself into a foldable paper figurine.

How to make natural waves for fine hair.

A beautiful Dutch church turned loft home.

I fancy this handmade ring.

 

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

• WA + CA = US
• Little Beach House On The Prairie
• Hail On Your Wedding Day

{Image via Nook}

Another Winter Solstice

We made it! We're still alive and the world kept spinning. Happy winter solstice, my loves. There is much to celebrate.

Don't forget, there's still time to enter the 24 Merry Days giveaways from this week:

• Studio DIY: tote backpack/Fabric & Handle;
• Henry Happened: 3-mo/Umba Box & mask and tail/Oeuf;
• House of Earnest: candle/Ferm Living, jewelry/Son of Sailor;
• Lolalina: journal, notebook & cards/Rifle Paper Co;
• Create Like Crazy: $50 gift/Wit & Whistle;
• Down & Out Chic: robe/Eberjay & gift set/Pink Olive;

Here are a few festive weekend links...

Sandy Claus delivers toys to hurricane victims.

A colorful minimalist nativity set.

Shaved brussels sprout Christmas salad.

Wrapped books instead of an advent calendar.

DIY rustic snowflakes.

The 12 tastes of Christmas recipes.

Cute stick Santas. 

Projects for leftover tree trimmings.

Christmas in a paper cut book.

Pepperminty candy cane cocktails.

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

• Trader Joes Paper Bag Gift Wrap
• Presents Under The Tree
• Downloadable Holiday CD Sleeves

{Images via W-I-N-T-E-R}

Pretty French Lingerie

On Sunday, I'll be singing at Bellefleur's sold-out fashion show! It should be a very fun night of song, burlesque, and pretty French lingerie. Please wish me luck!

My 24 Merry Days giveaway ends on Sunday at midnight PST, so make sure to get your entries in for the Crane & Canopy bedding! And you still have time to enter the other amazing giveways from this week:

• Funkytime: tape/Wishi Washy & camera strap/Bloom Theory;
• Oh The Lovely Things: 1-year/Kinfolk & scarf/Lauren Moffatt;
• Design Crush: backpack/Poketo and watch/InstaWatch;
• Mint: furniture legs/Pretty Pegs and $50 gift card/Leif;
• Little White Whale: $50 gift/Umbra and $50 gift/Diament;
• Moorea Seal: $50 gift/Carolina Benoit and camera bag/Ona;

Have a fab weekend, sweetie pies. Here are your links...

Cute DIY pocket warmers.

White chocolate and peppermint popcorn.

Bundle up for a winter date night.

Frost flowers that bloom on the Arctic Ocean.

Lined notebook paper iPad cases.

My cat wants this bed.

How to bottle your own cocktails.

This mountain chalet reminds me of Seattle's Anthropologie.

Wishing I could be in NY right now for this exhibit.

I wish this too.

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

• Free Holiday Gift Tags
• Scarves In The Wind
• Snow Beauty

{Pre-edited image via Girl Meets Whirl by Odile de Changy}

The Tree Hunt

Growing up, my folks would take my brother and I to the neighboring farms to cut down our own Christmas tree. I miss that experience. It's just not the same dragging out my faux white tree from the closet! If you celebrate Christmas, have you gotten a tree yet?

Don't forget to visit me this Sunday for my 24 Merry Days giveaway! If you missed any this week, you still have time to enter:

Sugar & Cloth: Poms/Potter & Butler & bracelet/Jelanie;

The Sweetest Occasion: $250 adventure/Cloud 9 Living;

That's Happy: Serving platters and bowls/Mud Australia;

This Little Street: Fox coat/Little Goodall and shoes/Joyfolie;

Hank & Hunt: Teapot and jar/Gretel Home;

Have a wonderful weekend, dearies. Please enjoy the links...

Hey, It's Christmas Volume 3 is out!

A tasty chai tea shortbread recipe.

Sweet heart mittens.

Make a get-well kit for under-the-weather friends.

Would you ever live in a shipping container?

A fun paint fight engagement shoot.

Very cool paperclip radiators.

Pretty holiday chalkboard signs.

5 simple rules for happiness.

The cutest black cat sweater.

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

• A Little Snow Date
• Window Sills
• A Reindeer Roundup

{Image via Les Petites Choses}

Oversized Sweaters

Most all the sweaters I own are oversized. I love swimming in them. They're like warm knit oceans.

Have a cozy weekend, dear ones. Are you up to anything special? Starting tomorrow, don't forget to enter the 24 Merry Days giveaways at 79 Ideas and Fellow Fellow for a chance to win a $350 gift certificate from Kirribilla and a city print from Famille Summerbelle.

Enjoy the links...

How to knit a giganto blanket.

I want an entire wall of stored fireplace wood.

A bulb bouquet for winter brides.

How cute are these sleeping kitty studs and cat eye masks?

Make a simple and classy holiday ribbon star.

My two favorite advent calendars of the year: here and here.

Embroidered tea bags.

Love this handmade wedding backdrop.

Hungry for some scanwiches?

A pretty free printable to count your blessings.

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

• Splashes
• Making Salt
• DIY Crocheted Envelopes

{Image via Dotty Love}

Rainy Weekends

Hooray for the weekend! It's supposed to rain here nonstop, but of course, that's alright by me. Have a good one darlings. And please enjoy the links...

Have you seen the new digital Polaroid camera?

This genius picnic bag slash blanket got funded!

Happy little 2-tone balloons.

7 of the world's best nano homes.

Look what fell off the cheeseburger tree.

Cool rural art installations.

Turn yourself into a figurine using a 3D photobooth.

A visual hi-fi history of turntables.

Would you write a love letter to a stranger?

Wishing I could experience Venice like this.

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

• My Interview With Cynthia Rowley
• Field Guide Butterflies
• An Edible Poster 

{Image by: Wish Wish Wish}

Skyfall

Can't wait to see Skyfall tonight. As you may know, I'm a James Bond fanatic. My dream is to write and sing the theme song one day. They're saying this film is the best one yet, which I can't wrap my head around because it will be hard to beat Casino Royale in my eyes.

Have a great weekend, friends! Please enjoy the links...

A collection of vintage Bond book covers.

How to make frozen ice lanterns.

This Portland home used to be a 1949 train car.

Host a hearty soup party.

Dr. Suess wedding inspiration.

A very cool cat-shaped kindergarten.

Have you heard of the Free Art Machine?

Hand-drawn TV show floor plans.

The music of stones.

What I'd like to make for dinner on Sunday.

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

• Succulent Cork Magnets
• Beauties on Bikes
• Musical Gardens

{Image via Society6 by Arian Noveir}

Saying Thanks

What are you up to this weekend? We'll be diligently devoted to wedding thank-you cards. I feel guilty for taking this long to get them done. So to our generous guests, rest assured you'll be receiving our sincerest thanks in the mail shortly!

I hope you all have a relaxing few days. Please enjoy the links...

How to make edible photo lollipops.

Reason enough to be envious of Paris.

A sweet pumpkin proposal.

Have you heard about the iTypewriter?

Keep your kitty warm in the winter.

This couple had a Rice Krispies wedding cake.

10 hearty vegetarian pasta recipes.

Android users, I want your Field Trip app.

These pretty wellies would have come in handy this week!

A creature surprise in your coffee cup.

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

• Delicious Autumn
• Postcard Purses
• Gray

{Image by Karolin Schnoor}

Classic Catwoman

How have I never been Catwoman for Halloween? Tragic, really. I think you'll like our costumes this year. We'll be attending a few parties, so I'll make sure to take good photos for the blog. What are you dressing up as? And don't tell me you're not dressing up! :)

Have a wicked Halloween weekend, my friends. Here are some links to get you in the mood...

Catwoman's baby?

Colorful pumpkin string art.

15 spooky treats.

Ghostly potato soup.

DIY cheesecloth spirits.

Bone cookie invitations.

10 books that will scare you silly.

A white Halloween.

Stunning spiderweb eye makeup.

4 last minute couples costume ideas.

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

• Costume Hunting
• Vintage Witches
• Black Cat Auditions

{Images via: 1. Bond-Tastic; 2. Bikes and The City}

A Spook Fest

BOO! Any fun plans this weekend? We're going to my folks' house for their annual Halloween party. I'm excited to reveal our costumes, scavenger hunt, roast pumpkin seeds, play spooky games, and watch old horror flicks. 

I haven't done my weekend links in awhile due to wedding/honeymoon craziness, but it's time to bring 'em back. So here you go!

Printable pumpkin stencils.

A cute costume for a little boy.

Beautiful filigree skulls.

Never get your luggage stolen again.

Bold blue lashes.

A genius built-in cat litter box.

Roasted tomatoes with goat cheese & pesto.

Retro musical instrument wallpaper.

The book of the future.

Would you eat raw garlic for a cold?

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

• Sexy Basketball
• Finding Faces
• Australian Sand

{Image via 31am}

Heat Waves

We're having a heat wave here in Seattle. Normally, I can't handle temperatures above 90 degrees, but since our summer has been relatively mild, it's a nice change of pace.

Stay cool, my sweets! Here are a few links for your amusement...

Roasted strawberry, brie & chocolate grilled cheese.

40 great literary names for babies.

A fun illustrated movie poster wedding invite.

How to take a road trip with just the girls.

A vintage cheeseboard wall.

Who knew that cats could be trained?

12 pretty stone fruit recipes.

A colored pencil tree.

This talented gal sewed her own swimsuit.

Concrete stepping stones that look like pillows.

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

• Sheet Music Doodles
• Watermelon Balsamic Cubes
• Separated At Birth

{Image via Culture Club by Getty Images}

Wedding DIY Projects

On Wednesday, we hit the 30-day mark! Yikes. With less than a month away from the big day, I made a list of wedding projects that still need to get done. A bit overwhelming, I must admit. Starting tomorrow, I plan to ignore the sunshine and lock myself in the house to get cracking on DIY favors, programs, escort cards and seating arrangements. And trying to remember that this should be fun!  :)

Have a productive weekend, my friends. Here are your links...

A little free library.

Corn on the cob: 3 ways.

Turn hand-written recipes into tea towels.

600 shoes tied up with string.

The meals that Olympians eat.

Grilled peaches for dessert.

Magical branch sculptures.

A heart-pattern friendship bracelet tutorial.

52 things I love about you.

Summer camps for grown-ups.

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

• Beegee's Hair
• A Balloon Lamp
• Flutter In Pinhole

{Image via Style Me Pretty by Sasha Gulish}

Portland Road Trips

Tomorrow, I'm hitching a ride down to Portland with 4 other lady friends for Gina's bridal shower slash bachelorette. One good thing about having so many gal pals getting married around the same time as you: endless celebrations!

Have a wonderful weekend, dears. Please enjoy the links...

DIY bow tie rings.

A bar made from a vintage trailer.

Turn your iPhone into a gramophone.

Eggplant tacos with cilantro and brie.

How to make a Post-it heart pinata.

70 shades of colored skinny jeans!

Pretty watercolor cookies.

Do they make these sleeping bags for adults?

The anatomy of a first date.

This might be my wedding signature drink.

And some posts of mine you my have missed:

• The Gate Lodge
• Getting Married At Home
• Shorty Shorts

{Images via The Oakland Museum of California}

The Opening Ceremony

Are you excited for the Opening Ceremony tonight? Hal and I are huge Olympics fans. And even more so this year, since London is my other happy place. We're going to glue ourselves to the telly and feast on British grub. Are you planning to watch?

Have a celebratory weekend, my friends! Here are your links...

Did you ever hold your own Olympics as a child?

A funky Olympia headpiece to wear while you watch!

My favorite Jenny Packham dress dyed blue.

A fancy lake shack.

10 great vegetarian cookbooks.

Would you ever wear a formal jumpsuit?

3 tricks to turn any dish gourmet.

A banana peel chair.

Have you seen the salty-watermelon Pepsi?

Sarah Seven's in Seattle!

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

• Woodsy Type
• Living In A Vintage Shop
• My Cuban Experience

{Images by A Small Snippet}

The Big Birthday Boy

A cutie pie then. A cutie pie now. Hal's birthday is today and although people think he's in his mid-twenties, he's actually turning, dun dun dun... thirty-nine. Not quite the big one, so we'll keep it low key until next year's mega bash. The universe has gifted him a wild summer thunderstorm, so we'll probably stay cozy indoors. He has requested The Dark Night Rises at Cinebarre if the lines aren't too long.

Have a fun weekend, loves! Please enjoy the links...

5 DIY indoor herb gardens.

Gold medal cookies for the Olympics.

Kitty paw earrings and a cat ear ring.

A sweet heart-shaped meadow love story.

These plastic hats were a real thing?

Trying out this taco recipe soon.

Is it weird that I want a hoodie pillow?

A lollipop house.

3 fresh twists on the old ponytail.

People leaning with trees.

Would you wear a gold wedding gown?

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

• Dapper Men & Dashing Ladies
• What The Sea Said...
• Cracks

Swinging From A Cloud

Have a summery weekend, kids. Hope you're up to something fun! Here are a few links for your amusement...

Watermelon grilled cheese bites.

My little Bailey would love this.

My favorite film dress of all time.

Would you wear a mermaid tail?

6 apps for date night.

How to build a thumb piano.

Beautiful handpiece jewelry.

Mr. Rogers remixes are the best.

The perfect wavy hair.

Anthropologie's summer playlist.

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

• Custom House Portraits
• Mozzarella Bars
• Roller Skate Dates 

{Image via The Paris Apartment}

Dinner With Friends

This weekend I'll be going home for a slew of wedding-related tasks, but taking some time out for my newlywed friends' intimate dinner party on Saturday. They're making homemade pesto, mmm.

Have a spectacular weekend, dearies. Here are your links...

Summer's prettiest cocktails.

4th of July printables.

Do you know your neighbors?

A wedding dress with a show-stopping back.

Make a gigantic banana split.

She makes me want pixie hair.

A picnic basket and boombox in one.

Where I'll stay if I'm ever in Sicily.

Ladies, would you rock the ombre lip?

A cozy garage-turned-art studio.

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

• The Seattle Beer Fest
• Pottery Poems
• Cotton & Green Tomatoes

{Images via Finch & Thistle by Chantal Andrea}

Welcoming Summer

Any fun plans to welcome summer? We'll be celebrating my niece, Ayana's one-month birthday with the fam. And I hope to get in some much needed rest and relaxation. Preferably on a hammock. With a book. And bubble gum.

Have a good weekend, friends. Here are a few links for your enjoyment...

Seven summertime sweets.

Fancy wedding shorts: do or don't?

A beautiful mural behind the bed.

Would you like a wood wallet?

A true sound wave.

Sky couches for flights to New Zealand.

Restore your faith in humanity.

The bathing suit of my dreams.

Nine cool things you can make with cement.

Serving ideas for a patriotic picnic.

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

• A Study of Form and Habitat
• Summer Cloaks
• A Sustainable Farm Wedding

{Image by Dan Martensen}

Father's Day Weekend

Happy Father's Day weekend, my darlings. I hope you're able to spend some quality time with the special papa in your life. Please enjoy the links...

Make your dad a bow tie. 

Free printable Father's Day labels.

Film festivals in a box.

My new favorite healthy lunch.

18-ton sand sculptures.

Indoor swing hooks, yay or nay?

I adore this wedding dress.

It's about the journey... 

A genius library storage bin.

Strawberry and chocolate nachos.

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

• My Father
• Departures
• Writing With Nails

{Images by Rockstar Diaries} 

Drive-In Movie Theaters

On June 6, 1933, the very first drive-in movie theater opened in America. I loved Google's tribute two days ago, did you catch that? Since this weekend is the first weekend in a long while that we haven't had travel plans or invitations to stuff, Hal and I need a date night, stat. A drive-in movie is just the ticket. We're lucky enough to have a few nearby theaters still in business, but we've never gone. Do you still have some around where you live?

Have a great weekend dearies! Please enjoy the links...

A backyard drive-in movie party for kids!

Would you ever get an asymmetrical haircut?

Brilliant cord salad lamps.

A paper gramophone that actually works. 

Manly man kits for Father's Day.

An awesome cassette tape coffee table.

Think I'm too old for a sailboat sandbox?

How to make a tie-the-knot save-the-date.

Blackberry pizza, be still my heart.

A retro cat-shaped pool.

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

• I'm Through With White Girls
• Bunk Rooms For Adults
• Welcome Beyond

{Image via A Paper Proposal by Hollie of Lytlefoto}

My Brand New Baby Niece

Yesterday, May 24th, at 5:15 pm, my 8 lb 7 oz baby niece entered this world. I held her in my arms and my mom and I sang her a lullaby, the same lullaby my mother sang to me many moons ago. She's The Unnamed One for now, but I call her Swathed Bundle. She has Akiko's nose and mouth, Christopher's chin and cheeks. She cooed and yawned and I melted. I'm so in love.

Have a beautiful Memorial Day weekend, my dears. I'll see you again on Tuesday. Until then, enjoy the links...

Update! She has been named! We now call her Ayana.

The dreamiest wedding venue in Australia.

A shredder grater for music & cheese lovers.

This movie is finally out!

A Nancy Drew birthday party with sleuthing kits.

Magical glowing text art.

An awesome Miles Davis print.

The most charming Orla Kiely garden shed.

Birds from behind.

A nostalgic iPhone handset.

Steal like an artist.

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

• Red Pants
• When I Wed...
• Planting Your Dreams

{Image by Hal}

Sending Out The Invites

We're finally getting the invitations out this weekend, hurrah! Guests, we thank you for your patience and we hope you think they're worth the wait. Hal designed, wood block printed, and letterpressed them himself and I'll be packaging them up pretty and hand-addressing the envelopes. Then it's off to the post office. There's something sort of scary about mailing them out. It means it's happening. We're really doing this!  :)

Have a super weekend, darlings. Please enjoy the links...

A rice crispy treat wedding cake.

Awesome chalkboard maps.

Cat lovers: your new favorite app.

DIY water bottle chandeliers.

Vintage Volkswagon van tents.

Cool cross-stitched portraits.

A washi tape dress.

Teeny tiny food sculptures.

Guess what's the most satisfying food?

Lovely calligraphy necklaces.

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

• Illustrated Wedding Invitations
• Barefoot Sandals
• DIY - Clever Upside Down Racks

{Images by Anne Robin}

Mothers

"A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials heavy and sudden, fall upon us, when adversity takes the place of prosperity, when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine desert us, when trouble thickens around us, still she will cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts.

 - Washington Irving

Happy Mother's Day weekend. I hope you're able to spend some quality time with a special mama in your life. Enjoy the links, my loves...

3 plants that help you sleep.

Make a mirror out of plastic spoons.

The cutest animal pocket knife.

A gown for the minimalist bride.

The most stylish canoe.

9 things you should make with leather.

A very important life skill.

British LEGO birds.

Turn your photos into clothes.

Music is alive!

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

• Your House
• Beachcombing
• Romper Season

{Image via The Glow by Kelly Stuart}

Fiesta Time

Happy Cinco de Mayo weekend! Do you have any fiesta plans? I'll be taking a little drive down to Portland with some girlfriends. I've been working so hard lately, it will be a nice break.

This particular holiday always gives me warm fuzzies. Probably because of my fond memories of Mexico. I have visions of tacos with cilantro, Pacificos with lime, and chips with guac & cotija dancing in my head.

Have a good one, mis amigos! Here are your weekend links...

One I love you per day.

A pretty pink wedding dress. 

Would you wear invisible shoes?

A cityscape made of stacked books.

Tangerine peel animals.

The IKEA cardboard digital camera.

A message at the Sacre Coeur.

10 tasty homemade ice pops.

DIY wooden bridal spoons.

A round-themed birthday party.

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

• Trees That Draw
• Beauty In The Abandoned
• Save-The-Date Bag o' Clues

{Pre-image via Style Me Pretty by Sarah Yates}

A Bus Birthday

This is how awesome my bestie Tiffany is. For her 30th birthday party this weekend, we'll be boarding a party bus and riding from LA to Santa Ynez and back for wine tasting and dinner. A little bit of crazy with a little touch of class. It will be the perfect celebration to bid her 20's farewell.

I'm flying down today to join in on the festivites, so I'll leave you with a few enjoyable links. Have a happy weekend, darlings!

My friend Rachel's wonderful guide to Seattle.

The cutest DIY bride kit.

Preview a Polaroid before it prints.

Almost as cool as playgrounds from the 70's.

Furniture shaped waffles.

Funny yoga cats.

Faux fireflies in a jar.

Amazing leaf drawings.

Pictures of people taking pictures.

A pink front door.

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

• Exciting Felt Pennants
• DIY- Corkboard Map
• Le Portillon

{Image via 500 Photographers by Josef Hoflehner}

Spring Weddings

One of my favorite couples is getting married tomorrow! I'm looking forward to attending a local Seattle wedding for once. Outdoor Spring weddings are so refreshing. It's been raining all week, but it looks like they will be blessed with warm sun, blue skies and pink cherry blossoms.

Enjoy your weekend, dear ones. Here are a few links for your amusement...

Make a hanging wine bottle planter.

Hysterical picnic pants.

Rules of thumb for hanging wall art.

3D string sculptures.

5 reasons you shouldn't plan meals in advance.

How to craft a cardboard chandelier.

I wish these could be my wedding shoes.

My next weekend getaway.

A crazy cool book igloo.

LA kids, have you spotted an art piano?

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

• Spool Invites
• First Looks
• Black, White & Tulle

{Image via Once Wed by Elizabeth Messina}

A Quickie Trip To LA

Hi honey bees. I'm leaving you a tad early for our quickie trip to LA. We've got a wedding to crash! I'll see you again on Tuesday. Until then, have a magnificent weekend and please enjoy the links...

Get French girl hair.

How to handle difficult dinner guests.

Removable cat eye liner tape.

Votive baked mini cakes.

Would you wear an ear cuff?

It's National Grilled Cheese Month!

My latest Etsy favorite.

Turn a glove into a squirrel.

Orzo pasta in a jar.

A wedding with a bowling after party.

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

• Reorganized Cities
• Wigwam Village Inn
• Tape Magic

{Images via Copy Strands by One Charming Party}

A Barnum & Bailey Bunny

Circa 1946. She's a showgirl from the Barnum & Bailey Circus. And she's awesome. Don't you wish you could see the rest of her outfit?

Have a special Easter weekend, honey buns. Here are a few amusing links for your enjoyment...

What to wear this Sunday.

Gold chocolate eggs and gold dipped eggs.

6 more crafty Easter projects.

How to make cream cheese pie crust.

A hole to another universe.

Plastic break apart heart-shaped forks.

15 repurposed planters.

Animals made from shattered CDs.

A baked potato bean bag chair. With butter.

Welcome back, Fiona!

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

• Bunny Folds
• Homemade Cadbury Creme Eggs
• Following The White Rabbit

{Images via Vintage Everyday by The Circus Book: 1870-1950}

Teatro ZinZanni

I'm hoping to get my taxes done this weekend. Bleh. But as a reward, we're going to see Teatro Zinzanni, an exciting circus dinner theater of sorts. I've been wanting to go for the longest time, but the tickets are steep. So my sneaky brother and sis-in-law bought my whole family tickets last Christmas. We won't be able to take photos during the performance, but maybe I can sneak a few in.

Have the happiest of weekends, my friends. Please enjoy the links...

Heart-shaped knee patches.

Protect your iPad in the kitchen.

Where my bridesmaids will shop for dresses.

I need this book.

Nickel-sized paper cuts.

Knit mermaid suits for lucky wealthy baby girls. 

Turn outlets into people.

Karina creates a pattern a day.

How to make jazzy home movies.

Cute boat blankets.

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

• 1967
• Hermiting
• Elementary School Sweethearts

{Image via Bloody Marie}

Spring Sunshine

We're supposed to have a sunny and warm(er) weekend here, hurrah! I'm definitely going to soak it up. Do you have any outdoorsy plans? Enjoy the weekend links loves...

Teddy bear toast.

Black and white striped bridesmaids.

Hilarious Bachelor sketches.

DIY veggie bouquets.

Will you watch The Carrie Diaries?

Stadium seating sofas.

Endangered helium balloons.

A piano stairway in Chile.

Spend the night on a ferry boat. 

A pretty pregnancy scrapbook.

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

• Windows To The Soul
• Shorty Shorts
• Glitter Wigs

{Image via FGR by Natalie J Watts}

Kissing The Irish

I have 25% Irish blood. Hal has 25% Irish blood. So if kissing the Irish is good luck, then we are set for life! Or at least 50% of the time.

Have a happy and green St. Patty's Day weekend, friends! Please enjoy the links...

10 lovely Spring DIY projects.

Proof that flowers heal.

Glowing floating paper in France.

Surprisingly, neons with pastels really work.

The book reader of the future.

A turban well done.

Inner message rings: a fun way to propose.

A sweet pregnancy time lapse video.

So excited for the Ruche wedding collection!

State shaped coffee tables.

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

•  The Luck of the Irish
•  Girls in Green Dresses
•  Guinness Shamrocks

{Image via One Lovely Day by Gracie Blue}

Little Big Bands

One of the bands we're looking to hire for our wedding is putting on a free concert, so we're going to see if they're any good. We want a small big band or brass band to play classic jazz and swing tunes during the cocktail hour. It's proving difficult with our limited budget, but live music is very important to us. Even if we end up with a lone trumpeter!

Have a fun weekend, friends. Amuse yourself with some links...

A waterfall island.

 

Sleep in a gigantic birds nest.

How to ride a bike in the snow.

Would you wear croissant earrings?

A carpet-pillow-chair-sofa-blanket!

The cutest patchwork swimsuit.

Keep pretty jewelry in pretty boxes.

A treehouse for cats.

Have you seen the new IKEA pre-fab home?

My kind of cruise ship.

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

• Visualizing Vivaldi
• Love Through The Lens
• $200 Relax Shacks

{Image via Style Me Pretty by Jose Villa}

Catching Up On Sleep

Do you have any big plans for the weekend? I'm super exhausted and haven't yet recuperated from my bachelorette trip. I hope to catch up on sleep, unpack, write thank-you cards, and just relax. Enjoy the weekend links, my loves...

The very first cupcake ATM machine.

What the 2012 Olympics will sound like.

Printable paper cameras.

Peach pit carvings.

13 cheeses everyone should know.

Yummy avocado boats.

Anyone attending Blog Brunch tomorrow?

A cute airplane doorstop.

Wedding photos inspired by Coldplay lyrics.

Mint as a neutral.

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

• Who Are You?
• The Last Unicorn
• Brides In Glasses

{Image by Jessica Silversaga}