HAPPINESS IS...

Halloween!

Last weekend, we carved pumpkins at my mom's annual Halloween party. This is my little owl and the rest of my family's creations. I was the last one done, per usual, carving away into the wee hours. Do you like?

My dears, I wish all of you the happiest of Halloweens! I've got a party to attend tonight and another tomorrow. I can't wait to hear about your festivities and reveal my costume to you on Monday! Until then, here are some great Halloween posts from around the web...

A scary, yet girly lampshade.

Wish I could have attended this vintage Halloween party in Beverly Hills.

Did you ever see the 1972 version of Dracula?

The cutest carved pumpkins I have ever seen.

Check out this incredible pop-art comic costume!

Spooky decor year-round.

Warm yourself up with spiked apple cider.

Baby costumes are just the best.

I'm loving white pumpkins this year.

What an amazing Halloween rehearsal dinner.

A Pantalette Set

I'd love a cute pantalette set such as this one by Portland designer, Makool Loves You. It's made out of a super soft recycled 100% cotton jersey, so it's perfect for lounging around the house. Maybe not outside with rain boots  ;)

P.S. Makool also makes darling knickers made out of leftover material from larger projects.


{Image by Makool Loves You}

Black Cats

Today's Halloween post is a homage to black cats. Why they are considered evil is beyond me. Anyone know how that story came to be?

Black cats have a special place in my heart. My current kitty, Bailey, is black and beautiful...with a little stomach pooch. And she is extremely camera shy.


{Images by 1. FYeah Pretty Girls, 2. Sister in Christ, 3. Nicoletta Occella, 4. We Heart It, 5. CroEva, 6. Creative Brutality}

An Umbrella

There's something so beautiful about an umbrella, don't you think?

{Images by 1. Spinnenvieh, 2. We Heart It, 3. Lafayette, 4. Rebecca Tabor Armstrong, 5. iAnton, 6. Charade, 7. Audrey Hepburn Complex, 8. Violet Creme, 9. Penguina-Mica}    

Argyle Sock Vases

The best part about these little guys...they are DIY. What a clever way to hide boring vases. 

{Image via Design*Sponge by Kate Pruitt}

Classic Halloween Flicks

MY FAVORITE: The Birds ('63)

The Haunting ('63), Pit and the Pendulum ('61), Psycho ('60)

The Fly ('58), House on Haunted Hill ('59), Night of the Living Dead ('68)

Body Snatchers ('56), Rosemary's Baby ('68), The Blob ('58)

I realize I may get one interested reader for this post, since it seems like not too people are thrilled by scary movies. I, however, love them. Especially when you're cuddled up on the couch with hot chocolate and a hot boyfriend to protect you.

So for today's Halloween theme, I've assembled horror movies for those of you staying home this year. There were far too many to choose from, so I'm sticking with films from my favorite decades, the 50's and 60's - not too scary, often campy, but oh so classic!


{Images by Classic Horror}

Victoria Mason Jewelry

Loving these sweet little jewelry pieces by Victoria Mason of Earl and Cookie. She is inspired by everyday household items like this flower bouquet, paper airplane, teacup, toast and pencil shavings! What more could a girl ask for?

{Images by Victoria Mason}

The Bed of My Dreams

I must be influenced by my sleepiness. The Lomme is the bed I dream about.  It combines light, color, sound, and massage therapies!

Seems like heaven to me. And by the looks of it, you can drop it down in a variety of nature settings ;)

{Images via Oddee by Lomme}

A Halloween Party Menu

Today's Halloween themed post is...FOOD! I couldn't resist. There are just way too many goodies out there. I've put together an incredible menu for those of you having a party and need ideas. The names alone are enticing.

DRINKS: Candy Corn Cordials - Ghosts in the Graveyard - Eyeball-tinis
APPETIZERS: Caramel Toffee Fruit Dip - Roasted Pumpkin Seeds - Mummy Dogs (veggie dogs for me)!
MAIN COURSE: Mac n' Cheese Bake in Coffin Toast - Witch Hat Pumpkin Ravioli - Pumpkin Puree w/ Sugar & Beer Spider Web Reduction
DESSERTS: Ghost Fruit - Pumpkin Pie Bites - Scary Apples


{Images by 1. Food Network, 2. Martha Stewart, 3. Culinary Sherpas, 4. and 6. Our Best Bites, 5. No Fear Entertaining, 7. Almost Bourdain, 8. Troy Tahhan, 9. Spanish Recipes, 10. The Kitchn, 11. Bakerella, 12. Our Family Food Fight} 

Idee Geniale's Style

Thanks to ModLife, I'm just loving this girl's personal style. She uses mostly vintage items and if not, they are from stores that real people can afford! She rocks the boots, tights, scarves, shorts and mini dresses. Therefore...I love her.

{Images by Idee Geniale}

Dreaming of London

It's quite cold out and it reminds me of London. I'm missing the the Tube, the chips, the fog, the history, the gardens, the jacket potatoes, the cobblestones and the language (snogs!).

I studied abroad in London during college, so it has always felt like a second home to me.


{Images by 1. Tinchen101, 2.Sebastian and Perplexigirl, 3. Svensson, 4. Lolo!! and Pink Power Ranger, 5. Camera Rolling Action}

Halloween Invitations

For today's Halloween post, I've gathered up a collection of spooky and clever party invitations. Can you imagine getting one of these in the mail? How could you NOT attend?

The top boxed invite is a creature survival kit, complete with a wooden stake, silver bullet, holy water, mirror and matches. The middle invite is a toe tag invitation, which you can download for free, thanks to Brooklyn Limestone. The final two are the severed finger and mad scientist invites, from none other than Miss Martha Stewart.

It seems like no one takes the time to make extravagant invites anymore. But if there was ever a time to do so, Halloween is it, don't you think?


{Images by 1. 2. 3. and 4. via Simple Song by Brooklyn Limestone, 5. and 6. by Martha Stewart}

Soft Rock Cushions

Must. Have. These. I mean, who wouldn't want to lounge on rocks comfortably? Sirens do it. So do seals. I'm big on bringing nature inside...or by the pool for that matter.

The top images are Stephanie Marin's LivingStones and are made of wool. The bottom images are by South African designer, Ronel Jordaan, and are made of felt. Love 'em!  

{Images via Baekdal by 1. SMarin, 2. 

The Dyson Fan

Sometimes science just amazes me. Have you seen this yet? It's the world's first bladeless fan created by James Dyson, best known for inventing the vacuum cleaner.  Dyson can explain how it works much better than I can. I'm loving the sleek modern design. For $300, you can replace the old dusty fan in your home with this beauty.

{Image by Geeky Gadgets}

Vintage Halloween

Happy Monday! Each day this week, I'll post something Halloweeny, in honor of my favorite holiday. Today...vintage Halloween pin-ups. Aren't they adorable?

{Images by 1. 2. and 4. Chainsaws and Jelly, 3. After Hours, 5. Rhiannon Mars Flickr}

Autumn Colors

My loves, what are your plans this weekend?  We're going to a Greek cuisine dinner party on Saturday. Then Sunday, my mom is throwing a Halloween party, complete with a costume contest, pumpkin carving and a scavenger hunt. Yes, I'm proud to come from a family of nerds.

This means I have to make my Halloween costume tonight. I would love to tell you what I'm going to dress up as, but it's a secret surprise. The photo is a hint  :)

See you Monday!

P.S. Next week will be themed! I mean, it IS my favorite holiday.


{Image by Autumn's Fire}

Apple Cider Cookies

Don't these cookies look tasty?  A perfect fall treat from Kelly that I must try making myself. The dough is inspired by snickerdoodle dough with cider, cinnamon and apple chunks. Yum!


{Image by Eat Make Read}

Friday Favorites

Words to live by  :)

I'm so honored to be featured on Friday Favorites of My Favorite Things today!

{Image by Quote Book}

A Book of Romance

Now I have butterflies.  I'm so in love with this book, "Romance", by London born photographer, Chris Craymer. He captures intimate and raw moments between real couples...or real model couples. Don't these photos just give you warm fuzzies?


{Images by Chris Craymer}

Braid Chains

These photos gave me a flashback to elementary school when my girlfriends and I would have braid chains. I can't believe I suppressed this sweet memory. We'd sit in class during story time to braid each others' hair and draw on each others' backs.  I think I need to throw a braid chain slumber party one of these days  :)


{Images by 1. Silver Scents, 2. Wet Behind the Ears}

Dear Creatures

Dear Creatures is one of my favorite clothings lines. I just adore the vintage-inspired cinematic look book images. I recently came across an interview on ModLife with the creator and designer shown above, Bianca Benitez (oh, how I love thee!)

She is now three seasons deep and her inspirations are drawn from 1960's Girl Scouts (Fall 2009), Sharon Tate and Priscilla Presley (Spring 2008), and folk art, mid-century furniture, and Disneyland's 1950's "It's a Small World" ride (Fall 2008).

P.S. Online Shop opening soon - get ready!


{Images by 1.Hot Child In The City 2. Platinum Blond Life 3. Liebemarlene Vintage 4. ModLife}

The Happy Marriage Blanket

This vintage ad cracks me up. Apparently, the duel sided warming blankets are still around today, but with a timer. I am not yet married, but when I do, maybe I should put this on our registry?


{Image via I Love Retro Things}

The Urban Dictionary

My friend, Rachel (who just got engaged - woo!) (and is a talented jewelry designer - TBA!) introduced me to the Urban Dictionary. Have you ever looked yourself up?

Here is the definition of "Shannon Eileen":

1. a stunning fierce woman who speaks her mind & strives for another's smile. she's devoted to her loved ones & is passionate for music. photography is a common art to all shannon eileens & her style is never compromised.

2. the sort of girl you always want, even though she never wants you back...

I'm very flattered by #1 and concerned about #2! I kid you not, that's what it says. And I did NOT write this. Hmm..but maybe a friend (or ex) did??

P.S. How crazy is that book? It's called a book autopsy, created by Brian Dettmer. He carves into books to create incredibly detailed 3-D sculptures!


{Image via Centripetal Motion}

Retro Parents

Don't you love looking at old photographs of your folks? I reeeaaallly wanted to post my own parents' pics. But if I had, they would have stopped talking to me for life. I can always get my fix of other people's precious folks at My Parents Were Awesome, found by way of YellowGoat.  Although none of them are as cute as yours, Mom & Pop!

{Images via My Parents Were Awesome}

Camilla Akrans Photography

Sweden's Camilla Akrans is by far my favorite fashion photographer. These stunning photos are from a shoot in Hawaii with model, Anna Selezneva, for Vogue China.  I originally got hooked on Camilla's work when I saw the photos she took for a Missoni ad a couple years ago.

Aren't they like a dream? So ethereal and wistful.


{Images via Fashion Gone Rogue by Camilla Akrans}

Cheese and Garden Labels

I think these custom labels are charming. I'd love to throw a wine and cheese party with these little guys beautifully marking my manchego, stilton and bucheron. 

I came across them on a giveaway by The Bright Side Project. I didn't win them, but I definitely became a fan. They are made by Chris Abbott of Make Thyme, who created the stamped metal labels out of the need to find a permanent marker for her plants and herbs. Not that we really need a label for pumpkins, but they sure add a little sweetness to the garden.

{Images by Make Thyme Etsy}

Songwriting

I'm supposed to be writing the lyrics for a new Lorelei song. Once finished, it will complete our first full-length album!  It's exciting, but I have serious writer's block.  I've got the chorus down, but I'm stuck on the verses.

Anyone have any tips to get the creative juices flowing?

{Image by Self Hair Cuts}

Water and a Flame

I just can't get enough of this song by Daniel Merriweather, featuring Adele. I've been listening to it over and over again on repeat. Have you heard it yet? If you like white chocolate, this duet will make you melt. Their voices are like butta, and together, like...butta cookies!

"Water and a Flame" will be released on November 2nd. I have a feeling it will be huge.

{Images via 1. V Festival, 2. Guerilla Styletactics}

Bookshelves + Staircase = Bookstairs

I am so enthralled by these that I just might build some bookstairs that lead to nothing in my pad. This beauty belongs to London-based Veronika and Sebastian. My only addition would be a space to keep a pillow or two so I can sit and read on the stairs if I feel so inclined.

P.S. Here are 19 other unique bookshelf ideas.

{Images via Creative Cloud}

Japanese Gardens

How was your weekend?  I enjoyed mine by walking through the incredible 20-acre Kubota Gardens, a dream-like Japanese garden in south Seattle. It seems like not too many people know about it - I felt like the only one there.  I found secret trails and serene hidden resting spots. It was pouring down rain when I got there, but as luck would have it, the sun came out just as I pulled my camera out.

I'm sort of infatuated with Japanese maples in autumn, so I wanted to make sure to visit the gardens before the heavy rains washed all the leaves away.  The intense reds, pinks, oranges, and greens are just breathtaking, don't you think?

The Return of the Polaroid

What a happy way to end a Friday with the exciting Polaroid news! Enjoy your weekend my sweet friends.

{Image by Water & Sleep}

Please Be Still Prints

Have you seen these gorgeous prints by illustrator and artist, Jen Renninger?  Being a singer, the first image initially caught my eye, "Sing Out Loud Every Day".  I need to hang that on my wall for motivation.  I've posted just a few of my favorites, but I also adore her other charming projects.


{Images by and available at Please Be Still}

Seamed Tights

Happy Friday!  It's freezing in my apartment (we're waiting until the last physically possible moment to turn the heat on) and I'm dying to put on these amazing back seam texture tights by Isobel and Cleo.  Don't you love how they are reminiscent of retro stockings?

{Image by Isobel and Cleo Etsy}

Recycled Jewelry

Speaking of bottle caps, who knew they could look so luxurious and sophisticated?  These beautiful (and affordable) creations are from Israeli designer, Yoav Kotik of Kotik Designs.  He uses everyday raw materials to turn trash into treasures, including chandeliers and small sculptures.  Lovely!

{Images by Kotik Precious Metal}

The Futuro House

I've always had a special place in my heart for pre-fab dwellings. There's something romantic about living in a small shelter in a beautiful nature setting (check out that mountain cliff) with just the bare necessities. Sort of like camping, yah? Pair that with atomic, space-aged, mid-century goodness, and I'm in love.  I'm fascinated by the optimism of the 60's, when technology could solve all problems.

I guess only 96 Futuro Houses were ever built (just 16 in the U.S.) by Finnish architect, Matti Suuronen, in 1968. It is estimated that only 60 originals remain. I found a nice little informational YouTube video of how it was made.

P.S.  Eek! There is a Futuro vacation rental in Wisconsin! Oh, I'm so there. 



{Images by 1. Hooked on Houses, 2. 70's Futuro House, 3. and 4. Zentropolis}

Bottle Cap Wisdom

A happy thought for your day today.

{Image via Joie De Vivre}

Fruit Sweaters

So your fruits don't bruise!  Or get too chilly this winter  :)

Nina of Naturally Nina is holding a free giveaway for these sweet little fruit sweaters, hand-knit and designed by Jacqueline Knits.  Enter by Friday and if you're lucky, your apples and pears will thank you!

{Image by Jacqueline}

Big Glasses

I was the nerd at age 4 with the clear plastic frames. After getting older and wiser, embracing my blindness, and falling in love with glasses, I'm on the search for a new pair. Here is my current look. 

I'm stoked that frames are getting larger again.  Which of these styles should I choose?

{Images via 1. We Heart It, 2. Indie-Hearts, 3. ...Etc., 4. Justin Bazan, 5. Exit Closed}

Latte Art

Good morning friends! I'm in need of some coffee on this drizzly Wednesday.

I came across this amazing collection of coffee art. Once upon a time I was a barista for a semester. I would have gotten mad tips if I'd known how to work the foam like this. I'd love to wake up to a new design each morning. No need for caffeine.

P.S.  I would especially love to wake up to this!  Thank you, Jen of Made By Girl for discovering those. 

{Images via Webdesigner Depot}

Red Accessories

Ahh!  It's starting to rain. 

Isn't she lovely in her vintage inspired outfit?  Joanna at A Cup of Jo did a feature on red tights that I remember fondly.  I love how this girl pairs hers with the shoes, arm warmers, gloves and umbrella.  Reds sure make the blues go away!

{Image via We Heart It}

A Color Contest

EAST

WEST

NORTH

SOUTH

INTERNATIONAL

I'm bummed I missed the deadline to enter Apartment Therapy's 2009 Color Contest.  I don't think it is physically possible to make my apartment any more colorful, but I will have a full 12 months to finish decorating my pad to make it presentable for internet viewing next year.

I posted my favorite room in each geographical category.  Which are your favorites?

{Images by 1. Katie from Philadelphia, PA, 2. Jessica from Venice, CA, 3. Beth from Chicago, IL, 4. Traci from Richmond, VA, 5. Terri & Evan from Saskatchewan, Canada

Randomness

While driving home last night, I heard the best story on RadioLab (and learned a new word: stochasticity). 

A 10-year old English girl named Laura Buxton released a balloon into the sky with the note: "Please send back to Laura Buxton". It flew south over England and landed in the yard of another 10-year old girl, whose name also happened to be Laura Buxton!  When they met, they were identical in height, hair color, and both wore a similar pink jumpers and jeans.  Not to mention, they each brought their pet guinea pig. Now they are best friends.

Do you believe it was purely chance that brought these two together?


{Image by: Katie Oak Flickr}

The Depp Family

No words, really.  Just Mr. Depp and his beautiful family in this stunning portrait.  I wonder what they are dreaming about?  :)

{Image via Le Fashion}

Cassette Tape Wallpaper

When I build my future dream recording studio, I'd love to put up this funky wallpaper by Mini Moderns, a product line by London-based design agency, Absolute Zero Degrees. I grew up with the cassette tape, so anything I see involving one gives me warm fuzzies.  It's printed on paper from sustained forests and is available in either Chalkboard and Gold or customizable "color me" Snow.

{1. Image via Aspettando Ellis. 2. Image via Retro To Go}

Autumn Playlist

Hello dear readers. So I'm going to try to create and share with you mood playlists as often as possible. As a "happy autumn" gift to you, I put together this one to listen to as the days get cooler and you want to conjure up that happy fall feeling.

It features some classics, some crooners, some favorite female songwriters, some unsigned artists (my talented friend, Lauren Santiago), and I had to throw in my band, Lorelei's song about falling in love during this special time of year.

And yes, Scarborough Fair has absolutely nothing to do with autumn, but doesn't it make you think of falling leaves?

A Corn Maze

 

Tomorrow, some friends and I will be heading out of the city to get lost in a 12-acre corn maze!  I find them to be both creepy and facsinating. Weather in Seattle has been surprisingly warm the last few days, so I'm looking forward to taking advantage of the fleeting October sunshine.  And eating a caramel apple or two  :)

Have a beautiful weekend!

{Image by Disco~stu}

Ola Dios

These magical photos by Ola Dios captivate me.  They are all self-portraits with her cats.  I wonder if my kitty, Bailey, would be up for a bed bouncing session.

{Image via Lovelorn Unicorn by Ola Dios Flickr}

Bond Book Cover Art

If you can't tell by my solo project, I've always wanted to be a Bond girl.  Strong, sexy, independent, bold and beautiful.  So are the Penguin re-designed book covers painted by artist, Michael Gillette, reminiscent of the iconic film posters.  I think they embody the Bond aesthetic to perfection, don't you?


{Images by Pencil Squeezing}

Hot Yoga

I'm off to clean the studio of Urban Yoga Spa.  No, I do not moonlight as a janitor.  I'm incredibly lucky to be a "karma yogi" where I get free unlimited classes for simply cleaning the studio a couple hours a week. I've been doing yoga for the past few years, but I was new to hot yoga. To be honest, I was adamantly opposed to it until now.  Once you get used to the heat, sweat, dehydration, slipping and sliding, and the potential stink of neighboring yogis, it's all good!

P.S.  Can you believe people are now going on "yoga dates"?  I don't know about you, but I look horrible after my hot yoga class.  Nice first impression!  I did get my man to take classes as well, but we've been together for 7 years and he refuses to take the same class as me!


{Image via Master Jack}

Porcini Mushroom Soup

There's nothing like a hot flavorful cup of soup to warm you up after a brisk fall day. Doesn't this soup look incredible?  If you're a mushroom fan, that is.  I think I'll make it this weekend. Thank you Heidi Swanson for your mouth watering vegetarian recipes and beautiful photos.

{Image by 101 Cookbooks}