HAPPINESS IS...

Bringing In The New Year

Wait, you mean it isn't 1953?

Happy New Year my darlings. How are you planning to countdown to 2010? My bestie from high school flew in from San Fran with her friends and we'll be doing dinner and dancing. What to wear?! It will probably be cold and rainy with a fair amount of walking. But I'd like to be fancy. Decisions, decisions.

I'm signing off early again for the extended holiday weekend. I hope you end 2009 with a bang! See you on Monday and until then, some links to keep you entertained...


Four tasty NYE bubbly recipes.

Guess which U.S. state is the happiest?

Love this PacMan ring.

These folks had their mirrors laser-cut into beautiful organic shapes.

Got the flu? Here's a swine flu hanky. 

Craving citrus?

Wish I could wear these heels for NYE.

Wouldn't you like to live in this London loft?

A sweet modern spiral coffee table.

DIY party hats to celebrate the new year.

{Image by Louie Gee Gee}

The Happiness Project

With the new year quickly approaching, it seems to be a time of reflection for most of us. I'm sure we all ask ourselves how we can make our lives happier. Author, Gretchen Rubin, was sitting on the bus one rainy afternoon and decided that she wasn't as happy as she could be. She decided to dedicate a year to happiness.

So she wrote a book called, The Happiness Project, which "weaves together philosophy, scientific research, analysis, and real-life experiences as she explains what worked for her and what didn't". Has anyone read this book yet? I'm curious to find out what her conclusions were.

She has also created a Happiness Project Toolbox, a free collection of eight online tools to help you make changes in your life, set goals, keep resolutions, and stay organized. All designed to boost your happiness.

Now, I'm all for setting goals and striving to achieve them. And I'm a big believer in taking action to change your life. But I think I'd like to try something a bit different this year. I'm going to let go. I've worked hard and I've put my wants and needs out there. It's time for them to find their way back to me. :)

"Happiness is as a butterfly which, when pursued, is always beyond our grasp, but which, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you."

- Nathaniel Hawthorne


{Image by ettenylsecrets}

2010 Resolutions

I've been thinking a lot about what I want to accomplish in the new year. I'm a fairly driven gal...that's the Capricorn in me, I guess. So coming up with goals is serious business. Sharing them with blog land is kind of scary. This means I'll be held accountable!  :)

I'd like to thank the ever so sweet miss Cassie for featuring me on her lovely blog. She asked me to select my top three goals for 2010. Pop on over to Moon Face to read them.

What are your top three resolutions for the new year? I'd love to know!

{Image via Nightmare Brunette}

Mod Kitty Beds

I wish Bailey would sleep in her own bed. Maybe she would in these charming mod kitty beds? They are completely customizable and you can choose from a vast selection of retro fabrics in various colors and textures. They'd go perfectly in my apartment. Plus, a sizable chunk of Like Kittysville's Etsy Shop proceeds goes toward cat food and spay/neuter/vet care for the dozens of feral and abandoned cats that find their way to her porch :)


{Images by Like Kittysville Flickr}

Book City Jackets

Remember back in school when we covered our textbooks with brown paper bags? Well, they are back, except with beautiful artist renderings instead of doodles of your first name with your crush's last name. I kind of wish I had one of these when I was embarrassed to be reading Twilight books in public  :)


{Images by Book City Jackets}

Winter White

Sometimes there's nothing more calming than an all-white palette. These photos by Anna Inghardt sooth me like a deep exhale. Do they affect you in the same way?


{Images by Anna Inghardt Flickr}

A Southern / Soul Food Feast

I mentioned last Wednesday about my family's tradition of cooking a different worldly cuisine each year for Christmas dinner. Last year, we did food from the Philippines, in honor of Hal's ethnicity and his moving to Seattle. This year we stayed in America and went with southern / soul food. All vegetarian! If you think it can't be done without sacrificing taste and the essence of the culture...I have a meat-loving boyfriend and sis-in-law who will both vouch!

Here was our menu:

Fried "chicken" (seitan)
Mac & cheese
Greens
Hoppin' John (black eyed peas and rice dish)
Fried green tomatoes
Cheese grits
Vidalia onion and bell pepper salad
Cornbread
Sweet tea
Dessert: sweet potato pie

Five pounds later, I'm happy to say the meal was a tasty success!

Sade

Does anyone else love Sade as much as I do?  She is one of my greatest living influences as a singer and songwriter. Her music is timeless. I'm so looking forward to her new release in February 2010. Can you believe she is 50 (and fabulous)?

{Images via Last.fm}

Gift Getting

Hello sweet friends. If you celebrated Christmas, did you have a nice holiday weekend? Despite getting a cold after all the festivities ended,
I had a very lovely time. The weather here has been sunny but crisp with morning frost...which almost looked like snow on Christmas morning! ;)  I've been keeping toasty and soothing my sore throat with one of the gifts I received...this owl teapot set, together with three types of chocolate-flavored loose teas. Isn't it the cutest?


{Images by ModCloth}

Christmas Time

Merry Christmas my sweets. I'll be taking a little break to spend time with my family for the holiday. We'll be cooking and eating massive amounts of southern/soul food (we choose a new cuisine to tackle each year), watching "It's a Wonderful Life", and playing lots of Wii games. I wish for you all a special time with your loved ones.

Please enjoy some fun holiday links over the weekend:

My favorite version of "Sleigh Ride".

One of the best Christmas movie quotes ever.

This wood block calendar would make a perfect last minute gift.

Love this modern menorah for Hanukkah.
 

Jayne Mansfield knows how to celebrate Christmas in style.

Isn't this pine cone tree the coolest?

I'd keep this recycled magazine wreath up year round.

A beautiful DIY cranberry necklace.

How cute are these high-heeled stockings? 

The song I sang for the U.S. troops in this Santa dress...

 

{Top Image via Retro To Go}

Memories of Snow

Since it seems like everyone and their mamas have snow right now...except the west coast...and okay, except southern continents or places currently experiencing summer...but it FEELS like everyone has snow but me. So I'm re-living the rare Seattle snow storm of last year.

At the time, Hal had not moved here yet and was just visiting from LA for the holidays. Little did he know what he got into. I picked him up from the airport the day before the snow hit, thankfully. On the way home, we stopped at the Taco Time drive-through for some grub. When I pressed the button to roll up my driver-side automatic window, it wouldn't budge! It was stuck. And it was freezing. And the storm came the next morning. Yes, I owned one of those cars with the black garbage bag duct-taped to the window.

Despite that, we had an amazing time playing in the snow. These photos are from our snow walk to the local Irish pub where we warmed up by the roaring fire with Bailey's and coffee. Aw...memories.

Gift Giving

Last year, my family started doing a Christmas gift exchange to save money. We each draw two names out of a hat, which happily reduces the amount of presents to buy. I was hesitant at first, trying to hold on tightly to our childhood tradition of my brother and I (the "kids") raking it in every year. But I ended up being very grateful for this new plan in the long run. Less stress and more emphasis on food, drinks, games and family time. What are your gift-giving holiday traditions?


{Images by Chris Everard}

A Parisian Christmas

Paris sure seems magical at this time of year. I would love to spend Christmas abroad. Where is your dream city to spend the holidays?

{Images by Cherry Blossom Girl}

Old Holiday Vinyl Records

When we were decorating our tree, I had my folks bring me their old holiday records to play on the loved Crosley (above) that Santa gave me last year: 

1. Henry Mancini's A Merry Mancini Christmas  - my absolute favorite.

2. The Charlie Byrd Christmas Album - beautiful acoustic guitar.

3. A Charlie Brown Christmas - includes a 12-page read-along book!

4. December by George Winston - lovely piano solos.

5. Tchaikovsky Nutcracker Suite - the ballet you all know and love.

I grew up on these classics. When I play them, they give me instant warm fuzzies. I've been sneaking them on while Hal is away because he's sick of them already. You can't beat the crackle and hiss...and occasional skip...of old vinyl. I don't even mind flipping sides every 2 minutes!

Does anyone else have these records in particular? What holiday music did you listen to growing up?

D.I.Y. Gift Wrap

Have you wrapped your holiday gifts yet? I'm a "brown paper package tied up with string" kind of gal. So naturally, Summer's beautiful gift wrap creations caught my eye. Seems so simple, right? I love the use of texture...especially the sweater. Check out her sweater wine wrap too! I think a trip to the Goodwill is in order.

{Images via Style Me Pretty by Jenny Liu}

Sketchy Santas

Dying. of. laughter. This Sketchy Santas site has totally made my day. Now why again do people subject their kiddies to such torture?

{Found via Hot Child in the City}

Origami Bijou

Can you believe these sweet little origami charms are actually folded, just like paper, out of sheets of fine silver and 24 karat gold? Cindy Ng, the creator of these perfect and delicate pieces, must have tiny hands and fingers.


{Images via Fleur Avenue by Origami Bijou}

Modern Gingerbread Houses

Aren't these incredible? They were made by bona fide architects, that's why. Creative Room auctioned off these stunning candy homes designed by Vancouver's top architecture and design firms, with all proceeds going to Architecture for Humanity. No gumdrops here! My favorite house (featured at the top) got the highest bid. I love how they made the landscaping out of gingerbread, not the actual house. Genius!

{Images via Core 77 by 1. Nick Milkovich Architects Inc, 2.  Eastside Design & Solus Decor, 3. Busby Perkins Will}

Strawberry Santas

Aren't these Santas just too cute to eat? Here's another ridiculously adorable set of edible Santas using strawberries and pineapples.

Happy weekend, my loves. I don't have big plans, other than finishing up my Christmas shopping and getting some much needed rest. Have a good one and I'll see you again on Monday. Enjoy the weekend links...

Pine needle & winter snow scratch n' sniff holiday cards.

The sweetest little bird necklace I've ever seen.

When it comes to Christmas trees, sometimes simpler is better.

A fabulous over-sized vintage winter coat.

For those of you wanting to kick the smoking habit, try these.

Little retro Christmas creatures. 

Make bread shoes if you want to be cool.

I'm going to start carrying my lunch in these bags.

Baby cat lovers, beware of extreme cuteness.

Let's all pool our money to stay in this gorgeous Scandenavian retreat.



{Image by Marissa Marie}

Lyrimage: "Let It Snow"

In honor of the holidays, I felt compelled to create a Lyrimage of the popular Christmas song, even though, "Let It Snow" doesn't ever mention Christmas and it was apparently written by two Jewish men, lyricist, Sammy Cahn, and composer, Jule Styne. Fun fact: they wrote it in 1945 in Hollywood on one of the hottest days on record.

To me, snow is magic. Christmas is next week and there's nothing I'd like more than to wake up to a fresh blanket of white. Last year, we had a huge and rare snow storm that lasted a few weeks. It's unlikely snow will fall like that two years in a row...but a girl can dream!


{Images via: 1. A Cup of Jo, 2. Osculations, 3. Tumblr, 4. Taste the Rainbow, 5. Silver Scents, 6. Bergman's Bear, 7. Jayxxbe, 8. Candy Hearts, 9. Olivia Bee, 10. Desire to Inspire, 11. We Heart It, 12. FFFFound, 13. 1x.com, 14. Brown Cardigan, 15. *6261, 16. Jillian Kulesa}

Sketching Online

I recently discovered this amazing online flash-based drawing application called Odosketch. It recreates the physical experience of sketching on a pad of paper with a variety of pencil colors, sizes, textures and imperfections that are supposed to make you forget you're sketching on a screen. The best part is this: when you click on one of the featured drawings, the playback allows you to view the artist's brush strokes from the beginning to end, including mistakes...like the tree above. How cool is this!!??


{Images via Decor8 by Odosketch}

Make-up Artistry by Homa Safar

I want to share with you all the incredible talent of my friend, Homa Safar. She did the make-up for my music video, "Trigger Finger". Yep, that red-head is me! I've had more than few gals and guys do my make-up over the years, and Homa is hands down the best. She's currently working at Las Vegas' top salon, HOTBOX, so you local gals should go find her and get beautified. I miss you Homa! I want to steal you away for Lorelei's world tour...when we have one  :)

P.S. Speaking of music videos, I have some exciting news to be revealed soon!!

{Images by Magic's in the Make-Up}

Winning a Giveaway...a Really Really Nice One!

I've been extremely LUCKY this week in blog land. First, BlogLovin'...and now this! I've won my first giveaway...and it just so happens to be quite possibly the best giveaway I've ever tried for. I'm now the proud owner of some gorgeous retro-inspired lingerie from Cosabella, thanks to the fabulous and ever-so gracious, Jacqueline of Merci New York! I'm still in shock.

This win came at the perfect time since I haven't been so lucky in real world land. I've been bummed because a Christmas gift I ordered online has magically disappeared through the wonderful system we call the U.S. Postal Service. It was a one-of-a-kind boutique gift that is now out of stock and can't be reordered. Not only that, and maybe even worse...a Christmas gift money order I sent through the mail has been "lost" (stolen?). Grrr.

But how can I be upset when I have the loveliest soft lace under-goodies being sent my way. I'm over the moon. Thank you giveaway gods!  :)


{Image via Poofy Bird}

Mini Classic Modern Chairs

For the kiddos! Not that I have any babes right now, but when I do one day, these little chairs will definitely be going in their rooms to match the rest of my mid-century furniture and decor. Molly Meg is a U.K. company dedicated to bring 20th Century modern design icons to children. Not that the little men and women of the world will even appreciate such craftsmanship until they're older...but does it matter?


{Images via Mint}

This Girl's Hair

I am jealous of big wavy locks. My hair is stick straight. Why is it we always want what others have? Okay, I take that back. I love my hair in all it's flat boring splendor.

Aren't these photos by fashion photographer, Wendy Bevan, intoxicating?

{Image via Gluda Finds Lulu}

So You Think You Can Dance

Is anyone else as amazed by these kids as I am? Their talent truly moves me...to tears a few times. I heart Russell the most. His guardian angel dance last night was beyond words. I can't wait to watch the finale tonight.

If you watch...who are your favorite dancers?

{Images by SYTYCD}

Naughtiness?

Have you been bad this year? Locher's Paris wants you to email your naughty doings to Bad Santa. The best letters will be posted anonymously on the Locher Facebook fan page. The top ten letter authors, as decided by Facebook "likes", will get to choose anything they so desire from the fabulous Locher's store. Some of the letters are quite hilarious. So does this mean we no longer need to be good for goodness' sake?  :)


{Images by: Locher's}

My Kind of Bachelorette Party

Can you imagine? Best girlfriends. Vast open desert. Whiskey bottle invitations. Camping in teepees. Fully catered feast. Hand-made merit badges for games. Songs, sword fights, face-painting and ghost stories. Tribal dancing around the campfire. Sleeping under the stars.

It was cleverly designed by Bash Eco-Events and Yes, Please. Forget Vegas. This is my kind of bachelorette party!


{Images via Utterly Engaged by Erin Hearts Court}

Frozen Records

Have you heard of such a thing? I am so intrigued by this concept of freezing records. Berlin installation artist, Claudia Märzendorfer, creates an ice mold of a vinyl single. When played, it makes an eerie yet strangely beautiful sound for about 10 minutes until the ice melts away...a metaphor for the impermanence and fragility of art and life.


{Image via Black*Eiffel}

Tutus & Petticoats

Tutus and petticoats are my newest fashion love. I was in the fabric store the other day when I spotted a little girl in a ballerina tutu. An older woman commented on how pretty she looked. I was secretly jealous of the little girl. I'd wear a tutu everywhere. I see nothing wrong with sporting these beauties on the street, on a carousel, on a bicycle (or unicycle), in the woods, or lounging around at home. They are fabulous.

{Images via 1. Violet Eye, 2. This Is Glamorous, 3. Karla's Closet, 4. Faking Fashion, 5. Pearls and Tea, 6. Alcholado, 7. Audrey Hepburn Complex, 8. Gippo, 9. Audrey Kitching, 10. Shock Horror, 11. FFFFound, 12. Toronto Foto Bug, 13. Le Fashion, 14. Darling Dexter, 15. and 16. The Coveted}

60's French Classics - Online Film Festival

I'm so looking forward to this. Starting tomorrow, Stella Artois will be presenting Recyclage De Luxe, a free online film festival featuring a different classic 60's French film every day for the next week! Here is the line-up:

Tuesday 12/15: Lola

Wednesday 12/16: The 400 Blows

Thursday 12/17: Jules and Jim

Friday 12/18: Masculin Feminin: 15 Faits Precis

Saturday 12/19: Vivre Sa Vie

Sunday 12/20: La Jetee

Monday 12/21: Hiroshima, Mon Amour

{Images via The Auteurs}

When It Begins To Look a Lot Like Christmas...

 

 

 

I guess it has been looking like Christmas for the past two weeks. But not in my home...until now! As promised, here is our fabulous faux retro tree, decorated to perfection in my eyes. This is my very first adult Christmas tree. I think the white goes well with our aqua colored walls. Do you like it? 

Notice our Star of David tree topper...gotta represent the Jews for Hal, of course. The orange slice ornaments were a fun project. I got the idea from Young House Love. I just cut up some oranges and limes, baked them for a few hours at 225 degrees, attached ornament hooks, and viola. They make our place smell like citrus and will supposedly keep Bailey from ripping the tree down...although I still see the entire tree swaying from time to time.

We also had my family over for dinner. I was feeling very domestic and made a blue cheese potato gratin and grapefruit avocado salad. It was quite tasty. We had such a lovely time. I hope you all had a nice cozy weekend as well!

BlogLovin'

I'm thrilled to announce that ** Happiness Is...** will be featured on BlogLovin' for the entire week! BlogLovin' is my favorite way to keep track of y'all.

Welcome to my little home of inspiration, BlogLovin' lovers. I hope you stay awhile and get to know me. I am so excited to have you.

{Artwork via Igor + Andre by Danny Roberts}

Decorating The Tree

It's weekend time! With the help of my folks, I finally found the perfect Christmas tree for my apartment...to be topped with a Star of David for my Jewish man (happy first day of Hanukkah!) The tree is white. Only cost $20. And is full of fake kitschy retro fun. I'll be sure to take photos. Does anyone know of some good pine tree-scented spray? We'll be decorating it on Saturday, baking cookies and listening to old holiday records.

Enjoy your weekend my dears. Until Monday...here are some links for your amusement:

The cutest and coziest slippers on my Xmas wish list.

Who else would like one of these Vioski chairs in their living room?

Have you seen these tiny terrarium rings?

A fabulous Tim Burton-esqe fairy tale fashion editorial.

Why I won't do holiday gift guides...because these are so darn good!

This first photo might be my favorite "Parents Were Awesome" picture.

A gift for the serious cheese connoisseur...me, me, me!

If there's such a thing as warm winter heels, these would be them!

Someone send me this owl Christmas card to display on my fridge.

In honor of the cold...icebergs as art.

{Image via Poignant}

Lyrimage: "Dream Alive"

During last week's Lyrimage, I had a request from sweetie Eileen to do my song, "Dream Alive", for this week's Lyrimage. Eileen, I took you up on that challenge...here it is! You can listen to the song here.

My inspiration in writing this song was a t-shirt I own...it has an illustration of a hand reaching to press the snooze button on an alarm clock, with the words: "keep the dream alive". I loved that concept of two types of dreams...the literal ones you get while sleeping, and the dreams you strive to achieve in life. Because (a) I don't like to wake up, and (b) I have to constantly remind myself to not give up on my aspirations.

The music industry is a very difficult one, but there is nothing I want more than to be able to inspire others through song. And for you, whether it be blogging, writing, art, or design, I hope you never stop pursuing what you love. You just have to WANT it enough  :)


{Images via: 1. Maia Kristine, 2. Boggancs, 3. Lace and Flora, 4. Margaret Durow, 5. Tatielle, 6. Obsession MIA, 7. Lilly & Rupert, 8. Just Angel, 9. Polarnna, 10. The Drifter and the Gypsy, 11. Tumblr, 12. Depois Dos Quinze, 13. Just Forgive Me, 14. Roc 21, 15. Reverieee, 16. Darling Let Me Go}

Warm Winter Drinks

When it's blistery cold out like it has been this week, sometimes layers, blankets and fires just don't do the trick. For me, a hot drink is the only thing that truly warms my bones. These four drinks look mighty soothing...

1. Hot Apple Toddy:

• 1 oz to 2 oz Applejack (or Brandy, Whiskey, etc.)
• 1 to 2 natural sugar cubes
• Hot water
• garnish with cinnamon stick, star anies, or other warm spices

2. Peppermint Chai: 

• 1 cup vanilla soy milk
• 1 cup chai liquid concentrate (Oregan Chai brand)
• 1 Tbsp soy creamer
• 1 candy cane smashed to bits
• 1 dash of cayenne
• 3 dashes of cinnamon
• 1 black tea bag
• 1 chai tea bag

3. Hippocras: (Medieval spiced wine):

• red wine
• 2 oz cinnamon
• 2 drams clove
• Various spices I've never heard of
• 2 drams nutmeg
• 1/2 dram white pepper
• 2 drams cardamum

4. Peanut Butter Hot Cocoa:

• 4 cups 2% milk
• 3/4 cup half and half
• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2/3 cup of creamy peanut butter
• Salt to taste
• Whipped cream (optional)

{Images by: 1. Married With Dinner, 2.  Healthy. Happy. Life, 3. Lost Past Remembered, 4. Wasabimon}

Elephant Friends

Can I please be this girl? A dream of mine has been to frolic with elephants, or e-phants as I like to call them. They are such gentle loving souls. Artistic too! I'm even strongly considering a volunteer vacation to Thailand to help take care of them in elephant sanctuaries. I think photographer Elisabeth Toll captured their playful spirit perfectly, don't you?


{Images via LUNDLUND}

Succulent Love

For those of us destined to kill our house plants, these succulent succulents...I love words that double as adjectives and nouns...are so easy to keep. Kelly planned her own succulent themed wedding and was so inspired by the little plants, she opened up shop soon after. Aren't they lovely?

P.S. Or if you don't do succulents, remember the eternal gardens?

{Images by Succulent Love}

A Mother & Daughter Duo

I wanted to share with you an inspirational mother and daughter duo. Valerie and Camilla are each others' muses. They have a shared sense of style and aesthetic. Camilla beautifully models vintage fashions for Valerie to photograph and put on their blog.

I admire them for being able to collaborate so well together. My mother and I are very close, but I think we'd kill each other trying to pull this off. Hi mom!

P.S. Doesn't Camilla remind you of Blake Lively of Gossip Girl?  :)

{Images by A Butterfly By Day}

Glass Homes

I really want a glass house one day. To be warm and cozy inside a room with floor to ceiling glass walls looking out into nature sounds like heaven. But I don't know if I'd ever get over the fear of being watched by someone outside lurking around in the dark...could you?

P.S. Speaking of...The Glass Castle may be one of my favorite books.


{Images by: 1. Follow Alena, 2. Lake Jane, 3. Apartment Therapy, 4. Luxist, 5. Jebole}

Chalk Animation

Thanks to Summer, I came across this extraordinarily beautiful chalk animation music video by Australian band, Firekites. It was directed by Lucinda Schreiber and Yanni Kronenberg. It took an estimated 1,900 chalk drawings and six months of work from start to finish. Every day, after shooting, their bodies and laptops were covered in chalk dust. Animators are amazingly patient people.

Audible Neckties, Fedoras & Scarves

Yeah, you heard me...audible! They are designed by Joseph Beuysian and Julio Cesar and are woven from 50% recorded audio cassette tape and 50% colored thread. If you run a tape head over them, they play music! The sound collages recorded onto the tape/fabric come from their CD, Between Stations, looped and layered samples collected on and under the streets of NYC.

What a fun gift for the stylish music-loving men in your life. Pure genius!


{Images by Sonic Fabric}

Bicycle Seat Designs

Kara Ginther is the artist behind these incredibly ornate leather seat carvings. What a special way to personalize your beloved bicycle. She does custom designs as well! To Be Inspired interviewed Kara about her inspirations and design process.

P.S. Check out Naomi and Ryan's vintage Dutch Locomotief bike. They found it on Craigslist Seattle and rode it around one of my favorite parks, Gas Works, which has the most amazing city skyline view over Lake Union.

{Images by 1. Audrey Hepburn Complex, 2. Kara Ginther Flickr}

Flying Wish Paper

Maybe I've been living under a rock, but this is the first I've seen of this flying wish paper...apparently, it's been getting a lot of press lately. There's something very magical about writing down your wishes, lighting them on fire, and watching them fly away.

I'm thinking of satisfying my inner pyro and bringing these to my family's Christmas Eve celebration this year. Now my wishes for the new year will finally come true...I just know it! This must be the secret.


{Images by Flying Wish Paper}

Print Society Favorites

Have you had a chance to browse around Print Society, the newest marketplace for fine art and photography? It was such a great idea for them to branch off from places like Etsy because now prints have their own little online gallery space. These selections are just a few of my favorites.


{Prints by: 1. Bailey Saliwanchik, 2. Kelly McKernan, 3. Lauren Lenartowski, 4. Delicious Design League, 5. Eric White, 6. Jan Dunning, 7. Robert Hanson and New Creative, 8. Natso Seki}

A Seattle Engagement Story

Aw, this is so sweet. And it happened in my city, so I thought I'd share. Southern Cali-based groom-to-be, Nick, asked photographer, Laurel McConnell, to photograph his proposal to Danni while they were visiting Seattle. Nick and Danni were taking a ferry to Bainbridge Island. Laurel was on the same ferry with a girlfriend of hers, pretending to snap photos of each other. In actuality, Laura was playing paparazzi and snapping photos of the happy couple.

After the ferry landed, Laura and her friend waited for them to arrive at a predetermined park. Once Nick and Danni finally showed up, Laura's friend asked them, "hey...weren't you the guys on the ferry?" Laura told Danni that she got some cute shots of them and started flipping through the digital photos. This is what Danni saw:





Then Nick got down on one knee...







And Danni said YES. Such a cute story, yah? This seems to be a trend lately, capturing every moment of a proposal on film. I love that they'll be able to look back on these photos 20 years from now and conjure up the same giddy excitement as the day they were taken.


{Images by Laurel McConnell}

House Plants

Not just any house plant. How adorable are these creations by House Party, a husband and wife architect team in Portland. Their little wooden houses can be used for hanging plants, ornaments, or terrariums. A home inside a home  :)


{Images via Modish}

First Snowflakes of the Year

Am I making you cold? I'm making myself cold. But I was so thrilled to see our first snowflakes fall this weekend. On Saturday, I took a quick ferry from Seattle to Bainbridge Island to record my music. It was freezing out, but on my way there, the sky was clear and I saw the most amazing purple and pink sunset over the Puget Sound. So naturally, I was surprised to see the snow fall later in the evening on my way home. It didn't stick, but I have a feeling we'll get another dose soon. Is it snowing yet where you are?


{Images by 1. We Heart It, 2. Design Is Mine}

Finding a Christmas Tree

So my mission this weekend is to find a Christmas tree. I've never had a tree of my own because (a) we celebrate at my folks' house and they go all out, and (b) I've never had storage space to keep decorations. But I'd really love a little tree of my own this year. I'll keep decorations simple. Something small, cheap, and quirky...even a little Charlie Brown tree would make me happy. I'll keep you posted on what I find.

Are you all decorating your homes for the holidays? What else have you got planned for the weekend? I'll be re-recording one line of my band's song, "Secrets". We are sooo close to releasing our album, but this one line just bugs me every time I hear it. The woes of a perfectionist!

Here are your weekend links...

A fabulous house built around an entire tree.

Alexander McQueen is a genius.

George Nelson bubble lamps now come in colors.

Mini dresses and skateboards go so well together.

A cool series of photographs on the water's surface.

I layered socks in the 5th grade...but somehow this girl pulls it off.

Some amazing wall art installations.

Oh, Idee Geniale, you're just the cutest girl ever.

Brilliant wooden tape dispensers.

Sneak a peak inside Edward Cullen's house...it's for sale!

{Image by Elfster}

Lyrimage: "Smile"

I had so much fun with my last Lyrimage, I felt compelled to do it again. This week's lyrics are from the classic song, "Smile"...they sang it on Glee the other night. The music was written by Charlie Chaplin and the lyrics were written by John Turner and Geoffrey Parsons. This song always cheers me up  :)

{Images via: 1. Oil and Water, 2. Island Time, 3. Rae Drake, 4. Love Bot, 5. Daydream Lily, 6. Hazel Weather Field, 7. Fotolog, 8. Lost High, 9. Colours of Chaos, 10. Lavender Days, 11. Girl in London, 12. Art Pixie}