HAPPINESS IS...

The Return

I truly reveled in my week of alone time. I watched The Bachelor without getting grief. My cat, Bailey and I were able to sprawl out in the bed without being accused of cover stealing. I definitely ate a whole lot healthier. But the novelty wore off somewhere around Day 2. Hal returns from his snowboard trip tonight and I can't wait to give him a big fat snog.

Are you guys up to anything exciting this weekend? Please have a lovely one! Monday, I promise to give you the low down on my recent disappointments...I'd like to live in denial for a couple more days :) Take care, and enjoy the weekly round-up of links...

Would you be able to get your guy to wear this for Valentine's Day?

Unique jewelry made out of colored pencils.

A cute-as-a-button shortbread cookie tutorial?

I would have preferred these couture dolls over Barbie as a child.

Strange maps are fun.

Who all out there needs some red velvet break-up cake?

Coat hangers can be art.

I wish sleeping on the beach was this perfect.

How cool would these literal book lights look in a den or reading room?

Anthropologie is right...shoes are like candy.


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

• A Bubble Chandelier
• Roisin Murphy
• My Book Club  

{Image via You Will Never Waste My Time}

Red

I've been seeing red. It's been a rough and trying week, so I thought I'd turn some anger and hurt into beauty. Red also means love, right?

{Images via 1. Nineteen, 2. Lucas4You, 3. Mandy_Kay, 4. Sebastian, 5. Tumblr, 6. Buttonheart}

Boot Bandits

Have you seen these Bandits before? Jewelry for your boots!  :)

{Images by The 2 Bandits}

Peeling Paint

I'm completely captivated by the work of German photographer, Frank Thiel, who captures weathered paint surfaces in Berlin, turning them into abstract art. Wouldn't it be cool to blow one up, or turn one into a wall mural?

{Images via A Room Somewhere by  Art Net}

An Indoor Tent

Much more romantic than a couch cushion fort, don't you think?  Wouldn't this be a nice way to spend Valentine's Day? Now I'm inspired this year to stay home, build a tent, put on some Sade, and cook a lavish aphrodisiac dinner to enjoy together inside our little shelter. Doesn't that sound wonderful?


{Images by Something's Hiding In Here}

Black, White & Tulle

I think this dress by Monique is just darling. Her Etsy shop, Ouma, is chalk full of fantastic tulle creations.

I used to loathe tulle. Not sure why...maybe it reminded me of bad 80's prom. But tulle is slowly creeping it's way into my heart, especially when paired with a black and white striped Parisian top.


{Images by Galaxie Andrews}

70's Interiors

I don't know what it is about 70's decor, but I get such a kick out of it. Perhaps I'm alone in this sentiment? It must be all the muted golds, oranges, and browns. Or the sunken living rooms, shag carpets and dramatic fireplaces. Whatever it is, it's fabulous.

{Images via I Luv Retro Things by 1, 2, 4, 5. Glen H, 3, 8. Army.Arch, 6, 7. Small Ritual, 9. Sandiv999} 

Paper Butterflies

Can you believe these delicate little butterflies aren't real? They were made by paper artist, Daniel Sean Murphy. He made 350 hand-painted monarchs. Incredible!


{Images via Paper Schmaper}

Retro Inspired Swimsuits

Today I surfed over to Anthro and fell in love with their retro inspired swim collection.

I actually have one high-waisted suit already, in black and white polka dots. I love it. The boy, however, does not. I wore it once and he thought I was being self conscious and trying to cover myself up. No, my dear, actually...I think the suit is awesome.

Would you wear these?


{Images by Anthropologie}

An Airstream Penthouse Trailer Park

In Cape Town, there is a hotel. On the rooftop of this hotel, sits a park of 7 iconic Airstreams. Each Airstream has been whimsically designed by local artists. In the summer, guests can gather together at the Pink Flamingo theater to watch classic films under the vast African sky.

Okay, who wants to go there with me? I get dibs on the blue polka dots.

{Images via Curbly by The Grand Daddy}

A Bicycle Valentine

How charming are these handmade bicycle necklaces? The lovely Rachel Pfeffer makes and sells them from her Esty shop, but turned this one into a unique wearable Valentine's Day card for your sweetie.

{Image by Lucky Duct}

Clementine

Thanks to Stephanie, I came across these sweet photos of a French pop singer, Clementine. Don't they take you back to girlhood?  :)

{Images by Sophie Takes Pictures}

Sharon Tate

 
"I really think that if you live for today, tomorrow takes care of itself."
-Sharon Tate, who would have turned 67 yesterday.

{Images by: 1. Glamour A Go-Go, 2. 3. Official Sharon Tate Fansite, 4. 5. 6. Le Kiss Kiss, 7. Starlet Showcase}

Dahlias for Haiti

Seattle-based Laura Bee has been selling these handmade dahlia pins in her Ballard store since January. They are made out of 100% recycled soda bottle felt. But after the earthquake hit, she decided to give $10 for every $12 bloom sold to her favorite Northwest-based relief organization, Mercy Corps. Laura's goal is to sell 200 dahlias before February 14th. 

So if you're looking for another way to help, consider buying a cozy little bloom or two?


{Images by Laura Bee Designs}

Peaceful Mornings

Good morning loves. I hope it's a peaceful one. These dreamy photos make me want to set my alarm 2 hours before I need to get up, just to experience this ethereal calm. 

I discovered Hannah's photography on Flickr and she graciously allowed me permission to feature her beautiful work. Her attention to light and detail is inspiring. And no, that is not Angelina Jolie, but her own self-portrait. Isn't she stunning?  

{Images by Honey Pie Living}

Snowboarding at Sundance

Wishful thinking. I'm not going to Sundance, but my sweetie is. Hal has a friend in Utah and is leaving for a guys week of snowboarding and film viewing. Apparently it's great to go there during the festival, because the mountains are empty while everyone is star watching and standing in lines to get in the theaters. I will definitely miss him, but I'm secretly looking forward to my alone time  :)

Planning anything fun this weekend? I'll leave you with some amusing links and I'll see you on Monday my dears...

Forget Sundance, I'd rather be here.

A tasty calendar to keep the doctor away.

These cocktail ice spheres are all the rage in Japan.

I want to take this pyro bulldog puppy home.

Beautiful blues and greens in this gorgeous Morrocan home.

Musical instruments covered in sheet music.

A lovely bouquet made entirely of vintage brooches.

Do you think these mary jane pumps are crazy or cool?

What it must feel like to live in a cloud.

Another Swedish escape I'd like to discover.

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

• Red Accessories
• Why I Love Him - Reason #71   
• Succulent Love

{Image by Velco}

Lyrimage: "Ain't No Sunshine"

Bill Whithers' Ain't No Sunshine is one of my favorite songs ever. He wrote in in 1971 while he was 31 years old and working in a factory making airplane toilets seats.

He originally intended to write more lyrics to the section of the song where he repeats "I know" 26 times, but his other musicians told him to leave it how it was. I'm glad he did because that's my favorite part. I never know when the "I knows" will end and it's like a surprise every time I listen!

Yes, the lyrics are a bit depressing, but the tune is just so soulful and delicious, I had to make a Lyrimage out of it. I'm sure you noticed that I changed all the "she's" to "he's" so us ladies could relate. Besides, my man is leaving for a week long trip...it felt appropriate  :)


{Images by: 1. In Photo Box, 2. Burak Nevruzoglu, 3. Tiny Pic 4. Be Your Own Alice, 5. We Heart It, 6. Poignant, 7. Tumblr, 8. Upon Those Stars, 9. FFFFOUND, 10. Mongrel Mind, 11. 11 Nightmares, 12. Lavender Lines, 13. Simpelt, 14. Le Love, 15. Amy Higgins, 16. Likes}

Paying it Forward with Handmade Goodies

I decided to partake in a little game going around called, Pay It Forward. Here are the rules:

1. I make a handmade gift for the first 3 people to comment.
2. I have 365 days in which to send you the gift.
3. The gift will be a total surprise.
4. You keep this going by posting Pay It Forward on your blog.

So I'll be receiving a special little something in the mail from the lovely Amy of No. 15. And then 3 oh-so lucky readers will get a surprise package from me. Ha...I can't promise it will be amazing, but I will make sure it is made with love  :)  I'm glad I have an entire year to figure it out!


{Image by Juliana Rabelo}

Sleeping 155m Underground

Spending the night in a cave might not appeal to all, but it sure does to me. How incredible is this hotel in Sweden?  It is one of the world's best preserved mine settings. They have one special suite, 155m below ground, that is surrounded by winding cavities and underground lakes. How romantic yet thrilling!

Fun fact: back in the day, they extracted around 400 tons of silver and 40,000 tons of lead...all by hand.

 
{Images by Sala Silvermine}

Angela Burdine Photography

I figure it's high time to feature the photographer of Lorelei's press photos. Ms. Angela Burdine is the talented gal behind our very first photo shoot as a band. Isn't she brilliant?

In the top image we are freezing to death in the negative degree Pacific ocean on Rialto Beach. Twilight fans...yes, it's right by Forks. That huge wave actually ended up knocking us over. I did a flip or two under the water as the metal from the chair scraped into my flesh. I almost died. But it was so worth the shot! The rest of our images can be found here.

Angela is mainly a fashion and lifestyle photographer in Seattle, but she and her new hubby also shoot weddings together. You can view more of her luscious work on her blog.

You never cease to amaze me, Angela. I can't wait to work with you again one day!

{Images by Model Mayhem}

Secret Love Letters

I'm smitten with these vintage hand-assembled love letter lockets. The message inside is fully customizable. And there are many more sweet vintage treasures to be found here.

{Images by BuenoStyle}

Owl Tree Carvings

I'm such a sucker for anything owl. These tree carvings are such a delight. Ready for the House carved the delicate owls into a friend's tree. The limbs had been sawed off, which left an unsightly raw cut. Such a creative transformation, don't you think? I bet the tree is a much happier tree.


{Images via Craftzine}

Cheese Cakes

Not to be confused with the cheesecake we all know and love, these are cakes made of wheels of cheese! I'm all about cheese for dessert. My dear mother and fellow cheese lover found these for me...thank you mum! You know we'll be having these at my future wedding. Oh, just imagine the tasting sessions!

Correct me if I'm wrong, but it seems that cheese cakes are already a big thing in Europe. I don't see any companies that make them in the States. Guess I would have to ship overseas. Can't be too bad, since the cheeses are already moldy, right?  :)

{Images by The Cheese Shed}

Predator vs. Prey Mittens

Lion vs. Gazelle



Frog vs. Fly



Whale vs. Fish


I cry watching "When Animals Attack", but these mittens make me giggle. If I owned these, the underdog would always win. They are sweatshop free and made from strictly regulated farm Australian wool. Aren't they fun?


{Images via Hoopla}

Sixties Stews

Ladies, I consider myself a feminist, but I have to give it up to the sexy stews of the sixties. Yes, I know they are called flight attendants now. Don't they just ooze glamour?

Thank you Bri for the initial inspiration  :)

P.S. Did you know that for entertainment, the flight attendants on Thai Airways used to give fashion shows down the aisle? Sometimes in bikinis! Wow. I am definitely grateful I get to reap the benefits of the women's movement.

{Images by: 1, 2, 6, 7. Dark Roasted Blend, 3. Meltin Mellow, 4. Time, 5. Invisible Agent}

DIY - Sock Monkeys

 




So stinking cute. Elsie made these sweet monkeys out of two socks and added her own handmade hats and accessories. Apparently, they are fairly simple, but time consuming. Perfect project for a rainy day.

{Images by A Beautiful Mess}

Big Exciting News

I've had to keep my lips tight, but no longer. I'm crazy excited to tell you that my band, Lorelei, will be making our first music video!

I'm especially stoked, because we have the Emmy-winning original cinematographer of LOST, Felicity, Alias, Cloverfield and Zombieland, Mr. Michael Bonvillain. And we have assistant directors who have worked on Pirates of the Caribbean, The Eye, True Blood, Indiana Jones, The Hangover, to name a few.

My man will be the art director! And we have a bunch of friends and friends of friends in the film industry who are willing to jump on board, donate their time, and make this video happen. I feel so lucky to have such a talented team.

We chose our song, "Rewind", since it's so visual. We'll be shooting the last weekend of February. There is so much to do in the meantime...I'm getting nervous just thinking about it. Oh, and I'm sure I'll be asking your advice about wardrobe in the near future!

{Image via Shannon Eileen Myspace by Michael Gordon}

A Bubble Bath

This is what I plan to do tonight. I have a large sunken tub that doesn't get enough use. So bubbles, here I come! Have a long relaxing holiday weekend my friends. See you on Tuesday and enjoy some links...

Bid on beautiful hand-made goods to help Haiti.

My comfort food of choice.

Can anything be more romantic than snow-covered Paris?

Lovely gift tags for vintage-loving jet setters.

If you've ever wondered what clouds taste like...

Personalize your laptop.

Sometimes I miss being a redhead.

One cool rug.

Believe it or not, a ready-to-wear collection for cats.

Are you happy?

{Image via Go Retro}

Vintage Spectacles

I am forever on the lookout for the perfect pair of specs. I just came across this online vintage eyewear shop based in New York, whose motto is: "if you have to wear them, make it fun". My thoughts exactly. They have an incredible collection of one-of-a-kind frames. I'll take each of the above, please!

{Images by Fabulous Fanny's}

Yellow

I needed a bit of yellow this morning. That will happen on cold gray drizzly days when my internet continuously fails me. But I'm slowly starting to feel it's warm effects. Does yellow cheer you up too?


{Images by: 1. Christiaan_25, 2. Mlibrarianus, 3. Strange Eyes, 4. Country Living}

A Catchy Song

I love this song and can't get it out of my head. Now you'll have it stuck in your head too...mwuahahaha!


{Image by The Sounds}

Driftwood Design

Every year, the French designers at Bleu Nature comb the beaches for driftwood to make these unique pieces of modern furniture, decor and lighting. Rustic, yet elegant. Wood anything makes me swoon.

{Images via Design Milk}

Water For Elephants

Sara Gruen's "Water For Elephants" is the book I'm currently reading for my book club. So lately, my mind has been swimming with old circus images. I'm really enjoying it so far and have only a few chapters left. Have you read it?

{Images by: 1. Ruguru, 2.  Of Moons and Monsters, 3. FFFFOUND!, 4. Cupcake Kyrie, 5. PhotoSpace, 6.  BeadMobile, 7.  Unicornology, 8. From Betsy With Love, 9. Jacqleen Bleu, 10. Lenaah, 11. PopDot, 12. LaurenNicole81, 13. Jayme Nourallah}

DIY - Pom Pom Rug

I so want to make this little shag rug! There's a free pattern here. Except I'd make mine in all-white or all-cream pom poms, similar to a fluffy flokati. How luxurious it would feel on the feets?! :)


{Image via Pom Pom Emporium}

Barbie Jewelry

I just couldn't resist doing a post on these creative jewelry pieces made from vintage Barbie parts. Back in the day, I remember some of my friends were extremely rough with their Barbies. Chopping off their hair and dismembering their arms and legs. I'm thinking that designer, Margaux Lange, might have been one of those girls!

I only had two Barbies to my name, Loving You Barbie and one other Skipper-like equivalent I can't remember the name of. I would totally consider sending them to Margaux to transform into a custom necklace.

Which Barbies did you have? :)


{Images by Margaux Lange}

Feeling Like This...

I am still floating from my massage from yesterday. Oh, how heavenly it was. Don't you wish rub downs were covered by health insurance? They definitely should be.

Thank you again for all your special birthday messages. I feel so incredibly LOVED.


{Image via Skinny}

My Birthday in Palm Springs!

Today I'm another year older and wiser!

These photos are from the 60's inspired birthday bash I threw last year. We rented a gorgeous mid-century home for the weekend in Palm Springs. There were ShanRock martinis, deviled eggs and DJ Bishop spinning retro spy tunes...with a little Beyonce thrown in for good measure. I had so much fun! But throwing a party is a lot of work, so I'm taking it easy this year.

I'm off to celebrate my birth with a much needed spa massage! Thank you for all your sweet wishes so far! See you tomorrow my loves...


{Images by Evi T. Bolt}

Dreams

English collage artist, Eleanor Wood, created these intriguing pieces. Dreams are such a source of inspiration for me. Mine are always so crazy. Once I vowed to write them down every morning, but I found myself wanting to stay in bed and keep dreaming instead. Do your dreams look like these?  :)

{Images via That Unreliable Girl by GDI'O9}

Leather & Lace

And feathers and mini dresses and....oh, Pandora. How I love thee!

{Images by Pauline Darley}

Sutra Seattle Restaurant

Hello sweet friends. How was your weekend? Mine was filled with early birthday celebrations. Hal surprised me with a dinner at a gourmet vegetarian restaurant in Seattle, called Sutra.

It's a tiny romantic space in Wallingford with just a few candlelit tables to be shared with other patrons. I was hesitant about being forced to sit with strangers, but we lucked out and met a fascinating couple who kept us entertained all evening and even sang me an original birthday song!

We had the most incredible prix-fixe meal, all vegan, organic and local, with paired wines. Sutra grows their own herbs and vegetables in the backyard. Once everyone arrived and the tables were full, the chef banged a gong to welcome us and describe the delectable menu:

• First course:  Celery Root, Leek, Tarragon Soup served with a Sorrel-Cara Cara Orange-Black Radish Salad and finished with a Sesame Seed Crisp.

• Second course:  Sunchoke, Smoked Beluga Lentil Cake, with a Honey Crisp Apple-D’anjou Pear–Yellow Beet–Chile Compote Finished with a Balsamic Reduction and Truffle Oil.

• Third Course:  Hedgehog-Trumpet Mushroom, Roasted Cauliflower, Tonnemaker Pumpkin and Basil Mung Been Crepes served with a Roasted White Carrots, Steamed Lacinato Kale, and a Porcini-Almond-Marjoram Sauce.

• Fourth Course:  Chocolate Ganache Torte with a Crystallized Ginger, Raw Cacao, Pistachio Crust with a Wild Foraged Blackberry Glaze.

It was pure perfection. Even Hal, king of carnivores, enjoyed every single course and cleaned his plate. If you live in Seattle, or are ever in town, Sutra is such a special community dining experience. I highly recommend!

{Image by Seattle Times}

Celebrating My Birthday

My birthday is next Tuesday! But since Tuesday is such a random day, I'm celebrating this weekend. Low Key. Last year, I went all out, so I really don't feel the need for hype. A small dinner with friends, a meal with my folks, and one full day with my honey is all I need.

I hope you all have a spectacular weekend! Planning anything fun? Until Monday, please enjoy some links from around the interweb...


Speaking of birthdays, maybe next year, I'll throw a bus party??

A cool alternative to window shades.

One of the most unique marriage proposals I've ever come across!

Can you believe people used to wear these?

Retro tile tattoos: all the girls are putting them on their lower baths.

A stunning barn house in upstate New York.

I'd like to own this leather butterfly chair.

Rad desktop wallpaper.

Guests can know how much weight they've put on while at your house.

Can't wait until spring/summer so I can put these cuties on.

Lyrimage: "Across The Universe"

It's been awhile since my last Lyrimage because of the holidays. So this week, I chose The Beatles', "Across The Universe", written by John Lennon. The lyrics are so beautiful and visual. I really enjoyed creating this one.

P.S. If you're wondering what "Jai guru deva, om" means...it's a mantra in Sanskrit that translates loosely to "Hail to the divine guru". The Beatles were big into Transcendental Meditation in the late 1960's.


{Images TBA}

TEA Shirts

There are so many fascinating tea bag designs these days. Remember the bird origami ones? These bags are called Hanger Tea, a ridiculously cute creation by Soon Mo Kang. Don't you think they should be renamed, TEA Shirts?

{Images via Yanko Design}

Big Floral Headpieces

I'm just loving these headpieces by Florica. Especially for brides. Each flower is individually cut, one petal at a time, so every piece is completely unique. Aren't they beautiful?


{Images by Helen James Design}

Finding Vivian Maier's Long Lost Photos - An Incredible Story

Imagine you are a photographer who happens upon a goldmine of 30,000 - 40,000 negatives and undeveloped rolls of film at a local auction. Now imagine developing this film in your darkroom to discover extremely high caliber Chicago street photography from the 50's and 60's.

John Maloof did just this and is still developing rolls to this day. Most of Vivian's negatives have the date and location penciled in French. He Googled her one day, only to discover her obituary printed just a few days prior.

He has been posting the photos on his Vivian Maier blog and plans to publish a book on his findings. I had such a hard time choosing my favorites. What a discovery!

My Nerdy Holiday Cards

Okay, so during my 10 in 2010 interview, I mentioned the holiday cards I made and a few readers asked me to post them. I had some reservations in sharing this ridiculous thing with blog land...but here they are! Sorry for the small image. Click to see it in its full and glorious form.

This is the first year we've ever done cards. We agreed that the only way we'd send them out was if we made them super cheese. So we picked up some red sweaters from Value Village. Mine reeked of old lady perfume. Hal sewed on the matching ugly patches...let it be known that I am not the seamstress. Bailey is desperately trying to escape and for some reason looks possessed by a robot. I hope it gives you a bit of a laugh today  :)

A Perfect Little Bungalow

If I owned a bungalow, this is very similar to how I'd decorate it. Actually, the colors, styling and retro spirit is eerily similar to my own apartment...no wonder.

This Midwestern house is owned by Matt Graber and Amanda & Phil Johnson, brother and sister, and sister and husband...confused yet? Hmm, don't know if I could handle that. But they obviously make it work and all have such excellent taste, don't you think?

{Images via Apartment Therapy}

Digital Flowers

Thanks to Raru, I am completely inspired by these haunting digital flowers by Moscow-based artist, Alexey Malina. I realize I'm fascinated with faces.


{Images by Make Area}

Swings

I usually don't like the swing ride at the fair. I'm more of a Zipper or coaster kind of gal. But these photos make me want to give it another try. They were selected by Flickr for their "Best Shot" series: Taking Flight. Aren't they lovely? They remind me of flying dreams.


{Images by: 1. Not That Cool, 2. Oliver Zelinski, 3. Abby Lady Bug}

My Feature on Fluffle Fritz

Kate and Melita, the lovely ladies of Fluffle Fritz, asked me to be a part of their 10 in 2010 series! Check out the interview if you'd like to learn a little more about moi...


{Image via obsessionmia}