HAPPINESS IS...

Growing A Garden

Sigh of relief. I'm so glad it's a 3-day weekend (for those of us in the States). No big plans for me besides relaxing and planting a little herb garden out on our deck. I can't wait to be able to cook meals with our own fresh herbs.

I hope you have a relaxing Memorial Day weekend and I'll see you again on Tuesday! Here are your links...

This crafty bride made her wedding gown out of a shower curtain.

I love when fellow bloggers, like Greedy Girl, visit Seattle.

My sentiments exactly.

Have you seen this colossal croquet party from BurningMan?

I'd love a feather headpiece, but I'm not sure where I'd where it.

Lose yourself for a few hours on the Ring A Day Flicker group pool.

The cutest little clothesline necklace.

Some more incredibly designed bird homes.

How to knit or crochet a grass rug.

Want to buy the original Amityville horror house? It's for sale!


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

• Origami Bijou
• Field of Dreams
• Elephant Friends

{Image via Crystin Moritz}

Around The World In 80 Seconds

Two innovative Frenchmen created this film as a tribute to the famous Jules Verne's book "Le Tour Du Monde En 80 Jours" with a Sony Cybershot camera. Starting and ending in London, they visit Cairo, Mumbay, Hong Kong, Tokyo, San Francisco, and New York in a span of only 3 weeks. Pretty cool, huh?!


{Video via Pret a Voyager by Alex Profit and Romain Pergeaux}

Edible Crayons

Did you ever try to eat crayons when you were little? These new crayons by Luxirare are made completely out of dried fruits, veggies, seeds, nuts. Healthy crayons! Well, except for the fruity pebbles and marshmellows  ;)

Whoa, I just got a flashback to childhood. The rest of the photos totally remind me of the Mister Rogers segment where he showed us how crayons are made in the factory. Do you remember that?  :)

{Images via Design For Mankind by Luxirare}

A Photo Booth Marriage Proposal

How stinking romantic is this proposal? Derek lured Melody into a photo booth to take pictures. When he handed her the strips for safe keeping, Derek had slipped in his own proposal photos taken earlier.

P.S. Did you know there's such a thing as proposal planning? You can hire professionals to help you out with ideas and execution. While I'd hope my guy was creative enough to come up with something on his own, I can understand the pressure these days to propose in a non-cliche way. So gents, fear no more!  

P.P.S. Ladies, would you ever propose to your man?

{Images by Melody Makes}

Goldfrapp & The Owl

I spied these fantastic photos of Alison Goldfrapp on My Owl Barn and had to share their whimsical charm with you. They were shot for her album, Seventh Tree.

Don't they remind you of Where The Wild Things Are?


{Images by Serge Leblon}

Having Patience

"Be patient toward all that is unsolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves like locked rooms and like books that are written in a very foreign tongue. 

Do not now seek the answers, which cannot be given you because you would not be able to live them.  And the point is, to live everything.  Live the questions now. 

Perhaps you will find them gradually, without noticing it, and live along some distant day into the answer."

~Rainer Maria Rilke, Letters to a Young Poet

{Images via Love Meow}

Coral

Might be my new favorite color.

{Images by: 1. Pom Love, 2. Camilla Akrans,  3. Trisha Brink Design, 4. Sebastian, 5. Color Me Katie, 6. That Girl, 7. Decor8}

DIY - Twig Jewelry Display

I've always loved the idea of hanging jewelry on rustic twigs and branches. But I didn't realize how simple it is to build your own and still make it look sleek and expensive. Isn't it lovely?

The project involves taking a few small spindly twigs and attaching them one long straight branch with copper wiring. Of course, clean-up is required beforehand, such as carving off bark, sanding and staining. Detailed instructions can be found here.

If you don't want to get your hands dirty, you can always buy a completed one from Gadora Wilder's Etsy shop.


{Images via Apartment Therapy by Gadora Wilder}

A Dreamy Dessert Bar

Photographer, Caroline Tran, shot these goodies from Cakes by the Pound for Popisme, a new dessert concierge firm who teamed up with stylists Picture Perfect Events and Fleuretica to create a "floating dessert bar". Could this be heaven?


{Images via Style Me Pretty by Caroline Tran}

Questions For You - What Is Your Relationship Criteria?

It's question time again and I want your answers! Thank you to everyone who has been participating in the past few weeks. I genuinely enjoy reading what you have to say.

Question for you...

(a) What is (or was) your relationship criteria?
(b) If you're in a long-term relationship, did your partner match up?

My answer...

A couple months before I met Hal, I made a list describing everything I wanted in a man so I could manifest him. It was your fairly standard list: makes me laugh, taller than me, dark thick hair, intelligent, kind eyes, loves music, killer smile, adventurous, artistic, big heart, wants children, communicative, and wealthy = added bonus (I felt bad being superficial). Then I met Hal and didn't realize until about 6 months into our relationship, that he met all my qualifications. Err, except for being wealthy. Maybe it shouldn't have been an "added bonus"!  ;)

{Images via Love, Obsess, Desire by Katie Turner}

A Tepee From Design Within Reach

If I had $2,200 lying around, I would most definitely be spending all my waking (and sleeping) hours inside this indoor/outdoor tepee designed by Dave Ellis for DWR. Supposedly, it even keeps the critters out.

P.S. If you're curious how to decorate the inside, take a look at this beautiful suburban tepee interior.

{Image by Design Within Reach Tools For Living}

Growing Wheatgrass

I've always wanted to try growing my own wheatgrass. I didn't realize how simple it is. There's a lovely tutorial on Project Wedding that shows us how to grow wheatgrass for a wedding seating card display. It's such a fresh and pretty idea for any type of event.

But I'd personally like to grow some for my kitty to lay and nibble on  :)

{Images by Jordan Ferney}

A Free Eames Century Modern Catalog

I recently received my free Eames Century Modern Catalog in the mail and was floored. How can they give this away free? I wouldn't even call it a catalog. It's a beautiful 90+ page book by House Industries featuring timeless mid-century art and typography. It even comes in an impeccably designed package. It will be going on my bookshelf or maybe even displayed on the coffee table. Would you like one too?

P.S. They printed 8 different covers, so we can all share and compare!


{Images via Show and Tell}

My New Biker Boots

Aren't they swell? I found them on the Lucky Vintage Seattle Etsy shop. Since they have a fabulous local boutique (Seattle gals... visit, die and go to heaven), I asked to try them on in person. They fit perfect. There's no brand name so we think they were custom made. I truly believe they were made for my skinny calves... and of course, the gal's before mine ;)

You may not know this, but deep down, I'm a biker chick. My dad has been riding motorcycles since high school. That's how he wooed my mom. She even got her own motorcycle license. Now they wear chaps and take weekend bike trips with the dog kennel strapped to the back so the pup can tag along.

And now it's my turn. I'm not saying anything yet... but Hal and I may have a new addition to the family come summertime. Hint, hint!


{Images by Lucky Vintage}

Katie Daisy Pick-Me-Ups

My new source to cure the Monday morning blues...Katie Daisy. Don't her prints just immediately lift your spirits?


{Images via The Wheatfield}

The LOST Series Finale

I can't believe it's almost over! The LOST series finale airs on Sunday and we'll be getting a few obsessed fans together for a viewing party. Maybe make some Dharma Initiative treats. Will any of you be watching? What do you think will happen? I'm dying to find out!

Have a lovely weekend, my friends. Here are some links for your amusement...

The coolest Vogue cover I've ever seen.

Turn a backyard wood pile into your office.

Make chocolate pudding cups out of water balloons.

A pretty way to display spring flowers in the home.

Ten lovely images of Paris.

Upside down coffee cup lights.

Wouldn't you love to spend a summer evening dining here?

I've never thought about decorating ceilings until now.

Ahh, to be Jennifer Garner for a day...

Have you seen the Tunnel House?

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

• Leather & Lace
• 70's Interiors
• Sweet Favors

{Image by Jonny Eveson Poster Designs}

Little Love Collages

Guess what. Do you know miss Cassie of Moon Face? Well, she has opened her brand new Etsy shop, Little Love. I'm smitten with her whimsical handmade mixed media collages. Good work, my dear!

Aren't they delightful?


{Images via Little Love}

The Mushroom House

On Black's Beach in La Jolla, California (clothing optional), sits a mushroom shaped house called "The Pavilion", that only seals, sea lions and surfers once knew about. In 1968, Sam Bell, heir to General Mills (Bell's Potato Chips), bought a summer home on a 300 foot cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. He wanted to take advantage of the beach below, so he contracted architect, Dale Naegle, to design a guest retreat directly on the surf. In order to reach the house, an almost vertical tramway was built to connect the two homes!

Wouldn't you have loved to be Mr. Bell's guests? If I had mega millions, I'd probably do something wacky like this too. Maybe instead of a tram, just a big slide that lands you into a foam pit  :)


{Images via Apartment Therapy by 1. Velo Cult, 2. and 3. Dale Naegle Architect}

Lola's Room

Don't mind me. I'm just spending the rest of my day playing in Lola's Room. Please let me know when it's time for dinner.

{Images by Cassia Beck}

DIY - Raining Bubble Chandelier

Remember this incredible bubble chandelier? It had quite a hefty price tag. But it seems we can now make our own for much less, using CB2 Glass Bubble Balls and optional silver holiday ball ornaments. Alison of Frou Frou Fashionista created hers for the lingerie boutique she owns. Step by step instructions can be found here.

It's not exactly a simple project, but I would totally spend an afternoon recreating one. I'd love some magical raining bubbles in my home!


{Images via Simply Grove}

Garden Bon Bons and Lollipops

Similar to the paper flowers, these bon bons and lollipops will grow an herb or tea garden when planted. They're made of clay, organic compost and seed. Dang. Why did they have to make them look so scrumptious?!

{Images by Moulton}

Meals In Fields

I recently became aware of Outstanding In The Field, a culinary adventure club, so to speak. A literal "restaurant without walls", where long tables are set up in fields, gardens, farms, and on mountain tops, islands and beaches all over the world. Gourmet meals are made by local chefs using ingredients from the region.

Tickets are $200+ a seat, which means (a) I will most likely not be attending one in foreseeable future; and (b) I'm incredibly inspired to create my own meal in a field. Wouldn't it be fun to invite a bunch of friends out to a random setting to wine and dine in nature?

{Images via Outstanding In The Field by Jeremy Fenske, Elane Skinner, Andrea Wyner, Marina Makropoulos, Aaron Fee, Kate Cross and Brighton Denevan} 

Building Your Own Bicycle

Did you know you can build your own bicycle from home? Urban Outfitters has joined forces with Republic Bike and opened an online bike shop where you design and customize the components and colors. The one shown above is my favorite style, the retro Plato Dutch.

As much as I'd love one of these, they are single speed only. I live on a huge steep hill and the rest of Seattle is not exactly flat. I'm kicking myself for not getting a cruiser bike when I lived across the street from Venice Beach in LA.

What color(s) would your bike be?


{Images via Dig Under Rocks}

Rainbow Hair

Practical? No. Fabulous? Yes!

Would you, or have you ever rocked pink, blue, yellow, purple, or rainbow hair?  :)

{Images by Elias Wessel for Vixen Magazine}

Green Rooftops

There's this old abandoned brick school building down the street from me. I have a die hard fantasy of buying it from the city and turning it into a loft. It's probably 3 or 4 stories tall and a block wide. The view... well, I've never been on the roof, but I just know it's amazing. Space Needle, Puget Sound, the works. And I'd make the roof green and lush, such as these beauties designed by Goode Green, the pioneers of the green roof movement.

Yeah, I know. Keep dreaming, you say. Oh, I will!


{Images via Remodelista}

The Way We Were Handbags

Admiring these gorgeous retro handmade bags by Australian designer, Jamie Beattie. They're from her new collection, "The Way We Were", inspired by the shapes and textures of nature. Aren't they lovely?


{Images via Paisley St Claire}

A Swing Lamp

Okay, I thought I wanted an indoor swing in my home. But after careful consideration, I've changed my mind. I want an indoor swing lamp instead. Way cooler.

It's a part of BCXSY's Play! collection of furniture, which was conceived out of a desire to create a sense of nostalgia and playfulness for the grown-up environment. Other pieces include a genius see-saw bookshelf and an entertaining puzzle coffee table. Sort of brings new meaning to the phrase, "come over and play"!  :)

{Images by Herman Mertens & BCXSY}

Questions For You - What Is Your Purpose In Life?

The past couple of Questions For You have been light-hearted and fun. But I'd like to dig a little deeper this time.

My question for you...

What is your ultimate purpose or calling in life?

I personally believe everyone has a dharma, a Sanskrit term which translates into "life mission" or something you were born to do or become. Dharmas can be big or small, not to say a small dharma is any less important. Perhaps you are here to be a nurturing mother to a child who will make a great discovery as an adult. Or maybe you are supposed to play a vital role in our planet's green movement. You might even be here to influence one particular person to make one particular decision that affects a great number of people in the future. They say that the larger the dharma, the greater the obstacles you will have to overcome.

My answer...

I think I was brought to this earth to uplift and inspire others through music, art and creativity. I'm doing this currently on a small scale with my band and this blog, which comforts me to know that I'm on the right path. But there is so much more I see myself doing in this world, which is why I feel my purpose in life is just beginning to unravel itself. My life ain't seen nothin' yet!  ;) 

P.S. If you have no clue what your purpose in life is, I once read about a simple way to narrow it down. Ask yourself the question and write on a piece of paper whatever pops into your head. A short phrase or a couple of words will do. Keep writing until you come up with an answer that profoundly moves you, maybe even makes you cry. This is your purpose.

{Image via Lethhanna}

Colorful Popsicles

On Saturday, Hal and I went to the park. We set up shop on the grass with a blanket, burritos and magazines. While dozing in the sun, we were awoken to a familiar song... the ice cream truck! Masses of little children started running after it to get their frozen treats, including myself.  I was desperately craving a popsicle. The nostalgic red white and blue rocket one in particular.

Won't it be fun to make your own popsicles this summer? Did you know they can now be ready in only 7 minutes?

{Images via: 1. Caisaj; 2.Parents; 3. We Heart It; 4. Poppytalk; 5. The Paper Planes; 6. Fearless Flight 06}

Letting The Sunshine In

Good morning, loves. I'm a little slow to get moving today. I had such a nice weekend with my fam, it's hard to get going and be productive. But this screenprinted poster by the Pacific Northwest design studio, Slide Sideways, definitely helps. Nothing like starting the day with a little sunshine.

{Image via Design Is Mine}

The Seattle Cheese Festival

The reason I moved here! Not really, but quite a nice perk, right? The Seattle Cheese Festival is an annual event where hundreds of local and international artisan cheese producers give out samples to the public. This is where I'll be this weekend, with one day set aside to nurse my overly-dairied belly.

What will you be up to, my friends? I hope you get a chance to enjoy some Spring sunshine. Until Monday, have fun clicking around the weekend links...

Can you tell who this is?

A purely paper flower shop in NYC.

What a 250 square foot garage can turn into.

Hilarious head planters.

I love bizarre collages and these are no exception.

Miss Joanna Goddard talks about riding bikes while pregnant.

Cute passport invitations for you world travelers.

Put your used chopsticks to good use.

Make a custom stamp of a baby's handprint or footprint.

A big oak tree slice rug.

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

• Digital Flowers
• Idee Geniale's Style
• House Plants

{Image via The Kitchn}

Butterfly Themed Weddings

Butterflies make such a beautiful wedding theme, don't you think? I'm especially in awe of the bouquet crafted out of silk and feather butterflies. To make it look like they're alive and fluttering, the butterflies are attached to thin wires and positioned at different lengths. What a unique alternative to flowers.

{Images via Ritzy Bee via  Martha Stewart by Jacob Pritchard}

Women Who Wear Purple

These lovely ladies have convinced me to wear more purple. You too?


{Images via Bella Vita by Corrie Bond}

Felt Food

In case you want to display food that will never go bad, Fairy Fox sells highly ornate felt food patterns so you can make these delicious treats on your own. To be admired... not eaten  :)


{Images via Handmade Charlotte}

Angora Sweater Bunnies

These soft little bunnies melt my heart. Sonja Ahlers makes them from old angora sweaters. Some have bendy legs. Aren't they darling?


{Images via Housemartin by Make It Awesome}

What The Funk Sunglasses

The sun is out in full effect and I keep forgetting my shades, which are in dire need of chucking. Believe it or not, they were $5 pairs that lasted me 3+ years! I can't fathom buying designer ones, since I tend to either lose or crush them. Why is it that $5 pairs seem to last forever? So I'm currently on the lookout for replacements and these vintage pairs by What The Funk are right up my alley. Aren't they fun?

{Images via Dandelion Daydreamer}

I Heart Design - Virtual Interiors

If any of you are design (or time) challenged, you might appreciate the e-services of Andrea, Casey, and Ashley of I Heart Design by Avenue.

Choose your favorite decor style:

1. Grand Street - classic cool mid-century modern
2. Bleeker Street - whimsical vintage Anthropologie-esque
3. Mulholland Drive - glamorous 1930's Hollywood
4. Rue Claudel - elegant French Provencial
5. Olive Road - old world Spanish Colonial
6. Surfside Ave - relaxed beach-inspired
7. Wall Street (not shown) - sleek New York penthouse
8. Cambridge Street (not shown) - traditional Ralph Lauren-esque
9. Timber Ridge (not shown) - rustic lodge-inspired

Then select a room you'd like to revamp, answer a few questions, upload a few photos, and these gals will affordably decorate your space with an option to buy the furniture they've picked out (with their designer discount). They will even find flea-market and vintage pieces for you. Quite a stellar business idea, I must say.

My favorite is definitely Grand with a little Bleeker thrown in. What decor style are you?

{Images by I Heart Design}

Bike Lanes of the Future

Imagine being able to pedal your bike high above the traffic without worries of being hit by a motor vehicle. It's a new concept idea designed by Kolelinia, where the bike travels along secure steel wires over the city. Don't worry, there is no way you can fall. Think of the incredible views. I vote, yes!! How about you?  :)


{Image via Swissmiss}

A Minimalist A-Frame In A Birch Tree Forest

Such a serene and tranquil space. This modern Massachusetts A-Frame is a vacation home designed by architect, William O'Brien Jr.  I'm especially fond of that single long hanging pendant lamp. Wouldn't you love to leave your troubles behind here?


{Images via Apartment Therapy by WOJR}

DIY - Off The Wall Suspended Gardens

I just might attempt to create this. Looks simple enough, right? A couple of 9" terra-cotta pots, spray paint, flower pot hangers and some wood screws...boom, a suspended garden. Isn't it a lovely look?

P.S. If you fear DIY, you can always buy off the wall planters instead.


{Images via DIY Ideas}

Cheeky Bird Houses, Bars, Motels & Diners

I discovered these funky bird establishments on Melina's blog, Owl & Peacock. They crack me up. I kind of want to turn my deck into the neighborhood's hot new hang-out for all things feathered. I think the birds would appreciate a little humor and never want to leave. My cat, Bailey, would chatter her teeth and concur.

{Images by The Curiosity Shoppe}

Questions For You - What Are Your Special Hidden Talents?

You guys, I was so tickled reading your answers to last week's question. What creative and wacky little kids you were! So I've decided to keep this question game going. Getting to know you is fun  :)

My question for you:

What are your special, quirky, strange, or unusual hidden talents?

My answer: I have two. One, I can precisely mimic a cat in heat. It's quite scary. When I do this, most cats will perk their ears, stare me down, and either run away or attack me. Two, I can hold most long and skinny objects in between my upper lip and nose. I know, weird.

Your turn!

{Image by Nikolinelr}

Cardigan Clips

This simple accessory project is just too cute not to share. Anna, an avid Glee fan, admired the cardigan clips that Emma Pilsbury wears on the show. She recreated the look by using a vintage pair of clip-on earrings and a small chain. Here's another style, using little owls. Aren't they darling?

{Images by Much Love}

A Breathtaking Drive

So for our mini road trip this past weekend, we ended up in Bellingham, the sweetest picturesque college town a couple hours north of Seattle. And on our way home, we took the scenic route. It's one of the most breathtaking stretches of highway I've been on, comparable with the northern California coast. It's called Chuckanut Drive, 21 miles of winding cliff-side mountain road overlooking Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands.

We stopped at a view point to take a few photos with our camera phones. I'm still kicking myself for forgetting my real camera. Isn't it beautiful? I am now convinced that my future dream home must be built on an a dizzying clifftop overlooking the water facing west. So I can sit on the deck and stare out at sea. All day.

My Mother

Thank you mom, for teaching and encouraging me to sing, play, create, learn, laugh and love. The keys to happiness. Happy (day after) Mother's Day. I love you so much!

"Mothers hold their children's hands for a short while, but their hearts forever"
- Author Unknown

Spontaneous Road Trips

Have a spectacular weekend, my dears. What will you be up to?

My man and I want to get away. Take a drive. Wherever the road takes us. We love to do this whenever possible, but often life gets in the way. Hal drives while I sleep in the passenger seat (he honestly doesn't mind). We're a good team like that. Maybe we'll go to Bellingham. Or Mount Rainier. Or the San Juan Islands. Seattle has so many lovely weekend drives, that the possibilities are limitless. Guess we'll find our destination once we get there  :)

Happy Mother's Day to all my mama friends! Enjoy some weekend links...

Remember my post on The Girls With Glasses? Read about their fashion.

The real Barbie and Ken wedding.

What I wouldn't give to own a loft like this.

Love these high-waisted shorts.

Turn a vintage book into a wedding ring holder.

Lust-worthy ruffled underpinnings.

If you can't afford designer furniture, here's a fun alternative.

A pretty gift wrapping kit.

Everyone should know how to make a macaron tower.

A beautiful flower-filled updo hairstyle.

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

• Driftwood Design
• Print Society Favorites
• Lyrimage: "Dream Alive"

{Image via Golly}

Swimming Caps

So. Much. Fun. I'm now on a mission to bring them back this summer. Who's on board?

{Images via 1. Nibs; 2 - 4. Lobster and Swan; 5. Eliza}

Song Love: "Stole My Heart" by Little & Ashley

If you've watched TV at all in the past month or so, I'm sure you've heard this sweet little ditty by Little & Ashley. Their song, "Stole My Heart" plays over this adorable stop animation commercial for Amazon Kindle. I finally researched who it was and discovered that the songwriting duo, Annie Little and Marcus Ashley, had won an Amazon commercial contest. Dang, I would have entered myself if I had known about it!  :)

Listening rules:

1. Click the play button below;
2. Turn speaker volume up loud;
3. Listen when you need a mood boost;
4. Or when you're doing chores around the house;
5. Enjoy and beware...you'll be humming it all day.

STOLE MY HEART

P.S. Amazon is giving the MP3 away for FREE!


{Image by Max Wanger}

The Best Birthday Surprise Ever

I want Jordan from Oh Happy Day to be MY friend.

For her friend Aubrey's birthday, Jordan blew up a photo of Aubrey in last year's burglar Halloween costume, cut it into 112 postcard-sized pieces, and mailed them out to Aubrey's friends and relatives with instructions to send them back with love notes and drawings. Throughout Aubrey's birthday week, she received the pieces in the mail to assemble as a gigantic puzzle.

Absolutely brilliant, don't you think?


{Images by Jordan Ferney}

Vintage Couples Happy In Love

To put you in a giddy amorous state of being. Did it work?  :)


{Images via Adore Vintage}