HAPPINESS IS...

Halloween Weekend!

Are you excited for this weekend? I sooo am. I've got a friend's Halloween party on Saturday and my mom's annual bash on Sunday. We'll be carving home-grown pumpkins, making "witch finger" cookies, learning tasseology and telling ghost stories around the bonfire. My costume is, as always, top secret. But I promise to reveal next week!

Here are a few Halloween links to get you in the mood...

The cutest DIY shadow makers.

Wicked witch lemon honey lollipops.

A simple mask tee for you party poopers.

Hands down, the classiest Halloween party decor I've seen.

A faux pumpkin fire.

Decorate your home with a spiderweb doily embroidery hoop.

Feast on a tentacle pot pie.

Still no costume? Be a last minute ghost or mushroom.

Wash down candy with mummy-wrapped drinks.

A good spooky porch makes all the difference.

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

• Vintage Halloween
• Black Cats
• A Halloween Party Menu

{Image via Runway To Real Life}

Spooky Inspiration

If it isn't apparent enough, I love Halloween. Boo!


{Images via The Thinking Tank}

Artful Halloween Make-Up

I usually shy away from excessive make-up on Halloween, but how beautiful is this work by ManWomanFilm? She even shows us how to apply it step by step on YouTube. I already have my costume, but wow, next year... it's all about the zebra!


{Images via Cocoa Chu Chu by ManWomanFilm}

High Fashion Halloween

If you're at a loss for what to wear to your Halloween party, you can't go wrong in all back, a wild mask and big crazy hair. Queen of Darkness!


{Images via Because I'm Addicted via Vogue Paris by Mert & Marcus}

Rain & Rain

There's a black ominous cloud overhead and I'm afraid we're going to have a soggy next few days. I plan on racing home before the clouds break, bundling up under blankets and watching classic scary movies. Gotta get myself in the mood for my favorite holiday this weekend!  :)


{Images via That Unreliable Girl by Martin Bing}

The Ballerina Project

I recently discovered The Ballerina Project on Naomi's blog and I'm speechless. Dane Shitagi photographs these exquisite human art forms against the the backdrop of New York. Isn't his work mesmerizing?


{Images via The Ballerina Project by Dane Shitagi}

DIY - A Bowl of Wool

I've always loved the look of yarn balls on display. But since I'm not a knitter, I would feel like a poser. So I found another cozy way to warm up the home for winter. A bowl of wool! The instructions are simple:

1. Find scraps of wool fabric in a mix of patterns and colors;
2. Cut wool yardage into 1 inch wide strips;
3. Wrap strips around craft balls (styrofoam or wood);
4. Glue ends to secure.

 

{Image by DIY Ideas}

Making A Mess

Thank you Rachel Bee Porter for showing us that messes can be beautiful!

Hal gets a laugh out of the fact that I'm such a messy eater. I can't finish one meal without dropping food or drink on me or the floor. He tells me that his mother's absurd punishments for spilling turned him into a clean freak eater as an adult. Making messes elsewhere? Well, that's another story ;)


{Images via Design Love Crush by Rachel Bee Porter}

Greek Architecture

I've already professed my love for Greece before, but after seeing this stunning house of interior designer, Marilyn Katsaris, I am ready to move to the island of Tinos in a heartbeat. I'm so impressed with how Zege Architects seamlessly designed everything, including appliances, into the walls, floors and ceilings. Wowza.


{Images via Style Files by Yiorgos Kordakis} 

Clear Plastic Boots

I sort of dig these clear plastic boots by the Swedish brand, Cheap Monday. I can't imagine them being the slightest bit comfortable. Imagine the foot sweat, no thanks. But I love how they make your legs look a mile long. Don't they remind you of Barbie feet?


{Images via Stockholm Street Style by Daniel Troyse} 

Alice's Tea Cup

I'm traveling to NYC next May for a wedding and Alex & Mina have convinced me to visit this sweet little vegan Alice In Wonderland themed restaurant, appropriately named Alice's Tea Cup. It looks so quaint. Has anyone else been here before?


{Images by Sending Postcards}

ModernPop Prints

I'm not quite sure why I'm attracted to mid century inspired children's art. I don't even have little ones of my own yet. I guess I could argue that I'm just a big kid myself. Which is why I relate to Ryan Beshara, the LA-based artist behind these adorable ModernPop prints... she's not a mama yet either.

It must come down to my love for the simplicity of retro modern design. Oh and the aminals  :)


{Images by ModernPop}

The Space Age Sleeper House

If you've seen the 1973 movie, "Sleeper" with Woody Allen, you may recognize this futuristic 7,000 sq ft home on Genesee Mountain, just outside of Denver, Colorado. It was designed in 1963 by architect Charles Deaton. He built it because ""People aren't angular, so why should they live in rectangles?" The man has a point!

It's currently in foreclosure and will be auctioned off on November 10th. Anyone want to place an absentee bid for me?  ;)


{Images via Huffington Post by Colorado Preservation, Inc.}

One Hot Mama

Model, Sasha Pivovarova, channeled her maternal instincts during this playful shoot by Mikael Jansson for Vogue Paris. Although she looks more like the little girl's sister than mother, I can only hope that I look that good as a mama! Not likely  ;)


{Images via Lace & Tea by Mikael Jansson} 

Paper Grand Pianos

Since I can't fit a real one into my apartment, this paper grand piano is just the solution! Pepakura is a musical instrument paper model series designed by HANDSON from Japan. They also make incredibly detailed paper guitars, harps and cellos!

This true baby grand comes with pre-cut pieces all ready to be assembled. It would look so sweet sitting atop my electric Yamaha.


{Images via Upon A Fold}

Rustic Grain Sack Pillows

I had a hard time waking up this morning. It's cold, windy and wet outside and I just want to snuggle under the covers all day... preferably in this bed.

It's a room in a preserved 1850's farmhouse on the Hourglass Vinyard in Napa. How charming is the decorative rustic grain sack pillow? I especially love it's textural contrast with the crisp white sheets and flokati throw.


{Image via Remodelista by Mimi Giboin}

Girlfriends

TGIF. I'm planning to hang out with a few girlfriends and just be silly. Are you up to anything exciting? Enjoy your weekend loves! Here are a few links for your enjoyment...

A hysterical blog post for Shannon... but not me Shannon.

A wedding dress fit for a Bond Girl.

Which Room For Color contest entry is your favorite?

Congratulations Celia!

The sweetest little beehive cake.

Mmm, vegan apple pocket pies.

Would you wear these futuristic wooden heels?

Conversation starter boxes for your dinner guests.

Blingo - haha.

Just another reason to love the 70's.

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

• Growing Wheatgrass
• Hearing My Song On Television
• What The Funk Sunglasses

{Image via Lovely Little Things}

Vintage By Color

Oh dear. These Vintage By Color postcards by Swedish photographer Hilda Grahnat are making me want to become a thrift store pack rat. Not good. But oh so good.


{Images via See Hear Say}

Alphabet Furniture

How cool are these oversized letters of the alphabet that double as storage furniture? They're made by the Swiss company, Set26. In retail spaces, they could be a very powerful subliminal messaging tool... YOU. WANT. TO. BUY. NOW.  


{Images via Crooked Brains}

Living Atop Seattle's Smith Tower

I came across this New York Times article about a family who lives 35 stories high in the pyramid atop Seattle's Smith Tower. I'm floored. And envious. From inside "The Lighthouse", you can see the entire city, but the city can't see you. Talk about a penthouse of dreams!

Fun fact: In the late 1970's, it rented out for $300-$400 a month. Can you imagine?!

Another fun fact: My mom just told me that my great grandfather was a mason who helped build the Smith Tower back when it was the tallest building in Seattle  :)


{Images via The New York Times by Stuart Isett}

Photo Recipes

I guess I'm a visual person, because I refuse to cook a recipe that doesn't have photos. Which is why Marina Aurora's photo recipes appeal to me. They remind me of Claudia Pearson's illustrated recipes. Except here, all the ingredients and step-by-step instructions from start to finish are laid out in one single photograph. Makes you feel like you're right there in the kitchen with her, yah?


{Images via Because I'm Addicted by Marina Aurora}

White Pumpkin Candles

I was at an Indian restaurant last night with plastic skeletons doing the moonwalk on every bare wall. My point being, Halloween can be gaudy. But I'm loving the white Halloween trend this year and these white pumpkin candles bring some elegance to the table, don't you agree? They'd be great for Thanksgiving as well. And if they were pumpkin pie scented, even better!


{Images by Pottery Barn}

Miss Mandy

I consider Mandy Moore my friend :)  No, I've never met her. Details aside, I do have friends who know her who tell me she's the kindest, most down to earth celebrity around. I grew up with her during pop star beginnings and have no shame in admitting I still play "I Wanna Be With You" every so often. I really admire how she's transformed herself into a well-respected musician and actress... who, by the way, will be the voice behind Disney's Rapunzel. Go Mandy!

I barely recognized her in this spread for O Magazine. Doesn't she look beautiful in these cozy fall fashions?


{Images via The Oprah Magazine}

DIY - Scavenger Hunts

During my mom's annual Halloween party last year, we had an epic scavenger hunt. She sent us out around our neighborhood to pick up pine cones, maple leaves, scotchbroom, chestnuts, seashells, bugs, dog poo, and about 100 other things. A very serious event. Hours later, I was was so proud to have found everyting on the list! As we gathered round to announce our treasures, I realized I was neck in neck with my brother...grrr.

It got down to the dog poo. He showed his, I showed mine. Yet I made the mistake of announcing where I found it. Apparently, the location of my dog poo was the infamous raccoon poo spot! Everyone seemed to know this, but me. I was defeated. And after that traumatic episode, scavenger hunts have left a foul taste in my mouth, or shall I say, a foul stink in my nose.

This story has a point, I promise! I recently discovered that an old friend from high school, Emily, has a crafty little blog with some great DIY ideas. She made these scavenger hunt cards and treasure bags to go along. Aren't they adorable? See her tutorial here. Now I'm almost inspired to try another scavenger hunt again this year. Minus the dog poo!  ;)


{Images by Saltwater Kids}

Cupcakes & Winter Woods

I've forgotten to tell you about my recent giveaway wins! Thanks to Tali of Imperfectly Perfect, her sinful cupcake photos are tempting me from my wall. And thanks to Cassie of Moon Face, the Winter Woods Ring is sitting pretty on my finger. Happy me!

See friends, it pays to enter giveaways  :)


{Images by: 1. Tali Schiffer Photography; 2. That Vintage}

Vows With Camels

Libby and Weldon got married in Morocco with camel friends to witness their vows. It doesn't get much better than this, does it?  :)


{Images by Our Labor Of Love}

Sponsor: Dolan Geiman Art

I want to introduce you lovelies to Dolan Geiman, a mixed media artist whose inspiration comes from southern music and nature. He makes his pieces out of salvaged wood, found objects, and other recycled materials. I really admire the layered construction and modern rustic charm of his work.

He and his partner Ali live in Chicago and sell online through Etsy, indepedent local retailers, and various art fairs around the States. Incredible talent, don't you think?


{Images by Dolan Geiman}

Personal Pots of Pumpkin Pie

There's some alliteration for ya! Brooke made these cutie pumpkin pie pots for her friend's witch party, and I'm wishing I was invited  ;)


{Images by Inchmark}

This Dress

Swoon! I assume this dress is vintage so there's no way it could ever be mine. But isn't it gorgeous? The hippie in me loves those 70's bell sleeves and how she's all covered up except for a killer high slit and low open back.


{Images via Souveniers by Edouard Plongeon}

City Skyline Necklaces

Whenever I drive into cities and view the skyline, I can't help but get a little thrill. Which is why I've fallen for these skyline necklaces. Can you tell which city is which?

Biased opinion here, but I will always have a love affair with the Space Needle and think Seattle has one of the best skylines in the U.S. So Jen, will you please turn my city's skyline into a necklace too? 


{Images by Plastique}

Down Time With My Headphones

This week has been rough for me and I'm really looking forward to some down time. I hope to spend my iTunes gift card, curl up with the cat, listen to tunage and flesh out a new song I've been working on. Music (and kitty purr) always makes me feel better  :)

Have a relaxing weekend, my loves. Please enjoy a few links...

Mmm... better than a scented candle.

Wouldn't it be fun to live in a converted 1850's chapel?

Turn a bedspring into wall art.

Hilarious cat food packaging with attitude.

A rooftop cabin in NYC.

Who knew you could recycle old boats into sheds?

What a room in heaven might look like.

Although I can't afford it, I love this hooded wrap.

Don't you love Coco Rocha's apartment?

Pretty fall photos.

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

• Angora Sweater Bunnies
• Being A Girl
• A Toast To Travel

{Image by Nan Lawson}

Chalkboard Walls

It took me some play time in front of a chalkboard wall to realize how much I love them. When I was helping my friend settle into her new place, her apartment already had a chalkboard wall in place. It was still covered in doodles from the previous owners, so during our book club slumber party, we went to town. Fell asleep with a blanket of chalk dust and awoke to a colorful masterpiece. Seriously... it was the most fun ever!


{Images via: 1. Wet Behind The Ears; 2. and 4. Wit + Delight; 3. Desire To Inspire; 5. Made By Girl; 6. No.15} 

A Sustainable Farm Wedding

I adore this wedding. It was beautifully photographed by wife and hubby team, Angela & Evan. Remember Angela? She shot my band Lorelei's press photos.

Kara and Brandon were married on her parent's sustainable farm, Changing Seasons, in Fall City, Washington. The food was harvested from the farm and given to family and friends to make into salads and pies. Guests were invited to pick blackberries during the reception. Doesn't it all just make your heart sing?  :)


{Images by Angela & Evan Photography}

Casseroles

Casseroles are the quintessential all-American belly-warming meal. I have a potluck to tomorrow and don't have a clue what to make. I need your help! Do you have any yummy vegetarian casserole ideas?


{Images by Teaspoon Vintage}

My Dream Bathroom

Wishing I could spend an entire day here in the tub with a novel and soothing tunes until I turn into a prune.


{Image via The Diversion Project}

Sponsor: Tiny Prints

Please welcome my newest sponsor, Tiny Prints! I was a fan of them before they even contacted me for sponsorship, so I'm extra excited to showcase their delightful paper goods. I love how they carry exclusive designs from both well-known studios and indie artists.

Since Halloween is just around the corner, I had to share a few of my favorite cards and invites. Some of them even come with matching stationary, address labels and gift tags. Anyone throwing a party this year? Your guests can RSVP online for free.

And of course, it's never too early to start searching for your Christmas and holiday cards!


{Images by Tiny Prints}

Woodgrain Bike Frames

If I had a bike, I'd get it woodgrained by Rob. And if I had a woodgrained bike, I'd be the coolest kid on the block.

Random side story... In college, I borrowed my dad's old retro bike that had a frame similar to this one. But it was green and rusty and uncool at the time. I rode it for 3 years around the ghettos of USC. Mind you, the neighborhood has a rather dangerous reputation. After I graduated and moved to a ritzier Santa Monica zip code, it was a matter of days before it got stolen while locked up outside my apartment. Go figure!


{Images via Wolf Eyebrows by Rob's Woodgrain Bike Frames}

Rocky Mountain Pillows

Wouldn't you love a little mountain range on your bed? Soft Rockies! Although I'd pretend they were the Cascades. Scottish textile designer, Hilary Grant, makes them, and I can't wait until her work-in-progress Etsy shop is ready.

** Update: You can now buy them here!

{Image via Kickcan & Conkers}

Neck Lush Infinity Scarves

I like the idea of these infinity scarves by Neck Lush. They're a necklace and scarf in one, which sort of reminds me of the rope necklace I featured last year.

Each one is hand-printed on a mass of seamless cotton loops, so you can wrap or knot them any way you like. Perfect for when it's too warm for wool and just crisp enough outside to warrant some neck coverage, don't you think?


{Images by Neck Lush}

Trap Door Wine Cellars

I want this trap door spiral wine cellar. How stealthy.

Do you think the people living below me would mind if I dug a hole into their ceiling?  Naw!


{Images via The Kitchn by Spiral Cellars}

Life In A Bubble

I will never tire of these iconic bubble images by Melvin Sokolsky. Aren't they a dream? He designed and built the bubbles themselves, but I'm curious how he got them to float. Hidden wires? There was obviously no digital manipulation back in 1963. Anyone know his secret?


{Images via Design Love Fest}

Christina Vantzou's Screen Prints

Some lovely screen prints for you by Christina Vantzou. She's a designer and a musician in Brussels, Belgium. My kind of people!


{Images by Christina Vantzou}

Deep Fried Pickles

I tasted my very first deep fried pickle this weekend. I give it an interesting yum. They seem to be all the rage these days. Have you ever eaten one?  :)

P.S. You must check out the rest of Nicole's crochet critters!


{Image by Nicole Gastonguay}

My Backyard Park

Aw, I love this engagement shoot because it was shot in my neighborhood. I like to call it my backyard park. You may remember my own photos from here?

When I moved into the area, it was one of the first places I explored. There's a breathtaking trail that begins at the view bluff and winds down through the forest and along the coast to reach a quaint little lighthouse and a rare sandy beach below. I'll go there to purposely get lost in my thoughts and the park's 534 acres.

Where do you love to escape to?


{Images via Postcards & Pretties by Mastin Studio}

Spats & Gaiters

Spats and gaiters, wha? They're shoe accessories that cover the ankle. You don't see them often round these parts, but maybe we would if they were all made of reversible tweed, velveteen and corduroy. MerryBe brings them to us from Germany. Wouldn't they look great with leggings?


{Images via Blomma Finds}

The Field Of Screams

I like to scare myself. If you haven't noticed. And now that it's October, it's time to do scary things, like corn mazes and the Field of Screams. I actually have no idea what the Field of Screams is, but it sounds thrilling and cheesy and right up my alley.

The website says it's "an outdoor haunted attraction that uses fog, strobe lights, darkness and uneven pathways. If you have ANY physical or mental conditions, please consult a physician before attending." Ha.

Happy Friday sweetie pies! While I'm getting my spook on, please enjoy the weekend links...

Woven basket weave hair. Whoa.

Have you seen the lost World's Fairs?

Another wedding dress I love.

Upside down teacup lights.

Genius way to hide cat litter boxes.

Make healthy pasta!

A girl's guide for a solo evening in.

Pretend your iPhone is a cassette tape.

I'm envious of Kelly's camping trip.

An incredible straw cluster chandelier.

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

• Vintage Couples Happy In Love
• Beach Sculptures
• Ice Skating

{Images via Elizabeth Anne Designs}

Diagrams By Girls Can Tell

These diagram coasters appeal to the nerd in me. Sara has her own screenprinting business based out of Philadelphia. She diagrams everyday objects onto everyday objects. Like cameras onto coasters. Or bikes onto bags. Her diagram design library is extensive... robots, kitchen utensils, banjos, brains, roller skates, unicorns, and more. You can even suggest your own. Gotta love this girl!


{Images by Girls Can Tell}

A Million Little Pictures & The Photomobile

Art House Co-Op, the same folks behind The Sketchbook Project, have come up with yet another creative endeavor called A Million Little Pictures. Sign up and they will send you a disposable camera to take 27 exposures on your chosen theme.

Your photos will travel from coast to coast on the Photomobile, a custom-built library on wheels. Then the entire exhibition will enter into the permanent collection of the Brooklyn Art Library and made available to the public through a companion book.

Don't you just love this project? I'm so tempted to participate!


{Image by Cassia Beck}

Cynthia Rowley Band-Aids

Bailey's back claws are like tiny daggers. After picking her up for a surprise hug, they dug into the flesh of my wrist and now it looks like I've tried to meet my maker. I have three unsightly slash marks that I'd love to cover up with these pretties by Cynthia Rowley. Band-aids for grown-up gals!


{Images via The Inside Stoop}

Lake House Love

My long-time Siren friend is in town from Alaska. Her family is spread out across the States, so they agreed to meet up in Carnation, Washington at a gorgeous lake house rental. I drove out there for dinner the other night and the home was lovely indeed. The perfect place for family gatherings.

Now I'm dreaming of lake houses. They're so private and peaceful, aren't they?


{Images via: 1.Pixdaus; 2. Worlds Best Beach Towns; 3. Grigorisgirl; 4. Laura Lucia; 5.Papry}