HAPPINESS IS...

Sponsor + Giveaway: Jewelry By Anne Maa Designs

My dears, do I have a treat for you today! Please welcome my newest sponsor, Anne Maa Designs. As you can see, she makes stunning custom jewelry. Unique, modern, rustic, chunky gorgeousness!

Anne's background is in fashion design and just as the fabric inspires the clothes, the color and texture of Anne's stones and materials influence her jewelry designs. Her statement cocktail rings are my absolute fave. The stones are set in hand-sculpted sterling silver and 14k gold filled wire. I'd wear one on every finger and toe if I could.

If you'd like a piece of her jewelry, Anne is giving away her Curly Thin Hoop Earrings shown above to one extremely lucky reader of mine. Valued at $129! Can I enter my own giveaway?  ;)

Giveaway Instructions:

1. Please be a follower and/or subscriber of my blog.
2. Visit Anne Mae Designs and sign up for her newsletter.
3. Additional entry: Tweet or Facebook about this giveaway & leave 2nd comment below.
4. Additional entry: Blog about this giveaway & leave a 3rd comment below.

A winner will be selected by Random.org and announced on this post after Monday, December 6, midnight PST.

All my luck to you!  :)

** Congratulations Shanna of SoCoDivka Designs! You were lucky number 17! Thanks to everyone who participated! **

Illustrated City Maps

Maps are cool as they are. But hand-drawn maps? Way cooler!


{Images by Alice Tait}

Red Hair & Freckles

Freckle-faced ginger gals are a rare and special breed aren't they?


{Images via Unicorn Dream Magazine by Lucia O'Connel-McCarthy}

Presents Under The Tree

I hope your weekend was lovely! I'm back from Thanksgiving break feeling refreshed and full.

Now it's Christmas time! For the past two years, my family has drawn names for gifts. But this year, we've decided to stray even further from tradition. In lieu of gifts all together, the 6 of us will take a family weekender and spend the holiday away from my parents' house. I immediately conjured up a cozy chalet in the mountains. But since we waited so long to book reservations, all cozy chalets were taken.

But the Edgefield Hotel in Troutdale, Oregon, was available! I've never been there, but it's a funky historic resort owned by McMinamins, encompassing 74 acres of farmland. Including 10 restaurants and bars, a movie theater, a spa and soaking pool, a brewery, a distillery, a winery, a golf course and gardens. I don't think we'll be bored!

So no presents under the tree this year... but I've always felt that experiences make the best gifts  :)


{Images via Simplesong by Karen Appleton}

Thanksgiving Weekend

Cutie pies, I'm signing off early to fully immerse myself in Thanksgiving festivities, such as eating, napping and eating. Tonight, I'm making my cheese ball turkey! And tomorrow, we'll be braving the icy roads to my cousin's house for a big rowdy extended family dinner. Looking forward to seeing my Grandma and playing with little ones. I'm so thankful to have this tradition to look forward to every year.

Have a wonderful holiday, my fellow Americans! The rest of the world, enjoy your weekend! See you again on Monday. Until then, here are a few Thanksgiving weekend links...

Dog pilgrims.

The ultimate vegetarian Thanksgiving guide.

Tasty spiced peaches.

Need some T-day tunes while you cook?

How to set a holiday table.

Printable Thanksgiving owl cards and tags.

A kids' table kids will want to sit at.

Eight dessert turkey ideas.

Adorable Mayflower place cards.

Snacks and crafts before dinner.

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

• My Fantasy Thanksgiving
• Gratitude
• Thanksgiving Vegetarian Main Dishes

{Image by Emerson Merrick}

Living In A Spa

Let's allow ourselves to be envious of Donna Karan for a moment. This is her spa home in East Hampton, New York, minimalistically designed for relaxation and meditation in mind. I don't think I'd ever leave.


{Images via Cabbage Rose by Bonetti/Kozerski Studio}

Paint-By-Number Gift Wrap

I love when people take the time to wrap their gifts in something unique. Vintage paint-by-number art and twine is such a simple and lovely idea, don't you think? You can find the paintings all over Etsy.


{Images via Just Somthing I Made}

Authenticity

My friend, Evi, posted this postmodernism quote on my Facebook page and it made quite an impression me as an artist, musician and blogger. Thought it might mean something to you as well  :)

P.S. Tonight is your last chance to enter the Photography by Amanda Powell butterfly print giveaway!

Cozy Felted Slippers

Who here knows how to knit? You? Wanna knit me these felt slippers? I'll be your best friend forever. Here's the pattern. Happy knitting! I'm really not kidding.

My. Feet. Are. Freeeeeezing! :)


{Image by French Press Knits}

DIY - Pine Cone Fire Starters

According to Seattle weatherpersons, "no accumulation" actually means "6 inch accumulation"! Thankfully, my wood-burning fireplace kept us toasty and warm last night. It took awhile for our fire to catch on, so I'm thinking of making these DIY pine cone fire starters.

Cue Prodigy..."I'm a fire starter!" Couldn't help myself :)

Aren't they pretty? You can make them with essential oils, like eucalyptus, pine, or cinnamon. Learn how here. Or non-crafters can always buy them at Hem & Hammock.


{Images via Design*Sponge}

Pizza Pops

Meaghan made these pizza pops for the Project Food Blog Contest and I'm dying to try them myself. Why is everything better on a stick?


{Via: Kitchen Corners. Images by The Decorated Cookie}

A Vintage Photobooth Wall

I think I'm going to start collecting vintage photobooth strips so I can create an entire wall of other people's faces. They sort of crack me up. And they'd keep house guests entertained for hours!


{Images via Fine Little Day}

Welcoming Winter

It's time to fold up fall, for winter has arrived early! The flakes are silently swirling down and the city is settling under a light blanket of white. The first snowfall is always so magical.


{Image via As Nove No Meu Blogue}

Snow Showers

We're supposed to get sea level "snow showers" this weekend! Our first of the year. It won't stick, but it's exciting nonetheless. Stay warm, sugars! Enjoy the weekend links...

Shoppers beware: Lanvin for H&M launches tomorrow!

Check out the winners of a design-your-own-alphabet contest.

Have you seen the new Orla Kiely wallpaper?

Cheeky embroidered hankies.

Baz Luhrman's adaptation of The Great Gatsby will star Carey and Leo!

The Adventures of Unemployed Man.

The cutest DIY acorn owls.

Never forget your bedtime routine.

Wouldn't you love to receive a party in a box on your doorstep?

An encyclopedia of the exquisite.

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

• Katie Daisy Pick-Me-Ups
• Coffee Sack Owl Bookends
• Romantic Ferry Rides

{Images via Le Petit Monde}

Playing Cards

A cozy night in playing cards with my honey sounds mighty nice right about now. What's your favorite card game? Mine is Spoons!


{Images via Snippet & Ink by Sarah Rhoads}

Photo Roller Blinds

When I first saw this image, I thought the owner of this home had a movie projector screen above the bathtub. Which is pretty darn cool. But then I discovered it's a printed photo roller blind. Which is pretty darn cool times two! You can get them done at Artylicious using images from their gallery, or your own.

What photo roller blind would you want above your bathtub?


{Image via Wallspank by India Knight}

Vogue Star Signs

This whimsical spread in Vogue U.K. tickles my fancy. Can you tell which astrological sign is which? *

* From top to bottom: Capricorn (me!), Aquarius, Virgo, Libra, Leo.

What's your sign baby?


{Images via The Fashion Spot by Tim Gutt}

Dottie Angel

Dottie Angel resides in a cottage by the sea and is the mother of 8 home-schooled smiling children who never talk back. She owns several chickens and rescued pups, spends her days barefoot in her grandmother's slip, and sells vintage notions out of her Airstream.

Tiff dreams of living Dottie's life. She resides in the Seattle suburbs and is a Brit mother of 4 children who always talk back. She makes vintage inspired aprons wraps, bags, cushions, tea towels and wall hangings, and sells them out of her Etsy shop.

Shannon dreams of living Tiff's life! But you already know about me.


{Images via Polli by Dottie Angel / Tiff}

Babies

We watched "Babies" the other night. French documentary filmmaker, Thomas Balmes, follows four adorable babes from four different continents during the first few years of their lives. There is no commentary. Only babies being their hysterical little selves. Beautifully shot and edited.

Seriously, folks. You must Netflix it! We laughed so hard. And it's incredible to see their similarities in such drastically different environments. If you've seen it, I'd love to know what you thought! Do you think Bayar's mama would mind if I borrowed him for little while? :)


{Images via IMDB}

Sponsor + Giveaway: Photography By Amanda Powell

I'm thrilled to introduce you another new sponsor of mine, Amanda Powell. She's a brilliant photographer from Alabama who shoots with the desire to capture the world as she sees it. The images in her shop are a result of her travels and exploration of her own environment.

I'm especially fond of her ballet dancer series, which reminds me of the Ballerina Project! If you'd like to see more of Amanda's work, you can visit her blog, Wildflower.

Amanda is giving away my absolute favorite photograph of hers, the top butterfly print. Isn't it amazing?

Giveaway Instructions:

1. Be a follower and/or subscriber of my blog.
2. Choose your favorite photo from Amanda's Etsy shop.
3. Additional entry: Tweet or Facebook about this giveaway & leave 2nd comment below.
4. Additional entry: Blog about this giveaway & leave a 3rd comment below.

A winner will be selected by Random.org and announced on this post after Tuesday, November 24, midnight PST.

I hope you win!  :)

** Congratulations Alexe of Electric Cicadas! You were lucky number 11! Thanks to everyone who participated! **

Feeling

My thoughts exactly as kick back, sip wine, and turn the volume up.


{Image by Far Beyond Amazing}

DIY - Paper Pumpkins

Wow, Thanksgiving is almost upon us. Wouldn't Emily's DIY pumpkins look great on your dinner table?

They're made out of paper, although you'd never know it. Looks like fabric, right?  All you need are strips of scrapbook paper in coordinating colors and patterns, Mod Podge, a hot glue gun and floral wire. The full tutorial is here.


{Images via WhipperBerry}

A Little Modern Ski Chalet

Have you heard about this year's La Nina induced snow season? It's supposed to be goooood. Hal comes home every day from his ski & snowboard shop with such excitement, it's contagious!

His company owns a cabin on the mountain, but I've always dreamt of my own private slope-side escape. This minimalistic pre-fab ski chalet could be just the solution. It's tiny, but really, all you need is a roof, a shag rug, a fireplace, and some hot cocoa!


{Images via Hello Francis by em2n}

The Honeymooner

Alright. I'm about to ask myself to marry me so I can appropriately wear Lauren Moffatt's Honeymooner collection. Such girly retro fabulousness.

Guess what... I SAID YES! Pop the bubbly!


{Images via Classic Bride}

The Whole Story

Sometimes I long for the good old days of photography. Digital is incredible, but I've lost many memories due to hard drive crashes. And nothing can compare to a tangible book of photos in your hand, right?

Which is why I love Debra Folz's project, The Whole Story:

"Photographs today are stored and accessed digitally, and viewed one frame at a time. These photo albums are designed to fall off the shelf and land in your life, living amongst you the way the memories do, in between the spaces of everyday, yesterday, and tomorrow."

I couldn't put it better.


{Images via Swissmiss}

Infinite Puppies

I went to the pet store over the weekend to pick up Bailey's cat food and there was a line out the door of pups getting vaccinations. Hal's future English Bulldog and my future Shiba Inu were both there to greet us with warm wet kisses. Now is not the time for a dog in our lives, but I can't get enough of them lately. Thankfully I have this sweetie pie to visit whenever I'm craving puppy love.


{Images Pet Sugar}

Posing For Pictures

I have to practice posing pretty for my driver's license renewal photo! I'm working on Marilyn's pose in the middle there.

Tomorrow, I have to rise with the roosters and get to the DMV right when it opens to avoid waiting there all day. I'm going to say I lost my former license, because I don't want them to jack it. Hey, it's one of the best photos I've ever taken! Do you like your driver's license photo?

Have a happy weekend friends! Enjoy the weekend links...

Nummy mini pies.

Knock knock. Who's there? A woodpecker door knocker.

How cute is Ashley in her navy jumper?

Relax with some sweet smelling cupcake bath melts.

Beautiful yarn letters.

Has anyone seen the Japanese film, Solanin? It looks good.

Letting loose horses at your wedding ceremony sure beats doves!

The perfect telephone table.

Did you know about this secret subway in NY?

Retrofit your hair.

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

• The Way We Were Handbags
• Around The World In 80 Seconds
• Building Your Own Bicycle

{Image via We Heart It}

Tie-pography

New York Graphic designer, Ed Nacional created Tie-pography by individually photographing ties that his father passed down to him. So very cool. Gosh, now I totally want to invent my own type, don't you?


{Image via Eat Drink Chic}

Converted Church Homes

Converting a chapel or an old historical building is such a dream of mine. Where on earth do people find churches for sale?

P.S. Seattle has an amazing mortuary turned bar.


{Images via: 1. Dezeen; 2. Swipelife; 3. Evenheat; 4. Inhabitat; 5. Crib Chatter; 6. AngloFiles}

Cats. In. Space.

I always had the feeling Bailey descended from the heavens. And despite popular belief, cats are actually other-worldly celestial beings sent down to be our personal love companions on earth.

I'm glad to know that photographer and graphic designer, Boya Latumahina, feels the same way.


{Images via ModLife by ZipporaLux}

An Ivy-Covered Art Studio

You know me and my fantasy art studios. This little ivy-covered painting cube in San Francisco was once a simple garden shed. I love how it blends in with the lush environment. Wouldn't it be such an inspiring space to create?


{Images via CopyStrands by John Sutton Photography}

Once Upon By Heidi Lender

Heider Lender, a former fashion editor and style reporter, is the photographer and model behind this creative headless self-portrait project titled, Once Upon. Her only rules: Stand on a bench. Make sure it’s Monday. Wear something pretty.

"With a platform on which to stand, I investigate the host of personalities within, the layers that make up the self, the characters we hide, show, accept and reject, and the role that fashion and design play in molding those characters."

Don't you love the outcome... and her wardrobe?  :)


{Images via The Jealous Curator by Heider Lender

Cupcakes in Flower Pots

These little guys are by no means new, but they came out before my blogging time and therefore deserve another go around. Cupcakes in mini terra cotta flower pots might be the greatest thing since sliced bread. Oh, and did I fail to mention they are banana flavored with cream cheese frosting?


{Images via 79 Ideas via Bread & Honey}

Thanksgiving Table Decor

I have never hosted a Thanksgiving before. It's usually a big extended family affair at my cousin's house. But I've always secretly wanted to throw a small intimate gathering of my own. I'd love to play around with autumn and nature-inspired table decor. Aren't these ideas lovely?

Are you hosting Thanksgiving this year?


{Images via BHG}

Pin Up Pillows

Meet Kim, Ava and Maureen! I got such a kick out of these cheeky pin up pillows I discovered on Lenore Nevermore, I just had to share. Crumpet & Skirt makes them along with pin up wrapping paper, peek-a-boo cups, and tea towels. Much fun!


{Images by Bouf}

Sponsor + Giveaway: Andrea Despot Photography

Please welcome my newest sponsor, Andrea Despot Photography! You may know her from her beautiful inspiration blog, The Lighthouse Keeper. She received her Photography degree from the The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, moved back to her Virginia hometown, and is currently living her dream as a full-time photographer and freelancer.

Andrea enjoys working in the studio most of all, being able to control everything from the lighting to the composition. Her work is clean, bold and colorful, but I'm personally drawn to her black & white images. They give me such a feeling of peace and calm.

If you'd like one of her photos, she's giving away one 5x7 or 5x5 print of your choice!

Giveaway Instructions:

1. Be a follower and/or subscriber of my blog.
2. Choose your favorite photo from Andrea's Etsy shop or Flickr.
3. Additional entry: Tweet or Facebook about this giveaway and leave 2nd comment below.
4. Additional entry: Blog about this giveaway and leave a 3rd comment below.

A winner will be selected by Random.org and announced on this post after Monday, November 15, midnight PST.

Good luck everyone!

** Congratulations Vanessa of A Casa Da Va! You were lucky number 28! Thanks to everyone who participated! If you didn't win, you can receive a 20% discount on any print in her shop. Just enter the word, "happiness" at checkout. **

Pumpkin Pie Popsicles

When I lived in LA, I had my fair share of 90-100 degree Thanksgivings. It just felt wrong. So this is for my So Cal friends who wish they had a cool crisp fall. Frozen pumpkin pie on a stick!


{Image by Kitchen Corners}

Cycle Style

I want to play hookie and spend the entire day biking through the city in heels. Such a lovely fashion shoot for the Australian bike accessory company, Cycle Style. No need to worry about dresses flying up... they carry a skirt garter!

Now, who wants to join me?  :)


{Images by Jono Winnel}

Gypsyz Sweater Boots

I am a big fan of cozy sweater boots because they are pretty much socks/slippers that can be worn outdoors. I own a pair, but they aren't nearly as cool as these folklore Gypsyz. I love how you can wear them either slouched or over-the-knees.


{Images via Simple Blueprint by Miss Greta}

Outdoor Autumn Playtime

Have an enjoyable weekend sweetie pies! I hope to get outside and appreciate the pretty fall colors before they flee. Are you up to anything fun? Here are some weekend links for your amusement!

Mini fall calzones with apples and smoked mozzerella.

Have you seen the flower tower?

I'd like to ride off into the sunset on one of these.

Cupcakes and cookies for pillows.

I like the idea of kissing shakers.

There's just something amazing about this floral dress.

Are you a crazy cat lady?

One day I'll write an entire post with the owlphabet.

Cake in an orange peel!

Would you rock a DIY turban?

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

• Bike Lanes of the Future
• Little Love Collages
• A Faux Bois Ring

{Image via Bippity Boppity Boo}

A Wood Curtain

This modern home in the French countryside was built with an exterior wood curtain to reduce the impact of the sun. I usually go for dark bedrooms, but I think I might enjoy waking up with the morning sunlight dancing across me in such a lovely pattern, wouldn't you?


{Image via Chictip by AUM}

A Hat 'n' Boots Wedding

I'm smiling from ear to ear. Vanessa and Scott were married under the newly restored Hat 'n' Boots landmark at Oxbow Park in Georgetown, Seattle. It was captured by the always amazing Heather Gilson. Don't you just love quirky weddings?


{Images by One Love Photo}

The Elements

Stunning artwork by French graphic designer, Stephane Massa-Bidal.

Which classical element are you? I'm wood. Oh, you don't know about wood? Yeah, it's when you're born on January 12th and the sun, moon and earth perfectly align to send a beam of magical light down upon the sacred tree of knowledge. Very rare  ;)


{Images via Design Shimmer by Retrofuturs}

Peephole Cover Critters

Do you have a peephole in your door?  My old apartment did. I must admit, I thoroughly enjoyed spying on people across the hall. Miss those days. Aren't these little wooden peephole covers are darling?


{Images via Curbly by Cocoboheme}

Yellow & Aqua In Love

Yellow and aqua make a very cute couple, yes?  :)


{Images via House of Turquoise by Style At Home by Stacey Haines}

Sponsor: Olive Tree Photo Company

Have you noticed my new Featured Sponsor in the top right corner? I'm so happy to showcase the lovely work of Olive Tree Photo Company. Joyce Alexander is the talented gal behind these very special engagement shoots. She's based out of Boise but loves to travel.

A lifestyle photographer with a photo journalistic background, Joyce enjoys telling stories through her camera. She specializes in wedding and engagement photos and would like to find some fresh lovestruck couples to add to her portfolio.

For those of you who say you aren't "photogenic", Joyce will beg to differ: "Some of the most beautiful photos I've had the privilege of taking come from these people"  :)

P.S. On her website and Facebook, Joyce is the cutie in the red vintage dress!


{Images by Olive Tree Photo Company}

A Giant Library Bookshelf

Okay Kansas City readers, why haven't you told me about this crazy cool giant book spine mural on your public library parking garage? How fun is that!?


{Image via Amusing Planet}

Miss Patina Bow Necklaces

Flattery has a one-of-a-kind handmade bow necklace from London's Miss Patina and somehow I've turned into a jealous third grader  :)  Aren't they the sweetest?


{Images by Miss Patina}

Nest Rests

Friends... if it ever seems I've gone missing, it's because I got a Nest Rest, suspended it from a remote tree, and spent days reading and slumbering in my hanging pod santuary. Just so you know...


{Images via Contemporan by Dedon}

Failed Circus Performers

There once was a boy who walked on ropes. He fell for a girl who tamed lions. One fateful performance, they caught each other's eye. Distracted by the spell of love, their concentration broke. He lost his balance on the rope and plummeted to his doom. She watched him fall in horror as the lion attacked. They were fired from the circus, but their wounds would bond them for life. And for Halloween :)