HAPPINESS IS...

Top Knots

I used to wear my hair like this for yoga only. But that must change. Long live the top knot! Have a sensational weekend, my friends. Here are some links to keep you entertained...

Generate your royal name.

A Will and Kate pizza!

Now you can bike to dinner parties.

How sweet is this photo?

Record yourself sleeping.

Loving these book spine bookmarks.

Have you ever hot air ballooned?

Future honeymoon shall be here!

Such a cool pipe shelf.

The most creative post-it notes.

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

• A Deck of Dreams
• Bright Sunshiny Days
• Oversized Hair Adornments

 

{Image by Elizabeth Messina}

Blog Cabin

I'm so wishing I had cable television, if only to watch HGTV's sister channel, DIY Network. Apparently, they have a show called Blog Cabin, where viewers go online and enter to win the house AND put in their input on its design renovations. Have you seen it?  The cabin in Virigina was originally built in 1905 and has a million dollar view of the bay. Looks like a little slice of heaven.


{Images via The Inside Stoop}

A Royal Wedding Tea Party

My mother recorded the royal wedding for us to watch together at a more civilized hour. We're planning a proper British tea party tonight with earl grey marTEAnis... okay, mabye not so proper. Cucumber-dill cream cheese and watercress sandwiches on pumpernickel, crusts cut off, of course. Some blueberry scones and lemon poppyseed cake to finish it off. Can't wait! Did you watch? Or are you planning to watch? :)


{Image by Hip Hip Gin Gin}

A Happiness Companion

If you frequent blog land, I'm sure you've heard of Spoonful, a short and sweet mini magazine dedicated to my favorite subject. They've just put out their 4th issue and it looks divine. Full of inspiring craft projects, artist features, and writers reflecting on the simple pleasures in life. Just the thing to read when you need some extra cheer or a little pick-me-up.


{Images by Spoonful}

My San Juan Island Escape - Part 2

When we left Lakedale to tour the rest of San Juan Island, it was drizzling on and off. But that didn't stop us from exploring Roche Harbor, the cutest little company town you ever did see. It reminded me a lot of Gig Harbor, where I grew up.

We walked through the marina, ogling over enormous yachts and making fun of silly boat names, while the darling cliff-side chapel serenaded us with a song. On our way back to the ferry, we spotted the lonely lighthouse and had to keep it company for awhile. I sort of have a thing for lighthouses.

All in all, it was the perfect romantic escape. I can't wait to go back in the summertime!

My San Juan Island Escape - Part 1

I mentioned on Monday that Hal and I took a short trip to San Juan Island to celebrate our anniversary. We stayed at the Lakedale Resort, a beautiful 82 acre property with 3 lakes, a luxurious rustic lodge, canvas tents, log cabins, and even an Airstream! Glamping at its finest.

It was the last weekend of the off-season and the more adventurous accommodations weren't available yet. So we roomed in the lodge with no complaints. Can you believe that view? In the morning, we sipped coffee on our wraparound deck, listened to the birds coo, and watched the gentle rain make ringlets on the lake.

Next, I'll post a few photos from the rest of our tour around the Island.


{Images 1. 2. 6. and 7. by Lakedale Resort}

Thrifting

I have come to the conclusion that I'm an excellent thrifter. Mad skills. I can't wait to show you all the goodies I've picked up over the last few months through Craigslist, Goodwill, vintage shops, estate sales, flea markets and yard sales! My home is turning into my grandma's. She would be so proud  :)


{Images via Bee Lovely Vintage by Gemma Booth}

Shadow Writing

Amazing, right? Artist, Fred Eerdekens, is a shadow art master. I can't quite wrap my head around how he does it.


{Images via Pattern of Life}

A Houseboat Recording Studio

This is my dream. If David Gilmour of Pink Floyd can have a houseboat recording studio, so can I! :) I can't imagine a more inspiring place to make music.


{Images via A Simple Life Afloat by Neptune Pink Floyd}

Branch Antlers

The wall antler trend has me somewhat perplexed. It's a bit haunting, don't you think? The remains of a dead elk looming over your shoulder? But I could definitely get on board with these quirky branch antlers designed by woodworker, Luke Bartels. Aren't they fun?


{Image via Remodelista by Chris Andre}

British Railway Posters

I have all things British on the brain with the upcoming royal wedding. Including these fantastic vintage railway posters that transport me to a time when train travel was glamorous.

Ignoring the traumatic episode where my passport was jacked by a conniving French man, I have many fond memories of riding the rails through Europe when I lived in London.

When was the last time you traveled by train? :)


{Images via Chocolate Creative}

Vintage Photo Mason Jars

I love how Cori made her own wedding centerpieces by placing black and white photos into vegetable oil-filled mason jars. The oil preserves the photograph and gives it an aged yellowing effect. She added a sprig of dried lavender to make it smell nice.


{Images by August and After}

Nine Years Ago Today

Forgive me for my silence. I'm recouperating from our last minute excursion to the San Juan Islands yesterday. I got whisked away by the love of my life to celebrate our first date 9 years ago today. And if you remember our anniversary debate last year, about exactly how many years it has been, Hal finally admitted my calculations were correct. Victory! :)

Anyway dears, I hope you had a lovely Easter weekend. I'll be back to regular programming tomorrow.


{Image by via National Geographic by Phil Schermeister}

Bunny Folds

Happy Easter weekend darlings! If you happen to be hosting a brunch or family gathering, I hope you fold your napkins into bunnies  :)  Enjoy the weekend links...

A Californian's persective of America.

The perfect night: a pizza and a pizza puzzle.

Delicate paper jewelry.

Wishing this book boat was real.

Love this look.

What's on your daydream list?

An artichoke bouquet.

The city dweller's hen house.

Become Someone Else ad campaign.

Remember Sweet Valley High? It's back!

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

• Cascarones Confetti Eggs
• Easter Weekend
• Following The White Rabbit

{Images via Imagine}

Earth Circles

In honor of Earth Day today, I think Marco Suarez's photo series, Circles, are perfectly appropriate. I find them so soothing.


{Images via Down And Out Chic by Marco Suarez}

Homemade Cadbury Creme Eggs

I know it's Easter when Hal starts bringing home Cadbury Creme Eggs for dessert. He loves them. Maybe I'll surprise him with some homemade ones. Me, I prefer the caramel eggs. Are you a creme or a caramel kid?

P.S. Whoa... deep fried Cadbury eggs.


{Images via Lovely Little Things by Not Without Salt}

The Tulip Festival

I've never been to the Tulip Festival up in Skagit Valley, Washington, and I'm dying to go. Doesn't it look spectacular? It's only open during the month of April... time is running out!


{Image by Karla DeCamp}

Traveling In Style

Can you tell I'm ready for a vacation? I'm wishing I could pack every single one of these outfits for my trip to New York next month! :)


{Images via Shopbop}

The Camper Bike

Hilarious, right? Not real, unfortunately. The Camper Bike is just a sculptural piece by Brooklyn artist, Kevin Cyr.

This takes me back to a very vivid memory of my pre-teen summers. My parents owned a camper just like this. A longer one, of course. I would lay on my belly in the upper bunk, Eddie Vedder crooning in my headphones, and I'd watch the winding road below as we drove through the forest to our camping destination. Such good times!


{Images via Swissmiss}

Those Who Wish To Sing...

"Those who wish to sing... always find a song."

-Swedish Proverb

{Images by: 1. Rural Pearl; 2. 315 Thomas; 3. Freya Art; 4. Joutomaa; 5. The Project Room; 6. Painter Nik}

An Adorable A-Frame

So yeah. Julia's home triple confirms it. A-frames are amazing. I like hers even more than this modern one. Julia's feels more retro and cozy. She's entering it into AT's 7th Annual Smallest Coolest Home Contest. I hope she wins.

Sadly, A-frames are super rare. At least here in WA. Why aren't there more of them in the world?


{Images via Apartment Therapy}

Separated At Birth

I'm getting such a kick out of Victoria's Separated By Birth series. She somehow manages to perfectly pair up vintage starlets with color complimentary decor. Matches made in heaven.


{Images by sfgirlbybay}

Outdoor Movie Nights

Ever since moving into the new house with my first ever backyard, I've been envisioning how it will look in the summer. Set up nice with fairy lights, a silver screen, a big bowl of popcorn, and lots of pillows. My own little outdoor movie theater.

And it goes a little something like this. Yep.


{Image via Punkrock Mermaid}

Drinking Glasses...

... make pretty designs when filled with colored water. Just thought you should know :)


{Images via Colossal by Nacho Alegre}

Glitter Wigs

I wonder how these fabulous gold wigs were made. Lots of glue and glitter, I suppose? They were worn by Comme des Garçons runway models. C'est magnifique.


{Images via Honestly WTF by Arno Frugier}

A Pool Yard

In LA, it seems like everyone and their mamas have a pool in the backyard. But what I find intriguing about this one in Santa Monica... the pool IS the backyard. 815 square feet of elevated, saline filled, solar heated bliss. That's larger than my 2-story house! Isn't it sexy?


{Images via Dwell by David Allee}

Enfant Sauvage

My inner wild child has been provoked with stunning imagery from "Enfant Sauvage", a short film made for Bikini Bird by Claire Gorman. I really must get myself a feather crown.


{Images via The Diversion Project by Sybil Steele}

Movie Parts

"Back To The Future" is one of my all-time favorite movies. My brother and I only owned two videos in our youth... BTTF being one of them. I have the entire film memorized. One point twenty-one gigawatts?!

So naturally, I flipped when I saw the above poster by Emma Butler from her Movie Parts poster series. What movie would you like to see her make a poster out of?


{Images via Wolf Eyebrows}

Record Store Day

Did you know that tomorrow is Record Store Day? Where all the independently owned record stores come together with artists to celebrate music. While living in LA, I watched so many record stores close throughout the years. I feel so fortunate that Seattle still has a good amount of thriving shops.

Find out here if any indie record stores near you will be participating. If not, I hope you can bust out your vinyl at home to celebrate! Have a spectacular weekend all. Here are some links to entertain you...

The sweetest prososal ever.

Funny co-dependencey balloons.

An Indian pizza.

You can't have too many cute owl sculptures.

Can't wait to see Water For Elephants.

A quirky natural history museum wedding.

Which color skirt do you like the best?

You can't buy happiness, but...

The coolest medicine cabinet around.

Literal lawn furniture.

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

• Polaroid Emulsion Lifts
• Life of a Housewife
• Beauty & The Beach

{Image via Fashionising}

Clouds of Dough

I've been coaxed into Nikole's world of doughy clouds and childlike wonder and don't ever want to leave.

P.S. You can find her cloud cookie cutter here.


{Images by Forty-Sixth At Grace}

WA + CA = US

Last night, my love suggested we get these awesome prints by Amy Ruppel for our living room. California to represent him. Washington to represent me. No arguing there. Aren't they awesome?


{Images by Amy Ruppel}

A Bike Brigade

This wedding has been making the rounds, but it's just so darn fun! I mean seriously... a bike brigade across LA?? The bride and groom surprised their guests with matching bicycles to pedal around en masse through the city.

As much as I'd love to do this for my future wedding, it's not the most practical. My poor little grandma! But a for a birthday party.. oooh yes.


{Images via Martha Stewart Weddings by Rachel Thurston}

The New Fake Flower

Some people are morally opposed to faux fleurs. But how could they shun these beauties? Lyndie Dourthe's delicate paper and fabric creations are something out of this world. You won't find them at your local fabric store. But Lyndie's online shop will be open soon!


{Images via Gathering Spriggs}

Broken Things

"It's alright. Cause there's beauty in the breakdown."

- Imogen Heap of Frou Frou

{Images via Designboom by Livia Marin}

A Dance For One

Dancer, Amber Scott, of The Australian Ballet, is absolutely breathtaking in "A Dance For One", a short film featuring the Lover Spring line and the Muse Lace Dress. Enjoy!


{Images via Bona Drag by Lover}

Lifestyles of The Rich & Feathered

All the birdies in my neighborhood deserve to live the good life. I want them to ride first class in their very own vintage travel trailers. And entertain themselves at VIP bird establishments. Then when they're ready to fine dine, I'll have one of these high style modern feeders waiting for them in my yard.

Filtered water wishes and sunflower seed dreams.

 

{Images by: 1. Nova68; 2. Dotmaison; 3. Greige; 4. Plastica; 5. Panik; 6. YLiving}

DIY - A Side French Braid Bun

French braiding my own hair is usually disastrous. My arms start to ache and I lose patience fast. But Maegan's tutorial might be the solution. She shows us with a video exactly how to recreate her loose side french braid updo. Not the easiest hair style, I'm afraid. But oh so gorgeous!


{Images by Love Maegan}

Shelf Cities

You know why I like Etsy? Because Etsy knows what I like. I took their taste test today. It revealed an assortment of shops that made me go gaga. Check my taste.

Among this collection of finds, I spot Christina Brown. She makes tiny homes of clay built up from the earth. For you to arrange into cities as you please on shelves, old books, or in plants. She'll even make a little custom house that looks just like yours. Aren't they darling?


{Images by The Oak Leaves}

The Spruce Girls

Can you believe these fashionable ladies made their bathing suits out of wood veneer? In 1929, The Spruce Girls sported their designs in honor of "Wood Week" to promote the lumber industry in Hoquiam, Washington. Hysterical!

I say we reinstate "Wood Week". Who's in?


{Images via Some Like It Vintage via University of Washington Libraries by Vern C. Gorst}

Ombre Tights

I know it's the time of year when we're weaning ourselves off tights, but these Kron by KronKron tights are just too lovely not to share. While intentional ombre hair is all the rage, my roots and I have never been friends. Can't do it. But I could most definitely rock ombre tights.


{Images via Lace & Tea by Olive Shoppe}

Beachcombing

 


Wouldn't you love to go on a walk with Jennifer? She combs her local beaches in Bar Harbor, Maine to collect, organize, and photograph the most charming little treasures that wash ashore.


{Images via The Jealous Curator by Quercus Design}

Roller Skate Dates

Hal took me on a roller skate date this past weekend. Such fun. I felt like a middle-schooler again! Remember how they used to clear the floor for couples skate? Well I was really looking forward to being able to hold hands with a boy during Phil Collins, something I was too shy to do back in the day. And roller skating isn't roller skating without Phil Collins.

So we patiently waited for "Against All Odds" or "One More Night". Nothing. Not even Genesis. Or a single slow song for that matter. Just Ke$ha. And then more Ke$ha. When did they stop paying slow songs at the roller rink?


{Image via SkateLuv}

You See I See

I'm so excited for my dear friend, Tali. She and Laura just self-published their first photography book, You See I See.

Every week for an entire year, they each took a photo of a certain subject. All the topics were suggested by their blog readers and compiled into a list. My topic was: The first thing you see when you wake and the last thing you see before bed. It's fascinating to see their different and sometimes eerily similar points of view.

Isn't the book beautiful?  Congratulations gals!


{Images by Tali Schiffer and Laura Evans}

Some Sunshine

It's supposed to be sunny for awhile. Weeeeee! Can't wait to play outside. Have a sweet weekend, everyone. Enjoy the links...

Sixty impossible things before lunch.

How to make faux concrete floor.

The solar powered Do-Nothing Machine.

A beautiful book of maps.

Print your own 3D record player desk calendar.

Tips for new bloggers.

Roasted strawberries? Yes, please.

An adorable retro postcard save-the-date.

Ultra cool mod fireplaces.

Owl spoons!

 

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

• Still Life Stories
• Wild Horses...
• The Letter H

{Images via Design Is Mine by Kate Spade}

River Island Jumpsuits

I'd love to replace all my sweats with playful jumpsuits this summer. River Island's are actually affordable. Don't they just look so easy and breezy? Yes, going to the loo takes a bit of extra effort. But worth it in my book.


{Images via ASOS}

A Giant Xylophone In The Woods

Kenjiro Matsuo of Invisible Designs Lab built this incredible wooden xylophone/marimba for a cell phone commercial in the Japanese forest of Kyushu. As the ball rolls over the long downhill track, it plays Bach’s Cantata 147: Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring. Wowza! 


{Images via The Fox Is Black}

Little Beach House On The Prairie

The Hallmark Channel had a Little House on the Prairie marathon the other day. I got sucked in. It'd been forever since I had watched those Ingalls girls stumbling down the field.

Sarah of The Beach Cottage might have been watching too. So many great things about her prairie chic coastal home. The oar curtain rod. The crochet blanket. The perfectly positioned boots. What a lovely mix of styles.


{Images via 79 Ideas}

Beauties On Bikes

And one beauty off her bike! But she still looks glamorous on the ground, doesn't she? 

There's nothing more embarrassing than falling off your bike. In college, I was riding mine through campus while carrying a large ghetto blaster to my Sirens rehearsal. Stupid, I know. The cord was dangling down and got caught in the spokes. I did a few flips in the air, tumbled to the ground, broke the stereo, and looked like a fool.

Have you ever crashed your bike?  :)


{Images via Vintage Pretty}

PIE

My new favorite place in town for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or late night snack? PIE. All I need. They have an amazing assortment of sweet and savory pies the size of a large muffin that you can eat out of your hand. And mini pies to pop in your mouth.

Have any of you locals been there yet? The vegetarian variety is plentiful and the savories are out of this world: veggie pot pie, mac and cheese pie, peanut butter & jelly pie, veggie pesto pie! Mmmm... pie.


{Images via Yelp}

Instant Comfort Pocket Boxes

How adorable are these Instant Comfort Pocket Boxes? They're made by Kim Welling out of The Netherlands. Keep them in your pocket and pull them out when you're feeling low. Immediate warm fuzzies!


{Images by Kim's Little Monsters}