HAPPINESS IS...

Gourmet Salts & Spices

Absolute works of art. Gotta give it up for the folks at Cook Outside The Box. Even if I had no desire to buy their gourmet salts and spices, their styling and photography would convince me otherwise.

Check out the contents of their popcorn spice kit and die a little:

1. beer
2. kettle corn
3. parmesan garlic
4. southwestern jalapeno
5. movie theater butter
6. sour cream and onion
7. dill pickle
8. chocolate caramel


{Images by Cook Outside The Box}

Pom-Pom Cherry Blossoms

Such a creative installation by Karen Hsu. In Japan, cherry blossoms represent the transience of life. So she made this elaborate pom-pom cherry tree branch to raise money for the Japanese earthquake and tsunami relief effort.

Wouldn't this look lovely at a wedding or in the home?


{Images via Pom Pom Factory}

A Mini Spy Camera

After reviewing my photos from New York and sadly realizing that half of the images are blurry, I've come to the long ignored conclusion that I need a new camera. I've been using a Canon PowerShot point-and-shoot, which should have lasted much longer than it did.

My future camera might just be the Classic Mini Digital Camera by Minox, who designed the spy cameras used by James Bond and the CIA in the 40's. This one is a tiny digital replica of their Leica M3. How cool is that? Once it's mine, I'll be so much closer to making my secret agent fantasy a reality!


{Images via Besotted Blog}

Memorial Day Weekend

I really need this extended weekend, how about you? Other than our Mariners vs. Yankees game tonight, the entire time will be devoted to productivity around the house and yard. Catching up on things I've neglected in the past month. Hurray! Sometimes it's nice to not travel, not have plans, just take care of business. But hopefully sneak in a minute or two of the above sentiment.  :)

Have a good long weekend, sweeties. Here are a few enjoyable links...

The Bermuda Triangle of productivity = so true!

I'd hire this guy in a heartbeat.

One of my fave artists finally did a Seattle print!

Heidi Klum has her own GOOP style site.

All other teepees pale in comparison to this one.

Hee hee: Chewbacca noodles.

When I become a mom, I'm using Mom Bucks.

Aren't these totes fun?

Do you agree or disagree with idea stealing?

Love the personalized Converse sneakers.

And some posts of mine you may have missed:

• Bridal Halos
• Mad Men Style
• Seaside Sand Houses

{Image via Shelter}

Shorty Shorts

Hal just got some "shorty shorts", or so he calls them. Which makes me giggle, since they're just barely above his knee. I guess for guys, they're considered shorties. But not like these true shorty shorts, aka hot pants, aka female short pants, from the 50's.

Do you wear shorty shorts?


{Images via Miss Moss by Life Magazine}

English Gardens

There's something about a lush, elaborately landscaped English garden that strikes a full harmonious chord in my heart.


{Images by Caroline Arber}

Paper Lights

These unique paper lights by Allison Patrick are made out of phone books, maps, garbage bags, newspapers, magazines, you name it. Makes sense that she's an architecture grad. Pretty cool, yah?


{Images by Zipper 8 Lighting}

Turquoise Platform Heels

I don't care if I sprain my ankles wearing them, I'm all about these shoes. Anyone know who makes them?


{Images via GWS by Brandon Kidd}

My Girl Lauren

In New York, I stayed with my gorgeous friend, miss Lauren Santiago, fellow singer-songwriter, blogger, USC Siren, and S.M.A.T member.

She sent me this photo taken on her iPhone my first night in town. We're on the Rare View rooftop of the Hilton Fashion 26 Hotel. As you can tell, the view was insane! She took us to some incredible spots:

• Mono+Mono: Korean grub in East Village with 30,000 classic jazz vinyl records lining the walls.
• The Brooklyneer: South Village pub with the best portobello sliders in history.
• The Back Room: Hidden speakeasy style lounge that serves drinks in teacups.
• 60 Thompson Hotel rooftop: More amazing views in Soho.
• The Meatball Shop: Veggie meatballs for me, upon a bed of creamy polenta bliss.
• Piquant: Southwestern brunch and bloody marys in Brooklyn.

Thank you again, L-boogs! You were the perfect hostess. I love you and miss you already!

A Swanky Bath Lounge

I really miss my bathtub. Not that mine remotely resembles this one by Kos Italia. A rain shower and mood lighting?! I bet it even plays jazz. And if not, it should.

My new home doesn't have a bathtub at all, if you can believe that. Guess I'll just have to lounge sans birthday suit in a backyard hot tub when it rains. Almost the same effect, right?


{Images via Rockto}

S.M.A.T.

I'm getting the adrenaline itch! Every now and then, I need to do something dare devilish. While living in CA, a small group of friends and I started S.M.A.T., the Santa Monica Adventure Team. Very official. Made t-shirts and everything. We went bungee jumping, white water river rafting, and sky diving.

I miss those kids and it's definitely time to plan another excursion. We've been thinking about zip lining in Costa Rica and possibly staying here. Do you have any other fun suggestions?  :)


{Images by Max Wanger}

Fantastic Hysteria

Can't get enough of Spanish designer, Fantastic Hysteria. With a name like that, you'd better be fantastic. And fantastic he is. He incorporates everything I lust after: the color palette, typography, mid-century style, happiness, rain! He's the illustrator in my head.

Have you ever connected so strongly with an artist before?


{Images via Pattern of Life}

The Burning House

If your house was burning, what would you take with you? I just discovered The Burning House, a blog that lets you submit your answers to this question and attach an accompanying photo.

I love browsing around this space to see what other people value. But honestly, I think they're taking too much stuff! I'd just grab my man, my cat, my laptop and cell phone. Okay, maybe an extra pair of underwear if I happen to be near my dresser before the flames engulf me. You?


{Images by: 1. Hannah Queen; 2. Jordan Brown; 3. Henning Heide; 4. Kate Jones; 5. Tucker Gorman; 6. Laura Pritchett}

Candy & Joel

Meet Candy & Joel. My dear friends who married this past weekend in a New York loft. I haven't uploaded my photos yet, but they don't even compare to this incredible rooftop shot by their famous fashion photographer friend. Congrats, you two. Your wedding was beautiful. And your love for one another is truly inspiring!


{Image by Sven-Anton Svensson}

A Syzygy

My favorite word is: syzygy. Pronounced: siz-uh-gee. A perfect alignment of the sun, the moon and the earth. An extremely rare occurrence. There once was an X-Files episode where a syzygy happened on January 12th, my birthday. Yes, I'm a sci-fi geek. Which might be why I'm a bit obsessed with these prints by French illustrator, Merrick Angle, inspired by old classroom wall charts.

What's your favorite word?  :)


{Images by Double Merrick}

Recuperation

Friends, please forgive me for my lack of posts today. New York wiped me out. To save you and myself from weird zombie content, I think I'll take today to recuperate. Can't wait to share some stories!


{Images by Jacqueline Rivera}

Adventures In New York

Adieu, my dears. I'm leaving tonight for New York! Other than my friend's wedding on Saturday, we have no real agenda. Hal and I have never been to NYC together, so I'm extra pumped. Do you have any favorite spots we should hit up? I'll be checking my comments while I'm away, so please give me your recommendations!

Until Monday, enjoy the early weekend links...

Birdie bookmarkers.

People who love to eat...

A bathroom library.

Trophies actually have a practicap use.

Sweet stone critters.

A very cool shoe rack.

Pea & porcini risotto sounds delish.

I so want this vintage spy briefcase.

Airstreams for pups.

Lovely wooden keyboards.

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

• Pop Pop Portraits
• A Cozy Wood Paneled Home
• The Alpine Slide

{Image via Picnics Under The Moon by Julia Rothman}

Blognics

Are any of you Londoners going to attend the Blognic? I'd be there in a heartbeat if I could. Sounds like such an enjoyable time in the park with new friends and fab food. I'm inspired to start one here in Seattle. Would anyone actually come?  :)


{Images by: 1. Caroline Arber; 2. Tea For Joy}

Salt Labyrinths

Japanese artist, Motoi Yamamoto, might be the most patient man alive. He creates these incredible large scale labyrinths out of salt. Once the exhibit is complete, he returns the salt back to the ocean. I love how his work resembles the natural environment.


{Images via Kottke}

Sea Saunas

Can you tell I'm on a floating structure kick? A sauna on the sea sounds absolutely divine. It will go right next to my future houseboat and my future houseboat recording studio.  :)


{Image via The Modern Cabin by Sea Sauna}

Miniature Paper Clothes Inside Light Bulbs

"What better place for these miniature clothes than inside a light bulb?"

-Nadia Tan, artist.

I wholeheartedly agree. Nadia started making little things out of paper after attending a washi workshop. The Japanese paper reminded her of fabric, so she hand-sewed the material into mini garments, treated them with konnyaku, and placed them inside light bulbs to admire forever. Pretty amazing, right?


{Images via Little Projectiles}

The Fontable

Tables that spell and count! Fontable is a collection of alphanumeric furniture designed in Italy by Alessandro Canepa and Andrea Paulicelli. They're adjustable in height to allow overlapping of letters and numbers. I would have fun with these.


{Image via Beautiful Life by Outdoorz Gallery}

An Elaborate Sand-Written Proposal

On Jason and Kelly's first date, they came to Ocean Beach in San Francisco as Andres Amador happened to be creating a mural in the sand. 5 years later, Jason hired Andres to create a sand-written proposal for Kelly. He brought her to the beach for a casual stroll and she was shocked to discover a similar sand mural. He had her climb the neighboring rock so she could view the message in full. She said yes.

And it gets even better. All their friends were waiting for them below with champagne. Then a limo drove them to In and Out Burger and brought them back to the beach for a bonfire where fire dancers just happened to be performing. Kelly is one lucky lady!


{Images via Yahoo News by Jamie Shiller}

Nostalgic Houseboats of the 70's

I'm so grateful for Missa, who scanned in these yummy retro images from Houseboat, a book published in 1977 on floating home culture. My dream of owning a houseboat just won't quit. I love this excerpt:

"Nestled at the foot of Manhattan Island. Moored in the heart of Seattle and Vancouver, B.C. Tucked into sun-speckled bayous near Pierre Part, Louisiana. In the midst of Sausalito's 'hip' culture. Houseboats reflect a hedonistic Great Gatsby lifestyle, a homespun simplicity, a mellow oneness with Mother Nature."

{Images via Thrift Candy}

Knife & Fork Cheese Markers

How brilliant are these vintage hand stamped knife and fork cheese markers? Perfect for the cheese lover.

And speaking of... let me tell you about the things I do for cheese. Yesterday, I braved a rain storm to experience the annual Seattle International Cheese Festival. Got soaked to the bone, but I must say, it was better than last year. Only die hard cheese fans were there. Which equals less crowds and more cheese samples for me!


{Images by Beach House Living}

Turning Off The Computer

Oh, I plan on it. Shutting this sucker down to venture out into the glorious Spring sunshine. We're going to a BBQ on our friends' houseboat!

Hope you turn your computer off too and enjoy the weekend. Here are a few fun links for ya...

A chateau where dreams are made.

Adorable packing tape.

For fellow 80's children: VHS notebooks.

A sweet way to display glasses.

Fences like to get glammed up too.

San Fran friends: please do this and report back!

A gorgeous rendition of Moon River.

A food styling workshop in France? Sign me up.

How to apply note polish and news polish to nails.

40 mini books inside 1 big book.

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

• Log Bowls
• A Wish
• Faces

{Images via Oh The Lovely Things by Laura George}

Wine Bottle Lanterns

I'd hang a few of these lovelies in my backyard, wouldn't you? First Step Design makes "green" lanterns out of repurposed wine bottles with floating candle votives inside.


{Images via Flor}

The House of House Industries

Ever since getting my free Eames Century Modern Catalog in the mail last year, I've been an avid fan of House Industries. So I was thrilled to see this feature on its founder, Andy Cruz, who operates the business from his own house. The home is exactly what I imagined it would be, full of authentic mid-century charm. Don't you just love his tiki collection?


{Images via The Scout by Rose Callahan}

Unknown Paradise

If anyone knows where this is... you win a prize. I must know!

P.S. The prize isn't a trip to this exotic locale. Just my undying affection  :)


{Image via Pinterest}

A Perfect Vacuum

Can you believe this is an oil painting and not a photograph? Insane detail by artist Jeremy Geddess. It will soon be turned into a limited edition print.

If you click on the photos to enlarge and look closely, one of the books in the painting is titled, "A Perfect Vacuum", which was the inspiration behind his work.


{Images via Notcot by Jeremey Geddess}

Heart Rocks

I don't think I've ever found a heart rock before. Have you? These ones are hand picked from Mediterranean Sea beaches in Israel. And you can have them for yourself  :)


{Images via A Simple Life Afloat by Med Beach Stones}

Why I Love Him - Reason #64

He saves me from spiders. Even when I know deep down he's just as freaked out by them as I am.

Last night, I saw the biggest spider of my life crawl across our floor. As I screamed bloody murder, Hal came a running to find the tarantula sized (slight exaggeration) creature frozen in its tracks. Now here's where it gets sweet. Instead of killing it with a boot, he swiftly grabs a clear bowl from the kitchen, hurls it over the spider, and marvels at it safely behind glass. Heart racing, "Holy crap, that guy is huge!"

He looks up the spider on the interweb to see what kind it is. Then he finds a piece of cardboard, slips it under the bowl, and carries it outside to its proper home in the wild. No offense to my dad, who kept spiders out of our home using the smash method... thanks Pop! But there's something about a man who saves me AND the spider simultaneously  :)


{Image by Courtney Brims}

A Lace Oak Tree Arch

This image stopped me in my tracks today. How beautiful is that lace wrapped oak tree branch? I've seen some unique wedding ceremony arches in my day, but this one takes the cake.


{Image via Once Wed by Jose Villa}

Tape Magic

Oh, the things you can do with decorative tape. Jessica turned these plain jane white ceramic vessels into funky mod ones with colorful tape and an x-acto knife. The tape can be peeled off when ready for a new look. Fun, yah?


{Images by How About Orange}

Bunk Rooms For Adults

When I head to New York this month, we'll be staying at The Jane. It's an affordable boutique hotel designed like a ship with small bunk bed cabins for rooms.  Is it strange that I'm excited to sleep in a bunk bed?

Wouldn't it be fun to have bunk room guest quarters in your home?  Would you be annoyed as my guest if I made you sleep there?  :)


{Images via: 1. JVW Home; 2. and 3. Remodelista; 4. Houzz; 5. Coastal Living}

Summer Daze

In the mood for summer yet?  :)


{Images via Bee Lovely Vintage by Herring & Herring}

Air Plant Cradles

What a creative way to display air plants. Cradle style. They're by Michael McDowell, the designer behind the upside down pod planter. The cradle was developed to showcase each air plant's individual beauty. Aren't they delightful?


{Images by MudPuppy}

The Coveteur

I've found another outlet which enables us to indulge in voyeuristic tendencies. The Coveteur is just as tempting as The Selby. We get to rummage through the homes and wardrobes of editors, stylists and designers in a variety of creative industries. But we aren't allowed to see the entire rooms. Just corners and crevices:

"It's more interesting to have just a picture of a small detail - then you can dream all the rest around it. Because when you see the whole thing, what is there to imagine?" -Dries Van Noten


{Images by The Coveteur}

Pixel People

I am not a cross stitcher, but these Pixel People patterns by Wee Little Stitches are so awesome, I might just learn. J&C cover all the cult classics: The Breakfast Club, The Princess Bride, and Ghostbusters are my personal faves. But there's also Star Wars, Harry Potter, and Pretty In Pink, among others.

I did warn you about my nerdiness!


{Image by Wee Little Stitches}

Toast

My folks came up to Seattle to visit for Mother's Day and I led them through a secret trail in the woods, over the Ballard Locks and across the English gardens to arrive at a sweet little tea & toast stand called Nellie's. It's my new favorite weekend adventure.

My mom and I shared two thick perfectly browned pieces of gourmet toast, one with cheese & apple butter, the other with cheese & lutencia, a delicious relish of tomatoes, peppers, eggplant and garlic. Now I can't stop craving toast!


{Image via Vkontakte}

Mom Day

Have a very special Mother's Day weekend, whether you're a mama yourself, or you have a mama in your life. I hope you do something fun together, like playing in the park in your wellies and skivvies.  ;)

Enjoy the weekend links!

A wedding dress comparable to Kate's.

Want a career change?

Come to Seattle if only for the food.

Why didn't I think of this?

A unique front door.

Lost In Translation engagement pics.

Love this pebble side table.

Pansies in ice.

I need this dress in my life.

The anti-theft lunch bag. HA!

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

• A Girly Guitar
• Mid Century Splashes of Orange
• The Bookmobile

{Images via My Modern Met by Mario Testino}

Hidden Pictures Album Art

I wish my bookcases were full of so many interesting two dimensional details. Check out that little bloody mary in the lower right corner. Designer, Jordan Gray, did this cover art for Hidden Pictures' debut album, Synchronized Sleeping. Lovin' his style, aren't you?


{Images via Grain Edit}

Rope Walls

Whoa, this is cool. Morgan of The Brick House helped Shelly at Mod Home Ec design these rope room dividers for her upholstery workshop. So sleek. Now I just need a loft...


{Images via The Brick House}

When I Wed...

This is exactly how I'd like to look. Romantic bohemian meets old hollywood glam. Someone please pull me down to earth. :)


{Images via This is Glamorous by Romina Shama}

Mehico

It is TIME to go back to Mehico. Happy Cinco De Mayo, dears!


{Images via: 1. Kate Spade NY; 2. Omi_wan; 3. Katie Stoops; 4. Sfgirlbybay; 5. Pinterest; 6. Desire To Inspire}

Pineberries

Has anyone tried these yet?  Pineberries are a new hybrid of white strawberries that taste like pineapple. Don't they look like regular strawberries flipped inside out? I'm so curious to taste them, but I don't think they're available in the States.

What's next... strawnanas? Hope so!


{Image via Geekologie}

Cotton & Green Tomatoes

What a surprisingly stunning combination. I would never dream of putting these two things together. But being that this photoshoot was for Southern Weddings Magazine, it makes perfect sense.


{Images via Concrete and Honey by JL Designs}

James Bond's Secret Lair

I would honeymoon here if I could. But it's not real. Just a very well executed photo manipulation of the iconic James Bond Island in Thailand. Just imagine the inside!


{Images via Worth1000 by Jan Oliehoek}

Summer Cloaks

I'm really feeling these sheer lightweight cloaks for summer. Designer, Lindsey Thornburg, knows what she's doing. Don't they look beautiful in the breeze? However, I may need to walk around with my arms up to achieve the same look  ;)


{Images via Lace & Tea by Olivia Malone}

Crochet Covered Sea Stones

Sea stones are lovely as is. But I must admit, pebbles with crochet coats are even moreso.


{Images by Knitalatte}