HAPPINESS IS...

Visiting Vancouver

I'm off to spend an extended weekend in Vancouver with my besties. I promise to put my camera to use and share with you our Wizard of Oz costumes when I return. We're hoping some nice Vancouverites will invite us to a Halloween party, or else we'll be all dressed up with nowhere to go. But knowing the four of us, that doesn't sound so bad.

Have an exciting Halloween weekend, my loves! Here are some links to get you in the holiday mood...

Wine bottle jack-o-lanterns.

Last minute costume idea: a piñata. 

Eat your mesclun meanies.

What a creepy tree.

Shrunken head cider.

Do you pick your pumpkins from a patch?

Scary food labels.

Grab 2 friends and be rock, paper, scissors.

Dress up your pup.

The Halloween wonder years.

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

• White Pumpkin Candles
• Spooky Inspiration
• High Fashion Halloween

{Image by Marisa Seguin}

Faux Fur Hats

Mr. Frost made his appearance on the ground this morning. Chill-y. Just in time to try out one of my new favorite trends this season... faux fur hats. Emphasis on faux. 60's Russian style. They make me feel like Julie Christie in Dr. Zhivago.


{Images via: 1. Altamira; 2. Hel Looks; 3. Facehunter}

Leaves In The Mail

I just sent off an email to my Cali girls who are meeting me in Vancouver tomorrow to get ready for some serious autumn color! The oranges and reds in the Pacific Northwest right now are unreal. Watching the seasons change was one thing I really missed while in LA.

If they weren't coming to experience it for themselves, I would mail them these DIY Fall envelopes filled with colorful leaves. You can download the template here. Aren't they fun?


{Images by Amanda Jane Jones}

Clémence Floris, Image Maker

I love these dream state photos by French "image maker", Clémence Floris. They're from her series, Mes nuits sont plus belles que tes jours. My nights are more beautiful than your days.

Don't they remind you of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind? One of my all-time favorite movies.


{Images via Behance}

Vintage Witches

In all my years of Halloween, I don't think I've ever dressed as a good old-fashioned witch. So for my costumeless ladies, enjoy the vintage Hollywood glam witch inspiration. You really can't go wrong with a black pointed hat, fish nets, heels and a broom. 


{Images via Johanna Ost}

Pillows As Headboards

My bed still doesn't have a headboard. Our bedroom is in the attic with dark wood walls and white floors and I'm actually enjoying the simple Scandinavian cabin vibe.

But I do like this idea of using pillows as a headboard. It would be extremely easy to recreate, it still keeps things minimalistic, and there would be no more need to prop up pillows for bedtime reading!


{Images via: 1. Remodelista, 2. and 3. Olivieri; 4. BHG; 5. Elle Interior}

Fairy Tale Houses

I love how these little houses look like they've been plucked out of a fairy tale. Dan Pauly makes them entirely out of reclaimed wood. They can be used as garden sheds, saunas, guest cottages, artist studios and play houses for kids. Aren't they darling?


{Images via AT by The Rustic Way}

Setting The Date

We did it. We finally set the date for our wedding! The 8th of September, 2012. Flip the eight on its side and it means infinity. Together forever.

After endless back and forth between two possible days, we were stuck trying to please everyone but ourselves. I wanted the Labor Day full moon Friday. Hal didn't. We even flipped a beer token at Oktoberfest, and I won the toss! But I also wanted a happy groom, so a compromise was in order.

We ultimately made our final decision with the help of a third party. A very kind reader (thank you Robert!) introduced me to a well-respected and highly accurate astrologer who had predicted the perfect date for his own wedding, right down to the weather.

I know some of you are skeptics, but this man gave me the extra assurance I needed. According to our birth charts, September 8th was indeed the best day to wed. Even if the moon won't be full, the stars will be aligned.  :)


{Images via: 1. Lipstick and Denim; 2. Purple As Me; 3. Inktspiratie}

A Music Typewriter

Did you know such a thing existed? I sure didn't. The music typewriter was first patented in 1936 by Robert H. Keaton, but the idea didn't stick because composers preferred to write their music by hand. Apparently, there are fewer than a dozen in existence today. If you have $6k, you can be one of the lucky few!


{Image via Jacks Red Barn}

Halloween Festivities

Let the Halloween festivities begin! My mom is having us over for her annual spook fest. We'll be carving pumpkins, feasting on treats, watching classic horror flicks, and if it's not raining, we'll have a séance around the bonfire to summon evil spirits. Just kidding. Or am I?
Evil laugh.

Enjoy the weekend links, my friends...

Scary movies to die for.

DIY Halloween masks.

Books of spells, charms and magic.

How to make a cheese box.

An online photobooth.

Autumn acorn cookies.

I'd like to live in a grown-up treehouse.

A giant sleeping cat couch.

Homemade peanut butter cups.

Who wants to send me a letterpress boombox?

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

• Harvest Moon Soup
• DIY - Personal Fire Pits
• Autumn Playlist

{Image via Pinterest}

A Floating Dining Room

I'm so excited for my girls trip to Vancouver next week! I was doing some foodie research and flipped out when I spotted this floating dining room that serves an intimate multi-course meal to 12 guests on the water. But sadly, it closes after summer and we're one month too late. Drat.

It stays afloat with the use of 1,675 plastic 2-litre bottles that were built into the floor in order to promote clean water and sustainable ocean life. Good news for the rest of the world... it will be traveling around to partner with top chefs across the globe. I'm hoping it will float on down to Seattle soon!


{Images by School of Fish Foundation}

Flight Of The Conchords

I appreciate your well wishes, darling dears. I'm feeling a teensy bit better, due to Hal's tomato soup, my lotion infused tissues, and Flight of the Conchords episodes.

Those boys crack me up. There's nothing like comic relief to nurse you back to health. Are you fans of Bret and Jemaine? I might personally thank them by carving their faces in pumpkins.


{Image via La Fille Back Sur Le Web}

Staying In Bed All Day

This is my plan for the day. I'm going to stay in bed, drink Throat Coat tea, blow my nose, finish up this blog post, and throw the covers over my head until tomorrow morning comes. I caught whatever it is that's going around. So please forgive the lack of posts today, my loves.

P.S. Wishing this pup was in bed with me!


{Image by Sharon Montrose}

A First Look Alternative

The other day, I asked Hal if he wanted do a "first look" at our wedding. He said he was really hoping that special moment would happen as I walked down the aisle. Ah, my traditional man. But he did see the benefit of taking photos before the ceremony.

So maybe I'll show him this playful way to capture the first look photos without actually seeing each other. The bride and groom stand behind a wall. They can talk and touch, but no lookie loo! 


{Images by Brandon Werth}

Pumpkin & Goat Cheese Pocket Pies

Dying to try out Amanda's sweet and savory pocket pie recipe. They're filled with pumpkin puree and bucheron goat cheese.

Yum. Yum. And YUM.


{Images via Conundrum by Give Me Flour}

Matte Stephens' Paintings

I first spotted Matte Stephens' limited edition Seattle print in the Velocity Art & Design store. And now I'm admiring it from my wall! Doesn't it look like a city from the future? I think that's why I dig it so much. It reminds me of the 1962 World's Fair. Those mid-century architectural remnants are my favorite parts of Seattle.

All of Matte's gouache paintings make me giddy. I'm adore his muted color palette and quirky stories set in urban nature scenes. His retro style, reminiscent of Jim Flora, draws inspiration from mid-century jazz, modern design and old movies. Seriously, what is not to love?

P.S. Want to peek inside Matte's 1953 home?


{Images by Matte Art}

A Cabin & A Tree House In A Loft

Instead of putting up dividers or installing walls in her 2-story Brooklyn loft, architect, Terri Chiao, built a cabin and a tree house to use as bedrooms. Excellent plan.

She says that "living in the space can feel like living outdoors, in a small community of two houses". And lucky for us, the cabin is available as a vacation rental when visiting New York.


{Images via Design Shimmer by A Small Space}

Patternity Tights

No, they aren't tights for fathers. Patternity is an awesome brand of black and nude graphic patterened leg art that I must get for my gams. Such fun packaging. Tis the season for tights!


{Images via Seesaw}

A Giant Inflatable Gold Cube

I'm not sure why this thing was invented, but Spanish product designer, Martín Azúa, thought it was very necessary. And I agree. It folds up so you can carry it around in your pocket. You know, for those times when you find yourself in a vast open field and you feel the urge to chase around a giant inflatable gold cube in the wind. 


{Images via Destined To Design}

Circles of Life

Kathy Klein is the creator behind these mandala-shaped works of art. She calls them danmalas, meaning "the giver of flower circles" in Sanskrit. She makes them out of found natural objects as a reminder to us all to "listen to the unheard voice of nature, creation, and the eternal mystery". Aren't they the loveliest?


{Images via My Modern Met by Danmala}

Arrow Necklaces

Who wants a little feather arrow to wear over their heart? I do, I do!


{Images via Elle via Digby & Iona}

Delicious Autumn

This weekend was delicious. The weather here is Seattle is crisp and sunny, just how I like it. We visited my Grandma at her house on the lake. Took long walks with caramel apple spice drinks in hand. Browsed Halloween costume shops. And at night, we bundled up, turned the heat on for the first time this year, and caught up on Dexter episodes. The perfect Fall weekend.

Is it starting to feel like Autumn where you are?


{Image via Elm Street Life}

Costume Hunting

What are you up to this weekend? I'll be scouting around for my Halloween costume. Hal and I will not be dressing up as a couple, as we did in 2009 and 2010. I'll be with my 3 girlfriends visiting Vancouver, BC over Halloween weekend. We're thinking about going as the Wizard of Oz gang. You know, D-Girl, T-Man, S-Crow, and C-Lion. Something similar to these gals, but hopefully better! Have you come up with your costume yet?

Enjoy the weekend links, my darlings!

9 fancy grilled cheese ideas.

A sofa made out of old doors.

Amazing spiral illustrations.

Buy a baguette from a barge.

Clouds? Or dust bunnies?

Metallic elbow patches.

Would you live in a windmill?

A letterpress station wagon.

My new favorite iPad app.

Glitter really should be a color. 

 

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

• Drinking Glasses
• Playing Cards
• Vogue Star Signs

{Image via LA Times Photographic Archive, UCLA Library}

Munich Bungalows From The 1972 Olympics

These colorful bungalows are where the athletes stayed during the 1972 Summer Olympics. Maybe due to Munich Massacre memories, they were torn down in 2007-2009 and rebuilt into modern college dorms. Too bad they didn't leave a few standing, if only to admire their orignal charm. Aren't they fun?


{Images via Flickr Blog by Sophie Saller}

The Art of Felting

Have you ever seen people felt? At a craft fair once, I stood transfixed as a lady used her needles to smoosh a wad of wool into a tiny critter in mere minutes. I find it fascinating. Daria's felted creatures have a wire skeleton so they can be posed in different sitting or standing positions. They look so life like, don't they?


{Images by The Art of Felting}

Gojee

I have found the Holy Grail of home cooking. Have you heard of Gojee? Go there now and faint. When you wake up, type in what foods you're craving, any allergies or dislikes, and what's in your fridge. You'll be shown image after image of mouth watering recipes that work with your tastes and ingredients on hand. You can even link your grocery store rewards card to automatically integrate your new food purchases. Amazing, right?

P.S. The above images were the first 3 recipes selected for me after typing "cheese" in the craving box:

1. Really Good Mac & Cheese
2. Blackberry Ricotta Cornbread
3. Roasted Nectarine, Zucchini & Feta Salad

{Images via Gojee}

Minimalist Children's Story Posters

Always a sucker for reinvented minmalist posters. These ones by Chicago graphic designer, Christian Jackson, are no exception. They come with an amusing disclaimer:

Though these are posters made from children's stories, not all images are appropriate for children.

Most likely referring to the Wizard of Oz print!


{Images via My Modern Met by Square Inch Design}

DIY - Crocheted Envelopes

I do not know how to crochet, but Meredith says her envelope pattern is easy enough for beginners. She stores all her handwritten pen pal letters in hers. Wouldn't it also make a delightful little mixtape CD case? Here are her step-by-step instructions. 


{Images via Violet Bella by One Sheepish Girl}

Before We Begin

Moments of reflection between thought and action.


{Images by Christopher Jonassen}

A Pale Blue Wedding Dress

I'm smitten with Erica's angelic pale blue-gray wedding dress. I know nothing about it, other than the fact that it's beautiful.

** UPDATE: Just found out it's by J. Mendel!


{Images by Max Wanger}

 

Pretty Prizes On My Doorstep

Yesterday, I found a wonderful surprise package waiting for me at home. These prints and wrapping paper were my prize for being a finalist in the American Cancer Society's Create More Birthdays Contest! Remember my little ukulele video?

And I just discovered that Design Mom chose me for the Coolest Category Contest as "Most Likely To Go Viral". Woo hoo!

Thank you to everyone who voted for me and wrote kind comments. It was an honor to participate in such a worthy cause and hopefully make someone's day a little brighter with my song.


{Images by: 1. Masha D'yans; 2. Andy Gilmore; 3. Julia Rothman; 4. Andrew Bannecker}

Giant Confetti

I'm dying to know what it feels like to have giant confetti thrown over my head. Apparently, it's what all the cool European kids use. Has anyone ever experienced it?  


{Images via Project Wedding by Oh Happy Day}

A Balloon Lamp

The concept behind this balloon wall lamp is so sweet. Haoshi designed it to counter the sad feelings of losing a balloon into the sky or watching it deflate over time. Their balloon always remains full, warm, and hopeful.  :)


{Images via Moco Loco}

Playing With Food

I've spent the whole morning chuckling over this series, Disparity, by Seattle-based photographer, Christopher Boffoli. He creates everyday scenes with tiny model train figures and admits that "there is in some part a god-like feeling to having command of an entire world, which you can rearrange at any capricious whim."

I used to play with my food as a wee one, but never to the extent of this. I really admire people who are able to maintain their childlike creativity, don't you?


{Images via The Telegraph}

DIY - Wire Flowers

Such darling wire flowers. They seem so simple to recreate. One piece of wire. One set of pliers. One really cool 3-dimensional wall art. Learn how to make them here.


{Images by Fine and Feathered}

A Proper English Wedding

If budget wasn't a concern, I'd fly all my loved ones to England for my wedding. Just like Heather and Neal. They got married at the Babington House, a 16th-century manor turned hotel and spa, on an 18-acre estate in Somerset. They gathered their closest family and friends to celebrate over Thanksgiving day weekend. And drove away in a vintage Rolls Royce belonging to Heather's grandfather, an original producer of the 007 films! What an absolute dream.


{Images via Ritzy Bee by Aaron Delesie}

Silk Scarves

Abstract art? Nope. French silk scarves! Aren't they magnificent? I'm such a scarf girl. They really tie an outfit together. And I love having something soft but lightweight around my neck to snuggle up in.


{Images via White Tapestry by Milleneufcentquatrevingtquatre}

A Love Poem

"...sunlight and singing welcome your coming although winter may be everywhere with such a silence and such a darkness no one can quite begin to guess (except my life) the true time of year and if what calls itself a world should have the luck to hear such singing (or glimpse such sunlight as will leap higher than high through gayer than gayest someone's heart at your each nearness) everyone certainly would (my most beautiful darling) believe in nothing but love."

- E.E. Cummings

Have a weekend filled with love (my most beautiful darlings). And do enjoy the links...

How to style a hair bow.

Download free recipe cards.

Capes and gloves. Discuss.

Are you gonna join the soup club?

How to be an explorer.

Mini masterpiece wedding favors.

Glitterize your boots.

Green with envy over these.

Could you participate in Project 333?

Baked avocado fries. Oh yes.

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

• Le Portillon
• The Curve of Forgotton Things
• A Giant Xylophone In The Woods

{Image by Box Brownie Trading}

A Steam Train Ride

Hal likes trains. So tomorrow, I'm taking him on an old-fashioned steam train ride around Mount Rainier. It's a surprise, so shhhhh  :)


{Images via Diary of a Mod Housewife}

Hanging Tables

I find hanging tables ultra romantic. Maybe it's the attractive couple looking so in love in front of it. Naw, it's the table. There's something magical about the way it effortlessly floats above the ground. Hmm, definitely putting this idea in my bag o' wedding tricks.


{Images via GWS by Jess Graham}

Loud Silence

I'm strangely attracted to Filippo Minelli's ongoing colored smoke bomb series, Silence/Shapes. Beautiful, no? I think he captured 'loud silence' to perfection.


{Images via I Do Art}

Fashion Illustrations

Kerrie Hess' fashion illustrations are such a delight. I commend anyone who can stylishly sketch humans and make them look, well, human.

P.S. Are any of you watching Project Runway this season? I wish they'd show the designers' illustrations more often, don't you? I have an inkling there might be a direct correlation to those who sketch well and those who end up in the finale.


{Images via Wallspank}

Turning 2!

How could I have forgotten my own blog birthday yesterday?

Happiness Is... officially turned 2 years old! I guess that's what happens when you get old. Last year was a big celebration, remember? This year, I'll keep it more low key and celebrate with a high five and a pumpkin spiced latte.

Thank you, my loves, for your comments, emails and support over the past two years. It's what keeps me going. Really. I am honored to call you my friends. xoxo


{Image via Here Comes The Sun by Luis Monteiro}

Caramel Filled Apples

One of my absolute favorites things about Fall? Caramel apples. But what might be even better? Caramel apples flipped inside out. It's such a simple idea, I'm ashamed I never thought of it myself. Just cut off the top, scoop out the core, fill the apple with pre-melted caramel, and you have individual dipping cups that you can eat.


{Images by Lilyshop}

Hand-Stitched Wallpaper

What seems like intricate geometrical art, is actually hand-stitched wallpaper! Can you imagine how exquisite it must look in person?


{Images via Colossal by Kaylee Hibbert}

Rainy Love

Chicago-based husband and wife photography team, Steve and Anne, celebrated their first anniversary in a downpour. They made the right decision in choosing Carl Zoch to document the special occasion, who says, "reflections are the new textures".

His work is so artistic and thoughtful, don't you think? Makes me want to grab my love by the hand, run outside in the rain, and splash around in puddles. 


{Images by Carl Zoch}

Scarves In The Wind

I too would like to play in a wind blown clothesline of Hermes scarves. 


{Image via Haute Design by  Candace Meyer}

Color Color Color

Never a dull day in this Swedish apartment. It sits adjacent to the Humlegården Park, so Tham & Videgard Arkitekter installed colorful parquet flooring to emulate the changing seasons. Would you be able to live in a home with this much color?


{Images via Plenty of Colour by Åke E:son Lindman}

Rain Boot Planters

It looks like Katie took a cue from the runway and turned her wellies into planters. They didn't fit her anymore, so she filled them with potting soil and a cascading plant. Instant yard art.

If I didn't have to use my own rain boots so often, I'd do this too. Wouldn't they add a nice unexpected touch of greenery to an entry way or mud room?


{Image by I Go By Katie}

Black Cat Auditions

Excuse me for a moment while I compose myself. Dying of giggles. Apparently, there was a black cat open casting call for the 1961 Edgar Allan Poe film, Tales of Terror. The kitties look so confused!

My little Bailey would nab the role if they auditioned today. She is getting good at the leash. But I don't think I could subject her to Hollywood. They'd make her lose her pooch belly.


{Images via Lovelorn Unicorn by Ralph Crane for LIFE}