HAPPINESS IS...

My New Coastal.com Glasses

Yay for new glasses!  It was TIME.  Now that I'm working from home, I wear glasses a lot more than my contacts.  I've had my clear vintage specs for a couple of years now.  I still love them, but a girl needs to accessorize!  Plus, they were quite heavy and I could only wear them for half a day before getting a headache.  Probably doesn't help that I have insanely thick blind-as-a-bat lenses.

Right when I announced to the universe I needed new frames - the eye gods, aka Coastal.com, graciously offered me two new pairs as a Style Ambassador.  Diving timing!  I choose one designer brand and one pair from their exclusive collection.

I was a little hesitant about ordering frames online, especially with my strong prescription and astigmatism challenges.  But their optometrist explained that as long as I ordered pairs that were shorter in height, I would be a-okay.  And I could always return them if they didn't work out.  After much deliberation, I decided on an every day light-as-air black cat-eye frame from Vogue.  And a saucier purple rectangular frame from Love.  Which do you like best?

Now I can finally match my glasses with my outfits.  The black pair for when I'm wanting to blend in.  I love wearing them with dressier ensembles.  And the purple pair for when I want to stand out.  They're a ton of fun with casual jeans and a tee.

Do you wear glasses?  Or do you wish you wore them?  If I was brave enough to subject my corneas to laser eye surgery, I'd probably still wear my specs without the lenses.  I've needed them since I was four - they're who I am.  Once a glasses geek, always a glasses geek!


This post is sponsored by Coastal.com. The content and opinions are all my own. Thank you for supporting the sponsors that keep Happiness Is running! 

Alexis Russell - Open Cuff Diamond & Opal Ring Giveaway!

Welcome new friends and old. Today is a special day. My big giveaway for 24 Merry Days! I couldn't be more pleased to partner up with New York-based jewelry designer, Alexis Russell. Her work is absolutely stunning, no? Understated, minimalist and modern. Bohemian, earthy and natural. Yet perfectly classy and refined.

I'm a huge fan, not only because her jewelry reflects my style (I seriously want her entire collection), but also because it's ethical. She only uses recycled metals and conflict-free gemstones and diamonds.

I collaged a few of my favorite pieces above, but if you win, we've made the decision super easy for you. Alexis chose to gift her open cuff diamond and opal ring ($268 value) to one lucky reader! A gorgeous every-day piece. I can imagine it looking lovely on everyone - in any outfit.

Enter through Rafflecopter below. You have 20 entries - so go buck wild!

IMPORTANT: This giveaway is open U.S. readers only (sorry international friends) and you must be over 18 years old to participate. It runs for 7 days. A winner will be selected by random, notified by email and announced on this post.

Good luck, loves!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Don't forget to enter the other giveaways that are still going strong as of today, Dec 13th....

• Win a $150 Artsy Modern gift card at At Home In Love
• Win a $300 Anthropologie gift card at Design Crush
• Win two Ellington Bags at Making It Lovely
• Win a Madsen Cycles cargo bike at Studio DIY
• Win a $300 Julep gift card at Shrimp Salad Circus
• Win a $300 Artfully Walls gallery at All Things Thrifty

December 14 - 24th giveaways will be revealed on the 24 Merry Days calendar or Facebook page.

P.S. Big thanks to Audrey of This Little Street for organizing this incredible event!

Etsy Faves 10: Berrylicious

Hiya! Just returned from a quick trip to Long Beach, California to be a bridesmaid in my dear friend's wedding. Her color palette matched the watercolor-calligraphy invitation suite I designed earlier in the year - deep shades of rich n' juicy pinks n' purples. It was gorgeous! I'll be sharing more photos of the event later down the road. Until then, I've rounded up a few berrylicious Etsy faves....

 

1. Frozen Berry Handmade Tassels by Midgetgems
2. Raspberries By The Spoonful Photograph by B. Linton Photography
3. Annabelle Floral Crown by Love Sparkle Pretty
4. Capucci Violet-Clear Vintage Frames by Skomoroki
5. Dipped Twig Pencils by Storiebrook
6. All-Natural Berry Eyeshadow by Christina Marie Minerals
7. Hand-Knit Fuchsia Shawl by Kateryna Golovanova
8. Purple Abstract City Painting by Linda Donohue

 

Thoughts 07: Embracing Uncertainty & Fear

 

The only thing that makes life possible is permanent, intolerable uncertainty; not knowing what comes next.

- Ursula K. Le Guin

"We have to let you go." I sat frozen. Unable to digest what my boss just said. My firm was downsizing and my job, my life line, my security blanket for the past 6+ years, was suddenly yanked from my grip just a few days ago.

I spoke little of my job here on the blog. Because it was a means to an end. It paid my bills and provided for me and my husband while he began a commission-only business in commercial real estate. Timing couldn't be worse. I'm still supporting my love. We're still trying to start a family with costly fertility treatments. I have 4 trips booked to LA as a bridesmaid this summer. How on earth will we both survive off one person's unemployment check? That is a great question. One I'd love to know the answer to.

Maturity, one discovers, has everything to do with the acceptance of not knowing.

- Mark Z. Danielewski

Fear is an fascinating emotion. I can let it paralyze, and push me into another cushy 9-5 in the same industry. Or I can let it catapult, and throw me into a new and freeing space of self-employment. Which is, as you know, my ultimate goal. My whole life, I've chosen the safe road. And although I still hesitate to say it, I think I'm finally brave enough to face uncertainty head on. I have the strongest urge to follow my intuition and step into the unknown. For I've been told that it is in these periods of discomfort that life's most important adventures can arise.

There is a fear that keeps us alive. And a fear that keeps us from living.

- Rusty Wells

Worry will surface, no doubt. But I have to remind myself that every time I use the present to stress about the future, I'm choosing to sacrifice joy today to mourn joy I might not have tomorrow. That's no way to live. It's going to require a whole lot of courage, faith and trust that we'll be taken care of. That we'll find a way through this uncomfortable mess. That when we allow scary situations to be, when we let go of old comforts and allow space for uncertainty, we make room for magical opportunities to appear.

Clouds come floating into my life, no longer to carry rain or usher storm, but to add color to my sunset sky.

- Rabindranath Tagore

I don't know what will happen in the next 6 months. I haven't made any hard decisions. And I promise to keep all options open. But I do know that today, in this very moment, I feel strangely hopeful. Determined. And free.

Four Things (Plus One) 03: Feline Noir

In honor of Bailey, I bookmarked so many black kitty items that today's Four Things turned into five things! This little round-up is for all my fellow feline lovers...

1. Black Cat Tea For One
2. Cat-Eye Glasses
3. Smudge Pot Gel Eyeliner
4. Cat-Ear Wool Beret
5. Meow Sweater - the back of the sleeves have paw prints on the underside of your hands!

And my goodness, I might as well turn this into 6 things, because I wanted to include these black cat tights, but couldn't fit them in the layout.

'Kay, now I'm done, promise.

Geek Chic Style With VSP & Nine West

I've worn glasses for as long as I can remember. I'm that blind. Of course, back in the day, they were unpopular. Before I got contacts in high school, I used to "forget my glasses at home" and sit in the front of the class so I could read the board.

Between then and now, glasses became trendy and I'm doubting geek chic style will go away any time soon. I've grown to love my astigmatism, because the right frames can complete any look. I had fun pulling together two fall outfits around the super cute Nine West specs above. Which ensemble is your favorite, brown or black?

As much as I'd like to own more than one pair, let's get real. Glasses are expensive, especially designer brands where the lenses are thick and the prescriptions are strong, like mine. I don't know what I'd do without my VSP vision insurance which covers a huge chunk of the cost, including the eye exam. It's pretty sweet to be able to get insurance for a fashion accessory, right?

My most recent frames are vintage (similar to the glasses in my kid pic!), but I'm ready for a new pair. Do you wear glasses? Or do you have perfect vision and wish you wore glasses?

P.S. Don't forget to enter the "Style with a Vision" Pinterest sweepstakes to win a Nine West shopping spree and 1-year of free vision care from VSP Direct!

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own. Thank you for supporting the sponsors that keep Happiness Is running! 


{Brown Frames Images: 1. Nine West Frames; 2. Ilia Lipstick; 3. Madewell Sweater; 4. Boticca Gold Studs; 5. Bobbi Brown Eyeshadow; 6. Patricia Nash Handbag; 7. Tory Burch Jeans; 8. Miss Dora Sequined Flats}
{Black Frames Images: 1. Nine West Frames; 2. Cityscape Umbrella; 3. Madewell Sweater; 4. Sass & Bide Leather Jeans; 5. Aerie Scarf; 6. Nars Lipstick; 7. Fox Embroidered Clutch; 8. Madewell Boots}

 

The Lolas - LA's Premiere All-Female Vocal Group

Calling ALL of Los Angeles... meet The LOLAs. Twelve talented ladies in one sexy all-female vocal group. If a few of their faces look familiar, it's because my besties are the founding co-directors. Every time they perform, I kick myself for moving away to Seattle.

They're having a big show at The Roxy tomorrow (Friday) night. Here's what I suggest you do:

1. Go 
2. Scream 'I love you!' after each song
3. Give them a big hug for me after the set
4. Report back.

Sound like a plan?

LOLAs... knock 'em dead!


{Photos by Matt Halvorson}

The Perfect Old-Hollywood Wedding Gown

Yes, my wedding has come and gone. But that doesn't stop me from drooling over wedding gowns. Isn't this old-Hollywood stunner a dream? It's handmade by Gibson Bespoke out of the U.K. with thousands of champagne colored paillettes.

It would have been perfect for my original extravagent black tie James Bond-style wedding plans in a Vancouver castle overlooking the sea... before I got real with our budget!


{Images by Debbie Bailie-Collins}

Going Slow

There is absolutely no reason for being rushed along with the rush.
Everybody should be free to go slow.

- Robert Frost

Have a lingering weekend, my loves. Admire the view, close your eyes, feel the breeze. And go slow. I'll see you again on Monday and until then, please enjoy the links...

 

The 10 best summer camp movies.

An interesting article on reclaiming domesticity.

What advice would you give to your 23-year-old self?

Beautiful quotes about motherhood.

Any reason to throw a cat party is good in my book.

5 great tips to reach your goals.

Somehow, this long flowy skirt & sweatshirt pairing works.

20 fun DIY nightstands.

An awesome macrame lamp.

I like to think that I inspired BHLDN's buyers to carry my wedding dress!

 

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

• Bright Coral Eyelids
• Tea Houses
• Black & White Holga Love 

{Image by Branco Prata}

Girl Crush

GIRL CRUSH: (n.) an overwhelming sense of awe felt for another lady, elicited by varying causes ranging from deep respect to giddy enthusiasm.

I have a ton of girl crushes. And I suppose Wendy does too. She created the beautiful site, Girl Crush, as a way to inspire herself and others by featuring fascinating women living their dreams.

Not only are there stories about artists, photographers and designers, but there are interviews with a candy maker, bartender, attorney-musician, autopsy technician, panda ambassador, ballerina, oncologist, bike messenger, homicide detective, puppet filmmaker, roller derby girl, supermom, rockett, and a hustler of culture. Just to name a few.

Which of these girls make you crush?


{Images via Girl Crush}

Pink & Orange

Pink + orange = match made in heaven.


{Images via: 1. Travelettes; 2. LoveLush; 3. Ruffled; 4. Bolig Magazine; 5. Polyvore; 6. Revel; 7. Luxe & Lace; 8. Fashion Gone Rogue; 9. Pink+Orange}

Warm Spring Rain

It's been a wet week in Seattle and the rain will most likely continue throughout the holiday weekend. No barbecues or beaches this Memorial Day. But my niece, who turns 1 tomorrow, will be all the sunshine we could possibly need. I can't wait to see her face as we sing happy birthday for the very first time.

Have a sweet long weekend, sugar plums. Until Tuesday, here are a few links to keep you entertained...

3 awesome map headboards.

Free audiobooks all summer long.

1920's Gatsby-inspired wedding gowns.

Make your own distressed wooden shelves.

I second these wardrobe staples.

Ever roasted a cauliflower whole?

Genius cloth "paper" towels.

An amazing lighted balloon backdrop.

Crop tops, do or don't?

I love this print of my city!

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

• Tiny Toadstool
• A Bike Brigade
• Outsiders 

{Image via In Good Company}

Get Happy 03: Tell Your Story

Did you know that telling someone about your troubles leads to greater happiness? I always thought woe-is-me talk led to negativity. I couldn't have been further from the truth.

According to a controlled lab experiment at Winston-Salem State University, our memory has a "natural bias to keep tabs on the good stuff and gradually lose the emotional intensity of a bad event". In other words, telling your story makes the memory fade faster than if the event was never recounted.

This is difficult for me, because I don't like to sound like I'm complaining all the time. Do you tell your stories to others, or do you keep all negative thoughts to yourself?


{Pre-edited images via Good Night Day by Gordon Parks}

My Wedding 10: Getting Ready

My friends, today is a big day. It's the International Day of Happiness, woo! It's the first day of Spring. And it's the day I finally reveal my official wedding images by One Love Photo. There are a ton, so I'm breaking them up into easily digestible weekly segments. Thank you for following me on this journey so far. Over the past few weeks, I've really enjoyed being able to share with you the details and process behind the greatest creative project I've ever pursued, leading up to the happiest and most emotional love-filled day of my life.

Here's how it began. Our guests would be arriving at 1pm, so Hal and I woke up at 5am to practice our first dance. This seems crazy, I know. But we had been taking tango lessons and never had a chance to practice our choreographed dance on the smaller-sized dance floor my dad set up on the lawn. The sun was rising and there was still a layer of dew. We were slipping and sliding all over the place and couldn't help but laugh about the absurdity of it all. This was actually one of my favorite memories of the wedding. It was a sweet way to connect with Hal in the quiet early hours before the chaos.

My special lady friends came to the house around 6 am (such troopers) and we got to primping. My girl, Cara, spent most of the morning helping our day-of coordinator arrange the table settings and flowers, bless her heart. My maid of honor brought over a tray of fruit, croissants, OJ and champagne, which was such a nice gesture. I had zero appetite, but knew I had to cram something down so I wouldn't pass out later in the day.

While we were dressing upstairs, the boys got ready in the basement. Hal told me later that he was freaking out because he couldn't find his tie. But as you'll notice in the photo, he put it on before buttoning up. You can see the outline of of the tie as he's tucking in his collared shirt! So funny. I'm pretty sure that's why the rest of the guys were laughing at him.

My very sweet friend, Sarah Wong, did my make-up. She flew up from LA early for a trial run to make sure I was comfortable with the final look, natural and classic old-hollywood with a bright lip. The lovely Sophia VanSlyke did my hair. I call it "the illusion". People thought I cut it! I asked for a half-updo so the back of my dress could be seen and she came up with this pretty 20's style creation that worked perfectly with my headpiece. This photo was taken later in the day, so I'm a bit wind-blown. I actually prefer it this way.

The green part of the headpiece is an antique Art Nouveau woodland headdress from 1911 Germany! Pippa from Pippatree sourced it out for me. It arrived in a darling heart-shaped wood box with a matching men's corsage and a pillow embroidered with the names of the original bride and groom. I wanted to wear it like a halo, but it didn't fit around my entire head. So I took a piece of vintage jewelry that I already owned and fastened it to the ends to make a crown.

My gown is Tadashi Shoji. I posted before about my dress-selection experience and final fitting, but never clued you in on how many dang alternations this puppy needed. Like most brides, I lost a bit of weight. But my seamstress needed 4 separate appointments to get it so the back wouldn't bunch. The intricate beading and embroidery was extra tricky.

And remember how I told you my bridesmaids made the bouquets the day before? Here is it is. My beautiful artichoke bouquet with ferns and herbs. Theirs, which you'll see in later photos, are a smaller version with baby artichokes. The day after the wedding, I unwrapped my bouquet, boiled it, and savored every last bite.

NEXT WEEK... THE FIRST LOOK!




{Images by One Love Photo; Dress by Tadashi Shoji; Shoes by Remix Vintage; Half of headpiece by Pippatree; Hair by Sophia VanSlyke; Makeup by Sarah Wong}

Get Happy 01: Forcing A Smile

Sometimes when my friends and I are feeling saucy, we'll pose for photos with fake smiles. You know, the forced half-smiles that little kids do? These photos always make us laugh. And here's maybe why...

The results of this fascinating study, to be published in the journal Psychological Science, says that if you force yourself to smile, you're lowering your heart rate and reducing stress. An upturned facial expression lowers the level of cortisol, a stress-related hormone. The smile doesn't even need to be genuine.

This is pretty wild, because traditionally, we've been made to believe that feeling good makes us smile. When in fact, smiling makes us feel good.

So let's put these findings to use, shall we? Go put on a happy face!


{Pre-edited image via Vanity Project}

Craving Bangs

My hair appointment is on Saturday and I'm craving bangs. I've had them before and loved them, so I'm not sure why it's such a scary thing for me. There are 3 things holding me back: 1. my hair is ultra fine; 2. my hair grows ridiculously fast; and 3. I'll actually have to style my hair in the morning, heaven forbid! But I'm majorly due for a change. Do you have bangs?

UPDATE: I went for it and got them snipped! Here they are.

Have a good weekend, dearies. I'm looking forward to meeting my friend's brand new baby girl and watching the Oscars on Sunday!

Here are a few links for your amusement...

A collar for cats who mean business.

What's your favorite way to eat avocados?

A simple idea for wall hooks.

Surprise someone with a pinata cake.

Colorful teaspoon wallpaper.

A DIY upper finger ring.

The new way to make nachos.

5 creative ways to camouflage a flat screen TV.

A delectable hot chocolate bar.

My sentiments exactly.

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

• A Journey On The Orient Express
• Color Color Color
• A Feather In Your Hair

{Pre-edited Image via Rainman by Alexander Kuzmin}

Red Lips & White Snow

Admiring this beautiful photo of Katie, taken shortly after she got engaged. She reminds me Snow White and this girl. Don't you love how her red lips and pink cheeks just pop?

Have a special weekend, dear ones. Please enjoy the links...

Super Bowl entertaining essentials.

Incredibly creative business cards from Alt Summit.

Do you stress when hosting friends?

This bride & groom made abstract art during their ceremony!

Cute black cat nails.

Makeup tips for girls who wear glasses.

My favorite color is the Pantone Color of the Year!

Funky tattooed bananas.

Get your man a broquet for V-Day (the Woodsman cracks me up).

Sweet pics of Obama with his mama.

 

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

• Under The Waves
• A Birthday Party In A Box
• Studies In Landscapes & Wardrobes

 

{Image by Katie Louise Ford}

Classic Beauty Secrets From Downton Abbey

I finally jumped on the Downton Abbey bandwagon. And I admit, it took me until Season 3 to fully understand the hype. But now I'm hooked. Oh, the drama!

Like Mad Men, I get a kick out of the ladies' period costumes, fashions, and hairstyles. There are some important, and amusing, beauty lessons to be learned from the show, as discovered by Sharon of Daily Glow:

1. Your complexion always looks better in candlelight.
2. For an instant anti-aging trick, stand next to someone who's at least 30 years your senior.
3. Don't underestimate the power of a red lip.
4. You'll never have a bad hair day if you stick to braids and updos.
5. When in doubt, wear a hat.

Last night, I was feeling under the weather so I went to bed early with my iPad and snuggled up with the Grantham fam. After a marathon viewing session, I'm all caught up. The episode that aired last night had me bawling like a baby!

Have you been watching?


{Pre-edited images via: 1. GriffenStar7; 2. Bronte Queen; 3. Fab Sugar; 4. PBS; 5. My Luscious Life; 6. Becky Renee}

My Wedding 01: Nature Goddess Style Inspiration

As promised, here is the first post of the new series on my wedding. Every Wednesday, I'll share with you a behind-the-scenes look at our wedding planning process. Leading up to the reveal of our professional photos of the big day.

Immediately after I got engaged, I envisioned myself as a vintage nature goddess bride. So I created this board to visualize the look of long flowing chiffon, greenery in my hair, and glamorous statement piece jewelry. If I had more space, I would have added this bridesmaid dress and these shoes. The colors would be greens and golds, and so not to compete with the natural beauty of our outdoor venue, the decor would be minimal with vintage details here and there.

The funny thing is, my wedding looked nothing like this. It was a lot more playful than the romantic images above. And my actual dress is very different from this Samuelle Couture. But I think we still somehow managed to pull off the vintage nature goddess vibe, with a quirky Shannon & Hal spin, on a very limited budget.

If you've planned a wedding, how similar was it to your original vision?

SEE THE REST OF MY WEEKLY WEDDING SERIES HERE.


{Images: 1. Invitiation; 2. Herb planters; 3. Goddess earrings; 4. Tree branch; 5. Walnut candles; 6. Nishi twig bangles; 7. Samuelle Couture gown by Jose Villa}

Suspended Self-Portraits

London-based photographer and filmmaker, Sam Taylor-Johnson, explores notions of weight and gravity by suspending herself in mid air without the aid of any visible support.

Looks like fun. Now how did she do it?


{Images via White Cube}

Pretty French Lingerie

On Sunday, I'll be singing at Bellefleur's sold-out fashion show! It should be a very fun night of song, burlesque, and pretty French lingerie. Please wish me luck!

My 24 Merry Days giveaway ends on Sunday at midnight PST, so make sure to get your entries in for the Crane & Canopy bedding! And you still have time to enter the other amazing giveways from this week:

• Funkytime: tape/Wishi Washy & camera strap/Bloom Theory;
• Oh The Lovely Things: 1-year/Kinfolk & scarf/Lauren Moffatt;
• Design Crush: backpack/Poketo and watch/InstaWatch;
• Mint: furniture legs/Pretty Pegs and $50 gift card/Leif;
• Little White Whale: $50 gift/Umbra and $50 gift/Diament;
• Moorea Seal: $50 gift/Carolina Benoit and camera bag/Ona;

Have a fab weekend, sweetie pies. Here are your links...

Cute DIY pocket warmers.

White chocolate and peppermint popcorn.

Bundle up for a winter date night.

Frost flowers that bloom on the Arctic Ocean.

Lined notebook paper iPad cases.

My cat wants this bed.

How to bottle your own cocktails.

This mountain chalet reminds me of Seattle's Anthropologie.

Wishing I could be in NY right now for this exhibit.

I wish this too.

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

• Free Holiday Gift Tags
• Scarves In The Wind
• Snow Beauty

{Pre-edited image via Girl Meets Whirl by Odile de Changy}

GIVEAWAY: Bedding From Crane & Canopy!

Today is my giveaway for 24 Merry Days! And it's a goodie. The winner will receive a queen-sized duvet cover and sham set of their choice from Crane & Canopy!

Crane & Canopy owners, Karin and Christopher, with their little pug, Gus, provide luxurious designer bedding out of their shop in San Francisco. Their signature duvet cover is fused with the flat sheet to add layers without the fuss. Absolute genius!

GIVEAWAY INSTRUCTIONS: (Open to US dwellers only. Sorry, rest of world!)

1. Visit Crane & Canopy and leave a comment telling me which bedding set you'd like to snuggle up in.

ADDITIONAL ENTRIES:

1. Like Happiness Is on Facebook and leave another comment telling me you've done so;
2. Sign up for Crane & Canopy's newsletter and leave another comment telling me you've done so;
3. Share 24 Merry Days on any social media and leave another comment telling me you've done so.

The giveaway runs for 7 days and ends on Sunday, Dec 16th at midnight PST. A winner will be selected by random, notified by email and announced on this post.

Best of luck, my loves!

** Congratulations SARAH A - you were lucky number 470 out of 690! Thanks to everyone who participated! **


{Images via Crane & Canopy}

Oversized Sweaters

Most all the sweaters I own are oversized. I love swimming in them. They're like warm knit oceans.

Have a cozy weekend, dear ones. Are you up to anything special? Starting tomorrow, don't forget to enter the 24 Merry Days giveaways at 79 Ideas and Fellow Fellow for a chance to win a $350 gift certificate from Kirribilla and a city print from Famille Summerbelle.

Enjoy the links...

How to knit a giganto blanket.

I want an entire wall of stored fireplace wood.

A bulb bouquet for winter brides.

How cute are these sleeping kitty studs and cat eye masks?

Make a simple and classy holiday ribbon star.

My two favorite advent calendars of the year: here and here.

Embroidered tea bags.

Love this handmade wedding backdrop.

Hungry for some scanwiches?

A pretty free printable to count your blessings.

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

• Splashes
• Making Salt
• DIY Crocheted Envelopes

{Image via Dotty Love}

Une Chanteuse Française

Some fun news, friends. In a few weeks, I'll be channeling my inner Bardot to sing a little French ditty for Bellefleur Lingerie's big 10th anniversary fashion show. I don't speak a lick of French, so memorizing nonsensical-to-me syllables is quite difficult, but I'm up for the challenge!

Hint: If you've seen the latest season 5 of Mad Men, you may know the tune! Any guesses? :)

During my inspiration search for performance attire, I came across this sultry photoshoot of the epitome of modern French glamour, miss Marion Cotillard, post La Vie En Rose. Stunning, no?

P.S. If you'll be in Seattle on December 16th and would like to attend the fashion show, here is the flyer for more information. There are only a few tickets left!


{Images via Le Figaro Madame by Dominique Issermann}

Counting Blessings

Happy Thanksgiving, loves. I just want to take a time-out before the festivities begin to count my blessings and express my gratitude for a few things on this earth...

• The tiny house I call my home.
• My husband in long johns. 
• Music that builds in intensity. 
• My grandmother's hand-knit throws. 
• The pounding rain on our roof. 
• My kitty's healthy purrrr.
• The openness of strangers. 
• My endless curiosity. 
• The warmth of my bed in the morning.
• My niece's exuberant giggles. 
• The dusty scent of old books.
• My besties' long-distance love.
• The wonder of the moon.
• My cold hands around a hot cup of tea.
• The remembrance of dreams. 
  

And I cannot forget you. My readers, friends and support. Thank you for always coming by.

Have a wonderful long weekend and I'll see you again on Monday. xo


{Pre-edited image by Annija Muizule}

Monsters By Angus Stone

I love these short film stills for Angus Stone's new album, Broken Brights. The video was inspired by "Monsters" a chapter in a book he's writing about a person trapped in another world and doesn’t know how he got there.

How beautiful is model, Teresa Oman's stag antler headpiece? Would someone please replicate this woodland fawn look for Halloween tomorrow? Or next year? Here's where to find her robe, crown, and ring.


{Images via Spell by Taylor Steele}

Saying A Little Prayer

My lovely loves, I ask that you do me a favor. When you read this, please send a silent prayer into the universe for a glorious 75 degree day on September 8th in Gig Harbor, Washington.

Reason being? We have no back-up tent! Call me crazy, but they're thousands of dollars. I'd rather dance in the rain than fork over that much dough for something I may not use.

So back to that prayer. I figure if enough people hope hard enough, the heavens have no reason not to comply. Thank you sweet readers. Much appreciated! xo


{Image via LYST}

My Bridal Hair Trial

Tonight, I have my bridal hair trial. I've collected a good amount of photos for inspiration and I'm hoping the stylist and I will come up with the perfect wedding hairdo built around my headpiece. It's an antique German Jugendstil / art nouveau crown! Even more fascinating, it came with a matching corsage and a small pillow embroidered with the names of the bride and groom who wore it back in 1911. All inside the original wooden heart-shaped box.

Have a lovely weekend, honey bees! Please enjoy the links...

Did you know today is daffodil day?

Because I often doubt my decisions, I love this quote.

Stain your lips with Kool-Aid.

What would you tell your 25-year old self?

A cheeky cheese platter.

Is it a bookcase or a garage door?

A big floppy hair bow tutorial.

How to carve more time into your day.

Incredible sea floor sculptures.

Famous album covers recreated with socks.

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

• Chinese Fortune Sticks
• My Love Grub Recipe
• A Chapel I'd Get Married In

{Image via My Daily Glamour}

Nail Stickers

I'm all about simple, natural, no frills nails. I wear clear polish or a flesh-toned pink if I'm feeling feisty. Beyond elementary school, I never in a million years would have thought to decorate my fingernails with stickers. But after seeing Kate's hand-painted transfers, I'm inspired to channel my inner 3rd grade girly girl. I love the deer and bicycles.

Would you ever wear nail art?


{Images by Kate Broughton}

Underwater Tango

Hal and I have been feverishly prepping for our first dance. I think we'd be much more graceful if we were practicing underwater. It gives new meaning to being light on your feet.

Aren't Katerina's deep sea tango photos just stunning?


{Images via Sinatra Blue by Katerina Bodrunova}

My Final Dress Fitting

I have my wedding dress final fitting today. At least I hope it's my final fitting! I've been told that it will be a very enjoyable experience. When your dress is shaped perfectly to your body. When you envision yourself walking down the aisle. When you truly fall in love with your gown.

Married ladies, is this true? I want that feeling. Wish me luck!


{Images by Delphine Manivet}

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

We had a wild time in Portland for the bachelorette, involving a chance run-in with a bachelor party, a silly school bus ride, bottled jungle juice and karaoke.

It did not involve frothy petticoats, bedazzled sunnies, colored smoke bombs, or an English countryside, but I'm taking notes for next time!


{Images via Rock n' Roll Bride by Andrew R Moore}

Lash Extensions

Ladies, have you ever gotten lash extensions? I'm trying them out before my wedding and I have to say, they're pretty awesome. No more mascara. No more eye liner. No more lash curler. My morning make-up routine only takes about 1 minute now, no lie.

If any Seattle gals are interested, my esthetician friend, Olivia, will apply them from her home for half the price salons charge. She's a doll. Super professional, friendly and quick. Let me know if you're interested and I'll give you her contact info!


{Image by Olivia Graham, edited by me}

The Lover Wiccan Dress

I thought the Muse dress was my favorite piece from Lover's White Magick line. But now, after seeing these images of Jessica strolling down the streets of Florence in the Wiccan asymmetrical lace dress, I've changed my mind. Isn't it gorgeous? If I could afford a second wedding gown for dancing, this would be it.


{Images via Tuula by Zanita Morgan}

Facing Forward

Maybe it's because I just saw Wes Anderson's Moonrise Kingdom, but lately I've been obsessed with photographs where the subject is directly facing forward. Ukranian surrealist photographer, Oleg Oprisco, must be too. He positions his models to do just this, standing perfectly centered, no expression, eyes staring straight into your soul.


{Images via English Muse by Oleg Oprisco}

My Wedding Colors

When I initially told people our wedding colors, I got strange looks. For some reason, people couldn't imagine emerald-green, mint-seafoam-sage green, and sparkly-gold going well together. Oh yeah and wood grain! So I created this mood board to make it easier to visualize the colors. So tell me loves, do you see it how I see it? :)

My seven bridesmaids are wearing mismatched vintage cocktail dresses in either green, mint, or gold. With wood shoes. Just kidding about the shoes, but wouldn't that be rad? I think they're going to look so gorgeous together!


{Images via: 1. That Bohemian Girl; 2. 3. Maggie McGowan; 4. Wildcat; 5. 6. The Lisa Porter Collection; 7. Anthropologie; 8. Coming Up Strong; 9. This Is Glamorous; 10. Yummy & Olympic; 11. My Favorite And My Best; 12. The Fashion Spot; 13. 14. 15. Specs & Wings; 16. }

Undone: A Photo Essay

I'm in love with Anna Williams' latest photo essay, Undone: 

The tangle of sleep unravels. Yesterday's ruin. She seeks something simple, raw and perfect in its crudeness. A return to the most elemental.


{Images via Frolic by The Voracity}

Lounging Poolside

I'm off to Arizona for my maid of honor's bachelorette weekend. Her sister rented a glamorous pad where Marilyn Monroe and Frank Sinatra used to shack up once upon a time. I'm looking forward to lounging poolside. Gabbing with the girls. Lounging poolside. Eating home cooked meals. And lounging poolside. Did I mention it's going to be 100+ degrees? Eek!

I didn't have time to round up the normal weekend links, so please forgive me! Have the happiest of weekends honey buns! xo


{Images via: 1. Kate Spade; 2. Art.com by Lisa Larsen}

Trashing A Dress

I've never really understood the whole "trash the wedding dress" concept. Why ruin a gown you spent so much money on? But my opinion may have changed after seeing these joyful photos of Bre. This red dress is the actual dress she wore during her Paris elopement.

Would you ever trash a dress for fun?


{Images via The Bride's Cafe by Rebekah Hoyt}

Nature Goddess Headpieces

For me, what brides wear on their head is just as important as what they wear on their body. I've been searching for the perfect bridal headpiece to match my gown, and I think I found it. I think. Nothing as wild as above, but somewhat similar in aesthetic. And that's all I can reveal!  :)

Did you or will you wear a headpiece, hairpiece, or veil on your wedding day? What did or will it look like?


{Images via FGR by Paul de Luna for Mojeh}

Poetry & Paper Boats

Day by day I float my paper boats one by one down the running stream. In big black letters I write my name on them and the name of the village where I live. I hope that someone in some strange land will find them and know who I am. I load my little boats with shiuli flower from our garden, and hope that these blooms of the dawn will be carried safely to land in the night. I launch my paper boats and look up into the sky and see the little clouds setting the white bulging sails. I know not what playmate of mine in the sky sends them down the air to race with my boats. When night comes I bury my face in my arms and dream that my paper boats float on and on under the midnight stars. The fairies of sleep are sailing in them, and the lading ins their baskets full of dreams. 

- Rabindranath Tagore

{Images by Tszya Wang Ziya}

A Watercolor Zodiac

Majorly obsessed with Ekaterina's watercolor zodiac. They look like otherworldly nymphs of the earth, air, fire and sea. I want them all, not just my Capricorn sign. How beautiful would they look all grouped together and framed on one wall?


{Images via Behance by Ekaterina Koroleva}

This Girl's Hair Too

I'm still dreaming of this girl's hair. But now I want this girl's hair too. Big, bouncy and wild.

I wonder if one day in the future, technology will allow us to swap hair. And then return it when you're bored with it. Yeah, I like this idea. Inventors of the world, get to it!


{Images by Sean Flanigan}

Across From Planet Blue

This dreamy sun-drenched Planet Blue lookbook takes me back to when I lived right across the street from their beautiful store in Venice. Which would normally prove dangerous, but since I was broke and couldn't spend money there if I tried, it was harmless to window shop and play pretend on lazy Sunday afternoons after the farmers market. I'd peruse the racks, smile at a celeb on the way out, and leisurely stroll down the beach. Then walk home to my 300 square foot apartment. To my reality. Across from Planet Blue.


{Images via Daydream Lily by Zoey Grossman}

Teatro ZinZanni

I'm hoping to get my taxes done this weekend. Bleh. But as a reward, we're going to see Teatro Zinzanni, an exciting circus dinner theater of sorts. I've been wanting to go for the longest time, but the tickets are steep. So my sneaky brother and sis-in-law bought my whole family tickets last Christmas. We won't be able to take photos during the performance, but maybe I can sneak a few in.

Have the happiest of weekends, my friends. Please enjoy the links...

Heart-shaped knee patches.

Protect your iPad in the kitchen.

Where my bridesmaids will shop for dresses.

I need this book.

Nickel-sized paper cuts.

Knit mermaid suits for lucky wealthy baby girls. 

Turn outlets into people.

Karina creates a pattern a day.

How to make jazzy home movies.

Cute boat blankets.

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

• 1967
• Hermiting
• Elementary School Sweethearts

{Image via Bloody Marie}

Song Love - "Vacation" By Connie Francis

Due to the nature of this blog, it may seem like my life is sunshine and roses 24-7, but like everyone else, I have down days. During a particular dark mood the other day, Hal was trying to cheer me up in the car. But nothing seemed to help... until "Vacation" came on the 60's and 70's radio station.

Something about the song just made us giggle. The cheesy nostalgic lyrics. The overly chipper vibe. Maybe it was how Connie Francis falls off the notes at the end of each phrase. I'm not sure what it is, but any song that turns a frown into side splitting laughter is a-okay!

Listening rules, when feeling blue:

1. Turn the volume up;
2. Pretend you're a teenager in 1962.
3. Bop your head;
4. Sing and spell along;
5. Feel good again!

{Image via Viewliner Ltd}

Spring Sunshine

We're supposed to have a sunny and warm(er) weekend here, hurrah! I'm definitely going to soak it up. Do you have any outdoorsy plans? Enjoy the weekend links loves...

Teddy bear toast.

Black and white striped bridesmaids.

Hilarious Bachelor sketches.

DIY veggie bouquets.

Will you watch The Carrie Diaries?

Stadium seating sofas.

Endangered helium balloons.

A piano stairway in Chile.

Spend the night on a ferry boat. 

A pretty pregnancy scrapbook.

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

• Windows To The Soul
• Shorty Shorts
• Glitter Wigs

{Image via FGR by Natalie J Watts}

Mondegreen Magic

Such a magical look book for New Zealand's online boutique, Mondegreen. Do you think the superimposed girls are alter-egos, ghosts, or imaginary friends?


{Images via Studio Home by Stephen Tilley}

New York Street Style Circa 1944

It's so easy to lose yourself in the LIFE archives. Here's one of my favorite discoveries. In 1944, Alfred Eisenstaedt photographed a group of fashionable ladies in front of Rockefeller Center. Meet Iris, Beatrice, Delma, Ginger and Eileen. Might he be the pioneer of street style photography?


{Images via LIFE by Alfred Eisenstaedt}

My First Wedding Dream

This morning, after hitting the snooze button 3 times, I had my first wedding dream. I'd like to say it was a good one, but it was anxiety ridden. Makes sense I suppose. I recently passed the 6-month mark and I was discussing the big day with Rachel last night.

Here's what went down. The guests started to arrive while my bridesmaids and I were still in our pajamas. The hair and make-up girl was late. When she finally showed up, she arranged my hair into a horrible 80's prom updo. But I blamed myself because I never gave her photos of what I wanted. Then I realized I hadn't written my vows and would have to wing it. I woke up and it took me a full 5 minutes to figure out it wasn't real.

If you are married, did you have pre-wedding freak-out dreams too? Are they normal?  :)


{Images by Samm Blake}