Blogging Break

Due to a busy week and traveling for work, I must take a little blogging break...in the meantime, enjoy some of my favorite blogs - they are just lovely! See you soon.

*Simply Recipes

*Elements of Style

*Coco + Kelley

*Dinner Tonight

*Oh Joy!

Sneak Peak

My sister is getting married this October 10th in Arizona -- here is a sneak peak of what's to come...should be a gorgeous, classy, fun filled affair!!

Her dress is my favorite part, but that's a secret until she walks down the aisle...more to come!

A desert setting...with a beautiful backdrop - mountains and cactus galore.

flower arrangements

bridesmaid dresses

A quiet corner in the courtyard where the reception will take place...

Pottery Barn: New items to love

Every time I flip through a Pottery Barn catalogue I fall in love with no less then 5 things. I think the new collection for fall is timeless, functional and charming, with that vintage feel. Take a look at my favorite picks...

Benchwright Bookcase

This has that industrial appeal - softened by baskets, books and personal keepsakes.

Classic Stripe 400-Thread Count Sheet Set
Clean and crisp looking with a classic wide stripe - and a good quality thread count too.

Sculptural Dogs

I need these, I really do. They are too cute and would be great for bookends or a paper weight. Oscar & Winston, that's what I'd name them.

Cafe Strip Lumbar Pillow Cover
What a great french vintage feel with these pillows.

Monticello Downlight Task Lamp
This lamp comes to life with the small leaf detailing - I'd love to see it on an antique desk or nightstand.

Vintage Keys

This is a shot from the catalogue and I love it. The wall arrangement is unique and the bench/shelf set up is practical - would make a cute entryway.

Iron Condiment Set

French Wire Place Card Holder
How fun would these be? It's all in the details.

Must Read: The Art of Racing in the Rain

I started this book yesterday and can't put it down. The Art of Racing in the Rain is a story for dog lovers - afterall, it's narrated by a dog named Enzo, who belongs to a loving family living in Seattle. The perspective is quite convincing as he interperts human behavior, genuine emotion and true feelings of being a dog. It's heartwarming, hilarious and touching.

Shopping Trolley

I feel like this Crate & Barrel "shopping trolley" is something we should all have. For three reasons: 1. it's practical 2. you can fill it with fun goodies and treats 3. I love the name of it

Happy Weekend!!

Comfy Casual

I have an addiction to clothing that is soft, comfortable and casual - usually accompanied with a hood, open neck or sometimes stripes. This is no secret to people who know me well as I am quite predictable in my shopping habits. It's no wonder that this Gap french terry cowlneck pullover caught my eye.

I bought this for my sister as a birthday present and she loves it. I say this is one to stock up on in every color - 8 to choose from!

Kitchen Love

My endless infatuation for kitchen's continues...

Can I stay forever? This kitchen is the whole package. Exquisite stone and ceiling work, a large island with seating room and plenty of space and natural light.

Farm style island + glitzy chandelier - enough said. Just gorgeous.

The natural light, tall ceilings and mix of old with new makes this so eclectic and inviting.

Take a look at the ceiling and light fixtures - throw in a fun cabinet color...it's all in the details.

I'm loving the soothing white color palette with a cozy window above the basin sink.

Weekend Bliss

Happy Weekend!

Visit your local farmers market with this cute shopping basket.

Brunch for dinner: a fun thought and excuse to gather friends...

Treat yourself to fresh flowers, scatter them all over your space and take tips from the fabulous Rosenow Floral Design out of San Francisco.

Repaint a room in your house...an entryway, a bathroom, maybe even a closet for fun.

Summertime Herbs

My mom recently took on a project of replanting her herbs in an old antique trunk that her friend put out on the curb. It's a task that took a little imagination and appreciation for fresh herbs in your kitchen. The turnout is charming and certainly worth the labor of love.

If you aren't familiar with all the uses of herbs, read about the many different types on Martha Stewart's website.

Spaces I'm loving right now...

Having a love for spaces can touch on all your senses, drawing you in, constantly inspiring you... A soothing color palette, a defining piece of furniture, soft textures or a unique light fixture that speaks out in a dramatic, memorable way. Spaces have a special way of helping you imagine -- whether it's a reminder of someone or some place special to you, or a reflection of your mood at that moment, it's a world of possibilities to surround yourself in.

These are some of my favorite spaces right now...

Red, White and Blue

What's better then fireworks, sparklers and a cookout on the fourth of July? A cute outfit to match! Pull out all your patriotic pieces to your wardrobe, it's time to honor our independence...or just go out and buy something new, that's easy to justify, you are just being all American.

Happy 4th!!

American Apparel: Fine Jersey Racerback Tank

Kate Spade: Keswick Caning Bangle

Ray Ban: Neon Wayfarer Skinnies Sunglasses

Old Navy: Trim Canvas Tote

Ella Moss: Aggie Dress

South Moon Under: Jeffrey Campbell Leather Thong Flip Flop

Anthropologie: All Trades Dress

J. Crew: Stretch Chino Frankie Shorts

Gorjana: Tress Stackable Rings

Gap: Tie-dye Racerback Tank

Banana Bread Love

2 nights ago I made a lovely batch of banana bread with a few bananas about to go bad...I'm so glad I hunted down this recipe off my favorite food blog Simply Recipes because it was easy, took no time at all and the bread it delicious.

Do this as a "thank you" for someone or store it away in the freezer for another time...if anything you'll be treated with a cozy aroma of baked banana bread.

Banana Bread Recipe

Ingredients
3 or 4 ripe bananas, smashed
1/3 cup melted butter
1 cup sugar (can easily reduce to 3/4 cup)
1 egg, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon baking soda
Pinch of salt
1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour

Method
No need for a mixer for this recipe. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). With a wooden spoon, mix butter into the mashed bananas in a large mixing bowl. Mix in the sugar, egg, and vanilla. Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the mixture and mix in. Add the flour last, mix. Pour mixture into a buttered 4x8 inch loaf pan. Bake for 1 hour. Cool on a rack. Remove from pan and slice to serve.