At Last

I thought it would never arrive, but the weekend is almost here. And it's a long weekend. I couldn't be happier. The last few weeks have been so busy and my husband and I want to simply relax. We've purposely made no plans other than an afternoon by the pool at my parents' house. 

Here's wishing everyone a leisurely, fun and glamorous weekend!

Photo from here. 

Home is Where the Art Is

To me, one of the most important elements of a home -- the thing that really personalizes a place -- is the artwork. Art is so personal and says so much about the people who live with it. I love the idea of surrounding oneself with images that comfort, energize, evoke memories, impart beauty and inspire. 

The art collection in this Chicago home, featured on Apartment Therapy, is fantastic. So eclectic, so interesting. It makes me think the homeowners must be pretty spectacular, too.

Photos from here.

So Excited

It's going to be a busy night! After a photo shoot for work, which should be a lot of fun itself, I'm meeting up with a group of girlfriends for cocktails and Sex and the City 2!

Now I just have to figure out what to wear. Cute shoes are a must, of course!

Photo from here.

Well Said

Yikes! I'm sorry for not posting much lately. Our computer at home is broken and I'm between laptops (but dreaming for a new one, fingers crossed!), so blogging has been a little harder to come by than usual.

No worries, though. I'm feeling inspired by the thoughtful words and beautiful colors of these prints by Freya Art & Design. Have a look at a few: 

Photos from here.

Showers Ahead

I am seriously excited for the weekend ahead. Tomorrow brings a bridal shower for one of my amazing girlfriends. And on Sunday is a baby shower for another wonderful friend. 

I can't wait for hugs, laugher, sharing stories, silly antics, taking pictures and lots of girl talk!

Wishing everyone a fantastic weekend!

Photo from here.

How Sneaky

I'm not much of a sneakers girl. Unless I'm running or hiking or doing something similarly athletic, I'll be found in heels, sandals, wedges, boots, ballet flats or barefoot.

However, these sequined Chuck Taylors are pretty amazing. Maybe it's time for me to put a new foot forward?

Photo from here.

Cheery-O

There's something positively cheery about this Godfrey Park Place home by Angie Hranowsky Design Studio. It's classic yet contemporary, serene  yet colorful -- and altogether charming!

Let's pop in for a little tour: 

Photos from here.

Still Dreaming

Well, we're back home from our trip, but my mind has decided to stay in California. I keep playing back the loveliness of San Francisco, whether we spent the day in chilly fog or crisp sunshine. And I am mentally returning to the fun and warmth and gorgeous scenery of Napa. 

I wish I were a better photographer and I am in need of a nicer camera, but here are a few of the scenes we got to enjoy last week. 

Photos by me. 

And We're Off

Bright and early tomorrow morning, we'll be off for a long weekend to San Francisco. My husband and I used to live in the Bay Area, and it's still one of our favorite places to visit. I can't wait!

Photo from here.

Gasp!

That's what I literally did when I saw this Rachel Gilbert dress, featured recently on the always amazing Cupcakes and Cashmere. I love it so much I can't even handle it! The sparkly bodice, the tiered skirt in the most perfect shade of white. The price tag is the only thing preventing me from snatching this dress up immediately. But I can dream, right?

Photo from here.

Thanks for Everything

I didn't get to see my mom or my grandmothers yesterday on Mother’s Day, but I thought a lot about each of them. I thought about what incredible women they are and what each has taught, shown and given me.

Thank you Grandma D for teaching me to be organized so I can take care of everyone.

Thank you Grandma Z for showing me that emotions  are good -- and one of the best parts of being a woman.

And thank you Mom for giving me kindness, a wonderful gift to receive and in turn to pass on to others.

I love you all so much!

Photo from here.

Brighten Up

It may be chilly and rainy today, but days like these allow gorgeous flowers to brighten our world. I've been loving all the tulips around town. Happy, happy.

Photo by me.

So Lovely

I am absolutely smitten with this Los Angeles home, featured in House Beautiful. Its combination of casual and sophisticated, ease and sparkly is perfection to me. I'd like to move in straightaway!

Photos from here.

A Dose of Pretty

There's so much beauty in the world, isn't there? And so many talented people who take the time to capture perfect moments. I'm so grateful for that. And I'm happy to share these three gorgeous images by luvpublishing. They're perfection.

Photos from here.

Ship Shape

Maybe it's the crisp spring air or the whipping wind, but it seems like sailboat weather. I'm feeling inspired to let my mind wander to gorgeous nautical-inspired clothes. I love a stripe any day of the year, but there's something so appealing about blue and white, cute buttons and tie details. I'm especially feeling these fresh pieces:

A hoodie dress

A tie-neck blouse

A silk dress

Drawstring shorts

A striped T-shirt

Sailor pants

A ruffle-front blouse

A V-neck sweater dress

Ahoy!