A Plea

Dear Spring,

Could you please arrive soon? And would you mind bringing two plane tickets to Italy? I'd very much like to wander around holding my guy's hand, feeling the sun on my shoulders and wearing this dress.

Love,

Katie

Not a bad thought for a Monday, eh?

Photo from here.

It's Here!

On Friday, I was giddy knowing that I had a full weekend coming up with absolutely no plans. My husband and I had protected it against any commitments and were looking forward to unwinding and relaxing. And on our doorstep that afternoon was a new cover for our sofa from Bemz that I had almost forgotten we had ordered. Bonus!

One of our first purchases as newlyweds in California was a bold blue Karlanda sofa from Ikea. It's held up surprisingly well over the years and we still love it. The only problem was the cover had faded into a dull navy, so it was time for a change. We considered a lot of different colors but ultimately chose a medium gray. It actually brightens up the living room -- and the pup seems to approve, too. It's a nice step toward getting the room how we want it. Next up, replacing two old black chairs with a sofa or loveseat and swapping out some pillows, lamps and artwork to add color and pattern. It's always an ongoing process, isn't it?

Photo by me.

Thankful Thursday

Today, I am thankful for the simple idea of pausing to feel gratitude. It's something I've been trying to be more conscious of in my life. It's not always easy, but at any given moment there are more things than I can even think to mention that are making me happy, safe, fulfilled, challenged, inspired and loved. And today, I'm thankful to be part of Weekly Gratitude, a project started by Tatiana, the lovely blogger at Love, Life, Lace. It's a fantastic concept: Take time each week and reflect on the things that are making you feel grateful. I'm in!

Photo from here.

Hot Dog

I'm a major dog lover. I think about my little pup all through the day and I look forward to coming home to her whenever I'm away. But my penchant for pooches isn't the only reason I'm loving these dog silhouette prints by HirondelleRustique. The happy colors and chevron prints are pretty great too. Enjoy!

Photo from here.

Shifting

I feel like my interior design tastes are changing, shifting slightly away from minimalist and a bit toward classic. Or at least more of a mix of the two. Modern, streamlined style is still my favorite aesthetic, but I'm gravitating toward touches of glamour and timeless elements lately.

Style at Home describes this house as "modern British style." I'm not exactly sure what that means, but what I do know is I love this home's use of color, print and texture and the mix of sleek pieces with other styles. It's still crisp and modern, but warm, colorful and interesting too. Nicely done!

Photos from here.

A Whirlwind

What a weekend! It really flew by, but it was filled with a lot of great things. We held a baby shower for my sister (with the help of this adorable invitation). My heart is still bursting from how much love and support came through for her, and how much wisdom is shared when forty women get together, especially when it's to celebrate a new life coming into the world. It was just wonderful.

On a smaller note, I flipped through the latest issue of Marie Claire and was mesmerized by photographs of actress Michelle Williams. Her clothes and makeup were gorgeous, but it was her hair that got me. Since I had a salon appointment on Sunday, I took one of the photos with me as inspiration and got the same choppy, longish pixie cut. I love it! The messier I make it, the better it looks -- a phenomenon I'm really appreciating already this week.

Photo from here.

Thankful Thursday

Today I am grateful for my emotions. My boundless, impossible to control emotions that sometimes get me into trouble but that allow me to feel things so intensely and acutely. I'm glad that when I hear something sad that I feel it to the core of me, and I'm even more grateful that when I see something happy or think about someone I care about, my joy and love make me feel like I'm about to burst.

Photo from here.

Date-iversary

Eleven years ago tonight, I went on the first date with my husband. I met him over winter break my freshman year of college and was eager to get to know him better. On our first few dates, I learned he was so much fun, easy to talk to, insanely cute and incredibly funny ... and I'm happy to say he's all these things -- and much more -- today. He's my full love and my true partner on this adventure of life, and I'm so grateful to be celebrating our date-iversary tonight.

Photo by me (taken this fall on our trip to London).

Twinkle, Twinkle

Last night, I caught a bit of the Golden Globes (and by that, I mean I watched coverage of the red carpet and a little of the actual awards ceremony). I loved that several stars wore minimalist dresses, but I was especially taken by all the glittery gowns -- and definitely the gorgeous ones that Carrie Underwood, Anne Hathaway and Scarlett Johannson chose. So I thought I'd kick off this Monday with a little sparkle. Enjoy!

Photos from here.

Fresh Start

Maybe it's the start of the new year, but something is prompting me to look at my home with fresh -- and critical -- eyes. It seems like everywhere I turn there's a new project I want to take on right away. However, I know I should take one thing at a time, so I'm beginning with our living room. I love the gray and white sofas in these rooms featured on Ideal Home, particularly how they coexist nicely with black as well as vivid colors. Hmmm, it seems I've found myself a starting point!

Photos from here.

Working It

Most mornings, I enjoy getting dressed for the day. I work at a magazine, so it's a pretty creative environment and my job takes me in countless different directions from day to day. I try to wear only things that I love, but it can be difficult to keep up the inspiration. That's why I'm so digging the Five Days, Five Outfits, One Girl series on vogue.com. My current favorite is Vogue's senior accessories editor Filipa Fino. I love her sense of style. She has me wanting to take another look at the pants in my closet, not to mention chic-ify my office immediately.

Photos from here.

Cafe Calm-Down

Yikes! It's only Wednesday and already the week has filled with twists, turns and little eeek moments. I wish I could hide away in a cozy coffee shop today, sipping a latte, watching people pass by and getting lost in a book. Then again, as I type this, the sun is starting to shine brightly and snowflakes are lazily floating down to my snow-covered deck. Hmmm, maybe I don't really have to escape. I just need to pause and see the lovely, calm moments happening all around me.

Photo from here.

Gentle Reminder

This weekend was wonderful. My husband and I had a great time on our little getaway. We snowboarded, read by a fireplace, slept in and ate good food. A great mix! And while I'm doing better this year (so far anyway, but it's only January) about embracing winter, all the white snow and bare trees can get overwhelmingly bleak. That's why I'm grateful for artwork like these breathtaking watercolors by Susan Lynn. They remind me that, yes, the snow will eventually melt and the sky will be bright again and the earth will be filled with color.

Photos from here.

Ski Style

This weekend my husband and I are going away for a little ski getaway. I can't wait to hit the slopes! I love skiing but I'm also looking forward to taking walks through the snow and throwing on cozy sweaters and sipping drinks by a roaring fireplace. Here's what I'd like to pack for these pursuits:

* Gloves with a graphic print

* A beanie that looks a little bit rough

* Faux-fur mittens

* A knit hat with a cute pom-pom

* A button-down with soft lining

* A luxe wrap sweater

* Boots with attitude

* Rugged leather shoes

* A stylish duffel to throw everything in

* A soft blanket for cuddling

Happy weekend to all!

Oh So Glam

Last year, my mom and sister and I decide to take on a collective resolution: Get our shit together. As 2010 came to a close, my mom started referring to the goal in the past tense, as in we'd accomplished it and now officially had it all together. While I'm not entirely convinced, I'm okay with where we're at. But if I had a home as glamorous as this one, featured on Style at Home, I wonder if I'd truly believe it. Isn't this place incredible?!

Photo from here.

In the City

Chicago is a fun city. Whenever I visit, the energy of the place leaves me equally breathless and excited. I love simply standing within it, tall buildings towering around me, people bustling by. There are so many areas to explore, some glamorous, others tough, making each visit a completely different experience. This screenprint by breeree somehow manages to be simultaneously gritty and sunny -- quite a fitting homage to the place.

Photo from here.

Dress Dreaming

Living in a place with such drastically different seasons, I love when I find clothes that can work year-round. These cute dresses from Ruche seem like that sort. In the middle of winter, I'd throw a cozy cardigan on top or maybe even a long tee or turtleneck underneath, and add warm tights and tall boots or smart heels. Then come spring, I'd shed those extra layers and pair the frocks with a light topper and sandals or peep-toes. I can't relegate ruffles, stripes, lace and florals to just one time year!

Photos from here.