Happy Weekend!

This weekend we have no plans. No weddings to attend, no trips to take. Not even any major projects around the house to tend to. It's a glorious thing to have two wide open days in the summer, and all I know for sure is I want to spend a little time basking in the sun.

How about you? No matter your plans, please have a wonderful weekend!

Photo from here. 

Lush

It's a gray, stormy morning, so I'm gravitating to these vibrant, rich paintings and mixed-media works by Georgia artist Rachel Guest. They're quite an effective spirit-booster, no?

Photos from here via here.

Seeing Clearly

This past Thursday, my husband and went on a short getaway. For a travel story for my work, we visited a little glass cabin in the woods. It was amazing! We felt totally alone, surrounded only by trees, yet we were safe and comfortable inside this cozy room. We fell asleep to moonlight filtering through the trees and awoke early to thunder rolling in and rain pelting our roof.

It felt so nice to get away together, to do something different. And it also reminded me of some great questions Ola has been posing on The Apple Tea (here and here) about relationships. I truly believe stepping out of one's normal routine is important. I hope I showed my husband I was open to new experiences on this trip, and he completely impressed and surprised me. I had no idea he was so good at making a campfire or had so many outdoorsy skills! I got to see him in a new way and a bit more completely than I probably tend to look at him when we're at home in our typical day-to-day. In all, it was a wonderful trip, and I'll probably keep daydreaming about our time in a glass cabin in the woods.

Photos by me. 

Just Dance

A beautiful thing happened years ago. I realized the pure joy of dancing was more important than whether I might look silly at times doing it. So now I dance whenever and wherever I get the chance. And this weekend was a fantastic chance. One of my closest friends got married, and she put together an incredible playlist for the reception. We all let loose on the dance floor for hours. It was so much fun! It felt so incredibly good to move my body, connect with music, laugh with friends, express myself and live completely in the moment in this way. And it's part of this milestone in my friend's life that I'll always remember. Dance on!

Photos from here.

Finally Friday

Hello! Please catch me today over at the wonderful Jenny in Ohio. I'll be guest blogging for Jenny while she's on an amazing trip out west. Happy Friday and here's to a fantastic weekend for all!

Clearing

I've been thinking about relaxation lately. I'm not sure I'm very good at it! Yes, I do my share of lazing around, but do I ever let my mind completely relax? Do I ever let my body truly unwind? Sometimes I think I should force myself to simply be, just spend a period of time with no electronics or even books or magazines or other distractions and see what happens.

This gorgeous, minimalist home in Dorset, featured on House to Home, seems blissfully free of unnecessary extras. Don't you think you could do some great thinking -- and clearing of your mind -- in a place like this?

Photos from here. 

Sister Acts

Today is my sister's birthday. She's nearly two years younger than me, but I feel like I glean more wisdom and inspiration from her than the other way around. As I reflected this morning on how thankful I am to have her in my life, I thought about some of the things I've learned from her:

* Be yourself. Like what you like, and don't let anyone stop you.

* If something bothers you, do something about it.

* Love animals.

* Work hard and passionately at what you want.

* Be good to your friends.

* Allow yourself to change -- and to change your mind.

* Throw in a little mischief. And lots of laughter.

* Care deeply.

* Surprise yourself with how big you can love and how much you can do.

Happy birthday, sista!

Photo by my dad.

A Softer Side

Sarah Jessica Parker is often touted as a style icon for her fearless fashion choices. And I definitely appreciate the sense of adventure and personality she brings to dressing. But these photos of the actress through the years in Vogue show a slightly softer, yet still high-style, side to her. I love them!

Photos from here. 

A Little More

While I usually don't mind the start of a new week, I have to admit I'd like a bit more weekend! We had a blast at our friends' wedding on Saturday -- we spent the night talking, laughing, watching a fireworks show and dancing under the stars. But I'd love a few more days to relax and do nothing more than appreciate summer. How about you?

Photo from here. 

Wedding Weekends

I'm truly looking forward to this weekend and the next, as they bring the weddings of two of my girlfriends. I love weddings. Seeing how happy a couple looks and witnessing them vow to love and commit for the rest of their lives. Checking out the gorgeous dress the bride is wearing. How emotional it is when the bride and groom see each other for the first time, with music swelling around them. The toasts, speeches and traditions. Champagne and dancing at the reception. Being a part of a day built on happiness and hope. Seeing all the ways a couple makes the day a reflection of their personalities and their own love story. I can't wait for my friends' big days!

I also like how photographer Max Wanger captures the uniqueness of couples in his work:

Photos from here.

Enchanted Evening

Last night my book club met at an outdoor concert our city's chamber orchestra holds every summer. It's such a lovely event, and it was made even better by a group of friends getting together to lounge on blankets, sip wine and munch on snacks, discuss a book, listen to music, people watch, catch up and simply enjoy a beautiful summer evening together.

Photos by me. 

Moments

Aren't these paintings by Atlanta artist Jenny Schultz pretty? They're so vibrant and upbeat, like happy moments of summer.

Photos from here. 

Dressing Up

Back in elementary school, I wore a dress or skirt every day. That is, except for days when we had gym class and were required to wear pants or shorts. Lately, I must be pretty in touch with my inner seven-year-old because I can't remember the last time I opted for pants over a dress. All summer I've been living in sundresses, and I love it. 

If I had to choose only one designer with which to outfit myself, it would have to be Diane von Furstenberg. Now, she's someone who gets dresses!

Photos from here. 

Moody Monday

I had a sort of wonderfully selfish weekend. Since my husband was away at a conference, I had a fun girls night out, went to brunch with my sister and our two best childhood friends, and cuddled with the pup while reading and watching movies. Now, it's Monday morning and a huge storm has rolled in. Just like having a weekend to myself every now and again, I like when a thunderstorm disrupts a sunny summer once in awhile. The sky turns dark and thunder shakes the house, and everything feels a little mysterious and moody. It's not a bad way to start a new week.

Photos from here, here and here. 

Happy Weekend!

Even though these photos appeared in W back in 2005, I'm still fascinated by the images photographer Steven Klein captured of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. They make a summer weekend in the suburbs look quite intriguing.

Have a great weekend!

Photos from here. 

Opposites Attract

In home design, I love glamorous, feminine touches. But I don't like when things get too girly, so I appreciate spaces that also have strong, masculine elements. This South African home, featured on House to Home, gets that combination right. And it also offers great mixes of light and dark, sleek lines and rough texture. Have a look:

Photos from here.