A Pretty Start

Let's start this week off on a pretty note! There's something about the unexpected combination of yellow and lavender that I find really lovely. Perhaps it will inspire a nice, easygoing week.

Photos from here, here and here.

Spotted

What a week it's been! I'm so glad the weekend's almost here. I have plans to go out to dinner with my husband tonight, and head to my parents' for a family get-together tomorrow. I may pop out for a little shopping too.

In honor of my spotty posting this week, I'm turning my attention to some dotted finds. I'm definitely a stripes girl, but lately I've been tempted to add a spotted piece to an outfit -- and I think any of these would be pretty great!

* Blouse

* Handbag

* Heels

Have a fantastic weekend!

Pattern Play

I'm entranced by the gorgeous work of artist and textile designer Luli Sanchez. It's amazing what she can do with color and pattern. Hop over to her website to see the breadth of her work, but be warned -- you could spend hours browsing through her galleries! Here are a few of my favorites.

Photos from here. 

Light and Dark

Good morning! How was your weekend? Mine was very relaxed. My husband and I were both sick, so we spent a lot of time on the couch and watched a lot of movies. But with a snowstorm outside, being holed up at home was actually quite nice.

I definitely wouldn't mind spending some time in this space, a Brooklyn home featured on Design*Sponge. What I love most about it is the contrast between the moody dark rooms and the bright white spaces. I also like the mix of materials and textures, and the great collection of art. And that little patio is pretty fantastic, no?

Photos from here. 

Happy Friday!

Just knowing the weekend's almost here makes me smile. I hope you have a great day and a delightful weekend!

Photo from here. 

A Private Paradise

While I'm not on vacation this week, I'm still dreaming about the Caribbean. And why not dream big, right? For at least one night of my life, I'd love to stay at the Jade Mountain in St. Lucia. I've been to the lush island before, but never visited this resort. It's tucked into a hillside overlooking the ocean and the green Piton mountains. Rooms are incredibly private, with infinity pools and only three walls so nothing keeps you away from the stunning views. I know a girl who spent a few nights of her honeymoon here. She said when she and her husband walked into the room, she started weeping because it was so beautiful. Let's have a peek:

Photos from here. 

Twelve

Twelve years ago today my husband and I went on our first date. We were both in college, and on this day all those years ago I had no idea he would be the one -- the one I'd choose to build a life with, the one I'd share all sorts of experiences and adventures with. I hope we can tell our grandkids one day about how we didn't know each other in the 1900s (how old will we sound?!) but that in the 2000s we've always been together.

Photo from here.

A Change in Plans

So, we're not in the Caribbean this week after all. My little nephew got sick, and at the last minute -- at four in the morning as we were assembled at my parents' house about to head to the airport -- we had to cancel our family trip. We're all really disappointed, but it was the right decision.

Being at home Sunday night gave me the chance to watch the Golden Globes, specifically, the red carpet coverage before the awards show. I can't decide which trend I like better -- pretty blush-hued dresses or vibrant-colored gowns. Here are a few of both!

Soft and Pretty

Bright and Bold

Photos from here. 

Bon Voyage!

I'm off on a weeklong vacation in the Caribbean! This is one of my favorite places in the world, where my family has been going every year since I was eleven. It's our brief moment to escape winter. But more than that, it's a time to simply be together in an absolutely gorgeous setting. I can't wait for sunshine and blue skies, sand and the ocean. See you in a week!

Photo from here. 

Color Cue: Tangerine

So, tangerine is the color of 2012. I'm cool with this! It took me some time to appreciate orange hues. My high school colors were orange and black -- not the freshest combination. But I really like vibrant shades like tangerine. I'd love to choose a single accent for an outfit or a room.

* Dress

* Purse

* Necklace

* Sandals

* Pillow

* Chair

Scene Stealer

I recently saw the new The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. I enjoyed the movie, but what I liked most of all was the incredible house featured in it. Sure, it was the home of the villain, but the minimalist architecture, huge planes of glass and white furniture made me forget about all that!

Photos from here via here. 

Opposites Attract

A combination I can't get enough of is black and white. I find myself lately black-and-white-ifying everything around me -- my outfits, my home decor, my accessories. That's probably why I haven't stopped loving Jason Wu's fall 2011 ready-to-wear collection. The play of masculine and feminine seems perfect for the opposing shades, don't you think?

Photos from here. 

Simple Pleasures

This weekend was wonderfully low-key. I slept in and took naps. I had brunch with friends and watched movies. My husband made an organic fruit salad and we took the pup for a long walk in the fresh air and sunshine. I love weekends filled with simple pleasures like these.

Photos by me. 

Surprises

I love when an artwork's medium surprises me, when the materials an artist used to create a work aren't what they appear to be. That was the case with these pieces by Shane McAdams. He used the humble ball-point pen to make these paintings. Aren't they incredible?

Here's wishing you a weekend full of fun surprises!

Photos from here. 

Midweek Motivation

After a few weeks filled with holidays and days off from work, I'm struggling a bit to get back into the normal swing of things. A little inspiration is just what I need!

 

Photos from here.