So Glam

Ever since I saw these photos of Jennifer Lopez's home from Veranda on the lovely Just the Pretty Things, I haven't been able to stop thinking about the house. The soft shades of blue, pink, cream and white. Feminine touches mixed with modern. Luxurious fabrics and upholstery. A ball gown in a bedroom! Couldn't we all use a little more glamour in our lives?

Photos from here. 

White Hot

It was so much fun spending the weekend with my family, and we got back in time to watch the Oscars on Sunday. I loved seeing what all the actresses were wearing. My favorite looks of the night were white, cream and blush gowns. So pretty!

Photos from here. 

Happy Weekend!

This morning my mom, sister and nephew are piling into the car and heading up north. We'll spend the long weekend with my grandma, aunt, uncle, cousins and their children. It should be a full few days of babies, food, laughter and walks in the snowy woods. I can't wait.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Photo from here. 

Elemental

I can't tell if it's the relatively mild winter we've had this year or the fact that I'm so ready for spring to come, but the landscape around me feels so different lately. The elements -- land, trees, sky -- seem so plain to see, not covered but out there, ready to be observed. It reminds me of these prints by the late painter Nicolas De Stael. I find his landscapes straightforward yet intriguing.

Photos from here. 

To the Letter

When we were kids, our grandfather would let my sister and me and our two cousins join him in his woodshed to make projects. My favorite piece is a simple letter K I made from scrap wood. I still have it. I think some of these other monogrammed items would be fun to have, too.

Photos from here, here, here, here and here. 

Star Power

There's a lot I love about this Bel Air home, owned by writer/producer Darren Star and featured in Architectural Digest. To start, the location's pretty sweet. And the crisp white walls let the eye travel from sturdy, clean-lined furniture to interesting colors, textures and accessories. And wouldn't a C-shaped sofa be cool? I've always wanted one! Have a peek at the home:

Photos from here. 

Art-Inspired Style

On Saturday, my husband and I joined some friends and coworkers out at a trendy bar for an event. It was a fun time, and it made me realize how much I've been hibernating this winter. So I think a night out soon is called for, and what better inspiration to draw from than a twinkling night sky by Vincent Van Gogh? Vibrant blues and glimmering golds tempered by a bit of black seem great makings for a fantastic night on the town.

* Starry Night Over the Rhone

* Jumpsuit

* Heels

* Bracelet

* Earrings

* Coat 

Happy Friday!

It's a beautiful day, I'm happy and the weekend is almost here. Life is good.

Have a fantastic weekend!

Photo from here. 

A Cozy Night In

Last night for Valentine's Day, my husband and I decided to stay in. I'm so glad we did! We had the simplest, coziest night. We started off by eating a few chocolates and ordered pizza. And my husband brought out the mixer and made his famous chocolate mousse. We talked and laughed and got to be with our other Valentine -- our little pup who's quite skilled at getting attention.

Photos by me. 

Happy Valentine's Day

Here's wishing you a wonderful day of love, experienced in any or all of its beautiful forms!

Photos from here, here and here. 

High Notes

I really enjoyed watching the Grammys last night. I thought LL Cool J was a great host, and it was fun to see Adele, Rhianna and many other artists perform. I liked Bon Iver's acceptance speech, and Jennifer Hudson's tribute to Whitney Houston was beautiful. Of course I also had to watch the red carpet coverage to see what everyone was wearing. Although there were some gorgeous gowns, my favorite looks of the night were black ensembles, particularly Rhianna's sleek dress and gleaming gold accessories.

Photos from here. 

Breath of Fresh Air

I  know I shouldn't complain about winter, especially this year when it's been so mild -- at least compared to the record-breaking amounts of snow we've gotten the past few years. But I can't help it. I'm ready for spring! So I'm going to dream about sunshine and flowers and rain showers, and I'm going to pretend I'll be spending spring in this lovely waterfront Victorian in Massachusetts, featured in Better Homes and Gardens. Doesn't it feel so fresh and cheerful?

Photos from here. 

In Vogue

Did you watch the Superbowl on Sunday? While I was interested in the game and the commercials, I was most excited to catch Madonna's halftime performance. I thought she was great and I loved seeing her perform a range of her songs. In honor of her opening number, Vogue put together a slideshow of the Material Girl's appearances in the magazine over the years. Here are a few covers that show her incredible gift for reinterpreting herself.

Photos from here.