Sunshine

I just ordered this adorable print series from the Ink Society for the nursery. My mom used to sing this song to me when I was little, and I hope to do the same with our little girl.

I also have my eye on these beautiful prints from the Etsy shop!

Pretty sweet, no?

Photos from here. 

Summertime

Aren't these oil paintings by J Shears gorgeous? They make me feel like summer is really here. Now all I need is a picnic, a free afternoon and someone fun to spend it with!

Photo from here. 

Happy May!

Spring is definitely here, and I'm loving it! The birds, the rain, the green grass and trees. And especially the flowers. This month, I'd like flowers everywhere -- popping up in my yard, in a vase on my desk at work, in accessories throughout my home and in fresh, happy clothes. Have a wonderful month!

* Photo

* Skirt

* Pillow

* Scarf

* Room

Garden Variety

I realize I'm on a bit of a spring kick, but I can't help it! Some flowers in our front yard are already pushing up through the dirt, and I can't wait to see them bloom. I'm not a gardener, so I love that these flowers simply show up each year. It would be nice to add a similar feel inside my home, and these wildly beautiful paintings by Yangyang Pan would be ideal.

Photos 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

Twelve Days

Is Christmas really twelve days away? While I can't quite believe that, here are some Etsy finds -- paintings, prints, jewelry and more -- inspired by the twelve days of Christmas!

First day: A partridge in a pear tree.

Second day: Turtle doves.

Third day: French hens.

Fourth day: Calling birds.

Fifth day: Golden rings.

Sixth day: Geese a laying.

Seventh day: Swans a swimming.

Eighth day: Maids a milking. 

Ninth day: Ladies dancing.

Tenth day: Lords a leaping. 

Eleventh day: Pipers piping. 

Twelfth day: Drummers drumming. 

Brighten Up

This time of year can be difficult. The trees are bare, the skies are gray and it gets dark so early. I find myself craving color and light, and I'm drawn to artwork like these paintings by Linda Monfort. From the free brushstrokes to the vibrant hues to the flowers, these works do brighten my day.

Photos from here. 

Impressions

What a lovely weekend this was. While it was filled with lots of activity -- house projects, a family get-together, holiday shopping -- what meant the most to me were the small moments, the little impressions. My family gathered around a table that my mom set so beautifully. Laughing with my ten- and sixteen-year-old cousins. My nephew trying mashed potatoes for the first time. My dad and husband collaborating on a project. My pup sleeping with her back against mine. Likewise, these photographs by Katie Lloyd remind me of the incredible beauty of a single moment.

Photos from here. 

Oh, the Places You'll Go

I'm smitten with these prints by Matte Stephens. Chicago, San Francisco, New York City, Boston -- he captures all these great American cities with such wit and charm. Wouldn't these prints be adorable hanging in a child's room? I can only imagine the dreams of travel they'd inspire!

Photos from here. 

Darkly Beautiful

As Halloween approaches, I'm more apt to appreciate things with a darker, creepier or more macabre side. Perhaps that's why I'm intrigued by these works by EmiPhotograph. I like how x-ray images of human anatomy are juxtaposed with text, maps, equations, trees and even butterflies. And the idea of looking into someone -- and perhaps glimpsing what's hidden within -- matches up perfectly with the mood of the holiday.

Photos from here. 

Ring, Ring

I'm mesmerized by these delicate sparkly rings by Louisa Gallery. They all look so unique and special. I kind of want to slip one on every finger. Would that be too much?

Photos from here via here. 

For Us?

On this beautiful sunny morning, let's pretend someone sent us a lovely bunch of flowers that we can admire and smell all day long. (Or we could visit Printed Canvas on Etsy to order these pretty prints for ourselves.)

Photos from here. 

Jane Addiction

Do you like Jane Austen books? I love them! Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice -- I turn to these stories over and over and never tire of them. So I let out a little squeal of delight when I noticed these prints on Etsy. Aren't they great?

Photos from here.