Orla Keily SS12

 

 

 Love the Orla Keily SS12 Campaign by Venetia Scott. Reminds me of my lazy, suburban California summer vacations growing up.

Images: Orla Keily

Birthday Girl

So, today is my 24th birthday. And I am happy. I am content. I have so much to look forward to this year. And have been so blessed with the opportunity to give and receive love from my amazing friends and family. Today, I'm just excited for life in general.

Image: Los Angeles Times Staff Photographer Don Bartletti for photo essay, Enrique's Journey (I saw this photo of two Central American children running away on a horse to find their parents in the US this weekend at the Newseum. It was in the Pulitzer Prize winning photographs exhibit and a lot of the photos there made me want to cry. This one made me want to cheer).

Firefly

I love these beautiful long exposure photographs of fireflies by Tsuneaki Hiramatsu. With the weak winter weather we've been having in Washington, DC, it feels like summer is just around the corner. 

Images: Tsuneaki Hiramatsu, via The Design Ark

Indoor Swings

There is something so whimsical and fun about an indoor swing. This will be added to my rich list (which includes a library - I grew up watching Beauty and the Beast, okay???). Here's hoping for strong ceilings and room to fly in my future home.

P.S. Doesn't that last one look like a giant necklace? 

Images 1-2: Saved on my computer from a long time ago, I think from A Cup of Jo / Image 3: Melanie Acevedo, via French by Design / Image 4: deKor, via Apartment Therapy / Image 5: Johanna Richter

Lovey Dovey

For all of you whose love don't cost a thing... For all of you cash strapped lovebirds... For all of you unemployed honey bunnies... This post is for you. Here are some awesome (and cost effective) DIY ideas/projects for the up and coming Valentine's Day. Just because the world's economy is collapsing and the honeybees are disappearing and you probably won't make it to 12/21/12 doesn't mean you can forgo your love-filled day of red and pink! After all, this may be the last V-day. 

1. Make a sweet and sincere personalized card (via sparrow nest script). So maybe your calligraphy won't be as pretty as this $7 handmade card from Etsy. Who cares! Love loves love!

2. You mean you don't have the money to get this years Target/Old Navy Valentine's Day t-shirt? For shame! Luckily, we've got you covered over at Honestly... WTF's awesome tutorial on creating elbow heart patches. You'll look cooler, anyway.

   

3. Say it with food! Cheap food! Who doesn't love heart-shaped pancakes, hearts in their hot chocolate or a heart-shaped egg in toast? Perfect way to start the day of love (via Oprah and Pinterest). Check out Martha Stewart for more how-tos.

4. I know its been awhile since you've scrapbooked about the Incan civilization for your seventh grade history project, but who wouldn't appreciate a pretty book written about how much they are loved? The guy alternative? Make a PowerPoint. Hunter has made some pretty romantic PowerPoints, if I do say so myself. Not. Even. Lying. So get out the craft scissors, specifically the kind that make the swirly edges (or your laptop). It's going to be a long night. (via Pinterest). See more examples here and here.

   

5. Well, what about Valentine's Day gifts for co-workers, neighbors and friends? There is this thing called free print-outs - and there are lots of them!!!!!! Some of my favorites are the paper bag print out from Twig and Thistle and the arrow valentines from Sweet Muffin Suite. Or this one from Oh Happy Day - perfect for the long distance relationship (and those that plan ahead).

6. Nothing sparks romance like the written word. Framed. In your bedroom. So you can read it over and over again and point out memorized phrases during your next fight in March (why yes, a good love letter can potentially take you into March with no arguments over who does the dishes). Writing not your strong suit? Look up "romantic poetry" in google (hint: start with Pablo Neruda) and handwrite some of your favorites. Then frame. (via Pinterest).

7. Really, really not good with words? Build a Valentine's Day fort. 'Nuff said. (via Design*Sponge)

8. This one is for those who are willing to spend money to make money. Dress up like a bride and groom for the day and run around town. See how much stuff you can get for free! (Including stays at hotels, desserts/drinks at nice restaurants). It might not always work out (it is a crazy time of year for these establishments) so be prepared to foot the bill, just in case. (Via The Cinderella Project). Extra points of you only call each other "darling" or "Mr. and Mrs." the entire night. Back up plan: rent a bunch of romantic comedies (perfect for the "let's not and say we did" couples).

9. Another Honestly... WTF jem. Looks like this year there's no getting that Tiffany's bracelet she/he (no judgement) wants/deserves. Good thing there are jewlery DIYs all over the internets. Like this one. Or this one.

10. Last but not least - don't forget to say I love you! Extra points if you train your dog to say it for you.

Have a Happy Valentine's day, everyone!

Lauren Moffatt Spring 2012

Loving all the pretty florals that are at the Lauren Moffatt Spring 2012 Collection.

Images: Lauren Moffatt

Noemie Goudal

Love these art works by Paris-born and London-based artist, Noemie Goudal.

Images: Noemie Goudal, via wren

Built by Wendy

In case you were too poor to buy any of Built by Wendy's awesome fall 2011 collection (which I was/am), you should know that it's all on sale!!! Looking into owning this blanket skirt or dress and wishing this boucle overcoat was 90% off.

Images: Built by Wendy, via i am a greedy girl

Nerds!

 

SO happy 30 Rock is back on, and here's the Sh*t Liz Lemon says video to prove it. Because I have an obsession with Tina Fey (like everyone else and their mom). And because I can.

Instagraming it

So I've gotten pretty addicted to Instagram since I got my iPhone earlier this month. Above are some of the pictures I've been taking. I usually am the worst at taking pictures of everyday life, and this is really helping me be better about that. I am the kind of person that looks through old photos, cards and letters when I am sad to make myself feel better - so this taking more photos thing will be good for my nostalgic self! Check out @lisamariaanderson for more photos of Hunter, my food, shopping trips and the weather (with the possibility of expansion)! :)