{happy friday}

Happy Labor Day weekend, all!
Much more goodness to come next week, my friends, I've been in a tizzy all week with kindergarten and new beginnings....image by Thayer Allyson Gowdy

droplets

It's not often that I find art that I just adore...I mean, these things take time, and generic stuff just won't do. I found these pretties at Thumbtack Press this morning and bought them on the spot. Not sure where they'll hang just yet, but they make me smile, and I love that they're titled "Droplets".

Ruby's bedroom {makeover}

She's 5 and in kindergarten, so it's oficially time for a bedroom makeover. There are so many directions we could go in, but she's pretty sure the bed will be green and the walls pink (rather preppy, no?). These adorable rooms are serving as inspiration, as well as the paper lanterns I bought to hang at different lengths. I'll post pics as it nears completion!

a little blogging {goes a LONG way}

The land of blogging is a buzz today, everyone banding together to help raise money for a beautiful family in need. As many of you know, Stephanie & Christian Nielson, of the NieNie Dialogues were in a plane crash a little over a week ago. They are trauma patients in a hospital in AZ, and with over 80% of Nies body burned, and more than 30% of Christian burned, they are in for a good fight...not to mention incredibly costly medical bills, house payments, rehabilitations, and childcare (they have 4 kids). DesignMom declared that Thursday was NieNie Day, and encouraged bloggers all over the world to donate something to be auctioned off, or to bid for the cause. See the complete list here, and happy bidding.

feeling some kitchen love

I'm feeling some love for this open-airy kitchen - especially the gorgeous island made from a surfboard, gotta love the craftiness of that. image via coastal living

calypso {inpsired by the sea}

If it were possible to embody a brand, Calypso would be mine. Inspired by the sea, India and Morocco, the collection boasts gauzy tops and tunics (always a favorite), yummy sweaters, bright Fall scarves, and some purses that have just been added to my wishlist. Don't forget to check the sale section (for tots, too!).

camp food {road trip prep!}

We're about 2 weeks away from our annual road trip down the beautiful California coast, though this time we'll be livin' large in our newly (almost finished) tent trailer (fresh images to come). The last time we really camped it was just the 2 of us, and food was not exactly top priority;canned soup, pasta, and maybe s'mores if we really put our minds to it. But this year, we've started planning the menu way ahead, and let's be honest, the food from the past really should just stay there - we want gourmet camping! I just ordered Campfire Cuisine which promises that I can whip up a batch of skillet scones, lemony couscous salad or zucchini steak tacos like it's no one's business. If you have a favorite camp recipe, please let me know!

beautiful party!

Check out this beautiful party that Hula Seventy threw for her 8 year old daughter, it's the best. The lanterns, the umbrellas, the favors, and the cupcakes are divine. Something to aspire to! If you thought Ruby's butterfly birthday was something, just you wait, this girls' got serious party skills.

garden party

Why I'm thinking of garden parties as the summer is waning, I do not know, but this sunny table setting would be reason enough to host a savory garden brunch. Fresh herbs, sunflowers and I love that they wrote on the fruit, so clever.
image from toast & tables

don't mind if I do!

These place cards are so witty and cute, they'd look great perched above each place setting at a semi-fancy dinner party. And the scalloped edges - great touch.

and a {happy friday} to you!

Relax, it's Friday! Back with more goodies on Monday. Image: Ruby taking on a hungry dino at the Museum of Natural History in NY.

shifting {into Fall}

J. Crew outfit(left): the copy says the skirt "...flatters everyone it meets", and so, I will buy it.
Anthropologie(middle): just add a cashmere cardigan and we're good to go!
Shopbop(right): A flattering Fall dress is hard for me to find, but this one would look great with tights and boots.

sour cream cake {yes, please!}

A thick slice of this blueberry sour cream cake would be so very tasty with a creamy morning latte, no?

kindergarten {the first day!}

We just walked Ruby to her first day of Kindergarten, and it was the cutest! I'm a total wreck, but it all went so smooth, she turned to say good bye but it was more like "ok! go already!".

style crushes

I have MAJOR style crushes on each of these ladies:
Kate Hudson (for her boho chic natural style) love that tousled hair, beachy fresh tan and long flowy dresses. Rachel Bilson - this girl's just got it, she reeks of originality, and she's a total cutie to top it off. So who's your style crush?

The Hills premiere {they're back!}

Set your Tivo's people, the premiere of The Hills (mock if you must...) returns tonight! C'mon, aren't you the least bit excited?! This season is full goodies; the rivalry between Audrina & Lo is in full effect, Stephanie is torn between her friendship with Lauren and her brother (ewww) - Spencer, Lauren dates a guy named Doug who just may have a thing going with Stephanie, too (no!), Justin-Bobby is still there, like a virus that won't quit, and poor Heidi (still learning how to float with her ginormous implants) gets an indefinite visit from her sister. Can't you just feel the fun ahead?!

{happy friday}

I hope you find yourself surrounded by lush greenery and simple outdoor sounds this weekend, xo

beaded beauty

Oh, I have my eye on you, you sweet little Rafe beaded clutch...just need a good reason (wedding? night on the town?) to justify the purchase and then you will be mine.

hats!

While in NY, we visited Linda Ashton, my very own fairy godmother (this is the extra cool version of the otherwise ho-hum "godmother"). She's a milliner by trade and her studio is brimming with tiny little goodies; vintage velvet flowers? check. vintage bees, butterflies, felt, ribbon, feather? check. You've seen her hats, they've been in Martha Weddings, and on the heads of a few rock stars at that. She's still making a name for herself in the world of fashion, so keep your eyes peeled for her gorgeous creations!

I've gone to the darkside

ok, just put me down for "sucker", I bought Ruby a pair of Seven jeans. They really are the cutest things I've ever seen, though, with blue rhinestones, bootlegs, and a vintage wash. She's 5, I'm sick, I know.

Kate's Paperie {NYC tidbit}

Being the paper obsessed girl that I am, of course I had to find the Kate's Paperie and spend a good hour wandering and picking up various papers, envelopes and tiny enclosures. This display was made up of all things paper, a genious idea if you ask me!

the wedding {NYC tidbit}

My cousin's wedding in Long Island was just gorgeous, all yellows and fresh flowers, the happy couple beaming with grins from ear to ear. Ruby totally rocked it as the flower girl, she's still talking about it, and I kind of loved being a bridesmaid. Here's just a few of the pretty wedding pics. Congrats to Melissa & Bryan!

{loving} outdoor life

In my past life I must have been some sort of bug. I'm just happier being outdoors, as much as I love to cuddle up in my bed at night, I dream of being in my outdoor oasis all summer long. images from Living Etc.

israeli cous cous {a must!}

Where in the world has israeli cous cous been all my life?! These scrumptious little pearls take almost no effort to cook and can be mixed with all kinds of fresh veggies for a quick meal. I mixed it with summer squash, cucumbers, broccoli, cherry tomatoes, basil and mint, a little olive oil and lemon - the result? It was REALLY good, especially with the grilled chicken, and it got rave reviews from the husband.

dreamy photobook {must-have}

One thing I've learned in my years as a graphic designer - inspiration is KEY. And really, it can come from just about anywhere; a stopped car in traffic, a rainy day, a trip to the farmer's market, and of course from a book. Having books filled with beautiful inspiration is so important, I love to flip through with my morning coffee. This new Tim Walker book is so chock full of beautiful images, this draping turquoise dress has me conjuring up a new invitation as we speak...enjoy.

opening ceremony {a visual masterpiece}

I don't think I can translate the opening ceremony for the 2008 Olympics into words, but it was just mesmerizing and completely visually stunning. 15,000 performers created art, music and incredible graphic patterns with their bodies. If you can find it on YouTube, it's a must see!! We were glued to the TV, jaws dropped. images from boston.com

gramercy park {our NYC digs}

We rented a friend's apartment in Gramercy Park, which was a swanky location with our own key to the (otherwise locked) park. Located in the historic National Arts Club building, an opulent gathering place for all things that embrace the arts - the walls were just oozing with stories from the past.
Some noteworthy events that happened while staying here:
• Ruby and I got stuck in the building's ancient elevator for half an hour, while a high pitched alarm rang in our ears, no air, and waves of extreme panic. It was. Not. Good.
• We had drinks in the newly designed "haute bohemian" Gramercy Park Hotel, (image above) where Dave thought I was crazy for ordering a $20 lemon drop, but I chalked it up to the experience.
• We think we may have seen a ghost (just a hunch, but still...)

NYC tidbit {I met Diddy}

I'm not a huge P. Diddy fan, I mean I couldn't name one of his songs, and come to think of it, I don't even know how to refer to him - Sean Combs? Puff Daddy? BUT, I did get to meet him in front of his Bad Boy Productions office building and he's super nice, so I'm kind of fond of him now. The gigantic black Escalade and just-as-large bodyguards tipped me off that someone was about to come out of the building, so Dave stood back with the camera and I waited with my new friend, the bodyguard that was 8 times my size. When Diddy came out he was filming something for his TV show, so I hung out an watched, smiling like a giddy schoolgirl, and then HE CAME OVER TO ME. He asked if I was ok (the bodyguard had been in my way and Diddy must have thought he knocked into me) and held my hand. No joke. I know, I was a little star struck for no good reason, but that's how it went down. Dave took these pictures, of Diddy, not of me & Diddy, but take my word, I'm there. He didn't invite me to one of his posh "white parties" in the Hampton's though, so maybe we're not as tight as I thought.

knit hoodies {by Stacia}

I bought one of these super soft hoodies by Stacia on Bleeker Street in the West Village. I wore it with jeans to work the other day and now I think I may need more, it's comfy and ultra flattering.

a classic, everyday purse

Does everything look cuter in NY?? I went into a Coach store there and walked around with this rugged/classic/bohemian "Leigh" bag for a while, the leather is so thick and yummy, and the lining is silk stripes. I have a crush on this bag, but not it's price tag, so I'll just leave it as a crush (for now).

{once upon a tart} NYC tidbit

Phew! We are back and I have so much New York goodness to share. Each day I will post a NYC tidbit, but continue to focus on the visual goodies that grab me and make me say "ooooh!". I'd like to truly thank these RAD blog gals (Courtney, Cheaping Girls, Cyndi & Lee, I Heart You, Happy Mommy) who emailed me the most detailed NYC not-to-miss spots, it was like having a personalized itinerary weeding out all the mish mosh. 

{Once Upon A Tart} we wandered into this tiny little bakery on a hot muggy afternoon. We had theatre tickets that evening, so this was meant to be a late snack, but turned into so much more. Beautiful nectarine tarts lined the shelves and the smell of freshly baked chocolate walnut brownies filled the tiny cafe. We had sandwiches and freshly squeezed lemonade, then packed up the sweets for later. And, they have a gorgeous book out available on amazon.