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.

oh the cupcakes! {live from NYC}

NYC has been incredible, it's been non-stop family/friends/shopping/shows and we're loving every minute! I don't really have computer access, but I had to share the cupcake trails that I've been blazing through the city. I'm on a mission to try them ALL, and since we walk all day long, I won't feel the guilt. Let's begin with the famous Magnolia bakery~love the small town shop atmosphere and the serve yourself white pastry boxes. The cupcakes themselves are a wee bit heavy on the butter cream for my taste, not that it stopped me. Next up, Billy's Bakery (image above) in Chelsea, a tiny old fashioned style joint filled to the brim with originality, the cupcakes are DIVINE, not too sweet and fab frosting/cake ratio. We'll be hitting up a few more today...and I'll be sure to share. xoxo

**Look for us tonight (Thursday) on the Dave Letterman Show!!**

bon voyage

I apologize for the complete and utter lack of design inspiration this week, I've been terribly busy packing and tying up loose ends at work. I'll try to post from NY, but for now I leave you with a very happy yellow kitchen, bon voyage!

NYC Bound

We leave for NY on Thursday for 12 days, if anyone has any recommendation for food, sights or entertainment please let me know!

off the beaten track

This weekend we took a gorgeous family hike (only about 2 miles each way) on the Tennessee Valley Trail in Mill Valley. A complete gem - the mountains, meadows and eucalyptus trees made way to the ocean and a secluded beach - it was breathtaking. We collected colored rocks on the beach, made wishes on dandelions and inspected a family of giant beetles. What a great escape!

happy weekend!

Isn't this image divine?
image from italian elle

wood block stamps

If I were to ever start collecting things, this would be it - wood block stamps (click image to see the details). My friends Rosalie & Susannah brought these back for me from a work trip in India. The little metal star-flower I found at the Camden flea market (in London), I always though it would make a pretty tattoo. Aren't they beautiful? I'd love for the whole shelf to be filled with them.

e.e cummings

Just after high school and well into my first year of college I fell in love with the poetry of e.e cummings. Couldn't get enough of his passionate words, all strung together just right. I carried a tattered copy of his poems in my backpack should I need to suddenly read "somewhere I have never travelled" while eating my lunch on the lawn, and smoking beedi's (it was such a bad habit, I know...). When I met my (now) husband, I wrote the words of "i like my body when it is with your body" in a love letter. I just found my tattered book and I think I may just start carrying it around once again, for old times sake of course.

pouf!

Ever since I spotted a giant orange pouf in a fabulous shop in San Diego I've been obsessed. Obsessed with poufs, seriously. I want one for our (unusually) tiny living room in lieu of a coffee table. They'd also look great at the foot of a bed. The great thing about these adorable poufs - they're portable! Instant extra seating, instant super cool style.
via sfgirlbybay & graham and greene

stack 'em up

Would it be dorky if I brought this stackable lunchbox to the office everyday chock full of healthy snacks? Probably better than the mismatched Ikea cheapies I'm using now, and check out the kids version - LOVE!!

birch bark soaps

I'm a sucker for sweet smelling soaps, hints of jasmine and pikaki mixed with creamy coconut - YUM. Any of these handmade soaps would look just right next to the bathroom sink, and smell like a little slice of heaven!

oh, hello my pretty

dear pretty pretty dress,
would you like to come home with me, live in the wine country, and hang proudly in my messy closet? I think we'd be really happy together, xo amber
via inside the loop

gee, your hair smells terrific.

My friend Susannah has hair like a Breck girl, you know one's that fling their locks gently from one shoulder while looking in the other direction? This is what was running through my head as she was telling us about her fancy "real" haircut and not her usual Supercuts do. Anyhoo, today I came across this hair mist by Victor & Rolf, but I have to say the thought reminds me of teen romance novels and afterschool specials. In the 70's there was actually a product called "Gee, your hair smells terrific.", and you just know I'd love to get my hands on a bottle of that. I kind of want to get this for Susannah for her next b'day, though $40 for hair that smells like apples & pink champagne - not so sure.

beach baggin'

I need to invest in a "real" beach bag, a roomy little number with thick straps and an inside pocket for my lip gloss, cell and money. Some contenders:
Rip Curl Tote
Red & White Paisley
Green Cotton Canvas
Rattan with Leather
Orange Cutie

pure Americana {rewind!}

Work has been a little crazy this week so my posts have been sporadic, but how could I not mention the 4th of July?! If you love the 4th, you must come to Sonoma, it's 100% pure Americana. The day was probably the longest I can remember; the town parade in the morning, our block party in the afternoon, family over for BBQ dinner, and then fireworks in the park at night. The kids loved every second - can't you tell? The funny part about this picture is that half of these kids are from Canada - but you know, any holiday is a great reason to celebrate!

no, really, do you like like me??

Even though I'm married, and I'm pretty sure my husband does like like me, these little notes are so adorable. I seem to remember passing these exact notes to friends circa 1985.

{needed} easy breezy

It's officially HOT here in northern California, and dressing for the office has become my morning torture. Jeans? Uh...no. Strappy tank? Not in the office...so now what? I need a serious hot weather wardrobe makeover. Isn't there a show I can go on that will do this for me? I love this look from Cookie mag, though much better for a sunset stroll than office wear...but cute all the same!

apricots everywhere

There are buckets full of plump apricots in my office today courtesy of my boss who has some sort of orchard in his garden. We're having guests over this weekend and I'm trying to figure out what delicious dessert I can create with them...so far I've seen an apricot pudding, this pie with ginger crunch topping, or apricot napoleon's that look kind of divine.

jeff canham {surf art}

I just stumbled upon artist Jeff Canham, whose funky typography inspired art is popping up in magazines and surfshops on all coasts. Some of his type designs are truly amazing, check his site out!

ruffle tops

I've been wanting one of these layered ruffle tops, don't they just look so comfy? This one by Cynthia Vincent would look so cute with jeans.

nonchalant flair

Swoon!! Did anyone catch the article in Domino this month on Nonchalant Mom boutique owner Carina Schott?! Incredible home, with such pretty Scandinavian flair. I love the fabric-covered sliding window she created from the living room into her kids room - genius!

{urban} summer goods

Just got a new Urban Outfitters catalog, all 18 year old sun drenched models sporting this season's trends. Sometimes I think I'm too old to shop at Urban, but they really do have some little gems.