Happy Friday

This looks like a casual spot and a great way to kick off the weekend! 

Here are some favorite highlights from the week: 

Love these casual embroidered dresses on Luella and June

Fave NYC Bike Routes on Guest of a Guest

Dad's Day Gifts on Piece of Toast

And More Dad's Day Picks on Damsel in Dior

Chocolate Chunk Brownies on Lark & Linen

Slow Roasted Pork Goodness on Spoon Fork Bacon

Everything gold inspired on Note to Self

Summer sneaks on Dreams & Jeans

{image}

xo

Summer Party Inspiration

This summer, my husband and I get to celebrate with friends and family back east. We had a small intimate family wedding in December (just a few months ago;).  And in non-traditional fashion, we are casually sharing the love with friends via a weekend of gatherings in August. I've been pulling inspiration since last summer when we got engaged...It's not easy to do from afar, but I plan on being extra organized. Here are a few ideas for outdoor entertaining via Pinterest.

True

So true...our journeys are such a jungle gym of adventures, misadventures and many decisions. I love waking up and feeling like, I am exactly where I should be, but that is scarcely the case. I am someone who lives very much in past, present and future. So reminders, like this are particularly poignant. I have an appreciation for pausing to reflect on a feeling, and then dropping it, right there, into space, so that beautiful days, and moments can be experienced will full awareness. Today for instance, it is about 70 at the crack of dawn. That is heaven over here in Chicago. My husband and I were groggy, but slowly shuffled out of the apartment to go on a nice walk before the work day. Here we are, just the beginning of summer, it finally has arrived. Enjoy!

*pic via Note to Self

Summer Reading 2013

One of my favorite past times of summer is to laze on the beach and read. I am almost finished with the  books I have in my library on the Nook, and have stumbled upon a few lists with great recommendations for those looking for summer reading inspiration. Now all I need is some sand and sun.  {image}

17 Books that Should be on your Summer Reading List on Buzzfeed
200 Sumer Picks on Ted
Miss Indie's Summer
Popular Summer Books 2013 on Good Reads

Happy Friday

Happy Friday all! A long week is behind me...looking forward to enjoying some sunshine this weekend. Hope you have a lovely one. xo {image}

{A Few Things}

Sweet message. 

Lovely multi-purpose room. 

Mini cranberry apple crisp. 

Game of pong? Love this brick terrace, my dream backyard;)

Love this coat, with bright accessories.

{images via here and here}

Home Improvement...

I'm on a mission to find inspiration lately. We have a few projects on the home front that need to kick-off this year. 

#1. Paint the ugly yellow hallway to a beautiful shade of blue dusk (courtesy of Restoration Hardware)
#2. Re-do bedroom closets (thanks to elfa at the Container Store)
#3. Get picture framed for bf's office (courtesy of April Sevens in Chicago)
#4. Living Room. One brown wall away from blah. We painted the living room a lovely shade of light gray. Got a new a couch, ditching the 8 year old micro fiber L shaped bachelor sofa. And got ikat pillows! 
#5. New bedding...Finally picked a set of bedding, and also registered for new shams and bedding with monograms. 
#6. Dining. There is not room for a formal dining room per say, but we picked up a fantastic table at Restoration Hardware and Louis the IXV chairs for a little date night (with a view). 

#7. Picture Wall. I have been wanting to do this in every apartment I've ever lived. We have some great photos but I'm also planning on combing the web for unique prints, black and white photography. I think adding dimension with Vintage letters, and antlers would be fun;)

#8. Patterns. Everything is a bit flat with solids right now - with the exception of my cowhide rug and zebra chair. I think it would be so nice to layer in patters, bold colors and accessorize.

The...if we win the lottery wishlist:
#9. The Kitchen would be amazing with painted cabinets, lighter colored marble, stainless steal appliances. It's a loft style apartment with high ceilings and the kitchen flows into the living room - so the lighter colors would really make it feel larger.
#10. Master Bathroom re-haul. Tile, rain shower faucet, the works!


Here is my Pinterest folder for 'Home Renovation'. More to come on that...

A Few Things...

Lovely flowers. 

Determination...

Dying to make this cinnamon swirl bread. 

Adore this cute office space. 

It's picnic season! The bf picked me up from work last week for our first one this year. Heaven. 

LOVE {and need} these shoes, and rolled up army green cargo pants. 

Beautiful digital art print. 

Just a few inspirational images for hump day:) Tomorrow stick with me for what I'm packing for this weekend in Miami! xo {images via tumblr, pinterest}

Being Creative...

I saw this list and just loved it, firstly, I am a list maker almost on a daily basis - whether it's work brainstorming, big ideas and dreams, or small tasks and things to accomplish. Sometimes I want to white board every wall in my apartment. It's also a great reminder of little things that can spark creativity when you are not feeling inspired. {via a note on design}

Splashes of RED...

Love a little red...it goes a long way!

Red patent Pump / Red Crepe Blouse / Red Cordoroys / Red Blazer / Red Nail Polish / Red Sweater

{images via tumblr, pinterest}

Emerald Hues...

Loving deep emerald shades of green in the home and in fashion...makes me think of being in Mediterranean waters...Ahhhh. {images via pinterest}

Orange Crush...

Crushing big time on orange right now;) {images via tumblr, pinterest}

Black + White...

Love black and white in the home and crisp contrasts in fashion. {images via pinterest}

Summer Color Crush: Turquoise...

Beautiful turquoise against tan skin, white walls, rustic outdoor settings and accessorizing simple styles are my fave for summer. Loren Hope jewels are the perfect addition to seasonal pieces - here are all of her turquoise picks. {images via pinterest, pink wallpaper, house of turquoise}

Sunny Street Style Inspiration...

Still waiting...it's sunny, but I'm anxious to bust out spring and summer clothes, and it's still lingering around 50 degrees. I rounded up a few looks I'm loving and spotting all the trends on some of the most fashionable ladies: Hats, mixing patterns (polka dot, plaid, stripe, animal print, floral), platform shoes, booties with anything, white jeans, crop leather coats, shorts and short skirts paired with blazers, striped tops, colorful belts and blouses tucked in, bright colors and wrist candy...I could go on! {images via blow by blow, emily africaa,  my style pill, sofie rasmus, fs style, emerson made, lucy laucht, atlantic-pacific, a lovely escape, cupcakes and cashmere,  style essentials}