So Much Pretty

I love interior design - not in the traditional sense, but in the endlessly creative ways people express their interests and personalities.  If I had the time and resources I would be changing my decor every year - there is too much to love!  I also wish I could raise my ceilings a few feet but that is neither here nor there! :)  In any case, I need a dose of pretty and these random rooms are the answer. 

We are in the market to buy more (I know, more) bookshelves and I cannot decide what color wood would look best in the room - these white shelves are calling my name at the moment!  The room they're going in has dark wood floors and a painted, white, floor-to-ceiling, brick fireplace.  Too much white?  The only other 'must' for the room is a black and white, round, chevron printed rug (love) and a loveseat in an undecided color/fabric.  What do you think?  I can't decide!

[Sorry, I cannot remember where I found these images - it was quite some time ago!]

Happy Friday!

PS - J and I saw Kevin James and Ray Romano last night and I am still laughing!

Hello there!

"It was a high counsel that I once heard given to a young person, 'always do what you are afraid to do.'". 
 [Ralph Waldo Emerson]


Besides working this weekend (boo) I'm looking forward to bikram yoga, St. Patrick's Day (corned beef), and our monthly book club meeting.  Happy Friday! 

PS - One more month of tax season and these long, long hours!

Uncommonly Beautiful

I LOVE this (found on Rosie Molinary's blog):

Happy Friday - any fun plans for the weekend?  I have to work on Saturday but then fun on Sunday with yoga, book club, and a birthday dinner with my girlfriends.  And then it all begins again! 

Enjoy your weekend!

Whole Life

Anyone who knows me knows that I (and James, too!) love dogs!  And our little ones, Piper and Fox hold special places in our hearts.  I hope to add a couple more to the family - they bring so much joy!  Here are some snapshots of the pups.

"Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole."  [Roger Caras]

Happy Friday!

By the way, I have missed my blog!  Tax season is in full swing which means I'm almost living at the office these days and that leaves little time for much else... but I will be blogging still, it's just too much fun!

Happy Friday

"You are what your deep, driving desire is.  As your desire is so is your will.  As your will is, so is your deed.  As your deed is, so is your destiny." 


[Brihadaranyaka Upanishad]

Last weekend I went to my first Bikram (hot) yoga class and it was a great physical and emotional challenge.  Tonight I am giving it another try and am determined to keep an open mind - my practice is my own.  Yoga is my saving grace!


With an open heart, I am looking forward to this weekend filled with yoga, the homecoming football game at our alma mater, sushi, Halloween preparations, peace, and restoration.


Happy Friday!

Journal This

"People who keep journals have life twice."   [Jessamyn West]

I almost ALWAYS keep a journal while traveling and they are amazingly awesome to read through years later.  It is not an embellishment when I say it is like reliving the entire experience, every detail!

These photos were taken at a cozy shop in Venice packed to the brim with coloful journals.  All the leather journals are handmade and simply sumptious!  I came home with two!

Happy Friday (and 4th of July weekend)!

We're Off!

"No journey carries one far unless, as it extends into the world around us, it goes an equal distance into the world within."  [Lillian Smith]


We are embarking on a mini roadtrip down to Southern California later this afternoon to visit my best friend!  It's been awhile since James and I had a roadtrip so I'm looking forward to spending the time with him.

Happy Friday!

Keep Moving, Moving, Moving!

"The great thing in this world is not so much where you stand, as in what direction you are moving."  [Oliver Wendell Holmes]

I just love these shots from Egypt - everyone in motion!

James and I are heading to the coast tomorrow for a friend's wedding and then spending Sunday with our dads, starting with breakfast in the Bay Area and ending the day with a barbeque back in town.  I hope everyone enjoys this weekend! 

Happy Friday!

Words of Wisdom

"I shall pass through this world but once.  Any good therefore that I can do or any kindness I can show, let me do it now;  let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again."  [Anon]

These words really touched me and brought me peace.  Enjoy your Friday and the rest of the weekend!  A lot of happy memories are to be made in these coming days and I can't wait to share them all with you!

Happy Friday!


*Photos taken by me in Israel, November 2010.

Do Nothing

"You do too much.  Go and do nothing for awhile.  Nothing." 
[Lillian Hellman]


This week has been an emotional rollercoaster for many different reasons.  One of which I will share next week!  A lot of adjusting and looking inwards for strength and finding comfort in the bond with my husband. 

Here's to a peaceful weekend.

Happy Friday! 

[Photo taken by me at the local Zoo in April 2011.]

Celebrations

A very Happy Birthday to my mother today!  And also a very hearty Congratulations to my sister on her college graduation!


Happy Friday!

Finally... Friday!

"Animals are such agreeable friends - they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms."  [George Eliot]

I've grown up with having dogs as part of our family - they are so sweet and love us unconditionally and NEVER fail to boost our spirits.  Today I'm sharing photos of my family's lab, Gypsy.  She's a sweetheart!

Phew... I couldn't be happier that this work week is finally coming to an end.  It's been a challenge.  Luckily, I'll be seeing my pal Piper tonight and she always cheers me up!

Happy Friday!

Royal Friday

Like many others, I woke up early this morning to watch Kate Middleton become a princess!  How royally awesome!

Happy Friday!

Celebrate Earth

Happy Earth Day!

James and I are heading back home from Tiburon today and when we get home I will be planting some more succulents for our yard to celebrate Earth Day.  I'd like to make planting a tradition on this day!

I love these photos I snapped of the pretty plants at the zoo a few weekends ago.

What are you doing to celebrate Earth Day?  PS - Happy Friday!

Birthday Blog!

Happy Birthday Blog!  


It turns ONE year old today and I have had a blast creating this place of inspiration for myself (and I hope for others, too)!


"Without inspiration the best powers of the mind remain dormant.  There is a fuel in us which needs to be ignited with sparks."  [Johann Gottfried von Herder]

*PS - I absolutely ADORE Masha Dyans' work.  Her greeting cards are my absolute favorite and I just love the colors and quirkiness! 

Happy Friday!  (Tax deadline is Monday - YEAH!!!)

Fresh Start

"We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are." 

 [Anais Nin]

My birthday is on Sunday so this weekend is filled with fun (after I work tomorrow, boo!) with friends and family!  I am so excited my best friend from Los Angeles is coming up for the weekend!!!  I am very much looking forward to relaxing and having good times and I'll be sure to have plenty of photos to prove it.

Happy Friday!

[Photos by me, Rome, 2007.]

Fools

"A little superstition is a good thing to keep in one's bag of precautions."   [Gertrude Atherton]


On this April Fool's I can't help but wonder if my husband will be playing any tricks on me.  He is out of town for the weekend but I'm not certain that will stop him!  His usual antics could only be multiplied today!

Do you become a trickster on April first?  What's the best trick you've encountered?


Happy Friday & April Fool's Day!


(PS - I absolutely adore this piece by Gustav Klimt from the Serpents line... I'm positive I could find a perfect home for her on my walls!  In fact I have one of the "Serpent" pieces hanging in our guest room - this would be a perfect pairing!)

Unlock Your Soul

I took this picture in Venice - thought the words looked neat against the bright wall.

Another looooong week has passed (and, unfortunately I have to work tomorrow so my week isn't over yet!).  Tax season is really kicking my butt right around now - total lack of sleep doesn't help matters!  I am very much looking forward to April 18th so I can have my life back.

Happy Friday!

Sunlight

"Do not anticipate trouble, or worry about what may never happen.  Keep in the sunlight."

[Benjamin Franklin]


Everytime I see this photo I feel warm and happy and carefree!  This weekend I will be wishing my pup, Piper, a very happy birthday, celebrating St. Patrick's day at a local "Irish" pub, and meeting for book club!  What are your plans?  Happy Friday!

Joie de Vivre

Ah, the ever-fabulous weekend getaway.  No, I won't be off on an adventure this weekend but a girl can daydream, right?  I love the Joie de Vivre hotels and I've stayed at a handful now ever since I discovered them a few years ago.  They are a group of boutique hotels throughout California and the newest location (among others) on my MUST-STAY list is the Waters Edge property in Tiburon.  Simply gorgeous!

I'm thinking this will be the PERFECT escape for an after tax season breather.  I mean, look at the picture below - could it be more my style?  I can't wait!!! 

Joie de Vivre also has a blog I like to puruse - joie of life.  I will admit I'm a hotel snob.  The hunt for the most unique hotel is thrilling and I totally appreciate fun, non-corporate, details.  Afterall, staying in a hotel should be an escape in itself - make it somewhere fun!

Happy Friday!