Twenty Something

Today is my birthday!  And what a wonderful day it has been... here are a few photos (taken with my new iPhone!)... and more to come!

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.]

Let's Go To... San Juan

Puerto Rico!  I never expected to find myself in Old San Juan but two years ago James and I began our Caribbean adventure in this fantastic city!  I fell in love quickly because this historic city has everything that I find attractive:  narrow, cobblestone streets, winding roads and a city on the hills, colorful buildings and lush vegetation, tropical weather, delicious food, views to die for, and a lot of charm! 

I'd love to return and explore the rest of Puerto Rico but today let's daydream.....

The hotel we stayed at was amazing.  I had searched and searched and finally found the perfect match:  Hotel El Convento.  It is a newly renovated hotel in Old San Juan (perfect location) that used to be a convent in the 1600's.  The gorgeous lobby opens up into a fantastic courtyard that houses a 300 year old tree!  There were archways galore (my weakness), bougainvillea, tile floors, and coloful walls.  Perfect.

 I would most definitely be strolling through the breezy outdoor hallways, finding my way to the rooftop pool to enjoy the sun and some cocktails!

Hotel El Convento was hands-down one of the most charming, atmospheric, beautiful hotels we've ever stayed at.  It is on my list of favorites! 

What is the best hotel you've ever visited?

[Photos courtesy of Hotel El Convento.  Someday I will post my own shots!]

Unbirthday Party

 

Over the weekend I offered our house as the setting for Emily and Sarah's Mad Hatter Unbirthday Tea Party!  Complete with tea, tiny eats, the White Rabbit, and Chesire Cat.  It was my first "gig" as the "unofficial" photographer (disguised as the Mad Hatter) and I had a blast!  Here are some highlight shots from the day.

**I can't take credit for all the cute decor!  Emily and Sarah (and Scot) brought in armfuls of adorable decorations to turn my house and yards into Wonderland!

There were games galore!  Croquet was played with Flamingo Mallets, there were potato sack AND three legged races.

A Very Merry Unbirthday to YOU, Emily & Sarah [Tweedle Dee & Tweedle Dum]!

Tuesday Tune

Tax season is ALMOST over but it has been a LONG road!  I spend so many hours at the office (more than I want to admit) and that leaves room for a lot of songs to keep me going!  I thought I'd share a mish-mash of what's been on my playlist for these past few months. 

What song keeps you motivated?



I dare you NOT to dance to this one!


"...without love, where would you be right now?"



C'mon April 18th!!!

Crafts, Chatter, & Chai

Yesterday my girlfriend and I got together for lunch, crafts, and conversation.  We sipped on some iced jasmine green tea, munched on delicious organic salad and homemade samosas (I didn't get any pictures of the food - ah!) and finished off the day with a chai float (with frozen yogurt).  Yum!

We also did some crafting - I started an inspiration travel board and Elham made the most adorable cork board (frame and all!).  It turned out fabulously!

We had such a blast and we are so happy to have this be a regular event!

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!)