What a Card

1- Apple Tree Love
2- Chap
3, 6, 7, 8- kikki.k
4- Uncommon Goods
5- Hammerpress

Hooray for Friday! Any big plans for the weekend? We are going to go see The Little Mermaid at our local theater, and the Cat and I are planning on having a girl's weekend, with shopping, sleeping, and painting my laundry room to prepare for the new washer and dryer I had to go buy today. Any exciting weekend plans? Lori

Favorite Things and Pretty Pins

shop.doverstreetmarket.com

Pinterest is one of my favorite escapes during the day.  I love pretty.  Pretty makes me feel better instantly.  I have been subbing 7th grade Science all week so pinterest is my drug of choice.  You know what I mean!  Here are a few of my favorite things this week!  I want the above ring so bad.  Even if I was in the market right now for a diamond ring, this one is, sadly, out of stock.  Boo!  Check out the rest of the images that have inspired me.

pinterest.com

pinterest.com

leblogdelamechante.fr

fashionjot.com

housebeautiful.com

kaszkazmlekiem.wordpress.com

thenletitbe.tumblr.com

domino.com

hemingwayandhepburn.com/

What do you think?  What do you mostly pin--I'm curious: home inspiration? fashion? recipes? quotes? 

How about all of it!  I'm a bit schizophrenic that way myself. 

The Kate Spade Conspiracy

Okay, guys, don't be alarmed, but I am pretty sure there has been some kind of new technology that has been created that allows for thoughts to be read or dreams to be infiltrated.  How else could kate spade have come up with a wardrobe for spring that so closely resembles so many of my dream outfits?  I mean, come on!  Seriously, they have so many gorgeous pieces that I adore.

kate spade

Ummm, case in point- exhibit A.  This is ridiculously good.  And straight out of my dreams.

image via denim jeans observer

image via Style

I just can't get over the perfection that is that first outfit.  Really, it is like it was ripped from my brain.  Perfection.

So, what do you think?  Does kate spade have some secret designer weapon that allows them to access their customer's innermost thoughts and desires?  

I mean, I guess it could just be that the designers over at kate spade know what they are doing and are good at their jobs.  I guess that could be it.

Sherlock and the Cape

While I would say, yes, I am a Downton Abbey fan I've been a bit less interested this season than in past seasons.  Last Sunday's episode was good but I have found myself far more interested in the show that comes on after Downton Abbey.  BBC's Sherlock.  Lori mentioned a few times that it's good, so my husband and I caught up on the first few seasons via Netflix and we are addicted!  The acting is great and I love that they didn't try to make this one a period drama--they have done enough of those Sherlock Holmes versions, but they are true to the spirit of the original books written by Arthur Conan Doyle.  Since it is not set in the 1800's they wisely gave up the traditional cape and hat that Sherlock usual dons.  Well, that's not totally true.  They do let him wear the hat now and again.  I love that nod to previous Sherlocks.  Oh, and he still plays a violin. Yes!

I still can't separate the character of Sherlock Holmes, in my brain, from his cape and hat attire and I'm guessing neither can many others; yet, The cape is undeniable chic when paired in such a way that the wearer in no way resembles the stereotypic Mr. Holmes.  

via

Isn't the above image the one you picture when you think of Sherlock Holmes?

eyeris.blogspot.com

Benedict Cumberbatch is what we can look forward to now!  We can take back the cape, ladies, and we are sacrificing nothing.  Don't you agree?!

atlantic-pacific.blogspot.com

weheartit.com

pinterest.com

If you haven't already seen it I urge you to give Sherlock a try!  Also, give the cape another look.  I know I am. 

Monday Round Up

Today I thought I would share some random links from around the web.  I know bloggers usually post weekly round ups on Friday (probably so you can take the weekend to enjoy them at your leisure).  Those bloggers are kind and considerate, but here's how I see it: it's Monday, you're back at work or back in your weekly routine, the weekend is long gone, and damn it, you could use a break to take your mind off the fact that it is only Monday!  That's where my links come in.  I'm a giver like that.  It's a blessing and a curse.

So, this first one... maybe you have seen it already, but I thought it was really interesting.  Ulric Collette, an art director/self-taught photographer, did a series of genetic photographs in which he kind of morphs family members into a side by side portrait.  They are both disturbing and amazing at the same time.

Brothers
Genetic: Ulric Collette

I'm really loving the faceless art of Lisa Golightly on her Kiki & Polly etsy page.

In the Suburbs, $22

As mentioned over on Door Sixteen and SF Girl By Bay, Ikea is doing a collection with ArtRebels, and this table is crowding my thoughts.  Now, I love the table that is in my den.  I LOVE it.  It is one of my favorite pieces of furniture.  But this...  

image via Door Sixteen

Jennifer Lawrence is my daughter's most favorite actress ever.  Here are 45 of her funniest moments, in GIF form.

via Runt of the Web

I have about a thousand places I'd like to go on vacation, and this place is now one of them.

Here's one last link.  This one takes you almost directly to heaven; you do have to do a little bit of work first, but trust me, people, heaven is worth a little bit of work!

And there you go.  I hope you're week is off to a wonderful start, and let's be honest, I hope it is because of these links.

Valentine's Day: Planning

I think Valentine's day is fun but I'm not all about over-the-top romantic (expensive) tokens of love.  I mean, I would totally accept the diamonds but I think it should be about sweet gestures.  It really is more about my kids than my husband and myself these days.  We have an anniversary for all of that, after all.  I always do a big breakfast for them and there are a couple of extra goodies but I did find a few things that I might have to include this year.

stylemepretty.com

I love this idea.  I know it is more commonly used for weddings but I think it would be cute on the mantel with fresh flowers.  One with my husband and my initials and another with the kids initials.  I'm thinking I could make these myself too.

FORSUCHATIMEDESIGNS

There is an obvious theme this year:  I do love this spoon.  Maybe done as a coffee spoon set?

bhg.com for recipe

I am definitely making these cherry almond vanilla cupcakes this year!  Doesn't that sound amazing?

sulia.com

I think we might just need a few of these macaron sandwich cookies as well.  It looks like a healthy breakfast, I mean, it has berries in it.

stylemepretty.com

More pretty vases so I can buy myself more flowers to fill them.  That's right, Valentine's day is a great excuse to get more flowers.

riflepaperco.com

This is the perfect, cheeky and sweet card for my valentine.

I know it's early, but are you planning anything for your family or significant other for Valentine's day?

Refresh

It's that time of year again, when I'm feeling like I have the same outfits on repeat and I am in need of some new clothes.  Who am I kidding with that, though, considering how many clothes are hanging in my closet (and draped on the chair, and in the dryer...) right now?!  The problem lately is the weather- chilly to cold in the morning (I'm a baby when it comes to the cold) and then warm in the afternoon.  It's all about layers, but when my feet are cold before heading out the door, all I'm thinking is which shoes will let me wear tights and socks and not look like a complete moron?

Anyway, as for the new clothes, I feel like I could use an update. and this classic Henley from Anthropologie looks like it would fit the bill. First, it's navy, so that is a win in my book, and second, I am loving that cognac trim that adds some interest to the top.  

Farrah Henley

So simple, but with a fun twist that keeps it fresh.  Hope you are having a lovely week.  I, for one, am glad it's already Thursday!
 

Inspiration: Winter White

via

We are mid-way through winter yet the cold weather hasn't hit us here in the high desert.  I'm predicting a very cold spring.  That said, I am already bucking to decorate for the warm months but have to keep reminding myself that it is winter still.  The best compromise for me is to focus on creamy whites that are perfect in all weather.  In the winter it is all about creams with tons of texture for physical and visual warmth.  In my opinion there is nothing more smashingly beautiful in fashion or home design right now.

theterrierandlobster

theenglishroom.biz

pinterest.com

katespade.com

alovelyescape.blogspot.com

sabrinasikoraphotography.com

This morning I am headed out to my son's awards assembly.  I can't wait to see what he gets!  I'm a proud mamma.  

What I Want: J Crew Kids

Girls' garden floral baseball sweatshirt, J Crew

I saw this sweatshirt over on the blog House of Mia, being modeled by the adorable little Miss Mia herself.  Unfortunately the larger sizes of this kids' shirt is sold out online, so I can't order one for me.  Boo.

Looks like I need to find myself a Crewcuts brick and mortar, stat.  Personally, I think the sweatshirt, as pictured, doesn't look all that great online, but in person it is adorable, as proven in the House of Mia photo shoot.  It is fantastic, and I am not ashamed to say I am jealous inspired by a fashionable little kiddo.
Hope your week is off to a great start!

MLK: We Remember

thetrunkblog.com

It's a lovely day and we remember Martin Luther King Jr. and his tremendous legacy.

Today we are off to the zoo and Ikea.  I really want one of Ikea's lamb rugs to use on my piano bench and a few organizational items.  Later today, I want to watch the movie "To Kill A Mockingbird" with my son.  I think it will be a great way to end the day.