Bringing Spring Inside: Terrariums

As made obvious by our last few posts, Rebecca and I are longing for spring.  But where Rebecca has a good eye and a green thumb, I'm lucky that my daughter has survived this long*, let alone any plants that I may try to grow.  But that doesn't stop me from trying (as evidenced by my poor little lemon tree who is currently clinging to life as we speak).  I figure that winter is not quite over yet, so actual gardening is out of the question right now, but I can alleviate my desire to grow things with a terrarium.  Not only are they beautiful, but, bonus- they are pretty self-reliant (much like my daughter).  Here are a few that I have my eye on.  I see a diy project in my near future!

image via 1001 Gardens

How sweet is this re-purposed French-press (mmmm, coffee!) from 1001 Gardens?!  I love it, especially with the little wildlife grazing in the greenery.

via Twig

This one is entitled "Uncharted Territory" and is perfect for the adventurers out there.  It is available by the terrarium artists extraordinaire over at Twig.  They will also create custom terriums for you, upon request.

image via Twig Terrariums

I just love all of these; I have always loved miniature things, so I guess it is really no surprise that these are right up my alley.  And the ladies over at Twig are ridiculously talented, making world after perfect little world.  They even have kits for sale so you can create your own.
Or, in case you are interested, here are some instructions to help you make your own terrarium.  I think it would be a fun way to spend what's supposed to be a very rainy Saturday!
I hope you have a fantastic weekend,

*I am completely kidding about my daughter surviving this long- I love my kiddo and take every step I can to ensure that she is well taken care of and loved.

Good News, Spring Shoes!

Ah, Spring.  Today we are having a bit of rain which I'm thrilled about.  Everything is turning green and blooming so the rain will help it along.  It needs all the help growing it can get out here.  

I am in the mood to buy spring shoes.  The ones I'm mostly interested in are sleek, modern and neutral but I also have a craving to have one pair in a fun girly pattern to kick a simple outfit up a notch.

Good New, Spring Shoes! by desertgirls featuring ballet flats

J.Crew pumps / J Crew loafer / J Crew ballet flat / Lara Sandal | Banana Republic / Peggy Gold-Heel Pump | Banana Republic

Which would you choose?

What I Want Now: Pottery Barn

Like I said on Monday, I am ready for spring. I came across these watercolor bunny pieces at Pottery Barn and I want each one.  How sweet are these little guys?!

Pottery Barn bath towel / Pottery Barn porcelain dinnerware / Pottery Barn rabbit home decor / Pottery Barn rabbit home decor / Hilltop Garden Napkins, Set of 4

I am out of the classroom today and in training for the common core.  It's an all day deal, and it meant making lesson plans for a sub and canceling reading club after school with my 6th graders.  I'm sure it will be worth it, but I do hate being away from my kiddos.
Cold weather is heading our way, too (cold for California, at least), and I am not ready for the piling on of layer upon layer and heavy jackets.  I have been enjoying wearing dresses and light cardigans.
Oh well.  We need the rain!

Emily Winfield Martin: The Black Apple Shop

I came across the work of artist Emily Winfield Martin through a post by blogger extraordinaire Victoria Smith over at sf girl by bay.  I wondered over to the artist's etsy shop, the black apple, and as I scanned her collection of prints all of her inspiration from folklore, carnival life, and classic literature was apparent but whimsically and humorously portrayed.  Her work has originality and beauty.  It is slightly creepy (but in a good way).  If you haven't discovered Emily Winfield Martin yet, I invite you to take a look!

There is much more to see, so go over and visit the black apple.

Have a fantastic Day everyone!

Spring is in the Air

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1/3/4 Orla Kiely
2/5 Madewell 6 House of Fraser

I don't know about you, but I am ready for spring. It has been unseasonably warm here lately (not that I am complaining), and that has really been making me long for truly warmer days. I want to get out there and work on my yard, plant some flowers, and buy some pretty new spring dresses! Who's with me?!

Minor Obsession: Dining Banquettes

If there is one thing I love to see in a dining room it's a banquette.  Given a choice, I think most people would rather sit on a cushy banquette than a wooden chair.  They are great style statements as well as practical choices.  There are many profiles to choose from: sleek and contemporary, curve backed and skirted or just about anything you can dream up.  

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Dining Banquette by desertgirls on Polyvore

A stand alone banquette is high on my want list!  It would be perfect in my dining room.  

Have a fantastic weekend!

Grey Day

Today I am loving these 3 grey pics for a bit of inspiration.

image via Cherry Blossom

Available at The Minimalist, $70

Not grey, but how gorgeous is this calendar?!

Dalanassy Prints

Plus I'm loving these prints by artist Cathy Dalanassy, available at Mokkasin.
Hope you are having a fantastic Thursday!

Inspiration: Cherry Blossoms

ana-rosa.tumblr.com

flickr.com/photos/acafe

While I doubt the cherry trees in DC are in bloom yet, here in California the weather has been in the 70's and it seems we have an early Spring.  We don't have cherry trees but we do have plum blossoms that look much like cherry flowers.  I have brought bundles of the branches in and filled vases all through my house so that I might enjoy their short-lived beauty.  Those of you who are still dealing with snow and cold weather, take heart. Spring will be everywhere very soon.  

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stylecarrot.com

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marcusdesigninc.blogspot.com

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Cherry Blossoms by desertgirls featuring home decor

Are you ready for Spring?  I'm guessing that most of you have been ready for awhile.  

One Thing I Will Never Be

Happy Tuesday!  We're off to my last doctor's appointment for my lasik surgery.  It has been smooth sailing, I've got to say, and that surgery was seriously one of the best decisions I have made.
I thought I'd share a beautifully organized pantry- something I could never achieve!

image via My Little Dream Home

Why can't I achieve this?  Number one- I do not have a pantry like this, so that would be a pretty hard thing to accomplish.  Number two- I am not nearly organized enough and I simply can't stop myself from cluttering things up.  Plus, I think that wine would be gone really quickly if it were in my house.

The apples would rot before we could eat all of them, and what is in the other basket?  Onions?  What the hell are these people making with that many apples and onions?  That would be one weird dinner party.  But I guess if you ply your guests with the wine first, maybe they won't notice you are feeding them  salt, onion and apple pasta.

Hope your Tuesday is fantastic so far!

A Wedding!

Hello everyone!  How are all of you on this fine President's Day?  I hope you are relaxing with your family and enjoying it.
Today I am on a mission to find a bridesmaid dress.  That's right, my mother in law is getting married this summer in Montana to a great guy and so the wedding plans ensue because I have been invited to help bring it all together.  It will be a small, indoor-outdoor wedding but it will take place in the evening.  I will let you in on a few of the inspirations and then I need your help.

stylemepretty.com

This bouquet is the color inspiration for the wedding.  Gorgeous right?

stylemepretty.com

She found this fabric she loves so I suggested we use it as an accent as table runners.  I'm thinking it will look fresh with awning striped table clothes.

This is the bride's dress (sorry about the crummy image)

Now.  There are 3 bridesmaids and we have discussed so many possibilities for what we should all wear.  Keep in mind that we range in age (from 22 to 40ish) and have different builds and heights.  The best solution is for all of us to wear different dresses.  My mother in law told me this morning that she has decided that we all should wear lace (love that) and that I should wear gold, one girl in taupe and the other in cream.  

modcloth.com

This one is out of stock at the moment but the style seems about right.  I like the idea of a long dress as well (that way I can wear sandals and be totally comfortable).

The site this dress is from seems dubious but what do you think of this one?  Maybe I could track it down elsewhere.

Which dress should I choose?  Any other suggestions?  I really need your help ladies!

Helping with this wedding is going to be such a fun experience.  Not just because I love this sort of thing but because I adore the people it's for.  Love, love, love you Jeanne and Rob!