Peonies at Trader Joe's

Have you been over to grab a bunch of peonies from your local Trader Joe's yet?  Run don't walk!  At $6 a bunch you will have to buy in bulk.  They last at least 6 days and will make you soooo happy!

Today is my husband's birthday!  I am such a lucky woman to have this man as my partner in life.  I wish you could know him to understand how very special he is.  Happy birthday to my sweet Ty!

This afternoon we are leaving town for a little shopping and a wonderful dinner to celebrate.  I want to get him a great classic pair of aviator sunglasses.  Too bad I couldn't surprise him with a pair but it's one of those gifts that needs to be tried on first.  

Happy Friday to everyone!

Paper Planes

So, I've been on the lookout for large white objects for the cabinet in my living room.  I've been collecting things whenever I happen to come across something that I think will work in there, but every once in awhile, I will actively search for a piece to add to the cabinet.  

That is what I was doing when I came across this little beauty and I just had to share it with you.  I don't really have a place for this, but I kind of love it.  It is simple, but pretty.  I think it would look really cute in a nursery.

Thursday already!  Soon we will be in Paris, spending all our euros (damn conversion rate, by the way!) on macarons and croque monsiurs.  Hello, delicious. 

Kitsch and Stitch
Shoppe  Scout Mob

Palm Pretty Summer

One of my favorite bloggers Nancy Marcus over at marcus design inc put together this perfect litle inspiration board featuring a palm leaf bikini you can get right now over at Target.  Yes, Target!  I am on my way over today.  As you know from a few of my prior posts these past few months that I am obsessed with leaf print anything so this little number fits the bill perfectly.

marcusdesigninc.blogspot.com featuring target bikini

Today I'm on a job that doesn't make me too happy.  That's ok.  It's Wednesday!

In the Summertime

Fresh Home

Fresh Home

Fresh Home

Today I am sharing with you this sweet Swedish apartment.  To me, it screams vacation home; the weather has been warming up, and it makes me long for bright, cool spaces.  Wouldn't you love to live here, or at least vacation here?  The light, the view, that terrace; I'm in love!
I'm also in love with the fact that this is a short week.  Only 7 more school days left of this year.  I've got a lot to get done; I hope your week is off to a great start!

Memorial Day and A Simple Weekend

source

Today we stop to honor and remember our heroes here in America.  My own brother is US Air Force so I am sensitive to the importance of the day.  Thank you,Veterans, for your sacrifices that insure our freedom.  

The long weekend isn't over yet but it has been fantastic so far.  I started it off by making a glorious flower arrangement out of peonies, roses and alstroemeria.  It just makes everything feel more special and festive.

In our family, we are all about gathering for meals.  My kids are pretty good about food (although they can be picky at times).

One of our favorite things to eat is tilapia.  I paired this yummy fish with spinach tortellini and bacon.  This weekend isn't about complicated recipes or anything gourmet.  I am just enjoying my family.

For dessert I decided to do something a little bit different.  I took those store bought sponge cakes and filled them with chocolate, topped them with vanilla ice cream and garnished with chocolate covered raspberries.  Yummy!

Both of our kids have recently become more interesting in bike riding.  I know this sounds funny, but we don't live on a street that is conducive to their learning to ride.  We have to go over to local schools or parks for them to practice.  We just bought them new bikes so it's time.

We finished off last evening with a s'more roast.   As you can tell, we have had a blast these past few evenings and today we will continue just enjoying each other and doing simple things that create great memories.

Holiday Weekend by rebecca-iverson featuring kitchen gadgets & tools
Here is a bit of inspiration for you!
I hope you are also enjoying your long weekend: Perhaps you are traveling or BBQ ing but whatever you are doing, I hope you take the time to say a simple 'thank you' to our wonderful service people.

Minor Obsession: Loft Top

Last month I posted about the clothes I purchased at the Loft sale.  While I loved a lot of the pieces I got, some just didn't quite fit, and I was able to take them back to a Loft store yesterday.  My plan was to just return the items and go, but the saleswoman was good and convinced me to look around.  I'm glad she did!  I found this sweet Peter Pan collared top, and I purchased it- full price.  I never do that, but I'm glad I did.  I wore it last night to our Open House.  I paired it with a black pencil skirt and my leopard kitten heels.  I plan on taking it to Paris, where I will pair it with black shorts, black cigarette pants, or maybe my high-waisted denim shorts.  I love it so much,  I already want to wear it again!

Loft Grid Print Peter Pan Collar Top
$54.50

Anyway, I am so very glad that it is Friday. This has been a long week.  I am exhausted and ready for the weekend!  Any fun plans?

The Navy Velvet Sofa

I've recently been chatting with a good friend of mine who is contemplating a new sofa purchase for their new home.  She has 3 young boys.  Yes, boys.  She loves the light airy look just as much as I do but remember...3 boys.  While a light slip-covered sofa is not out of question I also heard that she loves a blue and white color scheme.  Light bulb.  Why not a gorgeous navy sofa?  If everything else is kept light and bright a navy sofa can be stunning and practical.

markdsikes.com

stylebyemilyhenderson.com

houzz.com

diaryyummymummy.blogspot.com

furnitureclue.com

topazkitchens.info

diaryyummymummy.blogspot.com

thepeakoftreschic.com

I'm excited to see what she chooses in the end.  No pressure, though...(think navy sofa, navy sofa).

Minor Obsession: Shirt Dress

Lately, when the weather has been warm enough, I've been all about easy and comfortable.  Enter the shirt dress, my old best friend.  They're so easy to throw on, and it takes next to nothing to complete an outfit.  

Hemingway & Hepburn

Piperlime

H&M

Target

We are off to LA today for some delicious food and some quality time.  I get to play hooky from school, although after being sick on Monday, I feel a little bad about missing another day this week.  Oh, wait. No I don't!

Happy Wednesday!

The Fabulous Eiffel Chair

My terrible design secret is that I'm not a fan of ALL things Mid- Century.  At least, I usually don't like a whole room full of Mid- Century furniture.  I do, however, like a few pieces mixed into a more traditional or rustic space.  

Case in point: The iconic Eiffel chairs (created by designer and artist duo Charles and Ray Eames) are gorgeous and have become classics.  You, my readers, know this already.  Why don't I see more of these in the homes I have visited?  I'm dying to design a dining room (I have a friend in mind) with these beauties in mind.

frenchbydesign.blogspot.com

desiretoinspire.net

akadesign.ca

indulgy.com

plus.google.com

sarahthearchitect.com

sarahthearchitect.com

Do any of you own an authentic or even knock-off Eames?  I'm curious how you have incorporated them into your design.  

Graduation Gift Ideas

I wanted to say a quick thank you to Lena over at A Crimson Kiss; I'm a happy recipient of her recent giveaway- a book entitled Fresh from the Field Wedding Flowers!  

gifts.com

We all know that cash is king, but if cold hard cash leaves you feeling, well, cold and impersonal, than why not load up a Visa gift card like this special graduation edition?  You can personalize it with the grad's name and a message, and it can be loaded anywhere from $20-$500.

Zappos

These dogeared necklaces each come with a sweet message for the recipient.

Zappos

I also love the next necklace, and the simple sentiment that goes with it.

Susi D Jewelry

And how about these Letters to My Future Self?  Sweet idea and sweet packaging.

Letters to My Future Self; Uncommon Goods

A journal that allows you to track 5 years of your life in tiny increments would be a fun way to document your college career.

Urban Outfitters

In case you couldn't tell, I am in the market for graduation gifts.  We have a grad party to attend on Saturday, so I'd better hurry up and decide!
I hope your week is starting off well.   I am already looking forward to Wednesday; the boyfriend is taking me to my final eye appointment in LA, which means a day of good food, shopping, and going to a speaking engagement at the Malibu Library.  I get to hear my dream teacher speak.  I have no idea what the topic even is, but I am excited never the less.
Happy Monday!