Jolted

We've had a couple of earthquakes here in southern California in the past couple of days.  The one yesterday woke me by way of a crash and the sound of glass breaking in the front of the house.  The Cat was asleep in her bed, and I hadn't registered that there'd been an earthquake or even felt the initial aftershock; I was up and out of bed with my little can of mace to go inspect what had caused the noise in the front of the house.  Upon opening the door to the guest bathroom, I saw the culprit; one of the butterfly prints, in its mirrored and tortoise shell frame, had fallen off the wall and was broken and shattered on the floor.
I lamented its loss for a moment before shutting the door and returning to bed; this was, after all, my first real day of spring break, it wasn't yet 6 in the morning, and I intended to sleep in, dammit, despite an earthquake and shattered glass.
I also decided that rather than worry too much over the loss of a framed picture, I might as well take it as a sign from God that it is time I redo my front bathroom.  It is boring and has not been updated since I moved in.
Here are a couple inspiration pics that I've seen floating around the web lately.  They are kind of polar opposites, as one showcases a bathroom that is light, white, and airy, and the other features dark walls and accents of gold.  Also, I guess, the second pic isn't actually a bathroom.  It's part of a room leading into a bathroom.  But I am using that pic as inspiration for my guest bathroom, so, you know, polar opposites and all.

image via The Every Girl

I am loving the idea of the shelf and those towels are simple and gorgeous.

image via The Every Girl

I love the tiny table and dark walls in Danielle Moss' Chicago apartment, above.  I have a little corner in my guest bathroom currently occupied by a tiered plant stand, sans plants.  Honestly, it's there not because I love it, but because it was a remnant from my first rental.  My tastes have changed since then.  I like to think they've gotten better, but really, if I'm honest with myself, it's just that I have Rebecca whispering in my ear what is good and what isn't.
Also, I'm loving the idea of new flooring in the bathroom (right now it is a reddish brownish tile).

image via pinterest

image via Eclectically Vintage, by way of pinterest

On both of those pins, I am liking the floor.  All I know is something needs to be done.  And it only took an earthquake to get me going!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Today I am packing for our beach trip tomorrow!  My family and I are really looking forward to this since it has been too long since our last getaway.  We plan to stay in Pismo and then spend time in Morro Bay and Cambria.  We also want to take the kids to see Hearst Castle.  I've been there a few times but it never gets old.

Tonight we are having a traditional Irish meal.  My family on my father's side is Irish, and I'm a corned beef and cabbage loving gal!

Do you have any traditions for St. Patrick's Day?

Minor Obsession: Michael Kors

I have always been drawn to classic navy and white.  Navy has always been my absolute favorite color for clothes, even as a kid.  That's probably why I have always been drawn to Michael Kors.

image via fashionisers

image via fashionisers

image via fashionisers

image via fashionisers

Okay, I know that third pic isn't navy, but it is still so classic.  I love the clean lines and fitted cuts of the clothes, and I love that it isn't all emblazoned with the signature MK logo.  These pieces (and I guess the ads too) make me long for warmer days.  I need all of these pieces.  I can't even say which one I want more.  I want them all.
So greedy, I know.  On another note, I'm so glad it's Friday! Today Rebecca is subbing at my school in 5th grade.  She'll be right next door, and we even get to go to lunch together.  Yea!  Another bonus- this afternoon is the start of spring break, and we are kicking it off by celebrating my guy's birthday.  I can't wait to give him his gifts.  I love birthdays!
I hope you have a great weekend.

Always Inspired by: Gal Meets Glam

I'm positive that I'm preaching to the choir when I share that I am a fan of Julia Hengel's very chic blog Gal Meets Glam.  Julia is gorgeous, young and --shall I just say it-- far richer than I will ever be, but it isn't just these things that make her a successful blogger.  She embraces her shape and knows what she likes  and looks amazing in everything she puts together.  The photography is pretty fantastic too. It is refreshing for me to see a fashion blogger like Julia who isn't a size 0!  I myself am usually a size 6 and it's tough not to feel like a cow when you're an average size (for the fashion world, I mean) and love fashion.  Julia just has a sparkle about her and I'm positive she brightens any room she enters.  Here are a few of my favorite Spring looks she put together.

I lusting for this striped dress python heel combo here.

Strawberry equipment blouse and patent red loafers! Yes!

This look is so spot on for Spring.

Julia got the trend of the leopard shoe just right with this perfect outfit.

One thing I have been encouraged to try is a bold lip.  Julia reminds me that fashion is fun.

I am so excited that Spring break is just around the corner!  I have been gardening up a storm and now it's time to relax.  We will be headed to the beach next week and I can't wait.

Let's Hear it for the Boys

Brock Chambray Bow Tie / Tech Oxford Travel Kit - JackSpade / Off Scot Free Card - JackSpade

These are some of my top picks from Jack Spade (many on sale) that I would not only mind getting for my guy, but then possibly, maybe, eventually stealing from him.  Except for maybe the bow tie, but I think I would even wear that.
I hope you are having a fantastic week.  I am so glad it is Wednesday; grades are done and finalized, we are in a really fun part of a project in my history class, and spring break is right around the corner.
Hallelujah!

House Tour: Feels Like Spring

I was looking for a little Spring decorating inspiration when I came across photographer Tracey Ayton's blog.  She had just completed a house tour shoot with home owners' Monika and Troy Hibbs.  I think you'll agree with me that this home is fresh and happy and perky and Tracey's photos are fantastic!  

Isn't that just a breath of fresh air?  There are so many things I love about this home and I will file away some of the ideas for later.  I am rarely, if ever, disappointed in a mostly white house.  You can pull in beautiful accent colors -like the Hibbs did with the peach- every season.  It takes restraint and courage to decorate this way but the results are stunning.

To see more gorgeous photos of this lovely home, pop on over to: tracey ayton photography.com

Have a lovely day!

What We Got: ZARA Shoes

Yesterday we went shopping for the Cat's birthday. A stop at Brandy Melville was on the list, as were macarons (check and check). We also managed to hit quite a few other stores, including a Zara. While it, sadly, did not have a children's section for the Cat, we both managed to walk out of there with a brand new pair of shoes. We think they'll be perfect for Paris this summer. I had a hard time choosing between the black and the tan, but after trying them on, and listening to my teenage daughter dictate which were more practical, I went with the lighter pair, as did she.

Zara flat sandals / Zara leather shoes

I hope your Monday is off to a great start.  I am missing that little old hour that we lost yesterday, especially since grades are due and I have an after school meeting today.  Looks like I'll be burning the midnight oil.
Wish me luck!