not the royal wedding.

I promised myself just after the engagement that I would not post about the Royal Wedding... so I'm not. Instead, I'm posting about a wedding that's much more my style -- free of 18 karat sapphire rings & long, dramatic trains; free of giant, famous cathedrals & horse-drawn carriages; free of security, paparazzi & too much hype. Nope, this wedding offers sweet, simple details that seem just right for such a joyous day: bright colors, a cocktail dress, lots of cupcakes & happy tears. Perfect!


After a whirlwind week, I can't say that I'll mind putting my feet up and relaxing for a few days. And yes, I will be taping the big event and soaking up all the drama on Saturday, but I'm too old and too busy to sacrifice a night's sleep. {Thank goodness for DVR.} Will you be watching? Here's to a royally grand weekend, and no more talk of the affair next week!



{images by aubrey trinnaman & blake henderson from jerry yoon photography, via style me pretty}

small=cool

Once again, Apartment Therapy proves that a small house can be cool in its seventh annual "Smallest Coolest Home Contest." And as a self-proclaimed homebody, it should come as no surprise that I'm a total sucker for these cozy spaces! A dash of color here and there, floods of natural light, and the perfect placement of a few chosen prints can instantly turn a too-small space into a comfortable, humble abode. The style, creativity and love is pouring out of these homes and it's making me eager for a tiny place of my own to transform. Space is totally overrated! 


I'm off to tackle the literary world tonight and dig in to the stack of books from Amazon piled in the corner. Now that I don't spend my days reading about Middle Eastern Politics and Investigative Journalism, I finally have the time & the desire to read for fun again and I'm so excited! {I'm also dying for book suggestions -- have any must-reads?} Happy Wednesday!



{images: one, two, three & four, all via apartment therapy}

featured etsy seller: diterra

I'm so proud and excited to see Emily, one of my greatest family friends from the Midwest, as the featured seller on Etsy this week! She's talented beyond words and I'm so in love with her mugs... we bought three just last night! I can't wait to sip my coffee and know that Emily's hands molded the very cup I drink from. Head on over here to click through the DiTerra collection & read about her sources of inspiration (Hint: she talks about how we would play dress up and put on skits in her basement!). 


How are you enjoying the weekend? The sun is out, the clouds are not and the free time is abundant. Time to sign offline and enjoy all that goodness. That means you, too. Happy Easter!



{images via etsy blog}

happy [girlie] weekend

My very girlie wishes for you and I this weekend: sparkles & bows; pretty dessert; fresh & abundant color; and plenty of quiet relaxation. Cheers!

{images: one, two, three, four}

summer sun[glasses]

Sunglasses are one of my favorite Springtime accessories. They're easy as pie to throw on and can instantly transform a so-so outfit into a movie-star-quality ensemble. Personally, I have too many pairs in my possession and they're scattered throughout several purses, cars & closets. But that's the beauty of summer shades: they come in a million shapes & sizes & colors & patterns... and I love them all! (See a few of my favorites here, here & here) And hats off to these ladies for showing some major personal style through their lenses. Happy Monday, all! I'm gearing up for a sunny forecast -- finally -- and a busy week ahead. Cheers!



{images via streetfsn by nam}

weekend words of wisdom

{images via here & here}

shades of [spring]

Spring fashion is so refreshing! The bright colors blooming on the street sneak in to our closets & offer up a much needed change in wardrobe -- and nobody does it better than J.Crew. Their new spring looks are so effortlessly cool, blending the best of winter's neutrals with the brightest summer shades. Grey, white & navy will never go out of style, no matter the season. But a coral lip or a bold straw hat can instantly transform any outfit into the perfect warm weather get-up. Is it June yet?

{images via j.crew}

a new, old house

I stumbled upon a fabulous house with a fabulous story from The New York Times tonight and I must say, it's hard to find anything in this house that I don't like. The muted colors, the antique details, and the fresh flowers & citrus centerpieces. I love it all, especially the story of how it came to be: 


"After Hurricane Katrina destroyed the house... they bulldozed it, raised their lot four feet and built a classic cottage, complete with shutters and a picket fence, for $356,000." 


They pulled their favorite belongings out of the post-storm mess and refurnished, repainted & recreated their home. Do yourself a favor and click here for more gorgeous pictures & details. Happy Monday!



{images by sara essex via the ny times}

shades of [calming blues]

As we attempt to repaint nearly every surface in our home, I realize more and more the profound effect color can have on a room. And I'm dying for this natural, country-living palette. It makes me want to kick off my boots, open a bottle of wine & relax by the fire -- I feel more relaxed already! I hope you're all enjoying your weekend as much as I am. I'm learning to really cherish these 48 hours away from the office and luckily, these particular 48 hours have been sunny & enjoyable. Cheers!



{image by antony crolla via rue magazine}

wedding inspiration [homemade pizza]

This couple has it right: simplistic, romantic and fun. 


As much time as I spend pouring over extravagant wedding photos each week, I'll admit that I've always been a sucker for the most intimate of ceremonies, followed by simple & perfect receptions -- much like this one. The bride & groom wed in a private ceremony near the water on Whidbey Island (just outside of Seattle!) and celebrated afterwards at a friend's house, wearing aprons & making homemade pizzas. Adorable. While I love the fuss of big, fancy vows, I think I love this kind of party even more. Happy (almost) Wedding Wednesday!



{photos by julie mikos}

ready for monday

Every Sunday night around this time I start to think about Monday. After two whole days of pure weekend bliss, Monday morning & the upcoming week start to weigh heavily on my mind. But this week, I have reason to look forward to the usually-dreaded first day of the week: I'm going on my first official business trip! A veteran who's been on too many business trips might call me crazy for my delight. But I'm brand new to the working world & am really looking forward to hitting the road and spending a few days in our Portland office. I'll be throwing on my most comfortable work wear and braving the I-5 morning traffic at 5:30am (ouch!). Wish me luck, and have a great week!

{images: michael kors watch; petite buttermilk cardigan; michael stars t-shirt; sportmax pants; giuseppe zanotti flats, agent ninetynine belt; necklush necklace; marc jacobs bag}

happy [first of april] weekend

Happy first weekend of April! Each new spring month brings feelings of hopeful anticipation for summer. And although we're feeling the effects of the infamous 'April Showers,' we're anxiously awaiting all those beautiful 'May Flowers.' What are your weekend plans? Let me live vicariously through you as I sit on the couch with my dogs & watch good movies!

{images: one, two}