Warm Wishes

Sending you all warm thoughts from sunny Florida! Hope your holidays are chock full of yummy goodness.

photo by teddo, inc.

Happy day!

I'm looking forward to all of the birthday shenanigans this weekend! Hope you enjoy your weekend too!

image via miss molly

Happy Monday!

I know, I know, those two words (Monday + Happy) don't usually go together but I'm actually excited about this week for two specific reasons. First of all, it's the week before I go home for the holiday break (hooray!) and secondly, it's my birthday this week! I usually plan something for the big day, a fancy night out on the town or an ugly Christmas Sweater Party, but this year I'm feeling a little lazy so I'm just going with the flow and being spontaneous about the whole thing. Anywho, hope your Monday isn't too terribly dreary and if it is, I hope this little print makes your day like it did mine.

image via that's happy

A Hand-made Christmas

This year I decided to go handmade for the holidays. My goal next year is to go toally handmade with not only my own wishlist, but all the presents I get for everyone. Santa Mum and I have developed a fabulous (and very efficient) Christmas system-- I submit my wishlist early in November and she gets to pick and chose whatever she likes. Number one on my wishlist was anything from Emerson Made. To narrow things down (and not insist on $300 jeans), I picked these gorgeous flower pins. I've been lusting after a Forest Bound bag since I stumbled onto their shop, which is like heaven because not only are things handmade but they're handmade from recycled materials (I just died a little). Everytime I send anything in the mail, I stop and think how much cuter it would look with a Primele stamp on it. And finally, I obviously need something ocean-themed to round out the list and I love this little sea star necklace by Starfish and the Sea.

So, what's on your wishlist this year?

Tenenbaum Tuesday

Just a little tribute to one of my all time faves. Hope your week is going oh-so-well!

margot image courtesy of c.p. (unknown source); richie image by nan lawson

Friday Fun

This kid totally rocks my face off.  Who can resist busting a move when they hear this song? I friggin' love it!

found via another passenger

Holey Cow!

Pardon me sir, I do believe there is a large hole in your tummy. Ha! This is one of the new art pieces at Fairchild. I haven't been a huge fan of the art collections they've had over the last couple of years (Lichtenstein just didn't tickle my pickle), but I must admit that I actually like this year's exhibit. This is one of the pieces by Claude & Francois-Xavier Lalanne. There are also sheep, bunnies, owls, stags, and other lovely creatures frolicking through the garden. Next time I'm in Miami I'll take a few more shots to share with you all or if you're in the neighborhood, stop by and take a gander for yourself!

image taken by teddo, inc.

Too often...

Does anyone else suffer from this dilemma? I find that it happens a lot when I'm watching football on Sundays. My urge to eat simply cannot compete with the couch and my extreme laziness. I haven't turned into a skeleton and died yet. Let's keep our fingers crossed on that one.

image via the daitny squid

We're back!

Hope you all had a scrumptious Thanksgiving holiday! Mine was full of ridiculously delicious food, completely awesome friends and absolutely lovely family. Suki and I are both totally pooped after all that cross-country flying so we've been huddling together on the couch trying to keep warm. Next up, Christmas! I'm a sucker for the holidays, I know.

image via miss molly

And we're off!

Suki and I are flying to Miami for Thanksgiving this weekend. I'm so very excited to be going home and visiting my family and friends. I'll try and post while I'm home, but I make no guarantees! Enjoy the weekend!

image via miss molly

Cute 'do

I've been sporting this hairstyle for a couple of months now, but it's never come out as pretty as hers. I can't quite figure out what the heck she does here, but I'll give the curling iron, twisty move a go and see if it works.

image via artislovely

Sleepy Weekend

I spent all weekend camped out on my couch with the sniffles and a sore throat {mep}. I just finished reading Harry Potter 7 in preparation for the movie-- I'm totally watching it at midnight this coming Thursday! After finishing a good book like this though, I can't help but feel a little sad because, what's next? Now I'm on the hunt for another good book. Any suggestions?

image via another passenger

Friday Fun

Last Leaf

OK Go | Myspace Music Videos

Have you seen the new, super awesome Ok Go video? It makes me want a slice of toast real bad.

found via d.sharp journal

I dream of...

This tartan bomber jacket by Lauren Moffatt. I wish I could just wiggle my nose and instantly have this gorgeous-ness for my very own. Anthropologie has a tartan cape/coat that seems to be imitating one of her pieces but I tried it on the other day and it looked like the thing was trying to eat me. Seriously scary.

found via sterling&silver

Friday Fun

I'm sure you've all heard of Fifi Lapin by now, right? Right? Well Fifi is totally bananas (yes I know I'm channeling Rachel Zoe quite a lot these days). I can't help but love this oh-so-stylish little bunny. I'm buying the book ASAP and I'm definitely putting one of her scrumptious prints (and maybe a pin too) on my Christmas wish list. Hope you all have a fantastic weekend!

image via fifi lapin blog (thanks for sharing this C!)

Did you vote?

I did! It seems like such a small, easy thing to do but voting feels so powerful to me! Most of the time I feel so helpless when it comes to all the big things that are going wrong these days like wars, social injustice, climate change, species extinction, and the list goes on. Voting just makes me feel like I'm doing my part and making a difference, even if it's only a teeny tiny difference. It's so easy to feel cynical and bitter about our government and state of affairs lately but sitting back and doing nothing is definitely not the answer. Plus, what kind of American would I be if I didn't vote for our future American Idol  policies and leaders?!

video via this huffington post article

Go Giants!

I know I'm a California transplant, but I'm pretty darn excited that the San Fransisco Giants won the World Series! Go Giants!

There's a Fungus Among Us

Although it wasn't my favorite Halloween costume (that honor goes to my Margo Tenenbaum get-up), my mushroom impersonation wasn't half bad. The hat was a big hit at the Halloween party I attended on Saturday night, and I was all too glad to let others partake in the shroominess because to be honest, it was pretty uncomfortable and I couldn't see a thing! Hope you all had a fun Halloween!

image of my homemade mushroom hat

Happy Halloween!

Hope your Halloween is full of fun, friends and lots of the good candy!

image via heather ross

I am madly in love...

 

With everything by EmersonMade! Every single thing in this shop is drop dead gorgeous. In the words of Rachel Zoe, "I die."

images via emersonmade

Dream Bike

With all the hills here in Monterey and my lack of experience climbing said hills (coming from the flatness of Miami and all), bicyling to work and around town seems like a far-away dream. Maybe some day I'll work up the stamina to brave these hills on a daily basis but for now the five minute trek to my car is more than enough of a workout. When I read about this beautiful creature, all of my hill-climbing hopes and dreams suddenly came true. As I looked through Onya's website, flashes of Suki sitting in the basket along with all my groceries floated on puffy clouds across the computer screen. The price tag slapped me right back into my office chair but I vow to someday soon own one of these little beauties. In the words of the oh-so-wise Wayne Campbell, "It will be mine. Oh yes, it will be mine."

image via inhabitat

Funny for your Friday

I laughed so hard at this that I cried. Seriously, funniest thing EVER.

I forgot where i found it...sorry!

"Send Cassy to Palm Springs" Scholarship Fund

I'm thinking of starting a scholarship fund so that I can finally make it to one of Heather Ross's Weekend Sewing Workshops. Learning to sew with Heather Ross at the Ace Hotel in Palm Springs? Um, yes please.

image via heather ross blog

Cool Bugginess

Everything in Geninne's blog is absolutely spectacular. This guy is no exception.

Community Count Action!

I'm pretty excited to be on the Daily Ocean's Community Count this week! Sara's extraordinary efforts to  keep trash out of the ocean are absolutely amazing, she was even nominated for Oceana's 2010 Ocean Hero Award. Pretty awesome stuff.  Even though it's sad that so many of us have to go out and pick up other people's trash, it's pretty wonderful that there are so many of us that care enough to do it. It's an honor to be a part of such an amazing group of people. Check it out!

image via the daily ocean

Trash, Trash, and S'more Trash

As I mentioned last week, my BFF and I participated in 350.org's 10/10/10 Work Party. I had no idea that we would collect this much trash in just an hour! Apparently someone had a huge bonfire on the beach the night before and left all, I mean all, of their trash on the beach. There were beer cans, beer bottles, liquor bottles, reusable bottles,  blankets, socks and even a pair of shoes! Siggity say what?! All together we collected 93 pounds of trash. Needless to say we were totally pooped after dragging all those bags up the beach, weighing each one and then packing them in the car. It only took five minutes to drive to the dumpster but my car smelled like a dirty bar the whole time. After reading all of the participants' reports online, I felt truly amazed and inspired to be part of such a great event. Go 350.org!

photos taken by the fabulous r.g.

Pretty, Cozy

I love these looks by Plumo. The clothes, tights, boots, hair and makeup are simply perfection. I'm oh-so-excited that I get to wear warm and cozy fall outfits soon. Yay Fall!

found via ill seen, ill said

The Unseen Sea

The Unseen Sea from Simon Christen on Vimeo.

 This is what it looks like to drive from San Francisco into Monterey near sunset. I had never witnessed anything quite like this until I moved to California. I almost crashed into the car next to me the first time I saw it. You see, we don't have fog or mountains in Miami.

found via carnival

10/10/10!

The 350.org Global Work Party is this Sunday! I'll be dragging taking my BFF to a beach clean-up so we can participate in this awesome event. What are you doing in your neck-of-the-woods?

find your local events at 350.org

Cuteness for your weekend

Howdy folks! Sorry I've been a M.I.A. this week, it's been crazy busy at work and I've been feeling a little under-the-weather to boot. I figured I would give y'all some extreme cuteness for the weekend. My co-workers caught me making baby noises at the computer screen while watching this video. I just can't help myself.

want to make more baby noises at your computer? videos via monterey bay aquarium website here

Project!

I'm contemplating the possibility of covering one of my walls in old bookpages. This clever wallpaper idea seems to be in vogue lately and I just might jump right on the bandwagon. I think I'll tackle this project right after I paint one of my kitchen walls with chalkboard paint (another bandwagon that I'm happily riding on). How about you? Got any other tempting home improvement schemes?

image via design is mine

Happy Autumn!

I've never been able to truly appreciate the fall because I've never lived anywhere that experienced this oh-so-lovely season. I still love the colors, the clothes and the anticipation for the upcoming holiday season. It's about this time that I really start to get excited about Halloween, which ties with Christmas for my favorite holiday. I still haven't decided what my costume will be this year. Any ideas?

fall images from all over the world via the huffington post
(don't you miss getting this excited about anything?)

Chipmunks in Star Wars

You're welcome.

image via powerpig's flickr

Nice kitty, I mean, shark

How ridiculously cool is this video?  I really admire people that are brave enough to dive with sharks, it's an amazing experience that I would love to have but I just don't know if I'll ever get over my Jaws-phobia. I couldn't help cringing a little when the diver's hand was near the sharks mouth. I think I'll have to be satisfied with watching this HD version until I work up the nerve to go diving someday. But seriously, how awesome would it be to pet a shark like that? What a great way to start off a new week!

video via monterey bay aquarium blog

Book Mobile

Mobiles are pretty dang cute...but a book mobile, is absolutely the coolest thing ever! One of these would look just perfect above my future desk. There are still a few things that I need to get for my apartment. Although I felt like I bought loads of house goodies when I first moved in, I find that I'm still short.Who knew my itty bitty apartment could fit so much?

image via the daily smudge

Loveliness

These necklaces are so very pretty. Just something else to add onto my Etsy wishlist.

images via fancy frills necklaces by tame

Stripes!

 I'm so very into stripes right now. This print by Blanca Gomez just hits the spot.

image via daily smudge

So Pretty

 Loving these flowery looks by Nadinoo. I wish I could pull off short shorts and high heels. Utter cuteness.

found via eat drink chic

Yum

Somebunny loves pancakes...heehee

image via miss molly

Yay eBay!

It's always good to see mega companies taking small steps towards becoming more sustainable. This new shipping box is made out of 100% FSC-certified materials (which hopefully includes some Post Consumer Waste goodness), uses only water-based inks (petroleum-based inks are SO last season) and doesn't need very much tape to close. The beauty lies in the fact that it can be used over and over again to ship all sorts of goodies all over the country, and even the world! Extreme coolness.

image via inhabitat.com

Anthropologie loveliness

This past week I found some pretty great buys at Anthropologie. My employee discount (yes, I have a part-time job that supports my addiction) made them even sweeter. I am absolutely in love with this yellow shirt. I've already worn it twice and whenever I open my closet it just beams at me. It's the perfect cure for these gray, Monterey days. Can we get a little sunshine here please? Sheesh!

image via anthropologie.com

On my desktop

I love this month's desktop calendar on That's Happy. Don't birdhouses just make you smile? I love to walk through my apartment complex and see all the tiny birds fluttering around people's balconies and munching on their birdseed. I've spotted a few hummingbirds around here, so I will soon be investing in a birdfeeder of my own. I'm leaning toward the nectar feeder because I think hummingbirds are too cool for words. I've also got my eye on this calendar. I love the hot air balloons, and I LOVE that it's made out of fabric. Hummingbirds and calendars...it just doesn't get much better than that. I hope you all have lots of reasons to smile this weekend!

download calendar here

Ballet Flats + Moccasins=AWESOME

These also came in the mail last week. I don't remember where I first saw them but I've been dreaming about them for months, and then BAM! They're on sale! I love, love, love them, not just because they're too cute for words but they are quite possibly the comfiest shoes I own. Wahooooo!

you'll find these on sundance

Quiet house

Last week I was dogsitting for some friends and my little studio was just bustling with activity. We were total couch potatoes most of the time but I know Suki had fun with all the company and the occasional rough-housing. This morning I found her curled up next to the spot where we had stationed Wendy and Annie's doggie bed. I couldn't stand the sad puppy face so I bribed her with a treat before I left the house. Instant happiness.

top image is suki, bottom is wendy (on the left) and annie (on the right)

Time for some change

This week the Monterey Bay Aquarium put out a new video on climate change. I kinda love it!

Click here and check out the MBA blog.

Goodies in the mail

Dontcha just love getting stuff in the mail? Other than junk mail and bills of course. This morning I opened my mailbox and these lovelies from the Rifle Paper Co. were smiling back at me. Big ups for stationary!

image via rifle paper co.

A little grammar humor to spice up your life

After taking a Writing and Editing class in college, I became a little obsessed with grammar. I really love the subject, even though I still on many occasions make grammatical mistakes (you've probably found a few already). Here's a little grammar joke that I read in a book during that great class:

A panda walks into a cafe. He orders a sandwich, eats it, then draws a gun and fires two shots in the air.
“Why?” asks the confused waiter, as the panda makes towards the exit. The panda produces a badly punctuated wildlife manual and tosses it over his shoulder.
“I’m a panda,” he says, at the door. “Look it up.”
The waiter turns to the relevant entry and, sure enough, finds an explanation.
“Panda. Large black-and-white bear-like mammal, native to China. Eats, shoots and leaves.”

Yes, I did laugh out loud when I read that joke and yes, I am a big dork.

Hooray for overly-dramatic romances!

I love this movie oh-so-very-much! If you haven't seen The Notebook, please make your life complete by watching it immediately. :) I hope you all have a lovely weekend!

image via miss molly

The Majestic Plastic Bag

This video pays tribute to a clever, agile and awe-inspiring beast-- the plastic bag. I think sarcasm and a British accent are truly the best, most effective ways to get any message across. Can someone get this thing aired during the Super Bowl, or better yet, the season finale of The Real Housewives? If you live in California please be sure to call your senators and tell them to support the Ban on Plastic Bags! I would be so very proud to live in a state that is taking action to reduce our footprint on the Earth. 

Seattle!

We're going to visit family in Seattle this weekend! See you all on Monday. Happy weekend!

image via seattle guide on design*sponge