{black | white}

I have never (and will never) claim to be a designer or even claim to know what I'm doing.  I do, however, recognize what I like.  Since - forever - my favorite look in home and clothes has been black and white (ok, ok...and a ton of grey!).  I love the classy, chic appearance and love how other colors can pop with the combination.  I had to take note (again) while looking through the ever inspiring Apartment Therapy yesterday.  I don't think I'll ever get tired of this fantastic duo...

note that amazing door....

I know that there's a lot I can do now (as a renter) to decorate to my design preference....but, oh! I'll be so over-joyed to own my own home and really go crazy...(like paint a door, just like that first photo)!

Happy Sunday!





{all photo's via AT}

{romantic inspirations}

Romantic, lovely....

I love these romantic accessories from Spool No.72.  I think that they would be the perfect accent to this warm Thursday!

Happy day, Lovelies!

{j'aime...}

{J'aime looking through magazines and happening upon "Seattle".  This sign would surely be happy in our new Texas home...!}

{J'aime anything to help our new house, feel like a home.  I never tire of candles!}

{J'aime reflecting on memories.  One of my first experiences in France was at this dreamy carousel in Gérardmer}

I'm still in ESCAPE mode.  :)  Hope you're enjoying this Tuesday!

xx,

{Watson Kennedy via House Beautiful, Sway and Cake, Carousel}

{à table: pancake party}

A few years ago, while planning my wedding, I came across a beautiful invitation stating a morning wedding time.  Since then, I've been in love with the idea of a morning wedding.  Morning sunlight, bird's chirping, breakfast served....all together dreamy.  I've brought this idea up to Mister (even recently) and he constantly can only think of how early everyone would have to get up in order to get ready. He has a point, but then again....after scouring the blogosphere this past week, my eyes happened upon a glorious scene...And, since I am married and won't be having another wedding, perhaps I should take a cue from these dreamy pics and plan a mid-morning pancake party. 

So....what do you think? Do you want to join me this weekend for a party?

à table and happy weekend!!

{photos from Daisy Pink Cupcake via Once Wed}

{monday inspires}

I'm inspired to tend to my garden today.  What are you inspired to do?


Happy Monday Lovelies!



{image via Apartment Therapy}

{weekend inspiration}

There's something happy about dirty gardening gloves. They provoke a sense of accomplishment and pride...

I purchased one of the cutest pairs I've ever owned from Target - London Liberty Collection and they definitely inspired me this weekend. {On that note - I claim to be a marketer's dream!! If something is cute or appealing in any way, I pretty much want to buy it....even if it has no relation to my current interests or needs. Yes, that's right...a marketer's dream. Market it right, and I'll find a reason to "want" it.} Either way, when I saw these gloves, I knew I needed them in order to properly tend to my garden.

Here is some of what I did this weekend...

I've planted herbs in the past and tomatoes, but never lettuce, garlic, shallots, onions, strawberries and a few other treasures.  And, next weekend I plan to add a few more things. So -- here's hoping that I can keep things growing in this sunny, sunny, sunny weather!

Happy lundi (Monday)!

{monday inspires....}

la dance....




Do I really need to explain? I can't imagine anyone not finding an element of beauty in the above photos. Today - I am inspired by dance. Actually, this weekend I was. No, I'm not a dancer and especially not a ballerina. Well, not in real life, that is. Because yes, I freely admit that I am a closet ballerina. I have a couple of roommates that can attest to that. My place of preference? The kitchen. It lends itself to such graceful movement. :) But, I'm not here to discuss my pretend dance world (or not entirely at least).

This weekend, I did some organization, moved some furniture (at which I'm quite pleased with), and even shopped for some home stuff. While organizing some boxes, I found a pair of ballet shoes. Not just any pair either...the shoes I wore at our wedding! As I said, no - I'm not a ballerina, nor did I ever take any class as a child. But, I have always had a dear love for the ballet, and particularly the beautify of the shoes. So, I wore ballet shoes and had our little "flower girls" be little "ballerinas". Oh so cute.

Finding these shoes filled me with delight. So, my dear creative friends....any idea of what I can do with these shoes?? I've thought about molding them or keeping them as is and putting them in our little girl's room (whenever we have one). Do you have any ideas?!

Are you inspired by dance?




{Images were originally found at Paris Atelier. They can be linked to JournalDesVitrines, Read Me... and Nath.B.

{do i need this? no. do i want this? yes.}

I was searching through Remodolista last night and kept thinking how fun it would be to have some of the certain things below. I love how they echo an old Europe look. Either way - I may not need these, but i sure think I want them.

...a unique picnic basket set. {time to take advantage of the last days of summer.}


...sure my chair would definitely feel all British 'wearing' this pretty pillow!


...I don't want to own this, but I wouldn't mind taking a photo underneath the entry way!


....Do I really need to explain why this is so fabulous?!


...3 words: French Oyster Basket.


...I know I could find use for a vintage grainsack pillow!


...a local Seattle company. I would inherite great fabrics and support locally! {please Mister, please?!}


...so much prettier then my plastic one at home!


...I would love to come home each day to this lovely yellow door in the midst of an English garden.


Happy Jeudi Lovelies!

{hidden joi de vivre}

It may be a balancing act; it may be scary; it may be the unknown, but I'm embracing all of the change that Autumn is bringing. Even if it's not the change that I had 'planned for'. All I know is that there are great things ahead and I'm ready to face them. As pursuing further school seems a bit far off, I'm eager to find different ways to challenge myself in future months. Thanks to all for listening to me lately, as I seem eager to purge my base emotions. All I know is....I'm way too into pictures with big meaning behind them and THIS one is no exception!

Lovely, lovely Mardi to all!

{monday inspires....}

...change.

You may be wondering what this lovely Crate and Barrel table has to do with change. But, please, let me explain. If you look closely - it's the same table being used in two different manners. Change. And if you notice, it capitalizes on kitchen and study. I'm here to update you on home and school -- a little personal update, if you will.

Where to begin: Study. As you may remember I was applying for an International MBA program. Well, folks - the program has been postponed. :( I received a call from the University, explaining that this was the first year of the program and they didn't generate enough interest; therefore, the program is postponed until next fall. All of the current students who have applied for it are booked for next year's program; however, they are also opening their doors to the traditional MBA program. So, do I want to wait an entire year for the perfect program or jump into something else? I'm thinking hard about what I want to do. But, admittedly had some baby tears in my eyes when I got the call. I was so excited about the prospect of it all.

Secondly: Home. Now, I know this will come as a shock to you. I'm still in shock. Actually - I'm just laughing about it all of the time. BUT, Mister and I are moving.....next door. Ha! I'm serious, peeps -- you just can't make this stuff up. Actually, it's not as bad as some may think, but it is all extremely funny. We currently live in a duplex (one bedroom tiny little abode). When we moved in, the other rental (with 2 bedrooms + a laundry room) was unavailable. Just recently it opened up and our landlords gave us priority. So, after much consideration and many laughs, we decided to jump on it. The house is still tiny-tiny and the 2nd bedroom will be tight, but it will be more space. It's definitely older and could use some serious TLC in the kitchen + bath, but I'm somewhat excited.

So there you have it! I thought I was starting a season of school, but instead it seems it's another season to move. Not too bad - in the last year and a half this will be our 4th move. Doesn't that thought just exhaust you!?! It sounds a bit like we're odd, but each one has an explanation (primarily marriage move and Military). I hope that this will be the last time I'm writing a post like this for a long time!!

Either way - I think the table above would be a perfect place for us to eat dinner in our new home and maybe even inspire some studying.

Any change coming up in your life?!?

{la french table}

my new table, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

I have managed to feel quite French this week. It's really quite spectacular. :) Actually, if I may say, I think my French friend felt a bit French too! Even though we're in an American home, I find myself doing things that are typically French. It was really just this week though that I realized it. No wonder my poor American Mister is sometimes confused by my actions. Should I elaborate?

Setting the table: In regards to silverware, I place the Fork on the left, the Knife on the right and a small spoon just above of the plate - laying across toward the cup. (My Mister has often picked up the spoon confused. I was too 'involved' to really realize before.

The dinner: I strive to have good bread for certain meals and if passing them out, often place the piece on the table by Mister's plate. Poor man. He automatically, picks it back up and sets it on his plate. Also, the salad is served last. So, I will sometimes bring it to the table after he's finished his fish, zucchini and a bit of bread. It can be confusing, but I think I was subconsciously trying to 're-train' his eating habits. (Oh goodness, the things I realize through this blog. Eek.)

The dessert: After clearing a bit of the dishes, I gather a couple of fruits and yogurts. Take your pick Mister. Ah, now he realizes the reason for the spoon.

I may not be French (even though we have to whisper that this week, as I am pretending....). But, either way, I have certain inclinations -- thanks to my dear (almost) French Mom, my travels and my desperate need to pretend to be French. *Sigh*

*P.S. I have some updates to give about drinking out of bowls! I love how blogging can bring up memories, unite traditions and create an entire world of wonder. But, that will have to come later - becuase I am heading to take my friend to do something entirely American: BBQ at a Military Base.

Lovely Vendredi my dears!

{monday inspires....}

Flats on Velib', originally uploaded by Miss Glitzy Paris.

....French living.

Bonjour Lovelies! Sorry that I have been a bit absent this past week. I hope to do better now. :) All is coming together for the application process for the International MBA program. Now I'm just praying that I'm not too late to submit as competition is tight. But, what will be, will be.

For now, I don't need to worry about that, but instead focus on "being French". A dear friend from France is visiting me this week. So, my language is getting all mixed up. For those of you who know me, I'm not the best at separating the two languages and often, French wins. It's fine, though, because my Mister told me that one day we could move there (and pretend to be French)....so, it's best he's exposed and starts learning to communicate!

I'm sure that this week will be filled to the brim with lovely sentences and lots of touring. And....I'll be able to start marking off some items on my Seattle Bucket List.

If you were to pretend to be from a different country - where would you choose?

Bonne journée mes amis !

{monday inspires....}

...motivation

A Little Push, originally uploaded by stephaniedan.

Perhaps it's the fact that Fall is around the corner, and inevitably, when autumn comes, I crave bouquets of sharpened pencils. I crave fresh, untouched paper and the smell of old books. Yes, I must admit, that I crave school. {Or the idea of it at least.....cause admittedly, school is not on my list of most favorite things. But, the idea of it....?! Well, the idea of it is magical.}

What does this mean for me? Well friends - this week I'm applying for an MBA program. The classes will push me a bit, but that's what I'm hoping for. So here it goes! I'm praying I get in....since I am waiting to the last minute to apply.

What are you motivated to do lately?!

{thoughts of baby}

I think my little niece needs to cozy up in this blanket! What do you think?! I think it's perfect for Emily Dear.

Speaking of babies....since I have baby on my mind. (Settle down, my little niece is growing up, and my dear friend is having a shower on Saturday....and I know 13 other preggers currently....) Anyway - I love these cribs!



And, because I've been wanting to paint a chalkboard wall in our kitchen, but am a renter....these, chalkboard stickers could work perfectly...

{Who cares if they're for kids!!}

On that note....Happy Thursday. I'm anxious for this weekend. First off, I'm exhausted and could use some rest, but on Friday night I'm helping my bestie, Erin, design (add design) to a dress and make some shoes. I have plans for an art project in our home. A baby shower on Saturday for the lovely Willow. And....expecting an old friend to come into town for a visit (on her way to Canada). Fun times ahead!


{all images/products via here}