{choose your book....}

I don't want to go to work today. Nope! I want to go to Paris and visit my favorite bookstore. Shakespeare & Company. I love this little bookstore. When I lived in Paris, it was sometimes comforting to walk into a store that sold "English" litterature. I would find myself there often. People would peruse, spending countless minutes touching the old and new novels that sat on the old wood shelves. I still remember the smell that lingered. A smell of history.


Then after making a selection, I would take my "new book", choose a local cafe and sit for a quite afternoon of bliss.

Yes. This is what I'd rather do on this rainy Thursday!

{happy day!}

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

{joi d'etsy...}

I find great joy in perusing etsy. Today, my heart smiled at the following! Wouldn't it be fun to put one of these little dishes by your sink or even on your dresser? I was thinking it would be a good "station" for my keys (that I always loose)! Either way, PrinceDesign UK, definitely got these right! I'd take each one of these dishes.









Happy LUNDI!

{mothology}

I've happened upon a lovely website: Mothology! It reminds me of antique shopping online - but better. Either way, it's "tamed" my craving until next Saturday (when I have a "date" for some antique shopping w/ a friend...). I love all of the below -- so much so that I'm planning on buying the French Franc Bistro dish, Mercury votives...and fabulous tote bags! I wonder if those "oh-so-me" Eau Minerale glasses will make it in the order too. ;)

::Canvas Bordeaux Buckets


::Wood Commode


::Eau Minerale Glass


::French Franc Bistro Dish


::Mercury Glass Votives


::Canvas Tote Bags


Happy Weekend!!

{mustard}

I like mustard. Did you know that? I prefer brown, traditional (if you will...), dijon, raspberry, spicy, sweet...they each have a use in culinary adventures. But what do I love more? I fun jar to hold it in!

{treasure hunting}

The sun peaked through today! A nice relief from the snow flurries that have been fighting for survival while Spring's hedging its way in. Though the temperature is still bitter, I'm hoping that Spring wins this present battle.

Since I'm confident of the ultimate outcome, I've begun dreaming of tours to take as the weather warms. On my list...antique shops!

Antika, Seattle WA



Either way, I'm excited for the little treasures that I'm sure to happen upon!

{a new start}

I'd soon rather forget the end of last year. Through a hectic maze of work, life, mishaps, joys and myriad emotion the year quickly came to a close and my blog stopped. However, it's a new year, things are under control and I desperately miss the blogging world! I miss checking up on old friends and new ones, on posting my opinion, reading about fun finds or even about nothing at all. So, I am back. Yes -it is time.

To manage my time, for now, I will be merging both of my blogs (belle chic cuisine and click clack; therefore, don't be surprised if you see a lovely little garden stool followed, by a three-course menu, followed by the lovely joys and outings of my family.

Either way, I'm so happy to be back and can't wait to catch up on the (uh-umm) 2000+ blog reads in my reader.... Well, maybe I'll have to "save those for later".

Here's a snapshot of what's happened in the past several months....including Christmas, our One Year Anniversary!, Redecorating and planting some fresh herbs for the upcoming season!


Christmas time!



Girls Night Out w/ Friends :: Dinner and to the Theatre




One Year Anniversary! We have found memories of our wedding and all of our amazing friends that we celebrated with!




Some redecorating to usher in Spring!


Adding to my collection of herbs


Cut my hair short!

I look forward to catching up with you all!!

Happy Weekend! :)

{Paddington - Love}

Awww....Today is marks the 50th birthday of Paddington Bear!! To some, this may be sweet; to others it makes no impact; to me, however, it is truly wonderful and even makes my heart smile. You see, I love Paddington. Dearly. I've even begun "hunting" for Paddington Bear treasures for our little boy's nursery. {Hold on...settle down...I'm not preggo yet!} :) Jack Riley of The Independant, UK says...

"...The first Paddington story, entitled A Bear Called Paddington was released on 13 October 1958. The book described the bear's first year in Britain, from his discovery at Paddington station by his owners Mr and Mrs Brown, through the trauma of his first experience of bathing, and concluded with the anniversary of his fortuitous discovery." Continue reading here...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Paddington Bear!

{in the Zone}

Today, "j'aime" these pieces from Zone found via DecorMag. The clock would do nicely in our home. Maybe with a slight change...I'm thinking: paint. But, then again I am so sleepy right now...so anything sounds wonderful, especially with paint.

{thanks to YOU}

I {like most} have had a crazy busy week...all the while craving to "CREATE". I am overwhelmed with current whims {that my husband graciously supports}. This isn't a new facination with me, but definitely a stronger motivation. I wondered what has propelled this...and then I thought of YOU.

My first thanks desearvingly goes to one of my best friends, Kirsten of SimplyGrove. Her friendship, neverending encouragement and decor genius has inspired me for years. But, in all honesty...it was because of HER that I started a blog. "A great way to keep in touch with the distance between us." And...because of her, I was introduced to so many other wonderful inspirations!

{My lovely sister, Amber. Above is the wedding gift she made my husband and I!}

{As long as I've know Jennifer from A Merry Mishap, I have been in awe. Her talent is incredible. Above is a sample of her work....a pillow that I l-o-v-e.}

Below are bloggers that I have since met {in this never ending blogoshere} and admire greatly! Their creations are delightful!

{The amazing photography above --and so much more-- is by Mrs. French of Bliss. Check out her shop here! --and don't be shocked if you receive some of her work for gifts...as I'm in LOVE with the pictures.}

{The above....sigh!...are created by Little ByRD. They are positively delightful, as are the rest of her creations!}

{Krissy from Paper Schmaper must lead the most facinating life! Her attention to paper detail is amazing. Her blog features incredible works of art...even somewhat unbelievable and her shop features not only the adorable pieces above, but so much more!

{These journals above -- or as I like to call them "Skip Along Books" -- are darling. Julia from Red Otter offers great detail on each of her pieces. Check out more here!}

Most of the people mentioned, know each other...but, for my dear friends and family that haven't checked out the above inspirations: this weekend is a perfect time! You will be filled with delight!

Happy "creative" weekend!!

{fall project // autumn wreath}

This is what I'm working on...

{completely clever}

Make your own basket from an old sweater! Some other ideas included adding brown leather handles, or even turning this into a slip cover over an existing basket...Whatever your creativity fancies, make it a successful day!

:)

{cozy time}

Today, I would like to be snuggled up on this davenport...

next to this fireplace...
reading one of these books... Yes, that's what I crave! After all, I can hear the rain and it would be so cozy! What I would give for a wall of books! I love "library walls".

{all photos courtesy House to Home}