kindred wallpapers

So I've been bored with the same desktop wallpaper that I've had for months now...and was looking for one that was a little more feminine and summer-y to look at...mainly so that I wouldn't be as envious of all the kids out there now on their summer vacations (as I spend most of my day staring at a computer screen, far far away from any window in sight). Well, I was super happy to stumble across Kindred - a collection of one-of-a-kind wallpapers created by all of my heroes/heroines in the blog and designer world. Now I'm using Traci French's latest design and am loving it! It's so calming and peaceful, don't you think?

gocco prints

Sweet & adorable illustrated cards by Elise Towle Snow. I just love that venn diagram one, so clever!

happy weekend

No weekly favorites today, since I'm not feeling too well...so instead you get a photo of Hallie and her pink tongue :) Do you have any fun plans this weekend? I am going to work on a surprise xmas gift for Kyle's parents (I know, I'm an early planner)...where I will be attempting to build a wooden birdhouse with my friends Runi & Thomas. Is is too late to tell them that I'm deathly afraid of splinters?!

See you next week! xoxo

present and correct

I'm a big fan of old fashioned, vintage-inspired stationary and am addicted to this online store: Present and Correct. Run by British graphic designer, Neal Whittington, his store offers other unique gift ideas such as vintage story books or mini-blackboards (which I love!).

P.S. Isn't this just the cutest pen you've ever seen?!

little black dress

How fantastic is The Uniform Project? Started in May 2009, Sheena Matheiken pledged to wear only one little black dress everyday for an entire year...in an effort to raise awareness for the Akanksha Foundation, a grassroots movement dedicated to bringing education to slum children in India. I love how she puts together each look with unique, creative & super colorful accessories (most of which are vintage or donated).

There are definitely days when I can't put together an outfit to save my life (i.e. Mondays), so maybe having a cute uniform like this wouldn't be so bad?

(Borrowed from A Cup of Jo)

whimsy & spice

How cute is this little bakery out of Brooklyn called Whimsy & Spice? Run by a husband (chef) and wife (designer/photographer/marketer) team, their handmade treats look tasty enough to eat right out of the computer! So far I've tried the chocolate gingersnaps and the caramel marshallows - both were super yummy (as they were both gone in about 4.5 seconds...I think I need to work on my willpower). They also have an adorable blog here.

the time traveler's wife

I sooo cannot wait for this movie! The book was just amazing and full of the i'd-rather-die-than-live-without-you-kind-of-love...sigh. I have a feeling I'll be crying (more like sobbing) in the theater come August 14th. Plus, how gorgeous is Rachel McAdams (and Eric Bana!!!)?

happy father's day + weekly favorites

Will you be doing anything special for your dad this weekend? Instead of my usual 'weekly favorite' finds from this week, I thought I'd share my personal favorite gift ideas for father's day (in case there are any last-minute shoppers out there)!

- Gorgeous, cotton floral & gingham ties...not to mention they're personalized (above)!

- A cute little portable grill for the backyard. Okay fine, here's a more manly one :)

- Tell him to jump off a cliff or maybe hit a few.

- Now's his chance to learn a new "language".

- Mmmmm bacon.

Have a fun weekend with your dad - see you Monday!

cutest wedding ever

Happy Thursday...and omigosh, how adorable is this circus themed wedding? Love her dress AND that kissing booth! See more photos here.

(Borrowed from Once Wed)

before i die i want to...

The "Before I die I want to..." project was started by Nicole Kenney and KS Rives as a result of the end of the polaroid era, where they asked the simple question: What do you want to do before you die? I loved reading the different responses - some were silly while others were incredibly honest. Personally, I wouldn't mind satisfying all 3 of the above! What would your answer be?

french vintage posters

Lovely vintage posters from France...these would be perfect for the kitchen, study or a baby nursery. And of course, the potato one is my favorite (it's the cutest by far)! See all versions here.

zooey sunglasses

Hello Monday. I don't like you very much.

How was everyone's weekends? I got to do a little bit of shopping (I heart Zara!), see some friends and watch this movie. Pretty hilarious I must say...so, so, many great quotable lines for future use :)

Also, I am loving this 2009 ad campaign for Oliver Peoples, starring Zooey Deschanel. She is the definition of cuteness - I love her! Oh and the sunglasses are nice too (though a bit out of my price range). Watch the short film here.

TGIF + weekly favorites

This week sure felt like it was never-ending, so I'm happy it's finally Friday! It's supposed to get to 102F here tomorrow, yikes...can someone say pool time?

Also, here a few things that I didn't get a chance to post about this week:

- Awww: a 'love story' wedding invitation.

- Take a look at these "happy" people.

- UM yeah. I'm so making this over the weekend. Think they had me at "marshmallow-soft icing"...

- What a cute, vintage, summery sailor-inspired dress!

- A lovely little sugar bowl (Kyle would love this).

Have a good one! xoxo

(Photo by Fleurrr)

mark rothko post-it

I'm a big fan of Mark Rothko's paintings so this totally made me smile...who knew office supplies could be put to such good use? I bought a print of the No.14/No. 10 (Yellow Greens) from an old bookstore for 99 cents way back in the day, and I still love seeing it on my desk at work everyday!

(Via fffound)

book of gold

Just finished reading The Alchemist, by Paul Coelho...and I have to say, I really enjoyed it. I know it's received much criticism (as well as acclaim) from many but honestly, if you are in the mood for a simple and inspirational read you won't be disappointed. Speaking of alchemy, I am also loving these simple gold earrings from local Austin boutique, Eliza Page (they have an online shop too!):

Large White Flower Drop Earrings - So simple and lovely...with a vintage touch. I think these would look gorgeous dressed up or down.


Brass Baroque Swirl Earrings - Also with a vintage feel, these remind me of an antique picture frame, but all twisted up and dramatic! I think they are my favorite of the 3.

Large Gold Single Loop Earrings - Loop earrings are a staple to every woman's wardrobe, in my opinion. Love the subtle hammered texture these have.

These really inspire my own jewelry designs as I hope to have my etsy shop up and running sometime this summer! I will keep you posted though...

happy birthday mom

So many June birthdays...here's one of my favorite photos of my mom and me on my 2nd birthday. Doesn't she look so beautiful? And in case you can't tell, I'm staring straight at the cake...which just goes to show you that not much has changed since then :)

P.S Also, another amazing stop motion video (I think I'm obsessed)...this time with chalkboards! (Via swissmiss)

bright benches

Now that it's summertime, I'm loving these colorful vintage benches by Gardenhouse. Wouldn't they look so cheery on a front porch? Too bad that yellow one is already sold out!

anthropologie austin

I can't tell you how excited (and proud) I was when I first saw Anthropologie's June catalog...I've always been a fan of their catalogs, but this just makes me swell up with happiness! I think they did an amazing job of showing off Austin's personality through these photos - so if you haven't been here yet, please come visit :)

P.S. This is my 100th blog post! Woohoo!

french baguette + weekly favorites

Have I told you before how much I love le French baguette? They are the one thing I miss most about Paris (oh and these). I love them so much that I ate an entire one all by myself last night...and it was at least 2 feet long, but I don't care. It was so worth it.

Also, here a few things that I didn't get a chance to post about this week:

- Omigosh, this blog is too funny...I still can't stop laughing :)

- The perfect Parisian dress - wouldn't it look so cute with super high-heel red pumps?

- An adorable key holder! Makes me smile...

- A DIY mini notebook cover...perfect for jotting down all of my random thoughts! (Via Creature Comforts)

- Two words: doggie squats. (Thanks Kevin!)

See you Monday!

(Photo by Kathya)

picnic lunch box

What an adorable/genius idea - a DIY picnic lunch box! How cute is that fake grass peeking out around the plate? I know it would certainly make my day if I had that to look forward to during my lunch break...

(Borrowed from black*eiffel)