Sisters

This weekend I'm flying to LA to spend the weekend with my mom and sisters. I'm excited for the warm weather and some beach time, but what I really can't wait for is quality with my sisters. Nothing beats the super silly, goofy, ridiculous fun that only happens with the three of us together. 

I saw this picture a few years back and it remained in my memory as such a beautiful portrait of sisters. It doesn't hurt that all three ladies are drop dead gorgeous, but more then anything I just love that they look like they're having a ball. Like they were just giggling over some inside joke that only sisters would get. 

Have anything fun plans for the three day weekend?

Image source

Valentine Favorites

With Valentine's Day tomorrow, I thought I'd gather a few items on my wish list that could bring out the romantic in any lady.  My personal favorite? Simply a love note from a friend or sweetheart. Happy Valentine's Day!

1. Love Poems by Pablo Neruda  /  2. Rifle Paper Co. Valentine's Day Postcard  /  3. Gold Heart Studs  /  4. Matisse Blue Nude II  /  5. Kathryn Bentley Pave Ring  /  6. Linnea's Light Cashmere Candle  /  7. Tokyo Milk Shea Butter Handcreme

On an Adventure

The Maiyet fall 2012 campaign is stunning. It features Daria Werbowy, shot in Kenya by photographer Cass Bird. I love how beautifully it captures the essence of an adventurous free-spirit. The photos' muted color and captivating landscapes just suck me in. Let's go!

Sexy Basics

Talk about making the basics look sexy. Boy, Imogen + Willie does just that. The Imogene + Willie site caught my attention for it's hip and highly curated shopping experience, and held it when I saw these product shots that capture the feeling of easy elegance. They also make me want to spend big bucks on these jeans, which I imagine fitting like a glove. Love what a great fitting pair of jeans and a white tee can do. One of my all-time favorite looks.

Satomi Kawakita

I love the delicate, handmade feel of Satomi Kawakita jewelry. There's a sophisticated simplicity to each piece and beautiful organic shapes. These are a few of my favorites, which I would happily mix and match. A little bling and a lot of character. 

Satomi Kawakita

Tiger in a Jar

Sticking with the theme of video, I thought I'd share one of my favorite how-to videos, and the film maker behind it. I first saw this video about a year ago and was excited to be reminded of it again in the Blogshop class this week. There's so much to love about this video - the hand lettering, the simplicity of the shots, the styling, the pace, the atmospheric music, and the way all these elements come together to create a world I'd happily dive into.

This video was a created by the husband and wife team known as Tiger in a Jar. Their inspiration is "everyday life and the joy found in simple but meaningful activities" and they seem to capture this to a tee. Check out their site, there are many more beautiful short films to indulge in. 

www.tigerinajar.com/

Blogshop

I took Blogshop's video class on Monday and Tuesday and it was awesome. It was a pleasure to meet the two highly talented and motivated teachers Bri and Angela, and I learned a surprising amount in a day and a half. Our first day of class we learned about techniques of shooting film, and the second day we dove in Photoshop 6 to learn how to  assemble video and sound, and edit film into a story. Editing video in Photoshop 6 was refreshingly easy to pick up, and the class got me totally inspired to start creating my own video projects. It's also crazy how in just a day and a half I learned enough to change how I view video. I find myself replaying videos to watch for transitions and analyze the different angles of a shot - things I wouldn't have never noticed just days ago.

I clearly have a ton to learn still, but I'm excited to get started on my own list of video projects.

iheartblogshop.com/

Heath Ceramics

I first heard of Heath Ceramics after Edith Heath passed away in 2005. Dwell magazine wrote an engaging article on Edith and the history of her Sausalito studio. I was intrigued to read that the studio now known for its modern, refined dinnerware, was best known for their "safety" ashtrays in the middle of the century. Their ashtrays were deemed safe because the height of the rim, and could be found most in government offices.

A few years after reading the article my aunt began working for Heath, in the original Sausalito production factory and store. In the years since, Heath stoneware and tile seem to be popping up everywhere, and I couldn't be happier. I love the clean simplicity of their forms and their beautiful glazes, which make investment pieces that are distinct, but timeless. Their stores are also so well designed and curated that I'd live in them if I could.

My aunt has began giving me pieces to create my own collection in the persimmon color above. After a couple years of storing them as precious objects of art, I've decided it's time to pull them out and use them as they're meant to be used - with food on them! They're holding up great, and now make me happy everyday.

http://www.heathceramics.com/

Favorite Food Blogs

These food blogs all have the key ingredients that get me inspired to spend time in the kitchen - beautiful styling and stunning photography. Not only do the recipes look delicious, each post seems to be crafted with the utmost attention and loving care. A few even have adorable illustrations to go along. Bon appetit!

The Forest Feast
101 Cookbooks
Roost
Sprouted Kitchen
Camille Styles
Green Kitchen Stories
Sunday Suppers
Not Without Salt

Garance Dore

On top of her beautiful photography, glamourous illustrations, and insider interviews, Garance has made me want to be her best friend with her hilarious and at times self-deprecating observations on life and fashion.  As I've followed Garance's blog for the past few years, its been inspiring to watch as she's evolved the design and pushed herself into new mediums, such as her super entertaining Pardon My French video series. 

http://www.garancedore.fr/en/

A New Look, New Posts

My site and blog have just had a much deserved makeover. Yeeeaahh! With this change I'm also inspired brush off the cobwebs and start sharing inspiration again on a regular basis (it's been way too long).  So keep your eyes peeled for new post of my favorite finds!

Rue Magazine

A whole new crop of online magazines seem to have come out in the last couple years, but Rue has been and stayed at the top of my list. It's a beautiful publication focusing on interiors and entertaining, with a generous dose of style and design. A stellar team of ladies is behind the magazine, including Anne Sage, Cassandra Lavalle, Bri Emery, lead by the exceptionally talented and sweet Crystal Gentiello.

Rue Magazine
Rue's Blog

10 Principles of Design by Dieter Rams

The visionary and highly regarded product designer Dieter Rams developed these 10 principles of design as a way of evaluating what design is good design. Though these principles we developed in the 80s, they still feel exceptionally true today, as well as inspiring.

Dieter Ram's 10 Principles of Design
A Conversation with Dieter Rams

10,000 Lakes

Nicole Meyer has set out to design a logo for a Minnesota lake, every day. There are about 10,000 lakes, so she won't be running out of subjects anytime soon. She posts her daily logos to her site Branding 10,000 Lakes, which is great for browsing and typography inspiration.

Branding 10,000 Lakes

Bonnie Tsang Photography

In addition to being a beautiful photographer, Bonnie Tsang is a prolific photo bloggger, with a great eye for style. I'm always inspired while browsing her collection of photographs on her style blog, as well as her own photographs of everything from beautiful scenery to food to friends.

Bonnie Tsang Photography Portfolio
Bonnie's Professional Blog
Bonnie's Personal Blog
snapshotstyle
b for bonnie Blog
Style Blog

Sasha Prood

I'm in love with Sasha's stunning hand lettering and watercolor patterns. The rich textures, colors, and detailed illustrations get this designer's heart beating faster.

Sasha Prood

Visual Curiosities

I've been inspired to create my own photo blog. A collection of photographs that I love too much to part with.

http://lucyscuriosities.tumblr.com/

Cavalier Essentials

“...A line of vintage products designed for the rugged, yet sophisticated gentleman.” With beautifully styled photos and a designer's aesthetic.

Cavalier Essentials

Curated Loveliness

A few inspiring blogs full of beautiful, curated photos.

http://www.onbluepoolroad.com/
http://convoy.tumblr.com/
http://design-swell.tumblr.com/
http://prettystuff.tumblr.com/
http://thatkindofwoman.tumblr.com/
http://maryruffle.tumblr.com/
http://eastatlanta.tumblr.com/

Sunday Suppers

Sunday Suppers is a site full of yummy recipes with local and organic ingredients, beautiful food styling, and other lovely design elements, created by stylist and photographer Karen Mordechai.

http://sunday-suppers.com/