Happy Friday!

I’ve been saving this beautiful and wonderful editorial featuring Jennifer Connelly as an antidote for a low day when I’m just not feeling anything. But that moment hasn’t made an appearance. Actually, I’ve successfully kept such a feeling at bay. And besides, it’s not fair to hoard things to myself.

February is already coming to a close with spring just around the corner, but I’m sitting here already sprung (oh high school vernacular). I’m sprung off the opportunities laying around, waiting for me to discover. I’m sprung off the loves in and of my life -- husband, family, friends, and interests. I’m sprung off the chances I took and the choices I made on my own accord. You know what, I’m even sprung that certain items in my closet are beginning to fit again (yes, I went there and I plan on staying there and I will take it there).

Complacency hit me with a warning last year and I got the hint.

While I loved those few days I took off this week to spend with my heart (if it were possible I would have my weekend on weekdays), I can’t wait for the usual trifecta that includes the old haunts, having brunch with an old college acquaintance (we chose this place simply for their enticing brunch cocktail menu...we have no shame), and squaring things away while topping it all off with some Oscar viewing. In short, I plan on continuing to enjoy what I have going and hope to add some more to the mix.

Jennifer Connolly by Craig McDean via Ecstasy Lover

So with this I wish you a happy weekend.

Shoes and a Computer | Jonesing

What's the common denominator for my jonesing list? Grey.

While I love the twist detail on the front of these shoes, I’m not a big fan of the bow on the back.

Anthropologie Salutations and Closings Heels

Luckily, if you feel the same way, they’re available at without it.

Seychelles Women's Sense of Humor

I love the cutout design, straps, and buckle detail of these Coclico booties. I own the Odanak pair (which I don’t wear often enough) and the leather is like butter.

Coclico Pembrook Piombo Heels

A basic, stylish pump in suede.

Pour La Victoire Irina Suede Pumps

Confession: I haven't worn non-riding boots in years (we're talking college student era) but these look oddly comfortable. I also have this hankering to rock them with a floral dress (that would be a junior/high school student era look).

Trouvé Port Ankle Boot

The new Macbook Pro came out today and, needless to say, I want one. I've been interested in switching to Mac for a few years now especially when my sister got her Macbook. (Jealousy: I had a Dell desktop in college. Granted, I did choose it). After using her laptop for a bit during a visit, I became completely enamored; it ran so smoothly. I'm tired of my laptop stalling, taking forever and a day to load, and the battery life? The laptop only operates when hooked up to the power cord now. Armed with my tax return and left-over work bonus from last year, I'm primed to make it happen... but I'm still a little apprehensive about pulling the trigger. I'll probably sit on the thought a little longer.

Macbook Pro

Randomness From a Wannabe... Oh, It's Just Wednesday

Remember when I used to document these adventures? Well, here are a some tidbits from a few arrangements I did this weekend. And why aren't I showing the whole arrangement? Simply put, the background for my arrangements was not ideal. I'm not going to lie, our place was a mess thanks mostly to yours truly. Growing up in an immaculately kept home, I had never realized just how ingrained that behaviour was until college, and my first experience living with other people. Seeing dishes in the sink for a week was first jarring and then annoying. For real. Then I moved in with Mr. J. He was raised in a comparatively lax home and, well, he was kind of messy. And I teased him for it. Nowadays, I can’t talk (too much) about certain things. With that said, I did straighten up a bit during my staycation. However, the task that next needs to be taken care of is my dresser project. The half-finished piece has been cramping our dining room area's style since... I don't remember how long. Oh, and this blog. I've been meaning to add my favorite blogs back to the sidebar.

Ranunculas, Vibernum Berries, Wax Flower, and Acacia

Ranunculus, Garden Roses (they were a little sad), Wax Flower, Acacia

 Happy Wednesday!

Happy Birthday to My Partner...

This is my absolute favorite picture of Mr. J for many reasons. One of which - besides being a completely adorable kid - is this picture best captures his two strongest attributes: not falling for anything and not taking it from anyone. He grew up to be a hilarious, intelligent, well informed, strong willed, and intuitive individual -- and I don’t take any of that lightly. It’s been 7 years and I’m still discovering new layers of this man. Happy birthday, love!

P.S. I also love how he's occupying the steering wheel. Sounds about right.

Happy Friday!

Rain Mobile by Atelier Pompadour via Seesaw

It's suppose to rain most of this weekend (actually it started already) but as you know that doesn't bother me one bit and especially with flowers coming tomorrow.

Also, isn't that mobile beautiful? That's another one to add to my list.

Have a wonderful holiday weekend!

Dark and Romantic Rings by Chinookhugs | Charming Finds

I have to be in a certain mood to navigate the frantic waters of Etsy. Considering how vast the marketplace has become, it can be a bit overwhelming to search for items. Thanks to some blogs and Etsy’s very handy suggestion tab, I’ve been saving some storefronts for easier browsing in the future. While I would love it if Etsy added a label feature for favorites, it's still nice to comb through my saved shops and be surprised when I rediscover a little nugget from a past visit. One shop that came to mind recently was Chinookhugs. The thing that drew my attention was this owl ring.

Owl Ring

Chinookhugs is comprised of handmade gothic metal jewelry where romance and industrial looks intersect. The pieces kind of give me a Helena Bonham Carter kinda vibe due to her filmography and family background (excuse the nerd in me, I always had this thing for the British).

The store has quite the collection of owl-related goodness.

From L-R:Snow Owl Ring and Owl Pendant Necklace

I love the elegance of the dragonfly ring. So beautifully intricate.

From L-R: Dragonfly Ring and Angel Feather Ring

 If you get a chance, be sure to check out the rest of shop's offerings. Happy Thursday!

Tahitian Dreaming | Midweek Getaway

Tahiti has been on my Getaway List for ages. It was a honeymoon contender, or rather a compromise option on my part. You'd think that planning the honeymoon would be easy, but my husband was picky. He didn’t care for my number 1 (Lake Como), wasn't too hot about the usual honeymoon spots and had some especially colorful things to say about others. We eventually chose Paris. While we LOVED it (I dream of living there everyday and Mr. J... well, he’s always wanted to move out of the country after retiring), I definitely understood why couples just escape away to a beach after the wedding. You have no idea just how tired you are the day after. Your wedding day, while a lovely and joyous occasion, can be completely overwhelming with all the love, affection, and happiness being displayed (and really, that is the best kind of overwhelming anyway). Being in Paris, we were compelled to do as much sight-seeing as possible, which wasn't exactly what our exhausted selves were really looking for. Mr. J did something he doesn’t do often, he conceded: he agreed that we should have went to an island and just relaxed. Well, next year, baby. Black sandy beaches, warm weather, huts over water, yes, yes. I'm already there, I'm just waiting for my body to catch up.

Tahitian Dreaming featuring Pia Miller by Darren McDonald for The Lane via Studded Hearts

Keeping It Simple

While 2 stores are nearby (work and home, yo!), I would love for Zara to have an online shop. Their store policies are certainly not the norm (short return window, the inability to transfer items from other stores). With all that said, I love what they do best -- stylish basics (this is the place to find a blazer, seriously) at accessible prices.

Simple, clean lines -- There are so many ways one could play up this dress.

Zara Dress with Flared Skirt

While on trend for Spring, I can't help but think these dresses are the less frills alternative to... well, you know. And, I like it.

From L-R: Dress with Cut Out Design, Embroidered Dress, Dress with Crocheted Sleeves

Polka-dots. Always.

Zara Polka-Dot Dress

No Limitations

This should be the motto everyday...

via Pinterest

My partner in just about everything has been my daily reminder for (officially today) the last 7 years.

Anthropologie, I Take It Back

Confession: When I first received an email with the subject line "What if Anthropologie did weddings," some slightly... who am I kidding, some straight snarky thoughts came to mind. It’s not because I don’t love the brand (hello!); rather, about the time I ceased following many wedding blogs (there are a handful I still follow) I felt that Anthro-inspired weddings (real and faux) were to the point of over saturation. At first I LOVED the ubiquity of it, but over time it got a little tired. Not to mention that the vast majority never really came close to the magic that we all know Anthropologie stores deliver on a consistent basis. It seemed that Anthro was coming to the game a bit late, like when network nightly news finally covers something that’s been on the net for months.

Well, being an adult means owning up to your wrongs. So: I was wrong about you, Anthropologie.

I expected overtly vintage-y, saccharine items but instead they offered a fresh take on wedding dresses, with a range of styles, colors, and my goodness some even have straps!

 But the jury's still out on the price range or even the size range. One of my biggest complaints about Anthropologie has been their pricing relative to quality. It’s one of the reasons why I rarely pay full price for their clothing. With that said, they do get high marks for offering something that I think many women are starved for when it comes to shopping for a wedding dress: variety. I mean look at this grey dress. As an evening gown I would rock that thing HARD.

All Images via Glamour

So there, I eat my words, Anthro. You surprised this frenemy (who spends too much at your store already).

For more coverage on BHLDN (too cool for vowels?) check out:

:: Effortless Anthropologie (my first source for Anthro-anything)
:: Glamour (for more dresses)
:: WWD (interesting read)

Soft Pops of Color | At Home

Since I saw this sneak-peek of Fiona Douglas’ home on Design Sponge, I've been craving some color in our home. I positively adored the blues with the bright pops of pinks and yellows -- it brought such a happy and cozy feeling. It’s the same type of feeling I want in our little abode.

That said, I still get stumped when it comes to deciding on big ticket items. It’s one of the reasons why Mr. J chose our sofas and why it took me forever to decide on paint colors. But, thanks to the Bluebellgray gorgeous sneak-peek, I was reminded of one of the easiest way to bring in some color to your home: pillows.

Neutral but with a little pop...

L-R: From DwellStudio Home Peacock Azure and Diamond Ikat Citrine

Yeah, Anthropologie is pretty much my go-to...

L-R: From Anthropologie Orimono Flower and Fireworks Pillows

I want them all...

L - R: From Blissliving Bouquet, Blossom, & Posey

Collection: Lush Spring by Mulberry

Something beautiful, colorful and bright for this slow afternoon...

Lindsey Wixson and Nimue Smit for Mulbery Spring/Summer 2011 Campaign by Tim Walker via Fashion Gone Rogue

Spring, you can't come soon enough.