Delicatessen

Pierre-Joseph Redouté

2012-01-24T10:31:00.000-08:00

I've been on a floral arranging hiatus thanks to a shot auto focus on my 50 1.4 (I've been debating whether to post the lone not-so-great images of my last arrangement). However, I've been continuing my education through other means (read: working in a floral studio) which has lead me to really think about form. Lately, I've been taking a look at floral paintings and have become quite attracted to the work of Belgian botanical illustrator Pierre-Joseph Redouté.

All prints by Pierre-Joseph Redouté from Art.com

Club Monaco

2012-01-18T15:41:00.000-08:00

I've been a good girl for not buying any clothes until I hit my weight goal but these pieces from Club Monaco's Spring 2012 Lookbook are killing me softly. Polkadots (my favorite), ombré, neutral colors -- I pretty much want every thing in my closet, yesterday.

Aline Weber & Othilia Simon for Club Monaco Spring 2012 Lookbook via Fashion Gone Rogue

Monday Musing Now With Twitter

2012-01-16T10:04:00.000-08:00

I’m just going to put it all out there: My name is Jessica and I am shy person. Or should I say a shy introvert cause really they are two different things. Anyway, I have no idea where the shyness came from. While my nuclear family is small, my extended family on both sides has always been big. Then there was my Father’s friends. Nigerians LOVE to party so there were always get togethers every weekend and of course there were other kids around. I should be a social butterfly but instead I’m the bewildered moth that moves awkwardly towards the light.

Blow Up by Tim Walker for W April 2011 via Holtermann Design

Anyway, this year I decided that I would continue getting uncomfortable by opening myself up more online. I have this weird thing about social networking that probably skirts the line between oldster and hipster. The former: a thanks, but I’ll stick to ~~Friendster~~ ~~Myspace~~ Facebook. The latter: ...but I don’t want to do what everyone else is doing. However when Twitter came out I didn’t quite get the appeal. Even up until late last year I hesitated. Then I realized I can’t live in a bubble for too long, so now after setting up an account last year, I have finally decided to use it. You can follow me here. I’m still trying to get used to the site. I’ve already encountered spam, a phishing attempt, and a new design layout so I feel like my hazing is somewhat complete. Plus, I have to remember I can’t blog about everything here so Twitter seems like the natural supplement not to mention another way to connect with others. Oh, and battle my pesky shyness.

Happy MLK Day!

Mendocino

2012-01-15T15:57:00.000-08:00

It’s Sunday, my ex-football player husband is watching the Giants-Packers game, I’m waiting for the Globes to start and this post was suppose to happen last week. Bah! These are pictures from my birthday trip to Mendocino last year. I chose something quiet and near the ocean that also allowed for some wine tasting. Z rented a small cottage called La Petit Maison that is located in woods near Mendocino. The adorable cottage was surrounded by these huge redwoods and had such a sweet garden with rose and succulents. We were welcomed with a bottle of wine and snacks and some fresh cut roses. I love resorts and spas and going out of every night but since we went to Vegas the year before, it was be a nice change of pace to do something a bit more quiet with my other half.

Mendocino was the perfect setting for reflection and for the last entry of my roaring 20s. To be perfectly honest, it was there that I realized my happiness and content with getting older. I think it all has do with finally knowing where I want to go in my life. For years, I wallowed in my cloud of confusion and self-doubt and in turn feared what the future held. I knew I didn’t want to do what I was suppose to do and yet felt guilty for feeling that way. Now, everything is so clear that I can see it but have to figure out my way to get there (the total opposite of my former path). Somehow this journey that is scarier and not very sure gives me a sense of confidence that the easier one did not. Funny how life rolls.

Dreaming of Italy | Midweek Getaway

2012-01-11T14:17:00.000-08:00

My mind is wandering to a place that I have wanted to visit since I was a kid. One I unsuccessfully campaigned for as a honeymoon destination. Paris wasn’t so bad (there has been serious chatter about retiring there someday) but Z realizes his slight error. I’ve cooed here on the blog before and here is something random, my Dad lived there for school in his early 20s. That place is Italy.

Aurano, Piedmont, Italy by storvandre

Isle of Capri, Italy by AntyDiluvian

Lago Maggiore, Italy by Fabio Montalto

Cinque Terre, Italy by Robert Crum

Sirmione, Lake Garda, Italy by nickphotos

St. Peter's Basilica, Rome, Italy by cellfish

Isola Bella, Italy by Alaskan Dude

Isle of Capri, Italy by Pier Paolo
All images via All Things Europe

It was a serious contender for my 30th birthday trip but this year Z is surprising me. Instead, we’re thinking Italy may be the perfect visit for 2014. It’s the year we celebrate being together for 10 years and it will also be our 5th wedding anniversary. Then there's also Z’s turn to hit 30. Oh, and it’s the last year of our 5 year plan children. Dang, might as well.

Happy Wednesday!

Happy Friday

2012-01-06T11:20:00.000-08:00

This week I’ve been curled in a sickness stupor making me the least pleasant person to be around. I'll make sure not to show it tonight as Z hosts his monthly poker game with the guys. There were some highlights though as my one of oldest and closest friends who lives in New York told me she is expecting. I don’t think she realizes what this news unleashed or what it has spared Z from cause while we’re not there yet in that department, we do entertain with the names and cute baby stuff (that would make me look insane if I bought and kept of drawer of said stuff). Needless to say, I’m quite excited to be the cool “auntie.”

The scenic ride home through Anderson Valley.

With that said, there is one thing I managed to do and that is go through my pictures from last year’s birthday trip to Mendocino. Sure it was about 6 months ago but since I’m now halfway through the last year of my 20s I figured it’s fitting. My Facebook feed is starting to see the first trickle of farewells to the 20s and it has got me thinking about the last 10 years. The changes, the fears, the additions, the acquisitions, the revelations, and the fun. It was most certainly better than my teens. Really your twenties are just a glorified teen years now that you can drink and go clubbing legally minus the parental supervision. I have to confess that there was a time when I thought my 20s would be the best years of my life with so much hope, promise and the time to seize it all while my 30s (the entry level I used to call the dirty thirty) would be the beginning of the end. Lets just say that I when I turned 25 I believed in the quarter life crisis. Now I look back on my naive behaviour and sort of chuckle at it. Truth: I don’t think I have ever felt this confident before in my life. I know what direction I want to go. While the path isn’t very clear at least I know where I want to land. Next week, I plan on posting some pictures from that trip and little bits of nuggets I gathered from it. Until then have great weekend.

January

2012-01-03T16:00:00.000-08:00

Normally I would marvel at how fast the time has gone or in this case, ask when the world is suppose to end again (this year it’s the Mayans turn) but I already feel content for what lies ahead even though I have no idea what is in store.

It could be good, bad, enlightening, or boring, all I know is that I no longer worry about it nor fear it. How could I? Last year was an exercise to knocking complacency, exposing myself to more things and people and generally enjoying what I have. That short post I wrote last year was a continuous referral to so much that happened in my life in year 2011. Recognizing my body is changing and revisiting my fitness. The floral workshop I took and the unexpected presents it unleashed. Oh and that red dress. Believe it or not, I was wearing it when that hard news hit.

In short 2011 wasn’t boring. It was what a year should be another time to develop and ultimately flourish.

Now with 2012, well there are some things that I have mentioned numerous times around these parts, like turning 30 (which I can’t wait to do because well I will share what it means to me hint: I used to fear it) and another trip (it seems to be our yearly thing to do). But one thing that’s been crossing my mind has been the ability to open myself up more. There are areas that I’m re-examining and new ones that I have yet to really look at. I have no resolutions, only goals. Resolutions are are plans and to quote Z, plans are meaningless unless you have a goal set. This year, I’m keeping my goals to my self so that once they are accomplished they can be my little secrets. Something to unlock later when times get a little rough.

Movement & Shape by Sølve Sundsbø featuring Nyasha Matonhodze for Vogue Japan November 2011 via Noir Façade

Dreaming is free...

2011-12-30T10:30:00.000-08:00

When I met you in the restaurant you could tell I was no debutante.
You asked me what's my pleasure, "A movie or a measure"?
I'll have a cup of tea and tell you of my dreaming.
Dreaming is free.
I don't want to live on charity.
Pleasure's real or is it fantasy?
Reel to reel is living verite.
People stop and stare at me, we just walk on by; we just keep on dreaming.
Beat feet, walking a two-mile.
Meet me, meet me at the turnstile.
I never met him, I'll never forget him.
Dream dream: even for a little while.
Dream dream: filling up an idle hour.
Fade away, radiate.
I sit by and watch the river flow.
I sit by and watch the traffic go.
Imagine something of your very own; something you can have and hold.
I'd build a road in gold just to have some dreaming.
Dreaming is free.

Lyrics by Debbie Harry and Chris Stein.

A New Year's Eve Eve wedding beckons so I'm leaving you with this song Dreaming by Blondie that I've been ~~blasting~~ playing for the last few days. And because I love the video (from my new favorite site cause I miss music videos) here is Debbie Harry being her usual bad self. Reflections can wait for now.

So This Is Christmas...

2011-12-23T11:32:00.000-08:00

The little silver-y foliage is acacia which was incorrectly written as seeded eucalyptus on my invoice.

This morning my work plans changed, we had cake for breakfast, glitter is everywhere, Z is currently on a conference call even though he has the day off, I still have to brave the fellow procrastinators searching for one last gift, and yet I love every minute of it and there is still more to come. I can’t wait to spend Christmas Eve with my spousal family eating tamales, exchanging gifts, and visiting each and every family member then heading up to Northern California on Christmas Day to spend with my maternal family eating, drinking, and playing white elephant (it’s amusing watching 3 generations fighting over random gifts). I’m going to squeeze in some more "All I Want For Christmas is You" in my day (yes, I unabashedly love this song and Mariah Carey) and watch my favorite holiday movie Love Actually (hello Colonel Brandon, Mr. Darcy, Okwe, and now Rick Grimes), bake some cookies and consume cocktails 'cause I like to make a good time better. What can I say? That’s how I roll. Have a joyful Christmas!!

Christmas-y colors for you cause we haven't taken a picture of the tree yet.

Twinkle Twinkle Baby

2011-12-20T07:52:00.000-08:00

Hello Christmas. I would say that posting pictures from our quest for a tree weeks after the fact is a good indicator as where I’m at right now. Well, that and I had major brain fail as what to write here in my small allotted time frame. To make a long story short, if you had asked me this past Sunday morning what I was looking forward to the most, my answer would have been purging the remnants of this year to start fresh for the next one (hello 30s).

Then, I had a happy(!) reminder that new things don’t always start out like that. Yup, I’ll just leave at that for now. Must eat something before I go...

Happy Tuesday!

Monserat De Lucca

2011-12-14T08:00:00.000-08:00

I just realized there are 11 days left till Christmas. I have only purchased one gift so far.

Oops.

Some possible remedies from Monserat De Lucca I've been eyeing:

Top from L to R: Vulture Skull Necklace | Fern Bracelet | Watch Bracelet
Bottom from L to R: Lighter Ring | Space Invaders Ring | Feather Earrings

Lately

2011-12-12T15:22:00.000-08:00

The last piece of our unexpected puzzle finally arrived Saturday in the form of phone and internet. My excitement for this seemingly small feat can only be matched by my current love of this cold and wet weather we are experiencing right now. Is it wrong that I kind of wish this weather happened when the power was out? Anyway, here’s a sneak peak of folks who are certainly loving the cold air:

They are currently being housed in their old space while the usual one is housing our Christmas tree (which Z can’t stop gushing over considering he picked it and later carried the thing up the stairs all by himself). This is probably the closest I will have to a cooler for these puppies (at least in this space).

Oh Hello

2011-12-08T13:34:00.000-08:00

Garden Roses at LA Flower Mart taken with my iPhone

After a long hiatus and a sweet gesture from Z, I went to the flower mart this morning. It was the first time I have ever went on a weekday and, as expected, it was certainly livelier and fuller than my usual Saturday visits. I just loved it. I have some flowers getting their thirst quenched at the apartment while I play internet catch up at undisclosed location (still no dsl). I was a good girl and didn’t blow my budget on garden roses so I decided to take a picture instead. Those blush ones looked pretty but oh were they empty inside.

December

2011-12-07T14:32:00.000-08:00

This happened in my own backyard. True story!

down power line

There is a car under those trees.

uprooted tree

All images by me

Last week, Z and I started the season of lights with no electricity and temporarily without water.

In southern California, well there was a major windstorm that happened last Wednesday night. Hurricane-like gusts with some speeds as high as 90mph. It was crazy but of course at night in the comfort of my bed, when it was getting ridiculous, I thought it was cozy.

When the power went out we thought, “No big deal. It’ll come back midday.”

Then we woke up to find we were now without water. Having no water is no fun. Think about your daily routine in the morning. Outside, debris was every where and the amount of uprooted trees was crazy. One of the large trees that line our street landed on someone’s car and completed demolished it. I saw the largest uprooted tree this morning on my walk around the Rose Bowl loop.

We finally gained power back Monday night but we are still without phone or internet. Regardless, I’m so glad the power came back. While candles are certainly lovely and quite relaxing, I was worried about missing tonight’s Revenge (I’m not even gonna lie) and my hair. Yeah.

Recovered

2011-11-30T12:53:00.000-08:00

I'm finally getting to the grit of organizing and backing up my computer files and well, look at what I found:

Hello hellebore. Also, I want to engulf my home with lemon-scented geranium.

I’ve come across a few items that were imported from my camera never to be heard from again. After gathering, combing, and organizing (for now) several folders of images, I have a whole new respect for photographers. It took me forever and a day to do this and I’m not even remotely done. I still have to cull and organize some more, oh, and back it all up. But the worst part is that it’s not very much. I'm little scared.

Arrangement and Image by me

I guess there are some benefits after all.

Succulent Wreaths by Fairyscape Shop

2011-11-28T10:12:00.000-08:00

It’s that time of the year again but here in LA you wouldn’t know it with temps in the 80s -- no joke! While nursing on Fall with the help of apples and dulce de leche (do this now!), I’ve been checking out items for the Christmas holiday and found these cool succulent wreaths by Fairyscape shop. I love the garden-inspired look of these wreaths.

This one is my favorite:

All images by Fairyscape Shop

The wreaths come in two different sizes and there is a customized option is available. Check out more at Fairyscape shop.

Grateful

2011-11-23T13:45:00.000-08:00

This year I am grateful. I am grateful for the opportunities. I’m grateful for chances - the first and especially second ones. But the thing that I’m really grateful for are the people that have been in my life this year.

The people that I have met, befriended, worked with, helped, have helped me, talked to, and gab to have been remarkable. This year I remembered how wonderful it is to welcome new faces, new experiences, new layers and different perspectives into my life. I am so grateful for those who have taken the time from their truly busy schedules to give this wannabe advice and guidance. I learned so much from these people: different approaches, technical things, the mechanics of running a business, and offering their own insights and experiences. All these individuals have inspired me to study, practice, reassess myself, improve and most of all open myself to more experiences and more people.

Not so great images from my iPhone of a simple hand bouquet of roses and stock

Also, I am so grateful for you, my readers. Some of you have followed me since I was bride-to-be procrastinating on my wedding planning while others have found me by chance through this huge space (that can be quite small at times) we call the internet. Thank you everyone for following me, leaving comments, and sending sweet notes. I truly do appreciate it.

I’m already thinking of next year. Actually, I’ve been thinking about it since this past summer. Things I want to do. Places I want to go (Z, there is a part of me that still wants to visit that small Italian island for my birthday). And naturally and more importantly, the people I want to share it with. I am grateful to live this life even if isn’t always roses.

Now it’s time for me to make some mac-n-cheese and a pineapple upside down cake for tomorrow’s American Thanksgiving. I'm spending it with my family from my spouse’s side (I consider them more than my in-laws). Have a wonderful holiday and see you on Monday!

Monday Musing

2011-11-21T10:38:00.000-08:00

I have always wanted to share more real life experiences through this vehicle of mine. Good or bad or even blah because that's how life really operates; though that's far from the stylistic presentations we're often exposed to in the blogsphere. With that said, make no mistake, I do appreciate pretty things and, actually, I have no shame for it. But for a while I’ve been shielding myself from those pretty escapes as if my current situation would contaminate it. Then I realized I was being silly.

Yesterday, here in southern California it rained pretty much for most of the day, and naturally, I loved it. Perhaps it had something to do with my turnaround. Regardless, these images from Vogue Italia by Sølve Sundsbø seemed fitting for today's gorgeous views (the best present rainfall gives).

Beauty featuring Sigrid Asten by Sølve Sundsbø and styling by Patti Wilson for Vogue Italia October 2011 via Noir Façade

A Little Reminder...

2011-11-15T15:45:00.000-08:00

This image was taken on my iPhone at an event I worked this past summer. It's not much but when I saw it on my cameral roll this afternoon, it brought a smile to my face. I did a lot hustling and moving on that hot day. Regardless, it was such a bright spot. It's important to have those little moments. Ones that aren't manufactured. That are just real even if they are fleeting and may not mean much to you at the time. Many times I forget to take a picture because I'm too busy being in the moment but it doesn't hurt to document something even it's minor.

Happy Tuesday afternoon!

November

2011-11-08T15:40:00.000-08:00

Quote by Veronica Shoftstall via To Be a Lady

Last week, after a brief hiatus, I posted a fuzzy entry that really didn’t say much. I was a bit hesitant to go into details or even mention it here on the blog because it’s quite personal. Plus, to be perfectly blunt, it sucked when it happened. But this space has been a gradual exercise in putting myself out there. Opening up and sharing things whether it’s good, bad, or discovering and exploring my next step or dream. So here it is:

I was laid off from my job last week.

This news was heavy mostly because it was unexpected. Slightly. I thought my old firm had weathered the worst part of the economic downturn. So I forged on with my side adventure and began thinking and planning my next floral steps. I had recently met some wonderful people in the same boat and was truly looking forward to next year’s possibilities, plans and a milestone when I turn 30. I was so thankful for this year’s changes and for taking the steps to begin them, even though I should have done so last year. Then the layoff news hit me. And honestly, I stumbled a bit last week trying to pick myself back up.

~~Mr. J~~ , from now on Z cause he is own person (who is still obsessed with privacy), has been absolutely wonderful. Granted he is my husband and most people would say that’s expected but over the years I think I have taken for granted how insightful and thoughtful he can truly be. It was surprising to hear him say that perhaps it was a good thing. That now I can try gaining more experience in a field that I was aspiring to--and he is right. It can be hard to gain floral experience working a full-time job with the usual office hours, and it definitely was hard in my situation. Working with flowers isn’t quite like learning other things. You either have to take classes or work for someone to gain knowledge.

Earlier this year, I spoke of complacency and how I’m trying to banish it from my life. And really my old job--the one I came into by chance that was supposed to hold me over as I tried to make up my mind on whether law school was right for me--had worn thin, having stayed too many years and becoming the very center of my complacency. I stayed for the steady paycheck and, quite frankly, became all too comfortable. Now, let me just say this: I’m not knocking it or anyone else in that situation cause let’s be real not everyone has or is comfortable relying on someone to take care of them financially. It’s just, being too comfortable can hinder growth instead of promoting it... at least that was the case for me.

Dahlia images by me

Things are better this week. Right now I’m staying productive and positive even when it’s hard to do so. I’m thinking, planning and acting on my next steps and remembering what I have and who I have in my life and to be thankful for them and their kind words and support. This detour wasn’t an end. It was only the beginning.

Fuzzy

2011-11-02T14:37:00.000-07:00

Arrangement and Images by me

So it’s been quiet around these parts for a while. My posts have been sporadic and I haven’t visited some of my favorite sites in a while. Well, something heavy took place very recently and I haven’t really garnered the right words to describe how I’m taking it. Mr. J has assured me that perhaps it was a good thing while my thoughts (really my feelings) are not as clear.

So for now my November entry postponed until next week.

Have a good week everyone.

Monday Musing

2011-10-24T15:19:00.000-07:00

Saturday morning on a beautiful day in Pasadena I had a stark reminder of something that I sort of abandoned this year: my fitness routine. I know I’ve mentioned the work that assisting weddings has done on my body but this time, I’m still feeling it - in my arms. I picked up a box of floral arrangements whose weight wasn’t that bad, then I had a brief memory lapse about the distance from the van to the location. It wasn’t that long, it was just maneuvering, and my lack of resistance that gave my muscles a workout. Soreness is a reminder that you have muscles that rarely if ever get any activity. In short, for me it moans lazy after each stretch.

While I have always been aware my nonexistent fitness, with my twenties nearing a close it was a rude awakening that my body is beginning to slow down. I fully admit that a strong part of me wants to gets into better shape for my milestone birthday next year. A better me to start a new decade. Also, I have to admit that there are some shallow reasons behind it in case we decided to visit Tahiti next year or decide on some other location to celebrate. Then, again I had this in mind when another big event took place.

I can honestly say that the last time I was even half way in shape was in college. See my Alma mater - UCLA (Bruins represent!) - was built on a hill or should I say a series of hills. Getting anywhere around campus involved lots of slanted walkways or stairs. Really there was no way to avoid it. My first route to class included a steep hill that had me and my roommate at the time having to stop at the top to regain our composure (we were so sad) and keep in mind we hadn’t even hit north campus yet! After each walk, I had to give myself time to sit, rehydrate and clean myself up a bit so I didn’t look like I just came from the gym although technically I came from nature’s gym. Needless to say, it was the best workout I ever did because it was necessary (how else was I going to get to class?) and it was free... sort of. I hadn’t even noticed the amount of weight I had lost until my first visit home for Thanksgiving where I could suddenly button up a coat (that never really fit) all the way. I celebrated this feat with mental somersaults while my Mother looked at me like I was insane.

Everything was great. My stamina was building so the hill wasn’t as strenuous plus I could suddenly wear button down shirts without a gap. Then, I met the man who would become my husband, and as college acquaintance accurately pointed out: Boyfriends make you fat. I went to my future-in-law’s house every single weekend and attended birthday parties which seemed to have taken place every other weekend. Ate lots of delicious homemade grub: carne asada, al pastor (oh my goodness), macaroni salad, tamales, ugh. UGH! Then, thanks to Mister J who lived on the top of hill his first year, I also started to make use of my campus' rideshare programs and learned little shortcuts around campus. All of that plus the requisite dates involving food lead to my subsequent weight gain which was about 60 pounds. Yup, I’m giving you numbers to hold myself accountable. The funny thing is that when I was lighter, I had this goal to hit the weight that’s been on my driver’s license since I was high school. Actually that number was a wishful guess since we didn’t have a scale at home. Confession: it's still on my license 13 years later.

And there is my mini fitness bio.

It's funny to me that this year, I've made some big changes and managed to get out of my comfort zone for certain things while others have remained dormant. Now, I'm thinking about trying out a spin studio that opened in my neighborhood and walking around the some of the hilly areas nearby, you know to recapture that magic. Then I want to finished it all up with a Bar Method class (I haven't forgotten about you) once a week to stretch out the muscles. I don't want to diet. In my opinion, it's not realistic unless you plan on following it for the rest of your life. Plus, I love food. I want to get fit. I want to feel good and have looking better as a nice perk. Ultimately, I want whatever soreness I feel as an indicator that I did something right for my body. Not a passive aggressive reminder of what I haven’t done. So there’s my musing to get fit from here on out.

Image and arrangement by me

P.S. This arrangement is old. You can see the original post here. I found more pictures and figured oh why not? Naturally, I remember why I never posted the overhead shot (hint: not swept floor).

Wall Planter by Joe Paine

2011-10-20T15:27:00.000-07:00

Kreep Planter by Joe Paine via Remodelista | Image from Superette

Continuing my kick to bring the outdoors in, this planter by Joe Paine available at Dokter and Misses is on my wishlist if it ever becomes available here in the U.S. I could see it now with some fern, different cut flowers here and there, or maybe (if ever happen to see it at the flower mart) passion vine. It would be a nice mix up for a blank space by adding color and/or texture.

Cassia Beck Prints

2011-10-17T14:19:00.000-07:00

I found these lighthearted prints by Cassia Beck while searching for phone covers. Couldn't help but share them here.

Buck

Call Me

Dream Maker

Eagle Beagle

A Spot of Tennis

More of Cassia Beck's lovely work can be found at Society 6 (careful, you can get lost in the site's offerings... I did).

October (belated)

2011-10-06T12:23:00.000-07:00

Taryn Davidson by Tom Allen for Velvet October 2010 via Oh Fashion Model

Here I’ve been experiencing clear, mild days and cool, crisp nights, yet I've failed to acknowledge the entrance of October. I’ve been loving the weather we’ve had here in LA. Yesterday it rained for the first part of the day and started to clear up late in the afternoon and, as usual, after any rainfall it was gorgeous. It seems Fall is such a fleeting season here in California. It’s always showing up late, only to make a brief appearance. I usually have some seasonal plans and ideas for the month, but this time it’s fairly simple: relax and enjoy. There's just something about this time of year that whispers comfort to me. Now I have this urge to make an apple pie... or at least buy one already made and pretend I made it.

Floating

2011-09-29T10:20:00.000-07:00

No thoughts today. Just an open mind and some flowers.

Some Booties for Fall

2011-09-27T17:03:00.000-07:00

Fall weather in Southern California is usually a crazy combination of hot days and crisp nights which I kind of love. It is also the perfect weather for booties. I've been on the hunt lately and think I may have found a pair that looks like a cross between Isabel Marant and Rachel Comey:

DV by Dolce Vita Jamison Boots

Small Notes

2011-09-20T15:34:00.000-07:00

Something that I haven’t talked much about—scratch that, something I haven’t talked about at all is my internship. Yup, I'm still getting my floral goodness on each weekend, working for an amazing woman and with some wonderful people.

I'll tell you something: I was nervous as hell to begin this new chapter. I was worried about a number of things, whether this field is right for me; would I be liked; balancing my day job full week with this new weekend endeavor. What I found is a group with nothing but kindness. With openness. With laughter. With teamwork in beautiful settings and with delicate tools.

I’m not going to sugar coat this: it’s grunt work. In my own mild floral adventures, I’m not a stranger to the dirty nature of dealing with flowers. However, I always instinctively knew there was a lot more to the job than the flowers, from planning and prepping to heavy lifting and the tedious tasks (including a lengthy job of picking out hundreds of petals smashed amidst the grass). You'll see some of the manual labor that goes into these events on wedding blogs, which I expected. But there were others that I never considered, like the driving (so far, I've driven from remote Los Olivos to near the San Diego area) and the logistics involved in transporting and setting up bare rooms and/or areas. The creativity and planning required is something to behold. To see a plain ole room completely transformed into something lovely is amazing. Oh, and another surprise: my body, or stamina (or lack of thereof). Every Saturday morning I go in scrappy, with a "bring it on" mentality. And every Saturday night my body responds with a "psych, sucker.” I realize that my body has been on a lengthy reprieve since I was student climbing the hills in Westwood, but where did my knees go?

But each outing only confirms my passion to continue. I especially like that not every event is the same. I also like the camaraderie, and the hard work. I know that I've only scratched the surface, as there really is a hell of a lot more to it. But I'm so eager to learn more, digest it all and get better.

I’m still working on how to manage my time practicing with flowers. Early Saturday morning is my time to visit the flower mart and pick up whatever is leftover from the week’s offerings. I frequently have these random design ideas in my head, but the truth is my floral knowledge is still a work in progress. Getting it done is one hurdle but I still need time to reflect, to study the outcome, so I can make improvements later. Until then I'll just focus on what I've put together instead of harping on the not so good.

Arrangement and Image by me

Midi Skirts for Fall

2011-09-14T15:43:00.000-07:00

I think I may have located my uniform for fall: the midi skirt.

ASOS Mesh Overlay Midi Skirt | ASOS Midi Skirt With Pleat Waistband

ASOS has a pretty good selection of skirts (or what's left). One item I plan on pairing with my skirt: a striped top.

ASOS Plain Chiffon Full Midi Skirt (image 1 in pink and image 3 in camel | ASOS Button Pocket Midi Skirt | River Island Plain Midi Skirt

Happy Friday

2011-09-09T16:32:00.000-07:00

Sorry, but Summer isn’t over yet.

Here in the U.S., the minute Labor Day rolls around everyone is bidding Summer adieu until next year (I did that too once, live and learn) ... but eff that. Fall doesn’t start until the 23rd, so Summer is still lingering around for you to squeeze out every last drop before it says "toodles." Sure, the leaves are turning and the air is a little bit more crisp at night, but you know what, enjoy that!

Yesterday on my way home I observed the rust-glow of the sun flicker through the window of the rail. I was reminded that it’s that time of year where the seasons meld, where we witness nature's turn and man-made advertisements screaming for sweaters, boots, coats when all I’m (still) looking for is the perfect maxi dress to wear at least once to the beach. Enjoy this window. Savor it. Document it. Live it. Just don’t force your way through it or take it for granted. After all, it's too long to wait for next year.

Mona Johannesson by David Bellemere and styled by Elisabetta Massari for Marie Claire Italia September 2011 via Fashion Gone Rogue

Happy weekend!

Flowers... Deconstructed

2011-09-08T07:00:00.000-07:00

This is one of the coolest things I've seen in a while. Photographer Qi Wei deconstructed then reconstructed these flowers for a series called Exploded Flowers.*

Rose

Chrysanthemum

Eustoma (Lisianthus)

Lotus

Gerbera

All Images by Qi Wei via Jeannie Jeannie

These images are even available in print for purchase.

* For those who saw the earlier incomplete post -- apologies. I didn't mean for it to post so soon!

Zara Now With US Online Shopping

2011-09-06T11:46:00.000-07:00

With the exception of a few items for a trip to Mendocino back in June, I haven't bought any additions to my closet this year. In short, I've been pretty good. Now with the news that Zara will finally open an online shop for US customers beginning tomorrow, I have my eye on a few things.

Dresses... naturally.

From L-R: Zara Floral Dress, Dress w/Elastic Waist (in swan print), Combined Dress

I hate to go too-eager-department-store on you but the season is coming.

From L-R: Zara So new there is no name yet, Soft Ballerina (in gold), Metallic Jogging Blazer

One can never have too many scarves. Besides, they are the easiest way to transform an outfit.

From L-R: Zara Water Colour Scarf, Floral Scarf, Printed Scarf, Printed Metallic Thread Scarf
All Images from Zara

September

2011-09-01T14:01:00.000-07:00

There was a time when September, not January, was my new year. It was the start of the school year, which meant new clothes, new school supplies, new classmates, grade advancement, and other types of movement. It was a time for either refreshment or refinement, to chart a new path that would ultimately be preparation for yet another. In short, it was the rite of change.

It saddens me a little see that this rite doesn’t catch my fascination like it used to. For years I always thought it was because of Southern California’s perpetual warmer weather. It’s not. It’s just... when exactly did the days/weeks/seasons start to meld together? How long have I allowed this to go unnoticed? Maybe I'm longing for an old feeling I took for granted, but I miss it.

However, last weekend I spotted my little sign for the changing season: Japanese anemones. They usually show up in the flower mart late August through September. I always have the intention of using them in an arrangement but, many times, I just end up playing with them trying to figure out a way to use them without having to snip away too many pods. So, instead, here are my feeble attempts at taking random pictures of them. After taking a look at my pictures, I cringed at how so many of them were out of focus. Totally my fault, since I was rushing to take these pictures before the light fled our apartment. I should have taken my time to really enjoy them. and learn something new.

Satchels

2011-08-25T14:03:00.000-07:00

There was a time when purchasing handbags were my consolation prize for otherwise failed shopping trips. After all, you don’t have to try on handbags in less than flattering light, they come in a variety of styles and color, and, besides, one can never have too many, right? Well, no. I ended up with too many in my closet that really didn’t go with much of anything.

I’ve never been shy about my love for embellishments and color but lately I’ve been leaning towards a more simple style that’s versatile and won’t be in danger of looking dated. One style I love are satchels, for their roomy storage, classic style and easy handling.

I really like the clean lines of these turnlock style bags...

Images: ASOS Leather Texas Satchel in tobacco | ASOS Leather Vintage Style Satchel in black (also available in chocolate)

Very Mulberry...

Images: ASOS Leather Twist Lock Vintage Style Satchel in mink or tan

Then there’s this beauty that I have no business eyeing considering that I don't carry my camera around with me enough, but it’s the perfect combination of clean lines and classic styling.

Images: Ona Brooklyn Leather Camera Bag

Colorful Vacation House in Todos Santos, Mexico

2011-08-24T14:56:00.000-07:00

No flowers today I’m afraid. I didn’t have enough time that morning to do my floral thing and make it to last weekend's event on time. Instead of flowers I decided to share something I found during my search for next year's vacation which Mr. J designated as my birthday celebration, since I will be kicking my 20s to the curb (sadly, Tahiti may not work out for us). I came across a site called Boutique Homes which features vacation rentals and boutique hotels around the world.

There are so many cool places featured on this site, but I became more interested in the colors displayed in this getaway located in Todos Santos, Mexico.

Images: Boutique Homes

Lately...

2011-08-23T15:21:00.000-07:00

Me in Mendocino

Sorry for the abrupt silence. I’ve been playing catch up with everything from work to sleep to maintenance. Last week I started streamlining this wee blog and made a few additions here and there. Weeding through the evolution of this journal made me smile and wince and groan all at the same time but it was also a reminder of the importance of growing pains. There are quite a few things that would have never happened if it weren’t for them. So here's a quick hello and goodbye until tomorrow.

Wannabe Wednesday

2011-08-17T12:26:00.000-07:00

Some juicy flowers for a Wednesday afternoon.

Monday Musing

2011-08-15T13:18:00.000-07:00

Do you ever have one of those Mondays where you feel the weekend completely escaped you?

You had all these wonderful intentions. Not just the usual suspects of orderly function but those moments of relaxation and joy. The reminders of what goodness can await after working and earning that time off.

Today, it seems silly for me to feel this way considering the weekend included: making a wise move instead of hastily made one by backing up our car that’s on borrowed time with a new one. Experiencing a fleeting moment from childhood by (don’t laugh) -- getting a hot dog AND churro from Costco. Oh, and last but certainly not least going to bed at a decent time. (Honorable mention: stocking the freezer with some Fosselman’s ice cream.)

That was essentially my weekend, items completed and potential disasters thwarted but I felt like I could have done more. I think it’s time to start on my to-do list of the small things that that are floating in my mental purgatory. After all it’s best to pave the way for a goal rather than getting lost in a cloud of ambition.

Karen Takes Flight featuring Karen Elson by Ryan McGinley and styled by Panos Yiapanis for V Issue #70 March 2011 via Mode and Oh Fashion Model

Happy Friday

2011-08-12T07:00:00.000-07:00

Oh my...

Kate Moss' GORGEOUS Garden Wedding captured by Mario Testino for Vogue US September 2011

After seeing teasers from Moodboard and Fashion Gone Rogue I had to check out the images from Kate Moss' wedding featured in Vogue US September issue. Needless to say, it took my breath away - it's the garden wedding of my dreams (and I'm snagging a copy of this issue).

Have a bountiful weekend!

ASOS Swing Dress w/ Mesh & Trim Detail | Killing Me Softly

2011-08-11T13:28:00.000-07:00

Image: ASOS Swing Dress with Mesh & Trim Detail in Cream and Black

I realize that some creativity will be needed to make this dress work for certain body types (including my own) but the flutter sleeves with scallop edging, the detailing on the back and neckline are whispering to my feminine senses. This dress is reminiscent of Temperley London Resort 2012 collection. Not to mention the cream version would make a lovely wedding dress.

Retreat

2011-08-10T15:13:00.000-07:00

Today I wanted to talk about happy things like flowers and working with wonderful people. Instead, after searching, reading, and thinking about external hard drives during my internet breaks I am mentally spent. So here is today’s arrangement with a few closeups here and there.

Images by me

Yay for Wednesday!

Handmade Tech Cases by Pad and Quill

2011-08-09T15:46:00.000-07:00

As a public transportation warrior, I love the Moleskine-discretion that these cases by PadandQuill provide.

Image by PadandQuill

They also offer cases for the iPhone, iPad, Kindle and Nook.

Alvhem Mäkleri & Interiör | At Home

2011-08-08T15:30:00.000-07:00

Something amazing happened yesterday: I got stuff done while it was still light outside. I'm a little embarrassed to admit that I haven't pulled that off in a long time, or at least executed the way I had planned. Sure, I botched a dish that I've made several times in the past with much fanfare, but stuff got done and I even had time for a nap! I tend to thrive in light spaces. It's one of my biggest pick-me-ups, as it makes me want to get stuff done so I can enjoy the rest of the day. I bookmarked Alvhem Mäkleri and Interiör--a Swedish real estate firm who wisely stages their listings for future sellers--after seeing some of their images on Decor8, SF Girl By Bay, and Desire to Inspire. The light pouring through the homes they feature always pull me in. Our place gets a decent amount of light but nothing like these spaces.

The goodness isn't just limited to the interiors. The outdoor inspiration is overflowing too.

All image via Alvhem Mäkleri and Interiör

Happy Friday

2011-08-05T15:29:00.000-07:00

Image by Melissa Kaseman via A Well Traveled Woman (love this tumblr)

Almost, but not quite. This weekend includes being near that type of environment but more work than play (but still love).

Hope your weekend is wonderful!

Maxi Dresses

2011-08-04T15:26:00.000-07:00

As someone who loves both comfort and wearing dresses, it's slightly strange that my closet lacks a maxi dress. There is a combination of reasons but the main one is that many dresses would like potato sack on my average frame without some form of a waist. Although, I've been on a spending diet clothing-wise, I may try to sneak a maxi dress purchase -- if the style and timing are right. As for now, here are some ideas:

Top Row L-R: Oasis Japanese Maxi Dress, Max & Cleo Strapless Jersey Maxi Dress, AKA New York Malibu Long Dress
Bottom Row L-R: Odylyne Barbet Long Dress, Theory Tylie Long Cami Dress, Remain Irving Maxi Dress

Lessons in Time Management | Wannabe Wednesday

2011-08-03T15:31:00.000-07:00

Working on Saturdays has made me learn something about my time management skills: I lack them. Today's arrangement is what was left from a decent bounty on Saturday that included dahlias, spray roses, asclepias, raspberries and my new favorite, jasmine vine. I was eager to put together an arrangement, but I had an event to work. So once I got home, I quickly processed the flowers before heading out to the site. Sunday was still an equally awesome day to do the arrangements and I had most of it planned, so I thought I would certainly have the time to work on it. Unfortunately, I ended up having too much of a good thing and the day slipped away. In the end, I didn’t get around to the flowers until it was a bit too late. The wild and lush arrangement I had in mind became quite streamlined. Oh, and to add insult to injury, I was only able to take a few decent pictures, as I did it this morning.

Image by me

Now that I work on the weekends I’m forced to take a look at my organization habits. I knew that it would take my body a while to readjust to my busier schedule but I didn’t really think about the household tasks that would fall by the wayside. To be honest, this has been a problem for me long before I started my new schedule - now it’s just that much harder to hide from. Tonight I have a reprieve from making dinner, so I’m going to make the most of the night by getting my head in gear so my heart can run amok this weekend.

Barnes & Noble Leatherbound Classics Covers by Jessica Hische

2011-08-02T14:49:00.000-07:00

With overflowing shelves and full boxes lingering in storage, I really shouldn’t even be looking at these books let alone wanting them. Here’s a little tidbit from my childhood: my Mom rarely bought us books (unless I begged her when those scholastic book club flyers came out). She was a firm believer in utilizing our local library, since--she argued--she had paid for those books with her tax dollars. Over time I developed the desire to have my own library. Couple that desire with my design-crush on the work of Jessica Hische and it starts to get weird. Yup, the cover of these Barnes and Noble Classics were designed by Ms. Hische. If you're not familiar with her work, these are my absolute favorites. Her work makes me love typography even more.

Barnes & Noble Leatherbound Classics designed by Jessica Hische and art direction by Jo Obarowski for Sterling Publishing and Barnes & Noble

August | Monday Musing

2011-08-01T14:03:00.000-07:00

I don’t know what’s more startling: that I completely missed today was the start of a new month or that this year is more than half way over. My Mom used to tell me (when I was a kid aching to be an adult) that time flies by faster as you get older. It’s funny how the older I get, the more I realize how right she was about a lot stuff including that seemingly minor note.

Back in my early twenties, I would worry about the time slipping away. About me getting older and some how losing something as the months passed. I worried about not doing all the things all I want to do, missing opportunities that came my way and most importantly what I wanted to do with my life. I essentially just worried about do's.

Now, eff that noise.

I’ve been experiencing a new zone. One where I embrace my age, memories (good and when willing, even the bad), little bits of knowledge I have gained over years, took iniative and stopped whining about dumb things that are quite frankly boring.

I want to take things slow this month. Go out for more walks that have no intended destination. Take more pictures. Make new dishes that eventually lead to a complete Sunday meal with a full spread. Laugh at the ridiculous, read and digest content, and continue to enjoy myself. I want to savor what's left of these summer days and start on a good note when we enter the new season.

But for now: Summer, more please.

Joy Bryant by John Balsom and styled by Haidee Findlay-Levin for InStyle Australia February 2011 found via and scanned by Dustjacket Attic

Pillow Covers by Nena Von

2011-07-27T16:19:00.000-07:00

The idea of getting covers for the unattractive pillows that came with our sofas never occurred me until I came across Nena Von's shop a few months ago. Nena Von offers pillow covers in an assortment of colors, patterns, and sizes and, in some cases, even matching curtains. I'm partial to the chevron styles (an simple universal pattern) but you can also find some covers made from fabric by Thomas Paul (whose patterns I adore) and Dwell Studio.

All Images from Nena Von

Although I love surrounding myself with pillows, I've learned to value space more.

Patio Inspiration from Livet Hemma | At Home

2011-07-20T16:37:00.000-07:00

I’ve been harboring the desire for a patio for quite some time. After a long day cooped up in an office and the requisite to/from commute, the thought of an evening lounging in a small retreat surrounded by greenery and armed with a cocktail sounds like the perfect way to unwind and relax. Since moving is not an option at the moment, I’ve instead been toying with the idea of creating my own little indoor patio somewhere in our apartment. Livet Hemma has been displaying nice and attainable inspiration for my small quest. Here are some of my favorites:

Images by Nina Broberg via Livet Hemma

Just Cause

2011-07-19T16:29:00.000-07:00

For reasons unknown I felt like treating myself to this editorial today. Confession: There was a time when I didn't quite get what all the fuss was about with Jon Hamm. Now...

Coastal Blend featuring Catherine McNeil and Jon Hamm by Mario Testino for Vogue US December 2008 via Ecstasy Lover

I see.

Delicate Rings by Rust

2011-07-14T15:29:00.000-07:00


Top Row L-R: Platinum 2mm Floral- Carved Ring, White Gold 2mm Laurel Leaf Ring, Platinum 5mm Rose-Cut Diamond Ring Bottom Row L-R: Gold 4mm Oak Leaf-Carved Ring, Platinum Rose-Cut Diamond Trilogy Ring, Platinum Rose-Cut Diamond Semi-Eternity Ring \| All Images by Rust

I realize that these rings lean more in the wedding spectrum but I wouldn't mind owning a few pieces. These beautifully crafted rings by Rust offer such delicate simplicity. Many of these styles are available in different sizes and types so make sure to poke around the site for more offerings.

Controlled Ramblings | Wannabe Wednesday

2011-07-13T14:29:00.000-07:00

I’ve been experiencing moments of anxiety for the last few weeks, so here is my feeble attempt at regaining some control.

Anxious Thought: My Mom and sister are coming for a visit tomorrow -- our first overnight guests at our apartment. Our place is not anywhere near what I want it to be. (To be fair, I don’t know where I want it to be.)

Reason: It’s my Mom and sister. They have seen my worst.

Now on to another page of my floral adventures.

I went buck wild with dahlias and eucalyptus last week. The moment I saw those tall fluffy stalks of geometric petaled goodness I stood there in general bewilderment trying to figure out what to get.

Dahlias have always struck me as the sassy cousin to the more round petaled or ‘conventionally pretty’ type flowers like roses and peonies. The type that would give a stranger the side-eye for treading into their space. Dahlias also exude this pepper-y scent that I find oddly enticing, if only for a fleeting moment. I like them. As for the eucalyptus... I don’t know. I was thinking "wild, open area with koalas." I hear koalas definitely give people the side-eye for encroaching on their space. They're vicious! So I just ran with it.

Is it off that I want to jump into the flower and swim through the petals?

Arrangement and Images by me

Happy Friday

2011-07-08T15:50:00.000-07:00

One day, when I have a small little area all to my own to work on flowers, this print will grace the wall.

Live What You Love Special Edition 2011 Print by Heartfish Press

Until then, the sentiment will have to fuel the fire to get there.

Have a fruitful weekend!

J. Crew Origami Sheath Dress | Jonesing

2011-07-07T15:46:00.000-07:00

After a hiatus, I've been slowly making my way back to J. Crew. While I'm still on a clothing diet of sorts there are some pieces from the site I have my eye on. One of them is the Origami Sheath Dress that reminds me of Black Halo or Victoria Beckham's past collections.

Image: Origami Sheath Dress by J. Crew in red, morning fog and dark charcoal

I love the fact that it has sleeves.

July: In Bloom

2011-07-06T14:06:00.000-07:00

I normally don’t care much for the month of July. I think it might have something to do with the typical heat we experience this month, which often leads to some sluggish behavior that causes me to put things off until it gets cooler... then all of a sudden it’s October. This year though I’m looking at July with new eyes. Rather than giving in to the listlessness, I've decided to treat this time of year for what it is: a mid-point chance to reboot for the second half.

The first half of this year has been fruitful as I slowly pulled myself out of my shell. There are quite a few things I'd like to do, but right now I think I'll focus on getting some of the daily, more mundane things back into order. For the last few evenings, I’ve been working on organizing, consolidating, and editing my electronic files. I’m also trying to work myself up into really delving through my ridiculous magazine collection, cutting out the pages I want and recycling the rest to open up more space on my shelves. Well, except for certain issues that I just can’t let go of. I also want to collect all of the recipes I've set aside and place them in individual page protectors divided into tabs to be placed in a binder.

You know, Mr. J always says that I get ahead of myself with dreams of organizing this or that and I eventually end up having to roll with the punches. But this time I think it's crucial for me to get some of these things done, as there are other projects waiting in the wings.

No flowers for today. I planned on making a trip to the flower mart, went to bed early (actually I passed out at some unknown time before 11pm), then my alarm clock went off and that was the last I heard. I woke up at an early time for most, but too late for me to go to the flower mart. So I went back to bed. Honestly, I needed to catch up on my sleep anyway. So instead, here are some bits from a colorful and vibrant editorial set in flower fields. I don't know what I love more: the color, the variety of blooms, or the fact that something with such strong components manage to make it work. Inspiration indeed.

In Bloom featuring Lisanne de Jong by Vivianne Sassen, styled by Katie Shillingford for Dazed and Confused July 2011 via Oh Fashion Model

A Hasty Return | Wannabe Wednesday

2011-06-29T16:21:00.000-07:00

You know, I want to talk. I want to talk about what turning twenty-nine last week meant for me. How my perceptions and views of the world have evolved. How I no longer put so much stock in being younger but I only have time to post this arrangement. I don't want the time I spent weeding through my numerous pictures this morning being a fruitless effort.

Arrangement and Image by me

Remember my goal of taking more pictures of my arrangements? Here's another one: learning to take a few good images rather than a bunch of bad ones to weed through later.

Happy Wednesday!

Just Checking In...

2011-06-22T15:18:00.000-07:00

Image be me

I'm (slowly) starting to make my way back but it's hard when my body is here in LA but my mind is still in coastal NorCal. I haven't weeded through our pictures yet but here is one from the car.

Happy Wednesday!

I Tried...

2011-06-14T16:44:00.000-07:00

But I can’t focus on much of anything right now. Mr. J and I are going out of town this week and I'm so excited for the impending road trip up the coast. Our final destination will be a town that I've been somewhat obsessed with since I was a kid -- Mendocino. My mild obsession came from my love of Anne of Green Gables, and since Prince Edward Island was a bit far from the South Bay in NorCal, so Mendocino ended up being my lush, Californian substitute. I’m looking forward to some cool beaches, lush forestry, wine ~~drinking~~ tasting, and spending some time with the Mister. So needless to say, I’m checking out early. Have a wonderful week!

Lily Collins by Robert Erdmann for Tatler UK June 2011 via Dustjacket Attic (you must ckeck out the rest of this editorial. It's so undeniably summer.)

Happy Friday

2011-06-10T12:49:00.000-07:00

Melodie Monrose by Peppe Tortora for Grey Spring/Summer 2011 via FGR

For over a week I’ve been nursing some gnarly lower back pain. I don’t know whether I pinched a nerve or strained a muscle or both. However, there’s a flip side to this episode, it reminded me that I really need to start taking care of my body. I don’t want to go into too much detail (trust me the original draft was a novel so I scrapped it) but I don’t like how I feel. There are some areas that I’m exploring right now to change this but I will touch on it soon and other things long overdue.

Speaking of being long overdue, today I did something that most us have done but never admit to or even worse never do. I acknowledged a mistake I made to someone and apologized for it. Saving face is something that I have struggled to keep since I was a kid. There have been times when the apology was an immediate pro-action and others where more thought was needed or the revelation came from a different instance (Mr. J is all too aware of this entire sentence). Well, I’m firm believer in owning up to your wrongs. I know it’s hard for some but over the years I learned that harboring ill-will, getting worked up over petty things, or just acting like nothing happened only hurts you in the end. Plus, it’s kind of dumb.

So cheers to letting go and to better health.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Best Laid Plans | Wannabe Wednesday

2011-06-08T14:09:00.000-07:00

Yesterday a childhood friend of mine gave birth to her first child. While she isn't the first person I grew up with to become a parent, it was still a bit jarring, especially considering how many of my peers have children. And all the more so coming just a few days after an interesting breakfast conversation Mr. J and I had about children with a couple we are friends with.

I know that I've mentioned before about our five year plan. When we got married two years ago we decided that we wanted to experience married life first, travel more (I wanted to visit Europe a few more times) and take care of some loose ends (Mr. J wants to get his Masters, I to begin working toward my dream). So in 5 years we would return to the topic of children. I have to admit though, I do get those feelings, like when I see an adorable fat cheeked baby wearing a cute hat or a sweet toddler talking in their own language or when a child is amused by the most mundane things or when I look at Mr. J's childhood pictures. Then, the reality hits. I come across an unpleasant adult and remember, "Oh yeah, they grow up." It's then that I'm reminded of my fear: I hope my child doesn't turn out that way. Mr. J and I have had these long, random conversations before about children, and he is definitely on the same page with that fear. The thing that's most important to us is raising good people. It seems like a banal concern but I've come across some awful individuals in my life and that's the one thing that sticks in my views on procreating. My husband said it in the most succinct way: He would feel awful if his child hurt someone.

Children can be a reflection of our dreams or failures and, quite frankly, I don't want to project my shortcomings onto them. I want to have my "ish" together before I have any. I want to own it before sharing it with a little one. Ultimately, I want to be a more complete person. It's a work in progress because I still have some rough edges to smooth out. But I'm working on it.

Photos by me

Tibi Dresses | Jonesing

2011-06-07T14:56:00.000-07:00

Thanks to a pinched nerve in my lower back, I haven't paid much attention to the fact that it's June. I'm currently nursing my pain with chocolate-covered pretzels, popcorn, and the will to get better before next week's early birthday trip by perusing summer dresses mostly from Tibi.

Images from Shopbop

Bright and breezy comfort, like summer should be.

Finally...

2011-06-03T12:51:00.000-07:00


Image by Jamie via From Me To You

This week... Really I have thoughts for it mostly for something that no person should ever witness let alone experience. Instead, I will enjoy the relationships I have, try to nurture new and old ones, and finally go on my walk that my back has been keeping me from doing all week.

Have a lovely weekend.

Sucker Punch | Wannabe Wednesday

2011-06-01T14:17:00.000-07:00

Normally the yellow peonies I see at the flower mart look spent, like once you get them home the petals will fall off the minute you remove the wrapper. There were many stems like that on Saturday, fully bloomed and ready to lure in unsuspecting admirers. Then I came across a bunch that weren’t open yet and were in pretty good shape, so I bought two of these bunches. What happened the very next day can only be described as me getting played. The buds that I looked forward to watching gradually open had bloomed overnight and began to shed. I knew their vase life was short but what a disappointment. For such cheery and lush blooms--which often remind me of a tropical vacation somewhere--they really drew me back to reality with their quick demise.

So I hastily put together this arrangement and took lots of pictures before I had to embark on a trip to an event in a remote but terribly gorgeous part of Los Olivos. I’m fairly certain that my astigmatism is playing tricks on me when it comes to focusing. I really should start using my camera more and practice on random stuff.

Bittersweet Summer...

2011-05-31T09:39:00.000-07:00

Some good things and some bad happened this past weekend peppered with some bittersweet memories. I guess I wasn't too far off about the upcoming season.

Dree Hemingway by Tom Craig for Vogue UK June 2011 via Oh Fashion Model

Happy Friday

2011-05-27T11:44:00.000-07:00

Am I only the only one who thinks this week went by fast? I think it was due to last night’s cleaning overhaul, as vessels, dishes, buckets, coffee tables, and a filled camera cache got owned. It’s impressive what I can get done when no one's around to distract me.

This long weekend’s summer interlude includes flowers, barbecue, lots of driving, helping, working, some down time, laughing and an exercise in managing it all. Summer hasn't stood out this much for me since I was a working college student excited to get my on-campus housing comped for a few months (there were perks).

I’m excited and hopeful, scared but relieved that I finally took a step in the right direction. Hopeful for the possibilities that lay ahead, even if the good times are fleeting. I plan to learn a lot--good or bad--because complacency is horribly boring.

Chic Easy Pieces featuring Karmen Pedaru and Siri Tollerød by Alexi Lubomirski, styled by Aleksandra Woroniecka for Harper's Bazaar US February 2009 via Noir Façade

Happy weekend!

Polished Comfort by Zara

2011-05-26T16:09:00.000-07:00

As usual, I start out looking for one thing at Zara but end up loving something else. This time it’s a styling option. I haven’t worn shorts since the mid-90s but these styles utilizing blazers seem to be the perfect balance (and with the added security blanket) of polished comfort. A nice wedge heel can give those us not blessed with them the look of long legs.

From L-R: Zara Jogging Blazer, Zara Tailored Blazer, Zara Double Breasted Blazer

From L-R: Zara Linen Blazer, Zara Double Breasted Blazer in Green, Zara Striped Blazer

Out in the Open | Wannabe Wednesday

2011-05-25T16:42:00.000-07:00

I cooed about it last week but didn’t want to say anything for fear of getting ahead of myself. But now that the weekend has past and with more opportunities on the horizon, I finally feel comfortable enough to share it.

I started helping out a local floral designer: the talented Flowerwild. If you aren't familiar with her work, get with it!

Saturday was my first day and it was for a huge wedding. The logistics, the grunt work, and the fact that I was even there was a little overwhelming at first, but I started to ease into it fairly quickly. My body even tricked me on Sunday with the idea that I was just a little tired, that tacos and margaritas were the cure for what ailed me (well, we can call them part of the celebration). Well, I was wrong. I woke up Monday morning sore, as it's been years since I had any sort of physical job. With that lingering soreness aside, I headed off back to my day job. But in the back of my mind I was giddy over all the excitement, for having helped out at an actual event and with the possibility of even more to come.

I realize that my lazy weekends will cease to exist but honestly, that doesn't faze me one bit. I feel so fortunate to have this opportunity to learn about the trade through hands-on experience. It’s one thing to read and study but it’s quite another to actually do it, even if it's just moving, cleaning, and setting-up. (And I still practice with my little arrangements at home.) Quite frankly, as I get older, I have come to appreciate the things I've learned the hard way far more than those that came easy. So that is my secret: that I'm now a wannabe out in the open.

grainy images of tulips by me with no rhyme or reason

Two Years - Done

2011-05-24T13:12:00.000-07:00

Two years ago today, I married a man whose 2nd-year college roommate once quipped about our burgeoning relationship, “You two are moving way too fast.”

Well, (un)fortunately not everyone can keep up.

Here’s to going with your gut.

Image by Denise Bovee

Happy Anniversary, [redacted]!

Well... | Wannabe Wednesday (Late Edition)

2011-05-19T16:42:00.000-07:00

I planned on posting these images yesterday but failed to transfer the images from my camera in an appropriate time-frame.

Then, I had a story for this post but it slipped my mind. Naturally.

Oh well. I blame the peonies.

Bar Carts | Jonesing

2011-05-17T16:47:00.000-07:00

I have a confession: even though I have two furniture projects in the wings and still need two tables for storage purposes, all my attention has been geared towards one thing: a bar cart. Yes, a boozy bar cart. I like to claim that it's for guests, but, really, I'm selfish. Honestly, I’ve been obsessed with getting one since late last year, thanks to a cool bar I went to during one of my trips back home to Sacramento (If for some reason you’re in Sac, visit the Shady Lady Saloon. It’s great!) and from years of watching The Young and the Restless growing up.

I've been keeping an eye out at the flea market (Rose Bowl - disappointing, Long Beach - there was some hope) and Craigslist (oy) but really, I have to hold out longer for one. I should at least finish one of my projects or buy a table first... or complete 2 of the 4 before getting that cart. In the mean time, here are two of my favorite inspirations: classic and industrial...

L-R: Deborah Needlemen's Bar Cart, image by Rita Konig via Lonny ; Spanish Flat House Tour via Apartment Therapy (the original table from Cloud Noir

The industrial look has some pretty easy options...

L-R: Decker End Table by Anthropologie (similar options found here and here, Go-Cart Carbon Table by cb2

I'm leaning towards a classic glass bar cart. Now I fully believe that second-hand is the best way to go for a cart, especially when it comes to prices. But they are hard to come by. On the other hand, brand-new bar carts of the glass variety are certainly not cheap. However, I did come across an unlikely alternative that had the glass features I'm eying: bath shelving.

L-R: Newbury Rolling Bath Cart from Restoration Hardware, Grant Floor Storage from Pottery Barn

Oh yes, priorities.

Monday Musing...

2011-05-16T17:04:00.000-07:00

Yesterday’s brief rainfall and the beautiful day that followed was a nice way to start the week. My heart's aflutter for things I have planned this week: an opportunity this weekend (that--with preparation and hard work--should bear fruit in a big way); the uncertainty of what follows; and the continuance of a promise I set for this year. It also doesn't hurt that it's May, with lots of natural blossoming beauties coming soon.

This dress has occupied my mind since spotting it last month. Colorful and flowing - just the way I want to live.

Spectrum Caftan by Hemant and Nandita available at Anthropologie

Happy Friday

2011-05-13T12:21:00.000-07:00

image and arrangement by me

This post is super short because I don’t want blogger to go out of its mind again while working on a post, like yesterday.

This week started off well enough, with a few glitches here and there. But a moment of clarity came to me late this week, and it seems I was finally able to calm down, breathe and really think about things. Sometimes I wind myself up so tight that I lose focus on what's important. That moment for me this week was when I finally let go and saw the good in a less-than-ideal situation.

This weekend I have the urge to get to a lot of things: flowers, lists, reading, preparing, planning, enjoying, hoping and most important, doing. I think my weekend will be fruitful and I hope yours is too.

Editorial: Star Signs by Tim Gutt | Monday Musing

2011-05-09T16:36:00.000-07:00

Happy new week everyone! I took a break from the blog last week to gather my thoughts, celebrate some birthdays (including my Mom’s) and of course, to celebrate Mother’s Day. I’m excited and surprise that we are already in May and the second week no less!

While I’ve never been one for horoscopes, astrological signs on the other hand have always intrigued me a bit for their trait descriptions. Sure they can be off but other times I have found some to be curiously spot on. My birthday apparently falls on the cusp (June 21st) between Gemini and Cancer. This editorial from Vogue UK captivated me last year with its beautiful and interesting interpretations of astrological signs. Where do you fit?

Star Signs featuring Siri Tollerød by Tim Gutt; Styling by Kate Phelan; Set Design by Shona Heath for Vogue UK December 2010 via Noir Façade and Fashion Gone Rogue

Happy Friday!

2011-04-29T11:43:00.000-07:00

I won’t harp on it too much because it’s all over the place but I liked the royal wedding. It was pretty much what it was suppose to be: timeless, elegant, and very British. The wedding gown was restrained and pretty but I have to give major props to her sister and maid of honor who OWNED her gown. Ladies that’s how style does modesty. Really, I want it in my closet. Instead of going on about the wedding, I will leave you with something that quite frankly I hope catches on to the wedding gown designers out there.


Image from Kate Middleton For the Win (this site is pretty funny)

Have a wonderful weekend!

Prim Flats | Charming Finds

2011-04-28T16:10:00.000-07:00

While I love the classic shape of a ballet flat, there are times when a dressier flat just lends for a more crisp look. During a recent browsing session I came across a nice pair flats in a style that is usually more prevalent in heel form:

Classiques Entier Eclipse Flat in leopard

Confession: I’m not usually a fan of animal print but these flats come in a neutral color scheme and the style is just so prim and proper. I love it. It also comes in two other colorways.

Then I came across another pair of flats in the same style but in some quirky color combination (and two very classic colors).

Restriction Nectarine Flats

Classic style in an array of colors. I shouldn't but I may just indulge in a black patent pair.

Happy Thursday!

Randomness | Wannabe Wednesday

2011-04-27T16:15:00.000-07:00

Growing up I was bit of an Anglophile. It’s bizarre, considering my Nigerian-American heritage (or perhaps not), and I don’t know where it came from. It may have come from reading The Secret Garden and being obsessed with the movie (the Hallmark version). Watching lots of PBS and Jane Austen (supposedly the chic lit from the 19th century), I've always wanted to live in the English country with a beautiful garden full of shrubs of garden roses and lush greenery. Yes, I had quite the romantic image. When my teen years rolled around, French was my chosen foreign language for high school and thus came about my affair with a more lively mistress. But I’ll get to that affair on another date.

I admit that the wedding on Friday has piqued my interest. Honestly, it’s for shallow reasons: I want to see her dress, the flowers (I read there will be trees, azaleas, lilac, and wisteria …yes please!), the jewels, the hats(!), the Spencers looking vengeful, and a drunk Prince Harry (I know the latter won’t happen... on camera) and lots of pomp. Honestly, I won't actually be staying up to watch. I much prefer seeing the pictures after the fact. But I have to say, after watching a recent Chris Matthews show, dedicated to the wedding under the guise of the US and UK’s "special relationship" (thank goodness Andrew Sullivan was there to keep it real), I find myself quite dumbfounded that there are people who still buy into this fairy tale. I mean, I wasn’t around when the last big royal wedding took place but I was cognizant of its echoes during the 90s when news outlets peppered their reporting with royal gossip. It was hardly romantic nor dreamy.

With that said, I find the history (where the intersection of politics, class, gender, the past all woefully intertwined) so completely fascinating. It is why I majored in it, but don’t do anything professionally with it--except for having obscure conversations with Mr. J during a random afternoon or long car adventures. And seriously, I want to see how wisteria is incorporated because last time I checked this wedding is all indoors.

Alright back to my tax paying life. Here is my arrangement for this week. I hadn’t counted on the sheer size of these garden roses. They were gigantic. I really need to expand my vessels (well more want than need). And apologies for taking such hasty pictures. I was operating on a time crunch (read: I was running late... we’re meeting my in-laws for Easter) so I didn’t catch certain things. There's always another time.

Broomhill House | At Home

2011-04-20T15:23:00.000-07:00

For the last week I’ve been on a tidying-up mission, which has included banishing loose papers and old bank statements, dusting, reorganizing, and planning the execution of long stalled projects. I love what energy Spring and chance encounters can bring.

In the midst of my spring cleaning I decided to look for some home inspiration. I first read about Shoot Factory a long time ago from Made by Girl and saved it in my home files queue. Wading through the pages of lovely homes, I came across a home called Broomhill located in Kent which is the perfect mix of clean styling, small pops of color, comfort and, oh, the bathroom. Is it weird to say that I want to live in that bathroom? I just adore all of it and would like to plot a way to move there.

All images from Shoot Factory

P.S. Did you notice the grey dresser? There was an amazing before and after project on Design Sponge last week achieving that style. Check it out

Three Wants For Today

2011-04-13T15:41:00.000-07:00

I want...

...to create this for our ‘entry’ area (I can’t call the space an entry way let alone a foyer, so it’s "area"). The area is pretty plain and, as previously displayed, I have another reason to buy some knobs.

Pinned by Anne-Clark via Pinterest; original post via Design Sponge

...a house with a yard so I can plant jasmine vine. Sigh, another addition to my imaginary garden. I guess this will have to do for now.

garden roses, Japanese andromeda, fringed tulips, jasmine vine

...some Fatburger, preferably for dinner. Well, Mr. J?

Happy Friday

2011-04-08T15:42:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I bought myself a journal, with the intention of writing down any thoughts or ideas that pop into my mind.

Lately, I've been thinking about how I store information and capture ideas. It seems that, after a week going through the usual boring motions, my mind gets bogged down, stifled. Even with just a blank feeling, or worry or dread. And Sunday used to be a painful day for me.

I always look forward to Friday and the weekend ahead, where I'm free to do and maintain the things I enjoy. Although, with that in mind, the following usually happens: after making my little trips (from entertaining to the mundane) and indulging a little, all kinds of ideas begin to flow. Things that I want to write about, do some research on, or just simply create. I always mean to write it down, once I track down some paper. But my life has seemingly become cluttered, both figuratively and mentally. I have so much going through my mind that I'm ultimately left with nothing to share.
I hate that feeling. Especially when I read something that sparks some major interest but the words just don't materialize. So I'm going to try to revive an old habit of mine and get back to jotting things down again when they first come to me; whether to document the experience, or for later reflection or use.

In the Picture featuring Marion Cotillard by Mario Testino, Styled by Tonne Goodman for Vogue US July 2010 via Dustjacket Attic

Hope you have beautiful weekend.

P.S. I really love this editorial. So perfect for this time of year.

Streamlined Leather Handbags by Opelle Creative | Jonesing

2011-04-07T16:30:00.000-07:00

After a long search for a nice leather handbag, I have finally found the place to get it. With a selection of clean designs in nice neutral shades, Opelle Creative creates beautifully handmade leather bags in styles that are perfect for everyday use.

All images from Opelle Creative

Now the hard part begins. Which one to choose?

Trial and Error | Wannabe Wednesday

2011-04-06T15:24:00.000-07:00

Note to self: It takes a concerted effort to set aside the necessary time to properly capture flower arrangements. It’s a little sad how few images of my arrangements I have, considering how many I did last year. Part of it was due to getting wrapped up in learning along the way, but mostly my problem was time management.

When I visited the flower mart I would go through both sides of the marketplace, noting any little details or items that struck my fancy, and then I would return to the stalls that stuck in my mind to purchase my bounty. Granted, I would often get a little too excited and stray from this strategy, impulsively buying something that I just couldn’t pass up (hello, Japanese anemones). Once I returned home, the time it took for me to process the flowers really ate up most of my morning. Stripping and prepping the flowers can be fast when you're experienced, but pretty time consuming when you're learning and trying not to do any damage. Also, it didn’t help that I almost always lacked a proper breakfast ("ah, but Jessica, you don’t make breakfast regularly anyway" -- that would be Mr. J’s response).

This little arrangement is comprised of the surviving pieces left from yet another arrangement I failed to photograph...

lilac, ranunculus, wax flower, spray roses

Now, thanks to a long process of trial and error, these aren't so big problems any more. There is one wholesaler I have stuck to for the majority of my visits sprinkled with a few consistent sellers that have certain things I like during certain times of the year. I’m also faster in processing flowers, especially with familiar stems; though I still like to take my time with the new finds. These new discoveries inevitably turn me into a hyper child, moving me to interrupt my processing often with “look at this!”

The picture taking is a work in progress.

Happy Friday!

2011-04-01T14:43:00.000-07:00

This weekend includes visiting a family member, weeding out more stuff from boxes, and catching up on some blog reading (this week I lagged big time). Since this week started on a floral note, I figured might as well end it with one. I been loving this editorial since it was too early to even think of spring. There is just too much goodness from it, so make sure to visit the link for the full feature.

Fortes Impressions featuring Tiiu Kuik by Anne Menke for Marie Claire France February 2011 via FGR

Have a gorgeous weekend!

The Little Flower School | I Went There

2011-03-31T17:21:00.000-07:00

Warning: This is a novel.

A few months ago I squealed about an opportunity I snagged on a whim. A few weeks ago that experience finally came to pass: attending the Little Flower School in LA, taught by Sarah of Saipua and Nicolette of Nicolette Camille. If you aren’t familiar with the work of these crazy-talented floral designers, well, get on it. (Don’t worry, I'll understand if you get lost in their world).

Back in December, they mentioned on their blogs the possibility of bringing their floral classes to the west coast. Me, being the excited and anxious type, followed my reader like a hawk in hopes of any new updates. Then, on one of those days when I hadn’t checked my reader all day, when I finally logged on late in the day I saw the classes listed--but there were only 2 spots left. Oh snap. After snagging said spot, i could hardly contain my excitement. I’ve been interested in floral design for a while now but searching for floral design classes in LA has been a cumbersome task to say the least. When I finally found a class series that seemed promising it turned out to be a such a disappointment that I was a little turned off from taking another floral class.

I’ve been following the Little Flower School’s blog for a long time and had always hoped to get a chance to attend one of their classes in Brooklyn. However, as the date got closer, that excitement turned into fear.

Yes, I’m not kidding. I was intimidated. Their work is crazy beautiful. Earthy and organic and wildly perfect. I am novice, a wannabe; one who gets intimidated using foliage because, well, that takes skill to keep the arrangement from looking like an overgrown shrub. Did I mention that I'm also horribly shy? I mean, what if I sucked? What if this crazy dream I've had was merely an escape from my current world?

Then I went to the class, utterly nervous. But after having a glass of champagne, it all slowly started melting away. For real. I was greeted by warm welcomes from Sarah and Nicolette, the gracious hosts (the girls behind Ban.do and their pretties), and then by these pretties:

The women in attendance were a friendly bunch, some of whom came as far as San Diego--to a class held in LA during rush hour traffic. People, that is dedication. There were refreshments, chit-chat, a floral overview, New Order, and a chance to watch the masters at work. Then we got to work. No arrangement looked the same.

During this class, I learned a few things.

:: Get myself out of my shell and remember what happens when I do.

:: See the beauty in even the most unlikely things. Carnations? Who knew?

:: Stop second guessing myself (within moderation of course). If I hadn’t seized the opportunity to attend this class, well, I wouldn’t be feeling like this.

Three weeks later, I am still incredibly inspired. I hate to use "inspired" because it’s slowly turned into one of those words that gets used to the point of meaninglessness. I’ve resumed my weekly trips to the flower-mart, choosing items that I normally wouldn’t (and trying to resist the urge to get the same flowers from my last visit, no matter how intoxicating they look) to make me get out of my comfort zone. I'm trying new vessels that aren’t the normal go-to, keeping at it even if the arrangement isn’t to my particular liking. And if it's not exactly what I'd hoped, I'm making sure to document why so that I can improve and grow. And last but certainly not least: practice, study, and practice some more.

I feel like a student again, only this time I actually like my subject matter and I wasn’t forced to choose it nor have I settled on it. In fact, I’m almost done reading Flower Confidential (never in my life did I think I would find the star gazer lily fascinating but it’s story really is).

In short, this class was more than just a flower arranging class it reignited the dream I thought was fleeting. It reminded me that floral arranging is pretty personal and the style and look is in the eye of the beholder. So for those that are ever near Brooklyn or if the Little Flower School happens to bring their little lesson plan somewhere near you, don’t hesitate to take the class. I know if the opportunity again presents itself, I would sign up in a heart beat.

While I can see there are some areas of improvement to be had, I still really like my arrangement. I just wish I had taken better pictures of it.

Ranunculus, tulips, sweet pea, eucalyptus, anemomes, Japanese andromeda, crabapple, carnations plus the kitchen sink

Pretty Packaging from Knot & Bow

2011-03-30T15:59:00.000-07:00

Some time last year, my sister asked me to send her a care package of her favorite cookies. I obliged. It only took me forever and a day to do so.

A few weeks ago, she asked me for another package. This time I would like to make up for the delay by surprising her with some other treats and all presented in a pretty package. Naturally, culling an assortment of packaging supplies would only impede the arrival of the little treats. As luck would have it Knot & Bow already has it covered.

The Classics Gifting Kit by Knot & Bow via their shop

This is enormously convenient and pretty. Maybe I’ll have Mr. J do the wrapping. Seriously, the man can wrap like a pro.

It's Not Wednesday But...

2011-03-28T11:08:00.000-07:00

Today doesn’t really feel like a Monday. I can’t quite place my finger on why that is. With the exception of a serious hiccup on Saturday, the weekend included time with the Mister, consuming a strong and tasty margarita (yes, that thing deserves a mention), lingering in bed a little longer (but not because of the margarita), making a delicious dinner off the cuff and falling in love with white lilac.


white lilac, spray roses, carnations, wax flower, ranunculus

What a simple but beautiful flower. I know that the ubiquitous purple (hello lilac) variety gets more love but I found the white color irresistible at the flower mart. It’s now been added to my future home garden along with a hydrangea, roses (just like the ones my late Grandmother grew), and camellias.

Happy Friday!

2011-03-25T16:31:00.000-07:00

I am so ready for this weekend. I have a strong desire to not only complete some lingering tasks but to also create (and follow through) a meal plan for next week. It's funny how one tasty dinner can give one the illusion that they are Ina Garten (after all it was one of her recipes).

Also, thanks to Snippet & Ink's weekend links for this week, I was reminded to finally bite the bullet and get on to posting a little write up I did for a class that was very lucky to attend over two weeks ago. Here's a hint from the class:

I held off on posting my experience because my pictures are pretty bad. I didn't even take a decent picture of my assignment. However, I simply adored the experience and decided to not let my poor camera skills hamper that. So next week look for my post on my adventure to the Little Flower School (ah well, I was too excited to keep it secret).

Have a wonderful weekend!

"It's not the having, it's the getting."

2011-03-23T15:47:00.000-07:00

Some quotes from a legend...

I feel very adventurous. There are so many doors to be opened, and I'm not afraid to look behind them.

The problem with people who have no vices is that generally you can be pretty sure they're going to have some pretty annoying virtues.

I've only slept with men I've been married to. How many women can make that claim?

When people say, 'She's got everything', I've got one answer - I haven't had tomorrow.

During a rare occurrence in which I was watching live television, Elizabeth Taylor's perfume commercial from the early 90s(!) came on:

Nostalgia from a different era.

Quote Source: Think Exist

Pretty Random Objects

2011-03-22T17:13:00.000-07:00

I know it's late I just had to share these adorable vases by Pretty Random Objects. Such adorableness in a clean and modern aesthetic (and cool name to boot).

All images from Pretty Random Objects

Collection: Spring 2011 by Blanco

2011-03-21T14:02:00.000-07:00

I will be perfectly honest - it took me a long time to narrow down my favorites from Blanco’s Spring 2011 Lookbook. Stripes, skirts, cute dresses, polka-dots, red, relaxed fit... Nautical, feminine, and spring-y all at the same time. This collection is somewhat of an extension of this weekend without the rain. It’s a shame that Blanco isn't available here in the US but some how I think my bank account is grateful.

All Images from Blanco found via FGR

For Japan With Love

2011-03-17T16:10:00.000-07:00

The news coming from Japan is jarring not just due to the wrath of a natural disaster but also its perilous aftermath. Now there are man-made effects that are holding a wounding populace hostage both literally and figuratively.

When in the face of disaster of such magnitude, it’s easy to think that what little help we can offer will not make a difference but For Japan With Love is proving that thought wrong. This beautiful benefit (that I found by way of Lizzie at Love Your Way) was started by Utterly Engaged and Ever Ours in an effort to raise money going towards the charity, Shelter Box, a nonprofit that provides emergency shelter and supplies for those in need. If you can, please make a donation. They are also holding a Bloggers’ Day of Silence to take place tomorrow, March 18th. I too will be participating, so this blog will be silent.

One of fabrics of Japanese culture that I have been fascinated with since high school has been the emphasis on teamwork in an effort for the greater good. One of the most harrowing yet inspiring stories from Japan is that of the men at the Fukushima nuclear plant who are currently risking their lives to save those of their countrymen and women from imminent danger. This story is a bittersweet reminder of what can happen when we band together.

...

2011-03-14T15:17:00.000-07:00

Image by The Cherry Blossom Girl, please see the rest of her beautiful photos from Japan

As someone who follows the news everyday, I try to keep this blog as my little haven from the dire situations surrounding us. However, with all the devastation going on in the world today (not to mention the terrible responses that they generate), I can't help but be reminded to appreciate the present, plan for the future but never forget the past. Life can be all too wistful.

Happy Weekend

2011-03-10T16:28:00.000-08:00

Truth be told: I’m checking out early for the weekend. It’s not due to anything bad, on the contrary. I’m experience an amazing high right now, one which is making it virtually impossible for me to focus on work right now.

I want to take time to fully digest the experience, utilizing the new discoveries, tips and direction it has given me and move forward in the right direction, no matter where that path leads. So with that (and this beautiful editorial that makes me want to visit the beach preferably Santa Barbara), I hope you all have a wonderful weekend. See you Monday!

Liberty featuring Mathile Frachon by David Bellemere for Marie Claira Italia March 2010 via Studded Hearts and Souvenirs

Spring Looks from ASOS

2011-03-07T14:22:00.000-08:00

This is a great example of why I have yet to order anything from ASOS: I can't make up my mind. Armed with a little bit (or a whole lot) of everything at varying price points, ASOS can be deadly.

I suddenly have a hankering for flouncy skirts....

L-R: ASOS Tailored Pleat Front Ponti Fit And Flare Skirt, Boutique by Jaeger Skirt in Polka Dot Flower Print, and ASOS Midi Tailored Belted Ponti Fit and Flare Skirt

Sweet dresses...

L-R: ASOS '50s Knitted Dress in coffee, River Island '50s Check Dress, and ASOS Floral Embroidered Shirt Dress

And all the little things that Spring has to offer.

L-R: ASOS Midi Pleated Knitted Skirt, ASOS Spot Print Shirt Playsuit, ASOS String Waisted Midi Dress, and Nishe Scalloped Trim Blazer

Luckily, I'm on a self-imposed clothing purchase hiatus. I guess a pair of shoes will have to do.

ASOS Lottie Stud Ballerina

Calypso Rugs | At Home

2011-03-03T16:23:00.000-08:00

I've had Calypso St. Barth in my bookmarks for clothing/travel inspiration for ages but never took look at their home section. I was pleasantly surprised to find some of Calypso's offerings especially in their rug collection featuring basic prints in colors ranging from neutral to bold. While I'm not afraid color, it's nice to see some simple and easy options for the home that won't limit your decor options. Here are some of my favorites:

L-R: Kuba Jaipuri in Jadeite and Tile Jaipuri in Aubergine

L-R: Cochin Dhurrie in Flax and Hampton Lattice

Zig Zag Jaipuri in colors L-R: Indigo, Flax and Jadeite

Two Things...

2011-03-02T16:55:00.000-08:00

1. I would like to add these milk bottles by Alyssa Ettinger to my floral vessel arsenal.

Antique Replica Porcelain Milk Bottles by Alyssa Ettinger

2. This tea towel by Dear Colleen would never get any use for all the obvious reasons.

Dishes I'd Rather Be Doing by Dear Colleen

While the 14 year-old girl in me still has a soft spot for Colin Firth and his portrayal of Mr. Darcy, I can’t help but wonder how Alan Rickman’s likeness is not on this tea towel. Colonel Brandon, come on!

Image is a long saved relic

P.S. My husband is aware of all this and he teases me for it.

Happy Wednesday!

Small Notes on a Fresh Start + Erin Fetherston Fall 2011

2011-03-01T14:36:00.000-08:00

Happy first day of the month! I am so excited that March is finally here. Although this past weekend started off with some heavy rain, the following day the air was crisp and the weather was gorgeous -- the perfect segue before the new month.

Besides the obvious warmer weather, spring brings better movie selections, pretty flowers, some much needed cleaning, and just an overall lighter fare. One of my ongoing tasks is purging my closet of items that either no longer fit me physically or aesthetically. It’s something that I’ve been meaning to do ever since my move last year. Like Goldenmeans, I’ve been re-examining what I really need as to oppose to what I want in my closet and what I need is more interchangeable items with simple and clean lines with a feminine touch. What can I say? Clothing is one of the few avenues that I showcase my heavily-feminine tastes.

Erin Fetherston's Fall 2011 collection exhibits the type of aesthetic I hope to incorporate throughout the year. Fresh, comfortable, simple, and still pretty. It's all part of a new start.

Erin Fetherston Fall 2011 Ready-to-Wear via Style.com

Happy Friday!

2011-02-25T12:57:00.000-08:00

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

2011-02-24T16:48:00.000-08:00

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

2011-02-23T14:20:00.000-08:00

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!