pop art.

I use my phone as my point and shoot camera almost daily.  More often than not, I use Instagram to jazz up the pictures.  The filters and the square shape.   I am a total addict.  I use many of the images here on my blog, post them to facebook, or save them on my camera roll.

While looking for a unique gift for an exchange during the holidays, I came across canvas pop.  I may have a new addiction!

My Instagram image of Seattle's Public Market....

became this.

A 12" x 12" piece of art!  Wrapped canvas, amazing colors and all for $35!  I was so impressed by the quality of the work and the image looked fantastic.  It was hard to give it away.

[via]

Hanging alone or in a grouping- these little beauties are worth their weight in gold!  Check out the options on their website.

washi tape

After putting my pumpkins in the compost bin, my table needed a little cheer.  I gathered a few items and found my washi tape.  I dig this decorative paper tape.  It makes a novice look really crafty!

{washi tape from anthropologie and michael's}

{materials:  red hots, scissors, dollar vase from michael's, and washi tape}

I chose to use the white and silver tape.  It is as simple as masking tape {and easy to remove}.

{dollar vase with washi tape filled (filled with red hots), "rudolf" glassybaby , prayer candle}

Hmmmmm, how else can I use washi tape?  What would you do?

this takes the cake [plate]

I took down all of my Halloween decor, but fall is still center stage.  I loved this simple idea to showcase a mini white pumpkin.   A small cake plate, white hydrangeas and the pumpkin-that's all you need. 

I placed mine on a side table in the living room.  It would be right at home in an entry or center stage on your table. 

if the slipper fits

Cold floors in the morning and chilly afternoons call for slippers!  I have owned 3 pairs of exact same slipper.   The Minnetonka Cally Slipper is suede and pile lined.  And let me tell you-they are so, so cozy.  They come in 5 colors and are priced under $40.  I chose grey this time!

[via Minnetonka]

It isn't unreasonable to have two pairs of slippers when you live in the Northwest.  Right?
These MUK LUKS appear to be the perfect blend of warmth and ski lodge chic.  Kinda love.  Might need.

[MUK LUKS]

cup and saucer.

[a teacup of treasures]

I received a handful of beautiful teacups and saucers that once sat in my grandmother's hutch.  Not a matching set, but all gorgeous in their own right.  I unwrapped one and placed it on the bathroom counter today.  It is a lovely catch all for my earrings, bracelets, and necklaces.  It takes clutter and somehow makes it sweet.  So thrilled with how it looks!  {She would be pleased that it has found a home and a useful purpose.} 

cupcakes and cashmere

A little blog love!  I read this superb blog every morning with my decaf coffee. Emily Schuman shares her love of fashion, cooking [and baking], decor and beauty in cupcakes and cashmere.  She lives in LA and is darling.  Her creativity shines through her outfits.  She includes details of everything she is wearing-down to her polish color.  I have loved the recipes she shares and appreciate her gorgeous photography.   Read her blog for a week and you will be hooked.

A recent outfit she posted:  Golden Hour -July 10

[via cupcakes and cashmere]

She has penned a new book, under the same name, that was just released.  Mine is on its way!

[buy it here]

gonna need your sunnies

It is reported that the sun will shine today in the greater Seattle area.  [love.]

Gonna be sporting my new sunnies.  An adorable pair of stud earrings in the shape of sunglasses.

marc by marc jacobs. mini sunnies

 We've been waiting....bring on summer! 

go...vino. go.

Sticking with my backyard barbeque and/or pool side bash theme, I highly recommend these govino stemless wine glasses.  I grabbed a box of 4 at The Tyler Florence Shop while in Napa last summer.  They are the perfect marriage of the good 'ole keg cup and your favorite stemless bar ware.

 These glasses are made from a food-safe, BPA-free polymer and it is recyclable (#1), but better yet it is reusable.  The glasses are actually flexible and completely shatter proof.  Perfect for the pool deck or anywhere else glass is not permitted.  $12.95 for 4 - you can't go wrong!

You can order directly from the govino website (they also have decanters, stemless flutes, and stemless cocktail glasses) or I just spied them in the recent cb2 catalog.

sidwalk surfers, dude.

As I continue to prep for summer, I have to share about Sanuk shoes.  My oldest did not want another pair of Crocs, but we needed something a little more substantial than flip flops.  A pair of sidewalk surfers was the answer.  Total lucky find.

[sanuk. army brat]

Easy to put on.  Extremely comfortable (or so I am told).  Plus, I love the way they look.  Great with cargo shorts, a swimming suit, or jeans.  Certainly a big boy look! 

The biggest guy in our house scored a pair as well.  My husband hates flip flops.  However, I told him he was no longer allowed to wear his sneakers to the pool.  Under advisement that he wasn't going to like them at all-I bought him a pair as well.  

 

 

[sanuk. cruiser II]

 

He loves them.  Didn't take them off our entire trip.  Absolutely perfect for the airport (adults still have to take off their shoes) and they looked great with his board shorts.  (And I am certain I heard him say under his breath, "Babe, you were right- like always.")  

Check out all their great stuff! http://www.sanuk.com/

Outfit the guys in your life.  Bring on summer!

have salad, will travel

 [via crate&barrel]

Cookout and potluck season is right around the corner!  I really wanted this salad bowl and servers set last summer, but waited too long and they were gone.  Chill pack on the bottom, servers that snap into the lid.....all around brilliant!  I am running this week to Crate and Barrel and snatching one up.  

[ps.  it is $11.95!]

Bring on summer!

a sweet indulgence

[via bananappeal]

Not sure if I could be more excited about the gifts I am giving our moms for Mother's Day.  Needing to get something in the mail by Monday, I was feeling the pressure to find a gift that was thoughtful, unique, and easy.  BINGO.  Bananappeal!

All natural, ready to eat, banana-based desserts, baked and sold in glass jars.  To-die-for cute.  [And I am in love with their web site!] Every single one of the desserts looks delicious.  There are 4 frosted cake varieties and 4 ready to eat cheesecakes.  And to my amazing good fortune, two of the cheesecakes are gluten-free!  [Yes, I am blessed with a gluten free husband and mother-in-law].

banana salted caramel-frosted cake

banana gingersnap cheesecake

banana tiramisu cheesecake*gluten free

You can purchase these yummy cuties at gilt taste or williams-sonoma.
Check out the entire menu at http://www.bananappeal.com/

I will not reveal my exact delivery order in case any of our special ladies read this post.  [We sure do love you mom, Jeannie, and Pam.  We are blessed and lucky to have you! ]  I am seriously considering ordering some for myself.....happy mother's day to me.

cloudy with the chance

Umbrellas.  I have been thinking about them quite a bit lately.  Hmmm, I wonder why?
It all started when I spotted this lovely one carried by a prince.  

The London premier of War Horse was water logged.  Catherine's Temperley London floor length gown was gorgeous and I am certain she didn't want to cover it up with a trench.  The umbrella was absolutely perfect!  The shape ~ devine.  With the perfect accent of black, which played off her dress. 


Then I remembered a little something I purchased on my recent trip to NYC!

Isn't it the cutest?  The bubble umbrella is all the rage!   

Want a bubble umbrella for yourself?  I did a little research for you!

One JUST like Kate's!

fulton birdcage black bubble umbrella~ ella umbrella 

 

just for FUN

goggles umbrella ~ uncommon goods

a touch of teal

Tina T teal bubble umbrella ~ overstock.com

Stay dry.  Remain stylish!

ice to meet you

Our snow storm has turned into an ice storm.  Super fun for getting around. While driving is the uber-adventure, even walking can be difficult.  SO pleased that my mom and dad gave me "super" boots for Christmas.  I included them on my list this year, deciding that I needed proper winter foot wear.  I love, love, love them!  They worked great yesterday while sledding and have been perfect on Ski Saturdays. 

Sorel-Caribou (black and stone)

THEN, this morning I read this article on Lucky magazine.  

http://www.luckymag.com/style/howto/2012/02/readers-ask-dear-lucky-can-winter-boots-be-stylish

Oh, how it makes me smile big when an item featured in a style magazine is already in my possession.  

Stay safe. Remain stylish!

long and lean

Long and lean. Two words that have never be used to described me.

However, it is the name of my (absolutely) favorite layering tank top.   Light weight, with the right amount of stretch.  Thin straps and a low neck line, so it is flattering and feminine. 

 

I love the length.  Just long enough to peek out under winter top layers.   

Where can you pick up these little wonders?  Target!  And at $8 a piece you can get multiple colors.  Plus, they add colors every season-while always carrying the basic black, white and gray.

Remember the new mantra?
Color, color, color. Color me happy!

color me happy!

pura vida braclets.  my fashion obsession that will not break the bank.

Super cute, right?  $5.  Yep, that's right. 

I originally bought my first bracelet as a way to wear a little neon.  Admit it, we middle-aged ladies want to stay current.  However, having worn neon apparel in the 80's, we are precluded from wearing it this time around.  But, a little pop of color on your wrist -with these super hip bracelets- is the perfect way to do it. 

You can wear them as a single.  Or stack them for added impact. 

They have a little slip knot, so you can easily take them on and off.   With almost every color combination under the sun, everyone can find one they like. 

Check out pura vida!  Read about how it all started with one artisan in Costa Rica and the foundation that receives money for every bracelet sold.  Plus you can find the bracelet that is perfect for you!  Come on. Skip the skinny, vanilla latte and put some color in your life! 

PS.  Use their website to find local shops that sell these beauties. 
A few notables for the areas I know well:
Seattle area- Nordstrom, What to Wear (Mercer Island), Duque (Ballard)
Spokane area- Nordstrom, Gonzaga Book Store

ripped in 30

30 days that is.  Yes, please.

Ok.  So if you know me, you know that I love a great workout.  If you know me, you also know that squeezing in the workout usually trumps the shower for the day. (Disgusting, but true.  I am nothing but honest.)  This DVD has helped me achieve a workout AND a shower on many days recently.  Each workout is just over 20 minutes.  20 minutes!  All you need is are light hand weights (or heavy ones if you are really going for it!), a DVD player, and a small bit of open floor space. The workout is 3 circuits of 3 minutes of strength, 2 minutes of cardio, and 1 minutes of abs.  You never do the same exercise twice.  Love.

Let me just say, I now know why the contestants on the Biggest Loser.....lose weight.  Week 1 was a decent workout, but Week 2 is considerably harder.  Looking forward to weeks 3 and 4. Of course you are supposed to do it 5 times each week.  Me, not so much.   Is that why my abs don't look like Jillian's?  Perhaps.

I picked mine up at Target for around $10 and found it on amazon tonight for $9.49.
My goal through the holiday season: No gain, just maintain. (Thinking this DVD should help!)

pom-tastic!

Pomegranates are back.  Oh, how I wait for this display to arrive in my local produce aisle.  This fruit is simply deeeelish!  Now with that said, they are also a commitment.  They are not easy like an apple, a pear, or berries.  Oh, no.  These ladies want you to work for the sweet treats!  Every year my first pom leaves my counter, walls, and often times my clothes with red spatter!  Then I remember how to do it.  Those delicious seeds are great on their own, but they are perfect over Vanilla Greek Yogurt.  Seriously could eat it for breakfast lunch and dinner! 

 This is exactly how I do it!  Then seal and eat in the next couple of days.




This salad is my "go to" side dish for special dinners or potluck: 

Fall Pomegranate Salad
Romaine lettuce-torn into bite size pieces
Gorgonzola cheese-crumbled
Pears-diced
Pomegranate seeds
Pecans (If you are getting really fancy, candied pecans send this salad over the top!)
Newman's Own Balsamic Vinaigrette



And of course, there is a Pomegranate Martini.

Servings: Serves 2

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups pomegranate juice
• 2 ounces Absolute Citron vodka or white tequila
• 1 ounce Cointreau liquor
• Cup of ice
• Splash of sparkling water (optional)
• Squeeze of lemon (optional)

Directions

 Shake ingredients in a shaker and put in chilled martini glasses. Put pomegranate fruit into glass as garnish.

Oh, this is a great time of year!

Never met an UGG I didn't love

Time to tumble into fall.  I have been waiting and waiting to wear my new UGG boots.  Not that I want our warm September to disappear too quickly, but I DO have something to look forward to when it turns cooler.

UGG 'Lynnea' Ankle boots. 

The perfect combination of warmth, clogs, and comfort.  A little protective suede spray (I do live in the rainy PNW) and these are going to be the winter equivalent to the summer flip flop.  These totally fit my life...but if I had a different life my go-to boots would be different.....

If I was a business girl with a bit of edge. 

UGG 'Aniela' (a mere $995!)

If I was fashion forward girl,  and 'casual' Saturdays actually looked different from my M-F wardrobe.

UGG 'Capera'

If I was a glamazon.

UGG 'Vittoria' (ONLY $1,195)

Like shoes in general, one can not have too many pairs of boots.  Loved seeing all the ladies out and about this week sporting their new fall boots.  I. can't. wait!  Happy Friday.

rumor has it...

Word on the street is that Donna Karan Cashmere Mist deodorant is the BEST out there.  Have not tried it myself, but have heard from multiple sources-in just the last few days- that it's a girl's best friend.  (Would have come in handy for me this week....haven't found time to shower until after dinner each night.)

Think I may need to go pick me up a 3 pack this weekend!
PS.  It is going to be a gorgeous day.  Enjoy it!

a guiltless souffle

I don't spend a lot of time or thought on beauty products. Pretty much think they are a waste of energy and hard earned cash.  (This excludes makeup, which is not an indulgence but rather a necessity in life.)  However, Ginger Souffle-Whipped body cream is one of about 5 things I use on a daily basis.  Made by Origins, it is hands down "the best in show" when it comes to a lotion.  The perfect balance of moisture, shine, and scent-without being greasy or overly sweet!  Pop into an Origins store or the Origins counter at Macy's and ask for a sample.  I promise, you will not be disappointed!