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As seen on Flickr, by Keri Smith.

balloons balloons

I have balloons on my mind lately. I recently gave the book "The Red Balloon as a holiday gift." Last month I had Karl do a portrait shoot with balloons, which I hope we can do again. And I was happy today to spot this print from Etsy seller blancucha.

past ornament swaps

This Christmas is my third participating in the Holiday Ornament Swap put together by cake & pie and freshlyblended. It works like this: I am put in a group of ten or so swappers, and I create and mail an ornament to each person. In turn each person mails one to me. I am so happy with the way my project turned out! So far I've received 3 ornaments, and I can't wait to see the rest. They're little presents that keep coming throughout the month. I love all of the varied handmade touches now on my tree! The ornaments above are from my first two years of swapping.

the bounty

Last spring we became members of Worden Farm, a local organic farm in Punta Gorda. We have been itching for our first delivery ever since, and today is the day we've been waiting for! The veggies are so beautiful, not to mention delicious. Tonight we had grilled eggplant and some salad greens. (Market pic via Worden Farm site.)

maybe for Christmas...

I can gift these yummy macaroons from Sucré. Or just order them for myself...

oh so tactile

A fun interview + gorgeous process video of illustrator & artist Kat Macleod over at The Design Files.

the backsplash

Our last rented condo was brand new. The backsplash area needed something glossy so it could be easily wiped clean. I painted these floral branches for visual interest, and then topped it with a glossy clear coat. I love it when landlords let me paint.

it needs some work

Here it is: my newly acquired vintage Schwinn Varsity. After searching for a few months I found it on Craigslist. It's very crusty and needs a bit of attention before I can ride. A woven basket, bell, and leather seat should do the trick.

the fabulous garlands

These make me happy.

birds and blue

I just think this wallpaper by Louise Body is too gorgeous. It will be so fun to someday have a home of our own and make more permanent design decisions, like wallpaper. For now I could use it on a folding screen, or in a frame...

i want to ride my...

I'm thinking about these... bike via A Cup of Jo and helmets from London Cycle Chic.

dogs riding on bicycles

We like to take Iso on bike rides. She sits in the basket. At first she didn't like it and tried to jump out mid-ride. Now though she enjoys the rides and the wind flips her ears up straight and big and I love it. Actually I'm afraid I might one day crash my bike and flatten her. Karl usually takes her, and I think I trust him a bit more. I came across this picture today and thought, 'there is a bike I can ride!' I'm in the market for something Schwinn or vintagey. I have a free bike that is doing the job for now, but after giving up my car in a month from now, I might just treat myself to something lovelier. Picture via Anthropologie.

more love for Domino

I'm constantly dragging images into a file on my desktop called spaces. It's a little out of control, but I love browsing through the pictures of cozy bedrooms and outdoor dining nooks. If only we had our own house! We're moving in a week to a rental which will have to do. I just assembled a file of ideas for our new home with Domino's My Deco File. It's easy enough to use but takes awhile if you want to add more than a few images.

diary of a foodie

Yesterday I happened to catch a bit of Gourmet's Diary of a Foodie. On the show I saw, they did a segment on Parmigiano Reggiano production in Italy. The website has lots of free podcasts and recipes from the show. Seeing all this great food makes me want to get in the kitchen.

once

A friend recommended I watch this movie, and I was blown away. I really love all the songs and have been repeating this one in particular. I'm off to track down the soundtrack.

lost in translation

This print just arrived from Etsy seller equivoque. I do have a thing for Polaroids. This photo is my favorite color.

lovely...

This photo, of a bride before her wedding, is one of my favorites of the pics Karl has taken. I have many favorites.

Paper Scraps

I have a ribbon board hanging behind my computer. When I was in college I made it from a cork bulletin board. The upholstery tacks are a nice touch, n'est-ce pas? The scraps, notes, and photos are collected from here and there. It's an ever-changing gallery.

Cardboard

This is a cardboard castle made by Ann Wood. I love the little birds she creates... how can you not? Those cake toppers! Such sweet little details.

TasteSpotting

How disappointing to find this note!

The Elephant in the Room

As far as Eames design goes, I've always been partial to the LCW. Until, that is, I saw this baby. Available here, big and mini.

Felt

These flowers adorn my Christmas stocking which I made last December. I'll have to make more for a pillow or something of the like, they're fun to sew.

Paris, Je T'aime

Short stories about love from each of the 20 arrondissements... I especially enjoyed the short at Oscar Wilde's grave. Click here for the website.

It's Armani

I read this Look Book profile of Bobby Vita a few years ago and it's been cracking me up ever since. Bobby... always quotable and good for a laugh. I love browsing through the street fashion of the other profiles too. There's even a book.

My Pup

This is Iso, our little Yorkie. She's my first dog, and like most pet owners, I'm crazy about her. My photographer husband Karl named her after film speed. On the right is an oil portrait that I painted for Karl's birthday last May.

Funny Face

I just bought this poster from the movie Funny Face and framed it in glossy white.

Like so many, I'm a big Audrey Hepburn fan. There are so many great books on her style and grace, but my favorite is Audrey Hepburn, an Elegant Spirit, written by her son Sean. The book includes a moving speech she gave to the UN as a Unicef Goodwill Ambassador. Proceeds from the book go to the Audrey Hepburn Children's Fund.