here comes the...

New issue of Martha Stewart Weddings!! I know, I know, I am not engaged, but whenever I see that new issue on newsstands, I can't help but buy it. Being a designer, the articles are filled with beautiful colour palettes, clean design, beautiful stationery ideas and just overall inspiration! I've collected every issue for as long as I can remember. Isn't it every girl's dream anyhow? These bouquets are just my style: simple and clean. I also love the pop of green! 

www.marthastewartweddings.com

style by spade

This kelly green book caught my eye in the bookshop and I just had to pick it up! (and buy it) Kate Spade has done it again. Inside she has paired cute illustrations with style tips & tricks and it's adorable! This is definitely going on the coffee table in my apartment. 

She also has two other books that match this one called: OCCASIONS and MANNERS. Look for them at a bookshop near you!

Note: The illustrations are by Virginia Johnson, another fantastic designer.

virginiajohnson.com

spring flowers

I am loving Diane von Furstenberg's look book for spring '09. The sheer florals are beautiful! I will definitely be on the lookout myself for a piece like this for spring. 

dvf.com

dreaming of better days

Now that the holidays are over and the new year begun, I can't help but dream a little about sunnier days, days where you can slip on some flip flops, shorts and kickin' sunglasses. Here are some shots from an amazing photographer I know, Stacey Haines. She can capture the beauty in any setting!

staceyhaines.com

it's that time

HAPPY NEW YEAR! 

I know I am a few days late in saying so, but I took the time out to enjoy the holiday with some close friends & family. Hope you all had a rockin' new years! It is now that we make the resolutions to lose weight and save money and do the things we say we are going to. I don't usually make resolutions, because by the time february hits, I already broke them! A lot can change in one year, and a lot did for me in 2008. I sometimes wish I could pause everything around me, make time stop for a minute to catch my breath and truly have a chance to soak in everything that is going on around me. Though I know this is not possible, it reminds me to not sweat the small stuff, take chances on new ideas and to express myself  through my own creativity each and every day. Cheers to 2009, may it be a good one!

today's favourite colour Pantone 411c

Yesterday it rained. Today it rained. This is the colour that is surrounding me. Mixes of greys and browns, specks of dirt, dead leaves that were once nestled under the fluffy white snow, the snow that is now dirty and melting. I guess it leaves a new slate for snow to cover again soon! Winter is not over...

moment of beauty

{Audrey Hepburn - by Leo Fuchs circa 1958}

the morning after...

Now there is a little time to breathe. As much as I love Christmas, I love the day after too! The presents have been opened, and now it's time to enjoy them. I love watching the dvd's I got, and starting to read all the books. I skip the madness that would be the mall today and just savour the season. I know, I've been saying it alot, but think about how busy you are all year, leading up to this holiday! Enjoy how ever many days you have off, get back to work refreshed and ready to start a new year...

thoughts of sugarplums...

It is the night before, the night before Christmas and the snow is falling! With Christmas shopping finally done, and the baking beginning, I want to wish you happy holidays! May you make new memories this year, filled with laughter, yummy food and lots of family & friends! And as I celebrate with my family, How the Grinch stole Christmas, yummy gingerbread men and hot cocoa spiked with Bailey's, you will all be in my thoughts. Cheers to a new year! 

"And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so? It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled 'til his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more..." – Dr. Seuss 

bows of holly & wrapping paper

Well it's the last weekend until Christmas! This means the malls will be wall to wall people, everyone hustling and bustling and all in a frenzy! I beg of you to take a minute to enjoy the spirit of the holidays, grab a hot cup of cocoa before you head into your first store of the weekend, sit down for a break and rest your feet. Here are some samples of sweet wrappings to inspire you after you've finished all your perfect purchases. Joyeux Noel!

marthastewart.com

hand me down

The passing down of traditions between families, tribes or cultures has been going on for years. For most people the thought of tradition perhaps will make them shudder. Stuffy ideas passed down through generations, binding ideas that would make you want to run in the other direction? What about traditions that evolve over time? Taking a simple idea and transforming it into your own! That's my idea of tradition, based on one idea and allowing it to grow into something fantastic! This spread in Domino Sept. 2006 took the idea of tradition to a new level. I am in love with muted tones and pops of colour throughout the spreads. The furniture and architecture has that essence of timeless tradition, but bringing in more modern and outstanding pieces to make it your own. Classic!

bah humbug...

I can't believe it's almost a week 'til Christmas! Yet, I still am not in the spirit. Something feels different this year and I just can't put my finger on it. I should be all festive and cheery, trimming the tree and baking cookies. At least I finished my Christmas cards today, maybe that will put me on the right track to cheer? This little reindeer certainly made me smile today and I think I'm on the right track. Next stop: shop til I drop!

urbanoutfitters.com