Friday, April 29, 2011

The weekend is here!

So, tell me — did you wake up early to watch the Royal Couple say 'I do'? What a gorgeous affair! I got up early with friends at 5 a.m. We sipped tea (and coffee), ate scones, and toasted Wills and Kate from afar with some early morning champagne. You'll have to excuse my excitement over the whole thing. Since I was little, my mom has been talking about the day Diana wed Charles and how incredible it was when the whole world watched. I didn't want to miss out on a piece of history so big!

Anyways, what do you have planned for the weekend? Matt and I are hoping to check out the World's Largest Dinosaur Exhibit at the American Museum of Natural History. Such fun! Here, to get your weekend started right, a few happy posts from around the web:

It's only a matter of words.

The inflatable iceberg!

An homage to the Beastie Boys.

A Columbus couple says 'I do'.

The cutting board.

A silly lamp

Daydreaming...

Home inspiration

Candy favors

Then and now. 

(Image via The Huffington Post and New York)

Thursday, April 28, 2011

The night before the big day

I'm curious — will you wake up early to watch? :) Download the official wedding program here.

(Images via People)

Mother's Day a la Kate Spade

Mother's Day is right around the corner! Score points by planning ahead with these adorable e-cards from Kate Spade. Choose from three different designs, write your note and click send. Each card has it's own style and a sweet message that mom will love. Besides, with Mother's Day wishes this colorful, how can you go wrong?

PS - Check out Kate Spade's Mother's Day Gift Guide.

(Via Kate Spade)

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

A world tour for kids

What gorgeous prints from Sarah Jane Studios! This talented artist is developing a series of prints — one for every month this year — each designed to capture a childhood moment in 12 of the world's most beloved cities. The first four are pictured above. Out of London, Paris, Tokyo and Amsterdam, which one is your favorite so far? I love Emily's idea to frame the whole collection on a child's bedroom wall. What a perfect way to guarantee sweet (and worldly) dreams! 

(Images via Wide Open Spaces)

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

If dogs could talk...

What do you think they would say? In the trailer for Beginners, a new film starring Ewan McGregor and Christopher Plummer, the dog (pictured above) silently weighs in on all matters of the heart. With eyes that adoring and big, wouldn't you trust his advice? :) As a whole, I think this film looks incredible. A story about relationships and love, Beginners opens in theaters this June. Check out the trailer and tell me — will you watch this film?

(Via IMDB)

Monday, April 25, 2011

Chalkboard notes

There's something so inviting about a chalkboard in the home. I love that it's a guaranteed spot to jot down handwritten notes, to-do lists, and colorful doodles while you're on the phone. My roommate and I use the chalkboard outside our kitchen to write down recipe notes, and track how many trips we make to the gym each week. There's nothing like a public guilt trip on a chalkboard to whip you into shape! But truly, there's something sweet and artistic about soon-to-be erased words. It would be cool to keep a photo record of what is written there each week! What do you think – would you hang a chalkboard in your home? 

(Images via Plush Palate)

Friday, April 22, 2011

The weekend is here!

Happy weekend dear readers! And happy Easter too. I'm excited to celebrate the holiday with my family in Connecticut. It will be a nice city escape — with lots of delicious home cooking too! My mom is even attempting to make a version of Prince William and Kate Middleton's wedding cake to get in the spirit of their special day next week. Should be lots of fun! What do you have planned for the weekend? Here, to get it started right, a few happy posts from around the web: 

Color your kitchen!

The biggest pencils you'll ever see.

Why Air New Zealand rocks. 

That's How!

I'll wear what you're wearing.

Take your cue from the Zenguin Master.

A royal tote.

Take a time out.

More bangles for your buck.

Because this mug's a classic.

A gorgeous home (and a room with a view).

The cutest nerd boyfriend ever.

I spy: yellow.

Please bring back the sunshine. (I want to wear sunglasses!)

(DIY Papier Maché Easter Eggs via Not Martha)

Thursday, April 21, 2011

You are greater than cupcakes

What a sweet note to share! And it certainly does say a lot. To put in writing that you love someone more than a cupcake? That has to be the highest form of praise you can get!

(Postcard by 4four via Etsy)

Something fishy

I'm totally digging these ocean-inspired pillows from West Elm's new summer collection. Designed by Cuban-born artist and textile designer Lourdes Sanchez, each pillow gives off a cozy, beachy feel — the perfect decorative accent for your summer cottage or outdoor porch. I particularly love the look of the blue whales, but the black zebra fish is pretty cool too. Now, I'm day dreaming about a vacation by the water. I bet you are too! 

(Via West Elm)

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

What to wear in the rain (and the fog)

When the weather decides to act up, there's only one way to fight back: with fashion! I love Atlantic-Pacific's take on how to dress your best for a rainy drizzle or a foggy day. For the rain, the matching coral skirt (from Zara) and Hunter boots are perfect — they add a bright spot that picks up where the sunshine left off. And the fog? The bright lipstick (Make Up Forever Professionals #41) is great, as are the neutral tones of her shoes (Pour la Victoire) and coat (H&M). What about you? How do you dress up on a rainy day?

(Via Atlantic-Pacific) 

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Bridesmaids v. The Hangover 2

Given the choice between Bridesmaids and The Hangover 2, I'm not sure which film I'm more excited to see. One promises cattiness, the other debauchery, but both offer large amounts of pre-summer fun. Better yet, each film is scheduled to be released in May, which means we have less than a month to go before seeing the ladies' rebuttal to the boys' epic trip to Vegas last year. What do you think — which one of these films are you looking forward to most? To help aid your decision, check out the trailers here and here. 

(Images via IMDB)

Monday, April 18, 2011

A stunning (and sustainable) cabin in SF

I can't help but day dream about this modern version of a cabin designed by San Francisco-based architecture firm SB Architects. Located in Mill Valley, California, this custom home is the first LEED for Homes Platinum certified house in Marin County, and one of just a few in the entire state. How gorgeous are the covered decks? And I love the outdoor soaking tub on the master terrace. The vertical design is so unique — what a great place to take in the views of the San Francisco Bay.

(Images via The Pink and Blue Blog)

New York Road Runner

I did it! This weekend, I ran a four-mile race in Central Park to benefit the City Parks Foundation. What an adrenaline rush! As I mentioned Friday, I am a total non-runner so four miles was a huge accomplishment for me. It was such a gorgeous route through the Park — up the East side, beginning at 72nd Street, and down the West side. Even better, after all the rain Saturday night, the sun came out to shine just in time for the 8 a.m. race. Thanks so much to Shalah and Christian for meeting me at the finish line (and for the pretty flowers!). Despite my nerves, the whole experience turned out to be a lot of fun!

Friday, April 15, 2011

The weekend is here!

Happy weekend my dear readers! What do you have planned? I'm pretty excited for a couple of days off. That said, this Sunday I'm running my first ever race in Central Park! It's only four miles, but for a non-runner like me, this is a big personal test. Any words of inspiration? Please send them my way! As you kick off the weekend, enjoy a few happy posts from around the web:

A peek inside Alexis Bittar's home (and a latex moon!).

For Beginners only.

Always remember to think pink.

The sweetest book!

Everything's better with polka dots.

Fly from San Francisco to Paris, in just two minutes.

Bathing beauties

Brain freeze.

A view from the balcony.

Wear color (and the pants!).

DIY polaroid magnets.

A trip to Pattaya? Yes please!

Boys, bring back the bow tie.

Vive le stripes!

Take a cat nap. 

(Photo of Dustin Hoffman and Anne Byrne with their daughter via Everyday I Show)

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Royal romance

The Royal Wedding goes Gaga in this clever video from St. Andrews' The Other Guys. This definitely takes a cappella to a whole new level. Love the creativity!

For other posts about the Royal Wedding, click here and here.

(Via YouTube)

Addicted to spuds

More than dessert, I have a weakness for potatoes. There's something about all that salty, starchy goodness that I just can't resist. That's why I love the Spud Bar concept, shown in the delicious photos above. The idea came as the centerpiece for a bachelor party in Northern California, but consider the possibilities. Sporting events, summer holiday feasts — there's no limit to the universal appeal of this tasty treat! What do you think — would you stock a potato bar? 

(Images via Somewhere Splendid)

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Modern city art

I'm in love with artist Heather Galler's gorgeous city art. She has such a unique style and ability to make each place come alive on the canvas. Every piece is so colorful and vibrant — she easily captures the energy and spirit of the cities she chooses to represent. Above, from top to bottom, find San Francisco, New York, Venice and New Orleans. I love Venice and San Francisco the most — probably because of the water! What about you — which city is your favorite? 

(Via Etsy)

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

'The Imperfectionists' by Tom Rachman

I'm curious — what book are you reading right now? I'm almost to the end of Tom Rachman's The Imperfectionists, and think it's quite possibly one of the best books I've ever read. A first-time novelist, Rachman writes what appear to be a series of short stories, all set within the newspaper industry during its rise and fall. But read only a few chapters in and you'll realize the crux of Rachman's genius — each character is somehow intertwined with the next, all coming together to form various members of a newsroom staff that's as fascinating as it is flawed. Anyways, the book is great — in fact, it's so good that Brad Pitt already optioned the rights to make it into a film. Okay, so now you're up: what book do you recommend?

Monday, April 11, 2011

Interview with Aerin Lauder

For the April issue of New York Resident, I had the chance to speak with Aerin Lauder — granddaughter of Estée — about the brand's new spring line, and what she loves most about summer in New York. In addition, check out June Jacobs' homage to Central Park. Her three in one lip treatment, called A Kiss in the Park, is the perfect mini-facial for your lips. Read about both of these things in the April issue of New York Resident, available now!

(Via New York Resident)

Casting 'Gatsby'

To cast or not to cast Ben Affleck as Tom Buchanan — that seems to be the question on Baz Luhrmann's mind. The director's adaptation of The Great Gatsby is scheduled to begin filming later this year, and Affleck is currently in the lead to score the part. The role was originally played by Bruce Dern in the 1976 version of the film, and although that means pretty tough shoes to fill, I think Affleck would do alright by the part. What do you think — should he be cast as Tom? If it doesn't go to Ben, who should get the part?

(Via Vulture; Images via IMDB)

Friday, April 8, 2011

The weekend is here!

Happy weekend dear readers! Friday is always the loveliest day. :) What do you have planned for the weekend? I'm excited to catch a performance by Overboard, a Boston-based all-male cappella group that has a show in New York tonight. Going forward, I'll be featuring monthly interviews with different a cappella groups, and Overboard will be the first! Stay tuned for more details in the next couple of weeks — and if you know of a group that is worth checking out, definitely let me know. 

On a separate note, today is my best friend's one-year wedding anniversary so I wanted to post the pic above from her and her husband's special day last year. It's amazing how quickly a year goes by! Here, to get your weekend started right, a few happy posts from around the web:

More snail mail please!

Because I love ping-pong.

Say 'I do' to Kate Spade.

A gorgeous coat for spring.

Color the world!

Fashion inspiration. And a collection I adore.

I've said it before, but I'll say it again: don't miss this film!

An artistic approach to candles.

The perfect bag for the gym.

J'adore Liza.

What a cute hat!

The next Woody Allen film I can't wait to see.

(Image via Tim Boyles Photography)

Thursday, April 7, 2011

If I could eat lunch in Paris...

I'd definitely dine here! The place is called La Petite Cuisine a Paris, which directly translated means The Little Paris Kitchen. Owned and operated by trained pastry chef Rachel Khoo out of her own home, this cozy idea for a restaurant came to be when Rachel needed a place to test recipes for an upcoming book. The subject? Modernizing traditional French recipes, of course, the perfect subject for someone with such a unique culinary approach. 

It's not easy to score a reservation for lunch in Rachel's kitchen, but if you do, expect a tasty and intimate meal. Her apartment is just 226 square feet in size, allowing enough room for three people at the table, including the chef herself! This is definitely a dining experience I'd love to try. Would you enjoy a meal like this? Have you ever eaten at a restaurant this size?

 (Images via T Magazine and La Petite Cuisine a Paris)