Fresh blooms

I know it's only the first day of March, but these floral paintings by artist Lulie Wallace definitely put a little spring in my step! :) I love the vibrant pops of color in every piece. Lulie's work is also a great reminder of a New York tradition I've always wanted to start: picking up fresh flowers every week for my apartment. Wouldn't that be nice? For the weeks I forget/don't have time, one of Lulie's paintings would be the perfect substitution — gorgeous flowers that bloom all year long!

(Images via Lulie Wallace and Note to Self)

The Best Vanilla Cupcakes

Call me crazy, but during my weekend at home, I attempted another baking adventure! The recipe on deck? The Best Vanilla Cupcakes by One Girl Cookies, my favorite bakery in New York. With my mom there to help, we averted culinary disaster like the last time. Our dog Bandit even wanted a taste! :)

I couldn't find a link to the recipe online, but you can buy their cookbook to get it, along with tons of other recipes for delicious, sugary treats.

Framed shopping bags

What do you do with the limited edition (or classic) shopping bags you take home after purchasing something at your favorite stores or boutiques? I always hold onto mine, but this brilliant idea gave me a new and creative way to feature every artful design. After all, most shopping experiences are usually marking an occasion. To me, framing each bag is a lovely reminder of that outfit, that memory, that style.

What do you think? Would you try this design idea at home?

(Image 1, 2 via Style Redux and Pinterest)

Oscars 2012: Best Dressed!

Michelle Williams, Jennifer Lopez, Angelina Jolie, and Emma Stone — my top four for best dressed at the 2012 Academy Awards. Who did you love? Details, please. :)

(Images via The Huffington Post)

The weekend is here!

Happy weekend dear readers! How was your week? I'm traveling for the next couple of days — Massachusetts-bound to catch up with family and friends. I'm hoping for a traffic-free journey back to New York on Sunday so that I don't miss one minute of the Academy Awards! Here, to get your weekend started right, a few happy posts from around the web:

Words to live by, a la George.

DIY confetti tablecloth.

Game night!

Hong Kong by design.

Audra Mae, download now.

Spring fling.

An artistic pause.

Weekend movie plans.

Simple syrup recipes.

Add lemon.

Rainy day color.

(Image via Pinterest)

Downton Abbey

I'm late to the party on this one, but after a 7-episode marathon of season one over the weekend, I'll admit: I'm hooked on Downton Abbey. I know that I'm a full season behind (forgive me!), but I promise, I'll catch up quick. I actually feel lucky that I still have seven full episodes to go. :)

Are you watching Downton Abbey, too? If so, who is your favorite character and what do you think of the show?

Animal art

Ever since Joanna mentioned the Animal Print Shop, I can't stop surfing their site. Every image is too sweet for words. The climbing cubs? The baby raccoon? The basset hound? I can't decide which one I love more. Check out lots of other prints here, and tell me, which animal is a work of art to you?

(Image 1, 2, 3 via The Animal Print Shop)