Seeing Green on Word Wednesday

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

I can't hide it any longer. Like many, I'm utterly in love with Pantone's 2013 Color of the Year: Emerald. I love to discover the "it" color for each new year, despite playing it safe and sticking to my usual palette of gray, black, navy and stripes. While it may seem trivial, it's a powerful visual inspiration and literally sets a fresh tone for the year. I've always had a secret soft spot for green (mint and kelly, especially), but a few years ago, I was completely taken with Keira Knightley's emerald gown in Atonement. I haven't been the same since. I'm in deep! Such a rich and vibrant color, it's bold and timeless all at once. Here are a few things I'm loving lately. And wise words to get us through the week!

How do you feel about the Color of the Year? Even if you're not completely loving the sea of green, I'm sure we can agree that Keira's dress was simply perfection. Yes?

Hi, It's Monday

Monday, January 28, 2013

Old Faithful Shop - Farmers Market Recap 
Hope you all had a lovely weekend! I sometimes wish my weekends looked like this. But they don't -- and that's okay. Had a cozy date night catching up on Gordon Ramsay's "Kitchen Nightmares" and National Geographic's stunning gem, "Africa." Spent a good portion cooking, cleaning, and running those pesky, endless errands. Attempted to finally finish my current read, watched a documentary, indulged in a beach walk/bluff hike (nearly slipped in the mud -- long story!), and scored a huge bag full of used books for $2! Used book sales at the library are awesome! You never know what you'll find.

How was your weekend? Too short, I know! Any special plans for the week ahead? Stay cozy wherever you are -- and out of the mud.

image via Breakfast at Zara's

Clippers!

Friday, January 25, 2013


As mentioned previously, I'm quite the sports enthusiast. The Clippers have had an amazing year, so it was only fair of us to make good on our annual game and cheer them on. Plus, Blake Griffin is on my NBA Fantasy League Team. I decide when he plays. What power! Sadly, they lost, but it was a fun and intense game regardless. A nail-biter! Here are a few snaps from our adventure. In November. Eep!

What teams have you been cheering on? The NBA All-Star Game and Super Bowl are only a few weeks away -- brace yourself! Happy weekend! We made it!

Word Wednesday

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

You is Kind, You is Smart, You is Important 
I loved absolutely everything about The Help -- such a powerful book and movie. Like many, this is my favorite quote. What's yours?


Looking Back, Looking Forward

Monday, January 21, 2013

 Pinned Image

Wise words from a wise man. Today is so many things. Looking back, looking forward -- all with hope. Here's to you and your legacy, Martin Luther King, Jr. And to you, President Obama. May we all lead with love. 


Hearts and Stuff

Thursday, January 17, 2013

Even though we're still recovering from the winter holiday blowout, there's yet another holiday in our midst again. And for some, it's the evilest one there is: Valentine's Day. Whether you love it, hate it, remain entirely neutral, are hoping for a shiny thing, or black hearts are more your pace, it's coming. And we only have a mere four weeks to brace and/or prepare for it.

What are your thoughts and feelings regarding Valentine's Day? Are you bracing, prepping, or a complex combination of both?

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 // 9

A Step in the Right Direction

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Friends. The month of January has been unseasonably cold -- for Southern California, anyway. While the rest of the country is amused by our "cold snap," having low-30's everyday at dawn and dusk has been an interesting change of pace, albeit a very layered one. While I didn't think it was possible, our kitties have become even bigger snugglebugs than normal, despite their winter coats making a grand and fluffy debut.  

I went for my first post-holiday, pre-Valentine, 2013 beach run yesterday. Thanks to the cold, I had the beach and subsequent sunset all to myself. It was glorious. Each day, I'm trying to settle more into a routine, an order, a momentum for the new year. I'm feeling great and hope you are too! And, I'm happy to report that we're on Day 14 of our detox/cleanse. With another week to go, I'm proud of our accomplishment and am pleased to find that it wasn't as difficult or daunting as I had previously anticipated. Yay, for already being health nuts.  

Do you like how you've started the new year? Hope you are staying cozy wherever you are. It's cold out there.   

Setting the Tone

Friday, January 11, 2013

You guys. The new year has just begun and I've already made a few of my aspirations a reality! I'm convinced, it's the small things! Cozy dinner party (oven-warmed olives, I'm hooked!), a combined birthday/New Year's Eve celebration, dancing, laughter to the point of shrieking(!), wearing a short, ruffly dress and taking my new lovelies out for a spin! As previously shared, I have a propensity for all things sparkly -- these heels were made for me! Good pick, husband! #feelingfancy 

How have you fared your first few days of 2013? How are you setting a tone? With oven-warmed olives and glittery heels, I hope!  

P.S. The girls didn't get the "blue" memo!

Crush // Studiopatro

Monday, January 7, 2013


 

This dreamy tea towel from Studiopatro is on my wishlist! It beautifully sums up things that inspire me on a daily basis and is a lovely reminder to keep us hungry. For life, knowledge, beauty, and adventure. And maybe cookies, too! Not only charming and thought-provoking, Studiopatro prides itself on sustainability, using 100% natural linen and water-based inks. I'm sold. And have decided my kitchen won't be complete without it. Studiopatro, I'm coming for you.

image via Studiopatro

At Last, 2013!

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

sunday-brunch-7

There's no other way to say it -- 2012 was a CRAZY year! Like the wild, unrelenting, areyouserious, I-demand-a-do-over kind of year. For some, this past year was a dream-filled love-fest of all things good -- but for others, it was meh. Based on similar comments and feedback from family and friends, I take comfort and know that I am not alone. I'm seriously ready to leave 2012 in the dust and start anew in 2013. As always, with a new year comes those pesky resolutions. Many of which are doomed to fail, half-hazardly made, or completely abandoned after January. In an attempt to keep things in perspective, I prefer to think of them as goals, aspirations, or intentions, and try to keep them positive, light, and do-able. Yes, I aim (along with everyone else) to stay committed to my fitness and health regimens, but also have a few other hopes and dreams in mind to keep me inspired, motivated, and ultimately, happy.

//To laugh easily and often. To not be so serious. Write daily -- whether a paragraph or pages. Devour books that feed and inspire my soul -- and not waste time on those that don't. Discover new music that moves me both literally and figuratively. Savor the quiet moments. Be bolder with my style. Try new recipes. Take a photo a day (even if only from my phone). Stretch! Start working on select DIY projects from my ever-growing Pinterest boards. Have more kitchen dance parties. To finally find the perfect shade of red (okay, raspberry!) lipstick. And, oh yeah -- to be fearless.//

What are some of your aspirations for 2013? Do tell. I'm all ears. Plus, I think we hold ourselves more accountable when we share our hopes, dreams and fears(!) with others. Best to you and yours in this new year. I have a feeling great things are in store. And that good things do come to those who wait. Just throwing that in there. For good measure. Because I need it! Cheers!

image via The Berry