Weekly Adorations - 10.11.13

Happy Friday, friends!

It's been a bit chilly here in Southern California these past few days, it even rained! Now it's back to a comfortable high 60s / low 70s. What are your plans for the weekend? Mine will consist of doing an overhaul organizing of the bedroom (it never really was organized to begin with when we originally moved in). So I'm happy to finally have time to get that out of the way. A good fall cleaning prepares me more for the upcoming holidays too, which are fast approaching!

Dachshund Notes, Anthropologie // Puppy Bowls, Anthropologie

Peplum Top, Ruche // Blue & White Cups, Amara

Black & White Ring, Ruche // Whale Pillow, Etsy // Meadow Posts, Anthropologie

Side Tables, Burke Decor // Owl Pen Cup, Anthropologie // File Folders, Anthropologie

[links here]

Weekly Adorations - 8.9.13

Weekend Breakfast

My favorite meal is most definitely breakfast. I like breakfast in the mornings, for lunch, and for dinner. I could also probably eat some form of eggs any time of the day, every day. Besides lobster, breakfast would be my second choice for food. Usually every weekend, I like to make Aubrey and I a tasty meal. Sometimes I cook eggs, sometimes it's pancakes or French toast, and there's always a cup of fresh fruit (and bacon). Do you love breakfast? What's your favorite dish?

Breakfast sandwiches with homemade roasted potatoes | Egg scram with goat cheese

Cinnamon French toast | Scrambled eggs with sage

Chocolate chip & banana pancakes | Pancakes with homemade blackberry sauce

Weekly Adorations - 7.26.13

Washi Tape

It's no secret that I have a slight addiction to washi tape. I have a fair share myself, and I'm always dreaming for more. Washi tape, to me, is one of those items that will get you very far, whether you use the tape for crafting, wrapping, card making, or decorating. There will always be a use for it. There are thin tapes, and very wide tapes, and the happy in-between size tapes. Striped, floral, plain, printed, and checkered, whatever design you need, you'll find. My favorite ways to use them are on cards, and for wrapping presents!

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Weekly Adorations - 7.19.13

Finding the Right Shelves

Trying to find shelves that are just right for our needs and that fit our apartment layout and our design wishes has proven to be a very difficult task. We know we want white, and we knew we didn't want basic bookcases. Since our theme is modern/nautical, we thought leaning shelves would best suit the look we craved, as well as being practical for our belongings.

We roamed Room & Board multiple times, and it was when I saw this setup, that I knew these were the shelves for our apartment. Our living area is wider, so we'd be able to fit the shelves behind the couch perfectly, without it interfering with walkthrough space, and we'll have a better viewing of the television. It will also be nice to not have wasted wall space there, since there isn't really anywhere else in the room we could put shelves.

 

I love the stainless steel with white we saw at the store, but I think for us, we'll go with the all white. I just want them to disappear into the wall. It'll make the room feel larger that way, and I don't really like the look of bookcases (unless they're built-ins, or look like built-ins). We also like these ones that The Container Store has.

Weekly Adorations - 6.28.13

California

Since yesterday was my living in LA anniversary, I thought I would share some of my favorite prints of the lovely state!

California by Mick Bailey

Los Angeles City Poster by Conception Studios

Los Angeles Illustration by little low studio

I Love You California 

This one made me giggle... Genuine Los Angeles Smog!

Weekly Adorations - 6.14.13

Father's Day

This Sunday is Father's Day, and I could possibly be bias, but I think I have the best dad in the world (yes, the world). His name is Jim (well, Daddy to me), and he's kind of silly, extremely odd, and one of the kindest people I know. From as young as I can remember, he taught me the importance of being nice to my mum, learning how to read maps, and being an expert with travelling. He also taught me to stay young, have fun, and live life to its fullest.

He always organized the best vacations for the three of us every summer, he makes the yummiest baked stuffed lobster, he always drove me to school (and let me steal his peanut butter crackers from his truck), he helped me with my spelling homework, and he gives really fantastic hugs. He's also an extraordinary builder and built me a fort when I was little. Oh, and he lets mum and I have dessert for dinner. One last thing, he loves my mum unconditionally, and I couldn't ask for a better role model.

Even though he's currently 3,000+ miles away, he's close in my heart and I couldn't possibly love him any more than I already do. Thank you dad, for always being there for mum and I, and being a Super Hero of a dad.

Images: Dad in Maine with Squirrel | Dad in his early 20s (before I existed)

Dad with mum and Penny | My fort dad built

Dad dancing with mum (image via Solare Photography)

Weekly Adorations - 5.31.13

Summer Entertaining

One of my favorite things about Pinterest is finding all sorts of wonderful ideas for entertaining. Especially during the summer. If I'm going to entertain, I want it to be a spectacular experience for my guests. Presentation is key, and the way you display your food and beverages expresses your style and who you are. It also defines your creative side. Below, I found some beautiful examples of a few ways to serve some foods and drinks.

Strawberries are one of my very favorite fruits, so serving a strawberry bruschetta would be ideal for any party I were to host. I also love the idea of mini salads, cups of fruit, and of course, a s'mores pie! For drinks, lemonade is always necessary, as well as pretty bottles for your guests to drink out of. Always serve water, but put some fruits/herbs in ice cubes to add a little flavor, and keep it chilled (they will also make the water look pretty).

{credits: foods | drinks}

Weekly Adorations - 5.24.13

Camping

I love camping, and now that it's Memorial Day weekend, that means camping season! So even though I'm not home, or exploring the woods of Maine, I'll pretend I'm sitting by a fire eating s'mores with my parents or swimming in a lake.

Have a great, and happy weekend, whether you're travelling somewhere or staying home!

[credits]

Weekly Adorations - 5.17.13

Desk Set

I have a silly obsession with office supplies. From pretty tapes, colorful notebooks, to witty letter holders, I love office supplies. My favorites are the whimsical items I find from Anthropologie, and I love every supply Delfonics makes. Their notebooks and mechanical pencils especially. I rarely purchase items from big retail supply stores such as Staples and Office Depot, as I've always preferred brands that show more creativity in their objects. It may be more expensive, but the quality is better, and you'll enjoy working your desk a lot more.

Weekly Adorations - 5.10.13

Postmodern + Nautical

We all know I'm obsessed with a nautical theme, but I also love postmodern furniture and decor. While I have a soft spot for anchors, I also drool over a beautiful piece of Eames furniture. I don't want to go all nautical, or all postmodern in our apartment decorating, so I'm looking for ways where I can combine the two without it looking disorganized or misfitting.

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The color palette is the most important. I'll be sticking with light tones, navy, and whites. That way, while the furniture will be more postmodern, the palette will suit my nautical love.

Weekly Adorations - 4.5.13

Simple Organizing Tricks

When you live in a small space, it's imperative to find simple organizing solutions to maximize your space. I'm over the moon excited to be going from a studio to a one bedroom apartment, but it's still important to me that I keep it clutter free. It's a double win when you find inexpensive methods by using objects you might already have.

One of my favorite DIY projects is up-cycling soup and vegetable cans into containers suitable for the little miscellaneous items you have lying around (that never seem to find a home). I prefer using larger flour pots, or planters for large kitchen utensils. They look nicer and keep your countertop from looking cluttered. Use a spaghetti jar for your baking cups, and a large glass jar or tall vase for paper. I also like the idea of having a basket that's easily accessible for any craft project you're currently working on.

April Showers

Happy April! April has always been one of my favorite months. Growing up in Massachusetts, April usually meant the springtime flowers and warmer weather would be arriving. It also rains a lot there. If you know me, you know how much I adore the rain (hence, why Singin' in the Rain is my favorite film). One will most likely find me with my Hunter Wellies on, jumping and splashing in puddles (yes, I still do that as an adult).

Although it doesn't rain very much here in southern California, I can promise that when it does, I try to make sure I'm outside enjoying it!

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Weekly Adorations - 3.29.13

Easter

It's Easter weekend, and although I'm not religious, it was a holiday that was always celebrated with family. Mum, dad and I would always color lots of eggs, usually we always used the Paas brand. Nana would take me shopping for a new dress (usually always pink, with lots of lace). We would always join together for a big lamb roast dinner.

Of course, we always had egg and basket hunts. I've always loved receiving Easter baskets. Both my parents and grandparents would have one for me, along with scattered candy and colored eggs. Even though I'm grown up, mum still sends me a box of goodies every year.

If I were making a basket for a friend, I would definitely add some macaroons, shortbread cookies, a Diptyque Violette Candle, and of course, Cadbury Mini Eggs.

What are your plans for the weekend? I'll be coloring eggs with Aubrey and taking the puppies on a nice hike. I always like to go find the prettiest tulips and lilies, too. They were my Nanas favorite, and even though she isn't with us anymore, I like to fill my home with her memory on this special holiday.

Have a lovely weekend!

Weekly Adorations - 3.22.13

Anchors Aweigh

I have a slight obsession with anything nautical. I'm not sure why, or how it began, I've just always loved anchors, ships, and the sea. One of my grandfathers was in the Navy, that might have something to do with it. Basically, I love everything navy & white (okay, so I add pops of pink).

Aubz and I have a dream of owning a small sailboat (in lieu of children) in the future. Then I can wear my favorite striped shirts and white shorts with pretty boating shoes. Penelope and Harvey will be good sailors too!

Do you enjoy the nautical theme? Or do you find it too preppy?

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Some of my own nautical items.

Wearable - One Sweater, Three Ways

One sweater, three ways, with varying accessories.

This sweater, I found at Madewell, and it's one of my favorite articles of clothing. One of the reasons I love it so much is due to its ability to go with many items I already own. I can dress it up with a nice skirt, or down with some leggings or shorts. I can pair a variety of shoes and bags with it, as well as jewelry. The palette is also soft, perfect for spring with a hint of pink, yet cozy to keep you warm during those cooler nights!

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The sweater is extra special, the pattern is sewn into the sweater, rather than being just a print, or dyed.

Weekly Adorations - 3.15.13

Quiet

Another Friday here at last! Aubrey is up in the San Jose area on a work related web developer conference thing (he is super excited). That means I get a weekend of Kelly time. Being an only child, I depend heavily on my alone time, and I love those moments when I get to snuggle in bed and read all day, having movies playing in the background, sipping on many pots of tea, and reading a favorite book.

How do you spend your alone time? Do you prefer surrounding yourself with friends, or do you like having those random moments of you time?

Wearable - Think Spring

I'm very happy that it's springtime. I know my east coast friends are probably rolling their eyes at me... "it's not even cold there...", "your winter is like spring!" they'd say. Well. Under 65 degrees is considered cold, and not suitable for shorts or sundresses and skirts (minus tights). Regardless, I'm glad that I can soon bring out the shorts and dresses, and put away the bulky sweaters. As always, I'm quite obsessed with the nautical theme, so stripes, navy, reds, and whites fill my closet.

What outfit(s) are you most excited to wear as the weather gets warmer? Do you prefer shorts, skirts, dresses? Nautical or floral? Bright colors, or muted tones? Here is a selection of my favorite spring styles:

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Weekly Adorations - 3.8.13

An Organized Desk

As I currently reside in a studio apartment, I don't really have a designated office area or desk. Most of my items are scattered about in bins, not the least bit organized. Luckily, Aubz and myself both have MacBooks, so we can place them in the cabinet the TV sits atop of when not in use, but I haven't really been able to get too crafty lately so I look forward to a larger apartment with space just for our office and desk items. The images below capture ideas I have to create an organized space that also won't take up too much room in a living area.

3 Tier Basket | Glass Jars Caddy

Paper Boxes | Wire Letter Holder

If we do decide on purchasing a desk, I would love to have something that can be flush with a wall, non-obtrusive. This wood and metal one from Pottery Barn would be perfect!

Wearable - Farmers Market

Living in sunny Los Angeles, I have the wonderful advantage of Farmers Markets* being open year-round. I'm certainly not going to complain about the plethora of fresh fruits and vegetables available to me. When carousing and weaving your way around the various stands, you want to be comfortable. I like to dress comfy up, so I'd add a pink belt, cute necklace, and pretty shades to my outfit. Also, these moccasins are adorable and oh-so-comfy and would be perfect for a lot of walking around. The straw bag is big enough to hold all your goodies, plus produce bags so you don't have to use plastic, and don't neglect a sweater for the early morning cool air (any temperature below 70 degrees is cold to us).

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*I frequently find myself at the Santa Monica Farmers Market (on Arizona between 4th & Ocean, open Wednesday and Saturday mornings) and The Original Farmers Market (next to The Grove on 3rd & Fairfax, open every day).

Wearable - Mother & Daughter

When it comes to style, my mum and I are extreme opposites. She is a tom boy, happy with jeans and t-shirts, while I'm happiest in skirts and dresses. She always picks neutrals and earth tones while I prefer pops of color. I though I would create an outfit that we would both wear, but make sure the outfits still expressed who we are individually.

(items details via polyvore)

I picked dark jeans (which I do wear on occasion), and a fun tee. For mum, she would prefer a plain, over the shoulder neutral bag, dark boots, and a little friendship bracelet. For me, to make this outfit more girly, I'd pick a pretty pink satchel, floral shoes, and a gold bangle.