Blogger's Favorites -- Beth of Hello, Splendor + A Giveaway!

The only thing more fun that "meeting" kindred spirits online in the blogging world is finding out that they also happen to live in the same town as you...

Over the past year, I've had the chance to meet some of these fantastic hometown ladies, including the utterly fantastic Beth of Hello, Splendor, and I have to say, it makes me feel like my town is infinitely cooler because she resides here.

Beth is an all-around awesome chic. She's an interior designer, writer, blogger and jewelry designer...oh and she has a sweet baby boy, Maxton, too (so, clearly she's not a slacker). Further proof of her coolness? In addition to sharing her favorites with us this week, she's offered up a little giveaway to one of my readers -- that kickin' necklace above. See, so nice!

Just leave a comment on this post by next Thursday, August 5th at midnight, and I'll announce a winner on next week's blogger's favorites post.

So without further ado, herewith Beth's favorites. Enjoy and have a splendid weekend.



photos clockwise from top (1,2,3,4,5)

• Being in Love: Being in love and having companionship is, quite simply, the best. I am lucky enough to be in love with, not one, but two men. My husband and son are the two people that make the earth spin for me… It’s hard to remember life without them.
  
• Beetles: I’m a lover of beetles as an icon in fashion and décor. There is something so ancient and symbolic about the scarab. However, the real thing… I can do without those.
  
• Stormy Days: The sound of thunder and rain always puts me at ease. When my husband and I lived in our loft we would just lie in bed and listen to the raindrops on our metal roof. Those are some of my best memories of blissful simplicity.
  
• The Jersey Shore: Living in Philadelphia, I grew up going to Ocean City every weekend in the summers. Now it’s a place that I get to share with my own family. We recently started trekking up to the shore from Texas every year as our family trip and it’s truly my new happy place.
  
• Sparkling Beverages: I love anything sparkling… champagne, sparking sangria, prosecco… I feel so fancy drinking it! And, I’m going to go ahead and slide beer into this category, as well. Not quite as fancy, but I do enjoy a good beer!
  
  
  

photos clockwise from top (6,8,9,10)

• The Blogging Community: I have met so many amazing people since I have begun to blog. Some virtual friends turned real friends have brought new energy into my life! Connecting with people in this different way has added a whole new layer to my life. I have a whole new passion
  
• Personalized Jewelry: I’m not a diamond kind of girl, but I love to have more casual personalized jewelry made. I recently ordered a necklace with my twitter tag @hellosplendor. I also commissioned a ring, by the amazing f. is for frank, with my son’s name Maxton.
  
• An Evening Bath: As a new mom, I love to escape in the bathtub. An evening bubble bath is the one time that I get complete solitude. For me it’s necessary to get away, gather my thoughts, and gain perspective.
  
• Chocolate and Bacon: Is there anything better?? The most delicious bacon and chocolate treat I’ve had so far was actually at my husband’s cousin’s restaurant in LA, called Animal. Their chocolate/bacon creation has even been featured on Food Network’s The Best Thing I Ever Ate. And let me tell you… It was.
  
• Re-Design: As a professional interior designer, I find that I get to exercise creativity more in re-designing furniture and spaces then getting to start from scratch. There is always more of a challenge in creating something new from something old. Plus, it’s nice to give mother earth a little break by reuse.

A Few Random Bits...

First up, like all my other buddies in blogland (i.e. michelle, joanna), I'm completely digging Chance...

That striped dress above is definitely making it on my fall shopping list (post-hiatus of course...actually in the spirit of the hiatus, I'm aiming for a very small fall shopping list this year, think five or so new things, so the fact that this striped dress makes the cut is sayin something).

And I especially love the use of the quote "Simplicity is daring" throughout the Chance site.

Simplicity is daring...

well played Chance.

Next up, Michelle's gorgeous new painting, which (and I am completely humbled and gobsmacked by this) happens to be named, Joslyn.

Totally made my day (month!)

And finally two utterly drool-worthy pools (top via the selby, bottom via remodelista). Man I want a pool in an altogether unhealthy way.

The Summer of Self Improvement -- A Little Detox...

really lovely painted rocks + driftwood via anica (because if I'm not buying anything, I'll most definitely be paining rocks...)

So in an attempt to take my “summer of self-improvement” beyond creative pursuits, I’ve decided to do a little detox of sorts for the month of August. Specifically, I’m going to cut out all sugar, alcohol and non-essential shopping for the next 30 days…

(I’m going with the proclamation up front here, long-winded explanation to follow…just to mix things up a bit. I’m living on the edge friends.)

The mid-year mini spending hiatus has actually been brewing for a while... Back in the spring, I read Colin Beavan’s No Impact Man and was not only in complete awe of how spartan Beavan was willing to go but also incredibly inspired by how much his drastically non-consumer life increased his day-to-day happiness. New shoes notwithstanding, this is something that surfaces for me every time I embark on a spending hiatus of any length – that feeling of contentment that comes when I’m living in a more mindful way, buying only what’s truly necessary for survival. It’s even a little bit of a rush.

But then there’s also some practical motivation behind a late summer shopping freeze -- the unfathomable amount of kid detritus lurking of late in girlies rooms or "the bottomless pits of stuff." Seriously friends, where do all these things come from? It’s like a Mt. Vesuvius of toys and tchotchkes and little plastic bits….totally overwhelming, but also motivating.

So in an attempt to (re)tap into my inner “voluntary simplicity” and help tackle the mounds of…well, crap taking over my house, I’m in hiatus-land for the next 30 days.

And because it’s more fun if you make these things as hard as humanly possible, I’m also doing the no sugar and no alcohol thing for the same period. Yes, it’s possible that I might be a little crazy, but I promise there’s a method to my madness. See if I’m going to do a spending hiatus then I can’t buy any new jeans, and all the ones I currently own are, let’s just say, snug due to a steady summer diet of gelato and margaritas. Makes perfect sense, right?

So here we go -- no sugar, no alcohol, no unnecessary purchases...for the month of August.

I’m not even going to ask if anyone is in with me, I like you guys too much.

Loving...

This fantastic acrylic and suede bib necklace by Otto (makes me want to put hubby to work cutting some pieces of acrylic for me...hmm)

This genius wedding -- and I typically don't get all swoony over weddings (especially really bright, whimsical ones... I'm usually go for the woody, boho/glam numbers), but this one is so lovely and clever and...well, happy.

And her dress. Holy cow that dress.

This beautiful ombre pillow (found via the lovely mrs. french)

Lauren's perfect taupe tank (oh and that signet ring on her pinkie too... love. love. love.)

This suede wrap bracelet from land's end canvas.

As a side note, ever since I went to lunch with my incredibly stylish friend Lauren, who happened to be sporting an armful of bangles, I've been obsessed with piling them on...it's sort of the arm version of a statement necklace. The key (I think) is to mix good stuff with costume stuff and metal (gold and brass for me) with something soft like maybe a friendship bracelet or the suede number above...

Oh and it's only $6.

(and as another side note, I was recently on land's end's site buying some shoes for the girlies {and yes, that bracelet too}, and I used their online help option. It was completely fantastic...man online shopping has come a long way.)

This dreamy vintage painting from Erie Basin (I'm dying to visit Erie Basin in real-life...)

And in what might possibly be the most random inclusion on a "loving" list ever, this ping pong table, which I'm dreaming of putting on our back patio...I have all sorts of visions of sipping gin and tonics and playing table tennis with Bryan to a steady playlist of Vampire Weekend.

Weird I know.

Scenes from The Weekend...

A weekend that starts off with a trip to the museum is a pretty good one in my book.

Audrey went to an art camp at the DMA last week (that she loved and that I was thoroughly jealous of, I'm not ashamed to admit...) so late Friday afternoon we went to see her "student exhibit" and a little performance by her class.

It was pretty great stuff I have to say, but the best part was what happened afterward... Audrey spent an hour eagerly leading us through the museum, with all the confidence of a child just having spent a full week exploring every corner of the space, showing us all her favorite works (complete with color commentary and little art history lessons). We visit the museum quite a bit, but this experience was a game changer for her. All the sudden the museum felt like "her place," she was an insider, "in the know"...

Which is exactly what I was hoping for.

The rest of the weekend was equally great -- we had some new friends (who we are pretty smitten with) over on Saturday for a big Thai spread, did a couple of little house projects (because there's nothing like having new friends over to jump-start a few dormant house projects), got in some swimming and a visit to Bryan's folks on Sunday and capped things off with dinner at lovely cousin Erin and boyfriend Ben's (involving some excellent "Mexican lasagna" that's definitely going into the repertoire).

All-in-all recharged (somewhat) and ready for a new week. Hope your weekend was fantastic.

Millie doing a little dance before our dinner guests arrive. Millie's all about the little happy dance of late...

one of the little projects -- I finally hung the "gallery wall" over the dresser in the guest room (that we've been meaning to do forever...)

Blogger's Favorites -- Alice of Alice Q. Foodie

images via alice q. foodie

It's safe to say I'm pretty smitten with Alice...

I spend a lot of time living vicariously through her food adventures on her must-read blog, Alice Q. Foodie. And on many occasions, midway through reading one of her genius posts about say, how to conquer pie crust or cook perfect bacon (I've tried her method, and it makes some pretty rockin bacon), I've thought it would be awfully fun to have an actual meal with Alice. Because there's really nothing better than eating with someone that loves food as much as you do...

But my fondness for Alice goes beyond meal sharing fantasies, I'm also a little bit in awe of the fantastic Food 4 Kids Backpack Program Fundraiser that she started last year with a friend.

So of course I'm thrilled to have Alice here this week sharing her favorites with us, as they are as lovely (Big Sur!, her nieces!, her garden!) as she is...

Without further ado, herewith Alice's list. Enjoy and have a splendid weekend!

The Zuni Cafe Cookbook - It's no secret that I love to eat and I love to cook, and for me, the Zuni Cafe Cookbook combines these two things in the best possible way. The recipes are specific and refined but not too technical, and the food is simple but flavorful and - almost without fail - makes the most of the ingredients. I have a huge cookbook collection but this is the one I reach for the most when I need inspiration. (I love the restaurant too, not surprisingly!) (photo from Seasonal Chef )

Tiny Cars - I have a fetish for tiny cars - stemming from the day I first spotted one of these BMW Isettas parked on the street in Paris. There was a pair of classic black and white Chanel pumps lying akimbo on the floor, and I thought it was the coolest thing I'd ever seen. I wanted to be the owner of that car when I grew up, and I still do!

Japanese Hot Baths - one of my very favorite things to do is soak in hot water. It's so relaxing and invigorating at the same time. The best places I've found are Esalen in Big Sur, and the 10,000 Waves spa outside of Albequerque New Mexico. (At Esalen, a little old Japanese man and I were the only people sitting in the trough where the water comes directly out of the spring into the cliffside baths.) At home, I make do with my vintage blue bathtub while I dream about one day installing a Japanese style garden and soaking tub in our yard. (photo via Dufarelli)

Croissants - hands down, my biggest weakness is a good croissant. I'm pretty much a sucker for all breakfast pastries, now that I think about it - but the right combination of fluff, crunch and stretch in a plain croissant is just the best.

Handmade Clothes - I have always loved clothes (a vexing combination with food - let me tell you!) and I always fantasized about being a fashion designer when I was younger. I usually know exactly what I want and need, and I always think it would be so much more fun to make it rather than have to buy it. That being said, I'm no seamstress and have no time for yet another hobby at this point, so I am making do with admiring the handmade fashions on Etsy, especially Emily Ryan - a Portland designer who makes artful jersey dresses, and Nadinoo, who makes ladylike blouses and dresses with Liberty fabrics. (photos from Nadinoo and Emily Ryan.)

Copper Cookware - I have a strange magnetic attraction to high maintenance, impractical things, but since I've learned the hard way that I'm generally too lazy to properly care for them, I haven't let myself buy a set of this cookware yet. I suspect if I ever did get my hands on one, I would look at it far more than I would cook with it. That just might be good enough if I had a peg wall - a la Julia Child - to display it on.
(photo via Smithsonian Magazine)

Big Sur - A few years ago, my husband James and I downscaled plans to travel to Spain, and drove up the coast to Big Sur instead. Though I still want to go to Spain, I can't say I'm sorry we made the change. It's one of the most beautiful places on earth and has a fantastic feel and energy to it. There's little to buy and not much to do - except relax among the redwoods, hike, eat, and take in the breathtaking views. We stayed at Deetjen's for 2 nights, a nice compromise between the luxury of the resorts and the campgrounds/cabins. We were also lucky enough to reserve a one night "retreat" stay at Esalen - the new agey campus there with natural hot springs that have been turned into the most amazing cliffside baths - see above.

The Delano - So often, places that are supposed to be super cool don't quite live up to the hype. This hotel in Miami Beach is the rare exception. I've never see anything quite like the lobby - which flows from a veranda through a long high-ceilinged lobby with huge pillars - out to a concrete patio and wide set of stairs leading to a giant lawn, then to the pool and beach. It's a non-stop promenade with amazing people-watching and great whimsical, grandiose style. I would love to recreate those Alice in Wonderland light fixtures and furniture on the lawn in my own back yard. (photo via The Delano Hotel)

Having a Garden - We started a garden at our house last fall, and I knew I would like it, but I wasn't prepared for how much I absolutely love harvesting ingredients & preparing them fresh. We've had particularly good luck with lettuces, tomatoes, eggplants, sage, artichokes, strawberries, chard, carrots and fennel, and not so good luck with some other things - but that's just the way it goes I guess. I've learned a lot, and it's motivated me to try some new recipes for jam and pickles to use up the bounty!

Hog Island Oyster Co. at the Ferry Building in San Francisco - When we go to San Francisco to eat and visit friends (which I probably shouldn't say in that order!) our first order of business is almost always a stop at Hog Island Oyster Co. at the Ferry Building. We love to split a dozen oysters and their amazing grilled cheese sandwich with house made pickles, and wash it down with a bottle of champagne. It's supremely casual yet incredibly decadent, and I just love everything about it - from the rough wood tables and views of the Bay to the Heath ceramic dishes and impeccable service.

Ice Cream - I love everything about ice cream - making it, eating it, serving it, choosing flavors - it's just so much fun. Last summer I made this Doughnut ice cream for my nieces and my friends' kids, and it was a huge hit. (I know this because one of my nieces was still talking about it last weekend!) I also make a mean vanilla, strawberry, mint chip, and salted caramel - and a killer chocolate gelato made with cornstarch and milk instead of cream. True story.

My nieces - we don't have kids ourselves - and while I absolutely love my life with my husband, I really love it when my two gorgeous, funny and incredibly bright nieces come to stay with us. Emma is 7 and a complete girly girl, while Caelan is 10 and more independent. Their personalities are so very different, and yet they're absolute best friends. I love watching (and listening to) them play, run, skip, jump and enjoy life with abandon. We get to spoil them since they're just visiting (and they're already fantastically well behaved) which makes it that much more fun!

An Outfit (Deconstructed) ... Date Night Edition

For the big date night with hubby last Friday, I pulled a Jenna Lyons and planned my outfit around my shoes...(Albeit I didn't let the girlies pick them out, but still.)

In fact I was so smitten with the shoes that the rest of the get-up was honestly a bit of an afterthought...

I ended up wearing a black dress that I scored on Gilt that had big fluttery sleeves, which gave it a sort of Studio 54/70's vibe. I felt between the sleeves and the shoes there was a lot happening, so I just added on a simple necklace and bracelet...

Pretty low-key and comfortable overall, but still a little festive. Which is really the best possible combination, no?

The Details:

• Dress -- Love Sam (scored on Gilt)
• Shoes -- Pollini (on sale from 4510 and similar to these and these)
• Necklace (same one that I broke and then knotted up from last week) -- Martin + Osa
• Bracelets -- F is for Frank bangle
• Clutch -- Marc by Marc Jacobs

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The Summer of Self Improvement -- Batik Class Edition

a scene from the utterly fantastic bows and arrows...

Last week I meet up with my buddy Christine for a batik class at Bows and Arrows... It was the second class in my ongoing quest for creative self-improvement (last month it was flowers), and I have to say, it did not disappoint.

As always, the space and the collaboration with the other "students" was hugely inspiring -- it's amazing how something as simple as trying a new thing with a group of equally excited people can be so transformative.

For a few days after the class I walked around sporting purple ink stained hands, which actually served as a sort of reminder of how far these little adventures take me out of my everyday existence (which mainly consists of sitting in front of the computer...sad). I was reminded every time I glanced down at my grubby hands how rewarding it is to create and get messy and stretch beyond my comfort zone.

Fantastic.

So now I'm officially addicted to "printing" fabric. I've always loved tie dye and batik (it speaks to my hippie leanings), but I'd never used fabric dye before, so I was a bit intimidated. Now that I have the basics under my belt, I've been combing through books and websites for inspiration and have a few fun projects up my sleeve...I'll keep you posted.

my fabric...

the finished product...