Style, books, decor, travel, life…
Between my dogs and this very blissed-out San Francisco sea lion, I have some prime examples of napping done right. Here’s to a weekend full of naps, cheesecake, and R&R.
One of the dearest people in my life has a birthday today (happy birthday to you!), which has me musing about birthdays, and the nature of growing. Growing older. Growing wiser. Growing happier. Growing up? Do we ever really grow up? These days, at least, I feel like I am stretching and growing into the woman I want to be. It is not easy, though, I must admit. Growth and change are never easy or comfortable, but I try to remember that those are the things can move us forward to new places, to new realizations, and even to new joys. Shedding the self-doubts, embracing the imperfections, trying to make a difference in the face of injustice — these are the difficult, but worthy, parts of the journey.
New Year’s Day comes flooded with resolutions, good intentions, and reflections on the old year, but I think birthdays can be much more personal waypoints for introspection and new intentions. There is no external pressure to make a NEW YOU and improve ALL THE THINGS the way there is at New Year’s — just you and your own personal new chapter, a new year of you, and perhaps some loved ones to celebrate with as you turn that page.
I won’t pretend that I am there yet, wherever “there” might be. I’ll keep trying to learn and grow and be as me as I can muster, discomfort and all. But in the meantime, I can surround myself with people I trust, bake an amazing birthday cake, and celebrate another year in the life of someone special.
One of the most decadently delightful cakes I have made is this peanut butter chocolate stunner from Smitten Kitchen. Make it for someone you care about (even yourself!), and enjoy wholeheartedly. Relish that birthday, and the person you are becoming.
I’m so smitten with this Etsy print, Nadadora II by the talented Blanca Gomez. It would pair beautifully with a tinted mirror for an entry, perhaps one of these lovelies below?
So much good art out there, and too little wall space!
This weekend I took a few days off and headed to San Francisco, where I spent one delightful and inspiring afternoon at Heath Ceramics. I wanted to bring everything home! then figured it would be easier to just live in their glorious store! Spoiler: I finally settled for a pair of beautiful items to bring home and some lovely photos to share.
Founded in Sausalito, California, in 1948, Heath Ceramics products are handcrafted by skilled artisans in small runs in the Bay Area. They believe in “making good things for good people—the right way,” which is a philosophy that I love and support 100%.
Wishing you an ice-cream-soda-with-chocolate-sauce kind of holiday weekend. I’m looking forward to some time to relax and recharge a bit, and I hope you get a chance to do the same!
I received the sweetest pair of white sapphire studs as a Valentine’s Day gift, and now I am obsessed with the graphic combo of them paired with my silver bar studs. Subtle due to their size but with a little sparkle, this is a pair (of pairs!) I’ll have on repeat for a while.
On this day of love, I thought I would post an ode to my first love: reading. I have been an avid reader for as long as I can remember, and devouring books was one of my great joys as a child. Here are a few places I’d love to curl up and read, along with the book I’d likely be engrossed in. Enjoy, and happy Valentine’s Day!
From the green velvet chair to the perfect blush paint up the stairwell, I love every bit of this little study nook. The warm wood, gold accents, and mix of greens are perfection. It would be the perfect place to settle in and take notes on The Vanishing Princess.
Jenny Diski explores femininity in quietly subversive ways throughout this collection. Her stories are luminous, dark, and sexy by turns, and by the time you reach the end, you’ll realize she’s turned convention inside-out without you realizing it. You’re through the looking glass, and not at all unhappy to be there. An incredibly thoughtful read.
This moody bedroom is the perfect place to curl up and explore the feminine psyche. Perfectly rumpled linen bedding? Check. Clean white accents? Check. Plants and pottery? Double check. All you need to add is a cup of tea and some poetry by Jeanann Verlee.
Verlee’s work is striking, honest, and beautiful in Said the Manic to the Muse. Each poem is a slice of womanhood in all its complex, labyrinthine power. A volume to ponder.
This eclectic, light-filled room would be the perfect place to linger. The juxtaposition of the sculpture, ceramics, and modern painting is a delight, and the herringbone flooring paired with that beautiful wood cabinet? Be still, my heart! Amidst the slanting sunlight, I’d relax with A Gentleman in Moscow.
Perhaps my favorite book I read last year, Amor Towles’ rich prose delights with every turn of the page, and the cast of characters glows against the backdrop of a Moscow that changes over decades. While I usually read quickly, this was a book I savored.
Happy reading!
Voilà! As a followup to my new desk plans I shared last week, here is a peek at the final result. I am so happy to have a more functional space — and it is much more inspiring, too!
In other news, I am converting back to a laptop after many years with just a desktop, and it is such a game-changer (she realizes sheepishly). Internet browsing in bed! Look, I’m typing in the living room! Sometimes it is the little things.
This Monday I am musing over how grateful I am for my two dogs. They love unconditionally, trustingly… it is so sweet and comforting to have their warm furry presence by my side.
It might sound a bit cliché, but I think if we could all learn more from dogs, the world would be a brighter place.
Even just the amount of naps they take is #goals, but the rest of the list is full of things I want to remember every day. Puppy love, indeed.
Lucky for me, I live in Southern California, so while most of the country is bundled up right now, our “winter” is just cold enough to have me reaching for a jacket in the mornings and evenings. Currently my favorite thing is a bomber jacket to throw on over just about anything. Jeans and sneakers on the weekend, with slacks or a pencil skirt during the week, with a classic tee or a slouchy sweater, the bomber is a versatile piece that can take you through spring and beyond. A few of my favorites:
I have this beautiful Stella McCartney number, and while splurge-y, it is so comfortable and beautiful that I reach for it at least a couple times a week.
This limited edition NASA-themed wool and leather bomber from Coach made my heart flutter the minute I saw it when I was in New York last year. I resisted initially — but it came home with me less than two weeks later. I caved, and have not regretted it for a minute. It’s a slightly warmer option, and has such a great attention to detail. Also I find the “Space Cadet” double-entendre quite amusing!
The color combo on this satin Gap bomber had me at “hello.” Also with their frequent promo codes and the current sale price, it is such a steal! It feels great on and is surprisingly versatile, but if you’re color-averse, it also comes in a very fetching all-black option.
If you’re looking for a warmer option, I love the burgundy velvet on this Andrew Marc bomber from Nordstrom. It has a down and feather fill, but is also still nicely sleek. I’d love to curl up in this one. Or, you know, run errands.
For spring I have my eye on this beautiful vanilla-colored bomber from the Gap. It is water resistant sateen (great if you live someplace rainier than I), and it seems like a great transitional piece. If you’re like me and spill things occasionally, the not-quite-navy blue is also a lovely option.
Happy Friday and happy shopping!
Pink&GreenMusings 