Happy Friday: Stars and Balloons

I'm sooo glad it's Friday, and I have today, Saturday, and Sunday off from work to boot!

After nearly a decade I once again visited a favorite childhood spot, the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles, last weekend. It was amazing, thanks to the architects, designers, astronomy experts, and donors who made the renovations possible. Imagine my delight when I saw this engagement photo session on The Wedding Chicks. The images were taken by photographer Adrienne Gunde.


There's no rain in the forecast for this weekend, so I'm looking forward to spending some time outdoors. I wish you all a vendredi heureux (happy Friday)!

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Petite Shop: Paper Tales

Craft supply stores don't usually provide decorating inspiration. Paper Tales, with its vintage/ shabby chic aesthetic, is the exception. Owner Michelle White says that what sets her San Diego- based shop is that "it’s more of a boutique for paper crafters." It's definitely a place where I could spend hours, if only to admire the various vignettes.






{ Images via San Diego Examiner, Elle's Studio, creative chaos}

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Lundi Love: The Spotted Sparrow

If you grew up in the 1980s and listened to new wave music, then prepare to be nostalgic with The Spotted Sparrow's Valentine's Day cards. I first spotted (pun intended) the paper goods on the blog Paper Crave. I think the combination of 1980s lyrics with Victorian images is pretty rad; what about you? :)

Inspired by U2

Inspired by Chris De Burgh

Inspired by Thomas Dolby

Julia of The Spotted Sparrow also has other vintage- inspired cards in her shop, so please check it out.

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On Tragedy and Hope

Bonjour, mes amies! I hope that this post will not be too much of a downer. I know that many of us are doing everything we can to assist the earthquake victims in Haiti. I am awed, inspired, and encouraged by how the blogging world has especially come together in the aftermath of this disaster.


I just found out today from Melissa of The Inspired Room that the proprietor of a shop I've featured on this blog has experienced a tragedy of her own: the loss of her husband. I don't know Gina Drennon, the owner of Feather Your Nest, personally. Having been an online customer of her shop, however, makes me feel like I'm connected to her somehow. Gina must now close her shop doors and search for a full- time job. If you are able, kindly visit her shop by clicking on the image and help Gina clean out her inventory. All merchandise are discounted 25%.


Melissa also had a wonderful suggestion: go to Gina's blog and leave her an encouraging message. I know that fellow bloggers will gather around to offer their support. Thank you so much!

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Le Inspiration en Rose

I find pink hues to be captivating as of late. Perhaps it is a response to the unusual (albeit welcomed) rain storm we had today in San Diego.

vignettes via Ada & Darcy

pink necklace by Stella & Dot

the cherry blossom girl

Pink boxes at Bottega Louie

justjenn

Some of my favorites: tea, the Eiffel Tower...
Concrete & Honey

In my opinion, Leslie at A Creative Mint creates some of the best color schemes out there

{ Psst! Did you see that she was featured in this month's issue of Better Homes & Gardens? Go Leslie! }


cannelle et vanille


Mad Baker

Mmm... macarons! I've even made a fan out of my husband; thinking about making these either for Valentine's Day or for our wedding anniversary. :)

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Lundi Love: Max Attenborough

I hope you all had better weekend than I did. I feel like I've been punched in the stomach after my football américain team lost in the NFL playoffs. Boo!

So I'd like to begin lundi (Monday in French) with some lovely images from photographer Max Attenborough.

via Selina Lake

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Petite Budget: Tracy Reese Bedding

I am a fan of designer Tracy Reese, especially when it comes to her coats and dresses. Her bedding line is equally stunning, and now we have chance to purchase from her collection at wallet- friendly prices.

"Almost Famous" sheet set, queen, $40 at BeddingStyle

(photo from Overstock)

"Grass Paisley", $50 at Dillard's

"Spice Market" queen sheet set, $50 at Dillard's

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Petite Project: Library Cards

When I reflect on my childhood, I realize that there were things from the good ol' days that I took for granted. Remember the wooden card catalogs at the library, pre- digital age? Who knew that one day I would desire to own one in my home as an adult? I'm still praying to score this now -vintage piece!

card catalog-turned-table, via Crafster

card catalog- a great storage for art and sewing supplies

bitsandbobbins

If you like the old card catalogs and vintage books, then I think you will enjoy this DIY project from Ez of Creature Comforts.



The tutorial includes printable templates for a library card, a card pocket, and a mini note. This project is fun to use in various ways, from gift-giving to weddings. Refer to this link for the full instructions and the templates. In addition, there are fonts you can download for free that would be perfect for this project:

Mailart Rubberstamp

Traveling Typewriter

Merci beaucoup to Creature Comforts, Fontspace, and dafont !

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Petite Home in Denver

I just stumbled upon this 900- square foot condo in Denver that I think is modern, fresh, and airy. The home belongs to designer Beth Armijo, and she shares some of her tips for designing and personalizing her space on a budget.




Stick to one color palette. For her condo, Beth used a favorite color combination of mine: green, brown, magenta, orange, and white


Put those old magazines to use! Beth bought some 1920s New Yorker magazines for $1.50 each, and framed their covers to create a wall of art.

The designer maximized this nook by converting
it as her desk/ workspace

Rather than purchasing big -ticket items like furniture, Beth gave the once- brown 1970s pedestal table a fresh coat of white lacquer. The big mirror "visually widens the narrow space by reflecting the windows," according to the homeowner.

Note that the color palette from the rest of the home continues into the bedroom


The lamps are vintage, but Beth customized the shades
{ I like to use stencils, rubber stamps, fabrics in a favorite pattern}



This paisley wallpaper does not overwhelm the small bathroom,
thanks to its soft gray blue hue

Be sure to also check out Beth's work on her website.

{Photos and tips via Better Homes and Gardens }

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Friday Find

Hooray for Friday! I don't have to work this weekend, so I'm looking forward to spending some quality time with my hubby, as well as a few hours of pure girliness with some femmes for afternoon tea.

I leave you with today's find ($31), courtesy of Tar-jey. I've been meaning to replace some of our utilitarian bath mats; this might just fit the bill.

Have a wonderful and restful weekend!

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