joie de vivre-- a cheerful enjoyment of life & an exultation of spirit.

Monday, August 29, 2011

Perfection.

It's only been 2 days, but I'm already thinking this gorgeous San Francisco weather was just what the doctor ordered. After an endless summer of hot humidity, I can't even tell you how refreshing it's been to walk outside and actually have to bundle my scarf a little closer. Oh, sweet bliss!

Photo, here.

Also, I stumbled across the following outfit and couldn't help but laugh when I realized that I've been wearing some version of it, almost to a tee, since getting out here.


Photo, here.


I'm telling you, nothing beats the comfort of my Toms, an oversized sweater, and a Pashmina scarf. God bless Fall-- now time to start the countdown until I can whip out my leather boots!

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Happy Weekend.

Whew- we made it, friends. The weekend has officially begun. And thank goodness, too.

I was hoping that this week would prove to be a bit slower for me, but as it always seems to, life certainly had other plans in store these past few days. With my apartment fully boarded up and my windows taped and towel-lined in preparation for Hurricane Irene's arrival, I've zipped the final things into my suitcase and am ready to head out West for the week. Given how insane the city became today with all the unexpected evacuations and closings, I can't tell you how lucky I feel to have an actual ticket out of the mayhem. (Fingers crossed that airports stay open long enough for me to board and settle into a comfortable cruising altitude.)

I'm not sure where you are or what your plans are for the weekend, but I'd like to wish you and yours a wonderful, wonderful weekend. And for those of you who are stuck awaiting Irene's impending arrival: please, please stay safe. I'll be sure to keep you East Coasters in mind while I enjoy the cool weather and warm sunshine from California's coast. ;-)

xoxo


Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Inspiration.



If there's one thing that these past few weeks have taught me, it's that you can never be certain what's around the bend. I've learned that life is about taking each day in stride. It's about having plans, but adapting to change. It's about finding a path that feels right, but not being afraid of opportunities that unexpectedly arrive. It's about taking risks and trying new things. It's about rising to the challenge, even when it terrifies you. It's about learning that failure only makes success taste that much sweeter. It's about living in the moment and not wishing a single minute away. It's about being determined and proud while remaining humble. It's about being confident and remaining strong enough in your convictions to not back down when put under pressure. It's about always knowing your voice and not being afraid to use it. And it's about understanding the lesson embedded in each day.

Delicious ambiguity. I love that.

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Travel.

I'm back!

Photo, here

My life has been all sorts of a roller coaster ride recently and with work trips keeping me constantly on the go, I've unfortunately had very little "me time" as of late. But I've found myself with a few days back in New York to soak up every bit of being home and am excited to take some time to show this blog a little love before my next big adventure (on Saturday- whew)!

Be back soon with more to share!

Monday, August 15, 2011

Elliott Erwitt.

I can't even tell you how much I love black & white photography. And oh my goodness, these are absolutely incredible.










There's just something so incredibly captivating and inspiring about Elliot Erwitt's photos; I can't get enough.

See more, here.

Breakfast.

If only my morning breakfasts looked half as good as these. Mmm.





Happy Monday, everyone! Here's to another week.

Saturday, August 13, 2011

Welcome Home.


... to my beautiful, well-travelled, and thoroughly cultured sister who has spent the better portion of her summer studying abroad in Greece!! It's been a long 2 months, sis, can't wait to see you and give you a great big hug. Welcome home! xoxo

Friday, August 12, 2011

TGIF.

Happy Friday, dear friends!

Photo, here.

Here's what I'm looking forward to this weekend:

- My first official weekend exploring my new neighborhood and discovering the local flavors and cultures that are flourishing right outside my doorstep.

- Finally having a chance to catch up with a good friend tonight for dinner; and goodness, it's about time! We've only been living in the same city for a whole week- sheesh! Sarah's a true New Yorker, through and through, and I'm so very grateful that she's willing to do the somewhat unthinkable and leave her hip, buzzing, concrete Manhattan jungle in order to come visit me in the outer borough of Brooklyn. Gasp! Oh the sacrifices of friendship. :)
P.S. I'm making it a personal mission of mine to see how fast I can convince her that Brooklyn is fantastically charming and wonderful in it's own special way. I'm feeling pretty confident on this one.

- And most importantly... I'm so incredibly excited to have one of my very, very dear friends in town to keep me company this weekend!! Judy, and her wonderful roommate Caroline (another tried and true musketeer in our group of friends), lived across the hall from me my first year at UVa. In fact, Judy was the very first person I met upon arriving in dorms and despite my sweaty and exhausted demeanor, having just lugged an exorbitant amount of belongings up 4 flights of stairs, she strode right on over and warmly introduced herself. It was only a matter of seconds into our first conversation before I was sure that she and I would be friends for many, many years to come.

It was only through a very twisted turn of events that we both ended up living so close considering that I was originally set to be in Washington, D.C. and for a time, it looked like she would be calling New Orleans home. But, fate had another plan for us both and I'm just so glad that she's only a quick 35 minute train ride away in Connecticut!

Judy is such a wonderfully quick-witted, sarcastic, hysterically funny, deeply caring, and genuinely fantastic person to have around and I cannot wait until she gets here! I have no doubt that this weekend will be filled with spontaneous adventures, lots of good food & indulgent beverages, and belly-aches from hours of laughing.

Wishing you and yours a wonderful weekend as well!

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Aqua.

Just loving the pop that the aqua brings to these super cute ensembles! Such a great summer color.







Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Wish List.

Stumbled across this fantastic British company the other day and have been drooling over their dishes ever since. I just love how this bake set bundles the perfect amount of rustic British charm into one adorable little package.

You can bet this set is going on my Christmas wish-list this year (hint hint).








Check out their wares here: Falcon Enamelware

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

A Special Gift.




This spoon has been in my family for generations. And after receiving it from my grandmother many, many years ago, my mother thoughtfully bestowed this beautiful heirloom to me yesterday before giving me one final hug goodbye and wishing me luck.

That moment is one that I will never forget.

While my moving up here may be the start of a new chapter in my life, it's also a meaningful return back to some of my deepest ancestral roots. Both sides of my family have a long, rich history in and around the 5 boroughs and I love knowing that I'm only continuing the legacy of a tradition that has served to influence and shape me in ways that I can't even imagine.

P.S. Totally love the old school font printed on that gorgeous Tiffany blue pouch.

Monday, August 8, 2011

Thankful.

This weekend was a whirlwind of mass proportions.

There were times when we all looked at each other, shook our heads, and silently concurred that there was no hope (... I'm sorry, what do you mean we unloaded the truck in front of the wrong elevator?), but by some miracle I managed to come out the other side settled into my wonderful, new apartment and with an even deeper appreciation for the wonderful family that has helped me get here. 

This list could go on for decades, as it rightfully should, but after this weekend, there are a few things in particular that I'm more thankful for than ever:
- A close-knit family that knows that even in the face of blood, sweat, and tears, a little comic relief is just the ticket to keep the momentum moving forward.
- Parents who have always, without fail, listened to and supported my dreams; who have believed in my ability to succeed every step of the way; who have celebrated with me in times of triumph and shown me  how to be better and stronger when improvement was needed; and who have selflessly bent over backwards time and time again so that I can have the opportunity to write my own destiny.
- Grandparents who are a living testament to the existence of true love more than anyone I know and who, after more than 50 years together, without a doubt grow to love each other more and more with every day that passes.
- A family of individuals who willingly chose to give their whole weekend so that I am able to start this new and exciting chapter of my life feeling comfortable and settled and prepared.

I feel so blessed.

Only one day into this new chapter, I can't even begin to know or understand where I'm headed, but all I can say is that from where I'm sitting, I can't wait to see what's around the bend. 

Here's to the journey.

Photo, here.

Friday, August 5, 2011

Moving Day.

Brooklyn, here I come!



Ooooh, I just can't wait to get back up to New York and feel the pulse of the city again. God, how I've missed it.

More to come later this weekend once the craziness has subsided and I'm starting to get settled in. Signing off for now and wishing you and yours a wonderful, wonderful weekend!

Thursday, August 4, 2011

Crazy Stupid Love.

Ladies & gents, guess what?! Another glorious weekend is just around the corner- hooray!

If you haven't already found a million fun little adventures to busy yourself with, my advice? Grab some friends, a tub of popcorn (or a box of buncha crunch if you know what's good), and settle into your local theater to watch this hunky hottie rock it alongside Steve Carell in Crazy Stupid Love.


Besides having the perfect excuse to stare at this gorgeous face for over an hour and a half, I'm ready to bet you'll actually enjoy the movie too. Witty, humorous, sarcastic, and creative- I just loved it from start to finish. And hey, if all else fails, just hold out for the "Dirty Dancing" scene and I promise, Ryan will absolutely blow you away. Catch my drift?




P.S. Ryan? Yup, I'm pretty sure I'm Crazy Stupid (in) Love... with you.

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

EmersonMade.

I have been in love with EmersonMade for the absolute longest time. The simple lines, the classic cuts, the feminine details. There just isn't a single thing that I don't love about these beautiful pieces.

I just can't get enough.











And then there's Emerson, the (beauty) and brains behind the whole operation. Isn't she just fantastic?




This past year, I finally bit the bullet and treated myself to my first EmersonMade purchase. My eye had been on these beautiful flower pins for months and just couldn't resist any longer. I'm in love. And don't even get me started on the beautiful keepsake box that they came in.






Check out EmersonMade, here.

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Adorable.

Just a fun find I wanted to pass along.



Absolutely precious.

Monday, August 1, 2011

Oi.

Hello dear readers. It has been a terribly busy couple of days for me. Between work and travel and this upcoming move that I'm hoping is actually going to happen this weekend (cross your fingers for no more freak leaks and collapsed ceilings), and the other curveballs that life has already thrown my way this week, I'm not really sure where time has gone.

I don't know about you, but I'm just about ready to collapse into this bed and sleep till noon. The lack of clutter and simple, clean lines of this bedroom are just calling my name right about now.

Image, here.

Here's to Tuesday.