HAPPY EASTER!

Happy (almost) Easter! Do you have any fun plans this weekend, whether you celebrate Easter or not? I am heading home to hang out with my family, eat way too much delicious food, and generally enjoy some nice spring weather.But you know what else I will be up to this weekend? Crafting, of course! Here are a couple of fun Easter-themed projects you might like to do too . . . 
Bunny ears headband for kids

Polka dot easter eggs

Felt bunny finger puppets

Spring centerpiece of paper flowers

Conversation bunny centerpiece

Bunny dinner rolls

Paper cup Easter baskets

Happy Easter and Happy Spring!

DAYDREAMING OF SUNSHINE AND BEACHES

Remember me? I am not sure how it happened but it's been a week since I have posted! What?! I spent the whole thing in a crazy work haze staying up all hours preparing for a lecture I gave at a symposium on Friday. Luckily the presentation went off without a hitch and I was able to spend the weekend contentedly relaxing with family and friends. I am finally feeling back to normal today and ready to rejoin the blogosphere!But you know what I am not ready to do? Succumb to the dreary rainy weather here today. Instead, I will be daydreaming about the gorgeous sunsets I witnessed (and photographed) on my trip to Hawaii two weeks ago (above). Sigh. Is it beach weather yet?
p.s. These photos aren't edited at all! The sky is really just that beautiful in Oahu!

PRETTY IN PINK: SPRING WISHLIST

Where did last week go?! I feel like I blinked and Monday magically transformed into Saturday. Do you ever feel that way? It's frustrating!

Anywho, this week I am vowing to get back on track and that starts with keeping things up to date on here. And you know what I am inspired by this week? Spring! I don't know about where you are, but New York City is finally start to hint at warmer weather to come. This weekend was even almost balmy! That gets me excited about sunshiney outfits and surrounding myself with bright, cheery colors again. Apparently the hot color this season is pink and though everyone is talking about pastels I am more drawn to products in bold colors like magenta and fuchsia. I discovered this photo of a gorgeous bouquet (top) and knew I had to use it as an inspiration for a fresh, playful palette.

Without further ado, here are some of my top picks as we step into spring . . . 

one | usb charging cables, $4.99

two | lacoste luzerne sandals, $75

three | kate spade boardwalk stroll chandelier earring, $78

four | big baggu bag in electric poppy, $12

five | poppin orange medium softcover notebook, $9

six | jcrew petite kami dress in classic faille, $200

Now bring on the sunshine and sandals!

FROM THE ARCHIVES: SPRING FLOWERS

You know what one of my most dreaded parts of spring is? Finals. I have to write a 25 page presentation this weekend. You know what one my favorite parts of spring is? Flowers. This weekend I will be combining both in hopes of getting through the writing alive and sane.

Hope you have a great weekend!

THE SOUNDS OF SPRING

Is anyone else ready for this cold weather to be over and spring to really start? I want spring flowers, green lawns, patio brunches, and sunshine. Is that too much to ask?

Until then, please enjoy this beautiful, serene video by street artist Michal Kohút, found via Wooster Collective.

SKY HIGH & SUPER LOW: WARM WEATHER SHOES

Is it just me or are you ready for spring? I have been drooling over the new offerings in stores, especially the summer footwear! Here are some of my favorite picks.

At Aldo (top to bottom, left to right):

IVEANS, $90

CONNALLY, $50

MANI, $50

ALSIDIA, $80 (my favorite!)

At JCrew (top to bottom, left to right):

Studded Top Cap Ballet Flats, $138

Pom Pom Ballet Flats, $198

Rainy Day Bow Ballet Flats, $58

Bowdelaire Ballet Flats, $158

BANANA REPUBLIC SPRING

I am digging the spring dresses on offer at Banana Republic right now. They are making me completely gaga for blue skies, warm weather and strappy sandals. Can't we just fast forward to the end of April? That would be great, thanks.

Check out more of the cute dresses, all around $100, here.

p.s. I am also not big on leggings or tights, but the offerings at Banana Republic look pretty comfy.

p.p.s. Isn't this model super cute?

FROM THE ARCHIVES: SPRING FLOWERS II

I would like, one day, to have a home filled with flowers all year 'round.

That would be nice.

Until that day, I will simply dreaming of spring and peonies . . . 

COLLAGE FOR A SUNNY DAY

A bright, beautiful collage for a bright beautiful day.  Buy it here through the Etsy store brandistrickland.

A BREATH OF FRESH AIR

With spring on its way I thought I would share this beautiful, inspiring photo of prayer flags in the Tibetan breeze over Nam Tso Lake, as photographed by travel photographer Michele Falzone.  Check out the rest of her portfolio here.  Meanwhile, enjoy the Zephyrs of spring!

IT'S THE SIMPLE THINGS

  

This morning several small, but exciting things occurred that made my previously sniffly outlook decidedly more hopeful.  They are as follows:

1. The afternoon turned unexpectedly sunny and warm here in Boston, blowing a fresh breeze through my windows.  Bring on spring!
2. I found out my Adobe Design Suite Software has arrived!  New business cards, website banners and promo cards are soon to come . . . 
3. At Whole Foods I bought a bunch of daffodils (photographed above in a nook in my apartment) and some delicious Peach/Mango/Orange juice.  That means lots of tasty orange/yellow in my living room!
4. Last both not least: I got into the Art History PhD program at the Institute of Fine Arts, NYU!  I am very honored and excited!  

It is amazing how a series of happy little things can turn your outlook around.   I hope today brings you your own smile-worthy events . . .