daydreaming

Do you ever have songs stuck in your head? Sure you do, right. I am terrible with music, picking a song or even a cd, knowing what artist is playing on the radio. Heck, the only radio I listen to these days is the Sunday morning classical. (It is pretty inspiring, admit it.) Yet for some reason I tend to always wish that other people could hear the soundtrack of my life, I always seem to feel, just like in the movies that music follows me wherever I go and usually matches my mood, sometimes like a premonition it gets dark before I even know what's coming. The best soundtracks come when I am daydreaming and right now, I think I've found the band to match my doey-eyed stare out the window on a long sunny afternoon mood. She & Him. I first came across their music in this adorable music video.

I LOVE her hop at the end! What song matches the mood you are in right now?

suit up

It's that season again, the dreaded swimsuit season. You know I love to swim, so much so that if my desk was in a pool, I would be in heaven! Yet, for some reason I loathe swimsuit shopping; trying on one after the other, watching your self-esteem ride a roller coaster. Last year though, I hit a gold mine and found a marvelous one-piece. That's my first one-piece since I was a little girl. Now, I went back to the one-piece for several reasons; I get a bit blotchy in the sun, as in I am slightly allergic. I know a true Oregonian at heart, right? I also wanted to go for a little vintage flare in the cut and be able to wear it with skirts. And I'll be honest and not pretend there was a slight cowardice in me that wasn't quite ready to bare it all in a bikini again.

After I saw this suit, though, it has me thinking — dare I try a bikini? This one from J.Crew is part playful polka dot, part vintage cool. What about you - what is your go-to suit? A one-piece or two?

**Post update: I finally ordered this suit. It arrived today and it is darling!!! The navy and polka dots are perfect!**

letterpress on the cheap?

Say what? Well, it's not exactly letterpress. But the effect is pretty amazing. Check out this new tutorial over on Pugly Pixel. It gives a pretty neato tutorial on how to do a screencast and imitate the lovely texture of letterpress. I just might give it a try.

I have to admit, though, last week I was caught day dreaming on eBay. Someday I WILL have a good ole' Chandler & Price to call my very own. They also have this new kit at your local Paper Source. Told you' I've been working really hard lately!

yikes that's bright!

I've been sketching wildly all weekend long (again). I was inspired by my hi-viz belt from j.crew. That's neon yellow-green for non-motorbike riders. I love wearing it. Isn't it funny that I see an awesome bright belt and think "wow, that would be a perfect colour for my business cards?" Ha! I am in LOVE with neons and neutrals. And they are everywhere. Clothes, paper goods, even pillows and home decor!

recent etsy obsession: circles

Say what? Yep, circles, in art, rugs, round pottery, patterns, little tiny circle dots on cards, you name it — circles have been filling up my favourites! Now that I am thinking about it, i think I have some form of polka dots in every room in my house... Do you have many circles, dots or rounds in your house? Or are you more linear?

Circle dot mailing stickers

Overlapping circles hand towels

Half circle mid-century lamp

Molecular dots

Circling planets passport cover

Natural glazed round bowls

Circular captain's mirror

Round moon card

Dots in a circle felt rug

Dotting cruet set

Gold circle necklace

Round ikat pillow

Recently purchased round art print

summertime reading

As summertime begins, I usually settle into a theme for my summertime reading. And recently I've been addicted to a certain monarchy genre. Happily, I just stumbled upon the new-to-me website, What should I read next? You type in a book you like, and it gives you recommendations of similar books. It provides ounces of inspiration... If only I had a title not related to the British monarchy to start with. What is on your summer reading list? Anything, I would like?

dreamy

This is my dream bedroom! I've only just come across this image. And each time a glance at it I find something else I LOVE! The mixing of pattern, soft, yet deep tones. Wood and a bit of natural elements. Even the architecture and who would've guessed I would like the cream coloured walls? What do you think? Really? Do you have an inspiration image for your dream bedroom? I would really like to see it!

nom nom nom

Yummm... cupcakes. Just look at these. Some funny, fancy, others are just crying out to be devoured! Find more like these here, recipes generally included as well.

chocolate sundae cupcakes

thin mint cheese cupcakes

root beer float with malted frosting

white chocolate daffodils

chocolate banana chip cupcakes

chocolate peanut butter delight

self-explanitory, dark chocolate darth vader cupcakes

What do you think? They all look pretty delicious! If I had my choice I would try the thin mint cheesecake cupcakes. What about you? Find any unusual cupcakes ideas?

A day at the races.

In true My Fair Lady style, it was Ladies Day at the Royal Ascot and although the weather was a disappointment for some, the hats were a smash — literally!

Crowds have gathered for a day of racing, cheering, picking their odds, relaxing and even picnicking.

But the highlight by far — the hats!

pirates, puritans and soldiers

Wouldn't it be great to be descended from all these folks? What an incredible family. It is remarkably well done you can even see the family resemblances. I wish I had family like this. Guess i have to look some of them up and see... This one is by Norman Rockwell, if you can't tell by the characteristic rosy cheeks. What about you, does anyone have pirates, puritans, native americans, soldiers and genteel rich folks in your family tree? I love it! No pirates in my family — that I know of, anyway!

royal wedding video...

Kind of... Have you seen this? Isn't it hilarious? I just came across it and although we are a bit passed the royal wedding fever. I wanted to share. It's actually a phone commercial. Got me thinking about some of my favourite commercials... I will have to look a few up on youtube! Enjoy your Monday!

Etsy Craft Party Meet-up!

What a rad idea?! I think I read about the 2010 event last year. But it's all about getting talented and crafty people together from your own town on June 18. Does anyone who lives nearby want to get together and get crafty? We can all meet at a cute cafe, wearing red sweaters, with a carnation in a copy of Pride and Prejudice? (haha!) No really, I am interested in a get-together. Name the place and time — I will be there! Let's get crafty!

Here are a few links about how to organize a real meet-up.

From Etsy. From Meetup.com. How-to organize.

let's hear it for letterpress!

Letterpress from Naomie Ross on Vimeo.

Backpacks

Did I mention before that I have been walking to and from work? Well, I am and it feels fabulous. But I am realizing that not having a great backpack makes the walk a bit trickier. For one I have a single arm messenger style bag. Not good and the old backpacks I have are more of the hiking variety. Way too big for just going to work. I mean my lunch isn't that huge! So, I am thinking about getting a new one. How about one of these below?

The coolest Kanken Fjallraven backpacks.

The Bronwyn Hobo from J. Crew.

The Railway Rucksack from Madewell.

The Lane Lines bag from Anthropologie.

Deux Lux flapover satchel from Urban Outfitters.

But then I get to thinking I have always had a practical bag, never a girly "purse" bag. And when I saw this one, I thought it was a perfect mix of girly and practical, right? Or am I just looking for an excuse to get 2 bags instead of one?

Can you believe it's a Valentino? Guess I dream big!