Lobster (Chair) Love

As I signed into Rue La La today, just like I do everyday, I was expecting to fall in love with some piece of clothing, probably a dress, and certainly didn't think I'd find anything to obsess over in the 'home decor' category...and that's when my world was turned upside down by these beauts:

They are beautiful but expensive (even on sale). I'm thinking that if you have an armchair you're tired of, or find one on the cheap somewhere else, grab up a couple yards of the fabric below from On Board Fabrics, attempt a DIY (or find a an upholstery shop), you'll have a pretty new chair! 

double lobster coral

brittle star navy

yacht club navy

soleil stripe 

With Freedom...

With freedom, books, flowers, and the moon,

who could not be happy?

-Oscar Wilde

images: Souls Like the Wheels, Modern Hepburn, Luxury Monograms, unknown, Release Yo Self

Recipe: Mini Cherry Cheesecakes

Last night a few friends (and fellow True Blood fans) came over for a Season 4 Premier viewing party. I had grand schemes of serving beignets as an ode to the Louisiana locale where the show takes place but was told that reheated beignets would be a failure. I had promised guests dessert, and dessert I would deliver...in the form of mini cherry cheesecakes! 

1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese
1/2 c. sugar
1 egg
2 tsp. lemon juice
1/2 tsp. vanilla
8 mini cheesecake crusts
Canned cherry pie filling

Beat cream cheese, sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla until creamy and without lumps. Spoon equal amount into cheesecake crusts. Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 15 minutes. When cool, top with cherries and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Oysters and Anchors

This inspiration shoot over at one of my favorite blogs, Style Me Pretty, is romantic and rugged at the same time. But what I'm most interested in are the food offerings: the combination of oysters, anchors, and pearls just may be my dream come true. 

all images via Style Me Pretty

Cape Cod Bound!

I'm off to Cape Cod for the weekend to celebrate a best friend's last few weeks of single status! I'm hoping to see tons of beautiful hydrangeas, cute shake shingle houses with white picket fences, and sandy coasts with chilly water.

images: personal, Note to Self

Vignette > Instagram

I downloaded a new app to my Droid called 'Vignette' and I've been shutter-happy ever since!

effect: yearbook

effect: dreamy

effect: bleach bypass

effect: swap red/green

effect: sepia

Same photo with different post-production filters using 'Vignette'

*ps, search for 'vignette demo', its a free version but still with a bunch of effects*

Product Crush: Kim Seybert Seersucker Napkins

A classier (and preppier!) option for your backyard bbq or summer picnic:

Kim Seybert, Seersucker Napkins, Set of 4, $64

From the Weekend

Product Crush: Scout's Honor 'East Coast' Print

This print will immediately put you in the mood for a fun summer weekend; 

it's so bright & peppy and will, without fail, have you singing Beach Boys all day long!

find it here, by Scout's Honor Co., $25

Come Sail Away

If I had it my way....

I'd sleep here...

and hang out here!

images: Sailor Taylor, Should be a Southerner

Product Crush: Proenza Schouler PS1 Medium

in action

Proenza Schouler, PS1 Medium, Columbian Mochilla

How beautiful is this Proenza bag?? The color immediately caught my eye. 

You can find it here, and I can find it in my dreams. 

images, 1: Sweet and Low Show, 2: Barney's

When nothing is sure...

"When nothing is sure, anything is possible." -Margaret Drabble

image via Kathryn Grady via Jamie Skolnik

Hang On!

Next time you're throwing a party why not try clearing up some table space (more room for that great food!) and hang your centerpiece from the ceiling, the rafters, or a big umbrella? 

hanging paper flowers

pom poms

origami lanterns

hanging floral centerpiece

mini glass lanterns

tulle poms

all images via Martha Stewart

Girl Crush: Caitlin McGauley

Caitlin McGauley of Lonny Mag just launched her new website showcasing her whimsical watercolors, new projects, and an online shop. To say I've got a crush is an understatement; I can't tell you how many times I've Googled "where to buy mcgauley", but now I know just where to go! 

i'm imagining this in a full walk-in closet/dressing room,  necklaces, $75

just a snippet of her talents

images via Caitlin McGauley  

Stunning

hydrangeas spilling over

lit by candlelight

And because I'm a sucker for place settings that are both beautiful and proper, here's a quick diagram to keep you on point. 

images via Caplan Miller Events (1,2) and Mrs. Lillien (3)

Well Hello Smarty Pants!

image: Where is the Cool? via Note to Self

Good Hair

You had me at 'nautical'. Honestly, how cute is this hair style? Great after a day at the beach when your hair is just a little crunchy and wavy from all that sea salt.

image via My Heartistry

The world is a book...

“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” – St. Augustine

Product Crush: Bates Crates

I've been searching high and low for some sort of storage for my bike and while I have come across a lot of cute options (including my friend's wicker bike basket that pairs perfectly with her monogrammed fender), nothing has jumped out at me...until now. These Bates Crates are classic and, even better, made in the USA!

a latte fits perfectly in there

certainly an upgrade from a milk crate

images from Bates Crates, originally seen on Creature Comforts Blog