Cookies, Cream & Costa Rica

If you couldn’t guess by the title, I’m leaving today for Costa Rica (!!!) I’m so excited to escape into paradise and explore the jungle. 

On an unrelated note, these treats look absolutely delicious. Cookies and Cream on a stick?! Yes.

These two images couldn’t compliment eachother more. The contrast of creamy white and rich, dark colors is perfect. I love the simple hardware of this kitchen, the subway tiles, and the crisp clean cabinetry. 

I don’t think they have Oreos in Costa Rica, but that’s probably a good thing. I’m going to stick to plantains.

Minty May.

Hey, you. Mint haters. You have to admit - this bowl of bonbons is pretty freakin cute, and pretty darn appealing. 

I. love. mint chip ice cream. Especially since the weather has been so lovely and perfect for it! These little bonbons (in such a pretty bowl, I might add) are a great accent to this dainty room. I love the vintage feel, and rustic-like simplicity. And what a cool ceiling.

This pair feels so fresh - perfect for a “fresh start” to the summer. (I use these words a lot on the blog, guess there’s a common theme here). But times are a’changing, I can feel it you guys. Good thing ice cream will always be here. 

Shedding the Mask

What’s up America, I’m back from Europe. I already miss one of my favorite people in the world, my brother. I also miss the delicious fondue, pain au chocolat, and old architecture. As I’ve gotten older, it’s really become more about escape - I love being able to start fresh.

Coming back from a trip also means coming back to the routine…which is why an office space seems so fitting. This Parsons desk is my dream desk, and that lamp is rockin. The oriental rug and neutral pouf add just enough pop for the space, and the traditional chair brings out the cool, eclectic vibe.

Since the weather has been so amazing lately, ice cream is a perfect pairing - Angel Food Strawberry ice cream…hell ya. Hints of pink, rich neutrals with texture, and the refreshing white.

While on my trip, I fell in love with this awesome book, Gift from the Sea. This excerpt seems so fitting and keeps me in vacation mode…it reminds me that I don’t want to loose myself and savor life. “The most exhausting thing in life, I have discovered, is being insincere. That is why so much of social life is exhausting; one is wearing a mask. I have shed my mask.” 

Don’t get caught up people, eat some ice cream.

http://www.abeautifulmess.com/2013/04/strawberries-angel-food-ice-cream.html

Open Heart, Open Mind

I was lucky enough to have had a window seat in my bedroom growing up. Let’s be honest…I kinda hit the jackpot in the cool room department. Thanks Dad for being an architect and hooking me up with a pretty awesome floor plan. Because of this, I have a grown appreciation for natural daylight and big windows.

This space is so cozy, and is a perfect balance of neutrals and color. I love the industrial table, thin vs. thick stripes, pendant lamp, and pop of peonies. Paired with this nook are Blackberry Pie Bars…ummmm ya. Both are sweet but with rich, deep colors. 

I had a great conversation with some friends this weekend about how easy it is to get caught up in stress or the daily routine…but it’s so important to appreciate the beauty in life, and have an open heart. I’m traveling to Europe for a couple weeks (!), and thought this phrase was a great start to the trip…If you wish to travel far and fast, travel light. Take off all your envies, jealousies, unforgiveness, selfishness and fears.

Au revoir for now! (I’m going to embarrass myself in France)

http://www.annies-eats.com/2013/04/05/blackberry-pie-bars/

When life gives you lemons…

make pancakes. Although the traditional phrase applies too.

I’m trying to maintain a more “glass half-full” kinda attitude these days, making the best out of what may not be the best (if you catch my drift).

This kitchen is so lovely - great marble countertops, white cabinetry, contrasting dark floors, and small yellow accents. Lemon Ricotta Pancakes are a great match to this space. Go make some lemonade people.

http://www.sugarandcharmblog.com/search?q=lemon&x=0&y=0

Breakfast & Breaking the norm.

I took a trip with some girlfriends this weekend, and had such an amazing time. I was able to clear my head and really appreciate my surroundings. I miss it, and this kitchen makes me feel like I’m back at the cabin eating a yummy breakfast.

Pops of color, hints of floral, a cozy window seat and touch of elegance with the chandelier create this cute space. I’m pairing it with Lemon Brioche French Toast…both have pops of yellow and a fun sweetness.

I found a great quote from a book I’m currently reading (this is a rarity…me reading), and it fits with this whole weekend. “Between the ages of twenty and forty we are engaged in the process of discovering who we are, which involves learning the difference between accidental limitations which it is our duty to outgrow and the necessary limitations of our nature beyond which we cannot trespass with impunity.” –W. H. Auden

Everyone has their own timeline, their own paths of self-discovery. Enjoy the now and eat brioche.

http://www.thekitchn.com/mothers-day-dish-lemon-brioche-146008

Striped Straws

#120-something on my bucket list: to be invited to a really hip party with a donut bar…if it doesn’t happen, I’ll just throw one myself.

Growing up, donut holes were the go-to breakfast treat for me and my brother. How can you go wrong? Plus, they’re so cute :) 

A coffee and donut milkshake is the perfect combo for this lovely kitchen. I love the simple hardware, wooden countertops and floors, vintage fridge, and striped rug.

Waking up to this kitchen and brewing a warm cup of coffee would be pretty great. In this case, we’re turning our coffee into dessert and throwing in a donut…woops.

http://www.howsweeteats.com/2012/10/coffee-and-donuts-milkshake/

“Boys who buy flowers get Cake”…

…was written on a sign outside of a shop during my summer visit to Maine. I thought it was the cutest, and serves as inspiration for this lovely bedroom/cake pair.

I love florals, but only in small doses. This bedroom looks like such a great personal escape - with those big windows, rich curtains, upholstered headboard, and girly touches.

The perfect compliment to this space is a Dark Chocolate Chiffon Cake with Rosewater frosting…wow. Perfect balance of rich colors and touch of girly sweetness.

I hope that boy buys you flowers, JUST so he can eat this delicious cake.

http://sweetapolita.com/2011/06/dark-chocolate-chiffon-cake-with-fluffy-rosewater-frosting/ 

White Christmas

I’ve been thinking about my New Year resolutions, and I can tell you that a dessert diet is definitely not included. What I do want to work on (other than not being so m.i.a from this blog!) is to let things go and enjoy the present. I couldn’t sum it up better than this:

“Do not chase people. Be you and do your own thing and work hard. The right people who belong in your life will come to you, and stay.”

And what better to celebrate the holiday than with great people and yummy food, including this cinnamon roll. I feel like I’ve posted a similar photo, but I couldn’t resist. It pairs so well with this lovely bathroom space - the simple tile and vintage mirror create such a welcoming sanctuary. 

I’m hopeful for a better year, and wish you all a lovely holiday season!

xo 

Oh, Fall.

…my favorite season. Time for pumpkins, yummy spices, warm colors, bright leaves, pie making, way-too-early christmas music, etc., etc.  I wish it was fall all year-round!

I love this urban patio - it feels isolated yet welcoming at the same time.  The floor cut-outs and great mixture of materials (slate, wood, glass) are fantastic. I’m pairing this lovely patio with Pumpkin Chai Donuts from Forgiving Martha, obviously. Pumpkin and Chai are a great combo. They would make beautiful babies together.