Holiday Scenes and Blessings

Thanks to Pinterest, I decided to make garlands of my favorite Christmas song lyrics

I mean, why not be merry?

L.L. Bean's Christmas Tree (one year they hung colorful Nalgiene bottles on the tree, I miss that)

In Georgetown, they put bows on their houses!

A refined Christmas in DC's Embassy Row

Christmas bundles all ready to be delivered!

Me decked out for a holiday party downtown!

It's been an incredibly hectic holiday season. But when I stop to reflect, it's all good things. I am very lucky. Lucky for the amazing friends and family in my life. Lucky for my job, my little apartment, and the possibilities that next year will hopefully bring. I am blessed in so many ways. Life is good.

Views from the Apartment

My apartment is what might be called "close to finished," so I thought I would share some snaps. The one above is of my living area. The centerpiece of this space is my red loveseat, which is a perfect mix of classic elegance and pure comfort. I love this sofa - it is the perfect cuddling piece.  Next to the sofa, we have my antique shop find - a green oval side table.  Behind the sofa, I have a black and white screen to separate my "bedroom" from the "living room." The color scheme for my apartment decor has ended up being: reds, blacks, blues, and greens. Quite unintentional, and yet, it works.

 Across from the sofa sits a fabulous chair that I call my "seaweed" chair. Okay, it kind of looks like zebra print, but up close it feels more like seaweed. And on the chair, I sat a pillow I made from cloth with a sea star design (more close ups and the pillow back story in a future post). I also hung my huge framed Renoir painting. The black frame contrasts nicely with the cream walls.

 I found this darling pouf ("mini" ottoman) to fit perfectly in the small space. It works as an ottoman and also a "coffee table" when I put a large art book on top. Eventually, I hope to get a tray to put down when entertaining guests.

 My bedroom is behind the screen with my white iron bed and "bedside table," which is an antique white chair once owned by my great grandmother. And the quilt. My mother MADE me that quilt and gave it to me when she visited a few weeks ago (more on that in a future post). Is the amazing OR WHAT?!? I will always be the luckiest girl just by the fact of having my mother in my life.

 Down the way from my bed is my "dining room," which is quite cluttered in this photo, but I was trying to give you a REAL sense of what it usually looks like!

And finally my kitchen, which I spiced up with a West Side Story movie poster and a vintage apron. I also put a little cherry blossom lamp (not shown) in the corner to cast a cozy light while I cook. I have little splashes of cherry blossoms throughout the apartment, a small homage to Japan as the horrific events of the March 11 earthquake occurred as I was building my life here in DC.  The apartment also includes a full bathroom, walk-in closet, and hall closet - overall, a great, comfy space that certainly suits my needs these days.

Apartment Blooms and Some Passing Thoughts

Purple daisies for the kitchen

Purple daisies in my mini Burleigh pitcher

Tulips and Hyacinths (with some violets to boot!)

Some merry yellow fleurettes

My family is coming for a visit this Easter week and I have made every effort to fill my apartment with fresh flowers. The project has been an absolute delight as spring is my favorite season and spring flowers are so fresh and a welcome sight.

***

I am so excited to have my dear family here this week. They are bringing the remainder of my belongings from Maine - absolutely incredible of them. I am so blessed with this life - cherished family and friends. However, now that I live by myself, I sometimes feel a more acute sense of loneliness as a still single girl. I know there are a myriad of things I could do to change that, but somehow, I feel I lack the will and faith that these things will produce any kind of a genuine connection. Anyways, I am glad my family will be here this week to fill the void a wee bit. 

Wishing you all a joyous week!

Scarf Divine

A pretty package

A scarf divine!

I discovered a tiny, flat package in my mailbox this afternoon. Once in my apartment, I tore off the packaging to find a sweetly wrapped gift - purple tissue and a silk ribbon the color of goldenrod.  A note was written with love by my dear mother.

Unfolding the tissue, I beheld the most beautiful scarf, hand sewn my incredibly talented mother. She is the font of my inspiration - her creativity is boundless. I am so blessed to have her in my life (and I cannot wait to see her and my dad when they visit next week!!)!

This lovely token was just the antidote I needed for this taxing day.

Design Inspiration: Jane Eyre (2011)

The exquisite movie poster for Jane Eyre

I finally made it to the theater to see the latest adaptation of Jane Eyre. Friends, I am much more an Austen girl versus a Brontë girl, but give me a period English film and I am at the theater regardless of my literary preferences.  The day was perfect to see such a film - blustery and moody, dark clouds dispersed with stray lines of sunlight. I felt as though I was traversing an English moor as I crossed the Mall to get to the Landmark Theater in downtown DC.

I think the film did a service to Brontë's novel while casting it in a new, interesting light. Mia Wasikowsa does justice to the role of Jane -- being both reserved and revealing of her inner passions. Michael Fassbender as Rochester...well, let's just say I really enjoyed watching him smolder on screen in this role. Their passion was evident and well-portrayed. And Judy Dench was just adorable as Mrs. Fairfax.

Jane and Mrs. Fairfax looking lovely with their lace fashions

I adored the film's soundtrack by Dario Marianelli, which perfectly captured the mood of the film. The set and costume design were spot on, and I was so inspired by their use of lace -- curtains, dress embellishments. It made me consider how I can use lace in my own apartment in tribute to this fine English tradition. I could not find an image of the scene where Jane looks out a window decorated with the most exquisite lace curtains, but it was in that moment that I found inspiration.

The film also had the most beautiful flowers -- violets, cherry blossoms, and others -- a true tribute to an English spring. A floral influence is a heavy theme for my apartment decoration plan.

Jane and Rochester flirt amongst the blooms

Images found here, here, and here (copyright by Focus Features).

A Weekend That Fairly Sparkled

The Cherry Blossoms bloomed in DC last weekend - a million tiny symbols of hope. For us all. 

A dear friend visiting me in DC and looking lovely amongst the blooms

The day was bright, cold, and full of spring signs. I was so happy for this time.

The Tidal Basin and the Jefferson Memorial fairly sparkled.

Cherry Blossoms embellished the regality of the Library of Congress

My beautiful red loveseat finally appeared, making my apartment infinitely cozier!

Sunday coffee and pastry in Capitol Hill -- two of life's greatest pleasures

Blooms

I took this picture while running around the Tidal Basin last weekend. The Tidal Basin is where the heart of the Cherry Blossom Festival takes place. The fully-budded trees are on the verge of bursting forth in blooms.  The scene - especially with the majestic Jefferson Memorial - is stunning. My favorite place in DC.

Life has moved at a normal clip in the past week, and I have been busy with work, apartment settling, friend visiting, and planning for my upcoming visitors. All such normal, lucky things.

But amidst all this, my heart continues to weigh heavy over the horrific devastation in Japan. I feel so strange to be living while so many have died a world away.  They describe the destruction as "Biblical." The incomprehensibleness of this scares me. Humbles me every day.  Here I am, building my life, while so much life was destroyed.

In a small, simple way, I want to incorporate cherry blossom inspiration into my apartment, as a sort of tribute to the spirit of a nation that has been so wounded. I want my fortune to always be tied to this moment as a reminder and a symbol.

Table Coverings

I am building the decor in my apartment little by little.

With the whole apartment, I want to create a very nature-inspired, garden-like feeling. A little of the outdoors indoors, if you will.

A trip to Crate and Barrel last weekend produced lush green place mats for a mere $6. I loved the rich green of them - it reminded me of freshly mowed grass in early June.  The ivory linen napkins were found at World Market ($10 for 6!).  I had a small chiffon table mat from April Cornell, which I used to place under a small glass of merry Gerber daisies (contrasting nicely with the green place mats).  The table is a simple wooden one from Ikea, but I like it for it's country kitchen feeling.

I want this space to be functional, tasteful, and enjoyable as it is both an eating and working space.

A Design Journey

My cup continues to runneth over as I continue to settle into my new apartment! I feel so blessed to have this space to call my own and to furnish in accordance with my style. My dear and incredibly thoughtful friend Emily recently sent me Domino: The Book of Decorating to guide me as I begin to bring this comfortable space to life through design (an undertaking that I hope will not break my pocketbook!)!

I hope to post design developments on the blog, showing before and after photos of each area in my humble, yet darling studio apartment.

First off, the picture above is my current nightstand situation: using a chair as a nightstand -- an idea that I discovered through Chelsea Fuss's blog, {frolic!}. Since I have very little furniture right now, I used the chair more out of practicality than fashion, but I really like the idea nonetheless.

I am determined to ensure that this space is not cluttered with furniture and bits and bobs (an English phrase).  Domino asks me to determine my style, and, at the outset, I would like the theme to be English Country with a slight modern edge (but let's face it, it's me so there are going to be florals everywhere). I miss England so and I wish this space to be a little pocket of my favorite country. I chose to have my own place because I require a calm, comforting refuge after a day spent in the chaos of the world.

I am thrilled to begin this little design journey and hope you, my dear friends, will join me! Happy weekending!

Decisions, Decisions

Life has been a gorgeous flurry as of late. New job, apartment searching, seeing old friends - every girl should be so lucky!  But now I am just ready for things to settle a bit. I think I may have found a permanent place to live so fingers crossed it happens! In the meantime, I have been thinking about furnishing my new digs (I am finally going to have my very own place!). First stop is some kind of sofa, preferably a sleeper sofa for guests. Here are some cute options I am considering (has anyone ever ordered furniture from Urban Outfitters?):

Urban Outfitters

Urban Outfitters

Ikea

Ikea

Images found here and here.

House Love: Avonlea's Rose Cottage

I've been watching copious amounts of the critically-acclaimed (I love the fluff and drama associated with that phrase, critically-acclaaaaaaaimed) Canadian series, Road to Avonlea. Did you watch the show growing up? I can honestly say that I am a product of all things Lucy Maud Montgomery, Prince Edward Island, Avonlea, Anne of Green Gables, etc.

Watching the show has been a great comfort during these brisk winter days. I love the genuineness of the characters and the sincere family connections. And their gorgeous clothes - sometimes I feel as though I was born in the wrong time.

What I have also realized, watching the show as an adult, is that I covet Rose Cottage, the home of Hetty King (who in my opinion is one of the best characters ever written and portrayed by the late Jackie Burroughs).

The name itself is enough to inspire. It is certainly a dream home - tucked amidst the trees on a dirt road, a wraparound porch, a cheery yellow exterior, and deliciously cozy interiors!

Image found here, here.

Calandrier 2011: Live with Intention

One of my favorite parts of the new year is starting afresh with a new calendar! My mother lovingly gave me a beautiful desk calendar called 'Live With Intention.'  It is seriously the prettiest calendar I have ever received in terms of its construction as well as the delicate watercolor paintings and calligraphic quotes. I sometimes find calendars with quotes rather cheesy, but these quotes are smart, simple, unpretentious.  Each day is given enough space to accommodate my messy, large scrawl and there are also strategically placed spots for notes and reminders. Just delightful!

Do you look forward to getting your new calendars? What kind of calendar do you have?

The Wall Décor of The King's Speech

I saw The King's Speech over the weekend and adored it! Such a wonderful film about the King George VI/the Duke of York and his speech impediment. Colin Firth (I simply swoon over his kind eyes and dashing countenance) plays an incredible, nuanced role as do Geoffrey Rush as his voice coach, Lionel Logue, and Helena Bonham Carter as Queen/Lady Elizabeth. What I love most about Lionel Logue is that he truly believed in his technique and skill despite all the naysayers. A truly inspiring character.

One aspect that jumped out to me was the way director Tom Hooper shot the movie, including several shots with vibrant walls behind the characters. Indeed, the walls -- especially the chipped paint and wallpaper of Logue's office -- became characters in the film to me. Beautiful retro textures and designs were used and I am nominated the set design crew for their Oscar right now! Here is an interview with the director, where he goes into detail about using the wall space in the film. 

Images found here, here, and here.

The Weekly Marginalian (Ep. III: A Public Health Princess + the Detroit Art Movement)

This episode of The Weekly Marginalian features an interview with one of my very good friends, Susie, who is currently abroad in Cambodia for a public health internship. She's an incredible person in an incredible place. I also discuss a recent New York Times article about the burgeoning Detroit Art movement. Enjoy!

  The Weekly Marginalian (Ep. III A Public Health Princess and the Detriot Art Movement)

A Lovely Wedding By the Sea

Last weekend, I celebrated the marriage of my high school friend, Emma, to David, a charming young Scotsman. They were married at The Bradley Inn, a darling property in Pemaquid, Maine. The reception was held under the traditional white tent and the decorations were gorgeous: green, blue, and yellow bunting and twinkle lights decorated the tent's ceiling, fresh summer flowers sat prettily in sparkling blue Ball jam jars, a four-course meal was served, consisting of lobster bisque, an heirloom tomato salad, vegetable risotto (the vegetarian option), and a choice between vanilla cake with raspberry filling or carrot cake. There was lots of dancing and revelry under a moonlit sky. After the bride and groom departed, the younger folks in the wedding party strolled down the road to the Pemaquid Lighthouse to continue the celebrations into the wee hours of the morning. Despite our joyful noise, there was a profound quiet walking through the tall, spare pines to the rocky cliffs of Pemaquid Point.

I rose early the next morning and returned to the point, gazing out upon the cool, lulling palette of the morning sea. Grey-blue colors, peppered with the soft pink of the rising sun. I remembered the first time I came to this spot - eight years old and bemused by climbing all the craggy rocks and discovering the vernal pools and shallow ecosystems. And now I was here, let's say many years later, and everything was quite unchanged. But at the same time, always moving. The sea, cold and powerful, crashing against the rough-hewn rocks. I've missed being close to the sea. There is nothing quite like the feeling of the cold Atlantic air against your skin. It was a peaceful moment amidst these crazy days.