if my life were a movie...

this would be a much funnier version with (i'll bet) a sweet, storybook ending which I have yet to accomplish. Graduating college is not all it's cracked up to be.

Furthermore, I really love Alexis Bledel ever since her Rory Gilmore days.



Another movie I am extremely excited (or possibly dreading) is The Time Travelers Wife because it is one of my top ten books. I've come across some previews and think it has potential, but I still highly recommend the book.

alice

Movie poster series for the upcoming Alice in Wonderland.
Images from Rotten Tomatoes.

Pfenninger invitations

I just finished up the invitations for my friend and her husband-to-be for their August wedding. This was my first experience designing wedding invitations and I definitely learned a few things for the next time.

I haven't managed to get a picture of the final product yet, however, I will try do that soon. The invites were a little booklet with five separate pages containing the invitation, reception information, accommodation info, and a tear-out rsvp postcard, all tied together with ribbon.

new HannaKinsey jewelry!!

My oldest sister just opened her own etsy shop with her great handmade jewelry. She uses vintage/repurposed pieces and gives them a modern flare. I am very into the combination of unconventional pieces in my jewelry and her necklaces and earrings fit the bill. Made with a mixture of antique and vintage charms, beads, buttons or fittings, her pieces are often one of a kind. Hop on over to her shop, HannaKinsey, and see more lovelies.

1. Turquoise Earrings, $6.50/pair 2. Morning Glory and Mint Bead Necklace, $35.00 3. Orange and Teal Dangly Earrings, $6.00 4. Beach Glass Necklace, $30.00

cruisin' in style

I've been on the lookout for a basket to make using my bike more convenient. My inability to carry things is what keeps me from riding my bike to the store or on other errands. Searching online I found a couple of great options and am trying to narrow it down. My bike is a blue cruiser that, sadly, looks its age. I can't decide between a metal or wicker basket, and also can't decide whether it should attach to my handlebars or to the rear rack.

I think #4 is by far my favorite but has the largest price tag, which is a huge mark against him. Maybe I can find a budget-friendly version of him out there...

The top contenders are...
1. Front Willow Wicker Basket from ComCycle USA $29.95 2. Wald Giant Delivery Basket from The Bike Shack $49.99, (21"x 15" x 9") 3. Cynthia's Twigs European Wicker Bike Baskets from Tahoe Mountain Sports $39.95-69.95, available in a variety of sizes 4. Basil Pasja Rear Wicker Bike Basket from Tahoe Mountain Sports $82.95 5. Wald Folding Rear Grocery Basket found via Amazon $34.99/set of 2, available in black, white and chrome

brand new on etsy

New pillows recently posted on my etsy.

dear sneak peek-ers

Dear home sneak peek participants,
Thank you for allowing me to be a temporary voyeur into your home and life. I would also like to thank you for filling me with unreal expectations of my own home. I know that somewhere in your spotless, minimalist living space you too have a secret stash of unorganized, uncolor-coded, items that you are unsure of where to stick. You have that closet overflowing with gift wrap and art supplies that you just can't bring yourself to get rid of just in case you ever need them. I'm on to you, you have these storage areas hidden away, out of the sight of the camera. I'm also on to the fact that you own a t.v. despite its carefully planned absence. Don't be ashamed of your enabler attributing to your secret obsession for Gossip Girls and reality television. I will have to come to terms with only looking at perfectly accessorized homes, knowing that I do not have the patience or time to live in one myself.

Some of my favorite sneak peeks inside other people's homes: first from Home Sweet Home, next three from Design*Sponge sneak peeks here, here, and here.

new spin on the old lantern

My favorite part of this before and after over at design*sponge was the lovely arrangement of paper lanterns, garlands, and paper bouquets. Apparently I was not the only person who had an eye on it. Its creator posted additional images on her site and instructions on how she made it.

my bedroom inspiration

This is my ideal bedroom, give or take a few bits of it. I lusted after this duvet at Anthropologie for months, not quite able to justify its price tag, until it sold out. I love the juxtaposition of the dark brown with lots of floral prints and yellow. As you can tell, this picture has seen better days. It's been on my bulletin board for months now.

family photos

One area in which innovation has not necessary been a complete improvement is with portraits. New camera technology works so hard at being realistic that it has stopped producing classic and timeless images. Black and white photos are so forgiving, both for the subject and composition. Even a badly taken one can come out looking good.

Aren't my grandparents quite the stylish couple?