Talented Friend: Mackenzie

My friend Mackenzie is one of my favorite people. She's fluent in French; has run several marathons around the world, the most notable of which probably being the the New York Marathon; she was one of the first Pat Tillman scholars; she is able to do the splits-which is a serious accomplishment in my book... and the list goes on. When she puts her mind to something, it gets done. She consistently motivates me to be a better person which brings me to this post. The other day we were at lunch and she said something to me that really stuck.

 

It's such a simple statement that I thought I would share. Sometimes we don't realize that we have to go out of our way to be "good." From not saying something negative to volunteering your free time, it can feel like work but it always feels like the right thing.

I also wanted to share another quote by Howard Thurman that my yoga teacher read yesterday.

What makes you come alive?

Music: What I'm listening to

Another band I have known and loved for a long time but recently seem addicted to: Band of Horses.  The song below is basically on loop in my car.

Quote: Marilyn Monroe

original photo

Gift Ideas: Wedding Season

It's wedding season! 

I don't know about you but weddings are all around me...and I love it! Here are some unique and special wedding gifts to make the day a little more special.

Add a little something special with this hanger to hold that extra special dress.

 

Keep the unwanted knocks to a minimum with this.

 It's always exciting for bride to see her new initials for the first time; why not have them sewn into the wedding dress... they can also serve as "something blue."

 

Here is an inexpensive way to help guests find their way. 

The last one isn't really as novel as the others but having just had my wedding, I can't tell you how useful little touches like this are, especially when someone goes out of their way to get it for you. Help is actually the best gift of all.

Movie Match-Up: Aviator

 Good evening, lovelies. I wanted to share my love for the movie The Aviator. While the movie itself an emotional roller-coaster, the styles keep me on a constant emotional high. It probably has something to do with my crush on the era and Katharine Hepburn - played by Cate Blanchett who I also care a great deal for - but c'mon, who can say they wouldn't want to attend a party like the below?!

The following is what I'm calling a Movie Match-Up. I hope you enjoy...

 Lipstick, Dress, Ring, Earrings
The dress and the earrings aren't quite the same but it's similar with a modern spin.

I couldn't find anything close to how amazing Kate Beckinsale's (Ava Gardner) glasses are but these are pretty close.

 

Similar style dresses and Jimmy Choo Shoes.

Happy Fathers Day!!

 

I hope you had a fantastic Fathers Day!! Tell your dad how much he means to you and thank him for getting groovy with your mom...and not turning to the Dark Side.

Happy Weekend!!!

Dreaming of the English countryside. Wherever you are, enjoy the life, love, and happiness you have and bring to other people. Have a wonderful weekend, my darlings.  

xoxo

Paint the Town...

...In your painted shoes!

A friend of mine just got married and she was having the hardest time finding the right shoes. Enter Norakaren. Every shoe is hand painted and if you don't see something you like right off the bat, you can create a custom order. You can even send in your own shoes to be hand painted.

Norakaren also creates customized clutches to match! The designs are so unique I doubt you'll find anything like them in the stores, EVER. 

I love the little details like "I" on one shoe and "Do" on the other.

Music: What I'm listening to

I've been a fan of this band for a while but this song randomly popped up on my iphone today and I'm seriously (re)hooked. Beirut has such a distinct sound that's haunting and catchy all at once. I hope you enjoy listening to them as much as I do. What are you listening to?

Talented Friend: My Brother-In-Law: Joe

My brother-in-law Joe is pretty awesome. In his spare time he and his friends create music; they call themselves Dream Journal. My favorite song is The Swamp Witch Sisters. If you like Sigur Ros you'll probably get down with The Swamp Witch Sisters.

Fair warning: some of the music is a little out there but worth a listen. They're always coming up with new music so check back from time to time.

DIY: Tags for Jam

I made these super simple jam tags to accompany the lovely jam Sarah and I made last night.

 

What you'll need:

1) Favor Tags

2) Cooking Twine or Ribbon

3) Buttons of Choice

4) Flower Embellishments from Craft Store

5) Glue

6) Pen

All you have to do is glue the flowers and buttons together on the tag. Leave enough room for whatever you want to write. Then tie the tag onto the jar with the twine. Makes tasty jam even prettier.

Cooking: Jam

First, I apologize for not writing yesterday. My husband and I are trying to buy a house and, as I'm sure you're aware, the market isn't the most agreeable. Now onto Jam, a topic I care a great deal for. 

Tonight my friend Sarah B. (Sarah B. Loves Movies) and I cooked up some raspberry, strawberry, peach jam. I can't wait for the 24hr waiting period to be over! The small taste test left me wanting more. Our little escapade lead me to crack open my favorite Jam book (the above) Blue Chair Jam Cookbook. If you're a Jam connoisseur, this is a MUST have.  Amongst the unique and delicious recipes are gorgeous photos that have me longing to spend days in orchards and gardens. Check out this video for a tiny taste of the cookbook.

Gift Ideas: Fathers Day

No. 1: Man Cans was created by 13 year old who thought candles smelled too "girly." These "Man-Cans" come in scents like "campfire," "new mit," and "grandpa's pie." No. 2: F.A. Seeds sells furniture polishes and kits to polish and clean anything from motorcycless to fishing supplies. Their claim to fame is that they're the official furniture polish that's used in the White House since Taft's presidency. Sorry I couln't find a better picture. No. 3: This office golfing kit is perfect for the dad who could golf every day of the week; the office golfing kit allows him this leisure. No. 4: A Movie Club membership for the movie buff. No. 5: For the outdoor dad a Scrimshaw Knife because knives are like shoes; you can never have too many knives and you can match them with your outfit.

Happy Sunday

 

I hope you're having a wonderful weekend. I took these photos last September on my honeymoon in Belize, San Pedro island. None of these photos are Photoshoped and most were taken with a film camera. 

My husband and I were some of the only people at the secluded resort so we had the amenities and staff almost completely to ourselves! We stayed at the Porofino Resort on the north end of the island. Side note: they really need to update their website because in no way does the site do it justice. 

Long docks line the shoreline and you have to take a boat to get into town. In fact, once you land in Belize, to get to the island you have to take a ride in a puddle jumper for 15 min. then another 20 min boat ride to the resort. 

 

 Everywhere we ate was fantastic; the people were the best; and the entire island was magical. Belize is known for some of the best diving/snorkeling in the world. One of the other couples staying at the resort (there were so few we got to know them all) the husband worked for the oceanographic arm of  National Geographic; he said Belize was the best place he's ever been for diving and snorkeling. Ryan and I were able to swim with sharks and stingrays, lion fish and eels, and a lot of other kinds of sea life I couldn't begin to name.

 

All the rooms are beach casitas with a porch and a hammock. We relaxed in the hammock almost every night before bed.

This was our view from our room.

 There are Mayan ruins, wonderful tropical sea and land life, unbelievable food, gorgeous scenery, and some of the kindest people in the world. I'm not sure what state of affairs Belize is in since the hurricane that hit a couple months ago but from what I understand, Portofino is still in business and giving the same great service.

I'm sharing all this with you today because I wanted to share my experience in case you're planning a trip in the future. Belize is definitely a place you should put on your list. 

If you've been or plan on going, I would love to hear from you!

OM

Picture

There really is nothing better to hit my reset button like a little yoga. With moving, trying to buy a home, weddings, fundraisers and deadlines finally coming to a brief pause--for the most part-- I finally had a chance to get back into the studio. I feel like a new woman already but BOY did I feel out of the game at first. 

**

What I love about yoga is that it really is an inner practice. Pardon me while I get a little hippie; I promise I won't do this often. If my mind is all over the place, I'm all over the place on the yoga mat. When my mind calms, stops worrying about whats happening around me, and quits competing with my body, I find myself easing into every position as if it's second nature. I've been practicing for about 7 years and I'm still growing and learning in every session (one of these days I'm going to be able to do the above photo!). The older I get the more I realize how important it is to have outlets and to keep the body and mind strong. It's difficult to remember that just because life gets crazy, that doesn't give me the get out of yoga (running, working out) free card. In fact, I need to remember that's when I need these outlets most.

I would love to hear about your outlets and what keeps you balanced! It would make my day!

**I don't know where this photo came from... sorry. Let me know if you find it!!

Feeling Couture

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