Monday, February 14, 2011

Happy Valentine's Day!

Today I'm excited because Valentine's Day has arrived and I can't wait to be surrounded by flowers, sweets and hearts galore. My house is filled with the smell of roses, irises and orchids, all in full bloom. Tonight I plan on making a spaghetti dinner with homemade marinara, homemade meatballs and a pear walnut salad. For dessert, pink and red cupcakes. Happy Love Day! <3

Friday, February 11, 2011

Love Crush

Pretty heart doilies
February is all about love, pink and hearts. I cannot get enough of the color pink, which seems to be everywhere you turn in February. Not to mention the overabundance of chocolates, cupcakes and sweet nothings. Who could possibly ask for more?
Lovely lace
My sweetheart

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Tiffany Love

If I had to choose one iconic place to rule them all, it would be Tiffany & Co. The door is like the gateway to Camelot and something magical happens upon entering this enchanting place. I recently came across a print ad for Tiffany & Co, which inspired me to create this post. The ad was simple, clean and spoke a thousand words through one little blue box. Classic. I sense a room redesign in the near future.

Monday, February 7, 2011

Cute Boutique Find: The Little Dress Shop

A pretty painting in the doorway
Amidst a lazy stroll through Claremont, I stumbled upon a store that is quickly becoming a favorite of mine. The Little Dress Shop is a quaint boutique filled with handmade jewelry, cute little dress and unique accessories. I couldn't help but try on a few dresses while I browsed some pretty accessories, all made by local jewelry makers. My favorite finds include a stunning peacock cuff bracelet, some elaborate vintage-looking headbands and bracelets made of vintage buttons. I have a feeling gift shopping is going to be a cinch in 2011.
Simply stunning
Made from vintage buttons
Elaborate leather cuff
Simply stylish headbands
Sweet little angel
Completely chic

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Second Time Around

One of my favorite pastimes is shopping second-hand stores. I love the act of looking for something unique, it's like my own little treasure hunt. I recently visited one of my favorite second-hand stores, where I came up on a cute green cake stand and a pretty glass platter. I have decided to pair them together in my presentations, mainly because I think they compliment each other so well. Later, I shopped another one of my favorite places, my Grandmother's house. A woman with a knack for shopping second-hand stores, her house is full of fun trinkets she has picked up over the years. I discovered a lovely two-tier tray, which would be perfect for holding tiny cakes or scones. I cannot wait to put these pieces to use, maybe at a springtime luncheon.

Two-tier tray from my Grandmother's house.

Perfect for serving finger foods and teacakes.

A pretty pattern in the glass.

Cake stand with the serving plate displayed on top.

Monday, January 24, 2011

Antique Adventures

Recently, I decided to take a drive over to the Claremont Village, cute little part of Claremont filled with antique shops, pretty boutiques and yummy cafes. The Village sits next to the Claremont Colleges, one of the most beautiful college campuses I have ever seen. A must-see in The Village is Barbara Cheatley Antiques & Fine Things, a store filled to the brim with unique items for the home, bath and lifestyle. Each room has its' own theme and there is so much to see, I could spend an entire afternoon looking at every trinket and treasure. From the moment I step inside, I always want to bring the entire store home with me; it is quite literally that cute.
Glass canisters filled with fortune cookies and taffy
A perfect handbook
Dreaming of a tree filled with ribbons and bows
Pretty handkerchiefs
Love these Marie Antoinette notecards
A sweetheart-themed kitchen
Cute Valentine's stationary
A touch of Claremont
215 Yale Avenue, Claremont, Ca. 91711

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Everything's Coming Up Roses

Over the past weekend, my sister and ventured to the Rose Bowl Flea Market & Swap Meet on a mini-treasure hunt amongst antique heaven. I absolutely adore flea markets of this type because you never know what kind of unexpected hidden treasures can be found. The weather was slightly cool and perfect for casual browsing. The Rose Bowl Swap Meet is quickly becoming one of my favorite haunts simply because of the beautiful and interesting array of goodies. I was on a mission for a bookshelf for a future room re-design project. Although, I didn't find the right bookshelf, I came back with the cutest vintage dress and a small vintage jewelry box made of glass. I literally felt like a kid in a candy store and am still on the hunt for the perfect vintage bookshelf.