Monday Quote

Dare I say I am back? I needed a break to get readjusted in life. A time when I wasn't feeling my most creative. I also feel that my sources of inspiration all dulled seemingly together. Are we so inundated with images on the web now that everything looks the exact same? I must confess I rarely keep up with the blogs I once couldn't get enough of. Everything seems to be a bit meh. Even the magazines I receive in the mail have lost their luster. However, I recently spent a week feeling a bit under the weather, and during that time I endlessly perused tumbler and pinned my little heart out. Alas, I determined I wasn't finished sharing my musings and the images that catch my eye. On this gloomy, rainy Monday may you have a pep in your step and may your sun shine.

Monday Quote

Heyo! I decided to take an unofficial break from here. While I love blogging, at times it can be a challenge to keep up. I thought this quote was quite fitting, because it has been the reoccurring theme I have been hearing from my friends lately. I miss having them in my immediate life. A life I try to live by enjoying the small moments, seizing opportunities, discovering, acting on spontaneity, being open to possibility, or simply letting go and having fun. Just when I feel so removed from my wonderful friends in their far away places, I get those e-mails, text messages, and phone calls. And I hear, "you only live once". As if I need some sort of confirmation for my potentially good or bad deeds that have me outside of the box life often puts around us.

Monday Quote

Life. Liberty. Remembrance.

 

Remembering the courageous on 9/11

Monday Quote

I've returned from my trip to Paris, and it was everything I hoped for and more. Looking forward to exploring the possibilities that abound.

Cheers to Pressing Reset

 

Forgive me for the recent lack of posts. Life has been happening. Busy. Chaotic. Stressful. Fill in the blank. I was finally able to move into my new digs last week so between being physically exhausted (I originally said I was going to hire movers but when it was all said and done I did it myself with the best helper in the world) and tired from the endless unpacking I am in the beginning stages of recovery mode. Two months of being in a state of homelessness is no fun I can assure you, so I am emotionally spent as well. Thus, I decided to treat myself and book an impromptu trip to Paris. Cheers to pressing reset over good food, good wine, and good company with an amazing backdrop that one can never tire of looking at. I promise to return, finally get the internet, and get back into posting more. Au revoir!

Monday Quote

Change is in the air

-xx

Wanderlust Friday: Boracay, Philippines

Boracay is a small island in the Philippines located approximately 200 miles from Manila. Though the island itself is only 4.5 miles long there are multiple amazing beaches to choose from. White Beach, the most popular, is known for it's breathtaking sunsets and powdery white sand; Yapak Beach is also called Puka Shell Beach for the unique shells along the shore; Bulabog Beach located on the opposite side of the island as White beach is known for a quieter vibe; and Balinghai Beach is a romantic secluded cove on the north end. Due to the island's size most visitors navigate around by renting a bicycle or motorcycle. The best time to visit the island is during the dry season, locally known as the Amihan, which usually ranges from September or October to sometime in May or June.

The name Boracay can be attributed to different origins. One story says that it is derived from the local word "borac" which means cotton in reference to the color and texture of Boracay's white powdery sand. Others say the name was used by the original inhabitants of the island with "bora," meaning bubbles, and "bocay," meaning white in describing the water rushing ashore. Another version dates the name back to the Spanish discovering the shore and being told the shells were called "sigay". When the Spaniards asked the original inhabitants, the Atis, what they were planting they told them "boray", a type of vegetable seed. Thus, the name Boracay. 

Take a peek at my pictures below and see why Boracay was awarded Tripadvisor's Travelers' Choice Award and is often voted one of the best beaches in the world!

Sunset view of Willy's Rock

Ariel's Point, Borocay: $30 for unlimited drinks, food, boat ride, cliff jumping, tunes and an awesome day in the sun per my friend Tenille

 The diving board up close and personal

D'talippa Seafood Market

  

Food @ D'talipapa Seafood Market

A Few Things to Pack in My Bag

hat, bangles, sunglasses, dress, tank, shorts, bathing suit, sarong, yoga mat, towel

images 1, 2, 3, 4 via Wikipedia
images 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 are from my friend and world traveler Tenille Knight

Decor Inspiration: Bold Graphic Bathrooms

Wallpaper has developed an unfortunate bad reputation due to the excessive florals that were over used in the 80's and 90's. Add to that the nightmare stripping process and most people cringe at the idea of using it. In the last decade wallpaper has come a long way with creative designs and easier removal processes. I love the idea of adding a bold statement in a half bath. It allows one to express themselves and tasks risks they might not do in other areas of the home. The tropical leaves above are fabulous even though I would be insanely nervous to try to pull it off.  What do you think? 

Natalie Clayman interior design

DecorPad

Lonny

Lonny

Rue Magazine

Lonny

Traditional Home

Niche Interiors

Design Indulgences 

Lonny

 via Houzz

image at top from Apartment Therapy

Monday Quote

Casa Envy: California Bohemia

Featured in the September 2011 issue of C Magazine, Jacqui Getty's Spanish-style 1920's home is one I never tire of looking at. Situated high in the Hollywood Hills her home is full of personal touches and bright colors where no room is off limits and lighting is everything. As a costume designer, stylist, and superior hostess it is no surprise that Getty gets everything so right. 

Getty designed the tangerine orange chair in the living room

Touches of magenta pop in the office

Inspiration boards are always a great idea

I love the blue and white dishes and colorful mismatched chairs

The artwork is a great way to play up an otherwise boring corner

Layers of textures and patterns are featured in the bedroom

(Photos by Douglas Friedman for C Magazine)

Drama Fashion Queen: Anna Dello Russo

Who is Anna Dello Russo? She's bold. She's over the top. She's a risk taker. She is a statement maker. She embraces fashion as the real life Carrie Bradshaw. A self-described "passionate fashionista" Russo was once quoted as having 4,000 pairs of shoes. She is known for her often bright, straight from the catwalk outfits and outrageous fascinators. Did I mention she is 50? 

Anna Dello Russo is the editor-at-large and creative consultant for Vogue Japan. Prior to taking over this post she spent 18 years at Conde Nast Italia  first as fashion editor for Vogue Italia and then on to editor for L'Uomo Vogue from 2000-2006. 

the satorialist

the satorialist

the satorialist

the satorialist

Seen here & below at the Spring 2013 menswear shows in Milan

D&G scarf print dress with Blumarine shoes

Studded Versace dress with Celine chain necklace

Balmain dress

Do these looks not scream Carrie Bradshaw?

images via the Satorialist, La Modella Mafia