Dog at the beach.

During my visit home, earlier this summer, my parents and I took Chloe-bear to the beach. It was her second trip to the beach and this time was very different from the first. Last time, it was quite with very few dog encounters. This time, we went to a different beach and the beach was filled with dogs! Mostly big dogs, but all very friendly (with the exception of a yappy yorkie, go figure). We almost acquired an old retriever who thought he was our lap dog. It was the sweetest thing. He kept coming over to us to "visit." His owner had to practically drag him away.

Our new friend.

Chloe's favorite place, on a towel and NOT in the water. Just like her "sissy."

Our lil rat.

With her daddy.

Z Gallerie loves

I love Z Gallerie. It is one of my favorite home decor stores. Everything is always so striking and dramatic. Their product definitely makes a statement. I miss having one locally...

I know, a little weird. But I love to include the unexpected in design/decor. This would work great incorporated in one of my groupings in my bedroom or living room.

I'm in love with this light (oyster shells). I've wanted something like this for a long time.

A great end table and works well for small places, like my apartment.

April in Paris. This would go well in my bedroom. And it's not the ubiquitous black and white eiffel tower picture...it's unique.

For the love of owls.

I'm not sure where my love for owls originated, but I have loved them for some time now. I find them so endearing and quirky. I've developed a special place in my heart for them. Whether in decor, jewelry, or clothes, I can't resist their wide (in a perceptual state of surprise) eyes.

Anthropologie

Cupcakes!

Cookie Jar (everyone should have one), Anthropologie

I love how the owl on the right looks angry. Still cute.

The simple things

Current pleasures...

- Treating myself to Starbucks a couple times a week (courtesy of dad)

- Having radio controls on my steering wheel

- Being able to go grocery shopping at 9 at night

-...grocery shopping with no crowds

- Hearing a song and thinking it was written for ME

- Naps

- Parallel parking on the first try

- Pedicures and open-toe shoes

- J.Crew outlet

- Day trips

- Color Splash Miami

- David Bromstad

There's only enough for one in this lonely hotel suite.

Some of my happiest times are when I'm creating, arranging, and organizing in my apartment. I haven't been able to enjoy one of my favorite creative outlets, scrapbooking, since I moved up north. I don't really have a space conducive to scrapbooking or time to get everything out, take over an entire room (in my small apartment), only to put it all away at the end of the day. I'm hoping, later this summer, when my thesis proposal is complete, I can spend some time scrapping (Smash, you're album is #1 on my list). Plus, I could use the distraction and retreat.

Something I have been able to do, periodically, is work (although, I can hardly call it "work") on the design and decorative elements in my living room. It's small, especially now that I have a large, sectional sofa (chair, shelves, coffee table) taking up most of the space, but it works.

Below is the only scrapbooking project I've completed since I moved. A canvas for my mom for Christmas. She loves that picture of me. I used a number of different elements- tulle, a doily, flowers, pearls, bling, overlays. It was the epitome of femininity.

"Green" pug

This is the cutest thing I've seen in a long time. Found it on Elsie's blog. A "green" pug.

PB love.

I recently visited the website for Pottery Barn. I found some beautiful and unique things. Things which are internet exclusives so we don't have them in the store. I can see all these things in my apartment now. Want them all...

Photo Carousel. Perfect for scrapbooking!

Inspired by actual vintage bottles. Aqua is my accent color in my living room.

I always love vintage tin tiles like these.

Love these vintage doors too. They are from India. And of course, each one is different, so you're never sure what you will get.