Weekend Links (Feb 28- Mar 4)

I'm planning on a lot of this action. Photo via mackin ink blog

This week has been a whirlwind of emotions and activity, but this upcoming week is going to be glorious. That's right, glorious. It's J's spring break so I'm closing up the studio and we're taking a much needed vacation to the beach. The laundry is done, the house is clean (I like coming home to a clean house), the house sitter is booked and all I have left to do is wrap up a few loose ends order wise, pack my suitcase and make chocolate chip cookies (because you can't take a road trip without chocolate chip cookies.) I'm so excited I can barely type this. Anyhow, let's get to some of the cool stuff I've seen around the web.

I'm all for making things from scratch. Pesto, marinara, cookies, bread, pasta, pizza... to me it just tastes better. Not to mention I can actually pronounce what's in my food which is always a plus. Now I have another item to add to my list of "things I make from scratch" (which depending on how much time I have is sometimes lovingly referred to as "items that may have been easier to buy.") Guess who is going to try and make their own butter?!  Yep, me. With the help of this.

Of course, making things from hand always makes me think of this, which I find hilarious. And while you're at it, go ahead and procrastinate a little more and read this one, this one, and this one. Ironically- and probably why I think these are so funny-  I do love Arrested Development, I've tried to convince J. to pick strawberries for going on 4 years now, I will wear a jacket with shorts (still don't get uggs and shorts though) and I do love a good sandwich.

Now that I have hopefully made you smile, on to a new topic. It's almost spring and as I have mentioned, I'm being sucked into the trap of needing spring clothes right now. So to keep myself from actually buying things I don't really need, I've taken to just browsing online stores. And while I might still have a problem with Forever 21 ripping off indie designers (no judgments for being on the site please,) I definitely don't have a problem with them collaborating with designers.

Oh and speaking of expensive sandwiches and things I want but might not need (this is debatable of course) I could definitely live here. Doesn't hurt that it's practically next door to the Eiffel Tower.

What I do need though is this vacation, so I'm off to pack. Have a fantastic weekend everyone!

Wishing you a romantic weekend

via partyperfect

Valentine's Day is just around the corner so for me these past few days have been spent finishing up J's present, planning our dinner (I'm a "dress up, stay in, and have a romantic dinner for two by the fire" type of girl when it comes to Valentine's Day) and making (incredibly unnecessary but incredibly awesome) decorations. Therefore, it makes sense that this week's links are love related. Hope you enjoy!

Not a lover of Valentine's Day? Check out the Love Stinks channel on Pandora. Even if you love love, I promise it's worth it. I've been rocking out to it for the past 2 days. Some songs to look forward to? Ain't No Sunshine and Jessie's Girl. (You can thank me later.)

Given it's the holiday of all things love, I had to include a wedding. Please scroll down and take a look at this couple's ceremony site (8 down.) Isn't that the most perfect tree ever? (wedding seemed pretty awesome as well!)

Valentine's Day or not, I would love to lounge around in this. (via design crush)

Want to get yourself a Valentine's Day gift? If you have $100K burning a hole in your pocket, you should get this. (And then call me so we can be best friends and fly around the lake.)

We all know that Paris is one of the most romantic cities in the world, but not all of us can just jet set there for the weekend. The next best thing? Eating like you're there.

And while we're talking about food and Paris (completely un-Valentine's Day related, but Jordan and her family just moved to Paris so I'm tying it in anyways)...we'll be in San Francisco this summer so I definitely bookmarked her suggestions on where to eat.

And of course I couldn't end this roundup without some dessert. What an amazingly luxe alternative to the everyday cupcake.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Paris Je T'aime

Paris has to be one of my favorite places in the entire world. I love the fashion, the pastries, the art... everything. It's just such a fun place to be and there is never. ever. a dull moment. Favorite place ever was Montmartre. It's the last village of Paris where Renoir, Monet, Van Gogh, Picasso all lived in late 19th/early 20th century and its streets are still filled with amazing artists displaying their artwork. Maybe that's why I loved it so much, it felt like home :)

On that note, I designed this board based off of my love for Paris and the type of feeling I think wedding there would have. A carefree elegance with a lot of cream, gold and navy accents- and of course amazing breads and pastries.

row 1: picnic basket via oh so RB, blue doors via flickr, outdoor cafe via classic bride

row 2: milk vase centerpieces via elizabeth ann designs, piko 1988 dress via ioffer, french pasteries via david lebovitz
row 3: Home and Garden outdoor patio via flickr, navy dress via jcrew, cream bicycles via air canada tours