Bingo!

Quite possibly the sweetest engagement ring ever. I adore the organic lines mixed with a traditional diamond sparkle.

{it must be custom made...I search everywhere for something similar and came up empty handed}

photo credit Cinzia Brushini

Thanks Lydia!

spooning

An uber chic and sweet print. Perfect for your bedroom wall.

that's amour

...who knows romance better than the French?

A trip to Paris (the Louvre) and a tour of the French countryside is at the very top of my "international travel" bucket list.

image credits {from upper left then clockwise} 1, 2, 3, 4

more amour

you had me at airplane favors

Maureen + Brad 's intimate wedding took place in California (the wedding was held in the bride's great-grandparents home). The groom is a pilot in the navy so the couple handmade special airplane escort cards (such a swoon-worthy personal touch!).

Wedding found via Bride's Cafe
Photography by Joel Flory of Flory Photo

i wear my heart on my sleeve

I am ready for all things mushy, heart-felt, heart shaped and romantic.

This print, while a little edgy in its' humor, makes me smile.

image credits {from upper left then clockwise} 1, 2, 3, 4

rinse, lather, repeat

Move over Pantene, there is a new shampoo in town full of promises to cleanse, nourish, soften, and moisturize hair without any harsh chemicals. All delivered along with a fresh orange scent.


I am constantly looking for new ways I can remove chemicals from my day to day life and would total try these amazing sounding shampoo bars. What do you think, beauties? Would you try shampoo bars? Have you tried? Do share :)

countryside dreaming

Today I am dreaming of a simpler life. A sweet, country life. A little more green, a few more rolling hills, and horses...a little less chaos.

Hope you are having a lovely weekend my beauties!

xo Cat

image credits {from upper left, then clockwise} 1, 2, 3, 4

Letting My Hair Down

Quite possibly the sweetest, most versatile, romantic bobbies ever.

{I am totally motivated to wear my hair down more...tucking back one side with a pair of these beauties}found via woodlandbelle

Fanny Packs

Fanny packs really got a bad rap at first (remember the time when this was cool?). While on vacation I saw a number of lovely girls rockin' their fanny packs and looking utterly chic. Oh, and the politically correct term today appears be "waist purse".

Ruffles and plaid

The Beatles

Right before their iconic Abbey Road shot, the Beatles were captured on the sidewalk waiting to cross the street. How sweet is Paul for fixing up Ringo's collar?


(photos via kottke.org , musicformedia)

Warm Hands

I find that my hands get so cold in the winter (especially when typing). I would use these as little afghans for my hands to keep them nice and toasty while I typed away. Bonus...they come in purple (my favorite color) and an owl pattern...be still my heart!

Speaking of afghans, my grandmother (on my dads side) knit all of us grand-kids afghans before she passed away. She was such a sweet, dear woman and I miss her terribly...

Pretty as a Peacock

When my mom and dad were courting, my dad lived on a peacock farm (wild, right?). When my dad would take my mom home, they would have to race from the car into the house at break neck speeds to avoid being pecked. While glorious, peacocks apparently pack quite the temper.

While growing up as a kid, I remember my parents displaying a huge bouquet of peacock feathers in an antique vase in our living room as a reminder of their courtship.

Have any of your parents shared sweet memories of their courtship? Do tell!image credits {from upper left then clockwise} 1, 2, 3, 4

New Year's Resolutions

In 2008 Andy and I both made a resolution to save more money. To help us reach our goal, we each picked the ancillary things that we spent the most money on every year and set annual budgets around it. For him, it is movies (we are both huge movie fans and have a massive collection of dvds and tv series). For me, it is clothing.

Most people are shocked when I share the fact that each year, I only invest $750 total in what I have fondly named my "Beauty Budget" (this $750 covers haircuts, clothing purchases, cosmetics, etc.). It was really hard at first (really hard) but now, I find it really simplifies life and forces me to focus on what I really need, rather than living in too much excess.

Do you think I am crazy? What are some of your resolutions, my beauties?

image credits {from upper left, then clockwise} 1, 2, 3, 4

Cats + Loyalty

Dogs as defined by New Math (discovered via Cup of Jo).

While I love all animals (including sweet doggies), I would ultimately consider myself a cat person...even if this means that the loyalty is taken away :)

What about you, my beauties...dog, cat, other, or none-of-the-above?

Dog Print

Chilly Winter Morning

In Winter, there is something so magical about mornings in Wisconsin. Especially after a snowfall. There is just a complete and utter feeling of peace, quite, and solitude.

{on a side note, I am utterly obsessed with Red Boots Design Snip Snip Blouse!}

image credits {from upper left, then clockwise} 1, 2, 3, 4

Welcome 2011!

Year’s end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instill in us.

Hal Borland

Thank you to all of you whom have dropped by to say "hi" during the year! I love reading your comments and visiting your blogs. Can't wait to see what 2011 brings. This big kiss is for you!

xo,
Cat

The Kiss