Tabitha Emma...

I get so many compliments on the design of my blog header, and while I wish I could take credit, it's actually the work of super talented Aussie designer and illustrator, Tabitha Emma. I came across Tabitha's work while researching a blog post, and immediately knew I needed her to design my blog.

Every day when I open up my computer, her adorable design inspires me to get to blogging. So I was thrilled to discover these lovely prints from Tabitha. Perfect for a little reading nook where you can curl up with a warm cup of tea and a great book. Shop here.

Inspiration 12.6

So today, after a grueling ten-hours running at breakneck pace, I decided to break down what I actually do at work. By the numbers: 10 hours -- 3.5 in meetings, 6.5 at the computer. Within those 6.5 hours, I managed to send 78 e-mails. Seven. Eight. 78.

And I've been wondering why I'm craving a home environment that is plain, simple and incredibly zen lately...

These images have me imagining a month-long getaway to the east Pacific...lotus flowers, friendly smiles, simple living, sunny days, blue nights and...silence...

I can almost smell the ocean...

Images from Miki Duisterhof

Comfort & Joy...

22 days to go...

...And I'd be remiss not to wish a happy Hannukah to all as well. Wishing all of you much comfort, joy and light in the year to come.

Images via Twig Hutchinson and Martha Stewart Living.

A Peek Inside Emma Cassi's Studio

I've written about my love of Emma Cassi's styling and jewelry before, so I'm so thrilled that Anthropologie has decided to carry some of her pieces in stores. Anthro was also kind enough to share a peek inside her studio with their Facebook fans. So gorgeous.

Inspiration 12.2

Ok, confession time -- I find that I really struggle to get excited about homes that are practical for families with children (I know it's awful, but I just can't) and I that I really, really struggle with family homes that also happen to be in white-washed Manhattan lofts.

Something about those spaces reminds me of a ridiculously pretentious pre-school atmosphere where kids can draw on the walls because some Swiss study from 1972 found that giving kids free reign over their aesthetic environment boosts self-esteem and creativity by 1.8 percent, and the whole this is just......UGH.

So I couldn't believe my eyes when I found one of those homes that I not only don't despise, but actually really like. In particular, I appreciate the restrained color palette (white, marigold and royal blue is quite nice compared to the typical primary color explosion in a lot of similar lofts) and the fact that it doesn't pander to the kiddies, with a level of refinement that I think might just do a lot more for the kiddos than a more infantile design.

So how bad am I? Will anyone else climb out on this limb with me?

(Originally featured in Martha Stewart Living)

Spotted: Modern Minimalism

Life is chaotic lately, so I'm loving modern minimalism -- a little rough around the edges, in soft-focus shades of cream and slate, cherishing the simplicity and craftsmanship of the past. The perfect marriage of zen and comfort...

1. Linnea Regnander via Stockholm Street Style 2. Tourne Coffee Cup (Brook Farm General Store) 3. Tan & Cream Alpaca Wool Throw (Terrain) 4. Enzo floor lamp (Robert Abbey Lighting) 5. Beeswax Tea Lights (Brook Farm General Store) 6. Via Fondly Seen

Inspiration 11.29

Obsessed doesn't even capture how I feel about this incredible three-story Parisian home (and former haberdashery) featured in The New York Times. That staircase! The garden! It's love.

By the way, this was first discovered on my latest blog crush My Paradissi authored by Eleni, a freelance architect living in Crete -- aren't you just so jealous of her already? And to top it off, she has fabulous taste, by which, of course I mean my taste, but hopefully it's yours too if you read this blog. Simple, European, comfortable glam.

Happy reading, but please promise to come back! ;)