While at Flax a few weeks ago, I was perusing the ribbon section and grabbed a bunch of bakers twine. I had been experimenting with some retro circus-themed ideas at work and thought it was perfect. And, as a gift wrapper, I am very simple; brown paper and simple ribbon. I had (embarrassingly) never seen it for sale anywhere!

It’s ideal for wrapping small gifts, tying on tags and other craft projects. And…it’s just so cute!

Here are some places where you can purchase:

• Sugar B Supplies
• Crafty Theresa D
• Cupcake Social

…with float…

…Johnny Miller’s photography…

…glittery lips (via Cartoon Styles)…

…Garance’s new runway series…

…these booties, Balenciaga I’m almost certain (via Cartoon Styles)…

…mint green…

…Giovanna (via Garance)…

…wrapped braids (source unknown)…BTW have you seen the tutorial over at Cup of Jo?…

…opposites attracting (via Jak + Jil)…

…this dress (via Fashion Gone Rogue)!

1. Cosabella at J Crew. Jenna Lyons has damn good taste, so it’s no surprise that the brand is now offering Cosabella undies (the lace lowrider thong in 6 colors). My friend Hana gifted me with three pairs of Cosabella Soire thongs way back in 2000 (or around that time). I’ve worn them exclusively ever since, I’m totally addicted. Sure, they are pricey ($18 a pop). But, they last forever. In fact, one of my first thongs is still in rotation. That’s right, I own a 10 year old thong. It’s black.
2. Baby Leo’s birth video. I know some of you followed the Walk to 40 Weeks over at Pacing the Panic Room. Last month Ryan shared Trish, Leo and Peter’s birth video, and it’s so amazing! It’s put to Devendra Banhart’s “Long Haired Child,” which is a beautiful pairing, I think.
3. Dolce Vita for Target. I am in love with the studded toe oxfords!
4. Behance & LinkedIn. I am beyond thrilled with this pairing. You can now link your Behance portfolio (they are one of my favorite free online portfolio resources) to your LinkedIn profile!
5. Blanca Gomez. You may recognize her work from the Spring 2009 cover of Uppercase magazine. I can’t get enough of her awesome prints and other goodies. Shop prints at her Etsy shop (her freewheeling print would be a perfect gift for a bike-loving buddy, and the “bonjour mademoiselle” print would be a great entryway addition) or visit the numerous online shops where she sells her wares, including pillow covers, greeting cards, wall decals and even iPhone wallpapers. I also encourage you to read the interview with her over at Grain Edit.
6. Brookfarm General Store. On my list? Their vintage bottle opener, latte bowls and classic wooden alphabet blocks.
7. Perfect robes. I have been on the hunt for some new robes…just don’t tell Todd. I am addicted to robes. However, I live in them these days, and suspect that they will be a mainstay after I give birth. I could certainly use an update to my selection :-) Robes shown above from Plum Pretty Sugar and Eberjay.
8. Daily Drop Cap, now in print. I love love love the Daily Drop Cap, so I’m super excited to hear that Jessica Hische is offering her letters in print.
9. Cutest Couple Ever alert! Check out Max and Margauex’s wedding over at Once Wed (all five posts worth!). Theirs ranks among the most beautiful and creative weddings I’ve seen.
10. Chop Chop. Hanneli and Freja are willing me to cut my hair.

Happy Monday, my dears!

This week is going to be pretty hellish, and I don’t know how often I will be able to blog. Work is crazy, I have a freelance project to wrap up, and I have moved into my parents for a short time while we remodel and will not have Internet access until mid-week.

However, I am excited to announce the winner of the Casey O’Connell print, Jessica, who left the following comment:

Penny, I agree with you: you can’t take the girl out of the swamp is my favorite. They’re all gorgeous though. Her use of texture is amazing.

(I have emailed the winner so if more than one Jessica entered, please check your inbox!)

Thanks to everyone who entered, I was thrilled to introduce you all to Casey. If you are interested in purchasing a print, please visit Casey’s shop at LTL or, if you would like to commission or purchase an original piece, you can email her directly.

{ via garance doré }

Horray for short work weeks…I hope yours went by in a flash! The weather in Nor Cal has been totally bizarre lately, kind of humid and overcast…I don’t like it. Especially since I am beginning to enter the more uncomfortable phase of my pregnancy. I had my first backache last night, and I am fairly certain that I’m starting to waddle.

Tonight we have a wedding (thankfully the last before I give birth). I will squeeze into one of my pre-pregnancy dresses as the idea of buying a new dress makes my bank account wince. We’ve made some more decisions around the kitchen so I should be able to share a concept board sometime next week. We demo in two weeks! The cats and I are packing up and heading to my parents house for about a month while the remodel is completed. I can’t wait to have a new kitchen.

On to the weekend! Why don’t you…

PS: This week some Jezzies weighed in with ideas!

• Book a first class ticket on Lufthansa? Seriously, check out this bathroom!
• Shop the Vena Cava online garage sale? There are some items left, including a super cool $30 egg yolk phone.
• Weigh in on Fashionista’s required reading list for fashion lovers? Anything you’d add? I suggested No Logo and Fashion & Its Social Agendas.
• Build a terranium? (thanks jescabel!)
• Check out what Color Me Katie loves about her cat, Moo? You will fall in insta-love.
• Make some homemade popsicles? (thanks eatsshootsleaves!) Bonus, try the adult, alcoholic version…
• Live out west? If you subscribe to the LA Times for a year ($39) they will give you a $20 In-N-Out gift card. Now, I know I am permanently hungry, but that sounds like a good deal to me…

If you haven’t already, make sure to enter the giveaway for a Casey O’Connell print, and tell all of your friends!

Any plans for the weekend? Be safe and enjoy!

xo

{ via }

• A belated birthday dinner with Todd’s parents tonight. I can’t wait until I can drink wine again…
• Major kitchen remodel shopping. We’re heading to Ikea to buy our new cabinetry and a few appliances. We’ve decided on white shaker-style cabinets. Last weekend we ventured to the Sears outlet and majorly splurged on a fridge that I am so in love with. I never knew I could fall in love with an appliance.
• Paint research, photographing furniture we have to sell and more design scheming for the halfpence’s room and office.
• Movie night! The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo is playing at Tower theater and we’re super excited to see it.
• Cooking. I want to cook up some yummy stuff this weekend but I haven’t decided on what quite yet.
• Blog photography. I’ve been meaning to do a how-to post on Veronica Lake waves, so if I can get around to it I will take photographs for a tutorial.
• Work. Freelance, that is. My friend Sara sent me the photography for her fall line, which I can’t wait to show you, so I need to get started on the F/W 2010 lookbook.

And….much more, I am sure! What do you have planned for the weekend? Here are some ideas…

This long holiday weekend, why don’t you…

Host a colossal croquet match in the desert? Very Alice & Wonderland. With bud and naked ladies.   { burning man photo gallery via curbly }

Set up a salad bar at your Memorial Day party?   { via nesting newbies }

Walk your cat?   { via sore thumbelina }

Slip on a pair of fabric espadrilles?   { via cartoon styles }

Reminisce about that cute skater boy (not sk8er boi) you made out with in junior high?   { via sore-thumbelina }

Use soda cans instead of velcro rollers? And, while you’re at it, tie a black stain ribbon around your neck?   { via lace & tea }

Unleash your 6-year-old artist self and buy some dry-erase crayons?   { via minor details }

Or, make your own crayons? That you can eat!   { via luxirare }

Listen to your favorite George Harrison songs?   { via nerd boyfriend }

Cook up some super in-season artichokes? Recipes via the link!   { via apartment therapy }

Also, for those of you who follow Joanna over at A Cup of Jo, she gave birth to a little boy on Tuesday! I am a now a tad obsessive about other pregnant bloggers, when they disappear from posting I assume they went into labor. And, she did!

Have fun and be safe this weekend!

xo

Anna and Chris get married, DIY style. PC: Snippets & Ink

Today I am in SF visiting stores; always a long day, but I’ve made a reservation at Zuni Café for lunch to soften the blow :-) I can’t wait for this weekend, how about you?

While you’re waiting for the weekend to start, why don’t you…

• Check out Anna and Chris’ DIY wedding? Anna writes one of my new favorite blogs, Rummey Bears. She is a new mom and was married at 24 weeks (I love love love her dress!).
• Have a look at Joanna’s (of A Cup of Jo) favorite documentaries?
• Meet Refinery29′s 4 It Girls of tomorrow?
• Weigh in. What do you think of the four new blogger-designed Coach bags?
• Fall in love with Bambi? Not the cartoon dear, the model.

Have a good one, dearhearts!

Helena. Still a goddess, after all these years… { via }

Happy Friday! Why don’t you…

• Make someone you love a new-school mixed tape?
• Weigh in. Have you ever been kicked out of a restaurant?
• Check out Topshop’s new summer fete collection? You know you’ve been dying for a pair of floral tights…
• Shop this amazing paper pop up shop?
• Take a peek at Crystal Renn’s tush?

I feel as though the weeks are flying by at a frightening speed! This weekend Todd and I will make another trek to Ikea, this time to order our kitchen cabinets. I will spend the remainder of the weekend sorting through paint swatches (more intimidating than Pantone books). On Sunday, we’re heading to Napa for a night. Todd booked a spa/golf package at Silverado, and I am penciled in for a massage and facial. Then, come Monday morning, it’s back to the grind!

What do you have planned this weekend?

Enjoy and be safe!

{ via }

Weekend time! This weekend will be all about the remodel/design of our kitchen/office/nursery, with trips to IKEA and Home Depot. What do you have spooled up? Here’s a few ideas…

Why don’t you…

• Have your mom over for a last-minute Mother’s Day brunch? I am having my parents over this Sunday and am thinking about making this. Yummy!
• Get inspired by this perfect Parisian afternoon? A stack of newspapers, wine….and perfect hair. Sounds like absolute heaven.
• Make a DIY twig jewelry display?
• Lust over Hermes new S/S 2010 scarves? PS, keep your eyes peeled for a massive post about how to wear scarves beautifully.
• Discover your brand new girl crush, Julia?

Here’s a song to take you into the weekend. Peaches and Karen Oh? Yes please!

Have a good one, lovelies!