this week's looks: bright and sunny

One of the many reasons why I'm loving California:

There is absolutely no way I have to worry about snow right now. To celebrate, I want to keep things bright and sunny this week - which is exactly what the forecast calls for. 

Monday: Classic black and white stripes with bright jeans. Be sure to accessorize with colors opposite the color wheel for a fresher take.

Tuesday: Dress down a flowing skirt with a lightweight sweatshirt. Stick with wedges and a top knot to balance the two pieces.

tip:Use this look to experiment with lip color - I'm trying out a hot pink stain!

Wednesday: I love mixing stripes with florals. Add a skinny belt and bright coral cardigan to make work appropriate.

Thursday: A simple sundress paired with a wool long vest to combat those cooler mornings. Add an aqua statement necklace and some lace up boots to keep from feeling dowdy.

Friday: A fun pairing of mint and coral is perfect for an after work happy hour. Bring the whole look together with a lightweight scarf and some gladiator sandals. 

all clothing and accessory sourcing can be found on my polyvore page

weekend project: diy potted garden

Our backyard is in desperate need of some TLC. Right now, it's nothing but weeds, old mulch and dog poop. Disgusting. The problem is I haven't a clue how to tackle. Where do you even start?

Jim's been talking about a potted garden for a while now so I'm now taking that idea and running with it. Functional + pretty = best of both worlds. Here's some eye candy to show you where my head's at. 

The trick will be whether or not I can find these containers at a reasonable price. At least I know I have plenty of wine bottles in the recycle bin to get started with some hanging herbs.

emily summers

tree hugger

TIP: You can probably use gutter material to create this, keeping lettuce away from critters that might eat it. I'm thinking this could be a good way to plant green onions and spinach as well. Basically veggies with shorter roots. 

apartment therapy

TIP: Head to a spirits store and ask for leftover wine crates. Last time I did this, I got one for only $5. Given our California location, I'm hoping I can scrounge up a few of these for free.

the vintage journal

country living

real simple

urban garden casual

TIP: Mix it up! I'm loving the various heights, sizes and shapes of these pots. Clustering in an empty corner of our yard will cozy up the space. It's also an easy way to add color to an otherwise dull palette.

real simple

flickr

real simple

By the way, these photos are from a good old fashioned Google search. My attempt to wean myself off pinterest.

new use for a china cabinet

I am 100% IN LOVE with this vintage China cabinet. As in, if it were human, Jim might have some competition. What?! Who am I kidding? Jim competes for my love against this China cabinet on a daily basis. 

Sigh. My heart be still.

We found it an an antique shop here in Sacramento (Midway Antiques) and I knew the second I saw it, we had to have it. For what? I didn't know. We don't have any China. Or linens. Or anything else to fit in this adorably small cabinet. But still, I NEEDED IT. Scouring my brain for ideas on how to justify the purchase, we finally ended up on using it as record player storage. PERFECT.

So here he sits in the corner of our dining room. I'm still on the fence about refinishing but for now, I'm liking what the wear and tear brings to the space. 

To keep the piece from looking drab, I added a modern vase and planter to the top of it. Then, to balance new with old, I added a few thrift store gems to mix until I got the combination I was looking for. So, so, SO happy with the end result.

OTHER OPTIONS: Using furniture in a new way adds an interesting twist on room decor. Cabinets, credenzas, dressers and bookcases can be used for all different types of storage, keeping your space feeling eclectic and less cookie cutter. Here are some other ideas for record player storage. 

(Or anything else you might need to contain.)

room and board

world market

room and board

cb2

world market

this week's looks: spring!

Spring is large and in charge here in northern California. The trees have blossomed, the grass is green(er) and the sun is a-blazing. 

THANK GOD.

I'm so sick of sweaters and freaking layering the time to stow it all away and bring out something fresh couldn't have come soon enough. Here are some outfit ideas to help get your springtime wardrobe started. 

monday: add a jean jacket and different colored flats to liven up a plain dress

tuesday: keep it casual with a flowy skirt and soft white tee

wednesday: the jean on jean keeps this preppy look from being too stiff

thursday: mix stripes and floral for a fresh take on layering patterns

friday: add some edge to an otherwise soft look with art deco-inspired accessories

saturday: navy keeps these colored jeans crisp and clean

sunday: an old concert tee and keds make sunday errands bearable

visit this week's looks: spring! by kantoske on polyvore.com for clothing sources.

day trip: point reyes

Point Reyes: A prominent cape on the Pacific Coast of Northern California, approximately 30 miles from San Francisco. Bounded by Tomales Bay and Bolinas Lagoon, this headland is protected as part of the Point Reyes National Seashore. Point Reyes is home to Tule Elk and the Northern Elephant Seal. In fact, we saw both on our way to the lighthouse. Also, if you're into this sort of thing, you may want to schedule a visit around the time the California Gray Whale swims through this area as it migrates to Baja, California.

We took a day trip here in search of a beach. Driving through what felt like the countryside of Northern California, we passed through cute little communities like Iverness and Point Reyes Station that were perfect for a quick lunch or cup of coffee. We didn't stop to take any photos of these areas because our mission was clear: find. the. beach. 

As we took the windy road through the Point Reyes National Seashore the area was filled with dairy and oyster farms, with little turning points to small little bays with their own little beaches. The scenery was beautiful, the air was fresh and it was a new part of California I didn't really know about.

BONUS:There are over 300 stairs to the Point Reyes Lighthouse so be prepared to get a full leg workout in. As part of our cool down, Jim and I ended up swinging over to Uva Trattoria in Napa Valley for a much needed glass of wine and plate of pasta before heading home. 

For the record, I didn't half this stuff before looking it up on Wikipedia and the National Park Service. We just thought it was something different to do and see.