R & R

This weekend, I'm making time for some much needed rest and relaxation. As I feel the beginnings of icky winter sickness creep up, I'm devoting this snowy Saturday to quietly enjoying the soft flurries with a good book by my side.

I think this adorable coffee mug by Brookish perfectly sums up the day.

Pottery Barn Inspiration

For months I've been lusting over the vintage window frame mirrors that are on display each week at Eastern Market. There's just something about the rustic look that feels so homey to me.

A similar piece via Etsy

So today when I came across these Pottery Barn-inspired cubbies that evoke the same kind of feel, it was love at first sight.

DIY project found here.

I love the photos, letters and all around nautical, yet rustic feel. If only I had a beach house.

Photography finds: Southern style

For as much as I love D.C., my heart occasionally still yearns for the sweet simplicity of the South. So when I came across the New Orleans Glow photography collection by Roy Barloga today, a bit of nostalgia set in.

Since I've been dying to take a trip down to the bayou-area (especially after reading Rebecca Wells' latest novel over Thanksgiving), these photos leave me dreaming of the Southern charm and history that embody New Orleans.

So ethereal and gorgeous, these photos can be found here or visit Bargola's site for more.

Week's end recap: Craftism for Haiti

This week, with our hearts and minds still focused on the recent earthquakes in Haiti, I thought I'd dedicate week's end recap 01.15.10 to items benefiting the Haitian Relief Fund.

A portion, or all, of the proceeds from these purchases go directly to Haitian relief. Let's do some good this week.

Valentine prints from Claudia Pearson, available here.

Valentines from Ashley Brooke Designs

Metallic zip pouch - Etsy

Carpe Diem earrings - Elizabeth Space

To Haiti, with love - Ink Dork

Also, supporting the cause:

• Paper Menagerie on Esty
• Indie Fixx
• Mac and iPhone app - Seasonality.
• Even Blink 182 has a shirt, with proceeds going straight to Haiti relief.
• Or, visit Etsy's ever-growing list of handmade items for Haiti.

Haiti's Devastation

The devastation occurring in Haiti right now is truly heart wrenching. And while my heart breaks for those in the area, it's also warmed by the overflow of donations and kind thoughts. The Red Cross text message campaign has raised more than $1 million as of last night, with more donations flowing in.

If you haven't donated yet, consider texting "Haiti" to 90999, which will allows you to make a $10 donation to be charged to your cell phone bill.

It's sad how it sometimes takes a catastrophe to put things into place in our own lives. My worries seem (thankfully) very insignificant right now. Don't forget to keep Haiti and all the volunteers in your thoughts and prayers.

Baby it's cold outside

Breakfast food may quite honestly be the key to my heart. Especially now, with the frigid weather outside, there's nothing better than waking up to a warm cup of coffee and a cozy brunch in your own apartment.

This morning, the roomie and I hosted a few friends and neighbors for our own version of brunch bunch. On the menu? Eggnog French Toast. So delicious.

Ok, so ours didn't look quite this pretty, but equally as yummy.

Recipe and photos available here.

Week's end recap: First edition of the new year

After a short reprieve, due to holiday travel distractions, week's end recap is back in full force for the new year. After cleaning out my starred times from this past week, here are my favorites from the blogosphere:

Bus stop signs via Elements of Style and Paris Hotel Boutique

Skeleton key bottle openers via Design Sponge and Urban Outfitters

Winter poppies, also via Design Sponge

Stay warm this weekend folks (even in Florida)!

For auld lang syne, my dear

Well, it's officially 2010, folks. There's something so wonderfully exciting about the beginning of a new year, with everyone filled with resolve, ambition and optimism. This year, I enjoyed my first D.C. New Year's Eve in great company, a sure sign of a wonderful year to come. And while I don't necessarily believe in resolutions, but more so establishing goals, I've certainly begun list-making things I hope to accomplish this year.

Image via Orlando Weekly

As one of my goals for this year includes staying on top of the blogosphere even more, I found a perfect quote shared by one of my favorite daily reads La Dolce Vita:

"May the best of the past be the worst of the future." - An Irish blessing

Also, in the spirit of list-making, the contributors to one of my favorite local blogs posted their resolutions for the new year. It's a great "to-do" list for D.C. residents or visitors and I've definitely put the majority of these items on my list as well.

Hope everyone had a happy and safe New Year's Eve!