Here's a little lavender to cheer up the Mondays...

Vintage?

Why the heck not?

ahhhh, lavender pants

Yes, you can be my office chair

Lovely

Fem

I want to be like her

Beautiful and comfy

Pearl and lavender

 

Kate Middleton, nuff said

I could wake up here

Lovely simplicity

Glam

Cozy

Loving the lavender/ivory stripes

I don't know if I could do this, but it is still fun

Heaven?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All images obtained via pinterest.com

What is a home?

 I have been asking myself this very question for the past 15 hours or so, ever since my husband got home from work yesterday and asked me how I would feel about moving again......within the next few weeks.

Despite the shock of this happening again so soon (we moved in one month ago) and dreading the upcoming hassle that I have yet to forget from last time, I find myself in a good place, ready to go, even at a moment's notice.

On this blog I write about beautiful things, and show images that represent my tastes and thoughts. But this morning it is apparent (even though it's very cliche) that I will be fine living anywhere as long as I am with the people I love.

This is my home...

So here's to trying new things, being spontaneous, having a collosal sense of humor, and loving those around you like there is no tomorrow.

Pink and Red

Valentine's day, is here, on steroids...

Upon entering a grocery store yesterday I was greeted with  an explosion of heart shaped baloons and oversized teddy bears.This along with many other not-so-subtle clues quickly reminded me that Valentine's Day is fast approaching, like it or not. This overwhelming amount of crap was punctuated by nervous looking husbands, boyfriends, and adolescents wandering around with carts full of Russell Stover chocolates, glittery cards, and flowers.

Is this really what we woman want out of Valentine's Day? I'm not saying that every women should expect diamonds and a vacation to Paris, but what on earth are we supposed to do with a 4-foot tall teddy bear? This red and pink tornado has left me in a state of complete rebellion against the commercialism Valentine's Day.
 As a women I am looking for a tangible, beautiful, classy, fun, delicious, inspiring way to spend this holiday, so here are a few fun ideas I have come up with...

Instead of sequin tops or heart-shaped jewelry, what about a simple silk bow tied around your hair?

I love candy hearts just as much as the next person, but let's get natural, add a touch of fresh, bright red strawberries to your Valentine's day dessert

Ditch the boxed chocolates and just eat this...

Stuffed animals, eat your heart out! Here is a fun Valentine's day accessory that you don't have to be embarassed about, hang on mantle, or entry....... instant fun!

Bake some cookies with your loved one

Use your best linens for Valentines day dinner, along with simple hand-made seating cards

Come on baby, light my fire

Want to get a little crazy? Buy pink tapers

Get inspired by this outfit from "Breakfast at Tiffany's"

Make an edible masterpiece that you will remember for years to come...

Tired of the the red rose/baby's breath combination? (I am), instead, buy an asortment of ranunculus

No more Titanic, ladies. Instead watch "Marie Antoinette" with your  girlfriends and oggle at the amazing feminine costumes...

...while drinking pink champagne

 

 

 

Hug

Kiss

Hug some more

 

 

Happy Valentine's Day!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All images obtained via pinterest.com

 

Countryside Daydream

I have come to the conclusion that in a past life I was British, no doubt.

Between Mr. Darcy, dinner jackets, Kate Middleton, rolling green hills, Harry Potter, Maggie Smith, Big Ben, wellies, Carey Grant, and James Bond, it is safe to say that I have a healthy appetite for anything from across the pond.

These interests have lead to many a daydream; usually concerning drinking tea in the garden before the afternoon hunt. So for my enjoyment as much as yours, I present...An English Countryside Daydream According to Anna.

My dinner outfit, complete with plaid gown, turtleneck, tight bun, and red lipstick. What more could a girl want?

Where the magic happens

                                                                   Um, amazing

Just died and went to heaven.

Have I mentioned I LOVE dogs?

  Transportation

Yep, thats a goat tower

 

Tea time

Please, and thank you

You know, just a simple picnic

men's wear

greenery, everywhere

 

 

 

Got to have a good pair of wellies

...and a good place to store them

Have to go and hang out with my girls at Downton

 

 

 

 

I hope you all have a jolly evening!

                                                                             

Design Crush

Tommy Smythe, what a gent!

I first discovered Tommy through HGTV's "Sarah's House" and "Sarah 101." His smart, witty comments make me laugh out loud and he has a timeless design sense...

Tommy seems to have fabulous taste in just about everything, but what I most admire are his touches of masculine elegance without being too obvious or over the top; his spaces are beautiful without being frilly, and classic without being stuffy.

Look at that mirror! What a lovely collection of color and texture

 

 

Okay, there is at least one thing in all of these images that I would steal for myself. For this one, I would take the stool and everything on the coffee table and mantle. Love the plant, this room needs a hint of natural

I would steal the chair, in LOVE with that fabric which is perfect on the simple wing back

Simple, function, and beautiful

Sigh.... I would take the dresser, and lamp

A perfect example of mixing textures and patterns with similar color tones, there are quite a mis-match of things in this room but they all fall together beautifully, love the black velvet pillows and that red chevron quilt!

This is one of my favorites from Tommy, it is very well laid out and very interesting to look at. Notice there are three different colors for the cabinetry, sometimes people think that the only way to do a kitchen is in one tone or color, wood cabinets and granite counters.... BORING, love the mix of the black island, grey cabinets, and cream uppers. This is so much more interesting and satisfying to the eye, and it brings in a hint of fun and sophistication. This approach is also evident in the lovely brass hardware and red lantern and floor, unconventional for sure, but full of thought, and class

I will own a zebra rug someday.....

Love the little stool tucked away, adds a touch of intamacy and is great for extra seating

Two words: Ball Fringe

 

 

 

 

 

 

All images obtained via pinterest.com

Life Goes On

We seem to be settling in. Our little apartment is slowly feeling like a home. Zach has his schedule with work, I have my schedule with the dogs; I cook, clean, and then clean some more.

Job searching is hitting the stressful phase, the design industry is on the west side of Houston (we are on the east) which means a 60 min plus commute one way! I am starting to feel like one of those people who will just dabble in this and that their entire lives...  and the sadness is starting to set in with the realization that the perfect job may not exist.

In the meantime there is beautiful light, and tulips.