30 March 2012

Flower Power

Yay, it's finally Friday! I hope you enjoyed the week.

 Spring is in the air and you'll find flowers everywhere.
No need to look that hard:

Bangles at Forever 21
Hand towels at Anthropologie
A new wardrobe from Anthropologie
Festive dresses at Anthropologie
Bed linen from Ikea
Table cloths from Ikea
Paper table napkins from Ikea
Ceramic plates with floral motifs at Ikea
Glass dinnerware from Ikea
Pretty floral drinking glasses also from Ikea
Food storage containers from Fishs Edy

Please add some flowers in your life -- they turn the every day from blah to TADA! 
Have a blooming weekend!

29 March 2012

Sweets and Spring

I'm taking a little spring break from crafting, but that doesn't mean a lack of inspirations. Today, I'm taking you to New York City's Upper East Side.

I thought it TADA! to make a pilgrimage to Laduree's first flagship store in the US.

Laduree is the well-loved Parisian patisserie.  

They sell tiny sweets like chocolates, even packaged tea 
and marmalade.

However, their macarons are the reason for long line at the store. Macarons are skillfully made bite-size confections in pretty pastel shades, with a slight crunch and delicate flavor.

Within the store, there is also a section with gifts such as candles, scarves, and stationery. 

I think the boxes themselves are enough reason to make a purchase! 

I didn't want to be too indulgent, just a small paper bag for me. 

With two macaron flavors: caramel with fleur de sel and cherry blossom. I took these with me to Central Park.

This is Central Park at this time of the year. 

The trees have awakened from their winter slumber. 

 How lucky is this statue, to be surrounded with a cloud of pink!

Cherry blossoms overhead

 The flowers up close

 I joined these picnickers...

Took in this view...

...and got a taste of spring under a canopy of blooms.

And that's how my day went from blah to TADA!
I wish you a TADA! day too.

28 March 2012

Springtime in the Market

Today, I'm taking you to a popular spot in New York City.

Friends, welcome to Union Square! It's a park, a gathering place, an area where events and even protests are staged, and on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, the Union Square Farmer's Market is open. 

The tents are filled with locally grown produce. 

There's also artwork for sale.

There are more vendors in the summer offering vibrant fruits and vegetables.

In autumn, the abundant goods match the colors of the season. 

During winter, leafy greens perfect for a stew, juicy red apples and cups of warm cider chase the frost away.

But in the spring, fragrant blooms are the star:






Don't these flowers instantly brighten your mood?
Have a lovely day!

27 March 2012

Spring Fashion

Excuse me if we're not crafting this week. I've decided to spend my days outdoors and welcome spring with outstretched arms! But I'm sharing what I'm currently loving like fresh, spring fashion.

Uniqlo is one of my favorite shops. It's a Japanese brand boasting wardrobe classics like crisp white shirts, blue jeans, black trousers and trench coats. This spring, they've collaborated with Orla Kiely.

Yes, Orla Kiely! She's the Irish, London-based designer known for her use of bright colors and graphic patterns on clothes, bags, and paper goods. Miss Kiely has splattered her happy prints on Uniqlo's comfortable tops, dresses, and scarves. That means wardrobe additions that are cute and affordable. I'm like a screaming fan girl right now!

If you'll recall, she did a line with Target a few years ago. Groupies lapped up the merchandise. These are the only things I got:

         

A ceramic mug and plastic beverage glass in Miss Kiely's apples and pears print. 

Here are more items from the collection for Uniqlo, beautifully styled of course:






And on the racks: 


 Here's what I bought:

 The perfect spring scarf

I chose her beloved stem design.
It's archetypal Orla Kiely.

I love my new accessory and I love spring!