[ weekend links ] Friday February 16th

House Tours

Desert house by Marmol Radziner [ Contemporist ]

East Market House, Seattle [ Freshome ]

Neko Case’s farmhouse [ Styleist ]

A terrace house in Paddington, Sydney [ Desire to Inspire ]

Stunning guest house in Capetown [ Freshome ]

DIY & Projects

Cool friendship-bracelet chevron rug [ The House That Lars Built ]

Magnetic polaroid frames [ Yes and Yes ]

Boxed acrylic frames [ Little Green Notebook ]

Easy zip tie chandelier [ Ruffled ]

Jumbo braided extension cords [ Design Sponge ]

Fashion & Beauty

Rodarte F/W 12 [ Honestly WTF ]

Rounded hem mini [ A Pair and a Spare ]

Rachel Zoe’s runway show [ This Is Glamorous ]

Hex nut heart pendant [ Dollar Store Crafts ]

On style and systems [ Pink of Perfection ]

Hotels & Travel

Public Chicago [ Elements of Style ]

Villa Augustus, Netherlands [ Designtripper ]

Hotel Saint Cecilia, Austin [ Remodelista ]

Mini travel guide: Rome [ Yes and Yes ]

Villa Carlotta, Sicily [ Freshome ]

Entertaining & Parties

Mini birthday cakes [ Oh Happy Day ]

Oscar party printables [ Twig and Thistle ]

Easy cupcake lights [ Caitlin Wilson Design ]

Oscar party [ Brunch at Saks ]

Parmesan rosemary crackers [ Sacramento Street ]

Miscellany

Wallpaper by Catalina Estrada [ SF Girl by Bay ]

The photography of Chris Court [ Desire to Inspire ]

My advice for singles on Valentine’s Day is to not watch these. Oops. [ The Kooples ]

Apps and gear for pet lovers [ DesignSponge ]

Blogging is my boyfriend. Oh yes it is. [ IFB ]

I am so happy it’s the weekend. This week has been ridiculously busy and I am looking forward to some down time! I just need some time to breathe and I hope you all find a moment for that too.

If you are looking to give your space a dose of style- whether you are splashing out or on a budget – drop me a line. Check out my Hire Me! page for more details.

[ my top ten ] Favorite Brunch Spots of the World

I started off trying to make a top 5 list of my favorite brunch spots and then I got carried away. It’s true that I love food and I love brunch even more – especially when it’s served with copious amounts of good coffee and inventive and fresh menus. And of course, I do not mean for this list to be exhaustive. I’m sure there are many more fantastic brunch joints around the world for me to explore in the future.

1 – Freeman’s – New York

Freeman’s is charmingly tucked up an alley in the grey area between Soho and the LES. It feels secretive and mysterious even though it’s totally well known and packed full of wealthy NYC hipsters all of the time. Tables are jammed right in next to each other so you get a sort of intimacy with the next table that rarely happens in quiet old Vancouver. But the food was great and I found the antique-y atmosphere to be almost (ironically) Northwest Coast. In any case, it’s the perfect place to while away a lazy morning. Get the hot artichoke dip. I still dream about it.

2 – Four Ate Five – Sydney

The teensiest little restaurant was a total delight. And if I thought NYC was crowded – well, I actually did share a table with another couple here. But it was worth it. Australia has amazing coffee almost everywhere, plus the food here was local and fresh. Get a pastry for the road afterwards. Trust me.

3 – Bottega Louie – Los Angeles

I had never heard of Bottega Louie prior to my last trip to LA but it was a great find. It’s more like something I would expect in New York, which is to say gigantic, crowded and chic. The old converted bank doesn’t have the best acoustics but makes up for it with pretty displays of macarons, pizza, wine – everything really. Kim Kardashian was there the week before me but don’t let that stop you.

4 – Balthazar – New York

Balthazar is so NYC that it almost feels like you have stumbled onto a soundstage somewhere. But no. Instead be served delicious food with a side of impeccable service and eavesdrop on the people at the next table bragging about their real estate upstate. Get some donuts to start. Trust me.

5 – Two Chefs and A Table – Vancouver

I had to include at least one local joint on this illustrious list. Two Chefs and A Table is definitely my pick. While strangely situated in a sketchy part of town, once inside I always feel that I’ve been ported off to France or something. It’s tiny and charming and the food is incredible. In fact it always leaves me to wonder why there isn’t more of this general concept in this city. It’s also crowded and small but the food is so good I don’t even mind being seated at the large communal table.

6 – Bill’s – Sydney

This was a totally different take on the Sydney food scene than Four Ate Five. It’s rather upscale (and probably out of my reach) at night but the brunch is well worth it. A beautiful and bright room is staffed by true professionals. I had the banana ricotta pancakes with honeycomb butter and I’m sad they have to exist on another continent entirely.

7 – Hugo’s – Los Angeles

Hugo’s is ridiculously LA but don’t let that scare you. Hugo’s really has something for everyone: Mexican, vegan, gluten free, organic, whatever. It’s obviously popular but very casual feeling and rather unassuming (especially from the outside). Just ignore the LA-types wandering about with sunglasses indoors. I went to the West Hollywood location but I’m willing to bet they are all as solid food-wise as this one.

8 – Gypsy’s Hideout – 68 High Street Northcote, Melbourne

I know I barely scratched the surface of Melbourne’s food scene but Gypsy really clicked for me. This is probably just every day stuff for a Melbournian but the quality was up there with far fancier contenders. Plus I loved the simple cafe vibe. I’m sure it would be even better during the warmer months outside on the patio. There’s no website so I gave you the address because I care.

9 – Twisted Fork – Vancouver

I love brunch at the Twisted Fork. I love the inventive seasonal menus. I love the carafes of coffee. I even love the tiny booths. However now everyone else also shares my love and Twisted Fork is often too busy for me. But you should still check it out – it’s totally worth it. (Pssst – it’s also totally worth it for dinner).

10 – Lola – Seattle

Lola’s is part of the Tom Douglas empire (which also include Serious Pie, my favorite pizza in Seattle but I digress). I’ve only had brunch here once and while pricier than my normal greasy spoon budget, it was definitely worth it. The coffee is great and the food fresh. The star here is the lowly potato so be sure to order some. Plus I love the comfy booths and that relaxed Seattle sort of calm.

If you are looking to give your space a dose of style- whether you are splashing out or on a budget – drop me a line. Check out my Hire Me! page for more details.

[ weekend links ] Friday February 10th Edition

House Tours

AE House, Mexico City[ Contemporist ]

Concrete in Buenos Aires [ Freshome ]

Beautiful mid-century Vancouver apartment [ VIA ]

Artistic in Copenhagen [ Freshome ]

Glass Loggia house, Sydney [ Desire To Inspire ]

DIY & Projects

Wood and gold candles [ A Subtle Revelry ]

DIY modern wall art [ Kara Parslay Designs ]

Himelli DIY [ Hydrangea Girl ]

Sweater vase [ Sweet Paul ]

Tufted headboard [ Little Green Notebook ]

Fashion & Beauty

Neon cameo necklace [ Whimsey Box ]

DIY waxed denim [ Because I'm Addicted ]

Gorgeous painted rhinestone necklace [ Swellmayde ]

Book clutch [ Runway DIY ]

DIY angel top [ Made by Rae ]

Hotels & Travel

If only I had known about this before I went - byronbayfarm  [ Desire To Inspire ]

Casa Lola Trancoso, Brazil [ The Zhush ]

Hôtel Nord Pinus, Provence [ Remodelista ]

Yemanja Resort, Mustique [ Freshome ]

Amanfayun, Hangzhou, China [ Honestly WTF ]

Entertaining & Parties

I am dying over James of Bleubird Vintage’s fabulous wedding (as is everyone else). How ridiculously gorge. [ Parts 1 and 2 ]

Red wine pairings [ Mint Loves Social Club ]

Valentine’s Day girls night in [ The Glitter Guide ]

Stamped party cups [ Oh Happy Day ]

Paint chip photo backdrop [ Kara Paslay Designs ]

Miscellany

Lotta Jansdotter’s toolbox [ DesignSponge]

LOL [ Fuck Your Noguchi Coffee Table ]

Green cleaning products [ Crazy Sexy LIfe ]

Dooce can be so sad yet so worth reading [ Dooce ]

The most common cooking mistakes [ Cooking Light ]

I tried to make this edition as Valentine’s free as possible. And not just because I happen to be single this year. Every year I get overloaded by all the expectation. Isn’t it better to do something romantic almost any other day? I hope that doesn’t sound too grumpy-pants. Anyway, I hope you all have a wonderful weekend and I’ll continue this pink-free zone next week. xo

If you are looking to give your space a dose of style- whether you are splashing out or on a budget – drop me a line. Check out my Hire Me! page for more details.

[ weekend links ] Friday February 3rd Edition

House Tours

Feminine in Madrid [ Freshome ]

Gorgeous house in Tel Aviv [ Designspiration SK ]

Amazing in Amsterdam [ Contemporist ]

Unusual Scandinavian villa [ Freshome ]

House Aboobaker in Limpopo, South Africa [ Contemporist ]

DIY & Projects

Geometric art project [ A Beautiful Mess ]

Yarn wrapped bottles [ Penelope and Pip ]

DIY koushi lamp [ Remodelista ]

Floating bookshelves [ SweetHome ]

Craspedia flower [ Sincerely Kinsey ]

Fashion & Beauty

Lace heart sweater [ Sincerely Kinsey ]

Wrapped tribal choker [ Swellmayde ]

Hair bow [ Fine and Feathered ]

Brightly lined mini [ A Pair and A Spare ]

Jason Wu Pre-Fall DIY [ Inspiration Realization ]

Hotels & Travel

Casa do Conto, Porto, Portugal [ Remodelista ]

Viceroy Resort, Bali [ Freshome ]

Palazzo Margherita, Bernalda [ Poppytalk ]

Hotel Lugarno, Florence [ Knight Moves ]

Peacock Pavillions, Morocco [ Honestly WTF ]

Entertaining & Parties

Pink and white party [ Brunch at Saks ]

Parties get messy [ Oh Happy Day ]

A 60th birthday party [ Caitlin Wilson Design ]

Cold serving platform [ Ikea Hackers ]

Valentine’s crafternoon [ Coco + Kelley ]

Miscellany

The work of Burgers Architecture Inc, Vancouver [ Desire to Inspire ]

20 throw pillows from Etsy [ Style by Emily Henderson ]

10 best small bathroom makeovers [ Curbly ]

Great stuff at Urban Outfitters [ Gorgeous Shiny Things ]

The intersection of design + fashion [ I'm The It Girl ]

Hi guys! I have wee little project featured on Style At Home right now – go check it out if you can. And have a great weekend!

If you are looking to give your space a dose of style- whether you are splashing out or on a budget – drop me a line. Check out my Hire Me! page for more details.

[ daydream destination ] Missoni x Four Seasons

(Please note: I have less and less time these days to write full on hotel reviews! I will still try to do them once in a while but I just can’t commit to the weekly schedule anymore. )

The Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea is always a pretty darned nice place to rest your head. But recently it got just a little bit more luxurious. The resort has partnered with luxury retailer Seaside Luxe to announce it’s collaboration with famed Italian fashion house Missoni. Seaside has already brought Missoni Home to it’s exclusive Maui boutiques but will now bring that partnership directly to the clients staying at the Four Seasons.

Two of the poolside Serenity Pool cabanas will be turned into Missoni Home showcases. There will also be a lounge display outside of the hotels existing 22 Knots boutique. Guest will get a sneak peek of the goods without even having to leave the pool.

I think new and clever ways of introducing products to the consumer is always a great thing and I kind of love this idea of brand-hotel partnership. And if I just so happened to be sitting poolside in Maui, I certainly wouldn’t be complaining about sharing the sunshine with Missoni. Of course the view sure doesn’t hurt. I don’t know about you but that combined with a few Mai Tais would definitely put me in an aspirational shopping mood!

If you are looking to give your space a dose of style- whether you are splashing out or on a budget – drop me a line. Check out my Hire Me! page for more details.