Our Honeymoon: Santorini Part I

I'm going to be posting out of order here, but I'm still sifting through the rest of my photos from Italy and these are just too pretty not to share! For the final leg of our honeymoon we hopped on a plane, and after a short flight over unbelievably blue seas dotted with grey volcanic islands dusted with tiny white villages, we touched down in sunny Santorini. Five days on this magical island weren't nearly enough, and I'm already dreaming about when we can go back explore more of the mythical Greek Isles.

An Upstate New York Country Home

I've followed JCrew menswear Director Frank Muytjens' Instagram account for years without really knowing much about him other than that he has a fantastic eye and an absolutely adorable Vizsla. Today, after taking what seemed like the 100th screen shot of his upstate New York vacation home, I decided I needed to see more. A vintage collector's paradise, I love how every inch of his home feels lived in and special. The layers of fabrics and textures, the ephemera covering nearly every surface, the use of natural elements - all come together to create a space that is truly memorable.  

Our Honeymoon: Borgo Santo Pietro

After a magical week celebrating our wedding in Paso Robles with our friends and family, we headed east to Europe for our honeymoon. The first stop - Italy. And not just anywhere in Italy, but the magical Relais Borgo Santo Pietro. I first read about Borgo on Cupcakes and Cashmere four years ago, and have been dreaming about visiting ever since. When we started tossing around honeymoon destinations and decided on Lake Como, I knew we had to spend a few extra days in Italy to visit Borgo. So after a long flight and a night in Florence we headed south through the winding countryside filled with excitement.

Five Recipes Perfect for Fall

Gluten-Free Pumpkin Gnocchi {sans the pancetta} via The Bonjon Gourmet

For the first time this month, yesterday finally felt like fall. I couldn't wait to get home, turn off our AC, light my favorite fall candle, and open the screen doors to let in the cool, crisp air. There's something about the onset of fall that makes me feel the urge to nest. To sit by the fire with a blanket and a bottle of wine. To clear the house of clutter {a crazy busy summer has left me feeling perpetually behind on keeping our house clean}. To sit outside by the fire with s'mores. To give Ryan the feeling of coming home from work to a kitchen filled with love and the intoxicating scent of dinner on the stove. And for that, I've pulled together five recipes that I'm looking forward to trying this fall. Enjoy!

The Ritz Paris

Ever since my first trip to Paris in 2012, the Ritz Paris has been closed for renovations. I've walked by it countless times on the Place Vendome, eager to take a glimpse inside one of the world's most iconic hotels. Throughout its storied past, the Ritz has hosted a slew of famous guests including Hemingway who used it as his base when he covered the war and Coco Chanel who lived there for 34 years.

Amanda Brooks' English Country House

I've long been a fan of Amanda Brooks. From her days as a street style icon to her time as the fashion director for Barney's New York to her current Instagram account that showcases her idyllic life in the English countryside (with just enough time spent jetsetting through Europe, New York, and the Caribbean), I've always found her style to be aspirational yet attainable and love her relaxed and effortless aesthetic.

Hello!

Well hello there! It's been far too long and I've got some big news - I'm officially Mrs. Molly Carr. After over nine years of dating, Ryan and I were married on a golden afternoon in California at HammerSky Vineyards. The day absolutely overflowed with love and joy, and will forever remain in my heart as the happiest day of my life.

In the midst of working full-time and planning a destination wedding (which I could not recommend more), I seem to have neglected this little space of the internet. To be honest, whenever I would think about it I would feel a pang of guilt because blogging has always been one of the ways that I find time for myself. It has always given me such fulfillment and been such a wonderful source of creative inspiration. I have found that blogging is one of the few things in life that seems like whatever I put in I get back ten-fold. So, now that the wedding is over I am going to turn my focus back to myself and in turn to this blog. Thank you for your love and support over these years, it truly means the world to me and I look forward to reconnecting with each and every one of you!

Spring Vegetable Tartine with Grilled Meyer Lemon

Last month Kate of Taffeta & Tulips asked me if I wanted to participate in a recipe swap with her, and of course I jumped at the chance! Inspired by the spring bounty at my local farmer's market, I put together a quick and easy recipe for a spring vegetable tartine with grilled Meyer lemon. Originally shared on Kate's blog, it was too good not to share here too. Enjoy with a crisp glass of Chenin Blanc on a warm summer afternoon.

Colefax & Fowler's Bowood

Over the years I have been very vocal about my love for wallpaper. I still smile every time I walk through our front door and admire my all time favorite print - Nina Campbell's Perroquet - on the walls of our entryway. Always on the lookout for my next favorite print, I was recently perusing my Pinterest boards when I noticed a commonality in several of my pins - a beautiful pale blue floral chinz being used everywhere from walls to chairs to beds. After a little research I found that it was Colefax & Fowler's Bowood, and I'm officially obsessed. I love it as a wallpaper, but my favorite application is as a headboard. Paired with crisp white monogrammed sheets, a dark grey nightstand, and a framed vintage print, the Bowood print perfectly epitomizes the casual elegance of English country style.

The Orient Express

Maybe it's the fact that I live in the landlocked Midwest, but I look forward to being able to ride the train in Europe almost as much as being there itself. One of my favorite experiences was the nine hour trip from Lucerne, Switzerland to Vienna. The train quietly weaved its way through the alps, alternating between gorgeous pastures, snow capped peaks, and ancient villages. As much as I wanted to sleep, my desire to soak up the gorgeous surroundings kept me awake the entire trip. 

A California Home Designed by Rita Konig

As I've mentioned before, Rita Konig is my all-time favorite interior designer. Her use of color, pattern, and antiques give homes a whimsical yet timeless vibe that always feels comfortable and lived-in. So when I saw on her Instagram account that Elle Decor was featuring a home she decorated in their March issue, I knew I would have to get my hands on it!

Ballyfin Demesne

Although we have been to Europe several times, we have not yet been able to make it to Ireland. It seems like every time we plan a European vacation one of us suggests it but we ultimately decide that we will wait until next time. Well, at least that was until I stumbled upon the majestic Ballyfin Demesne...

Our Wedding :: Floral Inspiration

One of the elements that I'm most excited about for our wedding is the flowers. Our florist, Adornments Flowers & Finery, is amazing so I'm really going to just let her take my ideas and run with them. Here are some flowers that are currently inspiring me.

Sonoma Travel Guide

As I mentioned before, my mom and I took a trip to Napa and Sonoma over Memorial Day last year to check out wedding venues. While we ended up picking a venue in Central California Wine Country {you can see it here!}, my mom and I had the best time on our girls trip and were able to squeeze in time to check out some local shops, galleries, farmers markets, and of course - tasting rooms. It also didn't hurt that nearly every venue we looked at was a gorgeous vineyard which meant that although we were technically wedding planning we almost always had a glass of wine in hand :)

Recipe Swap: Taffeta & Tulips Meyer Lemon Cocktail

I'm excited to share that today Kate, of Taffeta and Tulips, and I are doing a recipe swap featuring one of my favorite spring ingredients—Meyer lemons. Kate is one of my long-time blog friends and I couldn't be happier to be partnering with her again. Kate's effortless sense of style translates perfectly to her recipes which are always simple, elegant, and fresh, and her Meyer Lemon Cocktail recipe is no different. Enjoy Kate's delicious cocktail, and be sure to check out Taffeta & Tulips for my Spring Vegetable Tartine recipe.

Miguel Vallinas‘ Roots

Spring is officially here, and what better than to celebrate with photos of dreamy spring flowers from Miguel Vallinas? His latest collection of work, entitled 'Roots', shows a series of flower heads and explores the development of personal identity. The photographer explains, "Roots searches once more in human nature for what we believe we are, what others think we are, what we really are and what we would like to be." Everything from the fashion choices to the bouquets to the model's poses feels intentionally styled to be uncomplicated yet beautiful—a way of reminding us to return to our roots and embrace the simple pleasures in life.

My Juice Cleanse Experience

Last week I mentioned that I was in the process of completing a three-day juice cleanse, and a few of you reached out to see if I would post on my thoughts and experiences. I purchased the Level One Cleanse from our local juicer—The Garden Table—and since I had tried nearly all of their juices before {they are delicious} I was extremely excited. I had been eating very clean for the past few months, but after a few weekends away, visitors, and dinners out, compounded with stress, I was left feeling unmotivated and overall pretty 'blah'. I decided a cleanse was just what I needed to jump start my healthy lifestyle and inspire me to back on track.

Happy Friday!

I don't know about you, but I couldn't be happier that it's Friday! I'm on the final day of a three-day juice cleanse and overall think I'm doing pretty well, but if you ask me again in five minutes I might have a different response :) Tomorrow is supposed to be warm and sunny, and I plan on spending the morning at the farmers market picking up some ingredients for a very special blog post {stay tuned next week} and the afternoon outside with Yoda. On Sunday I'm going home for the day to work on wedding invitation designs with my mom which I couldn't be more excited about, especially because Oakwood is always extra beautiful this time of year. What are you up to this weekend?

A Rustic Chic California Home

One of the best parts about planning a destination wedding is being able to squeeze a couple extra vacations out of it. We spent about a week and a half in California last summer checking out venues from Northern Sonoma down to the Central Coast, and we will be going back about a week early to explore Santa Barbara and Central California Wine Country. All this time in California has really allowed me to start to appreciate the rustic, laid-back Cali lifestyle which is evident in everything from the fashion to cuisine to decor. To me - this feeling of casual elegance is perfectly captured by designer Wendy Bellissimo's Hidden Hills home. More from Lonny...

Montreal, Canada

I started this blog in October 2012 to document my experience of traveling through Europe solo. Two weeks before that, my mom and I spent four days exploring Montreal and getting a taste of France in North America. From the cobblestone streets to the unique art scene to the unbelievable cuisine, Montreal is a great place for a long-weekend getaway. A few of my musts are:

Honeymoon Style :: Lake Como

Black Halo Raina Dress || Cat-Eye Mirrored Sunglasses || Zimmermann Bikini || Paul & Joe Top || Beach Towel || Evil Eye Bracelet || Loeffler Randall Gladiator Sandal || Straw Hat || Club Monaco Shorts || JCrew Striped Heels || Bobbi Brown Highlighter

It's Monday, and I'm busy dreaming about our next warm-weather getaway - our honeymoon! Ever since seeing Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones in 2002, I've dreamt about visiting the beautiful Lake Como that was featured prominently in this film and in Casino Royale in 2006. While we have been to Italy several times, we just never seemed to have the time {or budget} to visit the famed lake...always hoping that someday we would go back for our honeymoon. So, we're doing just that and spending three days at the beautiful Grand Hotel Tremezzo.

An Eclectic Chicago Loft

Chicagoians Graham Kostic and Fran Taglia know how to decorate. Just take a look at their seriously gorgeous renovated loft {it used to be a soda factory!} that's chock-full of eclectic ephemera. From their collection of vintage oil paintings to their fearless use of wallpaper {including the Carlton Varney's stunning palm print which can be seen at The Greenbrier} to a constellation-painted ceiling, these two aren't afraid to be bold. While some of the pattern is a little more than I would like in my own home, I think Graham and Fran were able to curate a space that feels completely unique and individual - which is a feat in itself these days! My favorite space has to be the grapevine-enveloped courtyard, isn't it magical?

Amy Judd's Birds of Paradise

I recently came across the work of London based painter Amy Judd and have fallen absolutely in love with her mysterious, feminine, and stunning oil paintings that feature images of women with natural elements such as birds, butterflies, and feathers that act as symbols of female strength. The gallery that represents her, the Hicks Gallery, explains...

Guest Room Inspiration

Smokey Rose Wallpaper || Vintage Trophy || Vintage Oil Painting || Industrial End Table || Hanging Bulb Pendant || Bed Skirt || Iron Bed || Jute Rug || Coral Sheet Set and Duvet || Throw Pillow

I've had this photo saved for years, so when we moved into our new house last January I decided to use it as inspiration for our downstairs guest bedroom. We had this wallpaper installed {which I am in love with} and still need a few finishing touches to pull the room together. While I am leaning towards a wood nightstand, this industrial piece reminds me so much of the one in the inspiration image, plus I love how it contrasts with the feminine wallpaper. 

Grand Hotel du Palais Royal

This past November we decided to book a spontaneous trip to Paris for New Year's Eve, and decided that we wanted to check out a new hotel. On past trips I've tried out several different AirBnB's and hotels in Le Marais, on the Ile Saint Louis, and in St. Germain, but for this trip we decided we wanted to stay in the elegant 1st Arrondisement. Thanks to the gorgeous views, chic decor, and near perfect reviews we decided to stay at the Grand Hotel du Palais Royal, and couldn't have been more pleased with our choice.

Cold Shoulder

Tibi || Cupcakes & Cashmere || Rebecca Minkoff || Alice + Olivia || Mara Hoffman || Tularosa || Amanda Uprichard || Rebecca Minkoff

While I wouldn't consider myself a very trendy person, every so often a look really resonates with me. One of the biggest trends on the spring/summer 2016 runways {and my personal favorite} is off-the-shoulder tops and dresses. I love how these tops feel relaxed yet feminine, without showing too much skin or feeling too bohemian. My absolute favorite is this adorable striped number by Mara Hoffman {how cute are the matching shorts?!} which I think would be absolutely perfect for our honeymoon in September.

Napa Valley Travel Guide

My mom and I spent five days last spring in beautiful Napa and Sonoma looking at wedding venues. While we ended up deciding on a venue in Central California Wine Country, we had an absolutely fantastic time eating and drinking our way through one of the most spectacular wine and food destinations in the world. If you're thinking about going to Napa in the future I've shared some of my recommendations including wineries hand-picked by my Napa based wedding planner whose husband has worked in the wine industry for 20+ years. Cheers!

Wedding Invitation Inspiration

This past week has been an absolute whirlwind. On top of a busy schedule at work, I've had several appointments, a baby shower, a wedding shower, and went home to Dayton for the weekend. I haven't had much time to blog, but as we're in the initial phases of designing our wedding invitations I wanted to share some of my inspiration. I love the look of handmade paper, watercolor washes, a pale color palette, and loose, modern calligraphy. What are your favorite kind of wedding invitations?

Tuscan Dreams

After almost three years to the day we will be returning to Italy, this time for our honeymoon! While we have sincerely loved every region of Italy that we've visited, Tuscany has a very special place in our hearts. During our five days in the countryside we said countless times how romantic it was, and how perfect it would be for a honeymoon. 

Grace Oda's Splash

Around this time every year I start to get an itch for the sun. If you're one of the lucky ones heading on a tropical vacation {such as my friend Sara who heads to the Maldives in a few days}, I'm envious! But for those of you who, like me, are going to be landlocked for the foreseeable future, photographer Grace Oda's collection of partially submerged ocean shots is almost as good as the real thing. I particularly love the photos shot during that magical time before sunset. After a day in the heat, nothing feels better than jumping into the crystal clear sea, glistening with the golden glow of late afternoon, and floating on your back while staring up at the sky. Pure serenity.

Built-In Bookshelves

Can a home have too many built-in bookshelves? When you're a collector like me, the answer is absolutely not! Although our Victorian cottage has loads of character, since the day we moved in I've dreamt of having built-ins installed in our living and dining rooms.

Amsterdam Travel Guide

We recently spent three days in Amsterdam, and although the weather was gloomy and I was recovering from a terrible stomach virus that I caught on our last night in Paris, we had the most amazing time and are already dreaming about when we will be able to return. For those of you who haven't been or are planning a trip {I'm envious!} I've pulled together some of my recommendations for where to stay, what to see, and of course - what to eat!

My Favorite Food Blog

Ribollita - Tuscan white bean soup

As I mentioned previously, I have been a vegetarian for the past 13 months, and until recently was stuck in a bit of a food rut. I made the decision to cut out all meat abruptly and didn't spend much time really figuring out my next step. That compounded with being overwhelmed with a new job, decorating a new house, and planning a destination wedding resulted in my diet last year being pretty redundant. I ate a lot of salads, meatless chicken patties, canned tuna, and a lot of quinoa {ok, and a decent amount of pasta too}.

Honeymoon Style: Santorini

JCrew Pom Beach Tunic || Seagrass Tassel Tote || Karen Walker Sunglasses || Soludos Slide Sandal || Marysia Bikini Top and Bottom || Tibi Silk Halter Top || Elizabeth and James Tunic Dress || Boater Hat || Fringed Earrings 

Although our honeymoon is still six and a half months away {I'm not counting or anything...} it's never too early to start shopping! No matter how diligent I am in preparing for a trip, I always seem to come to the realization about half way through the vacation that I packed way too much. Because we will be staying in three different destinations on our honeymoon it's especially important to me that I bring pieces that can multitask to ensure that unpacking and repacking my suitcase is a breeze. After all, the last thing I'm going to want to do is spend an hour in our room trying to squeeze everything back into my suitcase.

Dreams in HD Photography

La Vie En Rose

Happy Friday! I don't know about you - but this week has felt like it has dragged on, and on, and on. This weekend we're planning on taking full advantage of the spring-like weather by heading to our favorite town of Nashville, IN for an afternoon of sunshine, antiquing, and brewery hopping.

In other news, I recently opened up a print shop on Etsy! Dreams in HD Photography features images from my travels. I fell in love with traveling on my first trip abroad nearly ten years ago - visiting my sister in Germany. Since then it has become a full-fledged addiction, and I never leave without my camera. Seeing the world through my viewfinder allows me to notice the little things...the way the light reflects off a gold dome, the tiny drops of dew on freshly cut roses, a couple strolling hand-in-hand in the Tuileries. Because those seemingly insignificant moments really are what life's all about, don't you think?

For the Little Ones

Woodland Footie || Baby Burpies || Japanese Wave Pants || Bandanna Bib || Hedgehog Wood Rattler Teether || Heart Pants || Classic Kimono || Peony Garden Pants

Is it just me, or is shopping for babies infinitely more fun than shopping for yourself? I'm pretty sure that the smaller things get the more exponentially adorable they become. While right now the only little one we could dream of having in our lives is Yoda, we're at the age where we start transitioning from wedding showers to baby showers - and I for one absolutely love having an excuse to shop for little ones.

Wedding Dress Shopping

The only aspect of wedding planning I was truly nervous about was dress shopping. I am very particular and indecisive, so I just knew that finding "the dress" wouldn't be as easy as it was for most. Plus, I don't enjoy being the center of attention so getting on a pedestal and twirling around while everyone ooooh'ed and aaaaah'ed over me was really just not something that appealed to me. While I expected the experience to be challenging - I had no idea that it would take me ten stores, about 100 dresses, and four states before I found my perfect dress. However my persistence paid off - the moment I stepped into my dress I had "the feeling" that everyone talked about (and quite honestly I never thought I would feel) - that dizzying, butterflies in my stomach, overwhelmed with emotion feeling which instantly told me at long last I had found my dress.

It's Complicated Set Design

On Valentine's Day this year Ryan and I decided to forgo the traditional night out for a cozy day of snuggling in our PJ's, walking Yoda in the snow, watching movies by the fire, and dinner at home. After a breakfast of homemade pumpkin scones we curled up on the couch to watch one of my favorite romantic comedies - It's Complicated. I first saw the movie with my mom while staying at The Greenbrier, and I must have watched it at least 10 times since. 

While I love everything about the movie, for me what pushes it over the top is Meryl Streep's beyond perfect Santa Barbara ranch. Much of the film is centered around her open kitchen which features rustic open shelving, a stunning marble island, and a view of her gorgeous courtyard. The entire house is tastefully decorated and strikes the perfect balance of California casual meets Belgian chic, creating a home that is stylish and comfortable with just as many lovely spaces to curl up with a book outside as there are in. And if her home wasn't gorgeous enough, just take a look at her Dean and Deluca inspired bakery. Talk about a dream life!

La Banane, St. Barth

It happens every year like clockwork - about halfway through February I start dreaming about going on a tropical escape. Since we are saving our vacation time for our destination wedding and honeymoon this summer, it looks like the closest I'm going to get to palm trees is my computer screen, and thanks to the vibrant, modern-island decor of Villa Banane in St. Barths, I can almost feel the Vitamin D!

Our Valentine's Day Dinner Plan

Butternut squash, mushroom and fontina nachos with crispy sage by How Sweet It Is

While most years Ryan and I have looked at Valentine's Day as another opportunity to get dressed up and spend a night on the town, ever since moving into our new house we have slowly started transitioning into total homebodies. Maybe it's the fact that it's been so cold outside and our fireplaces, cozy blankets, and cuddly pup make our home feel that much more cozy, but to be honest, there's nowhere we would rather be than our little yellow cottage!

So this year for Valentine's Day we will be staying in, opening a bottle of wine from our last trip to Italy, and making dinner together. Thanks to my vegetarian diet plus the fact that our wedding is just a little more than six months away, we have been eating very, very healthy. We decided to ignore the wedding diet for the evening and instead have indulgent night of comfort food. As an afternoon snack we're going to have butternut squash, mushroom and fontina nachos with crispy sage. For dinner, a simple salmon filet roasted with olive oil, sea salt, and pepper, John Legend's famous macaroni and cheese, and roasted carrots and onions with fennel and mint. And last but not least, homemade chocolate cupcakes with sea salt buttercream. A cozy night at home with Ryan, Yoda, and some delicious food? I can't imagine anything better!

Gallery Wall Inspiration

Ah the ubiquitous gallery wall. While certainly nothing new in the interior design scene, I will always love a gallery wall as I think it's the perfect opportunity to allow guests to learn more about you as a person. Plus, while I most certainly can appreciate a minimalist philosophy when it comes to many aspects of my life {I'm in the middle of reading The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up and it is literally blowing my mind}, I will always be in the "more is more" camp when it comes to decor. I just love a home that feels lived in and that every corner you look at has a new story to tell about it's owner.

Our Honeymoon Plans Part III: Santorini

Last but not least, for the final stop of our honeymoon we will be spending five days on the magical island of Santorini {a destination that has been on the top of my bucket list for many, many years}. After researching the options I decided that Oia, with it's chic ambiance and postcard views, would be the perfect town for us, and thanks to my travel buddy Sara's recommendation we will be staying at the Katikies Hotel.

"The Intern" Set Design

Ryan and I don't see a lot of movies in the theater, so whenever we travel abroad I use the flight as an opportunity to catch up on my new releases. While watching The Martian, I started getting distracted by the movie the passenger in front of me was watching, and though I tried to stay focused on my screen I just couldn't seem to look away. I finally realized why I was so captivated - the movie had one of the more gorgeous set designs that I had ever seen! When I got home I looked the movie up and quickly realized why I loved it so much. Of course, it was because "The Intern" was directed by none other than Nancy Meyers {the woman can do no wrong!}

Our Honeymoon Plans Part II: Lake Como

Though we have spent several weeks in Italy, we have never been able to make it far enough north to visit Lake Como. The pristine lake has long been a favorite European holiday destination and has been featured in films such as Casino Royal, advertising campaigns, novels, and regularly by the media {thanks in part to George Clooney owning a famous villa there}. Over the years I have daydreamed about visiting {as evidenced by this blog post}, and in the back of my mind I kept telling myself to wait, and maybe, just maybe, we could go for our honeymoon. I'm absolutely thrilled to say we will be doing just that, and will be spending three days on Italy's most beautiful lake.

Seven Desserts Perfect for Valentine's Day

White Chocolate Spiced Cake with Rosewater Cream Cheese and Pistachios by Constellation Inspiration

With Valentine's Day being less than two weeks away, it's time you start making your plans. Whether you plan on spending it with your special someone, your gal pals, or simply relaxing at home with your favorite furry friend, there's no excuse not to indulge in a few decadent sweet treats. Last year Ryan planned a romantic date night where we visited all of my favorite spots in the city, but this year I'm leaning towards a quiet evening at home by the fire {and of course, some chocolate and wine}. What are your plans this Valentine's Day?

Our Honeymoon Plans Part I: Tuscany

While none of the wedding planning decisions have been easy for me {I have a very specific vision yet am also quite indecisive - a challenging combination}, choosing our honeymoon destination has been virtually a nine-month long debate. We bounced around staying in over-the-water bungalows in Bora Bora, going on a safari, relaxing in Hawaii, exploring Portugal, and even adventuring in Patagonia {which, I quickly found out, does not exactly have honeymoon weather in September}. However, from the get-go we just haven't been able to get Europe out of our minds, and the two destinations that we kept coming back to were Santorini and Lake Como {both on the very top of my bucket list}.

Pantone's Colors of the Year for the Home

Chesterfield Sectional {Denim} || Watercolor Flora Wallpaper || Whale-Tail Measuring Cups || Happiness Planner || Rose Lip Polish || Kim Salmela Hicks Stool || Velvet Pillow || Bergère || Roll Arm Storage Bench || Milk Glass Mixing Bowl Set || Floral Settee

This year at my office we had a pool running to see which color Pantone would pick as their color of the year. My colleagues picked colors from jade to raspberry, but no one anticipated that they would choose not one but two colors! And I have to say - I absolutely love their choices. 

Travel :: Paris, France

Ryan and I spent a few days in Paris over the holiday season, and it was pure magic. It was my fourth time to the City of Light and every time I return I seem to fall more and more in love with the city. We stayed at the beautiful Grand Hotel Du Palais Royal and, having already been to most of the popular tourist destinations on other trips, we didn't feel pressured to try to fit everything into our four days.

Interiors :: Deborah Needleman's Country Home

The 18th century country home of T Magazine editor Deborah Needleman is an absolute retreat. Designed by Rita Konig {LOVE her!}, the former one-room inn was carefully restored by Needleman and her husband to be an oasis for casual entertaining. From the breezy beadboard bedrooms to the farmhouse sink {we have one too!} to the gorgeous collection of antiques to the amazing vegetable garden and pool, everything about her home just feels charming and welcoming. Side note: Deborah also wrote one of my all-time favorite interior decorating books - The Perfectly Imperfect Home. I highly recommend you checking it out!

Art :: Karen Rosetzsky's "Young Love"

I recently came across Karen Rosetzsky’s photography exhibit aptly titled “Young Love” while staying at the Hoxton Hotel in Amsterdam. Every so often a work of art just sticks with you, and Karen’s work did just that for me. Every time I walked by her images at the hotel I felt almost magnetically pulled toward them. The emotion in the photos is so palpable that it almost feels as though you are not only the viewer but the subject.