Happy October, friends! Last week we got an early start on Fall and headed to Eckert's to pick apples with our family in from KC. Dale and I have gone to Eckert's the past three years, making this one of our St. Louis traditions. Even though this trip was unseasonable warm, it still felt like the perfect way to welcome the season. Here are a few pictures from our day and my annual post-apple-picking apple pie:
Los Angeles Part Two
Happy Thursday, friends! Laura and I spent our final day in Los Angeles eating (at Superba and In-N-Out), exploring Malibu, and visiting the LACMA. My only regret is that we didn't have an entire day to wander through the museum, I will definitely need to go back. I hope that there are many more best friend trips in our future!
Los Angeles Part One
Last week my friend Laura and I headed to LA for a whirlwind few days! Today I am sharing a few photos from our first two days, which included lots of good food, time spent in traffic and an Eric Clapton concert. We started our Tuesday morning with breakfast at Commissary, a beautiful restaurant on the roof of the Line Hotel. Next up we made a quick trip to The Last Bookstore before heading to Alchemy Works for some window shopping. When we noticed a Salt & Straw location right across the street we decided on ice cream for lunch and then headed to our reservation at The Broad. It was worth the wait to see Yayoi Kusama's Infinity Mirrored Room, and I absolutely loved the rest of the museum as well. After checking into our Venice Airbnb and relaxing for a bit we headed to our first dinner at Rossoblu (start with the meatballs!).
Day two was all about exploring Abbot Kinney. We went to breakfast at The Butcher's Daughter, another beautiful breakfast spot, and then spent the rest of the morning was spent wandering through all the shops. I was really excited to pop in Urbanic and Burro. We also made our way to the Venice canals and admired all the lovely homes! After a quick stop back to our Airbnb to get ready, we headed out to get sushi at Wabi which had some great happy hour specials. Laura and I ended up in Los Angeles because of the Eric Clapton concert so after dinner we hopped in an uber and went on to enjoy the show!
July Around The Web
Happy Monday, friends! I'm not quite ready for these long summer days to head into Fall – I have loved all my July adventures. This month began celebrating my friend's wedding in Lawrence, and was followed by a weekend at home in St. Louis and then two lake weekends in a row. The first was spent at Dale's parents home at Lake Winnebago, and last weekend I enjoyed the unseasonable cool weather crafting and boating at Turkey Hill. At work I have been busy executing Mother's Day cards for next year, including lots of designs featuring my hand lettering! This month did not disappoint around the web. I'm dreaming of trying this Rosé and Blood Orange Sgroppino recipe this weekend...
Here are my other favorite finds this month:
Dale and I are planning an Europe trip after he graduates from medical school and I have loved seeing all the beautiful places Julia visited in Southern France!
This month I discovered Emilie Simpson, her illustrations are just lovely
I love purses and bags, and this laptop bag by Lo & Sons is at the top of my wish list.
If only I had a pool, I would love to host an end of summer party inspired by Kelly's Palm Springs trip!
Speaking of parties, Think.Make.Share. shared some creative ideas for hosting a wrapping paper luau
Obviously I have a love for paper flowers and this summer garland is stunning.
I just bought Body Love by Kelly Leveque and I can't wait to get reading!
If anyone has tried True Botanicals Basics line let me know, I would love to try it out.
I just booked at trip to LA in September and have been on the lookout for recommendations.
While I don't own a house I am keeping this post on house numbers bookmarked!
Another bag on my wish list...
Until next month, enjoy!
June Around The Web
Summer has officially arrived, and I can't believe June is already coming to a close! This month Dale and I spent time celebrating our friends' birthdays in Lawrence, I visited my cousin Liesel in Richmond, we celebrated Megan and Matt's wedding in Kansas City, and spent a weekend at home in St. Louis. Dale and I visited the Johnson Shut-Ins and had a lovely dinner at Scarlett's Wine Bar for our two year wedding anniversary! While not overly relaxing, this month was filled with time spent with our dearest friends and family and we still have more celebrations to look forward to this summer. This was also a busy month at work filled with special projects and work on cards I can't wait to share when they finally reach stores!
With the warm weather I have also been wanting to try making homemade popsicles, and the web did not disappoint with two (very different) recipes that both look delicious! The first is the Pitaya Popsicle from Glitter Guide, and the second is a frosé popsicle from Camille Styles. Here are some other finds this June:
I loved browsing these beautiful cards by Moglea on Print & Pattern
I'm always on the hunt for book and podcast suggestions — Grace's June reading list looks wonderful and I can't wait to listen to some of these Creative Podcast suggestions
Think.Make.Share.'s terrarium ideas would be perfect gifts year-round beyond Father's Day
This dress looks like the perfect summer addition to my wardrobe.
Keeping this backdrop tip in mind for future parties!
Dale and I are planning a Europe trip for next summer and are hoping to visit Southern France after Lisbon. Julia's photos from Provence and Victoria's guide to Lisbon have both been inspiring!
I am in need of a new toiletry bag and I have my eye on this one from Mark and Graham.
Now go enjoy those long summer days!
Richmond, VA
Hello, friends! This past weekend I spent a few days in Richmond, Virginia visiting my cousin, Liesel. I didn't take too many photos, but wanted to be sure to document my favorite discoveries. Here a few snapshots and then some recommendations if you find yourself in the area! Enjoy.
Quirk Hotel
We spent my last evening in town at the Quirk Hotel Rooftop bar! It was one of my favorite parts of the trip. The hotel is beautiful and the view of Richmond is spectacular. (If you are lucky enough to get a beautiful sunset like we did it's the cherry on top!) Take a peek at Coco Kelley's post for even more information and photos. The pink accents, quirky artwork and general attention to detail make the space.
VMFA: Yves Saint Laurent Exhibit
I love visiting art museums when I travel, and I highly recommend the Virginia Museum of Fine Art. If you find yourself in the area before September the Yves Saint Laurent exhibit is stunning. I loved learning about how influential his career was, and seeing his designs, moldboards, and costume jewelry in person was very inspiring. They also have a lovely cafe and outdoor space to work and relax. Friday evening happy hour was also very popular!
Food and Drinks
Richmond had so many wonderful places to eat and go out, I think that would be one of the most fun parts of actually living in the city. Below are a few my favorite restaurants and bars I tried, as well as the winery we went to outside the city on Saturday afternoon.
