{ bunches of bliss }

the first bunch of the season,

clipped from our garden.

it makes me very happy on this day...

my 16th* wedding anniversary

What's making you happy today?

* I know what you're thinking...why in the world did my parents allow me to get married when I was 13? : )

{ interview: what does home mean to me? }

I was recently interviewed about what home means to me 

by Sheri for Cafe Mom's, lovely Home & Garden Buzz blog. 

You can read all about it here. 

Thanks so much for including me in the series Sheri-- 

I loved the opportunity to reflect on our home and how very special it is to me and my family!

{ delish }

I tried to resist, but I simply couldn't. I know it's been featured just about everywhere in blogland, but I am totally and completely obsessed with the new blog, Sunday Suppers and just had to share it in case ANYone has missed it. The photography in itself makes the site quite decadent--the fact it's coupled with shots of the most gorgeous, fresh flowers and scrumptious recipes to try at home makes it...irresistible. I can't wait to try this one in particular.

When you have a moment, get your taste buds over to Sunday Suppers and check it out. 

{ going places }

I'm so excited! Two of my favorite, favorites, Nichole and Victoria, have recently added their lovely photographs of my two favorite cities to their etsy shops.

heart graffiti via littlebrownpen

First stop, San Francisco a la SFGirl. These new additions to Victoria's shop feature diptychs from her Sunday in the City series, which are currently on exhibit at the Curiosity Shoppe. I've added, Rosy Outlook to my wish list--it will be a lovely reminder of my grandmother, Rose, who was a born and raised SF Girl herself.

Next, we take a quick hop over the pond to bask in Nichole's Paris series...*sigh*. I have been living in Paris vicariously through Nichole's blog over the last several months and am so thrilled she is sharing some of her charming photographic works with us. And, she's made it so easy! Each of the photos in her shop are available as downloadable photo files, which can be printed at home--brilliant, right? 

I'm particularly fond of the hints of Parisian blue found in these two prints.

Thank you Nichole and Victoria...I adore both of these cities and love seeing them through your discerning eyes.

Quick Links:

Little Brown Pen shop

SFGirlByBay shop

{ can you feel it? }

Hi everyone. I hope you all had a great weekend { a nice extended one here in the U.S. }.  I know we have a few weeks until the official start to Summer but, for me, Memorial Day weekend always symbolizes the unofficial kick off to summer. School is starting to wrap up and we're buzzing with ideas and getaway plans for the Summer. Hubby has a business conference in Calgary, Canada this summer and it happens to fall during their annual Stampede event. Little one and I are considering joining him and making a family vacation out of it. I'd love to hear any feedback and personal experiences you've had with Calgary and/or this event. Any tips? Any "must-sees and dos"?

Do you have any exciting plans for the Summer yet?

{ image via flickr fave Tomaocron }

{ happy, happy day }

a three day weekend.

wide open with no commitments.

the perfect opportunity to indulge

in a little of this and a little of that...

on the docket: reading, gardening, eating, pampering, playing

Have a lovely one friends!

{image credits: tootsie soak, scones, lemonade: Alexandra Grablewski; merci & english garden: Shannon Fricke}

{ dreamy }

Currently losing myself in the dreamy portfolio 

I happened upon while visiting Hoot & Heart.

I highly recommend taking a gander for yourself

{ droolworthy home & garden }

Over the last couple of days, I've been drooling over the photos from this home tour, which was recently featured in the SCAD tour of homes. It is the Savannah, GA home of Liz Demos from @home vintage general...she has such great style! {remember...Katie featured her shop here}. 

Now, my poor little head is swirling with a barrage of new ideas and fabulous try-it-myself projects. 

It's official: My armoire will be getting a paint makeover.

Sorry dining room table and chairs, but after seeing this, I think you're in for a re-do too.

Is that the cutest backyard you've ever seen? Look at the little greenhouse.

Quick links:

The @home vintage general blog

The soon to be launched online vintage general shop

More photos of Liz's fabulous home

{Originally spotted on one of my faves, Darling Dexter}

{ a whirlwind of a weekend }

Glimpses...

Whew...aside from the bug bites we endured during our all girls' camp-out, it was wonderful!

What did you do?

{ spring back }

I had a few rolls of film {yes film!} developed this week--photos I had taken in March. As I was looking through them, I recalled the day...it was a beautiful, early Spring morning and I was lucky enough to spend it savoring and capturing the breathtaking blossoms that filled our neighborhood.  

And then I realized, while I've been busy being busy, Spring--my favorite, favorite season--has been zooming by. I took it as a sign...a reminder...to slooooooooow down. Busy is okay. Busy is good. But, make time--each day--to savor the little moments.  I plan to do a lot of that this weekend!

Happy, happy Friday! What sorts of things do you plan to savor this weekend?

{ clever move }

Cutest. Moving Announcement. Ever.

full details can be found via my latest blog crush

{ thursday thoughts... }

Really...you do! Thanks for all of the sweet comments you've left this week.

It is like a dose of sunshine each time I read one. My readers are the best!

Fine art print from the new Freya Art shop, which is filled with lovely little pictures & things. You must stop by!

{ the comment curator: clementine }

The Comment Curator 05.13: Clementine handmade jewelry

It seems I'm the last to discover Cassie's charming Clementine shop. Thank goodness she left a comment the other day, which led me to her delightful blog and shop. I love her inspired mix of metals and the fanciful elements that distinguish each piece in her hand crafted jewelry line. Oh Clementine...you make it impossible to pick just one. 

{ makeover monday... }

I'm bursting with daughterly pride today and just have to share it with you all. My mom has been dying to remodel her master bath ever since moving into their house a few years ago. The original 1980s, "model home" vibe just wasn't doing it for her. I haven't been able to see it in person yet, so she sent some sneak peek pics to me last night.

To keep the project budget friendly, my mom decided against completely gutting the space. The existing tile floors stayed and instead of replacing the vanity, she had the cabinets painted and refinished. This freed up her budget for new tile, a granite countertop, light fixtures, and mirrors.

AFTER...I love the magic of paint.

Doesn't it look great?

Mom...you've always inspired me and you continue to do so. I love you and your new green bathroom. xxoo

P.S. Steve...I know you're the unsung hero who tied up all the loose ends while dealing with our beloved perfectionist--props to you too. :)

{ happy happy day }

{ to ALL mamas* }

*discovered this new feathered family-to-be just outside my bedroom window this morning

{ thursday thoughts }

Hee, Hee...so true!

Dear Mom Mother's Day card by Twee Cards

{ try it tuesday: tissue paper pom-poms }

I was so thrilled to find this DIY tissue paper pom-pom tutorial via lillyella. 

I want to make some and scatter them in the trees in our backyard for the little outdoor brunch we'll be hosting in a couple of weeks. I think they'll be a perfect compliment to the flower centerpieces. Now all I need is another 12 hours in the day.*

Quick links:

Full "how-to instructions here.

*This is  my back-up plan.

{spreading the mom love... }

I recently collaborated on this amazing project with the founders of Mom Faves for their Why Moms Matter project and am so, sooooo excited to share it with you today {finally!}.

In celebration of Mother's Day, we asked photographers to capture and share their interpretations of motherhood and the little everyday things moms do that ultimately have a strong presence in our life. The submissions were incredible--from those, we selected a couple dozen to create a brief video to honor and celebrate moms. Look closely and you'll see photos from some of our favorite e-friends. Thank you Nichole, Mrs. French, Cindy, and Helen...I truly appreciate you sharing your amazing photos and intimate thoughts on motherhood for the project.

Moms come in many forms...our own mothers, grandmothers, mothers-in-law, sisters, and friends. Is there a special mom in your life? Do you have a favorite mom memory? Spread the mom love...leave a comment and share your thoughts on Why Moms Matter. I'll be doing the same.

To read more about the Why Moms Matter project, click here.

To download and share the Mother's Day video with the moms in your life, click here.

Thank you Karey, for this. You know you're one of my favorite moms!

{ chillin' }

Whew...it's Friday! It's been another busy week around here my friends. I'm looking forward to some lounging around and downtime this weekend. How about you?

Typically, I'm a t-shirt and leggings lounging kind of gal {sad but true}. I think, however, sweet Charlotte might have convinced me to incorporate a bit of style into my lounging ways when she emailed and introduced me to her amazing line of lounge wear, Plum Pretty Sugar. I love that it's chic but casual...girly, but not over the top frou frou.

I'm imagining myself sporting one of these lovely ensembles while catching up on some blog reading over the weekend. Do you do overnight shipping Charlotte? : ) 

Wishing you all an amazing weekend. I'm hopeful that I will have a chance to stop by and catch up with you in the next couple of days. xo ~Suzanne

Psst: Be sure to check out the rest of the Plum Pretty Sugar shop which also includes dresses and bedding.