{ peonies from heaven }

We are rewarded with these little lovelies for about two weeks each Spring–bright, pink Peonies from an heirloom bush we inherited when we purchased our home. Lucky us...it might just be my new favorite flower. But then again, I tend to say that when the hydrangeas are in bloom, and the roses, and the lavender...so, so fickle. Nevertheless, the Peonies, in all their splendor, have truly won me over–and inspired these fanciful finds while I was out and about browsing today.

Sources:

1. Peony Table Centerpieces: Martha Stewart

2. Boho Ceramics: Rosanna

3. Peony Cards: Things are Better with a Parrott

Sources:

1. Dawn's Early Light Scarf: BCharmer

2. Pink Peonies Stationery: Satsuma Press

3. Tree Peony tote: Pink Lemonade

Sources:

The Pinkness of Petals and Pink photos: Fieryeyed Photography

{ tempting me tuesday: unravelling photography }

"live in the sunshine,

swim the sea,

drink the wild air..."

~ralph waldo emerson

I just love the peacefulness of these photos found in Susannah Conway's etsy shop, unravelling.

You can see more of Susannah's gorgeous photography here.

{ monday morning blues }

Good Morning. I hope you all had a lovely weekend 

filled with sunshine and fun. 

I recently discovered the gorgeous photography of Deborah Whitlaw Llewellyn on the pages of Coastal Living and just knew I had to feature her in this week's Monday Morning Blues. I am especially fond of these beautiful vignettes...mostly whites and neutrals with a dollop of blue.

Browse more of Deborah's photos here.

We are trying to plan a summer coastal getaway of our own...perhaps down to San Diego or to Catalina Island. How about you...do you have any favorite coastal escapes? Do tell.

So thrilled to have you back again. Happy Monday everyone!

{ weekend getaway guide: vintage vacations }

I have something a little different for this week's Weekend Getaway Guide. This time we are hopping over the pond to the Isle of Wight–an English Island, popular as a holiday resort for English urbanites. It is known for its natural, coastal beauty and world famous sailing. It is also here that Helen Carey, a stylist previously living in London, launched Vintage Vacations  after spotting a vintage 1965 Airstream on EBAY in 2001. Helen contacted the seller in Missouri, USA, expressing her interest in the silver vessel. A few weeks later, the Airstream was shipped over to the Isle of Wight and Vintage Vacations was born. 

Since that time, Helen and her husband's fleet of Airstreams has grown to ten-each one being meticulously restored to its original grandeur using Helen's knack for style, design, and fabulous vintage finds.  

Vintage Vacation's location on a working dairy farm on the Island makes it the perfect spot for those seeking a simplified style of vacationing {complete with Tiddly Winks board games and all}. Most of the trailers sleep at least four. It is also popular with stylists as a unique venue for photo shoots. Free People apparel recently shot their 'grunge princess' catalog on location, you can see the video here.

That's not all...Vintage Vacations has even taken care of your vaca wardrobe with their own collection of handmade clothing and jewelry–created in collaboration with etsy designers using vintage patterns and fabrics. Check out their etsy shop here. And of course, there is the blog.

Kudos to this couple for thinking outside of the box and taking Reclaim | Repurpose | Refresh to the extreme!!!

I hope you have enjoyed our journey to the Isle of Wight today. I, for one, just might have to add this little adventure to my 100 Places to See list.

Happy, Happy Friday!

Update: if I may recommend one additional site seeing stop for you this weekend...sweet, sweet Melissa {S.HOPtalk reader extraordinaire} has a fabulous new gig. Check out her lovely post on the always inspiring,  Creature Comforts.

Past Weekend Getaway Guides:

04.25.08

04.18.08

04.12.08

04.04.08

{ friday finds: a field journal }

I am truly in awe of this week's featured blog, A Field Journal, created by the multi-talented, Livy–a university student, who is currently studying history and art history. Livy's passion for items with a past and keen eye for great design are captured in her beautifully composed photography, thoughtful and unique DIY tutorials, and inspired approach to entertaining. As if that weren't enough, Livy has designed her own line of out-of-this-world paper goods, which is available through her etsy shop, Natural Historie. 

Join me on a 'pretty little expedition' of past and present as seen through Livy's eyes...

the introduction of Livy's Mycology Tags 

pictures from a Fête Livy planned and hosted
in honor of her friend's 19th birthday

During my college days, I considered it a victory if I completed a load of laundry. This young lady, on the other hand, makes her own ironing board covers. Isn't it divine?

more paper goodness

Livy...Thank you for sharing your many talents and inspiring words through A Field Journal. I don't know what your plans are upon completion of your studies, but my guess is you will have amazing opportunities awaiting you–{ dare I say, you might even give dear old Martha a run for her money }. 

You can indulge in A Field Journal here and Natural Historie here.

{All images found on A Field Journal}