spring sprung [AL]
so happy the warm weather is here! technically spring has not begun but the blooms have decided to make their debut. below are some photos i snapped on my first stroll this season. happy early spring!
March 4, 2012
it’s in the details [AL]
Over the weekend, I hopped over to Atlanta to visit with Jenny while she was in town for work and we stayed at the lovely Stonehurst Place. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming with many thoughtful details. Artwork, books, chocolate, and coffee are available for guests to indulge in. Caroline, the innkeeper, is most hospitable and knowledgeable on the history of the house and origin of the furnishings and finishes. She can bake a mean puff pastry too! The photos are just a peak into the beautiful interiors of this wonderful B&B. [all photos from Stonehurst Place]
“It’s the little details that are vital. Little things make big things happen.” John Wooden
February 1, 2012
winter retreat [LA]
happy february friends. i discovered an issue of [sunset magazine] on my bookshelf that i must have overlooked during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. the magazine cover showcased serene snowy mountains complete with majestic evergreen trees, and glowing cabin-esque type buildings. i immediately longed to be in that very spot. winter has been…well, more like a warm spring here in pasadena. and while i certainly won’t complain about being able to sit by the pool basking in the warm sunshine in february, part of me pines for snow-capped mountains, wooly warm sweaters, and cuddling up by the fire with a steaming mug of hot chocolate. wishing [r] and i could escape to methow valley, washington for a long weekend of real winter. and where else would we stay, but [here]. for a little ultra-modern retreat in the snow.
[ top image | all remaining images | the rolling huts were designed by this firm ]
January 23, 2012
design spark [AL]
a little inspiration for…
[1. Martin wall sconce • Schoolhouse Electric 2. Marseille soap • Brook Farm General Store 3. Pharmacy wall mount medicine cabinet in brushed steel • Restoration Hardware 4. Chesterfield wall mount faucet available in beautiful finishes • Newport Brass 5. Linen bath towels • Brook Farm General Store 6. Pinoir pedestal lavatory • Kohler 7. Classic Carrara Marble 8. Subway wall tiles • Adex USA 9 & 10. Mosaic floor tiles • Adex USA 11. Reclaimed Driftwood Shelves & shelving brackets • brackets from Signature Hardware 12. Wire Waste Paper Bin • Brook Farm General Store]
January 5, 2012
new year, new look [LA+AL]
happy new year! [LALA] is getting a new look for the new year. please excuse the untidiness while we transition, simplify, and redesign!
December 23, 2011
happy friday [AL+LA]
[caron here] Ukrainian Bells • Carol of the Bells (eng. version), is my absolute favorite carol. originally composed by Mykola Leontovych, this song was inspired by a folk chant known as Shchedryk, translating in English to “bountiful”. i love Pink Martini’s version on their Joy to the World album and have been listening to it all season. turn up the volume and listen here.
December 21, 2011
gift guide | stocking stuffers {LA}
the holidays are here ya’ll! and i absolutely love this time of year, especially because i am able to spend time with my dear family. i left sunny, warm california and headed home to beautiful, majestic south carolina. these short days of winter always feel so magical when back at home. the evenings are spent snuggling together by the fire, lit by the twinkling lights of the Christmas tree, watching beloved holiday movies or playing card games. today, my sisters and i are doing a little last-minute shopping for stocking stuffers!!!
{1}nivea tinted lip balm {2} salt collection from over&above {3}colorful emory boards from spoonsisters.com {4} funny monkey tea infuser at amazon {5} gorgeous hand-knit scarf by spatters and jayne {6} clever “scratch” map to keep track of all the amazing places you have visited at uncommongoods {7}OPI glimmer wonderland nail polish at sephora {8}book of skinny cocktails to help us keep the calorie count down during the holidays {9}smartwool socks at REI {10}utili-key from restoration hardware {11}tabletopics, for fun at family dinners from uncommongoods {12}adorable owl phone case from urban outfitters {13}keep tabs on your favorite recipes from spoonsisters.com {14}hand cream trio from l’occitane
December 19, 2011
from Birmingham [AL]
over the weekend i went to a dirty santa party with a local gift theme. we had so much fun seeing what everyone came up with. inspired by the party, below are a few more ideas that would make great gifts from wonderful boutiques & organizations around town.
TOP TO BOTTOM [beautiful & one of a kind vintage jewelry at Charm on 2nd Ave ◊ tickets to the Vulcan Park & Museum · photo via Greg Willis ◊ one month subscription to Grow Alabama ◊ Good Dog coffee & products available at V Richards ◊ gift hampers from Continental Bakery · left to right · Belgian chocolate hamper · gourmet hamper · granola with Coosa Valley organic oats ◊ Birmingham Museum of Art membership ◊ beautiful pottery from Imperfectly Perfect · made by my talented & dear friend Vickie · imperfectlyperfect@charter.net ◊ adopt an animal or membership with Ruffner Nature Center]
December 16, 2011
happy friday {AL +LA}
as i began packing this morning for my trip across the country to head back home, i thought about how easy it is to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of holiday parties, festive cocktails, and shopping. things i admittedly love and look forward to as Christmas approaches each year. but in the wee hours of morning with the lights on the tree twinkling, i was reminded of the true meaning of Christmas, the importance of spending time with loved ones, and helping those who are less fortunate than ourselves. my father always asks that instead of gifts, we donate to a charitable cause or to someone in need. it is now a tradition in our household ever year. a very small sampling of charities:
Children’s Cancer Fund of America
Disabled National Veterans Fund
you can find thousands of other reputable charities {here}
kissmylala.wordpress.com 
