color

I wasn’t trying to connect the two posts (but see how quickly my moods change!) It all started when I spotted the Trina Turk collection for Banana Republic:

via small shop

and continued when I saw this chartreuse monogrammed bracelet…

via anthropologie

I love how these magnets would liven up any stainless steel fridge (and would make a fun gift to pair with a bottle of wine as a hostess present?)…

via girl of all work

I realized this would be a perfect gift for a new baby (especially one with a cool name):

via ampersand design studio

And, just like that, I was surrounded by color. Here are a few other things catching my eye lately:

color blocked sweaters from the knit kid, via oh joy

neon done right… pinterest

christian siriano spring/summer 2012 – pinterest

pillows via pinterest

my dream backyard, I think. pinterest

the cream LA had tons of neon fun going on (photo by joielala)

p.s. every time I think I find a favorite photographer (wildflowers photography is definitely top 3 for me…) I find a new one. just look at joie lala’s website – their boudoir photography, which usually creeps me out a bit, makes me feel like I would look like a GQ model in their lens.

the first picture of the pretty blue sky and lace veil makes me want to get married at least 5 more times… I would post some pictures here, but I feel like photographers are extra-funny about sharing their work so I don’t want to get in trouble.

girl’s night in

girl of all work

Last night, a couple friends came over for dinner. The menu wasn’t very fancy, but I loved the meal regardless:

- Shrimp dip with Frito’s (yes, processed awfulness probably made by Monsanto… but it’s SO good)

- Broiled salmon with lemon-dill sauce (ok, that is fancy)

- Popped cherry tomatoes (yes, that’s what I call them- otherwise known as my very gourmet go-to side- “saute cherry tomatoes until they burst and serve”)

- Rice pilaf

And yes, lots of wine.

I always considered dinner parties to be a lot of work, requiring pomp and circumstance, flower arrangements and place cards. But recently, and thanks to a friend, I’ve come around to the idea of just making dinner with friends at home- casual and easy (even on a weeknight!). Not that there isn’t something to be said for a grand party with sorbet and multiple courses… but, these semi-impromptu get togethers are quite nice as well. Not only was it way less expensive, but it was comforting to be in my own home- my own kitchen, and it was nice to be near the puppy, too, even though little Maisie wouldn’t stop jumping around. Our salmon came out a little overdone; I probably should have checked on it, but I was too busy laughing and chatting to do so… which is just the way it should be.

Reminds me of this post about pop-up dinner parties from Jordan Ferney of Oh Happy Day -which, although fancy (with table linens and gold chiavari chairs), it still seems to embody the semi-spontaneous, can’t-control-everything, good conversation, laid back vibe of the best dinner parties.