trans•atlantic petals:The Hague

If Amsterdam is a quarter-life musician in chuck taylors & a breton stripe sweater, The Hague is it's rule-following lawyer cousin -- with a quirky sense of humor.

Our buttoned-up 2nd stop was quite a diverse one; with the cool, architectural artwork @ the MC Escher Haus & the surreal Lewis Carroll whimsy of Madurodam {a 1:25 scale model of a Dutch town; complete with all the famous landmarks}.

Here are a few shots from the royal courtyard.

jeans: tulle, blouse:Bit by Bit, cardigan & boots: Amsterdam, bag: Duluth Pack, rain jacket: Amazon {FREE with credit}, earrings: Forever 21 {gift from my mom}.

Another wise decision I made in packing for this holiday was to represent our home by carrying my Duluth Pack cross-shoulder bag. I recommend Duluth Packs for anyone, anywhere. They are beautifully crafted, rustic•chic backpacks, purses, totes, & more. The fine folks who make these satchels value their Midwest|Nordic integrity by guaranteeing all purchases for life with free repairs.

Learn about it.

photos by Peanut.

I Smile {it's Wednesday!}

I Smile {it's Wednesday!}

You should smile too. Wanna? Go here.

With my favorite person out of the country, it has been a bit more challenging for me to find those smiley moments. But sure enough, they are always waiting behind the everyday beauty of my life.

This week I smile at...

...our garden that has gone a-wild and is a constant explosion of surprise blooms...

...tiger lilies. among my top favs...

...my gorgeous lake view apartment...

...the sweet indulgence of a mocha coconut frappuccino...

photos by Me.

I Smile {it's Wednesday!}

It's Wednesday. Which means I am reflecting on my Smiles. You should too. Join in here.

Looking back on my fabulous week/end, all of my smile moments {at their root} are due to beautiful moments with family + friends. Lucky me...

Two-part fireworks this year. Chapter 1 was a shockingly enormous quantity of super close country 'works on the lake.

Chapter 2 was giant, far-away city 'works with an amazing view {+ gorgeous weather} from our friend's rooftop.

{our fair city}

This lovely sprite is Ms. Kate. And you can read about her fashion adventures over at her blog, Carry On Dancing. She is as talented as she is adorable. Visit her.

{smiley face}

photos by Peanut.

I Smile {it's Wednesday!}

It's I Smile Wednesday.

What? You don't know?!

Learn about it.

My smile moment this week should come as no surprise. Rob and I became Godparents to our gorgeous little nephew. It was the best and most beautiful smile moment of far more than just the past week.

what up, cuz?

...that face!

Of course, these didn't hurt. And the shiny thing behind them.

Hallelujah.

photos by Peanut.

Take From Me My Lace

Everybody|Everywear {lace}

This month's EBEW invitation is lace. I don't wear much lace {though I adore the antiquated appeal of it}. Fun fact; my wedding dress contained not a stitch of lace, in favor of gauze.

Whether white & crisp or black & slinky, it's tough to deny that lace balances young, doll-like qualities in masterful measure with elegance & wisdom.

I met this challenge by creating a faux bib on this sundress, layering a full lace blouse beneath it.

dress & earrings: Forever21, lace turtleneck: United Colors of Benetton, cardigan & boots: Target, tights: Gap, nail polish: China Glaze ~ Flyin' High.

photos by Peanut.

I Smile {it's Wednesday!}

Time for I Smile Wednesday.

For this happy little project's origin, visit Monster Cakes.

On with it...

This little man is my #1 smile moment/s of the whole week and weekend. My nephew babe. He is so much bigger already than he was on his birfday. I love him so.

...this storm on the lake which, however disappointing to have replaced would-be sunshine, was gorgeous to watch and allowed for lots of this... {photo by dan branovan}

...this! and the following treats, also compliments of the weekend weather. indulgent bliss...

...and this sweetness...

...+ this wisdom nugget ~ two smiles for the price of one!...

unless noted, photos by Peanut.

I Smile Wednesday

Howdy, strangers! I've missed blogland dearly & am excited to return with outfits next week. I wanted to make sure I completed my I Smile Wednesday post first!

I've had a really bizarre time since my last post. Literally moments after we finished photographing last Thursday, Rob left for the rest of the weekend. Friday was my last day of work @ my {now-"old"} job, & I was in the throws of a beastly cold. I was in an empty house for the weekend, but had some seriously smile-able moments despite that. Then, on Sun. night {thankfully after Rob got home}, we had a pretty hardcore emergency, which ended up ok in the end. Phew!

I started my new job on Monday ~ I'm so into this new role, I can't even tell ya! But it was definitely an overwhelming 5 days, starting to get my head wrapped around all the new info.

Here are my I Smile moments for last week...to learn more about this feature, visit Monster Cakes, where it all started. :)

I Smile...

...during a fun project; office party favors that I gave my coworkers on my last day at work. known for my brightly colored desk accessories/office supplies, these cuppies included colorful pencil top erasers, mini-post-its, colored ink pens, paperclips, & funny erasers in the shapes of stilettos, guitars, toilets, etc...

...for this scrumptious dinner for one {that I had delivered from Pizza Luce!} after my last day at work {Friday}; Cesar salad, baked potato pizza, + wine}...

...close-up, please, on this amazing pizza ~ it's own smile-able moment. let me explain, for those of you who haven't been blessed with experiencing it. baked potato layer {in lieu of red sauce}; cheese, tomato + broccoli {side of sour cream}. mmmmm...

...at this giant brownie + delicious glass of vino to go with the hokey-but-sweet movie that I watched {and, confession, cried at least twice during}...

...these furry babies who kept me company all weekend...

moments not pictured: coming home to 2 new "congratulations" dresses sent to me from my mom on my last day of work/amazing, giggly, sparkling ladies night last Saturday/going out to lunch on Tues. with Rob/homemade dinner by/with friends who are moving back to town on Wed. night ~ vegan deliciousness!

photos by me.

May Your Days Be {Cozy} & Bright

This outfit is cozy and bright, warm and eye-catching. I stole...ahem...took inspiration for this combo from Kendi. She wore a similar dress (same style & brand, different print) with a gray sweater. I thought it was brilliant.

Mazel Tov (the four legged one pictured), is always complaining of not being featured in the blog enough. After all, she wears a beautiful coat, which is always well-fitting and clean, she deserves some props for it.

dress: Tucker for Target, cardigan: thrifted ($3!), leggings & boots: Target, belt: Charlotte Russe, headband: T.J. Maxx, nail polish: Fifth Avenue, China Glaze, earrings: handmade by Adeline :)

photos by Peanut.