the haystack needle

friday pause

(photograph: misty by mercie ghimire)

For some time now, I've thought about doing a regular Friday post where I'd share a few links to sites and finds that caught my attention that week. But so many of the blogs I follow already do a similar kind of post, so I thought there was no way to make it unique and my own. Perhaps true, but I'm still going to try it. The thing is, I love reading these Friday posts on other blogs. I love bouncing around to different places, and I always discover a few gems that I'd missed. So I'd like to create that mellow Friday vibe here — where I pause, stop talking about me, and point you in the direction of some other amazing sites, especially since I don't currently have a blogroll. I'd also like to add a little music to these Fridays, inspired by Bryn, Chelsea, and Stephanie who regularly share what they're listening to (fantastic suggestions, I might add.) So here goes. Hope you enjoy. Let me know if you're loving (or hating) these new Friday posts.

+ First, the gorgeous photo above is by the talented Mercie of A Lovely Evening, a bits-of-everything blog which has become a daily read for me, and she's become a dear blog friend. This week, I felt a little like I was spinning my wheels no matter how hard I tried to move forward. Don't you hate those weeks? It made me seriously want to plan a vacation somewhere with sun, beach, and mountains to hike. 

+ My favorite dose of green this St. Patty's Day week was actually a peek at a half dozen of the best green colors to paint a room. 

+ I made roasted parmesan parsnips (twice!) this week thanks to Nole's Friday list, and I indulged in one of my favorites for lunch: deviled eggs.

+ Our friends Scott (the amazing cook) and Kelly (the master baker) have embarked on their big move to L.A. Instead of simply flying out to the West Coast, they turned their move into one big foodie adventure. For the next month, they're traveling across the country in their car (with their dog Stanley) to experience some of the best places to eat. Doesn't this sound like a dream roadtrip? I'm so excited to follow along with Scott's blog, No Roof. You can even leave them dining suggestions!

(photograph by scott kay)

And I'm leaving you with Nina Simone singing Suzanne. Thank you, Dan, for introducing me to this favorite.

find me here: oh so beautiful paper

This week, I'm guest blogging over at one of my favorite sites, Oh So Beautiful Paper, while Nole moves into her new place (I hope she shares a sneak peek when she's settled in!). I'll be sharing details from our wedding, lobster bake, save-the-dates, and more. Stop by Oh So Beautiful Paper for today's post on wedding details that I created using rubber stamps.

{photograph by the amazing Charlotte Jenks Lewis}

find me here: from the right bank!

Today, I'm thrilled to be a guest over on one of my favorite blogs, From the Right Bank! Alek is currently on the road from Seattle to Atlanta making yet another huge move, and I am eagerly waiting to see how she decorates her new home. She has an incredible eye for design and she's bounced around living in cities both here and overseas — including Paris! The girl doesn't even mind the process of moving, which boggles my mind. (Although, I don't think I would mind packing if it were a move to Paris.)

So hop on over to From the Right Bank. I'm sharing two books that are my latest obsession plus a sneak peek at my apartment (with my favorite score from the Brimfield market!). See you over on the Right Bank...

(photograph by Debi Treloar for Recycled Home)

where I blog from

The lovely Jane, one of my favorite bloggers, created this fantastic series called, Where We Blog From. I was so flattered to be asked to be a part of it. If you're new to Jane's blog, Ill Seen Ill Said, she weaves together a truly authentic writing style with curated finds that always delight me. Hop on over to Ill Seen Ill Said for a peek at my workspace (and the desk I finally scored!). Thanks so much for including my little workspace, Jane!

what inspires me

My Google Reader has swelled to more than 300+ blogs that I follow, bursting with all kinds of inspiration. A few friends have asked how I find the blogs that I love to read, and the most common way is honestly through other blogs. So I thought it'd be fun to share a peek at just a few of my favorites. Settle in for a good read with these stellar sites.

+ oh happy day

San Francisco based party planner Jordan Ferney floors me with her genius party ideas. If her amazing blog is new to you, be sure to check out the treasure hunt leading to a color fight, otherwise known as the best birthday party idea ever. You also must check out Jordan's creative ideas for an old-fashioned soda bar, projects that pair sweets with style, and her bookworm party invitations. On a side note, I had a big smile on my face when I saw my little rainbow care package recently featured on her site — what a thrill! (thanks again, Jordan!)

+ inchmark journal

Brooke of Inchmark works as a book designer and used to be the Senior Art Director for Martha Stewart Living + Martha Stewart Kids — it shows when you see her color boards, party planning, and crafts (like this handmade birthday card!). I also really enjoy her posts on the simple love of pleasures like reading a great library book with her kids and collecting some little treasure.

+ ill seen, ill said

Toronto-based Jane has a knack for discovering amazing home finds, interiors, and dresses that call my name. Sometimes I feel like she's reading my mind. Jane has a passionate, authentic voice that makes her blog a treat to read. {photograph by jean marc palisse}

+ simplesong

Suann is a letterpress designer + printer who has an eye for scouting finds that are true delights. Aren't these alphabet prints so unique? And this Etsy shop? And this inspiration from afar? And, of course, her amazing work is a treat to follow.

+ katy elliott

Katy's blog is so full of affordable finds + inspiration as she's worn many hats from event planning to Domino editor to painter to sewer to cookie baker. She's in the process of renovating her first house in Marblehead, Massachusetts, with her beau Greg, (moving granite steps and all) — and their super cute house by the sea is so fun to watch being transformed by Katy's expert eye. An artist from the start, Katy now sells her photographs on Etsy.

+ sfgirlbybay

Victoria takes her camera around San Francisco and makes magic happen. Her Sunday in the City photo series is a favorite weekly wow, which are thankfully now available to take home from Etsy. The ever-creative Victoria also shares unexpected guests, cool shops, and inspiration with that bohemian modern goodness that is right up my alley.

+ you are my fave

Melanie stashes her blog with swell roundups of her favorites, which you're sure to adopt as your favorites, too. A few of mine: chalkboards, summer parties, sending a pinata in the mail, and her hilarious random faves like this care package.

+ wide open spaces

Emily not only finds beauty in the basics, but she curates fantastic Friday roundups of what she's been loving around other sites (a treat to read over Friday lunch). From weddings to shops you'll want to bookmark and gorgeous home ideas, the inspiration abounds.

+ unruly things

Alyson adds a chock full of eye candy + unique giveaways + art finds to her site, as starters. And she also does super fun things, like meet up in the sunshine with 14 friends on a farm with Polaroid cameras in tow. (Goop has nothing on these 14 ladies when it comes to knowing what's cool.)

+ frolic!

Chelsea was clearly born to party, in its truest sense. She works her styling magic to decorate tables for parties and weddings so settings look lovely, yet unfussy. She also knows the perfect something to wear and what to bring as a gift. I'm a big frolic fan, as I'm sure many of you are.

With 300+ inspiring blogs in my Reader, you can consider this post the start of a series. Every so often, I'll be sharing a roundup of favorites. More to come!