The Little Things

This week the littlest details are making me the happiest. I feel that a clean home, a fresh bouquet of flowers, a yummy candle and some sunshine, are the things that at the end of the day, make me feel at home. So I thought I'd share a few of the small details I've added here and there that make me happy. 

{a new center piece for our table that I found at Urban Outfitters}

{something sparkly that I picked up at Forever 21 while visiting my mom last week}

{lots of candles to make my room smell nice, Voluspa are some of my favorite}

{instead of using an artificial smelling bathroom freshener, I used a gardenia candle for a nice aroma}

{my flourishing succulent garden a.k.a. the only happy plants in my yard}

A Monday in Paris

While I've been back in the States for just over a month, European memories don't feel too far away. I'm loving the luxury of enjoying a relaxing Northern California summer, which means foggy mornings, sunny afternoons and plenty of great things to do, but I'm already missing and reminiscing about great cafes and fresh baguettes. I really wouldn't mind that international lifestyle being my daily routine, accompanied by a great job of course, and hope that one day it will be. But in the meantime, here are some of my favorite Instagram captures from one of my favorite cities in the world.

{peonies on every corner}

{a delightful view}

{one of my favorite street corners}

{flowers & cafe au lait}

{a typical rainy June day}

{just one of the many delicious excursions}

{an evening view atop the Arc de Triomphe} 

{Laduree - only the best macaroons}

{my favorite perch in my apartment}

{daily eats}

Studly

{Zara jacket, Steve Madden shoes, Zara clutch, ASOS cuff}

I never thought I'd say this but lately I've been loving studs. Not the full-blown black leather jacket kind, but I'm loving this jacket found at Zara, featuring a studded collar on brightly colored fabric. Shoes, purses and anything in between, just seems that much more fun, studded.

This also makes for a great DIY project.

Happy Monday!

Making Time for Happiness

{image via design love fest}

One of my favorite things to do is read a great blog (see my Inspirations list on the right) and get inspired, but as many of you know, my very favorite blog is Cupcakes and Cashmere. I recently purchased her new book which has been a great way to pass the time during my unfortunate summer cold. I just read her "20 Ideas for How to Spend a Spring Day," and I decided to share my favorite ways to do the same. No matter the season, or day of the week, it's so important to find the time to just do those things you love, whether it be by yourself or with a friend. 

Here are a few things that make me just that much happier:

1. Go to a housewares store and refresh your home by buying a few fun things to brighten up your space. 

2. Spend some time in your yard on a sunny day and see where it takes you.

3. Turn on a great playlist and clean out your closet. It feels so good to make room for the new. I think I've cleaned out over seven bags of clothing this year alone, making room for new styles and pieces (and then you don't feel guilty about buying something new!).

4. Make to-do lists and reserve a day to get it all done, crossing off a list and throwing it away makes me feel so accomplished. 

5. Plan something fun with a friend or loved one and do it.

6. Have a day with no plans (I know this can be quite challenging to accomplish!).

7. Read. I love a good read whether it's catching up on the latest celebrity gossip over a pedicure, or snuggling up with Fifty Shades of Grey, reading what makes you happy sets apart that time to relax. 

8. Treat yourself - ice cream, flowers, a new pair of shoes, I always feel it's appropriate to treat myself to something I want. 

9. Find a moment to sit in the sun for just a few minutes, it works wonders.

10. Go on a morning walk with a friend and a good latte. 

London Calling

{1. Fringe shirt, 2. Studded shorts, 3. Juicy silk scarf, 4. iPhone case}

With the opening ceremony of the summer games just two days away, I thought it especially appropriate to channel some London inspiration. Due to my recent visit to this fabulous city, I have a newfound place in my heart for those British stripes. The trendy "Keep Calm and Carry On" saying that has popped up on almost every mug and T-shirt this past year, is truly one of my favorites. But it wasn't until recently that I realized its British origins. So during my rather chilly June visit to London, I picked up my very own British flag shirt sporting the infamous saying. 

So here are a few other ideas for incorporating some London spirit into your summer wardrobe.

As they say in England, cheers! 

{image via teen vogue}

A Penny Rose Summer

{1. Free People, 3. J.Crew, 4. Topshop, 5. Essie}

Head on over to Santa Cruz's favorite style blog, The Penny Rose, to see my favorite picks for summer trends. 

Happy Tuesday!

Gelato-ing my way through Europe

I must admit, one of my favorite parts about Europe was eating. It never ceases to amaze me how rare it is to find someone who's not in immaculate shape, when the majority of the European food chain consists of indulgences. It must be that fact that Europeans are so good at understanding balance in life. Whether it be work, food, drink, dessert and play, they seem to have just the right equation down to balance it all out. I also love that fact that "super-size" is a foreign term, and everything really just comes in perfect proportions. When it came to food and gelato, I really knew no limits, because one of my favorite parts about traveling is experiencing all the new tastes. But with the amount of walking I did throughout my month away, I think it must have just balanced out.

Here's a peak at some of my favorite sweet treats.

Yum..