Guernsey

I am in love with the book, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. I have just read it twice, immediately starting over after finishing it. For the second or third time. My friend who visited recently said that the last time she visited, I was reading it. I guess I must really like it.

In the book, you get to know the characters through the letters that they write each another about books, authors, and the Occupation of the England and the Channel Islands during World War II. It's historical, sad, humorous, and subtly romantic--a story of people who endured a horrible time with their literary society and with each other.

Besides all of the above, I love it because I want to be there. Maybe I'll create a (dream) travel itinerary from Guernsey's official website. But for now I'm going to look at these great old photos of the island and resist the urge to read the book again.

KBIS in Las Vegas

As part my award for the NKBA student competition, I got an all expense paid for trip to KBIS (the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show) in Las Vegas. It was a great trip and here are some pictures from it.

BYU-Idaho is amazing! These are all girls from my school who also placed in the student competition along with our stellar teacher, Wendy Harris. She is the interior design program.

I got to meet Vicente Wolf, one of my favorite designers and was starstruck for the rest of the day. I kept looking at this picture on my digital camera wondering, "Did this really happen?!" (P.S. We're standing in front of his tile design for Ann Sacks. Gorgeous.)

My sister Monica with me at M&M world. I spent way too much on a pound of these brightly colored candies but it was totally worth it.

My friends and me outside the Bellagio. Secretly, I was hoping George Clooney and Brad Pitt would be there, leaning on a balcony overlooking the water.

{this image from here}

Succulent Bouquets

Lately I have been really into succulents. They remind me of visits to my aunt's house. My sisters and I would play in the flower beds that were planted with roses, vines, and succulents. I don't recall seeing these plants before then and only recently did I learn their name. So now I am slightly obsessed (of course).

Since my sister is getting married soon, weddings have kind of been on the brain. Wedding blog browsing combined with childhood nostalgia of succulents leads to a post about succulent bouquets. Unique, exotic, and tactile, I especially love them with yellow, orange, and/or peach.

What do you think of these bouquets? Are they a funky variation on the generic bouquet of roses or lilies? Or are they just plain weird?

P.S. Does anyone know what the ruffly flowers in the first and third picture are called? I am also in love with them. They might be English roses, but I'm not sure.

P.P.S. The "succulent" link takes you to a website all about succulents, but be warned! The plant on the first page looks like the Rock Biter from the Neverending Story. That movie brings back more childhood nostalgia!

Miracles happen.

My mom and I went on a shopping spree today and had a lot of success. These heels from Banana Republic were the best buy of the day. Originally they were $98 (which equals a month's worth of food for me). I purchased them today for $7.94. Yup. Seven dollars and ninety-four cents. They were on sale for $59.99 and then an additional 25% off and then I had three $10 bonus bucks (from using my Gap Card WAY too much).

Now, I wouldn't call myself a bargain shopper, but after today, I might convert.

Something is different.

Notice anything different about my blog? Look to the right, below the amazing picture of yours truly. Do you see it? The little rectangle that states: "I'm a Mormon." Pretty cool I think.

If you click on it, it takes you to mormon.org where you can view some awesome videos about other Mormons. Some of my favorites are about Sheryl (an urban school teacher who dances in her car like me!), Henriette (a violin maker in Vienna--SO cool), and Brian (a stereotypical quirky artist). I'm working on filling out my profile and when it's done, I'll let you know. Maybe they'll even make a video about me!

Are you a Mormon? You should make a profile! Just sign into your LDS account; all you need is your membership number and you're good to go. I was surprised by how easy it was. Then, if you have a blog, you can add one of your own little boxes.

Here is Sheryl's video for you to watch. She's pretty inspiring.

Kelly Wearstler

Recently, my friend introduced me to Kelly Wearstler. She designs interiors, creates her own fashion line, and paints fabric while standing on a chair. In heels. In sum, she's pretty inspiring. Check her out here. I especially like her monochromatic sample tray and her hip glasses.

New Dream House

I have lots of dream homes and this one has been added to my collection. This tiny cottage nestled in the forest with heavenly white interiors is 9' x 10' and was once a square hunting lodge. There is no bathroom or kitchen (minor details) and the bed is in a loft accessed only by a ladder. This article is all about it and has even more gorgeous images.