Lux and Lace

Unconditional love

2012-02-14T16:53:00.000-08:00

So Since i already posted about Valentines Day, I wanted to share the second thing i love the most...Dogs. I absolutely love dogs and they unconditional love they show. They are so Humerous and have such personalities. A photographer named Seth Casteel took these amazing underwater shots of dogs. they are amazing and make me smile. Enjoy!

all photos via

Robinson Nursery

2012-02-11T15:58:00.001-08:00

Robinson Nursery by breecardiel on polyvore.com

Just a quick design for a British friend who has a little one on the way!

Happy Friday!

2012-02-10T19:46:00.000-08:00

With Valentines Day just around the corner.. thought i would chime in on it.

Valentines day doesnt have to be hard. Here is a simple list of things courtesty of Gweneth Paltrow's website, Goop, you can do to remind that special someone that you are thinking of them... and they are loved.

AM or before they wake up:

Surprise them by pre-loading a playlist onto their Ipod (or getting a mix onto whatever device they use to listen to music) with whatever songs are significant to you two. You’ll be on their mind throughout their morning run, commute, etc.

8 AM or before they rise : While breakfast in bed on a Saturday is lovely, breakfast in bed on a weekday is completely unexpected, and truly special. We’ve listed some super-simple recipes for even the most culinarily-challenged that can be prepared in five minutes or less to bring some unexpected romance to an otherwise normal day.

Omlets or egg sandwiches are super easy and quick to make. Or give them a bag of cookies and milk and send them on their way!

Around 11 am : set an alarm on their phone to go off at this time that tells them to check their 1. pant pocket 2. wallet pocket 3. purse pocket, or whatever place you think they would not have naturally checked by now. In this pocket, you have placed either a love note, tickets to a play/movie/event that evening, a gift card to their favorite store, or an address and time of where and when they should meet you for a surprise evening activity of your choice.

8 pm "cook" an Easy Dinner : Although Valentine's day is on a Tuesday, it doesnt have to be so hard. Go to your favorite restaurant and order take out. Put it on some nice plates, light some candles and you're done! If you want to cook, do something easy- Remember today is about both of you!

After dinner: Give a litte massage, or a foot rub. and if you must...give it a little sexy...

Romantically...

or Sexy...

Valentines Day doesnt have to be hard. Just thoughful!

Hope you have a good weekend!

Owls and Owling

2012-01-18T21:51:00.000-08:00

The Owl has always been an animal that has intrigued me.

We have an old rock quarry behind out house, and from time to time we can see them flying from the quarry to the back hills and back late at night when we are in our spa.

Owls are majestic, mysterious and secretive. They also stand for wisdom, and some believe they are a sign of protection. I wouldn’t mind doing a little "Owling" in my decoration in our home.

I would definitely use a few of the figurines below...

I see them more and more lately...maybe it’s a good sign!

Well, what ever they stand for, they inspire me...

Owl Figurines...

Owl art...

"Anthropologie-esque" Owls...

Subtle Owls...

Hidden owls in your coffee...

And Owling. Apparently there is a trend called Owling. Owling is when people pose for pictures by crouching like an owl. Some are pretty funny...Some are sexy!

Even my favorite designer Kelly Wearstler is doing it!

Funny huh?!

Have you tried Owling?

images:here, here,here

Follow the Green Grass Road...

2012-01-16T07:52:00.000-08:00

via

"Sigh… I would love to follow this grassy path through the lovely town of Jaujac France! This installation is titled Tapis Rouge, and was created by Marseille based artist Gaëlle Villedary. Here’s what Google Translate has to tell us about this gorgeous project:

In the heart of the village of Jaujac, the in situ installation Red Carpet! Celebrates the 10 years of trail Art and Nature, on my path a Artist past … Deploy the symbolic of the tribute, through the village to link the natural spaces on both sides, a link, a path, a trail, connecting the heart of the village and its inhabitants with the valley. The incarnation of the thread which crosses the eras in Jaujac is a sprig of nature, a communion between nature and man, through art."

I though i would re-post this beautiful installation from The Jealous Curator. This is just amazing!!

It just makes me think of The Wizard of Oz's Yellow Brick Road. Maybe this one has a different story!

Happy Monday!

Turquoise dreaming...

2012-01-13T17:42:00.000-08:00

I am loving this color right now!!

Thought i'd leave you with a few lovely images of this beautiful color!

Enjoy the weekend!!!

Namaste

2012-01-10T11:07:00.000-08:00

Thought i'd share this funny video about "yogi's." For those of you who don't know what a YOGI is...

a Yogi is a person who is a master of yoga..or a person obsessed with Yoga.

I may not be obsessed with Yoga...But I do like it, and this definitely made me laugh.

Happy Tuesday!

Two for one

2012-01-09T16:43:00.000-08:00

I absolutely love Chevron. With my new found love for gold, this bag is almost the perfect accessory!

you can find it here!

hammocks and high tea

Dont forget to check out their other great items including some pretty awesome kitchen towels!

Cant put these down!

2012-01-06T17:11:00.000-08:00

Buckey Balls! I know- funny right... until you start playing with them...you won't be able to put them down! They are simply magnetic balls that you can pull apart and do tricks with...sounds simple enough right?

I love these and i want to get some for everyone!

Added bonus- they are suppose to be a stress reliever!

check out the tricks you can do with it!

all images

To purchase

CLICK HERE

Glamping

2012-01-05T20:59:00.000-08:00

images via

Now, if every Camper we camped in looked like this, I would go camping every chance i got!!!

Interior designer Rachel Horn and her husband/Business partner gutted and designed this Airstream camper for their trip to Burning Man, and annual 'creative flow' party in the desert of Nevada. She had never been camping before...so why not make a camper what you want it to be! She calls it "glamping" Brilliant!!

See the New York Times Article here!

Happy New Year!

2012-01-04T22:30:00.000-08:00

Its officially 2012!

Last year was amazing! A couple of close friends got married...I got married.

More friends..seven to be exact had babies...

My Dad moved across county... so did my best friend.

Alot of changes and a lot of new beginnings.

2011 was amazing and i cannot wait to see what 2012 brings.

For now, i thought i'd share my New Years Resolutions.i figured this way,

i might stick to them this year!

1. BE INSPIRED: I want to finally take the IDEX exam, and start designing homes and or my own business. Hopefully one day I can be a design icon like Kelly Wearstler. Hotels...a fashion line...accessory line...I can only hope!

2.BE FIT: I need to keep training and not give up on not only trying to be healthy, but to make it through my half marathon in three weeks! Hopefully one day, I can make it to the full marathon!

3.BE MOTIVATED: I need to be motivated in health and fitness, but in life in general!

4. BE A BETTER FRIEND: I plan to visit my Best Friend on the east coast! I always say I will, and I never do...not this year! Get ready Jill!!!

5. BE HANDY: I want to re-do the back yard and make it a place we can relax in the afternoons. I want to fix it up with my husband and make it our project. Not only the back yard...everything in this house. I want to make it a home...together.

6. BE DOMESTICATED: Speaking of my husband...even though we haven't even been married a year yet, I want to try to be more of a domesticated housewife. As funny as that sounds, we all know i can be a little messy and i can't cook to save my life...which is my next resolution...

7. BE RESOURCEFUL: I plan on cooking more and learning from anything and anyone I can!

8. BE CONSISTENT: I have a ten year journal. Its pretty much one of the best things I have ever bought myself.. I plan on writting about every day, no matter how boring the day may be! A small glimpse of that day for ten years.

9. BE HAPPY: Life is too short to not be grateful for what God has given me. I am a healthy, loved and blessed person. I have an amazing husband who adores me. I have a family who is incredibly strong. and I have constant reminders of them which make me smile all day long. And being sad is so draining!

I know I had a few!

What are your resolutions?!

Have yourself a merry little...

2011-12-22T17:08:00.000-08:00

CHRISTMAS!!!

I honestly cannot believe that it's already here!!

I hope everyone has a Happy Holiday and a Happy New Year!

Wish me luck with the Christmas shopping that I STILL have to get done. ugh.

Already???

2011-12-02T22:25:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited that it's December, yet I cannot believe that it is almost Christmas time!!!

Just in time for Christmas!!

2011-11-29T21:20:00.000-08:00

I thought I'd share a few things on my Christmas wish list for this year- since it is just around the corner. Where did this year go?!

also.. below are some gifts for those hard to get for people!

ManeMessage

1. These hair ties that double as bracelets AND they dont leave a crease in your hair! visit the link above to check them out!

charmandchain

2. A pretty gold monogram necklace. so timeless. I'm actually really feeling any kind of gold jewlery. Its kind of weird, i never thought i was a gold girl...

pottery barn

3. cable knit throws...i want more throw blankets than i know what to do with. I want one in my bedroom, three on my couch, one in my car...everwhere. I am ALWAYS COLD- and how can you not feel warm wrapped in something like this?

I have the second one and i love it! you can find it here.

4. new Nike Free +2 running shoes... my old ones have had it! These shoes are fantastic! The make you feel like you are running with nothing on your feet.. and if i plan to run 26.2 miles one day...i'm gonna need new shoes!!!

thats about all I can think of, but check out these other cool items for that hard to get person on your xmas list!

an awesome place for a fish.

the o.m.g. bag. perfect Medium size bag for Overnights or the Gym..get it??

best slippers EVER.

for the friend who needs "nothing"... a charitable gift

for your mom or your forgettable friend...

for the coffee lover who is tired of starbucks giftcards

In my ever present ( no pun intended...) search for the perfect christmas present, i will continue to share my finds...for now...good luck in your xmas shopping!!!

Giving Thanks...

2011-11-21T21:39:00.000-08:00

I think this year I will be paying close attention in the kitchen so hopefully next year I can host Thanksgiving Dinner at our house....

And maybe set the table like this beautiful Martha Stewart Creation...

my favorite Thanksgiving food...

Annnnnd my husbands...

remember to always give thanks...

and don't forget...

Enjoy your families, your short work weeks

and Happy Early Thanksgiving everyone!

~BK

Tacori..yes please!

2011-11-14T19:23:00.000-08:00

mlovesm

I honestly cannot believe it. This Blogger is giving away this B.E.AUTIFUL Tacori Ring!

I absolutely LOVE the rose gold with the amber stone! it would look amazing on my finger! Wish me luck, and I'll wish you luck!!

Simple.

2011-11-14T17:56:00.000-08:00

Back to the future...

2011-11-10T21:17:00.000-08:00

Back to the future is an amazing photo series by Photographer Irina Wearnig. I love this idea. I think it's brilliant and Hilarious!!

"Tut, tut...Looks like Rain..."

2011-11-09T18:07:00.000-08:00

This weekend it is suppose to rain and to tell you the truth, I'm kind of excited for it! If only it rained more, I would totally get some rain boots like these pictured above! I absolutley love the splash of color on the zipper... suprizing i know since i mostly go for muted colors! check these Wellies and other gorgeous ones here. They also have awesome socks to go with your oh so cute wellies!!

Images via weheartit and joules.com

Showers...

2011-11-06T09:57:00.000-08:00

Today is quite the shower kind of day...

It looked like this outside when i woke up at 6:35 in the morning...so much for the extra hour of sleep!

I loved doing this for a couple of hours with my big dog...

then I have a baby shower brunch...

and then i end the day with a bridal shower!

I am extremely happy for my friends..

Congrats to Kim on her ever soo cutely named baby,

and Congrats to Jordyn on her upcoming nuptials!

Happy Friday!

2011-11-04T09:28:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday!

I am so happy that it's finally getting colder!

I'm excited to get a couple of home projects done ( thanks pinterest!).

Hopefully I'll have some before and after shots!

Have a great weekend!

What a San Diego Chargers fan looks like...

2011-10-31T20:44:00.000-07:00

Source: thisisnotnew.com via Bree on Pinterest

Source: dangxbh.deviantart.com via Bree on Pinterest

This is what I feel like when I watch them play! My poor husband sits in his Chargers jersey- loyal as ever- cussing or clapping at appropriate times.

Hopefully they can pull it out tonight!

Happy Monday Night Football-Halloween!

Chevron

2011-10-30T17:07:00.000-07:00

I am absolutely loving this trend right now. I see it everywhere!!! It makes such a statement let it be on a dress, in a frame, or on an entire wall. Just enough graphic eye candy to be interesting.

Feeling Blue...

2011-10-18T18:37:00.000-07:00

Source: littlebluedeer.com via Susan on Pinterest

Source: martamara.tumblr.com via Periain on Pinterest

Source: shopbop.com via Devan on Pinterest

Source: None via Nicole on Pinterest

Source: polyvore.com via marla on Pinterest

Source: likelovestyle.blogspot.com via Chloe on Pinterest

Even though blue coincides with feeling melancholy, I absolutely love this look for Fall. Paired with a little nude hues here and there, it's a perfect color for Fall.

Sam..tooo cute

2011-10-13T13:02:00.000-07:00

Gilded Gold

2011-09-27T20:03:00.000-07:00

the sweetest occasion

Its just so classic.

Fall is here...

2011-09-24T20:34:00.000-07:00

all photos:budgettravel.com

Its the second say of Fall!!! I cannot believe that Fall is already here. This year absolutley flew by! I am excited for pumpkin spice lattes, fires in my fireplace, boots and scarves!!

Happy Autumn!!

LOV

2011-09-19T20:20:00.000-07:00

I am absoutley in love and in awe of this video...i have never wanted to be the star of a film...but this one...makes me want to jump in every scene.
::sigh::
Kate Bosworth...love her.

LØV from Vanessa Bruno on Vimeo.

Home from Honeymoon...

2011-09-19T19:54:00.000-07:00

My favorite Picture..love white sand on my toes...

Finally home from our Honeymoon in Saint Maarten, and I am counting the days until we can go back.

We came home to a happy- extremely happy- dog, lots of boxes and presents to open! I cannot believe this incredible journey that was our wedding is over, and this new adventure of Marriage is beginning. I am excited to start nesting and making our house a home...filled with old memories, and space to make new ones. I wanted to say thank you to everyone for coming to the wedding! We felt incredibly loved and blessed.

Happy to be home...

Bree

six days...

2011-08-29T16:58:00.001-07:00

six more days till I marry my best friend...

Pretty in pink...

2011-07-27T18:31:00.000-07:00

Great words to live by!!

I never thought i would say this, but after a weekend of girly madness, and feeling pretty, i am really feeling the color pink!

Make me Happy to be a girl!!!

Happy 4th of July

2011-07-03T08:22:00.000-07:00

Happpy Fourth of July weekend everyone!!

Be safe and Happy birthday America!

Busy lil' bee...

2011-06-29T22:01:00.001-07:00

In the middle of painting...purging...and making our house pretty...

hopefully be back soon with some befores and afters...

I'm a good little hand holder...huh dad?

2011-06-17T20:18:00.000-07:00

I use to say that to my dad when i was little...

My Dad makes the big move from California to Connecticut tomorrow...

Our House looks like this.....

And i feel like the apple on the right...

I am sooo happy for my dad, yet i know i will feel completely lost with out him...

not to mention, fathers day with out my father...:(

I love you dad

Sorry for the somber post, But happy weekened to everyone!

What I'm Loving Wednesday

2011-06-15T18:56:00.001-07:00

I am officially making a habit! Wednesdays are turning into what i'm loving wednesdays...and today...i'm loving empty frames. if they are pretty on their own..why put anything in them?! You don't have to!!

This idea is an easy DIY project. a little white paint, old book pages, scissors and old flea market frames, and you are in business!

or a little yellow paint..

neon green paint...and a cute dog...

I love the mix of old pictures, and framed objects.

Perfect for over the bed...frame your zzzz's!

frame a frame around a frame! and the gold...::sigh::

This was my own little frame purchased from my dear friend Kathy- a flea market pro- i was going to frame the wall paper paintings (a diy project i did in less then two hours!!), But decided not to... This wall was a "lets see how it looks" and now, its starting to grow on me! I guess once i collect more frames, we will make my oh so pretty white friend not so lonely!

Happy Wednesday!

Its been a long weekend...

2011-06-12T22:47:00.001-07:00

I absolutely love this illustration found while stumbling through we heart it.

My soon-to-be-husband comes home tomorrow morning after a long...maybe a little too long bachelor party. Although I didnt miss the snoring, I definitely missed this.

Hope you all had a good weekend!

yes please!!

2011-06-12T20:50:00.000-07:00

DO IT.

Click here for details!!

Twist it up!

2011-06-12T10:51:00.001-07:00

Enjoy this hair tutorial from the beauty department and Lauren Conrad!

Happy Sunday!!

The bride wore white

2011-06-11T22:12:00.000-07:00

Picked up my wedding dress on friday!

Its getting so close!!

*none of these are my dress...come on now.

La Famila

2011-06-11T21:38:00.000-07:00

Today i spent time with my Dad's side of the family. My Father's Family History is not only intriguing, but it is vanishing with the elder family members. When I get the chance to thumb through old photos, I find myself lost in a different time. I will always remember my great uncles and my grandfather as loving family men, telanovela watching jokesters. Some of these pictures make them look like such gangsters...

Check Out these old picture books...they have such beautiful edge details to the images.

My Grandfather in the middle

How I will always remember them

This picture is of my Uncle Bill. Always makes me smile...

It makes me so proud to know that my family had a hand in such a big part of horse racing and sports history.

They will always have such a swagger to me.

It amazes me how handsome they look, my grandfather on the left ( where i got my cheekbones) my Tio Guillermo on the right, and my Great Grandfather in the middle.

Have a happy weekend!

What I'm loving now...

2011-06-08T18:38:00.000-07:00

I have always been a Monochromatic girl. Black was (and will always be) my go to color. After looking at my recent purchases, Nude, neutral tones and lace have been taking over my life and closet- and I am absolutely loving it. Especially with cognac accessories and shoes...makes me heart swoon. I am brightening up my life with light pinks, nudes and spicey leathers...Who knew!!?

Summer is here...

2011-05-28T09:37:00.000-07:00

Happy Long weekend!!

Love me some Burlap.

2011-05-22T21:17:00.000-07:00

I absolutely love, love, LOVE burlap. Its so simple and rustic. Its a great way to add a little variety to an all white room. Its great for lampshades, pillows, bedding table runners and looks fantastic on club chairs! Burlap and canvas bags are awesome for summer beach trips!! Not to mention Burlap is very inexpensive and great for DIY projects: vase covers, table runners, simple pillows and oh-so-cute banners for parties or the holidays!

ode to my besties...

2011-05-16T20:36:00.000-07:00

Image via misscheekychic

erineverafter

After a great weekend with my best friends, both on the phone and in person, I have my friends on my mind.

I am so blessed to have you all in my life. I love how we can not hang out for months...and with in one hour be back where we left off. With all the things pressing on all our minds...let it be weddings, new jobs, babies or new boys...don't ever stop being you, and never ever forget to be awesome.

I love you all.

Friday wishes...

2011-05-13T14:08:00.000-07:00

This is all i want to do all weekend long.

Happy Friday!!!

Mess it up!

2011-05-10T19:27:00.000-07:00

I have never been one to spend much time on my hair...However, These looks make the effortless "messy" look oh so pretty. Make sure you check out the how-to step by step below for the messy pony!

Red high heels

unknown

Michael kors

seventeen magazine

Love this Hair idea from Cup of Joe. I think I just found my go to hair style!

Happy Tuesday!

Just a little break...

2011-05-10T18:57:00.000-07:00

brabournefarm

After a day like today... this is where i want to be.

"Hi Muhhhma's Mama!"

2011-05-07T21:10:00.000-07:00

I have always been told that i look like my mother. I joke and tell people that i am her exact carbon copy. And honestly, If i look like her when i am her age, i can only be so lucky.

My Mother at 17 years old

My mom was homecoming queen...

Our family photo..pure California style

My sister and me with our mom on her wedding day.

Doesn't she look gorgeous?

Did i mention she's a Grandma...with her Two grandkids, Brodie and Lotte

and now to the woman who i hold in the highest regard. My grandmother. Thats her in the middle with my brother on her lap...looking up to no good none the less. Behind her is her brood- minus two! Thats Right...My mother was one of eight.

I recently asked my grandmother how many kids she had when she was my age...at the time i was 25...and she looked in the air, and said so matter-of-factly, "four...i had four." and as my jaw dropped, i realized, at that time, she was only half way done. With none of her kids in jail...or addicted to drugs...She managed to have 8 healthy...kids...my aunts and uncles. I can only hope that I have an inkling of her motherly- kid raising skills, and can be half the woman she was...and still is.

Most Importantly, in this picture...are all of my aunts.

Happy Mothers day to you all.

You have all taught me serious life lessons who made me the person I am today.

Thank you for being in my life, and being an important part of my mother's.

BEAUTIFUL.

STILL.

Happy Mothers Day Mom.

I love you...More than you know, and more than I show.

He's not perfect...thanks Bob.

2011-05-07T20:17:00.000-07:00

via wide open spaces blog

Ever thine, ever mine...

2011-05-07T19:57:00.000-07:00

source unknown via erin ever after

Four Months from now i will marry my best friend. I cannot wait for the journey that awaits us.

Happy Weekend!

Life without walls

2011-05-04T21:41:00.000-07:00

apartmenttherapy

The arched windows and unfinished ceiling are what draw me to lofts. Can you imagine the night time view?

apartmenttherapy

luxuryinterior

design-ties

unknown

The fireplace as the focal point in this loft makes a large space feel cozy.

seeqq

The two images above are for my brother. He recently just got a loft in Colorado. When I saw this Loft, I immediately saw him living there. The vintage furniture with the white walls and large prints give this space a great mixture of new and old. Its got just enough Bauhaus for me.

I have always had a design crush on lofts. I mean what more could a designer want? No walls = no rules. A Loft has endless possibilities-a blank canvas. I love the industrial, unfinished look of the buildings. The unfinished exterior with a finished interior. Its a perfect relationship.

This last image is a rendering of one of my very first school design projects. Only a made up space, but a space that I made up, and would live in in a heart beat...and oh yea....it's a loft too!!!

ooo la la

2011-05-03T17:50:00.000-07:00

Lately I have been obsessing over french doors. I want them everywhere in my house. They make everything seems so open and airy and they make any room look cozy and inviting.

enjoy the eye candy...

French doors in a bathroom slash walk-in closet? This makes my heart swoon

house beautiful

House beautiful

These oversized drapes are a little unexpected treat in this all white kitchen.

found at architecturalsalvageantique.com

The light and high ceilings of this living room literally made me sigh.

I love the mixture of unfinished brick with the polished and perfect french doors.

house beautiful

I would never leave this bed.

unknown

found at architecturalsalvageantique.com

The shutters ar a nice touch to this room.

Happy Tuesday!

aruba...jamaica...ooo i wanna take ya

2011-05-02T09:14:00.000-07:00

We just booked our honeymoon. Between the Domincan Republic and St. Marteen, we finally chose ST. MARTEEN!!!! I couldnt be more excited to drink cocktails, laydown on a hamock in our private villa and not have a care in the world. Four months and counting...

"When the wicked fall...

2011-05-01T21:36:00.000-07:00

...there are shouts of Joy." proverbs 11:10
After ten years, Usama Bin Laden is dead. I hate to celebrate death, but God..I Love America. Although...I do have to say, I have a slight knot in my stomach thinking about any retaliation that might be headed toward our nation....