SUMMER DAYS

How delightful these summer days; filled with the opportunity to explore the unfamiliar and rest from scheduled days.

  

Reading wonderful written works, or listening to inspiring music. Taking a trip back in history, or letting the salt of the ocean clear your skin. Exploring ways to surprise the palate, and hunting for lovely little finds; these are the summer days...

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Mornings by the window

Bright and serene surroundings

The marvelous ocean

The siren's song

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LOVELY CELEBRATIONS

The time of year for holiday celebrations has swiftly arrived, and while the lists might get a bit long, we mainly wish to be present to others.

Simple and well executed details add a beautiful touch to each occasion and leave plenty of room for chatter, toasting and dessert.

No.1 | No.2 | No.3 | No.4

REFRESHED

I have missed this little space, but I am glad to be back just in time to wave summer days goodbye and welcome a new season. I am deeply grateful for the last couple of months as I had the opportunity to spend time with wonderful and inspiring people, as well as visiting places that have brought a new sense of self, and a good dose of femininity and creativity.

I hope your summer was just as beautiful!

lovely image via williams sonoma, for a recipe of this wonderful rose champagne granita, visit here.

FREEDOM TO LOVE

photography by Luis Monteiro for Tatler UK

A lovely pause in the middle of the week to reflect on the gift of freedom and its many forms within our lives.

Throughout time we have fought for the freedom to live in a way that reflects dignity and respect, and there will be times during which this may change or be transformed; yet, there is a form of freedom that remains completely up to us...... the freedom to love. The freewill we have been given to choose, whether or not we love each person and moment of our lives. It is that love after all, that fuels us into the daily fight for what is right and just, so......

cheers to that!

THOUGHTS ON LIVING

After the suggestion of the lovely Colleen Ludovice (Inspired to Share), I became aware of The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin. I have read the introduction and first chapter and I can already think of a series of resolutions to incorporate for myself.

I am very grateful on a daily basis for my life as a whole. Faith plays a tremendous role on this conviction; yet, it is our human frailty that often gets in the way of our loafty goals and good intentions. This is why I love the methodical and concrete approach that Gretchen uses, as we all have choices to make on a daily basis in order to contribute to our overall well-being (happiness) and therefore, that of others.

I have so many beautiful things I would like to do and share with my family, friends and my lovely blog readers. I began blogging with the idea to document and share all that which inspires me, and I have to remember that keeping things balanced will always be important in maintaining the original purpose of all projects.

I will look for more ways to enhance my level of happiness and joy (true joy), and this entails more sleep, better eating habits, and balancing many other aspects of life so that I am able to give more and better. This includes my time spent in prayer and in the presence of God, my family, friends and every person to whom I may be able to contribute to.

I hope that this little space reflects that love and dedication, so that you in turn, may be constantly inspired......

lovely image via weheartit (original source unknown)

INTO THE DETAILS

This weekend we are honoring my mother, as it marks her 10th death anniversary, and given that she had a great love for flowers and beautiful details, the plan is to gather at the park where a memorial bench was placed in her honor after her passing. The bench is under a beautiful tree and next to a field where wild flowers bloom during this time.

We will each bring a white balloon and release at some point during our gathering, and we will get to remember all the beautiful moments that we shared during her life; which we hold very dear up to this day.

I am planning on making beautiful flower favors as the ones pictured below, for family and friends to take home. It will be a simple; yet special way to remember and honor a beautiful soul.

---------  happy weekend ----------

wildflower field by Mark R. via flickr // white balloons by dustin & whitney via oh darling
little girl photographed by jewelimage found via pinterest // doily flower wraps via papermash

THOUGHTS ON LIVING

February has come to an end; and as the rest of the year flashes by, I would like to make it a point to ensure that every moment is lived with purpose, and every action is backed up by great love. It is therefore my wish to share a few thoughts on how to be more present during each moment, despite the fast paced rhythm of our lives:

no.1 | have a lovely breakfast

Even if it is a cup of coffee and a piece of toast with jam, make it beautiful and enjoy your little meal, either by reading something lovely,  or making a mental picture of all the great possibilities within this new day; instead of the long to do list and the dreadful thought of not getting it finished.

no. 2 | step outside for a bit

Whether it is by a pressing deadline, a busy schedule or long hours in front of a little bright screen, take the time to pause and reach out to others around you. Maybe a little phone call, message, or remark, but make it a point to step outside of yourself and make someone else a bit happier.

no. 3 | document your day

At the end of each day, find time to jot down moments of the day which were little victories and those which might need work. Learn from every strength and weakness, be grateful, and look forward to a brand new day. A couple of favorites here and here.

images: no.1 by photographer trever hoehne no.2 via vineet kaur no.3 via matchbookmag no.4 via pinterest

NIGHT AT THE OPERA

How lovely to start a brand new month, and a very loved-filled one indeed. I got to start it all with a
night at the opera. My husband planned the date well in advance and we were delighted by the sounds
of Verdi's La Traviata, where I found myself pondering at the great distance one may go for another.

                              lovely images via 1| 2| 3

Love is found both in small details and magnanimous sacrifices, and I could not help but be reminded
of my writings from several years ago..............

How to Preserve a Given Treasure

Do not let the everyday debris cover the beauty
of that wonderful treasure you have been given.

Go ahead; dust it off, as dust is superfluous,
it is worthless; it is nothing but particles of matter
regarded as the result of disintegration.
It makes it opaque; impenetrable by light.

Quite the contrary, try to polish it, to remove
the outer layers, so that its shine and beauty are everlasting.

Remember; dust is inevitable, but with a good piece of cloth,
and the willingness to make it shine; its beauty will be preserved
for years to come ..............

Do not let this happen to you, that when a day comes
that your treasure appears dusty and useless,
you dispose of it thinking it has lost its worth.

Someone then may unbury such wonder and polish it to perfection,
finding great enjoyment, in the midst of an ever dusty world ..............

have a lovely february, xoxo

BRAND NEW YEAR

grateful for what has been and excited for what is to come!

 image via piccsy

NEW YEAR RESOLUTION

The clock is ticking and we get to enjoy the last moments of 2011 and prepare to receive 2012 in a special
way. I have given some thought to my resolutions and they mainly involve staying more organized!

As a child I would spend hours reorganizing my room/closet and even my mother's storage room. I loved the
feel and look of a neatly organized space and the hours spent on the task were absolutely worth it just by
looking at the end result; however, the challenge has always been to maintain the beautiful scene and avoid
any sign of chaos. It is said that the secret is to have a place for every single item and return to its original state
after each use, but when one runs short in both space and time, the dilemma arises. I especially wish I had
more room to spare for both my office and pantry.

This year I am attempting to keep things simple; yet organized and beautiful no matter what. I wish you much
success in your goals for the coming year, and may they all bring joy to your life and that of others. I am looking
forward to bringing many sources of inspiration throughout the brand new year. XOXO

images via 1 || 2 || 3 || 4