Fill Your Year With Wonder

My darling grandfather passed away over the holidays and it's taken me a while to process the emotions that come with losing a loved one. In the midst of missing him, I often find myself thinking about what an amazing life he had. I always loved his tales of sailing ships in the Navy, traveling around South America or moving to Puerto Rico with my grandmother. When I close my eyes and remember my grandfather I think of dark roast coffee, his dusty library full of treasured tomes and I hear him playing Las Mañanitas on his old harmonica. It got me thinking about how I want my future grandchildren to remember me. What adventures and stories will I be able to share with them?

So for my resolution this year, in honor of my grandfather, I am pledging to fill my year {and life} with wonder. For me, it means planning more adventures, drinking good wine, taking risks, dancing with my husband in our living room, worrying less and finding joy in the little things. I think this quote from Ernest Hemingway says it all...

It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end

Friends, here's to an incredible journey and making every single day count. I hope 2012 brings all of you amazing things.

*Thank you to the lovely Kathryn Butler for leaving the the above message on the chalkboard wall in my kitchen. It's going to stay there for a very long time.

Our Christmas, Instagram Style

Our Christmas this year was quiet and lovely. Kiwi and I cooked up a delicious Christmas brunch {we made this and this} and we celebrated with our families. Decorations were minimal, but I loved the pops of color from bright washi tape accents and the sweet simplicity of this garland from Anthropologie. I hope you all had a wonderful holiday, enjoy the rest of 2011 and ring in the New Year in style!

art appreciation

My mom, sister and I spent Sunday afternoon checking out the new collections at the Phoenix Art Museum. I absolutely loved the Modern Mexican Painting exhibit and Peter Wegner's incredible Guillotine of Sunlight and Guillotine of Shade. The installation is made up of 1.4 million pieces of recycled paper! Totally amazing. I forgot how inspiring it is to just meander through the different galleries, taking it all in.

*Where do you go when you need a little inspiration?

a country chic soiree

{a birthday pie}

{refreshments}

{hayrides are fun}

{a sweet moment}

{party favors}

{girls in green}

{pretty cowgirls}

{cherry and apple}

{the birthday girl}

{a toast}

{telling stories by the campfire}

{arizona sunset}

Complete with hayrides, a pie eating contest and lemonade in mason jars, sister Allie's birthday party was an absolute blast. I felt like I was 14 again hanging out with all the girls. They are just so darn cute. I can't wait to see what she decides to do for her next birthday!

leavin' on a jet plane...

{image found here}

Hello my dears! I booked a last minute ticket to visit my grandma in Guadalajara this week! I'll be back Friday and I will have lots of photos to share with you. Happy Monday!

give thanks

{carving the bird}

{the dessert spread}

{love and laughter}

{sweet cousin}

{cozy}

{Hercules}

{sunset at Thundercloud}

"There is a calmness to a life lived in gratitude, a quiet joy."

-Ralph H. Blum

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving.

60 years and counting...

Happy anniversary Grandma and Grandpa.

60 years and counting!

labor day fun

{brother takes photos}

{picking wildflowers}

{i heart my holga}

{beautiful meadow}

{flowers for you}

We had such a lovely Labor Day weekend. My family and I escaped to our cabin in the White Mountains for a few days of rest and relaxation. I had to leave Kiwi at home in Phoenix {he just started his MBA program} but I had a blast hanging out with my siblings and learning how to use my Holga. I can't wait to get the photos developed!

*How did you spend Labor Day weekend?

use your good dishes

{image found here}

One of my favorite things about summer break is that I get to spend more time with my family and friends. I love driving up to my grandma's house to have coffee and flip through all her old photo albums. Even if it's just an impromptu visit, my grandma always brings out the Haviland teacups and saucers. The delicate china has been in my family for years... and it only gets more beautiful with time. It makes the mundane feel like a special treat. My grandmother's manifesto is, "life is too short, always use your good dishes." I couldn't agree with her more.

*For more great manifestos check out Joslyn's list over at Simple Lovely. My grandmother would be proud.

50 and fabulous

Happy birthday Mom. You are the most beautiful, independent and wonderful woman I know. 50 has never looked so fabulous.

*We are taking her to dinner here... but, shhhh it's a surprise!

vintage photos

The Sartorialist is holding a vintage photo contest and this photograph of my grandmother instantly came to mind. Isn't she just gorgeous? I love her mischievous smile and sassy pose... Her personality is exactly the same now, as it was then. Do you have a favorite vintage photo?

*Update: Liz from Chic on the Cheap is the giveaway winner! Thank you all so much for playing.

happy birthday kiwi

{photo by Brittany Strebeck}

Happy birthday handsome. Every day I get to spend with you is a gift.

I love you more than rainbows.

cupcakes and crepes

{13 candles}

{tulips for the birthday girl}

{apron making}

{mastering the art of french cooking}

{delicious crepes}

{bonjour ladies}

{golden girls}

Sister Allie's Parisian fete was a complete success... All the girls had so much fun decorating aprons, making crepes and smiling for the camera. Thank you all for your fabulous suggestions! I can't believe my baby sister is 13.

*Kiwi's birthday is next week and I have no idea what to get him. Men are so much harder to figure out.