*things currently making me very, very happy*
+ Pretty Instagram prints.
+ Lucas’s favorite – strawberry sprinkle donuts.
+ These magnets.
+ Summer colors.
+ Humphrey living the life.
+ Freshly washed chucks drying in the sun.
+ Frida.
“Creativity is essentially a lonely art. An even lonelier struggle. To some a blessing. To others a curse. It is in reality the ability to reach inside yourself and drag forth from your very soul an idea.” – Lou
For months I have been witness to this beautiful artist transform her space with new pieces. I have been lucky enough to be just a small part of the process – listening to her as the wheels in that creative brain are turning, watching paintings blossom from a blank canvas to some of the most beautiful art I have ever seen. It has been an honor. Today I am proud to announce that Lauren Noel has relaunched her shop! There are one of a kind pieces as well as gorgeous prints that are sure to brighten up your space with love and beauty. Today (I change my mind constantly – they are too good!) my favorite is this lady. Check the site often as new pieces will be added throughout the next few weeks!
“I found I could say things with colors and shapes that I couldn’t say any other way – things I had no words for.”
– Georgia O’Keefe
My wild boy. You are always on the go. Always on the move. Everything you do is filled with passion and gusto. In between these moments, there are minutes filled with calm and concentration. Moments where you slow down, observe, and really get into the groove so to speak. On this particular day I loved watching you get your hands dirty and create – even if it lasted a total of 10 minutes. I hope you always enjoy creating because you’re pretty darn good if I do say so myself. I love you my little artist.
tee c/o sly fox threads
One decorating decision that I’ve made for the new apartment (and have thus far stuck to) is that I want all white walls. I would prefer to have a blank canvas so to speak to work with. What I am very excited for is the art that will grace the walls. One of the most talented artists I know also happens to be one of my very best friends. I seriously lucked out here in the friend department! Lauren is the creative force behind Lady Noel Designs. Each original painting is created with love, passion, and such creativity – this woman never ceases to amaze me. A few months ago I had the honor of seeing her work at her in-home studio and it was such a special treat to witness a true artist in their element. Oh, and that gorgeous lion you see above? His name is León and he is a custom wood painting that Lauren made just for Lucas. I can’t wait to show him off in all his regal glory right above Lucas’s bed!
You can purchase original paintings as well as reproduction prints via Lauren’s etsy shop. If you have a specific painting in mind, shoot her a message and you can work with her on creating the piece of your dreams. Believe me when I say you are in excellent hands. Lauren is a gem – beautiful inside and out – and her art work will be an amazing addition of love for your home.
Lucas slept in today until 10am. Yes, you read that correctly. I woke up genuinely confused and refreshed. I got my mama chef on and made some pancakes. I recently bought a bag of gluten-free mix at Costco. #fail. Maybe I somehow missed a step in the prepping but they were downright lifeless. What’s a pancake without the fluff? I’ll give them another try during the week but it looks like it’s Aunt Jemima for the win. I’ll keep you posted. Riveting stuff here.Despite the flood alert warning that I received from Sprint, we got dressed and headed down to University Place to visit Uncle Phil. A little rain never hurt anyone. There was lots of great art to see, coffee to be enjoyed, and friends to talk to. Lucas especially loves seeing his Nina who spoils him with kisses and god mama lovings. We’re looking forward to play dates with pals and a trip to the zoo this week. Hope you all had a fab Monday.
Today was good. Really good. It was the type of day NYC summer dreams are made of. Ninety degree weather..pshhhh. You don’t scare us! The hubs and I hopped on the train and headed downtown to meet a few of our loves and make a special stop at the Washington Square Outdoor Exhibition: “Art in the Village”. Lucas’s Uncle Phil is one heck of a talented artist and we had to go see his amazing display.
We set up camp right on University Ave. and spent the afternoon drinking chilled tea, blowing bubbles, and watching the passerby’s. One thing about NYC in the summer time, it sure brings out the crazies. I mean this in the nicest way possible, but seriously, sit in one spot for longer than 20 minutes and I guarantee you will be able to count the number of characters that pass you by on both hands. I write this not to scare you, but to assure you that this is what makes our city unique and fun 😉
Today was only the beginning of what looks to be an incredible summer for us. Keep the scorchers comin’! This mama isn’t complaining one bit (don’t hold this against me when I start rambling about how the heat is unbearable, the trains are stinky, yada yada yada ;). Happy summer days, you guys!