This Week: Looking forward to spring!

photo by me:)

Spring is almost here!! I know some of you are sitting in a winter wonderland reading this but Miami/Miami Beach has been sunny and hot all week and I am giving up on my hope for a few more cold fronts. I am fascinated by how perfectly we transition from season to season. I was so excited as Fall and Winter approached (even if our winter is hardly wintry), I was in the holiday spirit,  pulling out sweaters and jackets, baking pumpkin desserts, making soup and grilled cheese sandwiches on cold week nights. And just like that, Winter has grown old and I am excited about Spring! About the fun citrus colors that will be everywhere very soon, pretty spring dresses, the warm weather, pool days (still too cold to go to the beach), suntans, bbq's, lemonade, brunches and all the other fun things that come with Spring. Are you excited about Spring yet? What about Spring are you looking forward to the most? So this week...

1. My beautiful niece, Mia turned 4 years old! We're working on some ideas for her crafting birthday party!
2. Am so excited about citrus colors everywhere for spring, am putting together a post, check it out next week!
3. Today I watched Martha Stewart's Citrus Show! She had guest June Taylor teach us how to make Candied Meyer Lemons, such a great way to put lemon skin/peel (you would normally toss) to good use, check out the recipe here. You can purchase June Taylor's hand-made marmalades and other delicious treats  on her website and if you live near Berkeley you can sign up for classes too!
4. Are you a college student? If so, then you can enter The NY Times Modern Love Essay Contest! The winner gets $1000 and his/her essay published in a "Modern Love" column on May 1st, 2011.
5. Tickets to see Philip Johnson's Glass House are on sale now! I once got a tour from Mr. Johnson himself (on TV) and though I will definitely make it a point to go see the Glass House in person, it was so nice to hear all about it from him.
6. So I am embarrassed to say but I have pretty low standards when it comes to TV:/ Please don't judge, I just love some really crappy shows and even watch crappy shows I don't love, pretty bad, huh? So did you watch the first episode of The Real Housewives of Miami?
7. If you haven't already heard, I am happy to announce that H&M will be opening an online shop for the US!!  Too bad it won't be up til the end of the year because I'm dying for these 2-tone shoes with a gold heel I saw on a blog (can't remember which one so no link, sorry), those along with the rest of H&M's dreamy Spring 2011 collection are available in April!
8. Attending a Stella & Dot trunkshow at my friend's house tomorrow night, love girly gatherings!
9. I think I want to join or start a book club! Are any of you part of a book club? Would you be interested in joining one? I worry that it's hard to commit to reading whatever comes up since I'm a little moody when it comes to my book selections. On the other hand, it might be kind of nice to read something I wouldn't have necessarily picked up. I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences with book clubs.
10. I would love it if you would please "like" Lilly Pondering Blog on Facebook! You can click on the like icon (see it in the margin>>) or click here to go to the facebook page and click the "like" icon! Thanks:)

Hope you have amazing weekends!! XO

Outfit to Outfitted: Fun Prints and Colors that Pop

Outfit(s)

photo from Lucky Magazine's Trend: Spring Prints

Outfitted

photo by Simon Upton via Elle Decor

Happy Presidents Day!

I'm sure most of you (in the US) are off for Presidents Day today, any big plans? Unfortunately, I am working on this holiday and will not be able to partake in the fun and relaxation:( I hope you get to spend quality time with your friends and family and enjoy the time off! Cheers to our Presidents! Here are just a few of my favorite photos/portraits of some US Presidents and their lovely first ladies...

Our 16th President, Abraham Lincoln and his wife, Mary Todd Lincoln and their sons. Portrait by Daniel Mark Epstein via the Washington Post

Our 32nd President, Franklin Delano Roosevelt and his wife, Eleanor Roosevelt. Photo (taken during the first year of their marriage) via eleanorrooseveltpictures.com

Our 35th President John Fitzgerald Kennedy and his wife, Jacqueline Kennedy. Photo(s) taken in 1961 via Dailymail 

Our 40th President, Ronald Reagan and his wife, Nancy Reagan on the campaign trail in 1976. Photo via UPI.com and in front of the White House, 1982 via Vanity Fair

Our 42nd President, William Jefferson (Bill) Clinton and his wife Hillary Clinton. Photo (taken in 1993) via NY Times

Our 44th President, Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle Obama in May 2010. Photo via The Only Adult in the Room

One Accessory said to the Other: I Had Vivid Watercolor Dreams!

The Fashion Accessory

Blurred Chevron Scarf from Anthropologie

The Home Accessory

Paint Palette Pillow from CB2

This Week: Picnics on my mind

photo by me:)

The week is almost over! yay!! So, how was your Valentine's Day? I had the most lovely evening at home with my husband. We had filet mignon and lobster with those yummy french fries I mentioned last week, it was an AMAZING meal! He bought a bottle of Veuve Clicquot (my favorite) and after a few glasses I got a little lazy and those brownies I had planned on making seemed a little complicated so I looked up a yellow cake recipe and whipped it up with some strawberry frosting...delicious! My Valentine gave me gifts he selected using my Valentine's Day Gift Guide for the Girly Girl...sooo sweet that he thinks I'm a girly girl and reads my blog:) I am so looking forward to the weekend! I have all-day plans for Saturday with one of my best friends. I think I'll make a little breakfast and then we plan on wandering around, taking photos and hanging out, having more meals, snacks, coffee, etc. and see where the day takes us! And Sunday we are planning a stroll around the park and a little picnic with our friends and their lovely little girl. I am loving picnics lately! It's so nice to lounge around on a lovely patch of grass, snacking and sipping while chit chatting and spending time with friends. I am looking for recipes that pack well and taste yummy at room temperature, please share any picnic recipes you love:) So this week...

1. Our friends were on the radio! They got together with fellow advocates of eating fresh and eating local and made a Valentine's dinner together with all fresh, local ingredients...listen to the show here!
2. I need a picnic basket and blanket but have not found THE ones, am loving all of this picnic gear
3. Speaking of Veuve Clicquot, The Widow Clicquot is coming up on my list of books to read.
4. I discovered a new online shop! It's called LAMA (Latin America in the Modern Age), I love it!
5. Finally watched The Romantics, I had been dying to see it since I read the book. It was fine...perhaps redundant because I've read the book.
6. Watched Giada make this Grilled Cheese with Spinach and Pancetta...mmmm can't wait to make/try it!
7. I also watched It's Kind of a Funny Story...cute.
8. Read the British Edition of Adore Magazine...oh how I would love to visit London again... and the latest issue of Lonny!
9. So happy that Arcade Fire won a Grammy for Album of the Year!!
10. Here's the easy yellow cake recipe I made!

I fancy: Horses

photo by me:)

I don't really know much about them, to be honest. I am not an experienced rider nor do I think I would ever care to own my own horse (well maybe if I won the lottery), but aesthetically...I just love them!  They are so beautiful, noble and calm-looking and sooo elegant with the most gorgeous silhouettes, aren't they lovely?! Here are lovely examples of horses as a decorative motif in fashion, interiors and products.

I fancy: Horses by lillyphunq featuring metal earrings

photo from Nuevo Estilo

Horse vases by Jaime Hayon available at Generate

Dreamy horse pattern wallpaper, perfect for a nursery!!

Horses Stampede Wallpaper by Florence Broadhurst via Woodson & Rummerfield

EM Signature T's-Yes Horse! from EMERSONMADE

Design by Thom Filicia photo via House Beautiful

Caballito Pillow from LAMA

photo via House Beautiful 

photo via Sitting in a Tree Events

photo via House Beautiful

Outfit to Outfitted: Cozy & Lush

Outfit

(photo by Cuneyt Akeroglu via Good Looking/a photo fashion blog)

Outfitted

(photo by Dominique Vorillon via Elle Decor)

Valentine's Day Gifts for the Sports & Wellness Enthusiast

Valentine's Day Gifts for the Sports & Wellness Enthusiast by lillyphunq featuring a cotton hosiery

Valentine's Day Gifts for the Designer

Valentine's Day Gifts for the Designer by lillyphunq featuring ballet flat shoes

This Week: French Fries and Romance

photo by me:)

So, have you finalized your Valentine's Day plans? I am still undecided on what to do, am leaning towards a fancy shmancy home cooked meal (with the help of recipes from foodnetwork, of course:). The thought of spending Monday night in a crowded restaurant just doesn't seem too appealing to me, do you agree? Some of the recipes I've browsed through are for couples to make together, which sounds even better, doesn't it?! So I'm on a huge french fry kick (again!) and I need to stop!! Would it be unromantic if I make french fries as part of my fancy shmancy meal? How about if I dress them up (see one dreamy recipe below)? I will be posting the rest of my Valentine's Day Gift Guides asap since I know time is running out, it's just been so busy busy around here:) So this week...

1. If you're thinking of staying in and cooking something nice for Valentine's Day too,  visit Epicurious and use their Romantic Menu Planner. You take a quiz and after you answer all of the questions they generate a custom menu that is pefect for your valentine!
2. Here's the recipe to that dreamy Baked Meyer Lemon Fries recipe I mentioned! Let me know if you try it:)
3. A few of my favorite bloggers were invited to a sneak peak of Anthropologie's new wedding line BHLDN (pronounced Beholden)!! They are officially launching the line on Valentine's Day! If only they had a wedding line when I was looking for my wedding dress!
4. I think this locket is so pretty and perfectly simple.
5. I bought this book, will start reading as soon as I'm done with Steve Martin's An Object of Beauty.
6. Am thinking I'll definitely make these Brownie Heart Cupcakes for our Valentine's dinner.
7. I want to go see Cedar Rapids, I'm hoping it's hilarious!
8. My wonderful dog, Mystic Dick Tracy turned 8 (56 in dog years)! Happy Birthday, Tracy!! To celebrate...Frosty Paws Ice Cream, of course:)
9. Looking forward to the Miami International Film Festival! Hoping I catch atleast one film this year:)
10. Wishing I was attending Food Network's South Beach Food & Wine Festival! Are any of you attending?

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!!XO

Valentine's Day Gifts for the Girly Girl

Valentine's Day Gifts for the Girly Girl by lillyphunq featuring flower handbags

Valentine's Day Gifts for the Romantic Vixen

Valentine's Day Gifts for the Romantic Vixen by lillyphunq featuring leopard print handbags

Great Valentine's Day Gifts For Him

Great Valentine's Day Gifts For Him by lillyphunq on Polyvore.com

Currently Loving: Apothecary Pretties

(photo by me:)

This time last year I was in the middle of planning my wedding. Back then (it seems like ages ago) I was obsessed with finding affordable Apothecary jars in different shapes and heights for the candy table I was planning to have. I don't have much use for them now and although I still think they're lovely, I am newly obsessed with Apothecary Bottles and their lovely silhouettes. And they are available everywhere vintage and new (that look vintage) in all price ranges. It seems that there are also more and more Apothecary inspired patterns/motifs turning up too! Here are a few Apothecary and Apothecary Inspired products I'm loving (especially the glass decoupage trays by artist Jason Polan for West Elm) as well as ideas for using these lovely old (looking) bottles, including a great DIY project I am going to attempt.

Apothecary Pretties by lillyphunq on Polyvore.com

Click on image above to shop the items:)

Jason Polan Glass Decoupage Trays from West Elm

Photo and D.I.Y. Centerpiece idea found on Elizabeth Ann Designs

Found Pharmacy Bottles from Pottery Barn

Photo and D.I.Y. Vintage Apothecary Bottles-Free Labels via Eat Drink Chic

Defined Bottle print on canvas via Misomod

Amber Glass Pharmacy Bottles from Restoration Hardware

Lovely Valentine's Day Gifts For the Baker

Lovely Valentine's Day Gifts For the Baker by lillyphunq featuring heart jewelry

One Accessory Said to the Other: Take These Broken Wings and Learn to Fly...

The Fashion Accessory

Thaumatrope illusion NECKLACE - The Bird and the Cage - gold plated Steampunk Edition from etsy

The Home Accessory

Eames House Bird from DWR

This Week: L-O-V-E



(photo of my husband and me by my husband and me, see no. 10)

The weekend is almost here!!! We started the week off with a lovely Sunday dinner at our friends' house, where we enjoyed the most amazing short ribs, mashed potatoes and chard ever, followed by some relaxing by the firepit. Since then it's been busy, but that is a good thing, so I won't complain:) So far, February is looking good! As I mentioned in my previous post, I am putting together several Valentine's Day Gift Guides and after spending time working on them I am sooo in the Valentine's Day spirit! I want to bake things, make things, buy things, plan things though I doubt I will get to all of them. Are any of you getting excited about Valentine's Day too? What are your plans? Since it falls on a Monday...let's hope my enthusiasm makes it through to the evening of February 14th! Hope your weekends are wonderful:) So this week...

1. I am hoping to be able to attend another Symphony Wallcast concert at the Miami Beach Soundscape! We attended last Friday and it was so wonderful! Next time, we hope to pack a picnic and go with friends:)

2. I met a new client who collects bugs (dead ones)! And wants me to use them to develop the color palette, etc., isn't that cool?!

3. Caught a rerun of Martha Stewart's show and watched  Chef Shea Gallante of Ciano make Burrata with Broccoli Rabe Pesto and Fig-Onion jam and Lobster Mushroom Ragu with Celery Root Puree...needless to say I was drooling! Perhaps a home-cooked gourmet meal is not a bad idea for Valentine's Day. Please let me know if you try out these recipes!

4. I fell in love with this alphabet I saw on Bloesem by designer Nathalie Nahas! Perfect for a nursery or my living room:)

5. Speaking of nurseries, this photo (via pinterest via No Worries) makes me even more exited about having children some day!! Aren't they adorable?!

6. Mondo Beyondo has a Winter Dream Lab going on. I signed up for Dream Lab last summer and though I didn't totally love it (am cynical and did not fully participate except reading the daily emails) it is definitely a positive place to "go" if you're seeking positivity and inspiration.

7. Am not very crafty but would love to plan a lovely Crafternoon Party! 

8. Speaking of valentines, how cute/cool are these cards?

9. Trying to decide on what I'll be baking for Valentine's Day, there are sooo many options!

10. Entered the photo above in a contest! You can vote for our photo (no pressure:) by "liking" Trendy Workshop on Facebook and then "liking" our photo in the Concours St. Valentin album. Oh and while you're on Facebook, please "like" Lilly Pond(ering) Blog too (if you haven't already)!

Lovely Valentine's Day Gifts For Her

Lovely Valentine's Day Gifts for Her by lillyphunq featuring blue gloves

(click on the photos and you'll be lead to the link to buy!)

Valentine's Day is around the corner!! Are you fans of this "holiday"? I know it's not the most important occasion but I can't help it, I love it! Are you making special plans? Do tell! When I was single I would bake goodies for my co-workers and give valentines to my friends, now I have a nice dinner with my husband (who only celebrates Valentine's Day to make me happy:) it's actually our first Valentine's Day as a married couple!! I happen to love selecting gifts, it's something I thoroughly enjoy, there are so many lovely little gifts (and bigger more elaborate ones) to give!! So I'm putting together a series of Valentine's Day Gift Guides and will publish them all between now and then. This first guide is pretty general, consisting of gifts almost every girl would like! The rest are gift guides for a specific type of her (you'll see) and there will be a gift guide for him, of course. XO