paraiso

I think, I THINK, I've just discovered paradise.  Dontcha agree?

Senses heightened, mouth drooling, heart sinking (actually, in this order).

The Royal Hawaiian is just that.  Located in Honolulu, the hotel, known informally as "The Pink Palace of the Pacific," underwent a total renovation in 2008 (although the hotel itself has actually been around since 1927.  I'm such there is a really cool history behind this place, but really, all that I can actually think about is well.....being there. 

OMG, spring/summer/sun (/surprise trust fund...joke) where are you?

today.....

....I am loving this woman and her easy, breezy style

....and want to move into this old chic meets new chic bedroom

....and really want to covet this ga-horgeous necklace

…..but realize that I should be saving up for my much anticipated trip to LA, so instead will buy this (entirely unrelated but sweet and affordable) reminder to hang on my wall

so that's where my mind is today (in the material/interior/style realm).  as pour mes emotions, I feel rather calm today and well rested after a super guilt-free lazy weekend….ah, the good life.  Yet another reason to hang “the joy of living” over my bed (I have really dark almost black walls- do you think it would look good?). hope you had a guilt-free ____ weekend, too!

(1) photograph  (2) bedroom  (3) necklace (4) banner

and it's that time again....

H  A  P  P  Y    W  E  E  K  E  N  D 

photo via 

lookin. good.

These shades just gave me a thousand reasons to smile.  When they’re back in stock April 30^th- sigh- I will probably start obsessing about other amazing pieces to wear them with (even though they go with everything….like even cool with pajamas everything).  But today, this is what I’d pair them with (if today I was in sunny mexico). 

 (1) Karen Walker cat eye shades (2) Mara Hoffman swimsuit (3) Pamela Love crescent moon necklace 

(4) Mara Hoffman jungle tunic

just being.

Katarina by Karolina Karlic

What is it with rainy days that lets us feel like we’re off the hook?  We don’t have to be chipper, it’s okay (in fact admirable) to order take-out for lunch, and you consider yourself a champion if you actually brave the weather and make it to yoga after work instead of going straight home (all of these efforts are a little more dramatic from a city dweller’s routine).  Like the four seasons, I love the highs and lows of weather.  Having been raised in the quintessential “north east” part of the states, my spring has always been sweeter because of my winter and the winter calm has always been necessary after the whirlwind of summer and fall.  Don’t get me wrong, like the rest of you, I am so ready to pack my puffer coat away until next year….but looking back on the adult years of my life, I’ve always needed the cycle—and to me, each part is equally important.  This is kind of a funny question, but once I asked my mom and my best friend how they envisioned the seasons in their mind….what their mental image of the 4 seasons looks like (does this make sense?).  I remember my mom answering that she saw the seasons as a straight line (I think starting with spring), and Eugenie answering that she saw them on an incline, with winter at the bottom.  I was curious because I had always seen the seasons plotted along a circle.  Anyway, I guess we can’t look too much into this, but it’s kind of interesting, right?

So today, on this very rainy, would-do-anything-to-be-back-in-bed day, I just wanted to propose a toast: to YOU, this cruel yet so necessary season, and cutting yourself a little slack, especially on days like today (you really are enough). 

 go for long walks. indulge in hot baths.  question your assumptions. be kind to yourself. live for the moment. lose up, scream, curse the world. count your blessings. just let go, just be. 

- carol shields

o la. la. orange.

dear orange (and sister colors): i've got one heck of a CRUSH on you.

(1) crochet top from Top Shop (2) H&M Dress (3) orange (OBSESSION) blazer (4) orange shorts from bbdakota (5) essie capri polish (6) fringe hoops (7) beaded cuff (8) orange wedges (9) rule orange wayfarers 

ch-ch-ch-ch changes

Happy Thursday (have I ever told you this is my favorite day of the week? Well, Saturday is pretty swell too)!  I’ve been meaning to share this super original and perfectly nostalgic photo project called Back to the Future, by Irina Werning. Of course her replication of the old retro photographs is ah-mazing, but there is something so beautiful, scary and natural about this artistic timeline.  This ongoing project has found its little corner in my memory and I think will stay there for a while.  Make sure to read her artist’s statement, too (it’ll make you like her even more).

 

"no it isnt strange after changes upon changes we are more or less the same
after changes we are more or less the same"

-simon&garfunkel

thursday thrills ♥

Clockwise: (1) perfect black ribbon via (2) yellow rose notecard from pie bird (3) ikat notebooks from Furbish (4) happy chic sunglass case from Jonathan Adler 

genius.

My Dad and I were messing around on youtube the other day, looking for a great version of Bob Dylan’s Girl from the North Country, to learn on guitar. One of my Dylan favorites.  I still love you Bob, but this Joni Mitchell + Johnny Cash version stole my heart—stole our hearts. I needed to share.  A little middle of the week lift, xo

dreamy dreamscapes

Hello, hello! I hope your long weekend was long and lovely and rejuvenating (aren’t these the best kind of weekends?). So, I’ll get right to the point because I am so excited (+ honored) to post these absolutely insane and impeccably styled photographs (both which are from a styling agency’s website that I have been having a ball with all morning).  And I’d also like to introduce a new word/category that completely sums up the aura of certain spaces. 

Dreamscape. Shall we make it “Dreamscape Tuesdays?” You, my saavy readers, obviously don’t need me to breakdown this word, but the way I see it is that this term encompasses both the tangible and the magical—spaces and places and vibes that are a fusion of the two adjectives.  A little bit of dream, a little bit of escape and a little bit of in/exterior landscape. All five senses are ignited when being in or being witness to a dreamscape.  In my dreamscapes, I feel like I am there, and wow, does it feels good. 

(1) Stella Nicolaisen for HMHome (2) Lo Bjurulf for ikea (3) Stella Nicolaisen for HMHome (4) Lo Bjurulf for ikea

memories of a small, small space

Happy long weekend friends!


Right before I got the delightful news that we could enjoy 2+ more hours of this glorious sun by leaving work at 3:30 (times a tickin'), I stumbled upon these lovely little stacks of books-- serving as end tables, decorative displays and even night stands (I LOVE this look).  And immediately I was thrown back 4 years (and 5 apartments earlier, wowza) to my first real live apartment in NYC. Ah, memories! Actually, the word “real” is not an accurate adjective for good ol’ East 60^th Street, as I slept in what so many of us young 20-somethings settle for in NYC: the “loft bedroom.” Whomp whomp whomp whomp.  Not a loft apartment, which is a BIG difference as we all know, but a bed that was actually lofted, almost as a separate floor, but this “second” floor is actually not even a floor as it is 3.5 feet tall, with a matching 3'x3' door.  Yes, that’s right, I had to walk/crawl up a boat-like staircase and then shimmy into a small space in which one would only be comfortable in a horizontal position.  I laugh/cringe/smile when I think about my first adult bedroom—I’ll never forget telling myself, “well Kate, you can only go up from here.”  But in all seriousness, what my apartment lacked in authenticity was made up by my very "real" roommates with whom I shared a wonderful year.  And you'd better believe that the decorator in me made the most of this funny/probably illegal space (I even had a kitchen-sized tv).  Bringing it all together, the reason my first apartment popped into my mind when I saw these pics is because my first "real" nightstand was fashioned out of books.  Similar to these gems......minus 7 feet. 


Sadly, this party pad of ours has since been sold/closed down (again, probably illegal), so there are slim pickings for pictures online (I'd die for a floor plan of this place).  Therefore, I must leave my crawl space up to your imagination. In the meantime, check out these beautiful and innovative spaces (also about a million times bigger and chicer than my very humble abode).  B E A UTIFUL. And so begin my dreams of the perfect studio space where I create something magical like these apartment dwellers have.... 

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Charming, right?

investments

Yesterday evening, I accompanied my man to a store opening of the Lillian August New York showroom (FANTABULOUS digs, by the way).  It was a really nice night—the usual good wine, yummy snacks and some (ok, a lot!) of business talk.  BUT being surrounded by so many exquisite objects did make it very enjoyable.  My favorite details, however, were in the bathroom.  I’m a sucker for grouped/messy frames, QUOTES, font faces, and…..QUOTES…..in any capacity.  If you’re able to look beyond the iphone-quality photographs, dontcha just love these, too?

bingo.

via, from Adore Home

(almost) spring cleaning

Hi friends!  If you’ve been keepin’ an eye on my blog this week (thanks, by the way!) you’ve probably noticed some schizophrenic action. You must know, I’m still familiarizing myself with the blogsophere and how you can make one thing look like this and make another go here.  I’ve been playing with some new looks, some new logos, and some sweet ways to update the general aesthetic of my blog.  So consider this post a result of my lack of web/digital knowledge, in lieu of a much cuter “be back soon!” graphic that I would have liked to sling over my “House of Happy” header. Ok, now I’m confusing myself.  Clearly, I don’t speak web.

Being the obnoxious perfectionist that I am when it comes to “presentation” (like really, no sarcasm here), I’m actually very pleased with myself that I hadn’t spent to much time worrying about making my blog look completely cohesive and user-friendly (and for this, my friendly blog users, I am sorry : ) Instead, I was able to focus on getting some what I hope is solid content together first.  It’s felt really good.  But perhaps it’s because this week has been a little sunnier—a complete and literal shock to my system—the words haven’t been pouring onto paper as they usually might.  A little vacation for the mind. Another upside to this is that I’ve began (and am almost finished) my spring cleaning of House of Happy.  Whatcha think?  Sometimes we need a little change to wake us up. 

In general, I’ve been finding myself taking the initiative more often to add little changes into my routine.  It’s been absolutely and positively beneficial, as these little shifts are allowing my overworked brain to lighten the freak up.  Like my personal journal, I tend to write more when I am feeling down, lost, anxious or helpless (I don’t think it’d make a very happy book!).  And by no means does a happy mood equate to less writing, but in my case, it lets some much needed balance surface.  Without sounding too intense, I am an intense (ha!) person by nature, so ergo I’m constantly seeking balance (less thinking, more living).

I also feel like it’s appropriate to acknowledge the unintentional irony that the title of my blog might have when I start rambling about the deep shit.  To me, House of Happy has been a home to a plethora of feelings and ideas, not just the happy ones.  Because really, all happy all of the time is well…..boring, and unnatural.  But you guys, so many of whom are my friends and are each wise in your own right, already know that.

Somehow this “quick” note about the aesthetic changes to my blog has taken me someone where else COMPLETELY (ya fallowing my stream of conscious?).  So I’d like to end with some of my favorite words from one of my favorite woman (talk about a beautiful soul)…..

“I don’t like to think too deeply.  Someone else can do that for me, and I’ll read about it later.”

Thank you, Donna. I’ll keep tellin’ myself that : ) As for you guys, please keep coming around.  I really appreciate it and love your support. Enjoy the sunshine !

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bathroom for champions

For where I am right now in my life, and for where my aesthetic stands today, THIS is the bathroom.  The “it” bathroom.  I'm totally digging the fact that the monogram was (cleverly) sewn on this overstock.com  shower curtain after the fact.  Genius. Now I doubt my roommate would appreciate KBA staring at her when she went to take a shower, but sigh, one day…..

{photo via, towel via, manzanita branch via, the most rad hamper ever via}

cool jewels

cooler store. nOir jewelry.

(1)via (2)via (3)via (4)via 

table for 2, pleaze

Hi friends! Hope yesterday was full of love. And I hope someone is so fortunate as to wake up and eat their breakfast in this AH-MAZING space.  It’s the perfect fusion of modernity, warmth and livability.  I am especially drawn to the organic details – the (literal) organic patterns in the wood walls, the soft and curvilinear motion in the table, pendant, and chairs.  Dreamy.

I’m tempted to order the black pendant look-a-like above (wallet-friendly, too!), and am looking for an excuse to buy some more flatware (these twiggy spoons make my stainless steels look sad) ! 

{gold brushed nesting bowls via, twig flatware via, black pendant via}

happy hearts

Last minute gift idea, anyone? You can always pull the ol’ cut-it-out and wrap it up “it’s on it’s way” excuse.  This print is so sweet and rad that your valentine probably won’t even care.  That or a mixed tape (I guess we call these play-lists now).  They get me everytime. Spread the love. Here’s to us 

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"Among those whom I like or admire, 

I can find no common denominator, 

but among those whom I love, I can: 

all of them make me laugh." 

--W.H. Auden

good karma

I found the most delightful art community website earlier this morning, Little Paper Planes.  J’adore affordable art almost as much as I love being able to purchase something directly from the artist him/herself.  Here are some of my favorite prints, but be sure to check out the clothing, accessories and sweet little paper goods, too.  An art website dream come true.

Gloves Print by Caitlin Keegan

Just Fine print by Hillary Bird

Ana Montiel Cordillera print by Ana Montiel

Ouroboros print by Alice Scott

dress down

♥via 

  Like pajamas, a robe is my other go-to piece. Like I literally go to it the moment I walk in my door. $20 on any given day my skirt will already be half unzipped by the time I turn the key. My beautiful, silk-blend LBR was gifted to me by a dear friend a few years ago…..its mini length being perfect for my 5’3” frame and its wide kimono arms still make me feel like a million bucks.  Ah, the little luxuries……

Everything about this Shirley Satin Robe from Fort Night Lingerie is P E R F E C T. Trust me, it’ll look good on every body frame, and I just love anything that is sold on etsy (exclusive of most crochet stuff).  Actually, all of their pieces are perfect.  Delicate, sexy, and aesthetically very anti-Victoria’s Secret (I’m sorry, but I just really dislike their lingerie and their overwhelming and voluptuousness vibe).  And how about another nod to Valentines Day? (but really, this robe is more for YOU!).

Note: I really didn’t want to cross the line into lingerie, but I feel so strongly about this robe that I must, I must, share it! 

"holy moly, me-oh-my...."

"....Man, oh, man, you’re my best friend, I’ll scream it to the nothingness,

There ain’t nothin’ I need

Well, hot and heavy, pumpkin pie, chocolate cake and Jesus Christ

Ain’t nothin’ please me more than you" - Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, Home

How much do we love sweet, simple, freeeeeee things?  Answer: a lot!  Especially during Valentines Day when a little originality goes a long way.  Please, still expect flowers, but how much would you love the unexpected gesture of going to grab your breakfast on your way out the door and seeing that someone is “bananas about you.”  I love that these are perfect for your mom, your dad, your significant other, you sister (of course some may be more appropriate than others!), and I especially love that Twig & Thistle took the creative + free road for making that someone special of yours smile.  Download these adorable DIY stickers here.

And just because this song always makes me happy…….(I know it does for you, too)....

monday mornin'

hi everyone! hope the weekend was special, relaxing or whatever you needed it to be. here are some cute spaces and happy faces to kick off the week. cheers to a sunny week !

bare legs, big smile, via

ben ospital's home, san francisco via 

ben ospital's home, san francisco, via

Monday morning you sure look fine
Friday I got travelin on my mind
First you love me, then you fade away
I can't go on believin' this way

I got nothing but love for you
Now tell me what you really wanna do
First you love me then you get on down the line
But I don't mind.
f l e e t w o o d