light up my life...

Completely on the random, my boyfriend decided that we're going to redo our guest bathroom. It's really boring and poorly laid out, like most of the pre-existing build-outs in our apt. Plus he really, really, really likes to take baths so now he can have a tub not meant for a 2 year old. Because the bathroom has no windows and we want softer light in that particular room, we've been looking at lightboxes to add a more natural lighting element. I'm particularly fond of these wood grain pieces from Jefdesigns, available at 2Modern. I love the sea anemone.

Images from 2Modern

if these walls could talk...

i came across these "iconic panels" by b+n - such a different wall treatment idea! not sure i'd want it in my home, but original none the less...

the panels are created using formed laminate or reclaimed wood veneer over a carved wood core - found on the b+n industries site

ohm shanti...

Hola! Namaste!

Just checking in from my vacation to rave a little bit more about Harmony Hotel and Inward Bound. I have to say, this has been one of the most amazing vacations I've ever booked for myself. Joy (pictured with me above), is the owner of Inward Bound and not only is she a kick-ass-yoga-instructing-long-boarder but she is one of the sweetest, most caring individuals I've ever met. She's got a great thing going here and has made me feel so welcome that I'm already planning to come back and do it again next year!



Like I said in my previous post, the yoga studio at Harmony is simply gorgeous. I've never practiced in such a calming atmosphere... it's amazing what a wall of jungle and some running water nearby can do to your focus.

It's so open that animals saunter by (and even into) the class! Yup - monkeys and birds and even a few sweet local pups - one of which refused to leave the other day and lay peacefully by my neighbors mat!!




Carl, one of the instructors

Anyways, this week has flown by and I'm sad tomorrow will be my last full day here... I've met some amazing people and have learned a lot about balance - in every aspect of life.

Off to Playa Negra for Jen's wedding on Saturday though! Wooot!

Till then...

xoxo

euphoric threads...

Aren't these photos just...well... incredible?
I would love a 10ft wide print of any of these behind my bed.





spotted on fffound

flowing fashion...

these images are stunning, if not a bit haunting...

found on www.non-format.com

delicious romance in prints...

UpStairs on the Square is a gem. I love this place! The deco is unique and a treat for folks who like to mix patterns and mingle. There are hidden romantic corners, like a balcony looking down onto the bar where you can spy lovers feeding each other cherries (yes, i begged those folks to stage that picture!) Enjoy a romantic dinner or just grab a seat at the bar and enjoy the zebra print! If you fly solo the bar is a welcoming place with well made drinks and friendly bar tenders. Oh, I also suggest looking up at the beautiful chandeliers.

within these walls...

I thrive on the energy of the city, but dream of living away from the chaos. This house on the Baltic Sea in Latvia is built inside the ruins of a Latvian (duh) barn from the 19th century. The remaining walls protect the home from winds blowing off of the sea. I'm a sucker for exposed brick/stone.

Images from Arch Daily

pretty patterns...

i came across these eye-catching patterns today on www.lisaruppdesign.com. these would make great framed prints!

pencil me in...

I have long been a fan of Lauren Nassef, especially her drawing a day section on her site. These are some of my favorites of hers.








I have emailed her to purchase her one-of-a-kind drawings and some are for sale while others are, sadly, already spoken for but her work is also available on etsy, for a very affordable price I might add.

If only I was this good with a pencil, I believe all my life problems would be solved.

blue gem...

i came across this unsigned lovely blue lady in boomerangs in jp. i was so tempted to have her home...

on the block...

Breathtaking art with it's own place in history, tinged with melancholy...

This weekend brought the public viewing of items going up for auction at Christie's from the great Yves St Laurent, and his partner, Pierre Berge's private collection at the Grand Palais in Paris. The two were collectors of Mondrian, Picasso and Goya to name a few, and diligently accumulated incredible furniture and objects over the past 40 years.

Over 30,000 people came to admire, but only the highest echelons of the art world will actually be able to afford a piece of YSL. The collection is estimated to warrant about $400 million for 773 lots, which has been severely downgraded due to the fragile state of the fine art market. To only be a bidder on a beautiful piece with some history behind it.

Images from T Magazine and The Moment via the NY Times

one more kiss...

I'm loving these black & white kisses from le love.

cuz sometimes you just want a good and long romantic smooch...

ruffled...

the pictures above are from the brazilian carnival 2009. when I was a little girl my mother would take me and my brother to the carnival. my aunt would make our costume using left over material. so, i always ended up with a mini version of what my aunt was wearing. We were a bit more covered up than the ladies above, my tops were made from transparent sequences and i had silky aqua pants.

buenas noches...

Hello there, kiddies! I'm coming to you from heaven on earth Costa Rica! I'm about to head to bed (yes at 10:30pm!) but wanted to check in...



First of all, I absolutely loved coming on here to see all the wonderful guest-posts! Let's pause give these ladies a round of applause, shall we?

:) :) :)



The last 24 hours have been nothing short of awesome... I had a chance encounter with some howler monkeys on the drive from the airport and the driver let me out to snap some pics:



There is simply too much to fill you in on. My first surfing lesson was awesome and I have a million bruises on my knees! And the yoga - well - I've never in my life practiced in an open-air studio like this! The entire front of the studio is open to the jungle... it's beyond ridiculous. The two hour (gah) class magically flew by too!

Harmony Hotel is simply beautiful, entirely eco-friendly and has amenities I never even knew I could want... like my own private outdoor shower and hammock!



So my whole goal for this trip is to de-stress and I think it's working so far (?) - although I find myself stressing about de-stressing (meh, I clearly need help). Hopefully I'll find more of the anti-anxiety medication I so badly need on the waves or in savasana. Either way, I've got a big, tan smile on my face :)

On that note, I'll leave you with some pics of tonight's sunset... check out those waves!!!





Hasta luego!

xoxo,
Jess