JetSet Inspiration

Lately I've been obsessed with the book 1,000 Places To See Before You Die, A Traveler's Life List by Patricia Schultz. I ironically bought this book at the airport while bored waiting for my flight, and I've been glued to it ever since. Of course when I purchased this book I also bought a multi-pack of rainbow highlighterters so I could color-coat where I've been, where I've lived, and where I'd love to visit in the future. As of today, I have lived in 3 destinations (on the 101 coast highway in California, in Florence, Italy, and in New York City). I have been to 128 of the 1,000 destinations, which I think is pretty impressive considering I'll be turning 23 this month. That said, my book is now chalk full of yellow highlights signifying places I haven't been but would like to visit. I have a lot more traveling ahead of me in the future to fulfill this book's guidance, give or take a few! If you can't get your hands on this book, check out its website for travel and destination inspiration for your next adventure.

I swear I didn't position Bogie like this. He just loves the book too!

Dreaming of 1,000 travels...

Springtime in NYC

Springtime in NYC is the redemption after the brutal winter to remember just why I love this city. From the plethora of cherry blossoms illuminating the streets to tulips and flowers blooming to the vibrant greenery at Central Park, the city comes to life in the spring. Here are the photos that remind me of how much I love NYC during this cheery season.

Going for a spin along the East River

Cherry blossoms lining Bleecker St

The pond at Central Park

Sunday Funday

There's no better way to spend a Sunday in NYC than to peruse the flea markets with friends in search of something unique. Today, I had lots of luck at the Hell's Kitchen Flea Market on 39th st at 9th ave. Before heading to the market, I met up with my friend Natalie at Amy's Bread for a delicious scone and coffee to fuel up for some vintage shopping. First, I scored a fabulous Christian Dior opal cocktail ring from the 1980's. As is this wasn't exciting enough, I found an adorable antique cake stand that I couldn't resist, some one of a kind trim to use on my next purse designs, and a flirty summer dress. This was definitely a successful day at the flea markets! Check out my newest purchases:

Home Sweet Home

After moving into Steve's apartment almost three months ago, I am finally satisfied with the interior decorating and feel that I am basically done shopping, hammering, and painting! I wish I had before photos because this place has undergone an enormous transformation! Here are the photos of our eclectic East Village Manhattan apartment... small but definitely stylish!

We searched every flea market and store for these sunburst mirrors

Peacock pillow hand painted and embroidered by me!

Amazing view of the Empire State Building

Hand sewn Indian quilt

Steve's Empire State Building photographs

Dining chairs bought at Brimfield flea market
Moroccan lanterns from Anthropologie

Bedroom

Travel photos by me

Pottery Barn ikat duvet, Uzbekistanian ikat pillow
(Can you tell I love ikat fabric?)

Diane's Beach Bungalow

On May 1st, my mother Diane O'Connell had the honor of showing our house in the Castles of Carlsbad Annual Home Tour. While her decorating skills have always been amazing in our homes growing up, she has truly outdone herself with the final decoration of our beach home. I'm so proud of her creativity in not only decorating our home in such a fun palette of beachy, fresh colors, but also in painting the majority of oil and watercolor paintings on display throughout our home. It's no doubt that my creativity came from my talented mother. Happy Mother's Day Mom! Diane is available for personal home consultation and decorating around the greater San Diego area. You can contact Diane at doconnell7076@sbcglobal.net.

Would you be able to guess this was my room based on all the purses on display??