Decorating with Nature

The only shells in my apartment are covered in marinara or cheese sauce. However, my transplant to the east coast and the beach air has left me lusting over shell decor.

Shell Votives - Fill a shallow tray with sand, arrange pairs of your prettiest specimens, and place a votive candle at the center of each pair (leaving room for the flames to flicker safely).



Shell Bookend -My grandma used to have one, so I'm a little biased. There is nothing quite as lovely.



Shell Salt-and-Pepper Dishes



Printed Seashell Pillows



Seashell Soap Dish



I'm very excited for the long weekend and feel very fortunate to have a free Friday on the horizon.
k.o

Wednesday Wisdom

Just a little reminder...



[photo via etsy}

Erik Johansson Optical Illusion

Erik Johansson of Sweeden loves his optical illusions. At first view, I was a little confused of this masterpiece (but, that is the point, right?)

Take a look for yourself:







[photos via NYMag}

Bhatti Indian Grill

It was a Saturday night in Murry Hill - you have some of the best Indian food at your fingertips.

I have walked by Bhatti Indian Grill several times, but never stopped to eat since they don't serve wine (priorities, you know).

This time, with friends in hand and a planned bottle of wine purchase, I finally was able to dine.



{photo via flickr}

I ventured past the norm and ordered their Rogan Josh (and of course the must - Saag Paneer).

Everything was great, and even better, the bill (ordering only food with no drinks sure is cheap!)

Murry Hill/Curry Hill loves.
k.o

Successful Saturday

"If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans."

This Saturday, I had plans.

This was my plan:


This was reality:

{photos via insidetheloop}

Regardless, I still had a successful Saturday.

"when life gives you lemons, make a stiff Limoncello.

I hope your weekend was successful!
k.o

The Few, The Proud

Best. Shirt. Ever



I hope everyone enjoyed their week! There is a chance of scattered showers this weekend, and I hope they do just that; scatter.

Enjoy your weekend!
k.o

Round Barns

I have a thing for round barns. They are magical looking and have a historic feel that could make your smartphone drop.

Fun historic side note: 1880–1920 represent the height of round barn construction. The interior layout of round barns was, at the time, promoted as more efficient, since farmers could work in a continuous direction.







[photos via ohiobarns}

Our family took the more traditional route :) If only these barn walls could talk.



I hope everyone is having a great day!
k.o

Wednesday Wisdom

Just a little reminder...



{photo via insidetheloop}

Awesome People Hanging Out Together

Errol Flynn and wife Nora Eddington with Rita Hayworth and Orson Welles


Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, Warren G. Harding, and Harvey Firestone, Maryland, 1921.


Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X


Steve McQueen, Paul Newman, Barbra Streisand, and Sidney Poitier, 1972 © Bettmann/Corbis.


Prince William, Kanye West, Prince Harry and P.Diddy


Elvis Presley and Sophia Loren by Bob Willoughby, 1958


Julie Andrews and Carol Burnett


Ava Gardner, Stevie Wonder and Lena Horne

{photo via awesomepeoplehangingouttogether}

Spettekaka Versus Kransekake

Having a Norwegian upbringing, I have always been familiar with Kransekake, a traditional celebration cake made from almonds, confectioner's sugar, and egg whites. It's impressive and tall and decked out with little Norwegian flags and whatever random decorations you want to use to accessorize.



Recently, I came across Spettekaka, a Sweedish version consisting mainly of eggs, potato starch flour and sugar and then put on a skewer and rotated over an open fire. It's crazy impressive and instead of a chewy texture, its flakey and crispy.



See? This is why I love Scandanavians. Even when baking, they shoot for the stars.

Here's to the next Kransekake or Spettekaka celebration :)
k.o

Dear Monday

{photo via insidetheloop}

Successful Saturday

Often, when I write my Successful Saturday's, I like to think of the differences in what makes a successful Saturday in North Dakota and what makes one in NYC.

In NYC, a successful Saturday would consist of:

Doing yoga outdoors - Laughing Lotus



[photo via omlalayoga}

In North Dakota, a successful Saturday would consist of:

Biking on a gravel road.



In NYC, a successful Saturday would consist of:

Shopping and eating at Hester Street Fair



In North Dakota, a successful Saturday would consist of:

Tractor pulls, stock car racing, and bull riding at the Red River Valley Fair



I love both. I love Saturdays.

P.S I hope everyone enjoyed their Father's Day!
k.o

Nap Time

When I was in Kindergarden, I won the "Best Napper Award". Even though naps are now very few and far between, I can't help but think these places would be perfect to reclaim my title.

I hope everyone had a great week! I hope your weekend is slotted for sunshine!
k.o








{photos via Paris in Pink}

Coastal Cottage

By accident, I came across Belle Escape, which has several beautiful, coastal style pieces. I found myself saying, "I want that" to almost everything. One day...

I wish everyone the very best today!
k.o



Blue Crystal Chandelier - $1175

French Blue Distressed Armoire - $4295

Round Rustic Porthole Mirror - $599

Coastal White Distressed Gathering Table - $1475

Vintage French Wine Jar And Crate - $295

Blue Shell Studded Chest - $1675

Rolled Drawer Chest - $1865

Shadowbox Coffee Table - $1125

Seaside Cruiser Artwork - $275

Wednesday Wisdom

Just a little reminder...



{photo via etsy}

Love Locks

When my brother and I were walking the Brooklyn Bridge this past weekend, I noticed several locks latched onto poles, hooks and beams. I saw them in bunches or sporatically placed throughout the bridge.

Turns out, it is a tradition dating back to 2004. In the movie Tre Metri Sopra il Cielo a couple in love secures a lock to a bridge and throws the keys into the water below; hence, securing their love.

I can't help it. I think its romantic.
k.o







[photos via 66 square feet}

Here and here, you can find some interesting reads on those who are worried about the lock take over.