Mad for Mint

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runway photos via Getty

There might be snow on the ground but I've got my sights set on spring and sunshine. Mint was a prominent trend on the Spring 2012 runways and I've fallen hard. In other words, I'm completely mad for mint, having a mint moment, am a mint maniac, etc., etc. This not quite green, not quite blue hue looks especially wonderful with neutrals and gold. Last year it was nail polish, this year it's shoes, handbags and jewelry, oh my! What spring trend are you super stoked about?? 

I Married Adventure

Starting my new year goals off on the right track, specifically to read more, I dove into "I Married Adventure" on New Year's Day. Though the book has been in my possession for a couple of years, I'm just now getting around to reading it and kicking myself for taking so long. (You may remember my obsession with the now shuttered Martin & Osa stores, which lead to more research and the discovery of a museum about the real life couple and their adventures.) I'm completely enamored by this book. I re-read pages over and over, sometimes out loud to my husband, in sheer awe of their experiences in the undiscovered world, pausing just to try and imagine what it was like. I could ramble on and on about it but really, you should just read it. And when you're finished reading it, use it in your home decor. It's uber popular in interiors due to it's zebra print cover design and has even been incorporated into the theme of wedding/engagement shoots. Peep the proof below!

Clockwise from top left: via Lonny, Country Living, unknown, Green Wedding Shoes



Once I finish the book, a road trip to the museum is on my absolute must do winter weekend list. So excited!
Have you read it? What did you think?? Have you or are you currently displaying it in your home?  Do share!

Live in Your Sun

-Chris Petrakos

I think wearing this sun bangle would be a good reminder, you?

P.S. Anyone remember this perfume? My friend Amanda got it for her birthday when we were in high school. I was sooo jealous! :)

Who Gives a Ship?

If your ship hasn't come in yet, swim out to it.

Can we talk about feelings for a bit? My Mom sent this quote recently and it really resonated with me. I read your blogs so I know we all struggle with many of the same things - work/life balance, the passing of time (is there ever enough?), family/work/health/commutes/social media - how does a person juggle it all...  While this quote isn't directly related to any of that, it did make me think about the metaphor of ships and the various points of our being that contribute our overall feelings of happiness, satisfaction or, miserable-ness.

So...which ship scenario are you?
-Are you eagerly awaiting the arrival of yours with a bunch of balloons?
-Or are you feeling more like the an ambitious ship captain trapped in a tiny pond?
-Maybe you're just happily drifting?
Do share.

P.S. Depending on the day, I can feel a little of all the above. However, lately it's been more like mine is full speed ahead! Hopefully cruising resumes at a regular pace next week :)

photos via: 1, 2

Inside the Box

Photo source unknown

I can imagine it working out perfectly, he said. I can't, she said & I said no wonder you're so stressed. 
                                                                                                  -From Story People

I'm so guilty of this....worrying before need be. And it usually turns out there was nothing to worry about after all, am I right? Here's to a worry free week, chill pills for everyone!!

The Quest for Happiness

  Photo via Luna Nueva

Happiness is a butterfly, which, when pursued, is always just beyond your grasp. But which, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you. 

                                                                              -Nathaniel Hawthorne

Taking a little moment of reflection today. Deep breath and aaaahhhh....

The Real Martin + Osa

Behind most great concepts is a great story. Before Martin + Osa stores, there were the real Martin and Osa Johnson, an American couple from Kansas who ventured in then unknown lands. The Johnson's shared their experiences with the world through photos, lectures and films. From 1917-1936 they captured African life offering many Americans their first understanding of these distant lands.  Their contributions were so magnificent that a museum was built to honor them in their hometown of Chanute, Kansas.

Oh how wonderful to experience such exciting travels and adventures!

Martin, Martin's father, unidentified man and Osa

Africa, 1921

Zebra along the Ol Gueri River 

Africa, 1921

Osa with ostrich eggs

Africa, 1928

To learn more about Martin and Osa, visit the Safari Museum website.
You can view more of their incredible photos here.

One of the things I love most about blogging is that you never know what's next.  After posting my sadness about M + O stores closing I received a comment from the Safari Musuem which I'm embarrassed to say,  didn't know existed. I was aware of the concept of the stores but had no idea of impact this couple truly had in real life. I spent time searching through the museum website among others and am completely fascinated with their story. While searching I came across this...

 In 1940, Osa also wrote a book about their lives. Appropriately named I Married Adventure, it details some of the explorations they encountered. Adding it to my birthday wishlist :) How fabulous is the cover??

Photos courtesy of the Safari Museum.