For the Love of Rose

Roses are the flower of Valentine's Day, but I'm obsessed year round, and not just with the buds. Give me body oil over a bouquet any day! (Ok, maybe both. *wink*wink*)  Still stumped for your sweetie? Forgo the flowers, these will last a lot longer.

My five favorites:

Rose Nurturing Body Oil - Lightly scented, majorly moisturizing.
Rose Castille Soap - A natural, gentle cleanse. For so much more than just the shower!
Moroccan Rose Water Spritz- Hydrating and anti-aging. Yes, please!
Red Roses Cologne - I've sniffed many a rose scented perfume, and trust me, no one gets closer to the real thing than Jo.
Rosebud Salve - for a perfectly kissable pout!

Fun fact: did you know that it takes 60 roses to produce one drop of pure rose essential oil? 60!

Tulip Time!

Over the weekend we took a little road trip over to Holland, Michigan for the Tulip Time Festival. It's something that's been on my to do list for years and I finally got the timing right. Unfortunately, the weather has been chillier than spring's past and only about 25% of the tulips were actually in bloom but it was still a sunny day, albeit with a cool breeze, and a nice escape from the city. While we were there we watched some Dutch dancing, dined al fresco for the first time this year (even though we were pretty cold) and hit a few breweries along the way. (Here, here and here.) Small getaways are the stuff of life.

And because it's spring and I'm in need of nature, this weekend's agenda... Lilac Fest! I can't wait to get a whiff!

Around the House

Here's what things are looking like lately around the house...

{Grocery store blooms to brighten up a room}

 {Thift store frames got a fresh coat of paint and silhouettes of my kitties}

{Peach shades for spring}

{Four devices, two occupants. You do the math.}
(3 laptops not pictured.)

Toronto pictures coming soon!

Spring Scenes from Tennessee

"If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant: if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome."

-Anne Bradstreet

 'Meditations Divine and Moral' - 1655

I always love visiting Tennessee in the spring. Trees and flowers are in bloom and the sun is shining nearly a month sooner than in Chicago, so it's the perfect getaway to push me through until warmer weather finally arrives. Lazy cats, front porches and greenery are a few a my favorite things.

And also, my adorable niece, who carries this Jamaica purse like it's going out of style.

Happy Weekend {Almost Thanksgiving Edition!}

As we plan & prepare for Thanksgiving I have details on the brain. Cooking is ok, but it's really the other things that get me excited (like list making and centerpieces. :) Originally indended for an engagement party, I think this arrangement and table setting would make the most beautiful Thanksgiving day impression. The mix of gold and grey is unexpected and divine!

Flowers by JL Designs, Photos by Jose Villa.

(See it in engagement party glory here.)

Have a lovely weekend!