Michael Sullivan Photography

How about a few lovely film photographs from Michael Sullivan to start your week with something beautiful? His work is seriously inspiring...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gorgeous, right? Even his wintery images look warm and inviting. I love his use of natural light, and the photos with multiple-exposures are so magical. You could easily spend an hour absorbed in all the beauty on his Flickr (I know I did.)

Hope you have a very lovely Monday, friends.

Ruche Enchantment

Be still my heart! Ruche just launched their newest lookbook for spring and I am completely smitten. Every page of the book (aptly titled Enchantment) is an absolute dream... kites, braids, soft colors and gorgeous spring clothing.

Those shoes. They will be mine.

The pinks and creams, feminine details and vintage accents make my heart ache for warmer weather. I told myself I would enjoy winter this year, but February is so tough. I can only scrape ice off my windshield so many times. It probably doesn't help that my winter wardrobe has been reflecting my mood lately: a dull, depressing mix of blacks and grays. Perhaps I can ease the transition with this and one of these.

I cannot wait for budding leaves, dresses, freckles and bike rides.

All photos by Elizabeth Messina for Ruche.

Spring is Coming...

On my way to work this morning, I drove by a vast open field. It was a golden-pink from the early morning sun and dotted with little dark clumps. After a quick double take I realized the clumps were Canadian geese, probably close to a hundred or so, roosting in the field as they waited for the sun to warm their wings. It was absolutely beautiful.

For some reason this week has been particularly long and stressful, and I seem to have developed a case of the winter blues. However, after seeing the geese this morning, I was reminded that spring is on her way. The northern birds are migrating back home.

Spring is coming.

Photo by Michael Sullivan.

Happy Valentine's Day!

For a girl with "heart" in the name of her blog, my love for Valentine's Day waxes and wanes. The cheesy, over-commercialized "romantic" aspects of the holiday gross me out big time. I much prefer wildflowers and a bag of M&Ms to roses and fine chocolates any day. I do love all the handmade, kitschy, and nostalgic bits of the holiday, though, and I'm so glad they've made a resurgence lately.

Chris and I usually play it low key for Valentine's. We have a longstanding tradition of watching a Disney movie (this year it's Lady and the Tramp) and eating heart-shaped Zebra Cakes. It's probably one of the best traditions ever. In the history of mankind.

Anyway... Happy Valentine's Day, friends!

Original illustration by Courtney Jentzen

Sandra Dieckmann

I stumbled upon the work of British illustrator Sandra Dieckmann the other day and had to share a few of my favorites... which were pretty difficult to decide on. Her work is is full of woodland creatures, intricate details, beautifully subtle colors, a hint of whimsy and the occasional feather. All of my favorite things.

Deer Lady

Robin Trees - I love the pattern detail on the tree trunks!

Squirrel Spoon - how sweet is this pair?

Kes

Detail from Magic Breeze

Aren't her illustrations lovely? Dieckmann's work is available for purchase on Etsy and Society6, or visit her website for more information on her wonderful illustrations.