La Saint Valentin.

Laduree is this wonderful pastry shop in Paris that specializes in macaroons. They come in every flavor imaginable {chocolate, coffee, pistachio, raspberry, rose petal, vanilla...} They are amazingly moist, flaky cookies with a creamy filling in the middle. We bought some the day before we left Paris, I flew with them in my carry on and enjoyed them {again} when we got home.

Look at these adorable chocolate boxes with a French Bulldog on the front...reminds me of Brooks.

With Valentines Day approaching, I checked out their website and they have these chic gift arraignments. The candles smell amazing...some parisian woman will be lucky to get this on Thurday.

Inspiration.

This amazing Maryland Farmhouse was featured in the March Country Living magazine...one of my monthly subscription staples. I love her style and could easily move into this house tomorrow. See more pictures and read the article here.

My favorites {besides the amazing porch with flowy curtains} are the niche in daughter's room for homework, giant chalkboard in son's room and the bench in master bedroom inscribed with wedding date.

Now I am off to watch Nate on Oprah....

New Taste.

I always thought these would be weird tasting, but last week they were on sale at Safeway, so I picked up the peppermint and spearmint. Now, I am hooked! They are so refreshing...it's like drinking water with a fresh piece of gum in your mouth.

A Day At The Museum.

J. and I spent our Sunday afternoon at The Pheonix Art Museum viewing the Masterpiece Replayed Exhibit, with famous works of art from France. It was really incredible and reminded me just how much I love museums. Growing up, when my mom would ask me what I wanted to do (roller skate, go to the park, etc.) I would always tell her that I wanted to go to the library or museum. There is a perpetual calm in these establishments that I crave in my life...and being in them makes me happy.

The grounds at the museum are beautiful and can briefly transport you to a European park (in your mind). We ate lunch at the museum cafe, and outside the window was a lovely family having a picnic in the grass. Now that the weather is turning magical...J. and I will be doing the same in the near future.

Gratitude.

Why I am feeling grateful...

1. I was supposed to have jury duty today, but called to check in last night, and it was dismissed!
2. I visited 2 different adorable newborn babies yesterday....Baby John and Baby Riley.
3. Getting to chat on the phone with Keri on a weekday morning {she had the day off from work to care for Kaylie}.
4. Going out for a wonderful dinner with J. at Olive and Ivy.
5. Buying the last copy of this book at Borders. I'm officially scouring my closet, and eliminating anything that doesn't make me feel amazing.

Don't forget to count your blessings today...

New Shoes...

Once I clean my closet and rid of all the "junk", I think I'll treat myself to these perfect shoes from J.crew....and wear them with everything.

Nate.

I love Nate Berkus...Oprah's design guru. He has the most fabulous sense of style and is so darn adorable! I love that he incorporates personal warm objects into the most high profile, stylish homes. On a segment he did for the Oprah show once, he said that in his house, it's important to design so that the dogs can still be a part of the home (bed, couch, etc.)...I love this about him. He creates spaces that feel like warm and personal,which is so imporant...being in a house that feels like a model home gives me the creeps. Here are some examples of Nate designs I adore.

Sometimes I go here while sitting at the computer and just listen to parts of his radio show on XM radio. He has the best personality, too.

{Edit: I saw today that on Monday, Nate is going to be on Oprah building a dream house...I can't wait!}