SEALED WITH A KISS.

My favorite part of Valentine's Day has always been exchanging Valentines. There is something so wonderful about telling the people in your life how much they mean to you, especially via a handwritten note. 

This year, I'm hoping to make my own cards. I made my own Christmas cards this year, and had so much fun doing so. You are never too old for arts and crafts. I can't believe that it's almost February already - I'd better get started!

See some other love-ly posts over at Much Love. 

HERE AND NOW.

The other day in my yoga class, the instructor reminded us that the pose we were in was an important one. My mind seems to be constantly racing ahead, thinking about things to come. It was nice to be reminded to be aware of the moment.

This is an important place to be. This moment in your life, this breath, now, here. Where you are is important - treat it as such. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend, and enjoy where you are.

ESCAPE ROUTE.

I've always had a mild obsession with fire escapes; they are simply so beautiful in their complexity. I think this interest first took root when I watched Audrey Hepburn sitting on a fire escape singing "Moon River" as Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany's. My absolute favorite movie, Breakfast at Tiffany's has been a source for much inspiration in my life.

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I couldn't resist photographing these fire escapes I came across in Boston. The lines, patterns, and shadows are so captivating. I love how they can be dramatic, intricate, commanding, and delicate at the same time - and still remain an important practicality of city living. Fire escapes are a commonplace part of the landscape of the city, and like so many other interesting details in life, they are easy to overlook.

 

NEUTRAL TERRITORY.

I have never been good at wearing color. My closet is filled with a lot of black, white, cream, tan, beige, gray, and charcoal - with very little deviation. This has always perplexed me, because I absolutely love color! That aside, there is something just so captivating, calming, and timeless about neutral colors.

Image compiled via Polyvore

THE UNEXPECTED.

I was running some errands yesterday when I came across this giant inflatable rat in the back of a pick-up truck. From what I could gather, the rat was placed there in protest of a new restaurant opening. Unexpected to say the least, the rat's presence reminded me that you should always expect to be surprised.

[I love how it looks like the rat is about to go on a Godzilla-style rampage throughout the city]

SEEING RED.

I truly believe that life is in the details, and lately so many of the details around the city seem to be red. During the dreary winter months its nice to see pops of color, and the red really stands out against all of the snow we've been getting. With wind chill, it's -22° in Boston today, so it's nice to see a warm color. I hope those of you in similar weather are able to stay inside! 

TIME SENSITIVE.

Lately, I never seem to find enough time in the day to get everything done. I am constantly running around trying to accomplish everything on my to-do list. (I hope this is because I set a lot of goals for myself, rather than it being inefficiency on my part!) This weekend, I hope to get caught up with everything I have to do, but also find time to relax and have fun. I hope you all have a great weekend!

Image compiled via Polyvore

BE AFRAID.

SCENES FROM THE CITY.

After yet another round of snow today in Boston, I sometimes feel that the relentless New England winter will never end. Yesterday, though, was clear and beautiful - albeit extremely cold - and I took the opportunity to walk around the city and capture what I saw. 

Exploring with a camera is one of my absolute favorite things to do; I love to wander around for hours with no particular destination in mind. Taking pictures allows me to focus in on details that I might otherwise walk right past. For example, the last picture in this series - the gloves scattered across the street. I normally wouldn't even have noticed, but I was drawn to the forlorn and forgotten gloves. One of the best parts of photography for me has always been imagining the stories behind the images. What do you see here?

URBAN GARDEN.

Living in a city - especially during the seemingly endless Boston winter - I really start to miss seeing the greenery of the summer months. To remedy this, I head over to the stunning Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum to see the fabulously lush indoor courtyard garden as often as I can. The intimate and meticulously curated Gardner museum is my favorite in the world. If you haven't been there, I highly recommend that you go if you're in the area. Regrettably, I don't always have time for a trip to the museum, so I surround myself with garden-inspired prints and accessories and try to force myself to believe that Spring is just around the corner.

Image compiled via Polyvore

THREE VERBS.

Watching. 
Tom Hooper's The King's Speech. 
As if I needed any more reasons to adore Colin Firth. Firth brought his usual quiet charm to the role of Bertie - Prince Albert, Duke of York and later King George VI of England. Bertie was second in line to the throne, but unexpectedly became King after his father's death and brother's abdication. Geoffrey Rush was wonderful as Lionel Logue - the eccentric speech tutor of the reluctant King. Firth and Rush have wonderful on-screen chemistry, and bring humor and heart to the film.

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Listening. 
Laura Marling's I Speak Because I Can.
I downloaded this album on iTunes a few months ago on a whim, and didn't get around to really listening to it until this weekend. I am unbelievably impressed - Marling is only 20, but sings with the soul and depth of a much older musician. Listen for yourself here.

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Coveting. 
Anthropologie's Horseshoe Bay Ring.
I have never been very good about wearing rings. In my rush to get ready in the mornings , I usually can't manage to remember to put on more than my usual jewelry. This pink-sand druzy quartz ring from Anthropologie is simply to beautiful to be overlooked, and would make a perfect addition to my jewelry collection.

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SNOW DAY.

When I was younger, there was nothing that I loved more than a snow day. It was always so great to have an unexpected day off school and have fun playing in the snow. Boston was hit by a blizzard last night, and consequently, most everything in the city is closed. I went for a long walk with some friends and everything looks so beautiful covered in snow. I hope all of you enjoy your day as much as I am!

[I love this! A Blizzard in Brief - a time lapse video of the blizzard from the Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel from the Boston Globe.]