Happy Valentine’s Day

Hello friends! Happy Friday and Happy Valentines’s to you. I hope you are surrounded by the people you love. Hubby and I are going out for a much needed date night. Can’t wait to get all prettied up and sip a fancy cocktail.

I did splurge yesterday on a little gift to myself – this book – and I’m so pleased I did. I’ve already devoured half of it and I’m loving every page. If you were a fan of Eat, Pray, Love then you will LOVE Paris Letters by Janice Macleod. I’m so tickled with the book that I just subscribed to receive one of her magical, illustrated letters from Paris via her Etsy shop. Anyways…had to share this with you!

Okay I’m off to get ready for my date….it takes a while these days! ;)

Much love to you all,

Ivy

P.S. I’ve been doing a ton of art so I promise to share more of it next week! More vintage treasures to show you too!

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My little Muse

Hello there! I know I had promised to share with you the other photos that I took of Grace but it’s been a little crazy around here lately. An emotional 1st grader and a teething six month old has made life rather interesting to say the least! But, all is well and I finally have a quiet moment to see the shots that Grace helped art direct.

I gotta say, I couldn’t have been more proud, when I noticed that Grace was paying attention to the light and composing the idea for her portraits. She was very particular and wanted to see the shot before we went on to the next. Adjusting her hair or holding her feather a touch more to the right. I just love it when we can actively collaborate on a creative project together. It doesn’t happen much anymore, unfortunately. I hope that as little Claire gets less needy we can all spend more time being artistic.

Okay…here she is…

The next set, she wanted taken in front of her window because she thought the light was all “glowy”. Seated at her new writing desk she announced, “I am going to pretend that I’m about to write a poem with this feather pen, like they used to in the old days.”  Such a romantic already, like her momma. :)

Hope you enjoy these. On another note, I just signed up for the next online art course, by none other than the fabulous, Jeanne Oliver. Go here to check it out here.

Have a wonderful rest of the week.

xo,

Etsy Love: le Petit Foyer

Hello there! Hope your week has been fabulous. It has gotten quite cold here in Portland, so at night I’ve been wrapped up in a vintage quilt, sipping tea and hanging out on Etsy. I seriously spend too much time there…but who can resist all the treasures to be found!

Check out these lovelies at le Petit Foyer…

Such romantic and whimsical pieces! I love them all…although that sweet little parasol necklace may just have to come home with me…

Have a beautiful Friday!

xo,

All images via lePetitFoyer

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Friday Escape: The Most Romantic Hotel in the World

My first thought of where we should go today was Paris. With Valentine’s day upon us, I figured it would be a suitable destination…but…I found myself hesitating. Too obvious. So, I did a little digging and decided to take us somewhere a little bit unexpected – India!

Currently ranked as the most romantic hotel in the world is the breathtaking Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur. Incredibly beautiful and dreamlike, this white marble palace seems to float on Lake Pichola waters, like a precious ivory flower. This architectural masterpiece was built by Maharana Jagat Singh in 1743. Royalty used it as a summer get away to escape the intense heat. Not too shabby for a summer home right? Let’s go!

Obviously we’ve got to hop on a boat to get to the palace so…all aboard!

Almost there…

Welcome to the Palace. Ready to be treated like Royalty? Yes please.

I can’t wait to see what the rooms are like! Let’s have a peek into several of the suites…

Gorgeous right? Tough choice! But I think we deserve the Presidential Suite…don’t you? Go big or go home.

Check out the view from our private terrace! This place is beyond magical.

I’m dying to explore the pool and gardens…come on…

I’m getting the feeling that romance was actually born here. Aren’t the grounds stunning?

Okay, so I have a real treat for you. We usually hit a spa of some sort on our escapes but today…we are actually going on a SPA BOAT! Yup. Why not sail on the gentle waters of the lake while we slowly slip into a state of bliss…here it comes…

This spa boat idea is pure brilliance!

As the sun sets, let’s go enjoy some dinner…

Don’t want to join us? Would you rather have a private dinner out in the middle of the lake with your love? Go for it. It can be arranged. How’s that for romantic?

As for the rest of us…let’s enjoy a cocktail in the lounge while our table is being prepared…

I think we should dine in the gardens…don’t you?

I leave you here to enjoy your meal and watch as the Palace is veiled in darkness. Experience the twinkling lights of a thousand candles, the fragrance of exotic blooms and hopefully a romantic night you’ll never forget!

Thanks for coming with me on this Friday escape.

Happy Valentine’s Day Weekend! Spend it with those you love.

xo,

p.s. Not quite ready to leave the Palace…watch the video tour here.

Images via here, here and here.

My pretty Valentine

It’s sunny here and so pretty out! The whole city comes to life when Mr. Sun decides to hold court in our Northwestern skies. I love it.

To celebrate, I decided a good dose of pretty Valentine pictures were in order. I’ve been collecting them from all over the internet for my Pinterest board. Enjoy…

Hope the sun is shining in your world too.

xo,

Images 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

I see romance in your future…

Images:  Kristin Manson

Wishing you all a romantic weekend. Celebrate yourself and the ones you love.

xo,

Ivy