Have a Lovely Weekend...

I'm looking forward to the extended weekend that is quickly approaching within just a few short hours. Aside from trying to convince myself to do some much needed spring/pre-summer cleaning (you know the kind where you go through your old clothes and decided what you really need and what you should part with cleaning, the get on your hands and knees and scrub clean cleaning, the dreaded, if I open the closet door an avalanche of forgotten things might attack me but it needs to be done sooner than later cleaning), I think that this weekend should be simply lovely.

My mother and I are going to see A Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor while munching on our little assortment of food treats.

And I'm hoping to see Please Give as well as eating some good food, spend time with the dog, and maybe just maybe possibly picking out some paint for my room renovation.

With all that being said, have a lovely weekend all and may you enjoy your time filling it with things and people you love!

{photo courtesy of Audrey + Lindsay}

Flower Power...

I've always wanted to have a home or room that has a least one small vase of fresh flowers. The look is beautiful and it's refreshing to have something with vivid color and flourishing blooms in a room of familiarity.

Last week at the Farmer's Market I decided that I will treat myself to fresh flowers once a week as long as the Farmer's Market was in town. My flower of choice has been the peony flower (light pink, dark pink and white) and it's been almost one week later and the flowers have all opened up and add a nice element to my room.

I'm now hooked and with this book (which I am promptly going to add to my birthday wish list), and my skills from my floral class, I think that I can gussy up my weekly floral treat!

(photo courtesy of Amazon)

Good Stuff...

I've heard about Good Stuff Eatery (home to delicious burgers and shakes) a few times before but now that I've seen a small peek of Spike Mendelsohn's debut cookbook, The Good Stuff Cookbook, I really really need to go PRONTO and add the cookbook to my growing cookbook collection!

one more thing: they even have a Toasted Marshmallow Milkshake (mentioned here)! I guess I'm now in the marshmallow milkshake know!

(photo courtesy of Amazon)

Know it All's and Hearts...

While reading June's edition of Real Simple, I spotted some fantastic pencils, dubbed as Know it All pencils. They are just the darndest little things. They have little facts on them to you know, help you know it all (not really but they seem fun to have). I think that out of the collection of know it all pencils, the Chef's pencils may be my favorite! A rousing round of applause to Paper Pastries for such a marvel idea!

Also, while browsing their etsy shop, my eyes gravitated to a little card, that says I left my ♥ in Brooklyn, but you can actually customize any city that you like. Although I haven't been yet, I'm thinking that perhaps I should get a card that reads I left my heart in Paris...a piece of it is over there I tell you...it really is. I'll see you one day my fair city, one day!

Marshmallow Delight...

I mean I like toasted marshmallows and I really like making smores at home in my little white oven. There is a terrfic S'mores with raspberries recipe that i've followed a few times and it doesn't disappoint....not EVER.

So since I have a little marshmallow love in my heart, I was def. up to trying a toasted marshmallow shake! Doesn't it look divine? I just want to gobble it up right this instant. I'm going to follow this recipe and hopefully make it sooner than soon!

{photo via Cupcakes and Cashmere}

Blushing Ambition...

Blushing Ambition is a wonderfully delightful blog that I spotted via Refinery29 today. Annabel's blog is chock full of fashion photos (of her daily wares), food/restaurants (my favorirte part!), style, pizzaz and much much more. I enjoyed getting lost in the wonderful world of blushing amibition today! To me her blog makes me want to move to San Fran and try every single restaurant in the city!!!

{photo courtesy of Blushing Ambition}

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Vintage Paper Placemats...

A few weeks ago I spotted these vintage paper placemats during a Paper Source trip. Isn't it divine. I would love to incorporate these into a party or I can even use them as gift wrap! The mind wheels are a turning!

I ♥ Design by Avenue...

This morning I received my daily email a la Daily Candy, and not to say that all of their emails stick in my head (ok ok sometimes they do and sometimes they don't), but today's little gift was wonderful! They featured an online design company, I ♥ Design by Avenue that pretty much does the interior design work for you! I quickly went to their site and not only is this a fabulous idea (helping people design, furnish and decorate their space), but the name is so darling.

The process is that you send them photos of your space (be it, bedroom, office, kitchen, etc.) and some measurements and they in turn (for a reasonable fee of $3.50 per square foot..is that a lot?) give you illustrations of what they can do! Of course they do more so you should really really, no I mean really really check them out. Plus their website is seriously peachy keen!

They have a bevy of styles to choose from, however, I think my design style is more or less, give or take, roundabout Rue Claudel: a bicycle with a basket is the only way to arrive at Rue Claudel (i like pretty bicycles!). It is the best of the French Provincial style (I ♥ Paris!): Elegant European design made warm and welcoming by neutral materials (I love warm and neutral colors!). Delicately carved settee (I've been wanting one of these!) is brought down to earth by lived-in linen and a neutral maple wood finish. Add to that some patinaed metals, woven chair seats, honed limestone and the scene is fit for the countryside! If you like Wisteria, vouz aimerez Rue Claudel. Oh how do they know my style so well? It's like they are my best friends!!

Oh Daily Candy, you really outdid yourself today with this great find. Thanks for sharing it/them with the world!

{found via Daily Candy photo courtesy of I ♥ Design by Avenue}

French Hand-tied Bouquet...

I would love how to make a small French hand-tied bouquet. I'm guessing with the few hours worth of knowledge I gained from the floral class I attended in March coupled with these directions, it should have no other choice but to turn out pretty sweet...right?

{photo via Design Mom and directions via Frolic}

Bags...

I think that these bags by Death and Texas want to come home with me pronto! I also think that they want to possibly be a birthday gift! Wouldn't that be the bee's knees! Hmmm I'm already starting to think about the small things that I can put in them and I'm sure the objects would be proud to be toted around in such beautiful packaging! And the really cool part about the striped bag is that is also functions as a bike handlebar bag (maybe a bike will soon follow so I can put it on and spruce the bike up a bit), a purse (with included shoulder straps) and it can be a clutch. Talk about multi-functional!

{photos via Death and Texas }

The Generous Mr. Lovewell...

I absolutely ♥ the ministry of MercyMe and my heart is steadily growing fonder as they have this movement called The Generous Mr. Lovewell (which is also the name of their latest CD). The movement calls for us to love one another and to do well for and towards each other.

Small acts of love/kindness without looking for a reward in return speaks volumes to a world/people that are in need. Kind words and actions go an immeasurable distance and lasts for a lifetime.

In a world that can sometimes be chaotic and even harsh, we all are in need of being a Generous Mr. Lovewell (we need more). Love has a much more lasting effect than hate, it feels so much better and has an even greater return!

I WILL be a Generous Mr. Lovewell, how about you?

Sing a Song...

How exceptionally cool is this video? I saw this story on Headline News yesterday and it really captured my attention. This is something that happens when you have a creative mind (Eric Whitacre) and various people from around this beautiful world, finding a common thread...music. Each singer uploaded themselves singing and they were inevitably turned into a virtual choir. Absolutely wonderful!

Happy for Happy Tape...

I'm thinking about ordering some happy tape. It's uses are endless and who can resist stripes? I really can't. It would be awesome if they can make some chevron striped tape as well! Oh boy that would be great! But in the meantime, I think that I'll be happy with the regular stripes that Happy Tape has to offer!

Have a Lovely Mother's Day Weekend....

To all the wonderful mothers that have impacted the lives of their own children and others, may you have a tremendously beautiful Mother's Day Weekend!

Mere words alone can never articulate how much you mean to us. Your unwavering love, compassion, laughter, excitement, provision (the list is truly endless), we are proud to be your daughters and sons. May you feel not only on Mother's Day the love that we have for you, but prayerfully it's felt with each new day we're allowed to see.

For those whose mother's may have passed, may you recall truly fond memories of the amazing woman your mother was and all the precious things that she instilled in you. May God continue to give you comfort and peace and most of all joy!

Have a lovely weekend!

{photo courtesy of Martha Stewart}

Colorful Mobiles...

I'm simply loving this idea of colorful mobiles by Jordan Ferney! Wouldn't it just make any party simply wonderful?

{photo via Oh Happy Day}

He's Able...

just a small note of encouragement to Oh Hello Friend. I happened upon her blog today and as I was reading through, I read some news that she posted about her mother. It further confirmed to me that we as Christians are not exempt from various trials and tribulations BUT the great news is that God is so amazing that He's able to do anything that's in His will to do on our behalf above all that we can even ask for or even think! A lot of times what we personally experience, is not for us to learn something, but rather that others will see how we handle things and it in turn helps them.

Though I don't know Danni, my heart goes out to her and her family and I'm rejoicing in the recovery of her mother. Though we don't always understand the ways of God, He does all things well. As I was reading her post, this song/words came to mind:

God is able to do, just what He said He would do, He's going to fulfill every promise to you, don't give up on God, cause He won't give up on you, He's able.

{photo courtesy of Danske}

I Don't Really Like to Pack...

but this video makes me feel better about it but ONLY IF, I have the F1 Spacepack. Oh yeah, it has to be in turquoise I think it's the only way that it will motivate me.

Spacepak from FLIGHT 001 on Vimeo.

Take a Sip through Stripey Straws...

I MUST incorporate these paper stripey straws by Jack and Lulu immediately in an upcoming project. I love stripes and I think that however they are used, it would make for a really awesome touch! It's just something about stripes that makes me swoon!

{photo courtesy of Jack and Lulu}

Paris in Georgetown...

My friend Ells and I are going to try to head down and join in the fesivities of Georgetown's 7th Annual French Market during our lunch. If the flier is any indication of what's to come, I think that I'll be pleased as punch! I love warm weather and all the sweet treats it brings to our area!

{photo courtesy of Georgetown BID}

Happy Earth Day...

be sure to love one another and the Earth. Let's do our part to help beautify this gift (the Earth) that we've been charged over and do well by it.

{artwork courtesy of persimmonandpink}

The Martha Stewart Show...

....my friends and I went to the Martha Stewart Show on Tuesday as one of my monthly birthday activities for the month of April (yeah since this is a big year, I'm doing fun activities all year each month) and let me just tell you that I LOVED every bit of it! We had such a fantastic time hanging out in New York and most of all being a part of the live studio audience. We were on the The Color Show donning our blue shirts courtesy of American Apparel and most importantly..on the front row. You can even see us during the first four seconds of the show and peppered throughout the entire show. TALK ABOUT EXCITED. I even won a prize for being the most energetic audience member! ha ha

I had a simply marvelous time walking around downtown New York donning our Penelope Toop Party Hats, eating breakfast at The Empire Diner and having lunch at Rickshaw's Dumpling Bar! It was a wonderful Tuesday and you know what? I'd do it all over again!

Shecky's Girls Night Out...

Shecky's Girls Night Out from Shecky's on Vimeo.

I'm excited to head to Shecky's Girls Night Out. It should be fun from what I've heard. You get to do a little shopping, get spring beauty treatments, goodie bags & freebies and just have a really good time with your gal pals.

If you didn't catch the DC one, they have some touring other cities. Be sure to check them out for more information.

The weather is great, sun is shining, people are all about so why not get out and enjoy it!

Have a Lovely Weekend...

I'm looking forward to having a very relaxing (well doing some PT work of course) weekend. Heading to the movies tonight for a mother/daughter movie "date night" and then tomorrow we'll see how the days ahead trots along.

I spotted this video by "The Girls with Glasses Show via Black*Eiffel and it really made me wish that I had a great talk show with one of my friends, did really cool videos with an amazing concept, that we were outfitted in must have outfits, had a totally cute and friendly dog (that would be Hampton's job), created great props and munched on deliciously frosted cupcakes! But alas I didn't really think of it, so I'll be tuning into this show once it begins. From the clip alone, it really looks like it's going to be a great show! As a girl that wears glasses (well contacts the majority of the time), I think this is just a wonderful idea!

With all that said, have a wonderful weekend and enjoy the video!

Letterpress Giddiness...

I'm so excited that I probably cannot adequately express it in words but it's worth giving it a try!

I'm super de duper de, fantastically, want to shout it from the corners to the mountain tops overjoyed that I, yes, I have finally, finally found a letterpress class and you've guessed it, that I signed up for with the hurried quickness of a giselle (they're pretty fast right?).

Suann of simplesong, sent me the wonderful email that she had posted workshops at her studio and I jumped right on it! So I'll be in class in June like a good student ready to learn. Hopefully I can take a few pictures to document my letterpress experience.

{photos courtesy of simplesong}

This is why...

I need a Polaroid and learn how to take really pretty pictures or do fun things with them, so that my pictures would somehow look like Matt Schwartz' (found via Twig & Thistle) of She Hit Pause Studios. If not, then I will just purchase a few of his prints that spark my fancy.
{photos courtesy of She Hit Pause Studios}

Weekend Re-Cap...

Though it's Wednesday, I hadn't been able to get to the computer to post about my weekend, hence it's lateness.

This past weekend was simply beautiful (weather, company, activities & all).

Saturday, I spent the better part of the day walking around Georgetown and finally eating at this restaurant that I've been wanting to venture to, Bangkok Joes. The food was delicious and I had one of the best lemonade ice tea combos ever, their signature Ginger Lemonade Iced Tea (yum yum and yum) and for a nice sweet treat I headed back over to Dolcezza (honestly it's amazing, they make their gelato and sorbetto fresh EVERY MORNING). I also spotted a little place on one of the side streets called Baked & Wired. B&W had sweet treats galore, a coffee shop, treats for your doggies, a mini art gallery (on the walls) and places for you to read, work on the laptop and have nice conversation. I'll def. head back there just to soak in the ambiance.

Sunday after Easter service, I headed to the National Museum of American History to see the First Ladies Dresses & Julia Child's kitchen. Both exhibits were fantastic and I would like to go back and explore others. Afterwards, I headed to one of my favorite Mexican restaurants Lauriol Plaza, where I stuffed myself into a Sweet Sunday Stupor.

It was an amazing weekend and I look forward to many many more!

Good weather, good food, good company and good activities, what could make for a better weekend?

{photo courtesy of Camille Styles}

Happy One Year Penelope Toop {Darling}...

Today marks one full year that Penelope Toop {Darling} has been up and running (happy birthday to me?)!

I've blogged my little ♥ out for a year and hopefully it will continue until I'm plum tuckered. This blog "world" has been a wonderful experience and has given me a chance to document my thoughts, likes/sometimes dislikes, to explore some fantastic sites and meet some great people. Thank you for those who have taken the time to pleasantly comment on things I've posted and even to those of you who just peruse the site for your enjoyment

Penelope Toop {Darling} will continue to pepper life with humor, post pretty and interesting things (well things I find pretty and interesting with the hope that you do too) and hopefully I "improve" in the forthcoming year!

Simply wonderful things make me happy! Also have a wonderful Easter Weekend!

{photo courtesy of Flickr}

Hip Hip Hooray for April Today...

That means (to me) that it's the perfect weather to begin traveling!!!! Today I've seen, people out and about, enjoying the bright sunshiny weather and the joy that it brings! So let's plan our places to travel, pack a bag and let's hit the road!
{photo via We Heart It}

Have a Lovely Weekend...

Take this weekend to enjoy the wonders of the weather be it sunny or rainy, warm or cold. Find a new little something that sparks your interest or enjoy a great meal. Love yourself and love the ones you're with!

Have a lovely weekend!

{photo via Style Me Pretty}

Kiki and Coco...

Those who know me, are already fully aware that I have love(♥) for Paris so I was beyond tickled pink when I saw this video, first spotted on (via Simple Lovely) and it’s so spectacularly beautiful. It’s comprised of photos of a little girl Kiki and her doll Coco in and around Paris. Doesn’t it just make you want to buy and ticket and just go………. It also makes me want to take really cool pictures, add music and make a video!

Congratulations Smith Baby...

Congratulations are def. in order to my friend/co-worker K. Smith for the arrival of her little one Jonathan. He was born this morning to a wonderfully loving Mom and Dad! I'm happy to report that Mom and baby are doing well. I think that Jonathan is going to recognize my little voice after telling him to move so I could feel him wiggle around in his mom's tum!
Congratulations again Smith family, whoo hoo! If you need a sitter, Hampton and I are always available (ha ha ha)

{Photo via Daily Candy Kids}

Dewey's for Surey...

I think that someone should surprise me (with the dog in tow) by taking me here and just let me roam wild and free! And then let me pass out from glee in the car. Any takers, friends family and/or loved ones? I mean they even have candy hanging from the ceiling!!!! Annnnnnnnnnnnnnnd you can even have parties there! (I think I need a medic stat).

{photo courtesy of Dewey's Candy Shop}

Hampton is Four....

Happy 4th Birthday to the best little dog a pet owner could ever have.

Hampton has been and is a wonderful delight to my life. He’s always full of little surprises (going through my purse and leaving its contents strewn about the room, the poops and tinkles, the ripped papers, the trash that somehow makes it out of the trash can, the missing food, the treasures deposited when he gets upset, the chasing of the neighbors kids, squirrels, cats and birds etc.), sweet as sugar pie (the excitement when I come home, the wet kisses, the snuggles, the playfullness etc.) and just one life’s greatest treasures.

Even though he has no clue as to why I made such a merry fuss this morning (the constant happy birthday Hamptons had him running around n circles and hopping all over my room), he’ll know something’s up when we get to the pet store and he gets his free birthday gift or when he gets his own little bowl of doggie ice cream.

Hampton if you could read (I’d be rich, no really, we'd live off your earnings and you would be an even more pampered pooch), you would be thrilled to see how much you mean to me!

Happy Birthday and I hope we celebrate many many more together!

I think a BonBon is in Order...

Today it just hit me that I would like to make some ice cream bonbons at some point (meaning soon). I scoured the net and happened upon this seemingly easy recipe. Not only does the recipe seem tasty, but the pictures are def. drool worthy! How can you NOT like chocolate, cookie crumbs and ice cream!

I can't wait to try it out and of course tell you all about it. AND if things go well, I can surely see these being used at a small party!

{photos and recipe via Ceramic Canvas}

Bath Milk Party Favor...

Over the weekend, one of my dearest friends had a baby shower for her little second addition. As one of the party favor gifts, I created small bottles of Bath Milk and put them amongst other things in a small party bag.

The photo isn't the best (hint hint I need a better camera gift givers) but hopefully you get the gist. I found little round cork topped bottles, filled them with scented bath milk, made a label, added a little gem topper (to be swapped from the cork styled one) and make a little card of instructions and voila.

The party bags were a hit as well as this small favor!

Floral Studio Part II...

I had such a fantastic time at my flower class on Sunday. Shawn (teacher and owner) & Katy were delights to work with and commended everyone on their individual pieces. We even had a few guests there as well, Bob, the cat and Jack ,the rabbit (who liked to nibble on the loose rose petals on the floor). Upon my arrival, their were tasty treats for the students to nibble on like cupcakes and chocolate covered strawberries and then it was time to get started.

We learned a few basics about the flowers we would be using and how to tend to them, how to use floral clippers and a floral cutter amongst a host of other things. Our class was intimate (about six students) and we just had the most wonderful time. And what was a nice little cherry on top is that we used two of my favorite flowers, peonies and ranunculus!

I'm so glad that I was able to attend and hopefully I can make it to the next one!

Lilien oh Lilien...

I came across these delightful gems of a gem today and it's in a nutshell, simply wonderful. For more fancy please go here, you'll be so glad you did.
{photos courtesy of Mrs. Lilien}

Leah McCormick...

I've talked about my good friend/photographer Leah McCormick on here a few times and one of the gorgeous weddings she recently shot is featured on Style Me Pretty. For additional amazing photos, please go here!

I'm so happy for her. She's absolutely wonderful and funny to boot. She's not limited to only wedding photography but she does it ALL and she's looking for new clientele in the Washington, DC area, so people book her quickly!!!

Congrats Leah on another job well done! hip hip hooray!

{photos used with permission of Photos by Leah}

Birthday Cake Please...

Though I'm a few months early in this request, the early bird supposedly gets the worm, soooooooo I'm thinking that I would love to have a birthday cake that looks just like this. It's simple yet superb, plus i can see me eating all the dots!

Sooooooooo if someone is thinking about a cake or even small cupcakes that I might need for my birthday, here's your inspiration!

{photo via Simple Song}

Pretty Pretty Flowers....

I think I've fallen in love with a new flower and it's name is Renoncules. I picked up some white ones from Trader Joe's for my mom's birthday last mom but these pink ones are calling my name and adding something sweet to it!

{photo courtesy of Chez Ptipois}

Oh Baby Baby...

Lately, there has been a small baby boom here in my office needless to say it's been fun and endearing to see all of the Mother's to Be, "waddle" around the office with a motherly glow emitting from their faces. Well, my supervisor is next in line and she's expecting her first (a boy), and I thought it only befitting to give her a really nice baby shower. She does so much for our unit and she's extremely excited to become a new mom. I first spied the cupcake kits via Oh Happy Day and thought perhaps this cupcake kit would be a cute addition, or possibly be the basis of our theme.

Oh the joys of planning a surprise party with cute things to boot!

{photo courtesy of Meri Meri}

Amy Atlas.....

Amy Atlas Events, really gives me party inspiration, makes my heart flutter and makes my dreaming delightful. Oh the merriment! I mean the details are wonderful, simply wonderful!

{photos courtesy of Amy Atlas Events}

Floral Studio...

Learning how to create floral arrangements has been a pretty neat skill that I've wanted to have under my creative belt for a very long time. Well, wait no more!!! I'm so supremely ecstatic that I will be attending my first class on Sunday at The Floral Studio. There are so many endless possibilities..my little head is spinning at the sheer thought, parties, dinners, surprises, etc.
Mere words alone can't express how pumped up I am. Be sure to visit come Sunday or Monday when I have pictures of my newly learned knowledge and floral arrangement!!!
{photo courtesy of The Floral Studio}

Animals and Paper?...

I'd really like to add these cool animal paper clips to my desk. I think my favorite thus far are the hippo and the squirrel although all of them are cutesy! I'm just thinking about how happy they would make my paper feel is paper had feelings.

{photos courtesy of The Paper Place}