Beauty in sadness

"It is perhaps when our lives are at their most problematic that we are likely to be most receptive to beautiful things. Our downhearted moments provide architecture and art with their best openings, for it is at such times that our hunger for their ideal qualities will be at its height."

-Alain de Botton from The Architecture of Happiness

Sometimes it really does take our lowest moments to realize what we truly appreciate in life. And sometimes sadness looks beautiful...

Images courtesy of here and here.

The Meadowlark

It has been an unexpected rainy day.

I had been enjoying the Spring weather, but I suppose I can enjoy some rain before the hundred plus weather comes! So, what better way to spend a rainy afternoon than looking up art online.

I have enjoyed The Meadowlark's art on Etsy for a while. Recently she added a few new prints. Lovely illustrations. The latest ones are stained with tea, which adds a nice old-fashioned quality to them. Enjoy here ♥

A feeling of beauty...

I have been revisiting some of my favorite parts from a book I would highly recommend, The Architecture of Happiness, by Alain de Botton. This is a fantastically written book on architecture and I don't think it will be the last time I revisit it here...

As Alain de Botton so wonderfully put, "To describe a building as beautiful therefore suggests more than mere aesthetic fondness; it implies an attraction to the particular way of life this structure is promoting through its roof, door handles, window frames, staircase and furnishings. A feeling of beauty is a sign that we have come upon a material articulation of certain of our ideas of a good life."

This statement is so true. We all may have our own ideas of a "good life". What "material articulation" have you come across that seems to promote your idea of a good life?

Whenever I come across a picture that gives me a feeling of beauty, I save it in a folder. Here are some inspirational photos that express my idea of a good life...

nature

tea

love

architecture

music

The Honey Trees

I had a beautiful day with that picnic I was wanting to have! (Besides some weird technical problems on here today. Dates on some posts were mixed up somehow) The weather was perfect and my best friend and I had a lovely afternoon with great food, good music, and a nice drawing session under blue skies and freshly budding trees. A great way to bring in the weekend. Another nice way to bring in the weekend? The Honey Trees! A great band from Sacramento, California. Not only is their music mellow, peaceful, indie, and...well everything that is good about a spring afternoon, Becky (the singer) has fantastic style. I love looking at their photos of the band as well as of her with her own honey, Jacob. Their photos are beautiful. Check out their music here. And check out some of my favorite photos below with great vintage fashion:

Order their newest CD here. And enjoy the weekend with some good music and tea. ♥

Recipe for a great picnic...

The weather was wonderful and whispered picnic to me all day. That got me thinking...what is the perfect recipe for a picnic in the park on such a fantastic day? Well here is a go at it...

This dress from Urban Outfitters...

...plus these shoes ♥

Add a picnic basket like this one from Chasing Fireflies.

And don't forget the most important part: food. Like this delicious looking turkey sandwich with cherry compote.

Sit back and soak in the sights and sounds that surround you. It isn't everyday we truly take joy in nature. So enjoy...before the summer heat takes over. This may be what I am doing this weekend.

Liberty of London

As I was shopping at Target today, I came across a great new collection they have called Liberty of London. They have everything from home decor and furnishings to dinnerware and clothing. Such cute patterns...I almost bought everything in sight, but I refrained for now. Here are some of my favorites:

Check out the rest of these great goodies here!

Make Pie Not War

Adorable jewelry that will make your day a little happier.

Jolie Fleur

Sparrow

They flew in my beauty

Turquoise

BFFs por vida

I love each piece so much I could plaster pictures all over this post, but I'll keep it minimal, so you must go check out the rest here!

Ahoy...

When you have to tell everyone you come into contact with that you are in a very bad mood and they better not mess with you today...then you know you are having a bad day. And for some reason that is how my day was. Why today? I have no idea. My perfume didn't even spray, it just drizzled all over my hand. It has never done that before. Just one of those days...

But these little beauties cheer me up and beckon summer days at the beach. I wish for...

Can't you imagine walking along the shore with this Well-Buttoned Tank?

...and it would not be complete without this.

Anchors away...this ring is so cute!

I am sure tomorrow will be a good day :)

Finally back...

After taking a hiatus from blogging to finish school, I am back to what I have wanted to do for a long time...share what inspires me to anyone who may come across my writings. Thank you for viewing!