WINTER GET AWAY: ESCAPE THE SNOW

In keeping with my theme of escaping the dreary days of winter, I spent some time looking through photographs of my trips to the British Virgin Islands, Florida, the Turks & Caicos and other travels through Europe.  It is sometimes  hard to forget that there are palm trees and sunny warm beaches, when we have seven foot tall snowbanks outside our doors.  I feel like the end is no where in sight, with more snow in the forecast for every day this week.  In order to provide myself with a quick mental escape, I find sunny images of palm trees and beaches, and searches for new dresses and coverups to be helpful.  So I thought I would share some of this sunny positive inspiration this week. 

Last February my mum and I spent about a week in the Turks & Caicos with our friends.  There was something about the cool-aid blue water, long white beaches, fresh local cuisine, friendly locals, and inspiring resort decor that made me fall in love with Grace Bay.  In addition to spending every day on the beach, I managed to find time to photograph close ups of color, texture, and pattern, as well as overall shots.  Here are a few of my favorites.  

 

 

 

Hang in there, only thirty eight days until spring! 

Images via AGA 

THINK SPRING

Last week marked the first day of spring, unfortunately many (including myself) feel that the joys of spring are still very far away.  This week I went back and forth about what I wanted to share. Due to our extremely unpredictable weather, I am still stuck in the winter blues.  My mind is frozen on gray, navy, and black attire.  I still crave a large fireplace, cozy blanket, and a book to escape the bitter cold. So I figured a bit of positive reinforcement, might help with the incoming blizzard. As JCrew recently tweeted, "Spring is nature's way of reminding you to wear more color." I will share an inspiring interior, springtime fashion, and even a tasty treat to complete your week. Remember, the end is near...just think spring!  
Image via Tumblr 

HITTING THE SLOPES: OLYMPIC COUNTDOWN

When I was four years old, my dad bought me my first pair of skis.  That winter, I spent most afternoons going up and down our backyard bunny hill.  Of course, my favorite part of skiing, was my matching teal and purple ski attire.  I frequently went down the hill with my dad guiding me, until I thought of the most brilliant idea!  I would be the one to guide us down the hill.  It was great, other than the fact that my face was squashed against my dad’s jacket the entire time.  As we were nearing the bottom of the hill, I fell.  And the tears began.  My dad assumed it was a bruise and that I would be fine after a bit of rest.  He brought me inside and propped me up on the couch to watch TV. 

A few hours later, my mum returned home.  Right away she knew this was not a bruise.  In the blink of an eye, she created a brace with the last small issue of Yankee magazine.  After a trip to the emergency room, I returned home with big white cast.  Everyone came to visit and sign it!  Getting around was challenging, but I quickly resorted to my toddler days of scooting through the house.  The most disappointing part, was that I was unable to go into our Preschool rocket ship.  It was so cool!  A magical contraption made of recycled boxes and other art materials.  Then there was ballet.  I remember attending my classes and watching my fellow students bounce around like young bunny rabbits, as I sat on a nearby bench with my mum. 

Skiing was on the back burner until the second grade, when my school hosted weekly trips to a nearby mountain.  After a winter of Friday night skiing with my friends and mum, I was back on the slopes for good.  Today, I find myself with the itch to hit the slopes.  A fresh coat of snow or a sunny winter day and I am wishing I could clip on my skis. 

Every morning I walk by a framing shop where the window display often features colorful vintage posters.  Currently, they are showcasing a series of vintage ski posters.  Perhaps it’s due to my lifelong interest in the sport or my love of graphic design, but I am intrigued by this display.  Vibrant colors, bold forms, and exciting lettering harmoniously suggest a trip to the slopes.  With the first Olympics to host women’s ski jumping, just days away, these posters seem even more relevant.  Here are a few vintage ski posters to start the countdown to the Sochi Winter Olympics. 

 

 

Images via Pinterest 

WHITE CHRISTMAS

I rise from my cozy spindle bed.  The house is asleep, with my brothers and parents still in their beds.  Downstairs the Christmas tree stands tall, with its glistening white lights and colorful ornaments.  Below the tree are beautiful packages, in bright patterned wrappings, topped with  crisp bows. The stockings are hung from the night before, and now bursting with candies and small gifts.   

Outside, all is still.  A fresh coat of crisp sparkling white snow softly blankets our yard.  The snow is perfect and untouched.  The morning sun shines through  our pine trees, as flakes of  sparkling snow fall from rustled branches.  There is something very special about a White Christmas. 
Merry Christmas to all! 

Images via Tumblr