I {heart} Beautiful Packaging

I love packaging. I really do. When studying design in school, packaging was what made my heart soar. I knew, when I graduated, I would dive into the world of professional packaging design head first. Well, life took over and I never quite fulfilled my dream. In fact, through the days of wonderful design in other arenas, I kind of forgot about packaging design all together. I always appreciated it, but forgot how much I LOVE it.

I've decided in an effort to reconnect with what I love, I should highlight some of the best packaging I've seen in a long time....drum roll please, take a look at Love Joy Vodka...


Ahhh, the proportion of the bottles, the modern patterns, the perfect typography. I adore the concept of having different labels for the same product allowing consumers to choose which design fits their mood and decor.





Clean, award worthy design. It is perfect. Designer Jared Milam deserves huge props! I am officially inspired...


images via Lovely Package

I {heart} the Fleet Foxes!

Last Spring, Stein introduced me to the Fleet Foxes. We went to see them live at Neumos and I instantly fell in love. Their beautiful melodies and spectacular (and I mean SPECTACULAR) voices are otherworldly. Check them out for yourself!



They give me chills...I hate to put them in a music box, but it is like CSN&Y and Fleetwood Mac got rolled up in a shiny new package with masterful lyrics and classic harmonies that take you away. You really must see them live!

They are really taking off and now inspiring a whole new group of artists. Check these ladies out...



Sharing my same admiration (covering the Fleet Foxes Tiger Mountain Peasant Song), these Swedish sisters (going by the name First Aid Kit) have wonderful voices of their own. I love how music is just a big inspirational circle. Maybe I should just say I {heart} music, but for now, I'll stick with my favorite and say I {heart} the FLEET FOXES!

I {heart} Dahlias!

Tis the season for one of my favorite flowers of all time...Dahlias!


My sweetie brought me a huge bunch of them last night and I now have them scattered all over my house. Reds and oranges in the living room,



pink and white in the kitchen



and pale yellow in the bathroom.



I love how each flower is different with their own personality. They brighten any room and certainly make me happy. I'm so excited to plant a cutting garden full of them so my house will be full of blooms by next summer. Gorgeous!