I’m so glad that there are other people in the world that care about simple get-togethers like a dinner party or a picnic with friends (not just milestone events) and want to make each one special and memorable.  Thank you, Lobster and Swan, for tipping me off to Kinfolk Magazine… doesn’t look like I’ll be getting much done tonight!  Too busy dreaming up a good reason to eat with good friends.

{image shown belongs to Kinfolk Magazine}

I am seriously in love with these cards from Burnthebook (via Oh So Beautiful Paper).  They’re getting me excited for the Edge Painting class I’m taking at AS220 this Friday!

{images shown belong to Burnthebook}

I know it’s been done a million times before, but I will never tire of a cake in a glass-enclosed cake stand with tiny pendant flags.  Never.

{image shown from the wedding of Caleb & Jess via 100 Layer Cake; photography by Kate McLuckie}

This photo from Jordan was a gentle reminder that I have yet to have a picnic this summer.  Makes me realize we’re already halfway through my favorite season and I should definitely come up with my “must-do” list before it’s September.

{image shown belongs to Oh Happy Day}

Loving the sneak peeks of Whitney’s new home… what beautiful light!  Via Darling Dexter.

{images shown belong to Darling Dexter}

I put together two terrariums two summers ago and shortly thereafter they died due to overwatering.  After a lovely walk through the woods this past weekend with a great friend (who just launched her own blog with hilarious personal stories… check it out!) and seeing ferns, mushrooms, and lichen galore, I’ve decided I’m going to make a few terrariums again this summer.  I’m taking a trip to Ikea this week and I’ll pick up some of the great glass containers they have.  Hopefully this terrariums will stick around longer this time around!

{for more of my gardening images, check out my Flickr}

I think I’ve found my perfect cake (which belongs to seven spoons).  Oh dear… is it possible to fall in love with a dessert?

{image shown belongs to seven spoons; found via bird & banner}

I am so glad that Amy Merrick shares so many photos and descriptions of Elmwood; she’s such a good story-teller and really gives you a sense of what her experiences are like there.  I often talk about wanting to slow down, to enjoy a quiet morning, make a meal from scratch, or go for a walk in a field.  As much as I love the internet, blogs, my smart phone, and all the wonders of the technological world, I really yearn for a place to go “back in time” and be quiet and peaceful among nature.  What a magical place that old house must be.

{images shown belong to Amy Merrick and An Apple a Day}

Feeling inspired by this photo by Anna Allen.  Thinking about flowers and perhaps floral patterns for note cards…

{image shown belongs to Anna Allen}

I am absolutely in love with this woodland retreat in Sweden built by Håkan Strotz and his wife Ulrika Krynitz.  It looks like a very restful and magical place.  Via The Anthropologist.

{images shown belong to The Anthropologist}