Playing House

Call me crazy, but every single time I walk into Anthropologie, I immediately head to their home section and make a mental list of my imaginary registry. I don't know what is more embarrassing, the fact that I am not engaged or that Anthropologie doesn't have a registry. However, I cannot stop, I find it completely necessary every time I step foot into the store. It takes me to another world, one I am unfamiliar with, but one day hope to have. At the ripe age of 23 (almost 24) I still find myself playing house!

(via Anthropologie)

Busy at Bloomin'

This week my mom and a few of the other Bloomin' workers are out of the office! They took a little trip down south to Florida! I am so happy for them, they deserve the most relaxing vacation. However, their absence puts me somewhat in charge... yikes! Wish me luck! Hope you all had a wonderful Monday!

Have a Lovely Weekend

Although most of this week has been extremely hot, today has been absolutely beautiful! I am really looking forward to this weekend because I do not have any definite plans. Most of the time these types of weekends end up being my favorite. I am looking forward to catching some rays and simply enjoying a summer weekend in Saint Louis! Wish you all the best and thanks for tuning in. Enjoy!

Agreed (unfortunately)

Oh how I wish I were here

In love with this colorful closet

High above paris

Juicy fruit, lavender, and navy... and I'm obsessed

Beautiful ballerina

Loving everything about this wedding, especially the photographer

Could make anyone excited to turn 30

Completely crushing

Papernstitch (via greedy girl)

A little help to get my garden started (via unruly things)

Simply beautiful

Just another reason I heart J.crew (*press play)

New found blog: From Me To You (so inspiring)

I have always loved poppies

I can't get enough of this summery video

(photo taken my Randal Solomon)

"Beautiful Bottoms"

Beautiful Bottoms has the most delightful bras and panties. The two 22-year-old designers were inspired by original European vintage prints and have created the most desirable collection. I swear I have dreamt about this frilly, yet elegant ensemble numerous times. I am so glad to have finally found it... now if I can just save my pennies.

P.S. Thanks to my friend Lily for this great link!

P.P.S. I have to confess. I was a bit nervous to put up this photograph. I am not sure how the blog police feel about these types of pictures... we shall see. Please don't tell.

(via Beautiful Bottoms)

Girl Crush

I have a new crush and she just so happens to French, oh la la! Thanks to the July Vogue, I was recently (re)introduced to the face of the French bombshell/actress, Marion Cotillard. With a new movie coming out, Marion reveals her true spirit to Vogue through this wonderful interview and this fabulous short film. I just thought I would share with you some of my favorite photographs of Marion shot by my favorite, Mario Testino. Oh to be French!

(via Vogue July 2010)

Public Pianos hit the streets of NYC

Sing For Hope, a non-profit arts group recently placed 60 pianos around the streets of New York City. The Huffington Post says, "Their mission is to 'bring the arts to the people,' said Camille Zamora, one of the founding directors of the organization." This is the coolest thing to me. How fun for any person walking around the city just to plop down on a random piano bench and tickle the ivories. What a fun new sound for the city streets. This instillation only lasts for two weeks however, but after the two weeks is up the pianos will be donated to certain schools and hospitals. So if you are in New York City, listen while you can! If you are not in NYC, check out this inspiring video and this one

(via facebook)

Man Shops Globe

I am so excited for the second season of Man Shops Globe, which premieres on the Sundance Channel on June 30th at 10:00E/9:00C. I unfortunately missed the whole first season so I am thrilled to watch this show for the first time. Man Shops Globe features Keith Johnson as he travels around the world buying one-of-a-kind home furnishings and accessories for all Anthropologie stores. I cannot think of a cooler job at the moment! Catch a sneak peak.

Happy Birthday Tine

Happy Birthday to Christine Diana Tracy! I am so glad I just got to take this little gem out to lunch for her birthday. It was great catching up with her over a great meal at the Women's Exchange Tea Room! Happy Birthday Tine, hope you have a splendid rest of the day!

Hooray it's Friday!

I cannot believe it is already Friday, this week has flown by. I have been looking forward to this day for a long time. Today I am flying to Detroit to visit one of my bestest friends, Jen! And to make things better one of my other besties, Natalie, is making the trip as well! I am beyond excited to see the two of them, it has been far too long. I also want to say happy birthday to one of my Saint Louis besties, Jenna. May all your birthday wishes come true! Anywho, I hope you all have a lovely weekend! For now, here are some great posts I would love to share!

A fun summer treat

2 newly found blogs: lox papers (obsessed) & forever is today

Exquisite photographs

I have always loved these little guys (via unruly things)

A wonderful summer sunset

My love for European chic just got a tad bigger

Groom crush (I have always had a thing for guys with a mini ponytail?!) (via)

A coffee table with a purpose

Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, such a great show, love this song

Sasquatch, an incredible backdrop & a great line up

A whole new love for Chanel

Food for Thought

The June issue of "body + soul" (just like in every other issue) shares 10 thoughts on whole living and I would love to share these words with you. As corny as this sounds, we tear this page out of each new issue and put it up in the Bloomin' Buckets bathroom so each time we use the restroom we are reminded of kind ways to treat our bodies and souls.

1. Something worth doing once is worth doing again.

2. Flexibility isn't wishy-washy. There's a difference between knowing your priorities and not knowing your own mind.

3. The road to wellness isn't straight, clear, or predictable,. It's a path you forge yourself.

4. Dream up a simple project, then shape it with your own hands.

5. True generosity doesn't leave you with less; it leaves you with more.

6. Wait two seconds before you say something you can't take back.

7. A balanced life looks and feels different for everyone.

8. Patience is like a muscle. If you don't use it, it wastes away.

9. Vulnerability brings trust. Trust brings opportunity.

10. Let sensory pleasure, not rules, guide a healthy appetite.

(text via June issue of "body + soul", picture via)

Daydreamin'

Blush! What a beautiful color for the summer! I would love to wear these blush cords on a seaside vacation. Oh, how I love to daydream! Tah Tah for now, I really must get back to work... seriously.

(via calypso)

Anthology

Once again my dear friend Nora sent me over some exciting news! (Thanks Nora for all of the great links you send my way!) Coming this fall in October there will be a new lifestyle publication and I cannot wait to get my hands on it! Anthology, "living with substance and style" will feature homes, residents, designers, new products, and much more. From the look of this brief overview, I have a feeling I'm going to be hooked! I have also heard through the blog grapevine that the oh so talented Mrs. Lilien will be doing some work for the mag. If you are as excited as I am you can join the mailing list right here.

(via)

Enough Said

The other other thing I find necessary to say is that I completely agree!

(via garance dore)

Weddings

Doesn't the New York J.Crew bridal boutique (see post below) look incredible? I dream about one day taking a trip up there with my mom and two sisters. I know I could spend at least a full day in there just taking it all in. What a treat! See more pictures of the immaculate boutique here. To go along with the whole wedding theme I thought I would share this beautiful video my friend Nora sent me of a bride they did work for at Cheree Berry Paper. This short film does an amazing job capturing the charm of such a wonderful occasion. The whole time I was watching this I could not get over how madly in love this groom is with his new wife. It is truly heartwarming! Enjoy!

(via Erin Ever After)

J.Crew Bridal Boutique, Part 2

(via the bride's guide)

J.Crew Bridal Boutique, Part 1

(via the bride's guide)

Lonny 5

Lonny Issue # 5 is out and, as always, it is incredible! I am loving the 1) pop of the pink candles 2) the chic linen headboard with the gold studs 3) the quirky flamingo 4) all of the white with touches of bold colors 5) and most of all I am in love with this Hamptons kitchen. I find myself dreaming about big kitchens. Kitchens bring everyone together and for me the kitchen is the main source of entertainment. If I could only have one room in a house, it would definitely be a kitchen. I can imagine good friends and family all standing around this kitchen laughing, drinking, cooking, and eating! There is nothing better!

Each Lonny issue is better than the next! I absolutely love the idea of this paperless magazine. In my opinion, it makes things so easy for all of the readers. Almost everything shown in the magazine has a link you can click on that will take you to the main source. It makes purchasing so easy. I obviously also love how almost all of the items they promote are eco-friendly. I could look at this magazine 1,000 times over, each and every time finding something else I love. Lonny, thanks for all you do, you truly inspire me!

xoxo,

Lucy

(via Lonny mag)

Happy Monday

Today I am taking a "break" from my day job to finish up my personal website, which I must admit has taken me way too long to complete. I am going to do all it takes to finish this puppy so I can hopefully get it up and running by late this week. Once I get my work done, I will have a bit of a celebration this evening. My dear friend Nora has invited me to the Edward Sharpe concert this evening at the Pageant. I am so excited because I have not seen Nora for a little while and I always have the best time with her! I am also pumped because even though I am embarrassed to admit this, I have never been to the Pageant. So today I am thrilled to know there is a light at the end of the tunnel. P.S. I am very excited to eventually show you all my website. Hope you all have a great Monday! Tah-tah!

(This awesome photo was taken by my sister KC)

Ask the Expert

I have been missing in action for the past two days, but I must admit I have a very good excuse. On Thursday two photographers from Martha Stewart Weddings magazine came to Bloomin' Buckets to do a photo shoot! Oh my gosh! What a treat it was! We have been working harder than ever this week to prepare for such an occasion. With everyones hard work, creative ideas, and long hours, I have never seen our store look better! The two most adorable photographers shot my mom and I. We will be featured in the section called, "Ask the Expert." However, we do not know when we will appear in the magazine. They come and shoot a lot of "experts" of different realms of the wedding industry and then randomly (or strategically) place them throughout different issues. Congrats to Cheree Berry Paper who was the "expert" graphic designer and also a huge thanks to Cheree for recommending Bloomin' Buckets as the "expert" Saint Louis florist.

So big news for the Buckets! It has been a very exciting week, ending with six weddings, yikes. Three down, three to go. One more thing. Congratulations to my beautiful and humble mother, I cannot think of a more deserving person to get asked to be in Martha Stewart Weddings! I am so proud of you mom!

Here are some more pictures from our oh so talented Lynn!

Wit + Delight, an absolutely lovely blog (which I have become slightly obsessed with), compiled a list of travel necessities. During this "in between" time of my life, I have been very fortunate to travel quite often! I think this list is great and one I could easily follow! These items alone guarantee a wonderful trip! Check out the descriptions of these jetset items here! Bon Voyage!

(via Wit + Delight)

Smile!

Just stumbled across this blissful picture and I could not help but smile back at this adorable little girl! One of the reasons I love kids is because they always seem to find joy in the simplest things, such as, blowing bubbles, jumping in the leaves, and swinging on a swing. I often envy the innocence of children. Kids live life the way we all should!

(via pinterest)

Indianapolis 500

I thought I would give you all a little taste of the Indianapolis 500 for those who have not yet been! It is quite an experience. I went last year for the first time and we sat in the infield, however, this year we took a step up and sat in the seats, ooo lala! This year's race was the hottest Indianapolis 500 ever, yuck. Even though the heat was unbearable, it was good to actually see the race this year and it's always fun running into college friends. These great photos were taken by my talented friend Andrew. This was his first race and it was exciting to see his reactions! I will end by saying there are no words to describe the people this event attracts. You must see for yourself!

Happy Friday!

Happy Friday to all! I must admit I do not feel like it is the start to the weekend. I have been in Indianapolis since last Friday and on Tuesday we took a little road trip up to Lake Wawasee and just returned today. My trip ends tomorrow and I am sad to leave because it has been a wonderful visit! Thanks to all who made my trip so great! To you all, have a lovely weekend! Cheers!

The life of a San Francisco gal

Newly found wants on Madewell: dress, cardigan, and vest

Chic martini bar

Sneak peak of a beautifully decorated home

I would love one of these personalized stamps

Love the layout of this blog

Wonderful insight on gratitude

Loving this logo and website

Oprah's executive producer gets a makeover

The Green Vase

Adorable Toronto flower shop

Love this satchel

Contemporary living

TOMS takes a step up

Spread the love (one of my new favorite blogs)

(via it's pretty good)

Happy National Doughnut Day!

I just thought I would spread the cheer amongst all of the other doughnut lovers! You got to love a great excuse to eat doughnuts! I was just pondering my favorite type of doughnut and after much thought I came to a conclusion: coconut doughnuts! However, I feel bad choosing one, you really can't go wrong! Bon Appetit!

(via Country Living)

Fun Photos!

I am absolutely in love with these fun photos I have come across. Each one of these pictures reminds me of the simple moments in life that bring the biggest smile to my face! I continuously find beauty in simplicity. This incredible photographer, Ericka McConnell, has an amazing talent of capturing beauty through people who are simply enjoying the loveliness of life! Enjoy!

(via Judith Miller Inc, found on destined to design)