39%!!

{giant buddha of leshan in china}

{petra, jordan}

{teotihuacan, mexico}

this month's real simple says that 39% of polled adults didn't plan to use all their vacation time in 2010. preposterous! now i know there are several reasons that contribute to that staggeringly high number (feeling guilty for taking time off, lack of funds, have "no time") but taking a vacation is vital!

if you haven't taken your allotted time out, plan a trip, even if it's just an easy one, and go.

or want something a little bigger and with a history twist? check out this neat website, historvius.

you can browse by destination or by time period...such a great way to jump start your search for the perfect trip.

photos of buddha, petra and teotihuacan

must see early summer movies

i loooove going to see a movie in the theater...doesn't matter the price...i just love the outing and experience. i saw some good/bad movies (movies you know are not good--often total crap--but totally satisfying and entertaining) that will go unmentioned, but movies of true cinematic value...none. 

it's been a while since i've seen something really great.

however, there are now several movies out that have received really fantastic reviews that i must see this summer (and am not embarrassed to say i have).

they are:

cave of forgotten dreams (in 3d!)

bill cunningham new york 

midnight in paris

click on the links above to watch the trailers

{photos from here, here and here}

**saw bill cunningham new york last night--fantastic!**

craft of the day

{mailbox bike basket}

{silk flower lights}

{diy tray}

{belt buckle frames}

it's no secret i love to craft but i so often need that inspirational something to actually get me in the mood. welcome martha stewart's craft of the day. the majority of these crafts are really neat and make me gush with cuteness! you can sign up here to get the daily emails. i found that i couldn't quite keep up so i created a folder in my gmail just for them. whenever the mood strikes, i head there and look for my next fun project. right now, i'd love to make these flower lights for a warm outdoor evening party and that pretty decorative tray to serve drinks on. 

all photos via martha

surprise envelopes

man o man this is such an awesome idea! for someone's birthday, partner up with several friends and make them a surprise envelope gift. number colorful envelopes up to their birthday and in each envelope, tuck in a sweet surprise: a nice note, a card, a small present, a gift certificate, you name it! then post the envelope series in an obvious place in their home or office. how neat is that?

my birthday: september 10

{via oh happy day}

free trip to paris!

the ridiculously cute, hip and creative jordan ferney of oh happy day! is offering a free trip to paris! she's footing the airfare bill and has teamed up with mama shelter, a funky and affordable hotel in the 20th, offering 7 nights free of charge for the lucky winner. 

there are four ways to enter the contest which you can find out here. (you may enter all four ways to better your chances)

even cooler: having lived in paris herself for 4 months now, she will take the contest winner out for two days of wandering the city and exploring her favorite spots. sweet!

{image from oh happy day!}

cúrate

after hannah got of work, we met up to eat at cúrate, the new tapas restaurant in town. now i know, tapas have become so cool they're now out of style, but this place is wonderful. it's elegant, not stuffy, so much to choose from and everything is delicious. for those of you in town and have not had a chance to go, do! some photos of the sampling of the veggie wonders we shared last night...qué rico!

fab hair

i am absolutely loving this romantic and easy hairstyle found on hair romance. loosely braid your hair which ever way you'd like (classic, french, fish tail) to just below the base of your head. tuck under the remaining hair and secure with bobby pins. 

blogette christina doesn't give details in the post (the above directions were my interpretation), however, you may purchase her ebook of styles, complete with steps, tips and 30 other hair styles. buy it here for $9.95 and until june 30, use discount code "JUNETWIST" to receive 20% off!

(led there by the eclectic life via you are my fav)