Every cookbook author needs to take a cue from The Hungry Girls and fill the book with pretty photos that make you want to dive in and eat. A polka dot cloth bound cover doesn’t hurt either.

images: The Hungry Girls

I love this Emma’s hello neighbor series, I love this entryway spotted on The Marion House Book

Casey hand stamped this awesome fabric gift wrap spotted on Unruly Things

Confetti calling cards spotted on Pugly Pixel

I’ve decided a turquoise skirt is now a closet essential spotted on Sunday Evening

Felt birthday hats spotted on Hip Hip Hooray

I’m pretty sure the owners of this house channeled my childhood dreams when they built it. A secret passage! A built-in library! A backyard cottage! It’s like the plans came straight from my diary.

images: Laure Joliet for the New York Times

I’m in the midst of planning a first day of summer party (June 21st!) and I’ve been dreaming of renting an ice cream cart or truck. I say dreaming because it’s not going to happen (hello lack of funds) but if it were (and I was in California), Sweet Lucie’s would be my first choice. Isn’t their branding so spot on? I love the retro look of the cart and the sweet logo. Plus I’ve always loved the name Lucie.

images: He and She Photography

I adore this tablecloth from Anthropologie but $100 isn’t so much in my price range. I decided to recreate the look for under $20 for all those upcoming picnics that in my head I pretend we’re going to have.

All you need is:
- a canvas dropcloth (available in a range of sizes from your local hardware store)
- masking tape
- fabric paint
- sponge brush

Tape. Paint. Dry. Don’t iron because it’s a waste of time and the crumpled look is so hot right now. Enjoy.

Also a warning that the paint might seep through the fabric a bit and get on your carpet and it doesn’t really come out that well so you might not be getting your security deposit back. Just a warning.

I love when the warmer months hit and we just rotate between salads and grilled goodness with a side of smoothie for every meal. Right now our entire bottom shelf in the fridge is dedicated to berries and I’m pretty pleased about it.

Here are three meals that are going in our rotation:
roasted tomato and avocado toast via Wit and Delight
spinach strawberry salad
grilled margarita pizza

What are your favorite meals in the summer?

images: Tami Hardeman, Ashley Bruhn, Karen Mordechai

Stripes are the best theme for a party spotted on Party Perfect

Unless the theme is the paintings of Michelle Armas spotted on Once Wed

I wish I could afford this entire set of letterpress prints spotted on Design Work Life

The Glow (babies!) spotted on Simple Lovely

When tea towels are this pretty, I just want to hang them as art spotted on That’s Happy

Can you believe that this ottoman was made from an electrical spool? I like to think that I could handle a project like this but then I snap back to reality and eat another ice cream sandwich.

created by Shelly Leer instructions on Ready Made

I love the great use of pattern spotted on these fashionable ladies at Sydney Fashion Week. Chevron + clashing colored stripes? Sure, why not? Although the best use of accessory has to go to the mom. No designer bag could ever top a baby.

images: Tommy Ton (1, 2, 4) and Yvan Rodic (3) via Lo & Mids

I’ve been a fan of Keri Russell since she was on the Mickey Mouse Club and hooking it up with Tony on Emerald Cove (please tell me at least one of you knows what I’m talking about). So, I loved seeing her Brooklyn brownstone featured in the latest Elle Decor. It’s so clean and crisp, very much reflective of her personal style. My favorite part is the bedroom. White, soft gray and natural wood are always a good combination.

images: William Waldron