Night driving / still sleeping

Peeps. Since I didn't get in until 3am last night (no, I wasn't partying it up; I was doing this) and didn't get to bed until even later, I am currently trying to catch up on some much-needed sleep before I have to run off to work. I will hopefully be able to post something later this evening, but for now, I am either napping or working. So tired. (It was worth it though.)

I will leave you with this in the meantime:

Last night, driving home at 3am on my scooter, I was actually able to notice all the smells throughout town. During the day I never get this sensation, and I certainly don't get to breathe it in that way when driving in the car (even if the windows are down).

Luckily, this ain't no NYC, so the smells weren't too bad - it was really more the smell of the bay breeze, a neighbor's plants and flowers, or trees in different parts of town. It was so nice to absorb the slightly chilly air as I zipped home, alone on the road and with no headlights in sight.

However, I did smell one particularly heinous tree - I believe some call it, ahem, a "semen tree"? My friend Jess thinks it's a ginkgo tree. Whatever it is, it's nasty. Luckily, not much farther downtown, the smell of azaleas, magnolias and even roses wafted up as I zoomed by. I love the oncoming spring/summer.

Photo 1 via coco + kelley; photo 2 by Kentaroo Tryman for Johner Images.

Be back soon! xoxo, sleepy girl.

Flowers in unexpected places

I've been a huge fan of the succulent arrangements that Kelly from Yes, Please creates for, like, ever now, but she's blown me away all over again today.

Kelly came up with three amazing guest posts for 100 Layer Cake where she focused on using "everyday objects...to create some unique centerpieces." She even created DIY step-by-step instructions for each one (links at the bottom of this post).

Peonies in pegboard - who knew the thing that once held your grandpa's tools could look so soft when paired with frilly peonies? These two are so perfect I almost thought they were fake.


These yellow "billy bobs" are so cute when coupled with succulents, and even more unique and rustic when housed in a railroad tie. I also love the modern metal table number leaning casually on the wood.


A cement block as an arrangement holder? Sure, why not? Looks lovely with these anemones, fragrant rosemary and field flowers. Nice (and cheap!) use of a cinder block, Kelly!

You can see additional pics on Kelly's site here, or get the DIY instructions here, here, and here - let me know if you attempt any of these - so pretty!

Ring a ding, bike with basket

It's beautiful out today! I'm stuck inside working, but wouldn't you love to be out riding a pretty blue bike like this?

Image via From Me to You

I love the pretty aqua color and the basket on the front. I'd take it for a spin, buy some flowers from the farmers market and put them in the basket - sounds like a sweet Friday, right? All that bicycle needs is a bell (or is that what's on the handle bar and I'm just missing it?).

Tour the White House gardens

I was so excited to read that the White House will be opening its gardens and grounds to visitors this weekend. The Jacqueline Kennedy Garden, Rose Garden, Children’s Garden and the South Lawn of the White House will be open on Saturday, April 17th (10am-4pm) and Sunday, April 18th (10am-3pm). Even cooler? Michelle's Kitchen Garden will be viewable from the tour route - I'd love to see it.

All tours are open to the public, though it will be a ticketed event (tickets are free, but they're only one ticket per person and will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis). Get your ticket at the Ellipse Visitor Pavilion (15th and E Streets) on Sat/Sun beginning at 8:00am or go here for more info. Will you be going this weekend?