VIBRANT VIBRATIONS

Pattern and color is playing a larger role in my wardrobe and home decor than ever before. Maybe it's me being more comfortable with who I am as a woman or maybe I just grew some balls; either way this fabric feature in this month's Elle Decor got the brain pumpin'. xx marissa 

GOOP

I don't subscribe to many e-newsletters and more often than not, I find myself taking the time to manually unsubscribe if I see one in my inbox. However, there are exceptions to every rule and GOOP is just that. A weekly email written and curated by Gwyneth Paltrow that is relaxing to read and filled with authentic and compelling content. I enjoy reading it so much that I purposely save it to be my last email read of the day. Who knows, maybe the 'goop cleanse' is the true key to success. Stay in the know: Follow.  Like.  Subscribe.  xx marissa

 

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DALMATIAN PROCLAMATION

I am an animal lov-ah. Unfortunately, I can't have a pet due to the landlord dictatorship, but once freed it will be a zoo including: pandas, kittens, dogs, and baby elephants. The lack of the Dalmatian breed has had me puzzled for years, but I'm happy to see them gaining some much needed attention again;  *ahem* cover of May's Elle Decor! And also the frequent pup at my local Yogurtland. ...Which leads me to the question: where have they been? xx marissa

Dalmatian Dog Print // Nail Wraps // Baby Shoe Charm // Crossbody Bag // Bette T-Straps // Print Pillow // Screen Print // Hearty Dalmatian

AIGA IDEA SERIES

Last week I had the pleasure of attending the restaurant design segment of the AIGA Idea Series where the top three designers in San Diego (Michael Soriano, Paul Basile, and Barbara Rourke) spoke about their recent and upcoming projects, how they get inspired, working with the budget, and most importantly, their clientele pet peeves. I'm embarrassed to admit that I'm on the verge of stalker-status when it comes to Soriano's design, but I just can't help myself when great design continues to pop-up around town. xx Marissa     

{Hosted at The Neuroscience Institute - La Jolla}

{The Pearl Hotel - Point Loma}

{Raglan Public House - OB}

{Vin De Syrah - Gaslamp}

DANNIJO

In less than a month, I will finally be a proud owner of my first Iphone and I am searching the web for some awesome-sauce cases. Case in point, say hello to these designs by Dannijo . My favorite is the 'Henrick' case in the middle, but justifying the $98 price tag is proving difficult. Where do you find your cases? xx Marissa

PRETTY CRAFTY

I wouldn't consider myself the "crafty" type, so I was pretty proud of myself when I completed this piece for our five-year anniversary. I was inspired by this idea and chose specific destinations we had traveled to together (before our Asia trip) and included where we first met as well. Although I gave myself a week to complete this and our anniversary was back in November, I still want to purchase better custom matting. Either way, this project encompassed our favorite travels together and makes for a great sentimental gift. My only piece of advice is that islands are pretty difficult to do any detailed sewing. I went for simple x's or dashes and it came across fine. xx Marissa

BE MINE, DEAR VALENTINE

Even though it may get a lot of crap for being a 'Hallmark' holiday, Valentine's Day ranks fairly high on my list of favorite holidays. Somewhere just below Christmas and Halloween. This year, instead of being surrounded by tables-for-two and the fact that it lands on a Tuesday, we're opting for a relaxing night in. I normally like to use the spirit of Valentine's Day as a time to participate in a new activity together, but in a pinch, these gifts are sure to get some heart-felt attention. How will you celebrate? xx Marissa

1. Embellished Stemware by Hey Hot Stems (personal + fun valentine)
2. Custom Valentine by Aubrey (for the indie romantic)
3. Gold Leather Pasties at Fair Frou Frou (for the sexy valentine)
4. 2009 Cherry Pie "Stanly Ranch"Carneros Pinot Noir (for the night-in valentine)
5. Romantic Dinner for Two class by Hipcooks (for the experimental valentine)
6. Alphabet Charm by Helen Ficalora (for the 'Liz Lemon' lover)
7. Frosted Cake or Cheesecake by Bananappeal (for banana flavor cravers)