ink and peat.

ink and peat is my very favorite flower shop. 

B (♥) gave me an arrangement that looked very similar to this one for my 25th birthday. The boy knows the way to my heart...

find more of their lovely creations at housemartin.

LIBERATION.

Now I am normally a moderately modest person, however after showering, I love to walk around my house naked for an inexcusably long period of time. In fact, I think it's one of the things I love most about being a home owner. It makes me feel sexy and I love the rush I get tip-toeing around my house, peeking before crossing windows to make sure no one's in sight.)

Here's 5 things that (I think) are better when executed (practically) topless.

1. waking up

2. morning coffee (or in this case, milk.)

 3. cowboys and indians (♥ it.)

 4. enchanted forests

5. chores, especially ironing ...

all photos via we♥it- keyword "breasts" xo ;)


♥

which shape are UU?

My intention is to keep this blog as PG as possible. However, this week I will make a few rare exceptions. I'm in need of a good laugh (hence, the above photo via) and a little more confidence this week, as I go in for breast surgery on Thursday (it's my very first, I've still managed to hold on to my wisdom teeth!). 


No, I'm not getting an augmentation. Unfortunately, they'll be taking more than I'm receiving. About a year ago, I found a benign mass (most likely a fibroadenoma) about the size of a kidney bean in my right breast and in one short year it's grown 330% (it's approx 1.5 inches now). The outlook for my surgery is excellent, but I'm still a little "tiddy-bit"  ;) nervous about the whole ordeal.


This week, in preparation for baring it all, and with sincere hopes of embracing my new body (however disproportionate it may end up), I'm going to be posting (tasteful) photos of women sans bra and/or shirts. (Betting B (♥) follows my blog this week?!...)


...And because I only have a few followers thus far (Hi, mom.), I can do this without fear of offending anyone! 


(Side note- ladies, gentle reminder to do monthly breast exams!)


Thanks to my awesome support system! Love you all!

♥

Why, a horse, of course.

I was am one of those girls who loves horses. 

"Horses and their girls" by Anne Hall

On my ninth birthday, I asked my mother for riding lessons and my very own horse. Got the lessons, (not the horse) and was ecstatic to say the least. For my twenty-fifth birthday, I want to celebrate my unwavering affection with some sort of horse print for my home. I thought about asking for one for my birthday, but I'm afraid art may be too much of a personal thing. Here's some of the inspiration I've found thus far ...

I've found some great inspiration by Anne Hall. I first spotted one of her pieces over at A Cup of Jo's home tour photos. I think it's such a great piece for her space and how on earth could you not fall in love with the sweet title, "Horses and their girls." (fitting, I'd say ...)


Here's another one of her photographs. I love how light and fresh her photos are. Wouldn't you love to do this on a day off?!

But really, Wild hearts can't be broken.

And the impeccable Jackie O. That could be a donkey and she would still find a way to make it look graceful...

Photos via A Cup of Jo, Sfgirlbybay, etsy shops here and here, Elle Decor, Country Living, House Beautiful, & Apartment Therapy

♥

Crushing...

...on TO MY WIFE, a tumblr that a guy writes to his future wife... a-dorable. 

(and he loves peanut m&m's!)

via  A Cup of Jo

♥

Oh, hello Friday!

{photo via Say Yes to Hoboken}

Hello lovelies! Ever have a case of the Monday's on a Friday? I'm back to work tonight after what seemed like the shortest week off EVER. I hate working weekends (I work every third), but I must say, they always seem to end up being so much more pleasant than weekdays at work. Hoping for a quiet start to three long nights... 

On a happier note, my 25th birthday is in six short days! I can't wait to celebrate with family and friends! xo.

♥

Calligraphy

I think I would dream in Calligraphy if it were possible. When I was a little girl my grandmother used to say that my handwriting was the prettiest she'd ever seen. She told me a story about how my great-grandmother was also known for beautiful penmanship, and that it must have been a talent passed down from her. Don't you love learning little tidbits of familial history? I certainly do.

I've never been that artistic, but I have always loved to write. This past summer I started practicing calligraphy again. There's something so gratifying about making something so ordinary look extraordinary. (I least I think so.)

And how sweet is this!? For Christmas, B's(♥) sister got me this Authentic Calligraphy Set, which I obviously loved to pieces. She always finds the best personal gifts.

Table numbers. Love the white on black.

via

Wouldn't it make your day to find a letter in your mailbox addressed like these?!

via

Or this one?

via

These stamps are to die for. If I was planning on keeping my maiden name the rest of my life I would totally splurge for myself! But what a cute/unique wedding gift, right?!

♥

Party on.

The Great Gatsby

The end of this month will mark the 25th Anniversary of my birth, and then shortly thereafter is Valentines Day so we're thinking of hosting a party! With our flashy black and white checkered garage floor, here's my vote for a theme... 

Pendleton

...not to wear, or to walk in, to sit on, or carry my things in, just to cuddle with and keep me warm, along with hot cocoa and a good book on a freezing night such as this. Stay warm my little blogger bunnies. xo

♥

QUACK.

Not sure if you've heard (are you living under a rock!?!), but today is kind of a BIG DEAL for us. 

 Need I say more?... 

♥

{ladder love}

B (♥) and I have a small room off of our kitchen that we have held off decorating for the last year now. We talked recently about the idea of converting the space into a cozy conversation or reading room, so we've been exploring our options in shelving and casements. I am reveling in the idea of open shelving with a library ladder like this one. 

I think I would end up placing all my favorite things on the top shelf just for the excuse to climb it. Wouldn't you?

(via delight by design, LeSueur Interiors)
♥

A pretty bun

(via Stylist in the City)

In the middle of a work week it's the simplest of things, like a pretty bun, that inspire me... 

But truly, anything to make me feel pretty dressed as a Smurf all night will do...

♥

Sayulita, Nayarit, Mexico

Don't know about all of you, but this cold, windy weather (in addition to chapped lips and hands, and a frighteningly pale complexion) has me dreaming of warmer climates. I'd never had the desire to go to Mexico until I stumbled upon Villa Amor, a little gem in Sayulita, Nayarit, Mexico.

with rooms that directly overlook the bay...

And to top it off, it's actually quite affordable, especially if you're willing to go in the low season. Rates can range from as low as $55/nt for a standard one bedroom villa! SIGN.ME.UP.

This one in particular is calling my name... sometime next September...

Okay, or this a-mazingly relaxing two bedroom villa. Who wants to join?

(photos above via)

 Until then...

via

hope you all are snuggled up by a fire (or at least tuned into one of these) staying warm and cozy with those you keep imo pectore...

♥

A New Year's Resolution

Welcome!

After spending countless days off (on my couch) perusing around the blogging world in admiration of stellar inspiration for our new home, Brian (♥) said it's time to start one of my own. 

Then before I could make an argument about lacking inspiration, THIS happened... 

iMac 21.5"

And so, with a very sophisticated inspiration piece, I embark on a new little journey for the New Year, my very own blog titled Imo Pectore, a Latin phrase meaning "from the bottom of my heart."

Hope you all enjoy!

♥