The MacBeth Collection

The Blue Angels and their tricks going on right outside my window this afternoon were quite a distraction!

So I took a break from work and played around on this really sweet website, TheMacBethCollection.com. This is a brilliant concept for those of you, who love putting your own personal stamp on your gifts or home decor.

Step 1 | Choose from a bunch of different home and office accessories...

Step 2 | Pick from tons of great colors and patterns (all designed in house and change with the season!)...

Step 3 | Prep it up a bit with a monogram or cute icon...

Use code "ZOE" (found this site through Rachel Zoe - Love her!) at check out for 20% OFF your order through October 14th. Or sign up to receive their catalog and receive 25% OFF your order of $100 or more.

I've already built a couple items for myself (you know I can resist a bargain) and jotted down ideas for baby or bridal showers - really hoping to get to throw one or two in the next year or so ;)

{ Photo Credit: themacbethcollection.com }

Mahalo nui loa, Hawaii

Our honeymoon/1 year anniversary trip to Hawaii was INCREDIBLE and I have to give ALL the credit to my amazing husband. We made a deal that I would plan the wedding, he would plan the honeymoon and he did me proud. I was told when we were leaving, the two islands we'd be visiting and that's about it.

So after a year of waiting and a bit of over packing (I'm always guilty of this!), we were on our way. These 11 days were filled with the perfect amount of sun, activities and relaxation.

I can't believe it took me over a week to put these together. The idea of picking just a few out of the hundreds we took seemed impossible. But here they are (and there's a lot of them)...

Day 1 - 6 | Kauai

The St. Regis is gorgeous and the perfect way to kick off day 1...

We're blown away by the view from our room...

Our hike to Hanakapiai Falls on day 2...

18 mile kayak along the Na Pali Coast - quite possibly the coolest thing I've ever done... (I was DYING to take some pictures from the water, but it was too risky breaking it out of the dry bag in those rough waters.)

Caves, dolphins, monk seals, sea turtles... The waterproof disposable camera was useless, this was the best we could do!

Spoiled with incredible views...

And stunning sunsets...

We saw the Na Pali coast by land, water and now air...

So amazing!

Del surfed, I took pictures...

A little lounging around...

Day 7 - 11 | Hana, Maui

The road to Hana...

The Hana Maui Hotel - our little gem!

Enjoying every minute of Hana Life... (think... fresh fruit, the freshest fish, morning yoga looking out over the ocean, warm evening breezes, stunning views in a charming town...)

An afternoon hike through the bamboo forests up to Waimoku Falls...

Our hike from Pailoa Bay, through the jagged coastal cliffs of the ancient Kings Highway...

The hidden, "clothing-optional", Kaihalulu Red Sand Beach...

And finally... a peaceful and beautiful drive to the airport along the southern route...

It's always hard returning back to reality after an amazing vacation, but life it pretty great with you :)

I know, I know, those were a ton of pictures. I couldn't pick just a few, it wouldn't have done this trip justice! And no more sappy stuff, I promise. Goodness, I've over done it in the last few posts! It really is great to be back. I've missed this blog way too much :)

Hawaii Bound!

The day is FINALLY here! My husband and I head off to our Kauai|Maui honeymoon in the morning - wooo hoooo! I am beyond excited to spend the next 11 days with my husband and the beach. And even better, we celebrate our 1st anniversary on the 19th!

9.19.09 - The most incredible, perfect day there ever was...

I could look at these pictures all day every day...

Del - Happy Anniversary, I love you so much! One year down, 80 more to go :)

See you all back here on the 25th!

{ Photo Credit: melissavossler.com }

You are the best thing!

If you went to David Gray & Ray LaMontagne's show last night... I'm jealous.

Ray LaMontagne holds a special spot in my heart, as my husband and I danced to "You Are the Best Thing" for our first dance. It's hard to believe that it was almost a year ago :)

Ray said it best...

Baby, it's been a long day, baby

Things ain't been going my way

You know, I need you here,

To clear my mind, all of the time

And baby

The way you move me, it's crazy

It's like you see right through me

And make it easier

Believe me, you don't even have to try

Oh, because

You are the best thing

You are the best thing

You are the best thing

Ever happened to me.

Baby, we've come a long way, baby

You know I hope and I pray that you believe me

When I say, this love won't ever fade away

Oh because,

You are the best thing

You are the best thing

You are the best thing

Ever happened to me

Both of us have known love before

To come on up promising like the spring, just walk on out the door

Our words are strong

And our hearts are kind

Let me tell you just exactly what's on my mind

You are the best thing

You are the best thing

You are the best thing

Ever happened to me.

{ Photo Credit: melissavossler.com }

Never forget...

I can remember every second of this day, 9 years ago and I will never forget the sadness that surrounded it.

"Today we grieve for those we've lost, honor those who have sacrificed, and do our best to live up to the values we share."

My thoughts are with you today.

Off to enjoy this beautiful San Francisco morning with my family :)

{ Photo Credit: crossfitnyc.com }

The Perlee Collection

Van Cleef & Arpels is giving away this gorgeous 14k rose gold ring in Vogue's WIN IT NOW sweepstakes. Choose another VC & A piece and explain why it inspires you and you'll be entered into the drawing. { click here! }

"With clean and simple designs crafted from rose gold, the new Perlee line has been described as playful and young. Perlee is perfect for everyday, but transitions beautifully into night as well. It can be very glamorous, and it can work when you are wearing something casual."

And NO, I am not dropping any HINTS just because our first wedding anniversary is next week... I had to share because these are BEAUTIFUL!!

{ Photo Credit: vancleef-arpels.com | justluxe.com }

Just because...

My brother arrives today and sister arrives tomorrow!

{ James, myself, Maelani and my Dad as the pony! }

One of my favorite pics of all time. My guess is, it was taken in 1985, while visiting my grandparents on one of our trips to Upstate NY from Fairfax, VA.

Judging by the excitement on my sister's face, this was the moment she decided she loved horses. The rest of us just loved stripes.

"How many more Mr. Ed's until we get there?!" :)

-s|p|t

Anorak for Fall!

I was loving these looks for fall...

So I went ahead and picked out my favorites...

Top Left: 7 For All Mankind $265 - find it { here! }

Top Right: Zara $99 - find it { here! }

Bottom Left: Urban Outfitters $78 - find it { here! } I have this one - cinches at waist - so cute!

Bottom Right: Cole Haan $395 - find it { here! }

{ Photo Credit: bloomingdales.com | zara.com | urbanoutfitters.com | colehaan.com }

-s|p|t

Labor Day Goodies

Our Labor Day consisted of a "BBQ" with friends, doggies, an incredible view and even more incredible food. I love having friends who are WAY better cooks than I am! I mean, homemade mustards and Moscow Mules?! Really.

If you're like me and can only drink "girly" drinks, try this...

Moscow Mule

3 bottles (12 oz. each) ginger beer

6 ounces lime juice

6 ounces vodka

2 fresh mint sprigs, leaves only

1 lime, cut into wedges, for garnish

Amazing.

-s|p|t

Just because...

...they make me smile every time I walk by them!

-s|p|t

A touch of Surrealism & Impressionism

Here are some beautiful and very romantic shots from 7x7 Magazine's September issue...

It took place in Golden Gate park and at the prop stylist's Lower Haight apartment. Read more about the set up and challenges behind the shoot { here! }

{ Photo Credit: 7x7.com }

-s|p|t