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I pretty much adore Jacey, from Damsel in Dior. If I’m being totally honest, I only discovered her blog within the past few months, but it has very quickly risen to the top of my morning go-to’s. Cute videos, amazing fashion and delicious recipe – she’s got em’ all covered, and in serious style. So it was especially fun to learn a little bit more about the girl behind my new favourite blog…

::A random fact::
Cotton farming has been in my family for over 150 years. I also love driving barefoot because it makes me feel like I’m back on the farm.

::Your go-to recipe::
My go to drink recipe is a beer Margarita. It’s quick, easy and gets everyone in party mode asap.

::You can’t live without::
Carmex. It’s the only thing that cures my lips when they are chapped!

::Currently coveting::
I’m currently saving up for the Cartier Juste un Clou bracelet in white gold. Pulling the trigger on expensive items is really tough, but the best thing to invest in is always jewelry. I’m also dying over the Saint Lauren cross body.

::Your daily reads::
Pinterest, Instagram & USA Today … oh yes, and Damsel in Dior

::Your favourite quote::
My Granny used to say “Only boring people get bored”

::On your night stand::
Water & my iPhone4s

::Your favourite designer::
Frank Llyod Wright, Dawna Jones, Angie Hranowsky, Janice Parker, Céline

::Your dream home::
The design of the home will be clean, modern, open. Think: concrete floors with layered rugs; a beautiful open bathroom with a huge tub in the middle & walk in closet off to the side. The kitchen is the heart & soul to every home so in my dream home I’d love a gigantic island that also serves as a table with cozy sofette’s & all white marble countertops and white cabinets. However, my dream home will house myself, my loving husband, our 2 amazing bulldogs and future family…lots and lots of kids {one day!}. I want the kids swimming in the backyard, grandparents enjoying the outdoor sitting area and brothers and sisters helping out on the grill. A full house is a happy house. The more chaotic, the better!

::Your happy place::
When the whole family is together in Concan, Texas, floating the Frio River in an inner tube with a cool one in my hand.

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Remember my bits & pieces series? It somehow got left in the dust the past little while but it’s back with a vengeance and I couldn’t be more excited! And I’m breaking the drought in the finest of fashions with the adorable Anabela from Fieldguided. As a fellow Toronto blogger, I constantly find myself getting lost within her beautiful pages. And as cheesy as it may sound, it’s kind of become my version of heaven. Read on to find out more about the girl behind this fabulous blog…

::A random fact::
 The thing I miss most about my childhood is spending hours sitting up in the cherry tree in our backyard.

::Your go-to recipe::
I have never cooked it myself (I usually leave that to my husband, Geoff), but this wild mushroom pilaf is one of my all-time favourite recipes.

::You can’t live without::
My favourite sunglasses, Karen Walker Number Ones.

::Currently coveting::
We are in desperate need of a new sofa (have been for the past five years, actually!) and if I could have any sofa, it would be the Jane from Gus.

::Your daily reads::
I just got myself an eReader (a Kobo Mini) after rolling my eyes at them for years and I’ve actually been reading so much more lately! I think there’s a bit of novelty to it, and it’s so much easier than the three books in my purse I used to carry around. I’ve been reading I’m Your Man by Sylvie Simmons; I have the book in hard cover but it’s so much easier to read on my Mini.

::Your favourite quote::
I actually don’t have one, but did make a note of a really lovely passage in I’m Your Man: “Leonard, in turn, recalled ‘a feeling I think I’ve tried to re-create hundreds of times, unsuccessfully, just that feeling of being grown up, with somebody beautiful that you’re happy to be beside, and all the world is in front of you, where your body is suntanned and you’re going to get on a boat.’”

::On your night stand::
 My glasses in their plastic stand, a few books, a wooden lamp.

::Your favourite designer::
Lately I’ve really been into Samantha Pleet. Her Myth dress is so pretty

::Your dream home::
Southern exposure and huge windows, pretty details and (while we’re dreaming), a good view.

::Your happy place::
Nothing is better than a good beach.

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::Your go-to recipe::
Chicken Enchiladas. Seriously super easy.

::You can’t live without::
caffeinated beverages. Ever since having a baby, my cup of black tea in the morning is a necessity.

::Currently coveting::
This Ruby Tiger Cuff from Bauble Bar. It’s fierce!

::Your daily reads::
there are too many! Some of my current favorites are Delighted Momma, Chartreuse & a Twist, Brunch at Saks and of course Lark & Linen! I’m also a total politics nerd and religiously read The Economist, NPR and Politico.

::Your favourite quote::
“Write drunk, edit sober. “ Ernest Hemmingway

::On your night stand::
 I remember Nothing by Nora Ephron. I also just finished I Feel Bad About my Neck and Other Thoughts on Being a Women. Adore Nora!

::Your favourite designer::
For fashion my go-to spots are J. Crew, H&M and Anthropologie; for archeticture Frank Lloyd Wright; for interior design: anyone who hates white walls.

::Your dream home::
Lots of redwood, brick, windows and an open floor plan. While we’re at it: ocean view.

::Your happy place::
Paris in the rain

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Have you had the chance to make Kirby’s acquaintance yet? If you haven’t, you should take a second and head on over to introduce yourself. I’m fairly certain that she’ll welcome you with open arms, and likely offer you a cup of tea while she’s at it. From the moment I started reading her blog, The Short & the Sweet of it*, I knew it was one I’d return to again and again. Her sunny personality shines through her posts and you are almost always guaranteed a pick-me-up, often in the form of pretty things. I’m thrilled to have her here today sharing a bit more with us…

*It should be noted that it’s shared with the equally lovely Alexa

::Your go-to recipe::
These cookies never fail to impress (and get devoured within minutes).

::You can’t live without::
We just got a boxer puppy. Now that we have him I can’t imagine not having him!

::Currently coveting::
This striped peplum J. Crew top. The price might be the best part.

::Your daily reads::
The blogs on our rotating blogroll (which includes Jacquelyn’s blog, of course). I also try to browse the New York Times so I know what’s going on in the world, and when I need a pick-me-up, Suri’s Burn Book usually does the trick.

::Your favourite quote::
“Sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.” Lewis Carroll.

::On your night stand::
I finally got a Kindle (I just finished Gone Girl and am hunting for my next read) so there’s that. Also, I save all of my Vogues so there’s a collection under my night stand. Otherwise a little dish filled with sea glass and shells, a candle and I rotate a few framed photos.

::Your favourite designer::
 I recently discovered Heidi Merrick and adore her clothing (especially this dress).

::Your dream home::
A big kitchen with a gas stove and subway tile; an old-fashioned bathtub with legs and an ocean view (I might be pushing it on that one, but a girl can dream right?).

::Your happy place::
The beach! Beacon’s Beach near where we live in Encinitas has always been one of my favorite places, but my fiance proposed there last month so now it is even more special.

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I’m nearly positive that {this is glamorous} need not an introduction, but just in case I urge you to go and take a peek. Filled to the brim with stunning photos, it’s my go-to when I need a pick-me-up of the fabulous variety. Gilded and sparkling and glamour galore, there is absolutely no shortage of eye candy on Rosélines blog. Having been a fan for years now, I was thrilled when she agreed to participate in this series. Here are some bits and pieces of Roséline…

::Your go-to recipe::
it is no secret that am rather a beautiful disaster in the kitchen, and, like carrie, kept sweaters in the oven, but there are, surprisingly, a few things here & there that have actually turned out, including crab bruschetta

::You can’t live without::
p, my iphone, coffee, paris, roses every week, scented candles, dusky cafés, weekends, chocolate, travel, coconut water, sunday mornings, sequins & champagne

::Currently coveting::
this pink diamond

::Your daily reads::
unfortunately do not have as much time as would like for daily reads, any longer, and the google reader has been overflowing with items for months now, but do stop there first, over coffee every morning, and try to catch up on a few new posts; also try to flip through new issues of favourite magazines as much as possible

::Your favourite quote::
“For my part I know nothing with any certainty, but the sight of the stars makes me dream.”  –Vincent van Gogh

::On your night stand::
always, a bouquet of roses

::Your favourite designer::
elie saab

::Your dream home::
grand fireplaces, herringbone floors, carerra marble baths & kitchen countertops, juliet balconies and floods of light, silk drapery, and everywhere, chandeliers

::Your happy place::
with p or in paris, preferably both.

Rachel’s blog, Heart of Light, is one of my go-to blogs for good reason. It focuses on the little details in life, depicts awesome recipes (hello basil mojito), and always manages to remain real and down to earth (which is especially refreshing when it comes to the stylized lives often found within the blog-world). Plus, as a biologist, the girl clearly has brains to top it all off. A force to be reckoned with, if you ask me! I just know you’ll adore her as much as I do:

::A random fact::
I’m obsessed with big eyelashes. The thicker, the darker, the fuller, the better. I would wear fake ones everyday with no shame if only it weren’t so time consuming.

::Your go-to recipe::
I make some variety of red lentil dal once a week, probably. It’s so simple and quick to cook and I can change it up by adding coconut milk or roasted sweet potatoes. I will make this basic version or this coconut one and then just add whatever I have on hand that sounds good.

::You can’t live without::
Blistex DCT - it’s a terrible addiction that every woman in my family shares. I keep it in every bag I own and I have backups everywhere (at home, at work, in the car!). I’m always trying to switch to something more natural (or at least better tasting!) but nothing else seems to work for me.

::Currently coveting::
This ridiculously expensive olive oil and black jasmine soap. It’s so good but it seems so indulgent. I’ll probably give in eventually.

::Your daily reads::
My Google reader is packed – I read a lot of blogs. Other than that, I devour novels and try desperately to keep current on the New Yorker. I usually fail.

::On your playlist::
For working out – lots of top 40. For the house/car – it’s a huge variety. I love music and I’m equally appreciative of Gillian Welch (her latest album has been in constant rotation around here) and Everclear.

::Your favourite quote::
I honestly don’t have one – is that weird? I’m not a big inspirational quote person, although I do tend to highlight entire paragraphs when I’m reading. The name of my blog comes from one of my favorite pieces of writing, but it’s an entire stanza (starting at line 35) and I just love it because of the emotion it evokes.

::On your night stand::
A  glass of water and my Kindle.

::Your favourite designer::
Do clothing lines count? If I could live in nothing but Vince and Rag & Bone, I would.

::In your wishing well::
Travel more. I wish that I could set aside big hunks of time for travelling. I like it best when I have enough time that I start to imagine I might actually live in the place I’m visiting. Ideally, I’d never go anywhere for less than a month, but that doesn’t seem to happen!

::Your dream home::
Hardwood floors, lots of windows and good light, built in cabinets, kitchen with counter space, 1200 square feet or less with a decent yard for parties (clearly, I’ve been looking at listings lately)

::Your happy place::
I have a lot of them! Right now, I just want to sit out on my balcony, drink in hand, enjoying the warm summer evenings.

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While I love design in all forms, there’s no question that Scandinavian design marks the top of my list. Catherine’s blog, Nordic Design, tops my list of favourite blogs for that reason. Chalk full of eye candy of the very best kind, you might want to ensure that you have some time to waste before visiting, as you will surely get sucked right in.

::A random fact::
I wish I could tap dance, but my sense of rhythm is pretty poor.

::Your go-to recipe::
I love to make pretty cakes, pies, cookies, and other sweet treats. I found many drool-inducing recipes on Pinterest. My ultimate save-the-day recipe and perfect hostess gift is saltine toffee. It’s super easy to make and beyond addictive.

::You can’t live without::
I’d say my laptop. I use it everyday to work, write, browse, read, design, keep track of appointments, watch pictures, listen to music, stay connected with friends and family abroad… I can’t think of any other item that allows me to do so many things.

::Currently coveting::
My wish list is getting longer by the day… An Adnet mirror from Gubi for my bedroom; a black 4-arm Jieldé floor lamp for the living room; a Smeg fridge, and a bench by Per Söderberg for his No Early Birds collection. A dog would be nice, but I still haven’t convinced Kjartan…yet.

::Your daily reads::
I am a Pinterest addict. I find so much inspiration from this site! I have piles of magazines around my desk, and I really like to browse through old issues of Monocle, RUM, Elle Interior and Habitus. I also randomly visit some of the nice blogs I bookmarked –There are too many to count! Those I checked out today are: David Report, Convoy, and Oh Happy Day.

::On your playlist::
It’s quite a varied mix! I like The Tallest Man On Earth, Bon Iver, Sigur Ros, Coldplay, The Black Keys, and Feist, but I also love music from the 80’s and jazz from the 40’s and 50’s. I am a fan of Calvin Harris (Feel So Close), Yael Naïm (New Soul) and Misstress Barbara (Dance Me To The End Of Love). I am listening to Lana Del Rey while answering these questions.

::Your favourite quote::
I like quotes and motivational words of wisdom, especially when they’re about optimism, self-belief and the confidence to reach personal goals. I especially like the simplicity of the poster ‘Do What You Love’– A kind reminder to enjoy your life and what you do every day. Life is too short; follow your heart.

::On your night stand::
At the moment, my nightstand is a high stack of magazines (Côté Paris, RUM, Bolig, Red UK, Elle Decoration) with a black industrial lamp, a J.Crew catalogue, my iPhone, and my latest Wallpaper city guide.

::Your favourite designer::
I have so many… I love the heritage left by Scandinavian designers from the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s, such as Poul Henningsen, Arne Jacobsen, Hans Wegner, Verner Panton, Finn Juhl, and Eero Saarinen. Isn’t it amazing that many things they’ve designed so long ago are still considered very modern today? To me, that’s what real design is about.

::In your wishing well::
I’ve been making bucket lists as far as I can remember! I loved to dream about what I would be and do when I grow up. And I still do! The latest list included to work full-time on Nordic Design and related projects; to go back to the Lofoten Islands in Norway; to see emperor penguins in Antarctica; and to have a pied-à-terre in Copenhagen.

::Your dream home::
Open-plan concept, high ceilings, white walls, white-washed oak flooring à-la-Dinesen, a functional kitchen, a suspended staircase, and a bath in the master bedroom. Add to this a lot of art, classic Scandinavian furniture, and modern home accessories. I also would like floor-to-ceiling windows that open up on a large deck, with an awesome view.

::Your happy place::
Good food, good wine, good company.

Caitlin’s blog, Sacramento Street, has been a long time favourite of mine and I can’t describe to you how excited I am to have her here today. Chances are, you’ve seen her stunning San Fransisco apartment throughout the blogosphere by now as it has definitely made its rounds, and for good reason. The girl is simply bubbling over with style. Here are some bits & pieces of Caitlin…

::A random fact::
My first language was Sinhala, the main language of Sri Lanka. My babysitter when I was little taught it to me so that I could communicate with her daughter.

::Your go-to recipe::
Carbonara. (No.1)

::You can’t live without::
Not surprising, but my iPhone, it’s literally my third hand.

::Currently coveting::
For my home, a Moroccan Oushak rug. I have a friend that picked up a few on his trip there and I’m incredibly jealous.
For my closet, I’ve been lusting after this Rolex watch. I love that it’s big and the camel leather strap is just yummy. Also on my wish list – a Celine handbag. The simplicity and clean lines make each handbag so stunning. (No. 2 & 3)

::Your daily reads::
Simple Lovely, Wit & Delight, Apartment 34 and Miss Moss

::On your playlist::
The Florence and the Machine pandora station.

::Your favourite quote::
I’ve got two current favorites - ”There is nothing like a dream to create the future” and “Be Silly, Be Honest, Be Kind” by Ralph Waldo Emerson

::On your night stand::
The latest issue of Kinfolk, Vogue Living Australia, back issues of Domino, Bossypants, a picture of Eric and I from prom and an Astier elephant.

::Your favourite designer::
Michele Janezic, she’s a local fashion designer here in San Francisco. I don’t know what I would do without her line. My closet is filled with her beautiful clothes. What I love most about each piece that she makes is the simplicity. It makes everything incredibly chic.

::In your wishing well::
Oh my goodness, there are so many things on my bucket list. To list a few; travel to Morocco, drive across the country antiquing and sourcing every step of the way (going to Brimfield and Round Top are a must), purchase a home, and get a puppy (currently obsessing over aussiedoodles).

::Your dream home::
I’d love to find an Edwardian style home here in San Francisco that we could fix up to make our own. I dream of having Farrow & Barrel “All White” walls, open shoveling kitchen with beautiful marble and a floor plan on the main floor that is open so that when we entertain everyone feels included – because if not, everybody will end up in the kitchen.

::Your happy place::
Home. When I come home every night from work the stress gets lifted from my shoulders and I feel relaxed. What’s funny is that I constantly call it my happy place. (No. 4 & 5)

I can more or less guarantee that todays guest need not an introduction for she is well known and loved throughout the blog world. Sarah’s blog, Haute Design, is one of the very first that I ever laid eyes on and to date is one of the few that I still follow from that time in my life. Her posts are always artfully written, eloquently executed and frequently showcases images I have not yet seen anywhere else (no easy feat in the world of blogging and pinterest). It’s been so lovely getting to know a little bit more about Sarah…

::A random fact::
Klassen is not my legal last name, but it is the name I assumed when my mother remarried.

::My go-to recipe::
I am not yet great in the kitchen, but am developing my skills, (I grew up in a family that loves great food) but one of my current favorite comfort dishes is Coq au Vin.

::I can’t live without::
I suppose that would be my Mac.

::Currently coveting::
A Reed Krakoff handbag. (No.1)

::My daily reads::
I typically log onto Twitter, and see what is new—it could be a link to a fabulous article published by the Times or Harvard, or maybe inspiration from one of my favorite bloggers (see sidebar for a list), what have you.

::On my playlist::
Most people would laugh if they saw my iTunes playlists. I have such a mix—from my favorite soundtracks composed by Hans Zimmer that are so powerful and beautiful, to Led Zepplin, to Brigitte Bardot, to gospel. This Summer, though, I look forward to playing a great deal of Hotel Costes, and enjoying transparent indoor/outdoor living…

::My favourite quote::
At the moment, this is my new favorite: “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted” —Aesop

::On my night stand::
A propped golden antique mirror with some favorite cards tucked into the corner, a very modern lamp, my favorite Henry Dean vase with a few favorite ribbons (tossed), and usually a cup of green tea (always half full, as I tend to fall asleep before finishing it) No books! I tuck the books that I am reading (or, hope to read) within a basket, close by.

::My favourite designer::
I believe I have far to many favorites to name—and my list continuously grows! In face, the original purpose of Haute Design was to share beautiful design, from many different designers, and to inspire those who stop by. (No.2)

::In my wishing well::
I do not have a bucket list. Instead, I look forward to seeing how things come about—whether that is new adventures, or how many children I will have one day, or… (No.3)

::My dream home::
A warmth throughout, spaces filled with objects that hold memories and are expressive (nothing stiff or overly calculated), with layers of life and living, and of course, a home that is filled with love and happiness that radiates. (No.4 & 5)

::My happy place::
When I am with loved ones and friends—whether we are enjoying sushi together on Fridays, brainstorming new ideas or traveling.

If you’ve spent any time on Pinterest, chances are you’ve seen some of Erin’s amazing tutorials floating around. I know that I, myself, have big plans to tackle a number of them (most specifically: this one). What I’m getting at is the girl is talented, and it is clearly reflected in her blog House of Earnest. It was so much fun getting to know a bit more about Erin, and I just know you’ll love her as much as I do:

::A random fact::
I have an outie bellybutton.  People used to poke it a lot when I was little, so now I have an aversion to anything touching my belly button.

::Your go-to recipe::
This is one I created a year or so ago, but don’t have a name for… I should work on that.  I just mix a can of white cannelloni beans with S&P, lots of fresh thyme, and halved cherry tomatoes in a deep baking dish and bake, covered, at 350 for 30 minutes.  Let it sit for 10 minutes after it comes out of the oven and you have a creamy, hearty side dish with a really great balance of flavors.  On weeknights, I nestle some raw chicken thighs into the mixture before baking and make an entire meal.

::You can’t live without::
Coffee – hands down. (No.1)

::Currently coveting::
A great patio set. I need something high quality and heavy that won’t blow away in the next major storm. (No.2)

::Your daily reads::
I bounce around a lot, but have a handful that I check in on regularly: Oh Happy Day, Vmac+Cheese, Odessa May Society, A Daily Something, and Fabric Paper Glue.

::On your playlist::
It’s hard to admit, but I’m not a huge music person. I listen to a lot of spanish guitar music and french café music because I feel that it inspires me.  Right now I’ve been listening to the Eat, Pray, Love soundtrack on repeat.  It’s a good one.

::Your favourite quote::
It’s from Thomas Edison, “Opportunity is missed by most people because it
comes dressed in overalls and looks like work.”

::On your night stand::
The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan, My Keels Simple Diary, and 1000 Place to See Before You Die.

::Your favourite designer::
Diane Von Furstenburg truly just understands how to make flattering clothing for women, I have several of her dresses and they make me feel great when I wear them. I think that’s what style is really about. (No.3)

::In your wishing well::
Living abroad is a must-do in my mind.  It doesn’t have to be long, but I definitely want to have the experience.  I’m thinking about somewhere in northern Europe like The Netherlands or Germany. (No.4)

::Your dream home::
High ceilings of exposed wood beams, wood floors covered in layers of vintage killim rugs, and a back that is full of windows opening up to our wooded backyard.  We’ve gotten as far as buying the lot.  The rest will come in due time. (No.5)

::Your happy place::
My bed on Saturday morning.  We wake up early, make coffee and sort through piles of magazines while watching HGTV.