A Bit of Brilliance - Glorious Santorini

Our tour of Europe made a stop over in Santorini last week and although far too short in duration, the little island has made a lasting impact and can't wait to return. 

I also can't seem to shake the gorgeous white and blue hues that dot the cliffside from my mind, and the way the whites change as the sun moves throughout the day, especially leading up to sunset. White and blue is a classic palette that can often feel overly nautical, however in Santorini everything feels crisp, modern, and at times very glamorous.

See what I mean? Get my point? Do you catch what I'm laying down? Lots of clean lines, minimal embellishments, and the perfect amount of sea-inpired blue and white striped fabric (none, at all).  We actually passed quite a few lovely restaurants with mid-century inspired tables and seating, one even had the fabulous Louis Ghost Chairs I've been lusting after for years.

I can't think of a place on the island that portrays this minimalist mid-century mix better than Grace Santorini Hotel. No we didn't stay there, we didn't even seek our the lobby to have a peek inside - I admire better from afar (online stalking) - however I'd give up an appendage without a second thought , for just one night in their private Villa Room. 

All photos via Santorini Boutique Hotels

What a glorious gem, inside and out, in one of the most beautiful places I've ever had the chance to visit. Fair warning to the rest of Europe, this will be hard to match but I'm ready if you are.

Take care,

Calli

A Bit of Brilliance - Olympic Version

If you were unaware, the 2012 Olympic Games begin today in London. I plan to catch a few of the events and cheer on our Canadian Athletes - we have a local competing in the shot-put, very exciting. 

I have to admit that I'm most excited for the opening and closing ceremonies, with all the great British bands out there I know the performances will be amazing. 

In honour of the upcoming competition, check out these awesome vintage Olympic posters - I'm really loving the use of colour and retro graphics. A cluster of two or three would look great hanging over a couch or dining area. 

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Forgive me because I'm going to be a wee bit patriotic for a minute - I've seen three Olympic Games commercials today on our national news channel and two of them featured athletes that weren't even Canadian. Name another country that publicizes athletes from around the world as much as their own; I love being Canadian.

Enjoy!

Calli

A Bit of Brilliance - Touch of Purple

This week I've gathered up my favorite purple internet finds. It was love at first sight after stumbling upon this gorgeous Michael Kors watch in a grape metallic hue. It might not be the most practical but that doesn't mean I can't drool from afar.

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Even thought I'm without walls, or a bed of my own at the moment I really, really, really want to make this drop dead gorgeous headboard. I love the gathered fabric and the colour is show stopping.

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This recipe for baked Blueberry Oatmeal looks delicious and it's healthy! But wait, you can make a tray on Sunday and re-heat it throughout the week to enjoy a hearty breakfast every morning. 

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I adore these little lavender wrapped votive candles - they're perfect for a rustic wedding but would look equally great in a powder room or on a bedroom side table. Lavender has a calming, stress eliminating scent, I can almost smell it now.

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Isn't this the most charming gardening shed you've ever seen? The gorgeous roof line and lilac paint make it look fairy tale like. 

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Have a lovely weekend!

Calli

A Bit of Brilliance - Colourful Geometrics

Lovely spring colours in amazing geometric shapes create something really special. Beautiful macaroons in rich hues, patterned nails to match your throw pillows, delicious striped heels, and a fabulous honeycomb toy basket - is anything better?

via karaspartyideas

via heynicenails

via designmom

via nordstrom

via varpunen

As I eluded to earlier this week, I'm heading off to sunny Las Vegas for the weekend. In fact, as you read this there's a good chance I'm shopping my little heart out!  Have a fabulous weekend and I'll be back in a few days.

Enjoy!

Calli

A Bit of Brilliance - Lace Trimmings

Every year it feels like I have less and less free time - where have the good old days gone of curling my hair for forty five minutes in the morning, talking at length with friends online, basking in the warm sun with a good book...?

Oh yes, those are the indulgences of someone who hasn't yet moved out of their parent's house, started working full time, and realized how difficult it can be to maintain a clean home (and some sort of trim waistline). Darn. 

Before the dividing of my free time into laundry time, workout time, cooking time, and bill paying time, I was able to browse my favorite blogs, soak up inspiration, and admire others' DIY efforts. If I was still able to do this regularly I think I'd admire their craftiness even more - who has time for projects these days? 

One such project I stumbled upon was an incredible lace stenciled floor. I immediately wanted to rip the carpet from the floor of my bedroom and start painting. Yes, I was still living at home and going to University, who else would have the time or energy to actually consider a project like this?

via Design*Sponge

I never did rip up the carpet, or stencil anything in a lace pattern, although the idea has stuck with me and I've grown a particular fondness for lace. However this 'aint your grandma's lace - delicate, crisp, feminine, I absolutely love it! It has incredible detail, texture, and the ability to camouflage unmaintained waistlines... I just can't get enough of the stuff.

I'm really excited to see lovely lace dresses and tops in stores this spring - side note, I LOVE dresses with sleeves!

via lovable pics

via fashion worship

I am envious of the mood this gentile lace curtain creates. Soft, intimate, clean - I wish my own house felt more like this sometimes.

via pretty spaces

Lace has always had a place at weddings - I'm crazy for delicate lace cap sleeves right now - so it's only appropriate that it'd found it's way onto wedding cakes too.

via intimate weddings

Accessories are a fun way to had a hint of lace without a major wardrobe overhaul. These shoes are fabulous.

via modcloth

via beauty bridal

Although the real world has caught up, it's not all bad. I get to make my own design choices in my own place now, and in the free time I still have, I get to collect all sorts of lovely ideas and put them here to share. Perhaps it's a good thing I don't have time to visit as many blogs. After all, it means I'm not solely inspired by others' ideas and am free to write about whatever I want!

What's your take on lace? Are you as smitten as I am or does it remind you of your grandmother's horrible window valences? 

Enjoy!

Calli

A Bit of Brilliance - Diamonds are Forever

Do you think Kanye pines for his good old days like I do? I remember when Jesus Walks and Diamonds are Forever  were featured in a steady rotation on my iPod...

I know he's put out music since then, and I've heard it's pretty decent actually, but I can't really get over the egotistical showboating and condescending comments. I mean who makes Taylor Swift cry? It's like kicking a dog or something... clearly I'm not over it. 

Anyways onto another rant - why do diamonds have to be so expensive? They're supposed to be a girl's best friend but I can't even afford to have one over for wine and some gossip. I've started seeing a lot of graphic diamonds lately, which may be just the way to introduce myself to such a foreign object. 

Also these diamonds don't increase my chance of being robbed at gunpoint - a very important consideration each morning while I'm accessorizing.

Pendant necklace via Modcloth

vintage inspired poster via Etsy

screen print t-shirt via Etsy 

DIY tote bag via how about orange

iPhone case via Etsy

DIY pendant necklace via oh the lovely things

Have a wonderful weekend!
Calli

A Bit of Brilliance - Lookie Loo

Why do short weeks drag on and feel longer than a normal work week? Alas it's Friday, thank goodness, and I've got some lovely ideas to share. So go ahead, have a look, and then have a great weekend!

As soon as I spotted this strawberry tart I knew I had to make it - now I'm just waiting for them to come into season. Doesn't it sound delicious? I really like the rustic look, not too perfect and therefore easily attainable. 

via yumsugar

I really like the graffiti look this mirror has. The bright coral and orange really make the ornate frame stand out; the photo composition is equally fantastic.

  

via tumblr

This look is absolutely stunning - I can't stop staring at this photo. The coloured headband, loose wavy hair, perfectly maintained brows, pale blush... I could go on and on

via Pinterest

I love tulips in the spring and having these beauties greet me in the kitchen each morning is the best way to start any day - even a Monday.

 

via tumblr

I really love the look of this colour combo - soft pink, gray, and cherry red. It's unexpected yet really works.

via cupcakes and cashmere

It's Friday the 13th - spooky eh? If you believe in all of that...

Enjoy!

Calli

A Bit of Brilliance - Easter Edition

There are lots of adorable Easter ideas popping up online - why not take some time this weekend to bake up a cute treat or assemble a lovely centerpiece? Here are a few of my favorite ideas for a little last minute inspiration. 

via Martha Stewart

via squidoo

via Urban Comfort

via Flickr

via fiskars

via williams-sonoma

via Update Dallas

Have a great weekend, I'll be back on Tuesday.

Calli

A Bit of Brilliance - Spring Has Sprung

The first official day of spring was glum in these parts - but the weekend smartened up and graced us with some lovely sunny weather. It was so warm I drove around with my windows down and sunglasses on!

Spring makes me think of bright punchy colours and bold hues - brilliant green lawns, jewel toned blooms, and glistening raindrops. 

Handcrafted glass and wire pendant via Etsy

A colourful vignette via 79ideas

I want a jean shirt! via Lucy Laucht

Tulip via Pinterest

Teal table via flickr

Isn't it lovely to have summer just around the corner?

Enjoy!

Calli