Sarah Kay: if I should have a daughter...

Sarah Kay is a Spoken Word Poet and founder of Project V.O.I.C.E.(Vocal Outreach Into Creative Expression). Spoken word poetry is the art of performance poetry. According to Sarah, it involves creating poetry that doesn't just want to sit on paper. Something about it demands to be said out loud or witnessed in person. A series of words so powerful that it must be heard and experienced. Project V.O.I.C.E.'s main goal is to utilize spoken word poetry as an instrument to educate, entertain and inspire. Pretty cool, right?

In the clip above, Sarah talks about the power and lessons of self-expression. She did this for the TED conference, a nonprofit devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading. I'm tellin' ya, this lady is awesome. Watch the clip above to be inspired...

"The world is made out of sugar. It can crumble so easily, but don't be afraid to stick your tongue out and taste it."

~ Sarah Kay

an ode to green

(Images via pinterest.com)

An ode to green... As with all my posts, click on the photo to see a larger version of the collage above. Do you know how many names there are for the different shades of green? Allow me to count the ways... kelly green, bright green, emerald, lichen, moss, teal, lime green, shamrock, alligator green, seafoam, aqua, celery green, forest green, yellow green, blue green, jade, neon green, basil, olive, pine, asparagus, fern, jungle green, pear, viridian and my favorite apple green. Can you think of anymore?

And because I like this photo so much, I couldn't resist pasting a larger version of it below. I love her pretty green dress especially the ruffles trimming the shoulder and neckline.

Happy St. Patrick's Day everyone!

wanderlust: Paris

In honor of Paris Fashion Week, here are some inspirational photos of the ever romantic City of Lights. I know I'm a week late as Paris Fashion Week was actually last week. But as I tracked the coverage of the shows, the designers and the drama surrounding the big event, I found that I'm left with a bit of wanderlust. Paris in springtime would be absolutely mahr-velous, dahling!

Unfortunately, work and other obligations prevent me from grabbing the ol' passport. Luckily, there are tons of photos on the web that allow me to semi-satisfy my travel craving. Below are some of my favorites. Dreamy aren't they? As Audrey Hepburn famously mused, "Paris is always a good idea." And I so couldn't agree more...

What I wouldn't give right now to be having breakfast on a Parisian balcony.

I can't think of a better place to wear silk chiffon. Quite a romantic fabric, don't you think?

Twinkling lights sparkle like little golden hearts strung up on branches.

Laduree macarons are like little bites of heaven.

Paris in full springtime bloom.

Even the lattes are beautiful there. :)

(Images via Alicia Bock Photography, Pinterest, Marie Claire, ChelseaVictoria and English Rose Rambles)

wednesday links

{Image via Flickr}

Hello, my darlings. It's all about work travel for me this week. But I'm not complaining. In fact, Miami in March feels pretty darn good right now! It's 80 degrees, sparkling sunny and beautiful. After a late evening flight last night, the hotel wordlessly upgraded me. Imagine my gleeful surprise when I opened my room door and found myself standing in a two-story suite overlooking the water! Oh yeah baby, this is how I like to roll...

Some inspiring links for you to gobble up today:

Thanks to this tutorial, I wore this casually chic hairstyle all weekend long.

Spring is in the air with these lovely pastels.

I need new business cards. I'm liking the simple stylishness of this shop's selection.

One of my favorite home tours. Her closet is to die for!

This is perfect for summer. Simple, easy and breezy.

A bit of eye candy. Fun little things.

Newly discovered blog with a wealth of Italian recipes.

Super cute and whimsical Japanese tea party.

Have a happy wednesday everyone!

pink ruffles, ribbons and cake

This cake found on Sweetapolita inspired me to do...

...this collage.

Pink ruffles, ribbons, peonies and cake.

I can't think of anything else that makes for a better Monday.

The Ballerina Project

I was having a particularly drab day, feeling uninspired and just plain blah. Then I ran across an article featuring Dane Shitagi's "Ballerina Project". I was enamored with his photos featuring these graceful ballerinas amidst a gritty, frenetic New York City landscape. I've always been in awe of ballerinas in general. I find their lithe bodies and fluid, gliding movements just so beautiful. I mean, how do they do it?! How do they make their bodies move the way they do, and make it all look so effortless? Anyway, I love how Dane's photos capture a ballerina's elegant aesthetic, the beauty of her disciplined yet flowing movements, all juxtaposed against the creative chaos of NYC. Two seemingly opposing things combined to form something quite beautiful. I was entranced.

You can find out more about the Ballerina Project at http://www.facebook.com/pages/ballerina-project/22455674948.