A new beginning

I have the most exciting news. My brother is engaged! He proposed to his high school sweetheart, Dawn, on Christmas Eve, surprising her with the most breathtaking diamond ring (which my mom and I had helped him pick out). Needless to say, I was about to burst when the big moment arrived, and of course we all cried. I'm so, so happy for Reid and his beautiful fiance. They're perfect for one another!

I'm sorry I don't have any photos of the happy couple to share with you. Instead, I'm leaving you with several photos from one of the loveliest engagement sessions I've ever seen. (These photos were taken by the incredibly talented Jill Thomas.) Coincidentally, this bride-to-be is also named Dawn. Isn't she gorgeous?

(Photos by Jill Thomas)

P.S. Now that we've all been bitten by the wedding bug, you can expect more wedding-related posts in the near future.

Happy New Year!

Hello, hello. I've finally reentered the blogging world after a month-long hiatus. My apologies--December is always hectic, and this year (well, technically last year) I seemed to be even more disorganized than usual. I have so much to blog about, but that will come later. For now I'm simply extending heartfelt wishes for the new year--may yours be filled with lots of warmth, love, and happiness.

(Photo via Once Wed)

Mouth-watering photography

My, oh my. These photos, featured in the March 2007 issue of Vogue Girl Korea, are so decadently beautiful that I just had to share. I don't think I'd be able to function properly with so much sugar in the room. Everything looks so enticing, no?

Picture Perfect

(Orsolya Balog)

I want this.

Named an InStyle Best Beauty Buy for 2009, this Brown Sugar Body Polish from Fresh combines real brown sugar crystals with precious oils and other super-ingredients to leave skin feeling soft and revitalized. Unfortunately, its $65.00 price tag places it a bit beyond the realm of what I can afford. For now I'll file it under the "Maybe Someday" heading on my wish list, which is one rung above "Keep Dreaming" (and two above "You're an Idiot").

Patience is a virtue

Yesterday I mentioned my eager anticipation for the just-before-Christmas DVD release of 500 Days of Summer. After finishing up my post, I foolishly decided to browse through some stills from the movie. (I haven't seen it yet.) Well, I really, really shouldn't have, because my anticipation has now ballooned to an absurd level.

Snapshots: Joseph Gordon-Levitt

It's been awhile since I've seen the adorable Joseph Gordon-Levitt in any films, so I was thrilled to see him in G.I. Joe (which I finally got to watch last week). Remember how sweet he was in 10 Things I Hate About You? I love how these photographs capture the star's idiosyncratic charm and effortless sophistication.

(Photos by Francesco Carrozzini for Esquire)

P.S. I'm looking forward to another heaping dose of JGL with the DVD release of 500 Days of Summer. December twenty-two, hurry up and get here!

Spotted simplicity

Klas Ernflo's Color Pad series is so simple, yet so striking. Who knew that a few paint drops could have such profound visual impact?

I left my heart in San Francisco

I felt a bit wistful as I listened to this song today. It's been three years since I visited this charming city, and I would love to return someday.

I left my heart in San Francisco
High on a hill, it calls to me
To be where little cable cars climb halfway to the stars
The morning fog may chill the air, I don't care
-Tony Bennett-

(Photo by Urban Pink Photography)

Just another manic Monday

How was your Halloween weekend? Hubs and I celebrated the thirty-first on a friend's yacht, anchored about a mile offshore from Waikiki. Although we spent most of the night sprawled on one of the beds below deck (thank you, seasickness), it was quite a memorable Halloween for me. Yesterday's highlights included an afternoon shave ice run to beat the heat (classic strawberry and vanilla in my cup, please) and a long, animated game of Monopoly between hubs and his friends. (Their games are always fun to watch.)

Tomorrow I'm hoping to whip up another cinnamon latte. I also want to do a bit of this.....

.....and this.

I'm loving the weather tonight. It's chilly enough for socks! Well, I'm off to bed. Sweet dreams, my lovelies.

(Top photo via ffffound, bottom photo by Samara York)