Paper dolls

I'm completely charmed by the simple perfection of these articulated paper dolls by Maria Dubrovskaya. Craft paper, white paint and a beautiful sense of line and shape result in incredibly original creations with so much character. I love each and every one of them.

Maria suggests using these as a bookmark, attaching magnets and sticking them to your fridge or creating your own animations with the pose-able papers. I could see them in an open shadow box, minimally mounted to allow for new variations when the mood strikes.

Silent Shakespeare

I really adore the work of local theater group, Synetic Theater whose motion-based silent interpretations of classic pieces show that great dramas (and comedies) transcend language. I loved this little sneak peek video at the upcoming production of The Tempest (who doesn't love a water stage?).

So who would like to join us for a little theater outing to see the production later this month?

Pink hair

Photo Via Stylite

Forget the Grammy's red carpet fashion. The most notable look of the last week would have to go to Helen Mirren who appeared at the BAFTA awards Sunday night with the palest of pink tint to her cropped coif. Mirren told reporters that she had been inspired by an episode of America's Next Top Model.

We can only hope to be as cool as her someday.

Paperman

If you haven't already, you really much watch this Oscar-nominated animated short by Disney. Perfect for Valentine's Day.

Fossil Bags

Photo by Bonnie Tsang for Oh Joy

I'm a big fan of Joy Cho's blog, Oh Joy and click over almost daily to look at her cute colorful ensembles and her adorable baby girl. Recently Joy paired up with Fossil to style their new spring bags, and I loved what I saw. Punchy shades and functional shapes feel like a breath of fresh air. Here are a few of my favorites below.  All available at Fossil.

Valentine for Abbey

Please? From J Crew.

Valentines for Her

For the ladies, an assortment of gifts both small and splurge-worthy, traditional and trendy. Gifts for girlfriends, grandmas, moms, sisters and of course, yourself.

An everlasting bouquet, somewhere where she will look at it everyday. From Sweet Eventide.

A wish for luck in love, either continued or renewed a Japanese Daruma, or wishing doll. From We Love Daruma.

Cute and comfy shorty PJs with a monogram on the pocket. Eberjey on Red Envelope.

A sampler of scents from Ineke, with romantic names like 'after my own heart' and 'field notes from Paris,' there will certainly be one that will catch her fancy. Ineke from Anthropologie.

A hug in bracelet form. From Sensense on Etsy.

A fun and flashy poster to remind her she's the very best. Smile Baby Studios on Etsy.

Because spring still feels very far away. A heart-warming merino sweater from J Crew.

Incredibly cute earrings. From BHLDN.

A glamorously gold-rimmed cup, for sipping wine, stashing jewels and admiring. From Michel Gaultier on Etsy.

Fancy pants truffles with champagne fillings. Marc de Champagne from Saks. 

A whimsically poetic scarf. From Anthropologie.

A rose gold monogram. From Etsy.

A classic and very classy clutch from Clare Vivier.

Valentines For Him

Frank Horvat - Les amoureux du Quai du Louvre, Paris, 1955 

A quick selection of simple gifts for the dudes in your life. Lovers, friends, brothers, dads - just a little something to let them know you're thinking of them on the day of love. 

A dark and handsome watch, from Amazon.

Ampersand tee, because you are better together. From Ugmonk.

Makers Mark cigars, for a drink and a smoke - combined. From Ted's Cigars.

A cute card, that happens to be true. From Rifle Paper Co.

A necktie with a secret; a small pocket for concealing hidden messages, plus a stash of paper hearts for writing on. From Red Envelope.

A classic pair of shades in a cool color. Ray Bans.

A personalized leather key fob, simple, functional, sophisticated. From Nine Muse Leather on Etsy.

A spicy, sexy fragrance. Black Pepper by Molton Brown available at Nieman's.

A retro rad pocket square for wearing his heart in his pocket, instead of on his sleeve. Drake's from Mr. Porter.

Rather than a box of chocolates, how about a bottle of chocolatey booze? Nothing artificial but a product with true indie gourmet bona fides; Kings County Distillery moonshine infused with cocoa hulls from Mast Brothers Chocolate. From Drink Up NY.

The perfect pen for hand-written love letters. Kaweco from Woodland's Shop.

An assortment of chocolates with decidedly dudely fillings. Scotch & Stout Truffles from Williams and Sonoma.

A guide to great date night dinners, all around the world. Where Chef's Eat from Amazon.

To show how much you really care - a Nike Fuel Band to count his steps and counteract his desk job. From Amazon.

Skeletons in the Closet

I can't get enough of this series by photographer Klaus Pincher who was given behind the scenes access to the Museum of Natural History in Vienna. The scenes he captured of taxidermy subjects seemingly mid-escape give new life to dead storage. Whimsical, colorful and endlessly creative.

According to Klaus: "As a photographer with limited knowledge of scientific research methods, the museum's back rooms presented to me a huge array of still lives. Their creation is determined by the need to find space saving storage solutions for the preservation of objects but also the fact that work on and with the exhibits is an ongoing process. Full of life, but dead nonetheless. Surprises included!"

The photos just experience their own exhibition at the Vienna museum - would have been fun to see them alongside their inspiration.

Letting go

Image Via

A busy and challenging year has come to a close, one that has inspired much soul-searching, goal-analyzing and deep reflection. I'm not sure if I'm any closer to having the answers, but I do feel like I'm starting to have a better sense of what I want in my life and what I don't, which sacrifices are worth making, and which aren't. I've missed the blog, cooking and lazy weekends with friends. I'm looking forward to returning to all of that and more as I continue to seek the balance we all are trying to find.