Catching Up

I feel like life always gets busier this time of the year. People are out and about, and the city feels more energized -- I love it! The quiet and cozy winter gave way to spring summer temperatures this week, with the high reaching 82 the last two days! The sliding doors were open all week long to let the fresh air in, and I was able to enjoy some time in the sun on our deck. Since Darling Notes has been a little quiet, I figured a little catch-up post was in order.

1. Did you know that I'm a paper person? I'm head over heels for nice papers, pretty stationery and invitation design. I've been working on my husband's cousin's wedding invitation ensemble. The bride selected a pretty shimmering pink and green palette with starfish and shell motifs. We're in the design process right now, but I have no doubt they'll be beautiful!

2. The warmer temps have me thinking about flip-flops and being barefoot. I need a new polish color for the spring, and I'm thinking about this strawberry pink color from Essie. I'll definitely need a pedicure before our Hawaii trip.

3. I could not resist posting this photo of a pug in a bowtie in front of a ship. I mean, is he cute or what? Sweet Paul is hosting a giveaway for your choice of the bowtie or flower collar from Etsy shop Rover. I'm hoping to win the flowered collar for Bean.

4. Have you been keeping up with The Everygirl? I'm loving all of their daily features, and today's post is no exception. Click over to see two pretty and delicious drinks for St. Patrick's Day. Since this is our first St. Patrick's Day in Chicago, the husband and I are going to head downtown tomorrow morning to watch the river be dyed green. Apparently it gets VERY green, and I think I need to see that (maybe with an Irish coffee in hand?)

5. Last Friday, my old iPhone 3GS jumped right out of my hand onto the sidewalk (imagine!) and the screen sadly shattered. Although the phone was sort-of working for a few days, it took a turn for the worse and cracked a little more on Wednesday night. . Since it was over 3 years old and I was eligible for an upgrade, I headed to AT&T on Thursday morning and selected the 4S. IT'S AMAZING. I should tell you that it's currently being held in a massive Otterbox case that is probably bomb-proof. Knowing how clumsy I am, I'm willing to carry around the phone in a bulky case to keep it safe.

Have a great weekend and a very happy (and lucky!) St. Patrick's Day!

Spring Color Crush: Round Two

This week's warmer temps have me craving spring days. I'm looking forward to wearing flats, skirts and springtime accessories once again. A few weeks ago, I shared my first Spring Color Crush. Today I'm sharing another favorite color combination. This pink, navy and gold palette is perfect for transitioning from winter to spring. Who doesn't love a little pink + navy?

Pink tank, Navy skirt, Pink bracelet, Gold bracelet, Navy bracelet, Pink necklace

Navy polka dot top, Pink jeans, Gold flats, Navy tote, Gold clutch

Spring Fling

I'm crushing on these colorful spring bags. I'd tote any of them around town! 3, 5 and 2 are my current favorites. Do you have a go-to spring bag, or do you plan to choose a new one with the coming season?

1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6

Spring Color Crush

We all know that navy and green pair perfectly. It's no surprise. This color combo is officially my favorite for spring. My closet is full of navy blue items, but I'd like to add more kelly green pieces for a pop. Here are a few things I'm coveting:

Green top, Striped top, Navy top

Dress, Clutch, Bangle

Green flats, Striped flats