It’s funny how things end up working out… We don’t really spend much time outside at our house. We take Max places, but we don’t just ‘go outside’. I wanted to change that so I created a ‘project’ for myself. Hence, the Finding Splendor series (which has been somewhat dormant, but making a comeback!). I thought that if I spent a bunch of time and money to create a space for our family outside that we would spend more time out there. Well, the reality is… We just needed to ‘go outside’!! Take a look at our fun Fourth of July day outside as a family with our little blow up pool.

And, guess what, it’s our very first time to spend time out there since we bought this house over 4 years ago. Who knew there was such fun to be had right at our fingertips!? Sometimes you just need to simply go outside…

Do you spend time outside at your own home?? What have you done to make your outdoor space inviting?

All photos by Kevin Dotolo

Hello & Happy Tuesday!

First, I want to congratulate the winner of the Graphic Image Giveaway, Shannon of What’s Up Whimsy!!

Remember, they are offering 20% off on their site to Hello, Splendor readers until July 20th using promocode SPLENDOR.

Also, hop on over to A Few Of My Favorite Things where I shared my favorite space in my home in Molly’s Room by Room series.

Have a super fabulous Tuesday!!

image via pinterest

While in NYC in May, I saw THE most incredible exhibit I have EVER seen. Alexander McQueen’s Savage Beauty Exhibit at the Met left me awestruck. It was almost more performance art than exhibit because of the intensity of the mood. The music, the lighting, but most importantly the talent. All of that coupled with the way Alexander McQueen passed away gave you an insight into the tortured mind of a true artist. It was absolutely incredible. I could really go on and on, but I think the images speak for themselves.

If you plan to visit New York or are in the area, this is a must see! The exhibit is running through August 7th.

Just before Alexander McQueen passed away, he designed one last collection for one of my favorite rug company’s around… The Rug Company. The result is an insanely high-fashion and unexpected rug collection. I am determined to use one of these rugs in a client’s home very soon.

The best part about true art is that it sparks conversation…

How do you feel about Alexander McQueen’s work?

Too twisted and dark OR do you think it’s just amazing?

Exhibit photos by Kevin Dotolo

Now that I’m trough with the majority of my travels for summer (sigh) and I’m firmly planted in the land of wifi, I’m resuming the new Blogger’s Splendor posts! What better way to get into the swing of things than with Molly of A Few of My Favorite Things! Not only is she absolutely gorgeous, but she has a precious family, and she’s lives in my town of Dallas! Somehow we’ve never met, but I adore her blog & couldn’t help but share her with you… Here’s to cocktails or a playdate soon! Without further ado, here is what makes for Molly’s splendor…

WEAR :: it’s a tie between my rose gold watch and my new fedora. i’m pretty much in love with both.

MAKE :: making crafts with my boys is my favorite.  they just recently tried out acrylic paints on canvas.  that was pure fun.

NEST :: awesome his + her pillows.

EAT :: i love sugar and picking a favorite dessert for me would be like asking me to choose my favorite child.  i love pie… and cake and cookies.  and the list could go on.

LISTEN :: silence. although i enjoy listening to music, it is not often i enjoy a perfectly quiet drive.  that is golden.

WATCH :: modern family.  my husband and i laugh out loud each time we watch an episode.  it is pee in your pants funny!

READ :: i geek out over Harry Potter.  i don’t think i will ever tire of the books & i totally look forward to the day i can read them with my boys.

VISIT :: i’d love to travel the world someday but my favorite place i have visited would have to be Australia.

WRITE :: i have a soft spot for paper.  one of my favorites is Linda & Harriett.

LOVE :: my little family of five. [Photo by Auburn Soul Photography]

___________

Thanks so much for being on Hello, Splendor, Molly!!

Please hop on over to Molly’s blog, A Few of My Favorite Things, and see why I adore her!

Happy Friday!! Have a fabulous fun-filled weekend!

Anytime I travel I always make a point to try something new! The last time I was in NYC, it was Russ & Daughters in the Lower East Side. Russ & Daughters is a famous ‘appetizing store’ ful of rich family history… but most importantly, it’s known to have the very best bagels & lox in New York City!

So, with husband and sister (who lives in the city) in tow, we headed down to the Lower East Side for breakfast.

Just ordering was a bit overwhelming, because you had to be a pro. But, with a little help from the counter staff, we ended up with some amazing noshes:  a classic bagel & lox with gaspe nova AND a delicious wasabe and white fish bagel, which I imagined would be something Morimoto would have for breakfast!

It was an experience that was rich in culture & incredibly delicious… and, really, it was just so nice to spend the day with my sister! Love ya, sis!

Being from the Northeast, bagel & lox are a standard, but I’ve met so many in the South who have never even heard of it!

Ever had bagel & lox??  What do you think?

Photos by Kevin Dotolo

Happy Monday!! I thought I’d kick the week off with an awesome giveaway. This giveaway is from one of my favorite sources for home office, journaling, travel, and photo accessories. I absolutely love the way Graphic Image has taken these products to a new and stylish level… plus, they sell to some of major luxury retailers, so I’m not the only one who thinks they’re fabulous! But, enough gushing… let’s get to the task at hand… The giveaway!!

Graphic Image is giving away a

free personalized iPad/iPad 2 embossed crocodile case with stand,

valued at $151.00.

To Enter:

Simply visit the Graphic Image website and comment on this post below with a link to your favorite item!

For a bonus entry:

Tweet a link to this giveaway!

You must mention @GraphicImageNY & @hellosplendor and leave an additional comment below.

You have until this Friday, June 24th, at midnight to enter!

Wishing you lots of luck!!

But, wait, there’s more!

Whether you win or not, Graphic Image is still giving all Hello, Splendor readers the chance to save!

From now until July 20th, you can get 20% OFF their entire site using promocode SPLENDOR at checkout!!

I’ll be taking advantage of that little gem, myself!!

Happy Father’s Day to all the Dads out there….

And, especially to the Dad’s in my life.

Have a great weekend full of love, family, and relaxation!

Shop the Look: BCBGeneration Tapis Ruby White Stripe Shoes | Anthropologie Stripe Bangles | Aryn K. Stripe Mini Dress | Marc by Marc Jacobs Stripe Dome Ring | Kate Spade Vanston Stripe Small Maryclare Satchel | Adidas Promenade Off White Striped Sunglasses | White Stripes DeStijl

This summer there are stripes, stripes, stripes everywhere and I just love it! I’ve always been a fan of stripes and this summer is no different. In fact, I wonder what inspired this post?? Take a look at these two twinkies around the Pulp Design Studios office…

Are you sporting the stripes this summer??