flowers make you happier...and healthier?

Between the new house and the pregnancy, I've been non-stop nesting. When my energy level doesn't let me "keep on going," I give in to my current obsession: Pinterest. Virtual nesting is my my newest jam.

While pinning away last week, I came across this article from Apartment Therapy. It speaks not only to the emotional upside of keeping fresh flowers in the home, but also to the health benefits.

According to the article, researchers found that hospital patients who stayed in rooms with fresh plants and flowers had lower blood pressure, felt less anxious and less tired. The article also points out that flowers in the workspace increase efficiency. Very interesting indeed...

nice pony!

Bobs are apparently the jam these days, but I've been growing my hair long for the past few months for one main reason. This girl loves a good ponytail.

Pinterest is filled with beautiful, grown-up versions of the hairstyle that really work for me this time of year. As we know, washing our hair everyday is no longer the goal. Especially in the colder months, the less washing and drying we do to our mane, the healthier (read: less dry and brittle!) our hair will be.

Here are a few gorgeous, messy ponies that work well for medium to long hair. Bonus? They look better a little tousled. So, get out that can of dry shampoo and your hair ties. It's time to whip that hair back and forth...or just pull it back, really.

Goop does brushed back, teased low pony in Elle Magazine. Bonus points for the dainty, unconventional tie. Very 60's.

This blonde stunner keeps the bed head look with part low pony, part bun. She keeps it work ready by wrapping a piece of hair around the tie. Classy move, madam.

This messy side ponytail featured on Cup of Jo comes complete with a tutorial. Click here for details. Jo's pal Caroline has starred in several hair tutorials. She is a stunner!

This is a similar pony to the lady at the top...just skewed slightly to the side.

P.S. New York Mag (we still get our subscription here in Nash) just posted this  fun slideshow of the 30 Best Ponies in History. Enjoy!

saving face

A few weeks back I stumbled across this amazing make-up tutorial on the blog oncewed entitled The 5 Minute Face.

I love, love products (just ask my Sephora points card!), but I'm not a girl who really gets into makeup. I would much rather invest in a good body scrub or a fancy bottle of hair conditioner. Still, this simple, everyday make up plan is so simple with such lovely results that I simply had to share.

Head here to get view the step-by-step directions. Now, is there also a tutorial for getting that gorgeous hair?

(all images via oncewed)

home & hill magazine

Yo, Tennesseans! Have you guys heard of the new quarterly magazine home & hill?

The quarterly publication is "a medley of in-depth cultural essays, culinary insights, travel literature and music features." In a similar vein as the popular Kinfolk, home & hill focuses exclusively on the Volunteer State.

new sofia

Sofia Coppola's latest flick The Bling Ring hits theaters this weekend and I (like most of the ladies I know) am excited to check it out.

..

I fell hard for The Virgin Suicides when I caught it in theaters back in high school (ouch, age). Talk about an awkward first date...

headband turbans

"Where do you get your headbands?"

--Marnie to Charlie's new girlfriend Audrey on Girls

Okay, so I'm fully prepared to take get some flack for this one, but I can't help but crush on the headband turbans that keeping popping up on Pinterest. Isn't there something wonderfully Liz Taylor (the caftan years) about them?

When the temps soar and you're headed for the beach, I can't think of a better way to keep your hair out of the way and still look pulled together.

What's the verdict? Would you rock a headband turban? I'm leaning toward the silk versions. They feel much more vintage chic and less outdoor music festival (no offense to the "jammers" nearest and dearest to my heart).

(images via pinterest, threebirdnest etsy shop)

GIRLS paper dolls

Is there anything worse than staying home sick on a Monday? Perhaps it's the nerd in me, but I really love the promise of a new week. Too bad the beginning of this week finds me couch surfing with a bottle of Nyquil, a binky and toasty puppy foot warmer.

In between naps, I used the time to catch up on GIRLS. Love it or hate it (I happen to love it...from the very first episode, by the by...), the show has been getting a ton of attention/praise/criticism.

Being a fan, I flipped for New York Mag's printable paper dolls of the Girls and the Guys of Girls. Pretty cute.

Here's a quick peek:

pom pom wrapping paper

Need. Want. Love.

This pom pom wrapping paper by Tudi Billo rocks! When I saw it, I might have even clapped my hands.

Who cares about the gift inside when it comes packaged like this? Delightful!

I spotted these on the always adorable Oh Joy!, but you can purchase these "gift papers (not wrapping paper?)" here for a cool $18.

(image via oh joy!)

hansel from basel tights

I have a crush on Hansel from Basel's circle dot tights in navy. Aren't they cute and cozy?

The L.A. based legwear designers make me excited that the really chilly weather has finally arrived here in Tennessee. Talk about a perfect excuse to purchase their cleverly crafted tights and socks...

See Chloe Moretz in their curtain tights below.

(images via frolic! and nylon)

a month of working girls

Christina Tosi, chef/owner of Momofuku Milk  Bar in NYC

Have you guys been reading Refinery 29's August series called "A Month of Working Girls?" If not, may I suggest you start!

The concept is a simple. Each day for the month of August the site posts a story about awesome female movers and shakers who are doing it for themselves (if you caught the cheesy song reference, say "heeeey"...).

From pastry chefs to florists, photographers to youth music teachers, every story is centered around the same main thesis. Are these gals successful? Of course! But the point is they got that way by working hard at something they truly love. How's that for a dose of inspiration on this hump day?

15 interviews to be read, 15 more still to come. Happy clicking!

Candace Waldron owner of Jumelle Boutique in Brooklyn

Madeline Fawcett and Meredith Bichsel, co-founders of Project MM, a beauty PR firm

Bee Shyuan Chang, freelance writer

(all images via refinery 29)

perfect summer sweater

There are so many wonderful things about our new home that I can hardly wait to share, but alas, that is not one of those posts.

For now, I will simply say our current proximity to Target has me giddy. For example, where else could one score a giant can of raw almonds, a new shoe rack and THE perfect summer sweater for only $16.99? Exactly, my friends. Exactly.

See below for the sweater in question.

 

I may or may not have purchased all three. Buy yours here.

(image via target)