splendid stonetree designs!!

StoneTree Designs, Inc. was created by the lovely & talented designer, Lindsey Wong!

StoneTree specializes in residential & small-scale commercial design and focuses on developing great spaces that are timeless yet unique to individual personalities.
Lindsey received her Interior Design degree from the Interior Designers Institute in Newport Beach, CA and she also holds a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Southern California. She has experience in both model home and residential design and has worked on projects throughout the Southern California area.
StoneTree encourages clients to think carefully about the materials they use in their home in order to balance health, style, and environment.
StoneTree Designs offers fabulous design combined with a high level of awareness in the materials used. The spaces created are beautiful, modern, and have an inviting feel, which encompasses every element of great design!

I love this outdoor area! The perfect place to relax and gather with friends and family.

A modern bedroom that still maintains a warm feel! I love the furniture and the lamps are so cool. The vibrant and colorful art ties everything together.

I wish my kitchen looked like this! I love the combination of white, earth tones, wood, and stainless steel.

An inviting living room! A modern feel with a warm environment. Ideal elements for every common space.

I love the seating area created here! Perfect for reading and good conversation. It's nice that this area is open to interaction with the kitchen and living room also.

StoneTree Designs, Inc.
www.stonetreedesigns.com

i heart art....susan!

It's Friday! And, you know what that means....
it's time for another I Heart Art!

This week's choice comes from my step mum, Susan.
It is she who influenced my love for fashion, design, and art as a child & we continue to share that love through hours of discussion about our latest obsessions, visits to mid-century modern homes, museum exhibits, and shopping trips where we ooh and ah over all of the beautiful things we find.
Susan has chosen The Birth of Venus by Sandro Botticelli...

As a teenager, I remember reading (maybe in a class on the Renaissance?) about The Birth of Venus, painted by Sandro Botticelli around 1482. This historical work proved impossible to forget, mostly because it has been incessantly reproduced in so many inappropriate and kitschy ways!

Part of the impetus to travel is the magic of seeing with one's own eyes works of art only read about, and years after becoming aware of The Birth of Venus, I got to see it in person.

After fortifying ourselves with Campari and olives at on outdoor cafe in the center of Florence, we plunged into the cacophony of tour groups (all lead by sturdy guides holding authoritative umbrellas) waiting to be admitted to the venerable Uffizi Gallery. The Uffizi, constructed in the 16th century, is one of the oldest museums in Europe. Once inside, we ignored most of the famous pieces (impossible to absorb, anyway, because of the crowds and noise) on our mission to find the gallery housing the Botticelli. And there it was, glorious and breathtaking, the image of the goddess Venus emerged from the sea. Seeing it in person was a heart-filling wonder and that afternoon's prize.

And of course there is an interesting, but typical back-story:
Sandro Botticelli was privately in love with his model, the beautiful Simonetta Cattaneo de Vespucci, mistress of Giuliano de Medici. Oh, and wife of Marco Vespucci!
- Susan

Thank you Susan!

To participate in I Heart Art, click here!

more from boboniaa

I can't get enough of Boboniaa's fabulous fashions on Flickr's Wardrobe Remix.
She is so spectacular & I am seriously jealous of her endless collection of wonderful pieces.
A few of her latest creations....

Love this classic look updated with a red belt & printed clutch!

Red & green, my favorite combo.
How cute is this pretty summer dress?!
And the green shoes and belt push it over the top with flawlessness.

A fabulous graphic print frock cinched low with a great belt!

Bold, bright & oh so cute!

yes, more poetry!

poetry by sofidofi

Two of my very favorites.....

Baptism
by Alice Pettway

Water slides across my breath,
seeps into my upturned lips and eyes,
tastes of metal.
My hands slip against the glass doors,
slick and opaque with steam.
I have twisted closed the cold water knob,
and still the skin will not slip from my bones.


Snake Charmer
by Alice Pettway

Your eyes were full of sand dunes.
I burrowed through them
searching for your sarcophagus
and found it full of peach pits and old photographs.
My toothbrush has been staring at your bottle of cologne
for an insufferable amount of time,
I keep intending to throw it off the balcony.
I was studying to be a snake charmer.
You were my first subject, but refused to come out of the basket;
perhaps it was because I can only play three notes on my pungi.
At night, I poke my legs up under the sheet
so you can fan me with palm leaves in my silk-tent mirage.
I lie crossways: buckle together the two sides of my bed.
They have a disturbing tendency to separate themselves into his and hers.

feeling blue

Oh how I "need" a beautiful pair of navy round toe heels to lift my spirits!
I'm pining over these beauts....

Love at first sight! Beautiful, beautiful platform Mary Janes. Fabulosity!!
Joie Veronica in Midnight

Classic and chic patent wedge! I love the subtle gold detail & sleek design.
Lauren by Ralph Lauren Marlene in Navy Patent

A fun round toe with a lower (more comfortable) heel! Fantastic quilting and curvy slope.
Type Z Loriv in Mable Navy Patent

green goodies

Checkout these recycled goodies from Uncommon Goods!

Recycled Envelope Wallet ($25). Made from recycled feed & rice bags. Could also be used as an adorable clutch!

I love & covet the Personalized Letterpress Necklace ($62)! Made from old wood character blocks, complete with ink stains, and mounted on sterling silver. A great gift idea or splurge on yourself. So unique and interesting!

Ah, the Ecoist Clutch, an all-time favorite ($28)! The bar code pattern is so modern and bold.

bee blog!!

Lulu and the Bee Calligraphy now has a blog!
I've been working non-stop on the calligraphy biz again this weekend & have accomplished quite a bit. One task that I've enjoyed the most is creating a Bee Blog. Oh, how I love blogging. I think it will be a good way to get people to my site, so we'll see if it works. The purpose of the blog is to offer inspiration and resources for wedding and event planning.
Two blogs! And to think I didn't used to have any.

Check it out if you get a chance...
www.luluandthebee.blogspot.com

i heart art....jeannie

This week's I Heart Art comes from my lovely friend, Jeannie!

Jeannie's approach to I Heart Art was unique in that she looked to her own treasured collection to tell her tale of inspiration and love for art...

Surprisingly, this was very difficult for me. I love art and have lots of pieces that I want to share. But, I kept thinking it should be from notable artists, like Warhol, Lichtenstein, Peter Maxx (all artists I love, by the way, and all of which I own in layman, not collector, form). But there are too many in that category and most of them people would be familiar with. So, I walked around my house trying to choose just a few pieces. This was an excellent exercise in appreciating what you have. I actually have too many things to share with you, that I simply love. I would say, though, that I am more of a craft collector than an art collector. By that I mean, I tend towards objects more than paintings or photographs. Perhaps, it's a budgetary thing as much as anything. I have spent many a weekend at an art show, but can generally only afford something small, and usually can not bare to leave empty handed. I'm not sure I am playing this game right, but here goes...

The first is a serigraph by Leo Posillico called "Artists Have All the Fun". It depicts the janitors of a gallery, cleaning up the footprints of the artists. This was a wedding gift from my parents and my first foray into art "collecting". It feels whimsical and fun.

The next few are dog art (and I have more). The first is a bronze by Jim Budish of Colorado. We found him at the Affaire in the Gardens Art Show held in Beverly Hills in May and October each year. I believe her name is Chloe and she exudes GREAT JOY!

Next, another bronze from the Sherwood Gallery in Laguna, by artist Roberta Laidman. What dog doesn't want its belly scratched? Her name is Little Cookies.

My own beloved Boomer, commissioned by Shari Vogt. She was at the Laguna Sawdust Festival. She captured Boomer perfectly and no matter what direction you head, Boomer is always looking at you with those sad, expecting eyes.

The final silly dog is "Perro de Huesos" or Dog of Bones, made from paper mache and found at the Santa Ana Santora Building's First Saturday art opening. Proof that you can find art in lots of shapes, sizes, venues, and at any price. I think it cost less than $20 and I just love it!

The last work is by William DeBilzan. My husband and I call it one too many martini's at 230 Forest. I pined for this for a long while, before making the big purchase. I like all of his work, much of which portrays couples in love. This one is called "Becoming" and I love the use of mixed media, reclaimed wood, and the elongated shapes and bold colors.
- Jeannie

This was so fun & interesting! I really enjoyed getting to see part of your collection and read the stories behind each one. Thanks Jeannie!

Please participate in I Heart Art! Here's how.

phoenix picks

Phoenix Picks is a fabulous newsletter for all things hip & cool in the Phoenix desert!

I anxiously look forward to every issue and I don't even live in Phoenix.

If you do (or don't) reside in Phoenix, it is a MUST! Treat yourself to a free subscription, satisfaction guaranteed.

Written extremely well by smart and stylish women (The UE is the Managing Editor) who pick out the best shops, restaurants, and entertainment for your enjoyment.

Also, check out their sister publications:

Portland Picks, Chicago Picks, Seattle Picks, and Minneapolis Picks

Tres fabu!

stormy may day

Into the Storm (very appropriately titled) - by Fort Photo

Well friends, today is a bad day.

My bestie's father passed away this morning (somewhat unexpectedly),

and the stability of my employment looks even bleaker today than it did yesterday.

My heart is heavy & I feel like I can't breathe.

But, there are a few things bringing sunshine into my life:

1. I was tagged today bythe lovely August of The Fancier, a fabulous fashion blog that you must read. She even has a pug named Lulu! I will get to work on the tag & you will be seeing my list of quirks (as if I have any) and 5 things on here before too long.

2. Hoot & Heart received my Lulu and the Bee flyers & they are posted in their shop! Also, I may be included in a wedding book by the talented Eric Dare of Hoot & Heart down the road!

3. Lulu and the Bee will be featured in an upcoming issue of Phoenix Picks, a bi-monthly newsletter about life & style in the Valley of the Sun! Thanks to the fabulous The UE of The Ugly Earring!!

4. I have lots of dark chocolate peanut M&Ms in my desk to get me through.

so bazaar

Inspiration from Harper's Bazaar, May issue.

for the love of drama

Domino Magazine's May issue features the fabulous designs of Josephine Sasso, fashion designer and decorator.
The colors are crisp and bright & there is no shortage of drama. She uses high contrast colors and bold patterns. The color combinations are magnificent!
This design style fits me perfectly.

From Domino...

From Josephine's website...

may day wishes

image from here

May 1st signifies a fresh start to the clothes budget - yippee!

I have a bad habit of spending all of my shopping money at the beginning of the month & then feel desperate and depressed at the end of each month when I can't (or shouldn't) buy anything for weeks.
But, May is almost here & life will be good again.

My May Day wish list....

Hudson Wide Leg Stretch Jeans, Optic White
J.Crew Linen-Cotton Scoopneck Tees, all colors
J.Crew Featherweight Cotton V-Neck Cardigan, Kelly Green

J.Crew Perfect Fit Striped Tank


Sam Edelman Colette Slingback Flat in Buttercup


Dolce Vita Sass in Blueberry Patent

busy, busy bee

New Lulu and the Bee logo!
I worked on calligraphy stuff all weekend, including finishing up addressing 100 invitation envelopes for a wedding in July.

I created the flyers below for Adriana to post at the fabulous Hoot & Heart flower shops in L.A.
Thanks so much AR!

the darjeeling unlimited

The Darjeeling Limited is full of unlimited quirk and heartwarming fun.
I loved this film!
Three brothers travel across India in search of themselves, a connection to each other, finding their mother again, and closure for the death of their father.
A great story with many charming moments and beautiful scenery and colors.
Plus, Adrien Brody is totally hot in a head scarf.

plus de poésie

photo by hamed saber

After a Death
by Alice Pettway

She keeps a ruler by her bed
and measures her navel each morning.
afraid it will eat through her soft belly,
hollowing her out, caving her torso
into the widening hole.
She stops it up with gauze,
and hides it beneath her blouse,
but still stands far from the edges of rooms
to keep the wallpaper from showing through her.


Published in The Bitter Oleander, Volume 9, Number 2

i heart art....ruth

This week's I Heart Art is by my grandmother, the lovely and wise Ruth.

She has chosen the ever inspiring Impressionist painter, Claude Monet.

I enjoy the Impressionists in general, Monet in particular.
His Sunflower paintings are bursting with life and color.
- Ruth

Thank you Mamaw (said with a southern drawl)!

I would love it if you (reader) would participate in I Heart Art! To find out how, click here.

70's bow ties

I've always loved the bow tie blouse look, if it's done right.
Loving btb's for spring & again for fall.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Penelope Dot Top
Shopbop

Marc by Marc Jacobs Petite Floral Jacquard Top
Shopbop

Paul Smith Pink

Walter Bow Detail Silk Georgette Blouse

Nordstrom