Hula and happiness

WE'RE GETTING MAUIED: It's a week of fun in the sun for me, so I'm taking a much-needed break. But catch us back in two weeks for more from your favorite blog!

Don't stop decorating

STYLING WONDERS: I'm in the middle of decorating my bedroom right now, and I've been inspired by '70s style, think "Three's Company" and Mrs. Roper. Or, a better way to put that, is Fleetwood Mac. I've gone with a wicker chair and plush white rugs for my bedroom, much like those seen here, and I've added a mix of textiles to add depth to the room. Working off this old band photo, I chose black and white graphic pillows, similar to Christie McVie's blouse, to contrast with the white rugs in the room. The World Market iron wall hanging, above, keeps with the natural vibe of the wicker and wool. Last but not least, yurdan.com sells beautiful Uzbeki suzanis that make great bed coverings or wall hangings. They add a bohemian vibe to the room while still keeping things pretty. If you're scared to go too '70s, you can forego the wicker for wood, but try to stick with natural furniture to keep an organic feeling.

Linens and things

I just bought all new sheets and pillows for my bed, and I learned a few things in the process. One is that if you can get them on sale, do! It's an expensive process, no doubt. More importantly, mixing, not matching, is the way to go. You don't want everything to be matchy-matchy, it looks too boring and uninspired. I recommend getting sheets in a neutral, and buying your bedspread, pillow cases and pillows in complementary colors, but not necessarily similar patterns. Go for subtle patterns paired with bolder ones, so you don't have too many things competing, but so that there are plenty of places of interest on your bed. My favorite places for linens are Anthropologie, West Elm, Marimekko and Target. But only buy what speaks to you, after all, hopefully you'll be spending a third of your day in bed!

Under foot

Sweden is a great country, as proved by H&M, Ikea and of course those little jelly fish. I was at Ikea last night trying to pick out a rug for my bedroom, and was really impressed by the options. This circular orange and white beauty tempted me, but its $299 price tag was over my budget. Though for a 7-foot rug it's an undoubtedly amazing price. It's got a mod vibe that would be great in a room with white sofas, or matched with wood furniture. Yummy.

Beds fit for a queen

If you're into Marie Antoinette, "Masterpiece Theater" and chandeliers, I'm going to wager that you'll love Brocade. The have furniture and accessories perfect for the princess in all of us. Think footed dressers, jaquard wastebaskets and miniature dress forms. You don't even have to close your eyes and you'll be in your own Versailles in no time.

Shine a light

SEASHELLS BY THE SEASHORE: My favorite restaurant on Isla Mujeres is a little sandy spot tucked back from the street. Hanging from the trees in the courtyard are lamps fashioned out of conch shells. I picked one up for only $30, but they're pretty easy to make yourself. They are made of a simple lightbulb and cord strung through the top of a conch shell. The trick is to find a shell with a body big enough to hold a small bulb. Hang it low over a table or in a dark corner desperate for light, and you'll have a bit of beach year-round, without the messy sand.

No Mexicali Blues here

ENDLESS SUMMER: I know, another trip! After only a few blogs. It's just that time of year I suppose, though it'll be a summer chock full of blog entries, so stay tuned. Isla Mujeres is the destination, and surf, sun and snorkeling are the attractions. Quintana Roo is famous for hammocks, so wish us good hammock hunting!

Au naturelle

Everyone is going green these days. There's nothing like helping the Earth, but there's something a little crass about environmentalism becoming a trend, and just another excuse to shop. Isn't conspicuous consumption part of the problem? But, of course, that never stopped us from caving for something cute and cost-friendly, like this wooden bowl from Crate and Barrel. This is perfect for serving, decorating or for holding your jewelry on your dresser.

Grey gardens

IN BLOOM: Well, not quite. I've spent the better part of the last two months readying my garden for summer, experiencing the highs of a first flower and the lows of torrential downpours turning my basil into a moldy science experiment. I put most of my veggies in pots to have more control over them, and planted flowers in the ground to give some color. But, alas, the cold, rainy weather has left everything struggling to survive. Only the tomatoes are thriving. My favorite addition to this year's garden is the pathway. I took my inspiration from grand estate gardens, imagining they'd be a practical and pretty way to keep me from trodding on all the flowers in bloom. I guess one can always hope for future flowers.

Happily horizontal

WHY CAN'T EVERYDAY BE A LAZY SUNDAY? If everyone could have a little piece of land outside to call their own, that land should also come with a hammock. For as little as $30 if you have the right trees, to $200 if you need a stand, it's like a vacation in your own backyard. Everytime I lie in mine, if I shut my eyes and listen carefully, I think I can hear the ocean.

On the road again

OUT TO LUNCH: It's not summer yet, but I'm off on a road trip up north. Ain't no time like the present to get a new perspective on life, and of course to do some shopping in someone else's neighborhood.

Greenlight for green thumbs

If you're like me, you're more used to watching your plants die than watching them grow. But despair not! I think the secret to a green garden is keeping it simple. Herbs are perfect for this, as they're fairly hardy and don't need a ton of fussing. Plus, the reward for your hard work is that you get to eat them. Basil is the most versatile herb, but it's the most finicky, as it loves a hot summer day and needs someone to pick the flowers off of it as they grow. My favorite herb is rosemary, which is great with olives, parmesan cheese and mushrooms, and is incredibly hardy. Another favorite is sage, whose leaves, when fried, are delicious with pasta. Also good are oregano and marjoram, which can be interchanged and yield enormous flavor. Happy herb gardening!

Tune in

I think I'm one of the few who loved "Top Design," but it's true, I definitely had a crush on the program last year. It was a welcome distraction during almost a full year without "Project Runway," and was better than Bravo's other reality try: "Shear Genius." So it is with great joy that I can say it's coming back! No word yet on when, but Jonathan Adler has signed on to be the host once more. Hopefully he'll lose his catchphrase though, I wouldn't miss never hearing "See you later, decorator," again.

Style on the go

Everyone knows by now that plastic bottles of water are bad for the environment and possibly bad for you. Reusing them over and over to try to help the environment isn't a good solution, because there's some scientific evidence to suggest that the chemicals in the plastic bottles seep into the water over time. So what's a girl to do if she wants to stay hydrated? We love this bluebird and trees carafe. At one liter it's plenty big enough to get you through your day, and it's totally cute to boot.

Bowled over

I admit it, my favorite store is Anthropologie, and their Web site is pretty incredible too. If you're not familiar, go to right now, don't pass go, don't collect $200, just go! They have literally everything a girl could crave. From clothes to candles to cabinets to coasters. I'm currently in love with this blue, white and yellow serving bowl. It looks like something you'd find at a flea market, it's so homey and singular. Use it in the kitchen for serving, or on your coffee table to hold remote controls.

Eastern promise

My favorite store in New York City, and there are a lot of great ones to choose from, is Pearl River Mart. It is an Asian-goods emporium, with everything from silk pajamas to tea pots to paper lanterns. Everything is super affordable too, much less than you'd pay for comparable items at other stores. Check out their Web site whether you're furnishing your home or your closet. Our favorites are the wall fans and the embroidered tops. And you don't even have to fly to Hong Kong to snag them.

Color me green with envy

Both West Elm and Crate and Barrel are featuring a palette rich in green for spring. They're catalogues are also packed with wood products. It's a trend, we definitely think is inspired by the environmental movement, so chalk it up to Al Gore. We love it for spring, as green is a pick-me-up color that is fitting for the season of new life. We also love all things wood, especially West Elm's bowls, which are perfect for fruit in the kitchen or keys by the door. Check out their site, for inspiration and start thinking green.

I spy ikat

If you've been keeping up with fashion at all you know that ikat is the big print for spring. What is ikat? It's a way of dying or embroidering fabric that results in a patterned, sometimes tie-dyed look. It's popular in Eastern Europe, think Uzbekistan, and also parts of Africa, Asia and South America. You definitely don't want to dress head-to-toe in the pattern, but this Urban Outfitters scarf is a great, subtle way to incorporate the look into your wardrobe. If you're looking for something for your home, you can get a one-of-a-kind throw to put over a sofa or to hang on your wall. It's a great way to add a splash of color and culture to a room.

Model design

I love the idea of finding creative ways to hang photos and jewelry, because it seems a shame when they're tucked away in a box somewhere. This dress model from Pottery Barn Teen is perfect for the bedroom or a walk-in closet. You can pin photos to it or use it to hang jewelry. It's a bit of an investment at $199, but everyone will ask where you got the idea. Just don't tell anyone where it's from!

Pure & Green heaven

While browsing in Williams-Sonoma this past weekend I came across the company's new earth-friendly homekeeping line, the Pure & Natural Collection. Formulated with essential oils, and made with no toxins, ammonia, phosphate, chlorine or parabens, this is among the cleanest cleaning products I've ever seen. But that's not what draws me; it's the intoxicating scents that actually seem to belong in any kitchen. They are all absolutely amazing, and I may just buy up the whole line. I love them all, but ranking from my favorite down:

1. Meyer Lemon Parsley — For clarity and balance choose the soft tones of Meyer lemon, orange and grapefruit with the earth notes of parsley and basil
2. Olive Oil Coriander — Olives, well known for strength and well-being, bring this to life along with cedar, musk, amber and, of course, coriander (cilantro)
3. Herbes De Provence Sweet Orange — Revitalize with herbal freshness of mint, basil, bay leaf, clove and lavender, plus hints of citrus and eucalyptus
4. Ruby Grapefruit Ylang Ylang — Stimulates and energizes with notes of peach, melon and apple along with grapefruit and a bit of sweetness from ylang ylang
5. Lavender Juniper Rose — Create calm and relaxation in your kitchen with lavender, plus hints of rose, geranium, jasmine, pine, juniper and sandalwood
6. Asian Plum Mandarin — Decrease stress with plum, orange and bergamot, as well as ylang ylang, marigold and rose

Gardening with glass

So if you're like me and have a lot of serving dishes and bottles gathering dust in your cupboard, just waiting to be brought out for the party you've never had, there is a way to make use of them. Olive oil pourers and creamers make especially good vases, and come in handy for fresh herbs that could benefit from some water. I always keep a cute elephant creamer that never fulfilled it's original purpose filled with fresh rosemary in the kitchen. There's nothing better then when style and function are a perfect match.

Enviable abode

GWYNETH'S GORGEOUS HOME: Metropolitan Home magazine's last cover story before the magazine folded was on Gwyneth Paltrow's summer house in the Hamptons. It's a gorgeous home, with a beautiful pink blossom glass chandelier and a standalone yoga/pilates studio in the backyard. It's pretty spectacular, yet definitely sickening, and totally enviable. Known for her simple and classic style, Paltrow's home reflects those tastes, and is decorated in cool tones with a lot of blue and white. Her home is as indicative of her style as her wardrobe, which is a good start for inspiration if you're struggling with how to decorate your home. Take a look at your closet, see what colors your attracted to, what shapes you like and what fabrics appeal to you, and start from there.

Top of the pyramid

We just love MOMA museum stores for odd, fun innovations for home. The Wedge, in all its simplistic glory, keeps pyramids of beverages from slipping and sliding all over your fridge; it saves space and curbs potential disaster, and that is beyond worth dishing out $12 for two. And if you're looking for a way to keep your champagne fresh once it's been opened, here's a tip: Insert a spoon into the top, handle down, to keep it bubbly. Thank god for Mr. Wizard!

Flower power

Beyond just water, flowers need an energy boost, too. This usually comes from store-bought additives like Floralife powder, but if you don't have time to run out to the store, why not make it yourself? A simple solution is to take 1 quart warm water and add 1 teaspoon sugar (for that aforementioned energy boost), about half a lemon's worth of juice (the acid helps stems absorb nutrients — if you don't have this, copper from a couple pennies does the same thing) and just a couple drops of bleach (it wont kill the buds, but it will kill the bacteria and make washing the vase easier later). This easy at-home solution will make your blooms last days longer, and who doesn't want that! For the potted plants in house, there is another easy at-home solution for fertilizer: epsom salt. The magnesium and sulfur from the salt makes leaves grow bushier and encourages flowering plants to bloom. Make a solution of 2 tablespoons salt to a gallon of water, and feed about about once month.

Scent of a woman

One of the most underlooked senses is scent, bringing it into your home is a great way to elevate your mood and to make your space welcoming and warm. Here's a way to do it while washing dishes turn from a horrible to chore into a mildly unpleasant one. Mrs. Meyer's Dishwashing Gel will fill your house with a fresh fragrance that lingers long after your dishes are dry, and at about $5 it wont break the bank or the fine china. The gardenia scent is our favorite, but you can also get it in lemon verbena and lavender. Wash on.

Swedes do it better

Except when it comes to food. What is it about Sweden that makes its residents so stylish? Marimekko is best known for its bright and bold patterns when it comes to textiles, but they also make clothes and accessories well worth a look. Check out their site to find out if there's a Marimekko store near you. If not, don't despair. There are many other retailers that carry their wonderful wares, including the ubiquitous Anthropologie.

Scents and sensibility

I know my night couldn't get any better when I'm curled up on my sofa under a blanket, emptying out my Tivo queue with a yummy candle burning. Pacifica candles are one of LookGirl's favorites — inside and out — as they smell as good as they look. My top choice is Ruby Hawaiian Guava: sweet, fruity and floral but not at all cloying. The soy candles are the most versatile as they come in glass hurricanes, but the goodness doesn't stop at the candle. The box the candle comes in is beautiful, with a pink floral design that's reminiscent of islands, beaches and early '70s style. The box is perfect to be used as a makeup brush holder, just don't keep it too close to the sink, water is not its friend!

Knocked up

This is the coolest door knocker we've ever seen, by a long shot. A LookGirl spotted this on a door in the town of Oia in Santorini, Greece. We haven't been able to find anything like it locally, but Restoration Hardware has a cute dragonfly knocker ($79) that's worth checking out. But the search continues for this perfect knocker!

Deck the halls, the bedroom, the den...

So, you're in the process of taking down the tree and figuring out the safest way to store your holiday-time decorations. Ornaments are becoming so cute it's a shame they can only come out to play once a year. If you've got an ornament you love and it's not too Christmas-y, find a spot in your home where you can hang it year-round. Try hanging several from fishing wire in a corner of a room that's looking a little lonely. Glass globes, like this beauty from Free People, are perfect for this. Cluster several similar ones together to so it looks purposeful. If you have an ornament that's more of a dangler, a doorway can be a good home for it. But, please, save the snowflake ornaments for the tree!

By a nose

If you're looking for the ultimate indulgence for yourself, or a friend, Volupsa home frangrance diffusers are the way to go. At $48 they're definitely pricey, but the bottle is beautiful etched glass, and the Capri Fig Frangipani scent is the company's best. If you want something a little less expensive try the candles in etched ceramic containers, which are $38, and are also really nice. Find them at anthropologie.com.

For the hostest with the mostest

If you're looking for an indulgent gift for the person who has everything, check out the new "Vogue Living Houses, Gardens, People." It's perfect for anyone into style, whether in the home or in clothes, and has gorgeous photos accompanying the articles, which cover a wide range of celebrities and socialites. On sale now at amazon.com for $47.25, so pick one up!