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.