Art lessons: Alaya Gadeh

Have you ever had a dream so beautiful that you wish you could permanently capture the images that played in your head?  German photographer, designer and artist Alaya Gadeh seems to have the rare ability to do just that. Alaya’s works are beautiful, imaginative and inspirational. She combines various art techniques  to create images that appear to be dream-like and full of fantasy. While viewing Gadeh's work, I feel almost as if I am seeing a part of myself that I buried deep down. Her work is subtle. She uses bold colors, but frequently mutes the tones with an overlay of texture or pattern. Gadeh incorporates elements from nature in her self portraits. She also creates colorful and intricate mandalas, which often aid in meditation and the process of finding one's true self. Here are some of my favorite works by Gadeh.

Couleur Royale de la Mandala, no. 1

Floral Dream



Beach Basics

With Memorial Day weekend almost here, many of us are excited for the unofficial start of summer. This weekend the beaches are officially open for business. Just because you are headed to the beach doesn't mean that you have to look sloppy. Nothing is more classic or easier than a giant straw hat and a long cover up. Just add sunscreen, some snacks and your favorite book to the items below and  you will be set to turn heads wherever you lay your towel.

Eugenia Kim Bunny 4 Straw Hat

Genie by Euginia Kim Cecily 3 Straw Hat (Slightly more affordable)

Ruched Reversible Halter Suit (Two bathing suits in one!)

Echo Ikat Long Caftan

Mia Tonga Sandal



Under One Sky Over sized Straw Tote

(this is affordable and adorable and I like that there is some sort of closure)

Marc by Marc Jacobs Preppy Straw Tote

( A little too expensive to take to the beach, but I love the shape and that it is structured)



Warby Parker Mabel Greystone Sunglasses

Sonoma Life + Style Geo Beach Towel

(affordable and a great pop of color)



Current Obsession: The Pixie Haircut

Since I was 13, I have had short hair on and off. Cutting all my hair off the summer before 8th grade was scandalous. At a time when young girls were trying to find themselves and hide behind makeup, I desperately wanted to stand out and be different. I wore glow in the dark zebra converse while my classmates wore the ultra cool L.A. Gear sneakers. Cutting all of my hair off was a bit traumatic. I saved my ponytail in a bag for almost 4 years, but I loved it. This may have a lot to do with my NKOTB obsession - my haircut inspiration was Donnie Wahlberg. Yes, I did have a rat tail. Yes, it was awesome.

Over the last twenty years, I have let my hair grow and cut it off again about 5 more times. Each time, I go back to the pixie cut. In my opinion this is the best haircut on the planet. It shows off beautiful features like big eyes. It flatters many face shapes and takes ZERO time to style in the morning. Got Bedhead? Good, because the pixie cut looks awesome when it is messy. I loved being able to jump out of bed, throw some pomade on my hair, run my fingers thru it and leave.

Right now, my hair is past the middle of my back. Everyone loves it - except me (and maybe my husband). My sister begs me not to cut it. My mother tells me how nice it looks. I do not think my hair has ever been this long and I am truly bored with it and tired of brushing out knots. Short hair is not for everyone. It takes guts. There were many times I was told when I had short hair that I had guts/balls/moxie, but I just felt liberated. I want to feel that way again!

Emma Watson, Ginnifer Goodwin & Michelle Williams (photo found on Zimbio.com)

Victoria Beckham, Winona Ryder & Kiera Knightley (photo found on Zimbio.com)

Carey Mulligan is my current pixie inspiration (Sorry Donnie!)

Has there ever been a more beautiful woman? Audrey rocked the pixie like no other