Thank Buddha, It’s Spring: La Dolce Vita

Today’s “Thank Buddha, It’s Spring” post is brought to you by the lovely Paloma of La Dolce Vita. Paloma lives and writes her very successful blog from my native Houston and her mission: “is to feature all of the elements that make up La Dolce Vita, or “the sweet life”: interior design, fashion, travel, great food, and inspiring people and places.” If you read her blog you know that she has achieved her mission, bringing to light images and inspiration unseen elsewhere in the blogosphere each weak. My only issue with Paloma is that I didn’t know of her before I left Houston for Chicago, because I would have certainly stalked her out and forced her to be my friend. Or at least to go shopping with me.

1. I know spring has sprung in my neck of the woods when… The azaleas start to bloom. Houston’s finest and most beautiful neighborhoods are filled with beautiful white and hot pink blooms come spring time.

{The Azaleas in Full Bloom at Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens}

2. If I could go anywhere for Spring Break this year… It would be Seville in April for their big Feria, or fair. It is an event filled with pagentry and merriment and everything that comes to mind when you think of Spain. What started out as a cattle-trading fair in the 19th century has evolved into a week-long party filled with flamenco music and dancing. We are going to Barcelona this summer, but I would love to visit the south of Spain some day.

{Image Credit: Travelzones}

{Cuties in Traditional Costumes}

Image Credit: Electrique

3. My favorite way to celebrate the season at home is by… Cooking with seasonal ingredients. There is nothing better than cooking with ingredients that are at their absolute peak!

{Asparagus, Fingerling Potato, and Goat Cheese Pizza}

Image Credit: Epicurious

4. My Spring Cleaning projects/resolutions are… Oh man! There are so many projects on my list. My husband and I recently sat down and made a list of things we want to do around our house and let me tell you, it is long! I guess that is part of being a design lover. Your house is never finished because it is constantly changing. We have a spare bedroom that has become our junk room over the years and is in desperate need of being cleaned out. A garage sale might be in order. I am also in the process of redoing my office, our bedroom, and our formal living room. I will be sure to post pictures when the projects are completed.

{We recently purchased this awesome Regency console which we plan to use as a buffet. My husband is working on it now and it should be ready soon!}

5. My must have for my Spring Wardrobe will be… Wedges! I live in wedges year round. I love that they are dressy, but are so much more comfortable than heels! They are in every fashion magazine this month and it looks like they will have a huge presence this year.

{Dream Wedges: Jimmy Choo, Prada, Michael Kors, Prada}

{The Price is Right: Old Navy, Old Navy, Seychelles, BP Nordstrom}

6. My favorite way to bring the season into my home is to… Keep fresh flower arrangements. I will usually make a larger arrangement and place it on the console in our foyer or on our dining table and I also like to scatter little bud vases with single blooms throughout the house.

{Peonies on my Kitchen Table}

Thank you so much for participating, Paloma! If any of you aren’t already fans, head over to La Dolce Vita and check it out!