MF and I will be moving soon (oh, the packing to be done) and of course I'm already thinking about what the new decor will be like. We share a love of modern design, so I've been sifting through ideas online. I came across this space saving contraption tonight, and am not sure what I think. It's the ultimate solution for a small space, and I like the sunken living area... I'm just not sure how I feel about the "bedroom" being right overhead. Either way it's pretty cool aesthetically and functional for the most part, except if you're susceptible to sleepwalking, yikes!

With the new movie The Great Gatsby there is of course, great fashion. To celebrate the film, here are a few secrets to nabbing that Daisy Buchanan effect for your own — in a fresh, modern way. Drop waist tea dresses, Peter Pan collars, fringe and marabou trims. It's art deco glam at its finest... and don't forget to pile on the pearls and sparkle!

Today is May 12, Mother's Day. There are posts all over the internet today, people voicing their love and adoration for mothers in general. While I do share in this respect for the commitment and dedication these wonderful women all share, I can truly only speak for one - my mother. So on this special day, I just want to say Happy Mother's Day to my amazing mom; you are my best friend and mentor and still the woman I want to be when I grow up. Thank you for always being there, and for supporting my dreams.

I thought it fitting to celebrate this day with the work of American painter Mary Cassatt who often created images of the social and private lives of women, with particular emphasis on the intimate bonds between mothers and children. This particular painting reminds me of my own mother, who for many years sewed beautiful dresses for me as a little girl... Happy Mother's Day to you, mom.

Last Friday, MF took me to see The Rolling Stones (such a good bf). I couldn't believe it! I was actually going to hear this legendary band live, at the Staples Center. I'll be the first to admit that I am no die hard fan, but no one passes up the Stones. I was thrilled and they didn't disappoint.

While in line for our tickets, my eyes wandered over to the merchandise area and the array of "lips" paraphernalia. T-shirts, jackets, caps etc. all prominently featuring that famous logo. I started thinking about the logo, and how well known it is. Just an open mouth and tongue, it is known the world over and I wondered about how it came to be, and who had designed it. Here's what I found -

• The big red mouth also known as the “Tongue and Lip Design”, dates back to 1970 and was created by the British graphic designer John Pasche.

• It represents the intense and rebellious mouth of Mick Jagger. The tongue is an ovation to the Hindu goddess Kali, goddess of everlasting energy and signifies the use of free expression in their music.

• It is one of the most widely recognized logos ever created.

Needless to say, I couldn't resist buying these juicy red lips and left with a t-shirt of my own. Not only is the design clean and simple but it has become the ultimate definition of cool.

For years I have loved the Tom Ford Whitneys. They are such a flattering style, and lately have been updated to include a greater color selection. The only problem with these beauties is the size - while it works for many, it is sadly too big for those with small faces (me). And so my quest continues; I am determined to find that perfect style for the small, oval faced girl. It's out there, and it will be mine.

I recently completed a project with the lovely ladies of Pitch! Press - "...an experienced public relations agency for fashion and beauty brands seeking ongoing editorial placements at an affordable monthly rate". I happened to contact them just as they were redoing their website, and the result was a wonderfully collaborative effort.

It's great working with clients who on one hand have a clear vision of what they want, but on the other still give you free reign. It is every Illustrators dream combination. By far the very best part however, is the joy you bring to your client when they see the finished illustration that until that point existed only in their mind. It is so rewarding to make people happy with your art, and just one of the many reasons that I love what I do.

Last Christmas MF gave me a Sephora gift card and after deliberating for four months over what I should splurge on, yesterday I set out to make my purchase. For many years, I've used perfume sparingly. Depending on what you buy it can be a very expensive item and it seemed fitting that it only be used on special occasions (with deodorant taking its place on those "non-special" days, for those of you wondering). This year however, I have altered that mindset. Every day should be a special day. No longer am I "saving" shoes or jewelry or perfume for that matter. They end up being unused and un-enjoyed!

With that said, I discovered that perfume shopping can be a daunting task if inadequately prepared. The entire Sephora left wall display was was covered in scents ranging from citrus, to floral, to fruity, to spicy, to woody... and many more. But thanks to a sample I received last year, I knew exactly what I wanted - Gucci Guilty Intense. A subtle fragrance with a hint of honey. Nothing overly sweet for this girl.

The whole experience got me thinking about scents, and what we gravitate towards. Cosmopolitan magazine encourages us to buy for the men in our lives, advising that "scrumptious scents drive them crazy on a first date", while for me the choice is personal. Of course I want those around me to appreciate the way I smell, but most importantly it must be something that I like, and that reflects my personality best. For me, Gucci Guilty Intense has nailed it; with subtle notes of mandarin, pink pepper, lilac, geranium, peach and patchouli it is sweet without being overpowering. Just like me.

$63.00 at Sephora.

Ok, so I'm still on my little swimsuit kick and here is another by Nanette Lepore that I absolutely love. I've been a fan of hers for some time, but never really delved into her swim line. It's definitely for a slightly older demographic, and by that I just mean twenty somethings and up as the styles and patterns are both conservative and sophisticated.

Something about this style is just so flattering particularly its pairing with the pretty Asian floral. I'm very much into the one piece these days, especially with the return of the retro design. I'm also not the girl who sits pool side all day but instead you'll find me in the water for hours, and this seems like the kind of suit that is both functional and fashionable. Kimono Floral - Seductress is currently available at nanettelepore.com for $144.00.

The weather has been amazing in LA lately, which has me thinking about Summer already. In fact as I write this, it's already 70 degrees and birds are chirping merrily outside my window. Not so easy to stay indoors!

So anyway, given the weather situation I've been thinking ahead to swimsuit season and casually perusing through a few websites. This morning I found this gem on Pinterest. At $740.00, the Tamara Swimsuit can be yours from Herve Leger (also available in white) and I love the graphic feel of the bold, black stripes. Stunning. Only problem is, I can't imagine how one gets into it.