Come January, the thought of coming up with any sort of resolution always seems like a daunting task. It’s generally one in which I tend to avoid (hence the incredible delay of this post). I often feel as if I’m setting myself up for failure from the get go. I mean, lets face it, I won’t ever go to the gym three times a week – and I don’t need to beat myself up for it. When I saw this post on pennyweight it seemed like something I could easily stick to. By breaking goals and aspirations down on a month to month basis and turning them into a pretty graphic chart of sorts, I’m much more likely to accomplish said task and it gives me something to look forward to for the upcoming month. The following are a few things I will strive to achieve throughout the next year:

| January :: make bread from scratch | February :: start painting again |
| March :: take a cooking class | April :: do something nice for a stranger |
| May :: organize my desk | June :: re-attempt an herb garden |
| July :: take a roadtrip | August :: walk/bike to work every day |
| September :: rent bikes & go on a picnic | October :: spend a day in bed |
| November :: learn how to knit |
| December :: make a gift for a neighbour I haven’t met |  

One of my fondest memories as a child is waking up on weekend mornings to the scent of warm, homemade bread (is there any better smell?) I’ve since longed to resurrect this tradition, but without a breadmaker (or any additional cupboard or counter space to house one) I didn’t think it was possible without a significant amount of effort.

Not long ago, I was pleased to find this video in my inbox* with directions on making your very own rustic bread sans breadmaker and not a single iota of kneading required. With the combination of flour, water, yeast and salt, the video states that a four year old could do it and I completely and wholeheartedly agree. In light of full disclosure (to prove to you that this really is the. easiest. thing. ever), I will confess that I threw this together post-bar, four drinks in, quite late last Friday night not really thinking all that much of it. When Justin and I awoke the next morning, we were pleased to find that the dough had risen and all that was left to do was to bake it and wait (impatiently) before digging in for breakfast.

Bread! That I made! I feel so grown up.

(editors note: it also made for an excellent grilled cheese sandwich the next day)
*thanks uncle Mark!
ps don’t forget to enter the sneakpeeq giveaway!

It’s been brought up before that there’s a slight chance that I’ll be heading to South Africa with my mom and brother come November. While nothing is in stone and still depends on a multitude of different factors, I can’t help but begin to do some preliminary planning (read: looking up gorgeous, albeit often unrealistic, places to stay, visit and dine). When I stumbled upon this one I knew it needed to be shared immediately. Certain aspects of it date all the way back to the 1690′s which itself is incredible to think of, while many of the spaces were built in 1777. Part hotel, part farm, part restaurant all combined together to make for one gloriously pretty vacation.

Sneakpeeq has generously offered to give away $25.00 to one lucky lark & linen reader. A new online venture, Sneakpeeq is a one stop shop for food, style and home products. Their focus is on brand new items that have never been seen before, all at incredibly low prices (perfect for those January budgets we all seem to be on). So head on over here to sign up to enter the giveaway (and get an additional 20% off your next purchase just for signing up).

The giveaway is currently only open to US residents at this time (but I’ve been assured that they’re working on making it available to the rest of us who always seem to be left out). A winner will be announced here at noon EST on Tuesday, February 7th!

I just can’t get over Rachel’s new online shop Mignon Kitchen Co. I must have gone back to it eight times yesterday just to peruse some more. With its focus on unique items for your pantry, pretty packaging supplies and beautiful items to adorn your table, all at a more than reasonable price-point, it just cannot be beat. Plus, the addition of the easy tips and tricks to help you bake add a lovely personal touch that I often find lacking when it comes to online shopping.  I, for one, am absolutely smitten.

ps: Make sure to check back this afternoon for a great giveaway!

I wanted to introduce a new series here on lark & linen in which I take a picture of a well designed room and break it down to show you how you could replicate a similar feel in your own space.

I thought I’d begin the series with this photo of a beautiful dining room that I unknowingly pinned on three separate occasions (clearly I’m a fan). By using a touch of chrome, a gorgeous wood credenza, and a fun burst of colour (in this case: plum) you could easily make this space work as your own. (Click on the links to see where the pieces have been sourced.)

::A random fact::
My middle name, my boyfriend’s name & my mom’s maiden name are all…James.

::Your go-to recipe::
Butternut Squash Soup (recipe here). It is truly the best soup I have ever had. In the colder months I make it in big batches & eat it for lunch practically every day.

::You can’t live without::
My Canon 5D Mark II. As a photographer it is my lifeline.

::Currently coveting::
Right now I am completely in love with this David Weeks light fixture. It is truly a piece of art. (No.1)

::Your daily reads::
I read hundreds of blogs a day, but my favorites are Wit + Delight, Pennyweight, Miss Moss, Destined to Design and Emmadime. I tend to be drawn to blogs that have a mix of fashion, interiors & pretty graphics. As for magazines,Kinfolk has quickly become a favorite. (No.2)

::On your playlist::
The Black Keys, Gotye, Lana Del Rey, Fleet Foxes & Future Islands.

::Your favourite quote::
“You must give up the life you planned in order to have the life that is waiting for you.” – Joseph Campbell. This is something I’ve had to remind myself of time & time again. My life has taken many unexpected twists & turns & I couldn’t be more thrilled with where I ended up.

::On your night stand::
Two books I am currently reading & loving- Is Everyone Hanging Out With Me? by Mindy Kaling and The Paris Wife by Paula McLain, olive oil lip balm & a Nell’s Compass Candle in my favorite scent- North. (No.3)

::Your favourite designer::
For spring 2012, Valentino blew me away. I dream of wearing each & ever piece in the collection. Other favorites are Vena Cava, Opening Ceremony & Madewell. Rachel Comey & Loeffler Randall for shoes. (No.4)

::In your wishing well::
Live half the year in New York City & half in Los Angeles. I can’t think of anything better…except maybe starring in a Masterpiece Classic. I do love a good costume drama!

::Your dream home::
A perfect mix of The Ace Hotel New York & Palm Springs. Both vintage & modern, with high ceilings & lots of outdoor space. (N0.5)

::Your happy place::
My family’s cottage in Martha’s VIneyard. I have been lucky enough to spend time here every summer since I was six. It is a magical island where I feel most at peace.

Like many, I’m often drawn to homes that feel lived in and loved. While a perfectly styled space is pleasing to the senses, there’s something to be said about one that feels as if it has been carefully curated throughout the years. This one in question really speaks to me with it’s clean white walls and collected artifacts sprinkled throughout. Being someone who loves style in all sense of the word, seeing the combination of Scandinavian and southern elements (like the worn Turkish kilim rug in the living room) seamlessly blended together is particularly appealing.