Hello everyone!

I wanted to let you know that I am still alive and well, I just haven't been focusing on blogging that much lately. I've been out L-I-V-I-N.

For those of you who regularly read Sneak Pique (umm, not sure if such a person exists, but I hope so!) I'd like to say--thanks! We appreciate your support and hope that we accomplished our goal of inspiring you.

The future for Sneak Pique is looking a bit gloomy at this point. I have to admit something to you. I read a LOT of blogs. Like A LOT. There are three things wrong with this:

1-My obsession leaves me little time to cultivate my own blog.

2-I often find so many inspiring things on other blogs that at times I feel not only unable to compete with them, but almost unwilling to. This leads to sporadic posting, and sometimes no posting at all. Which equals boring to you (my dear readers)!

3-I realize that you may have enjoyed some of the things that you have seen posted here, but you recognized that this space felt a little impersonal at times when compared to other blogs. This is in large part due to laziness. I'd love to take more photos of my life, my home, my friends, of things I see and do and think are kick-ass, but I often forget to do this and/or feel iffy on sharing personal details.

So, in closing, I want to say that you have not seen the last of me! I have not given up on blogging, but perhaps just on blogging here on Sneak Pique. I have some big plans for the future and I think I will be more willing and able to share all of the details with you at a later date. When this happens you will definitely see a link here on Sneak Pique.

Thanks again and I do hope we see each other soon.

(And to all my fantastic friends who humored me by reading my, at times, incoherent ramblings--I love you guys, you guys friggin rock!)

Besos!

~Nicole

Cupcake Soaps

Cupcake Soaps at LilyBaySoap's shop

More Etsy

White / Cream Ballerina Skirt and Creamy Faux Fur Coat Bomber by theauroravintage

All Ruffled Up by mnemosynedesigns

zip front coat/dress by 13threads

linen hat by sanchia845

-Nicole

Some Etsy Faves

The Minnie Headband by Yokoo

Boots from Spain at My Favorite Vintage

Lydia by Leesa Leva
Got Heart by Vera Meat

Crochet Flower Buttons and Felt Buttons by Frog Feathers

Encircled Reversible Black/Gold Pendant by Foudre Blanche

Chanel Sunglasses at Buy Design (also am in love with the half-tints!)

-Nicole

Looks I Love: Whyred

I am so inspired by the fantastic designs of Whyred. Above and below are some of my favorite ensembles from their site, although I love almost everything equally. Read more about the designers behind Whyred here. Their motto is "Clean living under difficult circumstances."

-Nicole

Lasso Me To The Moon

A print by Etsy seller MKendall. Check out her shop!

-Nicole

Paintings by Jessica Williams

Saw the work of Jessica Williams in Lula #6. Her paintings are amazing.

-Nicole

Looks I Love: Lula Mag

My obsession: Lula Mag.

-Nicole

This Is All I Know

This Is All I Know is Amanda Blake, an oil painter from Portland. I could stare at her paintings for hours. I really get this feeling that Amanda knows everything little detail about the subjects in her paintings-- from their favorite color to their most hidden dreams. It almost appears as if she had no choice but to paint them and give them life.

{images from Amanda Blake's Etsy shop. Check out her flickr here.}

-Nicole

Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland

A first look at Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter in Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland which will be released in '10, courtesy of comingsoon.net. Other stars include Anne Hathaway and Helena Bonham Carter (of course). The Disney version of Alice in Wonderland was one of my favorite movies as a child and I later learned a deep appreciation for the book. I have seen a TON of movies dedicated to this wonderful story (I guess I was/am sort of obsessed with it?) and I really hope that Tim Burton's vision lives up to the tale!

{image via comingsoon.net}

-Nicole

I'll be in the library, if you need me

I'd give anything to be curled up in this cozy and warm looking library right now with the book I am currently reading, Life of Pi. In my dream world there is also a fireplace in this library. I am drinking Hot Cocoa. I am...not working.

{Image by Douglas Friedman via Domino}

-Nicole

Adult "Onesie"

Ever since I begun sewing, Aaron has been begging me to make him an adult "onesie." You know, the pajamas with feet that zip up? Some of you might find this an odd thing for him to request. If you knew him, you would not.

Imagine my surprise when I was messing around on Etsy and found this pattern from My Sweetie Pie Pie. It's meant for women, but I think I can work around that. Dorky? Totally. Hilarious AND comfortable? TOTALLY.

-Nicole

Gorgeousness-La Vie Photography

La Vie Photography.

{photos via their website}


-Nicole

Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head

Love the movie, love Paul and love BJ Thomas! Probably one of my all time favorite scenes in a movie.

-Nicole

Obsession of the Week: Taylor Jacobson's Hair

I'm sure you all have seen the Rachel Zoe Project on Bravo and are aware that Taylor Jacobson is Rachel Zoe's assistant. I think that Taylor has the most amazing hair. I will admit, this look is not for everyone (some actually really dislike it), but I have always been a fan of the "messy" look and I think she pulls it off quite nicely. It probably helps that she has a really sweet wardrobe, too.

Check out an interview with her at Le Fashion, one of my new favorite blogs. There are some really great pics here, too.

{photo from Le Fashion}

-Nicole