#100happydays Challenge

So awhile back I signed up for the 100 Happy Days Challenge. The goal is to share a photo via social media every day that makes you happy. It's not about competing or showing off - but rather slowing down and finding those little moments that make you smile inside.

I thought, hey, I already write in a gratitude journal and instagram pretty regularly - this should be an easy win-win. Surprisingly, it's been much harder than what I thought. Time does what it does best sometimes and flies by and then before I knew it, I'd missed days. I could've quit (by not posting every day I had already failed the challenge) but instead, I decided to keep going. Challenge myself to get to 100. 

I'm currently at Day65 and even though I still miss days, I can definitely say I've gotten better at keeping my eyes open for those beautiful little moments. 

If you're a big fan of photobooks and instagram, check out Blurb. I just finished my third book and couldn't be happier.  

instagram watercolors

I recently returned from my annual Craft Retreat get-away. It was my third year attending and it did not disappoint. I met amazing girls, ate tables of incredible food, tried new drinks and walked away with tons of new artwork. win, win, win and ... win. :)  

One of my projects was exploring the idea of using a few of my favorite instagram photos and extending the photos with watercolor. Hope you enjoy. :) 

NYC Anthropologie Window Display Photo

Banana Pancakes - inspired originally from one of my favorite songs and artists

Downtown Chicago

Check out some of last year's Craft Retreat creations. 

keep creating: watercolor sailboat

One of the toughest things about blogging, in my opinion, is the longing for everything you put out to the world to be amazingly wow-worthy... PIN-worthy... VIRAL-worthy. Unfortunately, I have piles of creative work that's anything but.  However, I'm forcing myself to keep going, keep practicing.. sketching... painting... sewing... because I'm not going to get any better if I don't do anything, right?  This article is an amazing inspiration and refreshes the way you think about talent. Serious motivation. 

So here's some of the work I did today. Not the most impressive sailboat... I think I actually like my paint mess photos a little bit more... but I think that proves you never know where things will go. Maybe I'll take my messy palettes and scrap paper and do some collage work - who knows? The point is to keep going.. keep creating. 

You can't use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.

amazing grace

It's been quite awhile since I've posted. What happened? Christmas shopping? Holiday madness?  ... Life? ...   A little bit of everything I think.  

2014 has just barely begun and although I'm filled with optimism and goals and hopes... the truth is, this will be a tough year. For myself and for my family. I won't go into detail because I honestly don't have all the answers right now. I DO know I have a lot of amazing friends and family there for me, I've been reading a lot, doing a little bit of yoga, and overall, just trying to stay healthy - mentally and physically. And yes, there's been a few nights of bubble baths, moody music and a few too many glasses of wine - don't judge. Sometimes a girl needs what a girl needs.  

One of my favorite items of 2013 was Philosophy's Amazing Grace lotion. I was SO so so happy to get more for Christmas and also the perfume to go with it. (Seriously, I've gotten so many compliments on this lotion - it's the best - fresh, clean and beautiful - try it - it's addictive.) I was struck by the message on the perfume box because it's very fitting right now and is truly how I'd really like to take on my 2014.

philosophy: how you climb up the mountain is just as important as how you get down the mountain. and so it is with life, which for many of us becomes one big gigantic test followed by one big gigantic lesson. in the end, it all comes down to one word. grace. 

it's how you accept winning and losing, good luck and bad luck, the darkness and the light.

So here's to living 2014  with Grace.  

*cheers* 

NYC Photography - Anthropolgie

I'm not trying to post about Anthropologie all the time, but they've been such a great inspiration when it's come to fashion, decor and design, it's hard not to. Even their videos captivate me. 

This time, Anthropologie was a great source in helping me decorate my home. The last time I was in NYC, I walked down to their flagship store in Rockefeller Center but got there a bit before they opened. I wandered around, taking in the NYC morning and marveling at their always-impressive window displays. (seriously google image search 'NYC Anthropologie' please - impressive stuff).

Below are some of my photos, and at the end, a desaturated version (enlarged to ~22 x 34") that works perfectly with my bedroom decor (dark grey walls, this WestElm duvet cover that I'm completely in love with, fresh white sheets and a mix of antique and contemporary dark stained furniture). Can't wait to get it up on the wall :).

 

 

fashion52 (30/52) Combo

Let me be completely honest, I know NOTHING about playing guitar.

I DO know when I was in college, I could easily kick back and listen to some cute guy in the apartment across the hall strum a little somethin’. :)  I know I love watching videos where Jack Johnson, Jason Mraz or John Mayer play on, barefoot, in their worn-in jeans. But I never knew I’D be able to have the time or talent to actually play a chord. Until today. I learned 3 chords. T.H.R.E.E. 3 chords people. That’s BIG... G, C & D - almost four actually because I’m working on A too. And it’s just …*inhale*... so so so fun. :) 

So this post is dedicated to all things guitar: Photography, Graphic Design and Fashion.

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(top from Aerie, beaded necklace homemade by me)

type on

Lately, I’ve been so drawn to white type and logos set on top of photos or images. I can appreciate both the cleaner digital styles and also the handwritten designs. Each one can add so much to an image and the true typography can really shine. Below are some I really love (there are SO many great examples out there I could’ve kept looking all night.) I also added an adorable video showcasing tons of typography – all in French :) Avoir une bonne nuit mes amis!

Bed & Breakfasting

Stop being Afraid

Highly Decorated

John & James

I'm Thankful for Today
(so this one isn't really a designed piece but at the same time, 
it could be. And I like it. So there :) 

fashion52: photo challenge (12/52)

I have a bit of a weakness for summer hats. Fedoras, casual-cool straw cowboy hats, sporty-cute baseball hats and straw floppy hats. Unfortunately, I don't end up wearing my hats nearly as much as I'd like. But they still drawww meee innnn.... how does that happen? Maybe it's just that visual daydream of me hanging out on the boat/pontoon/beach, going to JackJohnson summer concerts, super fun Brewer games, etc.. All things that I WISH happened more often than what they do.

Either way, I think my cool cousin might agree that there is a BIG draw to floppy hats this summer. I spied this colorful floppy hat at Target the other day and if I were to give in to my hat cravings, this would be the one. I'm zoomed in quite a bit here, but I think from a normal perspective, it's just a touch of playful color. Once again, is it summer yet?

fashion52: photo challenge (11/52)

This Target maxi dress has the most beautiful pattern. I can't help but wish for warm summer nights on the patio under rows of string lights.

fashion52: photo challenge (10/52)

I love long necklaces. It's as simple as that. :) Awesome affordable hook rails found here.

C O L O R L O V E: grass green + navy (+leather)

Lately I'm loving the grass green + navy + tan color combination. It's fresh, crisp and can transition into nautical styles perfectly. Adding a pop of red can really look amazing as well. It's such an easy combo to pull together and feels absolutely springtime.

1. Amazing dress (image found here)  2. Gorjana Taner Charm
3. Twiggs Photo I adore  4. Pintuck Peplum Blouse

1. AE skinnies   2. Target Journal from an awesome friend
3. Society6 iphone case   4. Fabeena Sandal

1. Pendant necklace   2. Joie Berkeley Top
3. MichaelKors Bedford Bag   4. Green Grass Print

fashion52: photo challenge (9/52)

Target has a huge selection of insanely cute ballet flats right now; so trying to decide on just ONE pair was no easy task. And only $19.99! Seriously cute things happening in those aisles.

I had a lot of fun playing with the light effects and patterns the sun was creating. So much so, that I couldn't narrow it down to one photo. So today, my friends, you get three. :) Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

fashion52: photo challenge (8/52)

I picked up this gorgeous little necklace at francesca's while we were in Milwaukee this last weekend and I seriously can't wait to wear. I'm still picking out the perfect outfit for it's debut. (welcome to the mind of a fashion lover - when I have something pretty and new, it's just something I do!) ANYWAYS, I love all the fun statement necklaces and I thought this one would ALSO be a great one for summer because I think the white will look Amazing against tan skin. yup - like I really needed another reason to want summer to get here. ;)

wall art inspirations

We moved in months ago, but there are still blank canvases and empty frames on the wall. All ready. in place. waiting for me to make some executive decisions on style, medium, colors, etc. I can't decide if I just have too MANY ideas or if I'm just a TAD indecisive. Probably a little of both. ;) Either way, I decided to hunt down some inspirations. Hopefully it will get me to finally put some paint on the palette.

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fashion52: photo challenge (7/52)

My posts have been pretty summery and colorful. Here's a more realistic view of what's happening where I live. Trying to look cute in this weather is no easy task, but we give it our best. 

fashion52: photo challenge (6/52)

I've been crushing on this purse at Target for a few weeks now. It would definitely add a huge splash of color to the late winter season and flow perfectly into spring. The handles and internal color are navy - which would work PERFECTLY with the navy peacoat I just snagged up this winter. I love how the print is fun and playful, yet the structure is very elegant and classy. It's the salty+sweet perfect combination.

I usually go for timeless, classic, purse styles - but this one MIGHT have to be an exception. Did I mention it also has an extra cross-body strap? very 'cherry on top' I think. :) 

fashion52: photo challenge (5/52)

For as long as I can remember, I've collected, collaged, sketched and listed all my fashion wants and inspirations. I now have numerous binders and sketchbooks filled – creating my own personal fashion library of sorts. When I'm in a fashion rut, I dig them out, flip through and soak up the styles. :) 

fashion52: photo challenge (4/52)

In attempts to not let the weather get me down (currently -2 out there) I decided to go for a more colorful ensemble. I'm a strong believer in 'you feel how you dress' or vice versa so HOPEFULLY, by doing this, I can stay positive, think warm thoughts and avoid uprooting the entire family to some quiet beach town somewhere in Hawaii (even tho that actually sounds pretty amazing right now). :)

Aldo Boots, American Eagle Tank (both a few seasons ago)
bright pink necklace made by me for only pennies from random garage sale necklace torn apart  - Love :)

fashion52: photo challenge (3/52)

At first, I thought this fashion challenge would be a piece of cake. But during the frigid winter months, this small midwestern town doesn't have much to offer in terms of fashion eye candy. So it looks like I'm going to have to get creative going forward. 

For NOW, here's another closet shot of one of my favorite casual shoes. These well-worn, dirty 'ole chuck taylor knock-offs are from Payless but are actually the most comfy of all my chuck taylor type shoes. A girl needs more than one color, right? ;)