choose happiness

Lately my life has involved a lot of inner dialogue that goes something like this: “breathe Christina… breeeeeeathe… deeeeep breaths.” I know deep down things will eventually be fine and I DO realize things could be worse, but it’s hard not to get caught up in the roller coaster of emotions that’s involved with divorce. Sketching and reading positive books/articles/quotes has been a HUGE help. This one below is a pencil sketch I did with my own watercolor incorporated in the background. Hopefully you will find a bit of the serene-sunny-tranquility combination in it that I do.

Victoria's Secret Sugar Scrub

My newest favorite purchase is completely a result of cabin fever and the insanely long winter we've had. Victoria's Secret has walls of intoxicating fragrances and lotions and their Lemon Sugar & Coconut Body Scrub is a perfect mix of sweet lemon and perfectly subtle coconut.  And how freakin' pretty is that packaging?!?  I bought the scrub, the lotion and will probably go back for the body spray - if that's any indication of how much I like it. :)

VS lotion (scrub in stores) • collage • destinations

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.

red necklace sequence

I just purchased the best red beaded necklace from Denise Jewelry Designs on Etsy. I thought I'd give you a little sneak peek at what usually happens in my head when I get excited about a new purchase. Let's just say... I won't deny being a big dreamer. ;)

necklace  •  fashion set  • paris pics 1 2 3

hidden eiffel

There's something about being able to take old unwanted things and create new art out of them that is deeply satisfying for me. One of the easiest ways I know how to do this is taking an old canvas - usually that I've found at a thrift store or possible garage sale - and repainting it. *When doing this, try to get past the god-awful dated painting on it and look to see if the frame has potential and if the canvas is in good shape and not warped.;)

Below is one of my favorites. I found an old painting of the Eiffel Tower, rotated it and painted, frame included. I love that you can still make out the structure of the tower. I think it adds interest and is kind of a fun story to tell, ya know? :)

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 :).