The Nest

Welcome back me!

2010-05-27T19:53:00.000-07:00

And of course I come back with a cool new book. :)

Apartment Therapy's Book of Small, Cool Spaces.

xoxo

More from the Selby.

2010-03-20T07:29:00.000-07:00

The Selby.

I love the natural colors mixed with the pieces colorful fruit and flowers!

Very eclectic and fun to look at.

There are almost so many creative houses on this website that its overwhelming to look at, but I love finding missed-matched decoarting styles like this one.

xoxo

Welcome back.

2010-03-19T07:27:00.000-07:00

A Beautiful Mess.

Hey guys. Its been a while.

Spring has arrived. :)

xoxo

Sail away. ♥

2010-02-19T07:59:00.000-08:00

A Beautiful Mess.

B and I are escaping to Park City for the day. I'm very excited, but its quite a bit colder up there. We're going to see a movie about TC Boyle, and then of course, a little shopping and some yummy dinner. :) He's the best. ♥

xoxo

More mirrors.

2010-02-18T09:49:00.000-08:00

Ah! Love this.

Found here.

xoxo

The art of patience and shopping.

2010-02-16T15:25:00.000-08:00

I'm learning patience when shopping...I will eventually find exactly what I want, and cheaper than the original price, as long as I wait and shop around a bit. And I did! :D I found these lovely black Hunter rainboots today for under $25! (At the original price of $115, that's a steal!!)

Bring on the rain!!

xoxo

More decorating likes.

2010-02-16T10:46:00.000-08:00

I really like this mossy wall hanging. What is it? I'm not really sure...it looks like it could be a picture on its own, or just something else to hang other pictures on. Is it a garden path? Oh well. J'aime. :)

Found over here! :)

xoxo

Thrift find.

2010-02-15T09:33:00.000-08:00

I don't know if I've mentioned that b and I recently found a big mirror at Saver's that must have been an old, old bathroom mirror. Its painted a yucky white and yellow, and I've been trying to figure out if I should repaint it or leave it alone.

I found this mirror inspiring.

Emmas Designblogg.

xoxo

P.S.

2010-02-14T16:42:00.000-08:00

Found here.

xoxo

Happy heart day.

2010-02-14T16:05:00.000-08:00

I'm a hopeless romantic, so I'm going to say that I like Valentine's day...for the simple fact of being able to spend time with each other without everyone else nagging you. Its expected that you want to be together on a day like this. And b did very good. :) He had a lovely homecooked lunch for us on his old writing desk, with candles and brie. Very sweet. :) I ended up on the blue velvet chair (a treasure we scored at a garage sale over the summer), wrapped in a blanket with b's warm socks on. I'm truly a creature of comfort.

Congrats to Piper and John! :)

Picture from here.

xoxo

In desperate need of motivation and inspiration.

2010-02-13T08:46:00.001-08:00

I wish I could escape all the cleaning and homework I have today. Its been one crazy week, but its almost over.

Anyways. I'm feeling major inspiration from this beach picnic. ♥ Perfect.

Found @ {frolic!}

Pictures by Roland Bello.

xoxo

Snail mail.

2010-02-10T07:42:00.000-08:00

I love waiting for things in the mail. :) Love it. It usually brightens my entire day to know I have a little brown package sitting on the porch. I did a little shopping on etsy and I am waiting for this cute ear ring!

I like finding unique pieces for my cartilage piercing, and I thought this was very simple and pretty. You can find it and some other cute, simple jewelry at idreamicanfly.

I've also found some other cute stuff on etsy recently...

Brydferth.

Bijoutiful. I love this shop!

Happy shopping!

xoxo

Jamie Lea.

2010-02-09T05:52:00.000-08:00

I just found her blog and I'm loving her funky designs. :)

Very unique style. :)

Jamie Lea.

xoxo

James Merrell.

2010-02-08T17:22:00.001-08:00

I can't remember how I came across his photography, but I've had his page pulled up on my computer all day.

I'm in love with this velvet floral couch, and I need to know where it came from! Why is it that every single time I find a perfect couch I can't figure out who made it? Anyways, let me know if you know. :)

James Merrell.

xoxo

Glass bottles.

2010-02-08T06:53:00.000-08:00

I come across this picture by Abby every once in a while and I love the colored glasses.

xoxo

A warm winter.

2010-02-07T20:24:00.000-08:00

This winter has been unusually warm, especially this past week. Like I've said several times before...I'm in the mood for green grass, warm sunshine, and picnics. But I was happy when I saw these winter picnic pictures over at {frolic!}.

Perfect! All I have to do in find a warm blanket to read on and my super cute pink mittens. :)

xoxo

A not so peaceful weekend.

2010-02-06T08:07:00.000-08:00

Naturally Nina.

This is how my weekend will be. Work, work, work. All weekend. Tests, projects. These next two weeks are finals for scholarships and competitions, and I'm pretty much working up to the deadline. Maybe its the pressure of it all that I love. Who knows.

I'll be back when things calm down.

xoxo

New York, I love you.

2010-02-05T09:06:00.000-08:00

Those of you that are fans of Paris, Je T'aime should really see New York, I love you. Although, I am still partial to Paris, Je T'aime. :)

Photos from here.

xoxo

When you're under the weather...

2010-02-04T08:35:00.000-08:00

What do you do? I usually spend the morning under a warm blanket watching T.V. and reading. My book of choice? Entre Nous, which is a very cute and easy read about the French women's style. Lovely book.

Besides reading, I got to watch the best and worst dressed at the 2010 Grammy's. I never thought I'd say this but I think Miley Cyrus was my favorite. I loved her make up.

Well, I can hear that warm blanket calling me...back to the couch I go!

xoxo

Can you tell I'm growing impatient?

2010-02-03T14:17:00.000-08:00

Have I mentioned how much I love this blog I just discovered a few days ago, Abbey Goes Design Scouting? I've really loved her Daily Dose of Green posts, since I am so impatiently waiting for spring and summer. :)

These are some pictures of a beautiful backyard that she had posted. I want a romantic backyard and garden like this someday. ♥

How perfect...a dinner outside in your magical garden. :)

xoxo

The perfect pink.

2010-02-02T11:01:00.000-08:00

I've painted and repainted a canvas these past few days, trying to find the perfect shade of pink. Something light enough to not be too girly, but dark enough to be romantic. I think I've finally got it. :)

Joanna at A Cup of Jo posted this gorgeous picture this morning. The colors were very inspiring as I set off to find my perfect shade of pink. :)

I've also felt the urge to decorate with words recently. And that's my goal for this pink canvas...I want some cute saying to hang over a bed, but I haven't quite narrowed it down yet. These pictures over at Design is Mine have been helping.

xoxo

Possibility of warmth.

2010-02-01T05:33:00.000-08:00

I'm celebrating the possibility of warmth this month, since it is now February, and the high for today is 40!! Spring in on its way! ;)

I just want to be able to sit outside with shorts on and have tea someplace cute like this.

Found at Abbey goes Design Scouting.

xoxo

Etsy Valentine's Day.

2010-01-31T13:46:00.001-08:00

Etsy seems to be getting ready for the big Feb. 14th that's coming up! This is a cute mug I found in all the little romantic treasures Etsy is advertising.

What book nerd girl wouldn't want a Mr. Darcy Proposal Mug? :)

xoxo

If you know my mom...

2010-01-30T08:39:00.000-08:00

Then you know this submarine tea infuser is perfect for her! (Although she doesn't seem to think its as funny as I do.) haha My family is just a bunch of tea drinkers, and we have all these little tea balls all over, mini coffee makers, French Presses...the list goes on and on, including my ridiculous mug collection. Anyways, I thought this was so cute.

Order it here!

Found at A Cup of Jo.

xoxo

Ruche's Spring Lookbook.

2010-01-29T06:38:00.000-08:00

I was browsing through their spring items this morning and I came across this dress. Isn't it so spring-y! It makes me wish it was about 30 degrees warmer here...

Floral Field of Ruffles.

I still think their Winer Lookbook was the prettiest yet.

xoxo

Breakfast. All day long.

2010-01-28T10:43:00.000-08:00

For the past 24 hours I have eaten nothing but breakfast food. Last night I had pancakes and bacon, this morning I had a blueberry bagel, and right now for lunch, I am eating a toasted egg sandwich. Yum! I love eating breakfast. Lunch. And Dinner...breakfast! I think this is because I'm a morning person.

These pictures made me happy when I saw them over at Oh, French! the other day. Yep! They're all about breakfast food.

These pictures also remind me of A Year of Mornings, which Amy got me for my birthday! :) What a simple and inspiring book. If you read their first book check out their new one, 3191: Evenings.

xoxo

Forests.

2010-01-26T11:08:00.000-08:00

Apartment 513.

I spent lots of time outside when I was a little girl. I was a tomboy. Playing in the trees, creekes, running around in the warm sunshine. That was me.

I've been thinking a lot about my childhood recently.

What was yours like?

xoxo

Miss Monroe.

2010-01-25T07:37:00.000-08:00

This made me happy this morning.

I love Marilyn Monroe. :)

Picture from E Tells Tales.

xoxo

Sleepy Sundays.

2010-01-24T16:20:00.000-08:00

I love having a full belly and taking a long nap on Sundays. :)

I've been really into the fashion blogs this week...

I found this dress on Bluebird. I'm in love with it. Its just so adorable and frilly!

I also discovered that I admire Sienna Millers's sense of fashion, which reminds me of my flower-girl self.

I saw the Pirate Boots she has on on several other actresses. So cute.

Here are the boots again. :) I might have to get me some!

Why Jude cheated on her, we will never know.

xoxo

Book weather.

2010-01-23T08:14:00.000-08:00

The slushy rain/ice has finally turned to snow for the last 12 hours. That means I'm staying inside under some blankets, reading or catching up on homework. With a cup of coffee in hand, of course. :)

Which reminds me...

English Muse.

Isn't this a cute way to display your mugs, tea cups, coffee cups, whatever they are? But I'd be scared that I'd knock it over and they'd all come crashing down. (But it would make up for the little mounds of coffee cups I keep all aroun the house. Bad habit.)

Ok, back on topic. Since today is kind of book-ish weather, I started a new book and I love it!

It has interesting information I've never thought about beofre like clothes, sleep...all sorts of stuff girls need to know. And its a pretty easy read! Check it out here.

Enjoy your weather. :)

xoxo

The clouds are moving in...

2010-01-22T10:00:00.000-08:00

Its dark. And cold. And kind of rainy? What is up with this weather?

I kind of want to get out of here.

Have I complained enough about the cold?

Just one of those days.

Petra Van Raaij. (I'm in LOVE with her portfolio.)

The city lights were very pretty this morning...all the rainy/icy weather had cleaned up the air, and they were shining bright all the way from SLC. It made me want to bundle up and take a walk down town, grab some warm coffee, maybe visit the library.

xoxo

Les Papillons.

2010-01-21T07:50:00.000-08:00

Audrey Hepburn Complex.

Is this a butterfly museum!? Why yes, I think it is! Now its another place to add to my list of places to go before I die. My very short list, that only consists of two other places. :)

And speaking of butterflies, I've been looking for a necklace like this for a while and my lovely Amy friend found one!

Like I've said before, I collect butterflies, and this is the same thing, but you can wear it around your neck! :D I love it!! You can find it here.

xoxo

Plants! Plants! Everywhere!

2010-01-20T10:53:00.000-08:00

Geez...I'm really inviting springtime. With the lows in the 40's and this snow/rain mix, I just might get my wish. :) I want to see GREEN everywhere! These have been inspiring the past few days...

I would love to live someplace like this!

The Selby.

enhabiten.

I want to put a tree in the corner of my bedroom.

Design is Mine.

One idea that I found on decorating with plants included using bigger plants to create two rooms out of one. I found this tip on Interior Redesign.

I really want a garden someday. ♥ I love that one Christina has...and picking tomatos and watching the corn grow taller than the boys in the fall. Plants and gardens really are pretty all year round, even when they're dead and desolate in the winter...

xoxo

P.S.

2010-01-19T17:52:00.001-08:00

Deisgn is Mine.

Romantic. ♥

xoxo

My list of romantic things.

2010-01-19T07:46:00.001-08:00

I love making lists. I find them...rejuvenating to my creative juices when I'm in a drought. I think the first place I ever heard about making lists was from Julia Cameron's book The Artist's Way (which I swear by!) or maybe it was her other book, The Right to Write. All of her books are wonderul, great, inspiring, creative, and just plain fun! Check them out!

Anyways, on to my list. I've been compiling a list of things that I find romantic over the last few days...and here it is! :)

Book stores (not Barnes and Noble, but real bookstores. Indie bookstores. I love getting lost, then quietly being followed around until I eventually realize someone is watching me. Like b. ♥)

Oh, French!

Movie theaters

Candles

Amy Elizabeth.

Walking around a big city

70's and 80's music (Yes, I know...this is a little secret of mine I guess)

French cafes and tea rooms

Abby

That hotel smell

Thinking about traveling to places this this...sigh ♥

Oh, French!

Airports ♥ I could sit and watch the people all the day long...the only time I'd actually just sit and do nothing.

Home cooking (I've got a handsome man that can do this, and do it well :) )

I can't think of anything else at the moment, but maybe I'll update later. :)

xoxo

Floor pillows.

2010-01-18T16:07:00.001-08:00

I found these at Urban Outfitters today, and I fell in love with them!

They're big, thick pillows that you can throw on the floor and sit on. So cool! I think I'm going to get a blue one...or every single color!!

Well, its date night with my best boy, so I better go. :)

xoxo

If you had to choose...

2010-01-16T10:22:00.000-08:00

What color would you wear for the rest of your life?

I would strongly consider the color green. And I found this article about fabric designer, Kelly Green, who only wears green (very fitting, considering her name).

My favorite part of the article is where she talks about dying her underwear green. :) What a funky lady! :)

Check out all the articles about designers that only wear one color here.

xoxo

A new project.

2010-01-13T11:54:00.000-08:00

A close family friend has asked me to make an art book for their little boy. My goal is to collect all of his artwork from his first year or school and put it in some sort of a creative book. I'm very excited about this...and I've been brainstorming.

This book from Anthropologie is one thing that has been very inspiring to me this past week. I love the mixed media of the black and white monsters and the birghtly colored thread and pom-poms.

Monsters of the Household Variety.

If and when I have kids, they will have wonderful, big, imaginative books like this to fill all of their bookshelves. ♥

xoxo

Fly away.

2010-01-12T05:49:00.000-08:00

I collect butterflies. They're my favorite.

The Feather Circus.

There's something about them being caged in and framed that makes their beauty even more admirable. They're tamed against their will.

xoxo

Smitten mittens.

2010-01-11T12:22:00.000-08:00

This was a must post for me. I saw these and the first thing I thought of was b and how we can't hold hands when I wear my lovely bright pink mittens.

Restoration Hardware.

A Cup of Jo.

You can hold hands and keep warm at the same time! I wish they were a little bit cuter though.

xoxo

Reorganizing.

2010-01-09T21:01:00.000-08:00

Today I tried to reorganize my room. A new little shelf/dresser thing meant a new home for my messy piles of books. If any of you know me you understand the piles of books...and really, there are piles and PILES and PILES! The only way I can clean my room is by moving one pile from corner A to corner B, then I move from B to C, C to D...you get the pattern. Yeah, anyways.

After looking at my clean-er-ish room, I found this one inspiring. :)

Blue Bird Vintage.

xoxo

Coffee art!

2010-01-08T14:06:00.000-08:00

I love this idea! Anna Cox just photographs the remains in her coffee cup each morning! Talk about unique...I'd love pictures like this hanging above my kitchen sink.

I never knew coffee looked like the moon.

Cool, eh?

xoxo

Cool tattoo design.

2010-01-07T19:36:00.000-08:00

I love these cool simple tattoos from over at enhabiten.

This second flower tattoo was designed after a stencil on some old wallpaper.

Another idea she had was to use the pattern from these vintage cups she collects. LOVE.

I love simple, yet creative ideas like these for tattoos. Its inspiring...:)
xoxo

Happy birthday sweet love of mine. ♥

2010-01-06T13:00:00.000-08:00

You're my favorite old man. :)

I love you, b.

Yes, I believe I've used this before. Its because its one of my favorites. ♥

Look at all them handsome boys, all grown up now. :)

I hope you enjoy the chocolate cake balls that made me cry. It was all in love and frustration. :)

xoxo

Decorating with antique buttons.

2010-01-05T12:20:00.000-08:00

I love this idea I found on this blog, Little Green Notebook.

They're antique button sample cards that someone has framed. Very cute, and random. I love all the different colors in the ones below.

I want to do this. But Utah is too cold right now, so people don't seem to be garage saling and holding auctions. Or maybe I'm just out of the loop on cold winter treasure hunts.

xoxo

Rest.

2010-01-03T16:30:00.000-08:00

I found this inspiring today. Peaceful. And calming.

enhabiten.

You can buy it here.

xoxo

I'm back!

2010-01-02T07:19:00.000-08:00

Home sweet home. Utah does smell different.

I had loads of fun in Steamboat, as usual. Lots of shopping. I found these awesome new shoes, thanks to a friend. Incredible.

So very comfortable. I love them. Find some here!

Anyways, besides shopping there was lots of snow, ice fishing, crackers (due to a sick little me), family, and more shopping. :)

More later.

xoxo

A winter vacation.

2009-12-24T08:45:00.001-08:00

We're leaving for Steamboat, Colorado the day after Christmas. Its my favorite place on God's green Earth, even though its kind of white like this now.

Oh, French!

Steamboat is full of cozy little places, with blankets, and warm fires, and pretty windows. I'm pretty excited!! I'll be up and runnin' again on the 3rd, so see you guys next year!!

Happy holidays.

xoxo

Is it true?

2009-12-23T07:52:00.000-08:00

Its only the third day of winter? Oh my. Where has the green grass gone off to?? I want it to come back...

Oh well. Maybe I should start on my New Year's resolutions...

1. Spend less, save more

2. Find cheaper ways to be creative (dates, art in general, working on new ideas...)

3. Find more patience (this is a MUST)

4. Read more (and more and more...)

5. Spend more time at the library, and less time on Amazon (spend less)

6. Be more selfless and less selfish (Yes, I know these are the same thing)

7. Give b more kisses

8. Be in prayer-mode more often

9. Put more time into studying (Pass these last two English classes with an A!!)

Ok, ok, ok. That's about all I can come up with at the moment. Now for some good ol' inspiration!!

I've been meaning to share this incredible art colony with you. Its in Pennsylvania, and I want to visit before I die! (Maybe this is another resolution of mine...) They've got the coolest projects going on where you can step in and work along side them. That would be so cool. And the atmosphere is just so encouraging, don't you think? I'd love to be surrounded by such inspiration all the time! I guess I could make my own little place like this, if I truly wanted.

J Morgan Puett

xoxo

The way the French people do it.

2009-12-22T17:33:00.000-08:00

I found yet another cute website through A Cup of Jo. They have really cute clothes and bags with little French sayings on them. I ♥ these!

All shirts found at Chip Chop!

xoxo

Small spaces.

2009-12-21T07:56:00.001-08:00

I enjoy being squished, I really do. I like feeling warm in small spaces, like when we're on road trips. But I'm not really sure I could do what this three person family does, live in a 380 square foot space!! It looks rather artistic though, maybe we could pull it off...

Check out the article about their living style here. I love their sense of humor about it.

I found this cute article on enhabiten.

This kind of gives "I need some space" a whole new meaning. I'd have to practice lots of patiene I think. And if Miss Major's up for it...I guess I could do it. ;)

xoxo

Resenting the cold.

2009-12-17T16:56:00.000-08:00

This is really the first year I haven't liked the cold very much.

A Beautiful Mess.

Its making me stay inside, and it kind of makes me feel sad. I also don't feel very Christmas-y...yet. I'm hoping that will change over the weekend when I finish shopping, wrapping, and I do some cookie making.

One thing I am excited about is I HEART over at The Drifter and the Gypsy. Since I'm participating I will be looked for inspiration for my notebook pages! :) So Exciting! Now I have something to look forward to after the holidays!

Off to get warm.

xoxo

Crowns.

2009-12-15T11:32:00.001-08:00

Amy and I have talked about this idea for a while now...but haven't quite figure out how to go about it. The idea is making our very own crowns. And I found these great pictures from this new blog, Kiss the Groom. I found her photography on some other blog, and eventually got to her's. Its wonderful! Check these great crown shots out!

I want a crown like these! Anyone know where I could find one? They're so whimsical! I love it!

xoxo

Sideways.

2009-12-14T13:59:00.000-08:00

You know it ain’t easy
For these thoughts here to leave me
There’s no words to describe it
In French or in English
Well, diamonds they fade
And flowers they bloom
And I’m telling you
These feelings won’t go away
They’ve been knockin’ me sideways
They’ve been knockin’ me out lately
Whenever you come around me
These feelings won’t go away
They’ve been knockin’ me sideways
I keep thinking in a moment that
Time will take them away
But these feelings won’t go away

CITIZEN COPE

xoxo

Old fashion love letters.

2009-12-13T13:21:00.000-08:00

I found this on Bijkerk's blog, and I loved it so I had to post it!

The last little note explains that this is how the letters were used in the movie Bright Star, which I can't wait to see! Check out their cool website set up for the movie too!

I'm off to practice my letter folding! ;)

xoxo

I wish it was warm.

2009-12-10T06:47:00.000-08:00

I want to be outside. Where its green. Not white. Where I can go on a picnic.

Audrey Hepburn Complex.

Dad's coming home today.

xoxo

What a week.

2009-12-09T13:38:00.000-08:00

Its been one of those weeks. But at least I can say I'm done with math. Forever.

Admire this wonderful shoot.

Found on Bluebird Vintage.

xoxo

Butterfly dress.

2009-12-08T06:48:00.000-08:00

♥ ♥ ♥

Luly Yang

Found through this blog.

I had a dream that looked like this once.

xoxo

Scrabble pillows.

2009-12-07T11:52:00.000-08:00

I know the perfect person that would love these. :) Ok, maybe not...since he's not into decorating...its a girly thing, but still. Scrabble love pillows? Hello!

Found on etsy.

xoxo

Choffy: Its chocolate coffee!

2009-12-05T07:05:00.000-08:00

My mom was talking about this stuff yesterday, and I found it pretty interesting. I'm never one to sleep in, so I always have my coffee of strong, black tea as soon as I get up. Maybe I should try this stuff. :)

"CHOFFY is brewed chocolate. It is made from the finest organic cacão beans, roasted and ground for a rich full flavored drink."

Check it out! I'm sure it would make a great Christmas present for a coffee, or a non-coffee, drinker. :)

xoxo

Imagination.

2009-12-04T06:55:00.000-08:00

I love these boats by Anna Wood.

If I had a library I'd stock them full of these. ♥

Today I'm wishing I never had to grow up, so I could sit under blankets in my imaginary house and play with these all day.

And I love her house! Maybe I can go live with her!

Last two pictures from Design*Sponge.

xoxo

Rachel McAdams: On Makeup

2009-12-02T13:30:00.000-08:00

Like I've said before, I am a fan of Rachel McAdams. But one of the things I love most about her are the gorgeous red lips she's so bold as to pull off. And just this morning I found out one of the lipstick (or lip stick combos) she uses!

Her make up atist, who was Troy Jensen, revealed this lip color secret on his blog.

I find it very interesting that this is the second time I've found that she mixes lip colors to get what she wears. Makes me want to go play with mine. :) After some searching, I found that you can order them here, if you so wish. :)

xoxo

Skirts.

2009-12-01T11:27:00.001-08:00

I have to make a skirt for a scholariship interview I have. They picked me to compete since they know I have a little business, so I have to bring my work as a portfolio, so why not make my outfit? :) I can't decide what kind I want to make...

Duskin

Ruche

Ruche

I just really want this skirt. Such a pretty sweater skirt. And it can be worn as a dress!

Ruche

Ruche

I just like the idea of the bow tie on this skirt...

I think I want a pattern like her dress for the skirt. Maybe in navy and white though.

That all the inspiration I can find now for skirts. Maybe I'll stumble across more later.

xoxo

Opening of my etsy shop!

2009-11-30T17:33:00.000-08:00

I did it! Just a few items for now, but I did it! I opened my etsy shop! :)

Check out my shop!

My hopes are to get some more items up after next week, once finals and projects are all over with. I have so much stuff to put up, which means I have a ton of pictures to take and upload, which takes way too much time. I have to figure out a quicker way to resize without using photoshop (since I don't have it) or photobucket (since its too darn slow). Any suggestions?

Alright, well, I just wanted to share the excitement with you. Back to homework.

xoxo

P.S. Thank you to Amy Wright Photography for the pictures. :)

Picture books.

2009-11-28T08:14:00.000-08:00

They seem to be the newest thing. I'm waiting for one about flea market decorating that should have come in the mail by now...and I want this one. :) Of course, because its about Paris.

Pia Jane Bijkerk is the author.

xoxo

To shop or not to shop.

2009-11-27T07:38:00.000-08:00

As of right now, 8:38 am, I have decided not to shop. Yet. I still have the day ahead of me though...we'll see. :) Or maybe I'll pick a few options Apartment Therapy has for those of us to have chosen not to participate in Black Friday. :)

Here were my favorites:

Spend the days making gifts instead of buying them

Destress from family time with a nice soak in the tub (Although, I didn't have any stressful family time it was all fun and games :))

Check out the rest of the list at Apartment Therapy.

Meanwhile, I did find a new online store I'm enjoying shopping around at. Mod Cloth. Here is my Mod Cloth wishlist:

Happy shopping everone! :)

xoxo

A day of thanksgiving and relaxing.

2009-11-26T07:55:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving.

And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.
Colossians 3:15

Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. Colossians 4:2

Today is going to be a true day of rest, to just sit and reflect with miss major if I want, or to cook and go crazy with work...if I want. :) But I don't. I'll probably just chill and add to my inspiration notebook. Jen and Amy introduced me to them, then I started doing them with my writing group, and now I add to them when I have nothing else to do. Like today. THere's nothing like good friends, lots of food, and creativity and inspiration. :)

They're kind of like these...found at The Drifter and the Gypsy. (Above picture also found here.)

Now I feel the need to tell you the very special things that I feel thankful for.

I'm very thankful for what my dad is doing right now for our country, even if he can't be home to celebrate birthdays and Thanksgiving. But he'll be home soon. :)

My only little brother for always being there to play with. :) Old, old picture.

Me mommy, for staying home to support us and not totally losing her marbles while dad is gone. ;)

This sweet, sweet boy and his crazy patience with me. ♥ you, b.

The amazing photographer of the previous picture of Mom and me, Amy Elizabeth. She's my best friend. :)

And last but not least, this crazy spazz of a kitty. Thank you for never ceasing to wake me before 7:30 a.m. I love it. I really do. :)

Happy eating!! :)

xoxo

Bobby pins.

2009-11-25T09:13:00.000-08:00

Among chapstick, my phone, and many other things...I just can't keep track of bobby pins for the life of me! Seriously. I'm going to have to start a fund just for my bobby pins. But I think I've found the answer...if I wear them all at once...I won't ever misplace them. :)

I found this awesome hairstyle on this new fashion blog that I love.

Everyone knows how much I love my teacups, and if you don't...now you do. I found the sweetest blog entry about a tradition with teacups. Check it out here.

That's enough for today. I have to get back to my list of goals. ;)

xoxo

Goals for the week.

2009-11-24T12:41:00.000-08:00

Yep, I'm out for Thanksgiving break, but I still have tons to do. So, I have to set some goals. Things I want to do, and things I really don't want to do.

1. Homework, homework, homework

2. Finish my Christmas shopping :)

3. Make and write thank you notes They're so cute! I'll post a picture when I'm done with them. :)

4. Work, work, work

5. Cook, cook, cook

6. Read

7. Dive into some knitting books...maybe make something?

8. Clean up around the house

Looks like a boring list to me. Let's find some stuff to spice it up. :)

I love the make up in this picture.

This looks like a lovely place b would like to live. :)

These last two pictures were found at this cool blog. :)

Well, my list of goals is calling me. :) Looks like I don't have as much spare time today as I thought I would.

xoxo

A Saturday morning post.

2009-11-21T07:40:00.000-08:00

I've cleared my schedule for the whole day to just sit and really do nothing but what I want, since I'm working tomorrow and its my birthday. Brian and I are going to Taggart's for dinner tonight, and to a jazz concert after. :) He thinks they have dancing! :)

Well, here's a mix of Saturday morning inspiration:

This makes me want to go out and buy a bunch of new tights! Even though I did last week...that's something fun about where I work, I get to wear tights all the time!

This is like the cozy loft room that Gabe and I shared in Steamboat, Colorado.

I'm not sure these cute girls are twins, but if I ever had twin girls I would totally make them cute dresses like this. Here is a simple tutorial on how to do so. :) I think I'm going to add flower ruffles to something today. :) Handmade kids clothes are so cute, chic, and just down right adorable. Check out the other cute clothes she makes for her kids on her site.

This is another cute picture of one of her daughters that I couldn't resist...I recall a time when I was about her age and my hair was this long, if not much longer. And I do indeed remember my hair looking like that quite often...I was the tomboy that wore crazy outfits all the time. Yep, that was me. :)

Gabe and I both saw this picture and said "Miss Major would totally do something like that." Check out this awesome blog.

Alright, alright. Now that I've had my fill of coffee and handmade things, I think I can say my two weeks vacation from not making ANYTHING is up. And I can proudly say that I have not made a single thing. :) I was actually thinking about how lonely my sewing machine and desk looked yesterday, with the thin layer of dust and clothes that were piling up around it. Yes, clothes. I guess my room needs to be cleaned too, since I haven't needed space to make anything in there. Looks like I've got my work cut out for today. Have a great day everyone! :)

xoxo

Debi Treloar.

2009-11-20T14:54:00.000-08:00

I've used some of her pictures on here before, but I've just found her website and I love her pictures. :)

This is what I hope my family looks like. :)

Debi Treloar.

xoxo

Mail.

2009-11-17T12:15:00.000-08:00

I love, love, love getting mail. Gifts is one of my love languages, so I love getting them and giving them! Especially when they're from Amy. ;) I got my birthday present in the mail last night, and I was so excited to open it!

The contents of my birthday box:

Handmade garlands, which I decorated my bookshelf with.

I love these things!

One of Amy's journals. Its the perfect size to stuff in my purse. :)

And this book that I am so, so excited to check out! I'm not starting it until January, since it goes with the seasons and whatnot, and I'm a seasonal kinda gal. :) Its such a perfect book for Amy and I...best friends taking pictures every morning and sending them to each other over email because they're seperated...yep, sounds like us. :)

My best friend rocks. Hands down.

Don't you just love getting mail though? Its so old fashion and nostalgic...Amy and I have also been writing each other letters the past few months, although Amy is much better at remembering than I am. She sent me the cutest postcard that she made right before the craft fair, and it totally cheered me up. It was just what I needed. :) She knows me so well.

"I carry your heart (I carry it in my heart)"

I've been doing all sorts of online shopping, for Christmas and just little things I'm getting for my birthday. :) This vacation from creating of mine is really paying off. :)

xoxo

Coffee filter garlands.

2009-11-16T10:20:00.000-08:00

I love, love, love, love this idea and I'm so going to make some!!

I found these on this blog. Its one of my newest favorite blogs that I just discovered...hmmm...twenty minutes ago. :)

I also found this cool picture. I'm so, so loving the green. I've never thought about decorating with it like this before.

And these curtains!!

I'm a creature of the blankets, I seek their warmth. So I love how she has so many different blankets on her blog. And their all from different countries. You'd think I'd be able to understand French enough to order one, after 4 whole years too. But no. :(

Ok, just check the blog out. Its rockin.

xoxo

Happy birthday to me.

2009-11-14T08:22:00.001-08:00

Ok, yes...just another excuse to spend money, but I did it all on sale. :) And do you know Steve Madden doesn't charge for tax in Utah? Lovely. :)

All of these are books Amy and Jen told me about...to help boost my inspiration and creativity level. :)

Besides this one...I found it at Anthropologie, and knew I could find it cheaper, so I did. :)

And last but not least, I order my Pointter shoes from Steve Madden!

I buy most of my used books through Alibris. They're usually a few bucks cheaper than buying used on Amazon.

Now I've got to go get dressed up for work so I can earn that money back! ;)

xoxo

P.S. I found this awesome Alice in Wonderland shoot. Amy, you will love it! I want the ruffles dress!

Perfect.

2009-11-13T14:19:00.000-08:00

I need to go here!

xoxo

Eating with the seasons.

2009-11-12T11:06:00.000-08:00

So...my new goal is to try to become a little more cultured when it comes to my food. Yes, I know...I'm not sure this is blog worthy, but since I haven't been creating so much, I've been doing some reading about food. And I talked to Christina about it, since they eat lots of organic...and then she got me thinking even more. I'm reading Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver. Its got some really interesting insights on what really happens in the food industry. Oh, and my nutrition class helps, it makes me so hungry for yummy, healthy meals...which I never seem to be able to find time to eat or make.

Food can be so pretty.

This picture is from a blog I follow by Joanna Goddard. She's working on this awesome project with some friends of hers on how American women can get their "French on" in America's romantic cities, like New York and Chicago, just to name a few. I'm lovin' the pictures this project is producing. :)

xoxo

P.S. Sarah showed be this rockin' wallpaper! Looove it.

Inspirational stylist.

2009-11-10T13:27:00.001-08:00

Beth Jones.

I'm in love with her style. Her blog. Her beliefs. Everything. She rocks. Its so cool to find designers/stylists that are of the same faith as you, because its always something I question...is fashion in any way Biblical? Its still something I think about and toss around a lot, and I'm not sure how I feel. But when I see Christians pursuing their dreams in the fashion industry, it really makes me hopeful. Its what I want to do.

I've recently decided that I think I want to be a personal stylist, maybe work with a company, and maybe designing a little bit on the side...but whatever it is, I want to be picking out and working with clothes. :)

xoxo

P.S.

Steve Madden. Pointter.

Oh. My. My mom has a pair of shoes like these, and I love them, but I've never been able to find them!! And now I have! No wonder we love Steve Madden. ;)

I want to be like her.

2009-11-09T20:24:00.000-08:00

New designer.

Nadine Zlotogora.

xoxo

Sleep.

2009-11-08T12:28:00.000-08:00

I need it. Lots of it. And a cool place like this to chill and sleep.

Goodbye for a few days? Maybe, we'll see.

xoxo

Going on strike.

2009-11-07T05:48:00.000-08:00

Well, I didn't know the Craft Fair would be this stressful for me. A strange sort of stress, one that I've never really felt before. Its like the pressure to make sure people like your creations meets not feeling well and having to work around older ladies all day. And this mix isn't so fun. And I feel really drained. So drained. And I have one day to get through still. And a normal work schedule to deal with. Wow.
I had to come home last night after it was done to make more scarves (which did surprisingly well) and I was suppose to make more stretchy headbands, which also did well. And guess what? I left all of my fabric at church, so I had no supplies. My buttons are drying up since I've made so many headbands, so I had none of those to use either. That's when I decided my sleep was worth more than the extra money and stress it would take to make flowers from scraps....oh boy.

I sure do sound like I'm complaining, huh? Yes. I guess I am. That's also why I decided I'm going on strike after this. Not so serious as it souns, I just need a good two weeks or so to not. make. anything. At all. I need to restock my fish pond and find some pretty birds, because they all seem to have left me. :(

Any suggestions on how to restock my pond? Find some inspiration? Anything?

I need a fort to go rest in. Check these out. Amy told me about them. They're from the Where the Wild Things Are fort contest.

Dinner in a fort! Doesn't beat an igloo! ;)

Now that's my kind of fort! :)

Back to work.

xoxo

Neglect.

2009-11-03T11:57:00.000-08:00

I feel like I haven't been on here in forever...even though its only been about two or three days. I've been going crazy getting stuff ready for the craft fair, and I still feel like I'm not done. I have pins and clips to make still...blah. But I don't want to at this point. I just want to get it all set up and ready. And done. But I'm even worried about that part, the display. Amy and I found a cool vintageish green table cloth that I can use, but I almost feel like its too springy...but it it ok to use that as long as I'm sticking with my style?? Ohhh...I don't know. Wish me luck until Saturday is over.

Until then. I need some inspiration. Something. And where in the world has b been? Gone and lost forever?? :( I feel like I haven't seen him in ages either. Ohhh...what a week, and its only Tuesday.

I think I need to go to Barnes and Noble...

Or I need a new comforter...like that new quilt that's coming in the mail!! :D

Scarlett Johansson is one of my favorite actresses. She always, always, always has an interesting character to play.

Yes, I know that was random...but I just came across this picture of her.

I always enjoy finding pictures of "love birds," and I think these are some pretty cute, cozy looking ones.

Oh well...I must be going.

xoxo

I want a fort.

2009-10-31T08:27:00.000-07:00

I ordered this today!!! :D I love it and I can't wait to wear it.

I so wish I could pull off these kind of bangs...but I don't think I can. :(

I'm going to a Harvest Festival this evening to listen to a pretty rockin' band...and their guitar player is pretty sexy. :) I think I'll dress up...we'll seeeee. :)

xoxo

Bad week.

2009-10-29T20:59:00.000-07:00

Blah.

Maybe I just really need to catch up on sleep tomorrow...

xoxo

Flowers.

2009-10-28T12:50:00.000-07:00

I've been experimenting with a few things while getting ready for the Craft Fair (which is next Friday and Saturday). I made some of the cutest flowers yesterday, and I can't wait to show them off! This is my inspiration to them, but I added my own Lexy touch to them. I am in love with this French designer, but alas...they are all the way in Paris. :( Just another reason to head that way, right? :)

Now that the Craft Fair is almost here I'm getting more motivation to actually make things. I've made quite a bit this last week, getting up at 5 a.m. to make headbands on Sunday morning. Yeah, I couldnt sleep, so I had to be productive. I'm regretting it now that I have a lack of sleep and can't seem to catch up.

Oh! My new job! :) Well, I just called up at Dillard's to see if they needed any frangrance models for the holidays, and she said yes and wanted me to go up there for the Laucnh of their new Rose The One, by Dolce and Gabbana. I was most excited about dressing up in all black and pink! So cute! But I still didn't believe it was this easy to just get the job...so I had to rock it out on Saturday since I was kind of in a competition for the job against other fragrance modles. Anyways, turns out I got the job!!! I'll be working for Proctor and Gamel, not just fragrance modeling, but I'll actually start selling behind the counter in December! I am so excited and I'm going to have so much fun! None of the girls that I was working with believed that I just called them and got the job like that. They relly liked me though and said I helped them make a good portion of their goal for the day. I'm so so thankful. :)

I still need to find some cute black tights...like these.

I want to make pretty, pretty clothes.

Miss major could totally get along with a monkey!

I love how outrageous this is.

xoxo

Busy bee.

2009-10-26T10:36:00.001-07:00

I've got lots going on this week, and not much time to do it in.

Oh, I got a new job. :) Very exciting. More info to come later. :)

Wooaaah, scary. I took pictures like this once for Anna. No way would I attempt it with someone else, while doing that.

This looks intimate. :)

Ok, ok, ok. No time, so what am I doing blogging??

xoxo

Dark colors.

2009-10-23T07:15:00.000-07:00

I love them. They dark, almost black, greys, and the bold reds. So pretty.

Ok, who wouldn't want a clawfoot tub?

This is fun wallpaper. :)

Not really dark colors, but I LOVE this idea.

Yes, this one looks a little more like me...and maybe my current room now. Small and cozy. :)

Interesting idea. It really catches the eye.

This one just down right rocks! :)

I love this bed. Love. Love.

Alright, all of these wonderful images were from here. :)

xoxo

I can't wait.

2009-10-21T07:12:00.000-07:00

Amy takes gorgeous pictures. She's wonderful. So wonderful. I'll write a book about all of our photography adventures one day...including things like exhibitionists, homemade elf costumes, and roosters. :)

I have to share this lovely picture...again, Amy is wonderful!!

Amy Elizabeth Photography.

I can't wait to see the rest!!

Check her out for sure! :)

xoxo

Brian and coffee.

2009-10-20T05:43:00.000-07:00

Things I Like.

I need coffee this morning.

Up late writing a paper. Up early to shower and look like a normal human being. And pictures with Amy. I need coffee to be lively.

xoxo

For: Roo.

2009-10-19T20:35:00.000-07:00

Inspiration.

Amy and I have always talked about doing something with our contrasting hair colors...

I so desire to paint my walls this wonderful blue...it makes everything feels calm in the morning, and warm with the setting sun. Its perfect.

This looks like a lovely date...♥

I love sitting spots in the kitchen, and this one looks so creative and perfect. ♥

I love this dress. Yellow is Amy's color. :)

Sweet dreams.

xoxo

Kitten kisses.

2009-10-16T14:51:00.000-07:00

Guess who has a rockin' boyfriend that's taking her to see Where the Wild Things Are tonight...yep. :) After we cook for his parents. We're trying pears in all of our dishes. It should be interesting. :) Well, I've got to get off this chair and get to b's.

xoxo

<3

2009-10-15T12:13:00.000-07:00

This picture is just cute and funny. :)

:( I miss b...

Its been a long week and I've hardly accomplished a single thing.

Maybe more pictures would help??

These are recently some of my favorites...a series of a couple walking, and then...they kiss!! :)

I love these moments. :) Even if I don't admit it. :)

Pictures from Le Love.

xoxo

**EDITED**

I need more inspiration. Amy and I are taking pictures in a few days, and I feel like I've got nothing on my canvas...

What colors do we want to use? Soft, fall colors??

This looks like something Amy would make. :)

xoxo

What to do? What to do?

2009-10-12T14:12:00.001-07:00

"God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful." -1 Corinthians 1:9

You know, I have a really hard time being patient. With lots of things.

I feel like a slug. I just realized today that I have a month to get ready for the craft fair. Its not like I haven't done anything...but I've been sick for the past week and it feels like a waste. Now its time to bust a move and get cracking. Which is also hard to do when an artist is feeling hard on herself, and other people get in the way of feeling better. Its just the emotional cycle of creating I guess. Mull around in some new ideas, create something, some like it, some don't, and then you're hurt. Oh well...as all cycles continue, this one does as well.

Ok, enough of the depressing stuff...now a picture to explain our weekend in Park City. Or any trip with Amy really. :)

Any trip with us consists of:

Having packed waaaay too much, but all girls do this :)

Not putting things back, just rolling them up and throwing them on the floor or the bed, like so...

Chocolate

Eating out

Shopping and spending too much money

Some sort of art...

Now...we haven't gotten to the art part yet, but we will! Pictures! Pictures! All sorts: hair, products, for fun, candid...oh anything, you name it. We'll make it work. :)

Ok, ok...this brightened my day juuust a little bit. :)

These pictures I pulled from a blog I enjoy, The Drifter and the Gypsy

Time to get crackin' on some headbands. :)

xoxo

Heading out with my birdies.

2009-10-10T07:10:00.000-07:00

I'm going to Park City with my best friend and our lovely mothers for the weekend. :) We always have fun up there, and its just so pretty, so I'm sure we'll end up doing something creative. Since I've been a little under the weather this week, I need to restock my pond with inspiration...

If only I had hair this long...:(

Ok. LOVE the purple.

Love this bed.

b would love this. :)

Oh my goodness...I want to decorate a bedroom.

Best room! Hands down! But I seem to like less light...

xoxo

P.S.

♥

I want.

2009-10-07T15:52:00.000-07:00

xoxo

**EDIT: Apparently I already have this book. Its just under a new name. :) So yeah, its a good one. :) YOU should go get it. :)**

Quiet days.

2009-10-06T05:49:00.000-07:00

Design*Sponge Has the cutest weddings.

I'm feeling a little under the weather.

xoxo

My friend.

2009-10-03T08:13:00.001-07:00

This is a dear friend of mine, coffee cup, and I think you should know who she is. :) She's great at motivating me in the morning, when I'm sleepy...or when I downright have no creativity.

I'm glad to know they wear their socks over their leggings in France. This is something I do when I go to bed because of how easily I get cold, but I felt kinda nerdy about it. Now I'll just imagine myself falling asleep in a little tiny apartment in Paris, with my cool French style, and I'll fall right to sleep.

Alrighty. Well, mummsie and I are heading out to do some shopping today. We've got boots on the brain. :) Its cold in Utah!

Have a good Saturday. :)

xoxo

Cold picnic.

2009-10-02T16:16:00.000-07:00

Brian and I are going to see the colors up in the mountains today. We are also going to semi attempt to have a picnic, but I'm sure we'll run home as usual when its cold.

I'm sure its much less green up there...

I love this. :)

Logan: "What did Ghandi do?"

Me: "He's like a Martin Luther King for India."

Logan: "So he freed the blacks in India?"

Boys. :)

xoxo

Tomatoes.

2009-10-01T17:34:00.000-07:00

Today Seth and I picked tomatoes for his mom.

Yes, yes...these are phone pictures.

I loooove the way tomatoe plants smell. Its what I imagine the whole of Italy smelling like...mmmm...

I also struck gold in buttons today! Sales rock! I can't wait to show you guys all the cool stuff I'm doing with them. :) You know what else...I can't wait for Amy to get here so I can have some GOOD pictures of my creations.

My Anthropologie Wishlist:

xoxo

Winters come early.

2009-09-30T13:42:00.001-07:00

Yes, there is snow on campus now. This is crazy! Fall just started 9 days ago, and its already snowing??

I guess I don't mind much. It just means cute coats, jackets, scarves, and hats. :) And I love those!!

I want to go paint pretty things on a sheet like that...

If I had a cottage, my very own cottage, I'd fill it with the following:

Miss major's kitty hammock

Lots and lots of quilts, with all sorts of different colors to keep me entertained
Stacks and stacks of books, also to keep me entertained
A tea set
Some fire wood
Maybe a Brian :)
Little lamps
Warm sweaters
Big, comfy chairs that are good for reading in all day
Lots of raspberries
Looong drapes that dust the floor
Some pretty, framed butterflies to decorate the walls :)
Some dresses, so I can walk around and feel pretty
Pillows! Lots and lots of these

A princess bed

But I don't want to be an island unto myself...this sounds kind of lonely...

Rain sounds lonely.

xoxo

What a peaceful date.

2009-09-29T12:58:00.000-07:00

Take me here. :)

xoxo