Life and Things

In the Spirit of Summer

April 22, 2018

Hello friends! Summer is just around the corner, I can see little signs of green life peeking through late spring snow. Tiny green aspirations decorating the trees outside my house, toying with my emotions. So close!

This year, I’ve been focusing on taking control of living the life I want, instead of waiting around for the perfect life to come to me and it’s been incredibly liberating! In the spirit of summer, I came across this summer photography series, and had to share.

Cheers to living life to the fullest and enjoying each moment!

Photo Credit @Maciej Miloch

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Life and Things

Let’s be Honest

October 7, 2017

It’s been awhile since I’ve written; but, I’ve had a few things on my mind, which I can’t help but rant.

There seems to be a colossal whirlwind of change, technology advancements, virtual adaptation, progression and digression. The concept of humanity feels more and more conceptual as technology advances and slowly takes over our lives.

Let’s be honest about what is real and what we wish was real. Being infiltrated by gorgeous vacations, impeccable interior layouts, organized workspaces, perfect family portraits, epic nights out with friends has created a competitive, comparative environment. Being an extremely competitive person myself, I know I’ve struggled with the comparative rabbit hole chase.

At the end of the day, how do I feel about my own life and experiences from an honest perspective? Are we living to impress others or enjoying our own life? There are no re-dos; this is our only chance to love, dream, hope, try, and experience life. Captured moments are an outlet of expression, emotion, time, memories…life through your eyes. Why would you want to overwrite that with other people’s experiences?

Bottom photo credit @thejealouscurator

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Life and Things

Inner Landscapes

January 4, 2017

I was thinking today about the ideology surrounding the promises of a new year, new beginnings, a fresh start. It seems the perception of time and personal fulfillment are synonymous with perfection, tomorrow is another day, future versions of ourselves. The ‘Anne of Green Gables’ philosophy as it was.

I compiled the above images inspired by my feelings toward the new year. So far it hasn’t started off very perfect, and feels more like an extension of December but I think that I am okay with that. Not having a master plan, living in the moment, maybe even being spontaneous 😮

Instead of making a make or break Resolution List, I’d like to focus more on experiences and memories beginning with the following goals:

Lean down – Lose 10 pounds
Become more financially free – Pay off 5 credit cards
Take on Challenges – Run a half Marathon
Hike a 14er
Take a Photo Journal road trip
Start Freelancing/ Explore more personal art projects
Travel somewhere new

Stay warm out there!

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Life and Things

Nifty Gifties

November 20, 2016

Can you believe its almost Thanksgiving? Mentally I’ve already skipped over November in anticipation for snow, gift-giving, splurging, time with family etc. Since time moves extra quickly this time of year, I’ve compiled a gift list of unique ideas and concepts to surprise your special people with something new and different this year.

7 Gift Ideas that will Blow the Pants off Other Gift Ideas

A Planter that is a Cat. From: Barruntando | $30.47

Modern, Wall-Mounted Eternal Flame. From Touch of Modern | $165.99

Hand-crafted Artisan Jewelry. From: Story Weaver Mercantile | $26

Hand-made all Leather Messenger Bag. From: Story Weaver Mercantile | $135

Giclee print of Your Home State. From: Milk and Honey Bread | $20+

One-of-a-kind Secret Wood Ring. From: Secret Wood | $145

Customized Wine Club Membership. From: Winc | $52/month

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Life and Things

174 Days

September 22, 2016

So Facebook was kind enough to inform me that I haven’t posted anything to my blog in 174 days. So it’s been awhile…

This year has been a much need ‘namaste’ for me and honestly it has been one of the best years as far back as I can remember. Reading through old blog posts revealed a long-forgotten New Year’s Resolution List I had made in January. Below is the list I made at the beginning of the year and today I crossed off everything that had been accomplished so far.

Take on weekly personal art projects
Repurpose one piece of furniture
Take more Yoga Classes
~~Work out 3-4 weekly~~
~~Lose 8 lbs (not 10…8lbs)~~ (lost 12 lbs actually)
~~Continue Green Juicing~~
~~Cut back on Rockstars~~ (cut back is relative)
Run a 10k
~~Attend a Meetup~~
~~Pay back one credit card~~
~~Read~~ more (read 2 books…so technically more than last year)
~~Visit a foreign country~~ (went to Mexico!)
~~Network with other designers~~ (this one could be more but still counts)
Photography trips

Cheers to making goals and crossing off lists. Happy (almost) Friday everyone.

photo credit @Simone Brahmino

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Life and Things

Farewell 2015

January 1, 2016

Happy New Year to everyone! In the spirit of things, I have been thinking about my own resolutions/goals for 2016 and realize the common thread between everything I hope to accomplish boils down to one concept, creating opportunities. I read a great quote that I feel addresses this exact philosophy perfectly:

If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.
-Milton Berle

2015 for me was somewhat chaotic, full of uncertainty being tossed around in the sea of the unknown. As much as I dislike this lack of control in my life, I hope to embrace these uncertainties with a fresh perspective this year (as I’m sure tsunamis lie ahead as they always do.) Instead of fighting to force everything to fit in my perfect comfort zone, I hope to bring on the un-pleasantries and have some amazing new experiences in the process. You only have one life to live, so live it!

New Years Resolution Quote

As philosophical as that all sounds, I do have some practical resolutions I hope to accomplish this year which I will be promptly be crossing off throughout the year.

Take on weekly personal art projects
Repurpose one piece of furniture
Take more Yoga Classes
Work out 3-4 weekly
Lose 8 lbs (not 10…8lbs)
Continue Green Juicing
Cut back on Rockstars
Run a 10k
Attend a Meetup
Pay back one credit card
Read more
Visit a foreign country
Network with other designers
Photography trips

Photo credit: Currie Person of Spartan Home and Beam & Anchor
Love & peace

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Life and Things

5 Steps to Cure Indoor Apathy

November 18, 2015

Despite the cave-like comforts of drifting off into a deep pleasant sleep, the shadows of winter time zones eventually take their toll resulting in indoor apathy. Here are 5 easy steps to brighten up any nook or corner of your home and add creative flair.

Step One
Choose a corner, shelf space, reading nook that you wish to “enlighten.”

Step Two
Gather a few indoor potted plants, preferably ones that require very little maintenance. Areca Palms, Aloe, Diffenbochia, Spider Plants etc. are all very low care plants which make for great winter companions.

Step Three
Next, pick up a set of decorative firefly lights, I found these from Urban Outfitters but really any décor retailer should carry something similar.

Step Four
Finally, collect a few glass items to display your lighting. Mason jars, fish bowls, cake covers will all work great for this set up and typically cost ones of dollars at your local thrift store.

Step Five
Done! A beautiful nook of light to cheer up any wintery night (or day).

Photo credit: Urban Outfitters

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Life and Things

Workout Window Shopping

September 24, 2015

The week is almost over, happy Friday Eve! As some of you know I have been out of commission in the workout world for a few months due to a back injury. Sad day! In the meantime, I’ve been compiling my new workout wardrobe wish list in preparation for my determined comeback!

Hang in there, it’s almost the weekend!

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Life and Things

Kumbaya Moment

September 20, 2015

Do any of you remember the good old days of Myspace and the exuberant amount of mood sharing and homepage theme music? Makes me laugh just thinking about how incredibly irritating that personal theme music was! I am most certain that my status was comparable to a conflicted, deep and brooding fine artist. I actually pulled the photo above from my antique myspace account, sums things up perfectly!

If I could choose a mood status for my life now, I would have to go with feeling peaceful. I am very excited for the possibilities of new directions in life yet very content with how things are now. This is quite the accomplishment considering I’m the biggest planner/worrier on the planet.

During this kumbaya moment, I wanted to share some of my favorite desktop backgrounds. No computer should be left at default settings, no computer… Enjoy!credit: designlovefest.com | download herecredit: Nancy McCabe | download here
credit: designlovefest.com | download here
credit: Dan Funderburgh | download herecredit: thefoxisblack.com | download here

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Life and Things

Nifty Thrifty

August 30, 2015

Hope you all had a fabulous weekend! I’ve been working on piecing together new décor for my bedroom makeover. Since buying out Restoration Hardware isn’t an option, I’ve been hunting down thrift stores, craigslist, and second-hand shops for thrifty finds.

Here are a few pre-loved treasures I scored over the last few weekends. I’m so excited for everything to come together its hard to wait!