AdaLou {the Blog}

CIAO - A GOODBYE, HELLO...

2013-12-11T00:56:00.001-06:00

Well there comes a time when all good things come to an end. And though this is not the end of everything, because something better is yet to come, I can't help but be a little saddened to leave this space behind me. After much consideration, this blog, the AdaLou Blog, will come to a stop. I have had a great few years here. I started this blog as a place to inspire myself daily, and it helped me greatly find that creative voice I needed. It opened a door of opportunities. I slowly meet new friends, which these friendships and bonds I've made I hold dearly at heart. I have learned a lot along the way, and I know I'll continue to learn more and more each day from this experience, but there is also a lot of history in this blog too. The name alone, AdaLou, has made visiting this space a bit difficult at times, hence why I have been MIA for a well part of the year. It's a love hate relationship that this space holds and the personal history behind it, though I don't care to go into great details explaining such at this time, but it made my decision to move my space to a new site with a new name that much easier as time went on. I'm ready to make new memories, have set forth new goals. An as a new chapter of life had already unfolded before me this year, I feel it's best to say goodbye to AdaLou, and welcome you over to my new space online. The content of my new blog will remain the same as this old space. My love blogging inspiration of art & design, color, places, food and life from day to day will remain the sole focus of my blog. The AdaLou Blog will remain as a live site here but I will just no longer post here. So, now if you'd like to find me via the web, you may now happily visit me over on CREATIVELY CURATED. I'm very excited about my new space. It's been in the works for a while but it took be a bit to get it all together as I choose a new name. One which reflects me and what my space will entitle. The RSS feed and Bloglovin' link from AdaLou will slowly be redirected over to my new space so you can keep up with me there. I hope you'll continue to visit with me an be inspired there too an thank you for a great few years of joining me while blogging on AdaLou. Bests, have a wonderful day, and I will see you around for sure. :)

IMAGE RESOUCES

ARTIST : DOE C DOE AKA GINA BAILEY

2013-12-07T23:07:00.000-06:00

Loving these vintage fashion themed vignettes by artist Gina Bailey of Doe C Doe. Her love for vintage mashed with her talent of mixed media design, has inspired these amazing little display pieces. Her careful attention to detailing an hand stitched touch's makes each piece one of a kinda, and completely unique. To see more of Gina's work please link on over to her below. Enjoy!

DOE C DOE

BLOG // ETSY

QUOTES : ENJOY THE LITTLE THINGS

2013-12-04T15:50:00.001-06:00

I love noticing the little thing in my day to day life. Small details, ~~which some, scratch that,~~ which most over look at times, but I try carefully to take notice. These things excite me! Things like if someone gets a hair cut at work I always try to compliment them about it. They usually smile and I usually feel good about noticing it an making them smile. Or while jogging... I make the conscience effort myself to wave hi to other people on the street, even if I don't get a hi back at me, it makes me feel good about myself. An when I get a "hi" it's all that much more worth it. There's leaving notes for friends about how awesome they are, because who doesn't like a little pick me up from time to time, and it's nice being able to show the people you care about that they are appreciated. I'll make an effort to tell parents who have well behaved kids that they are doing an awesome job, and even the struggling mom who I saw pushing the cart thru the grocery store with a crying toddler last week, ya, I stopped her and said it get's easier and you're doing a great job... which put a smile on her face an a bigger smile on my face as I passed her by. It's the little things that matter most to me so I do my best to enjoy those little things when they come back around in my favor. All in all life seems better when you take notice and "enjoy the little things". An though it may be hard to see the positives if you have a lot going on in your life currently, I'm sure there are a great many things to still smile about. Have a lovely day sweet friends.

* Above lettering doodled by me :)

COLOR PALETTE 48 : GERMAN MATCHBOX LABEL

2013-12-02T11:21:00.000-06:00

Well I hope your Turkey Day an long weekend was fabulous! I know I was stuffed and enjoyed some taste food and yummy desserts. I was on dessert duty so I made all my favorites and kinda couldn't go wrong ;) Either way a bit of color inspiration from this vintage 1960's / 70's German Matchbox label to kick of your December! Can you believe it? It's December already, how did that happen? Happy new week, happy almost Winter. :)

RESOURCE

FREE DIGITAL DOWNLOAD : THANKFUL

2013-11-27T13:58:00.005-06:00

The whole month leading up to Turkey Day (aka Thanksgiving) makes me really reflect on the things that I'm most thankful for. Not that I'm not thankful all year round because I surely am, but it helps me reflect an appreciate it all a bit little more. I'm thankful for my health, for my kids and their health, for loved ones, for family both near and far, for friends, for the home over our heads, a good job, an so much more. An even you, I am thankful you are here reading along on my little blog. An thank you for sticking around, or thank you for just joining me here. I hope this years been good to you, an I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

DIGITAL DOWNLOAD INFO
This digital download is for personal use only, as a wallpaper or phone background. It is not to be reproduced, resold, or modified in any way shape or form. All rights reserved © Sandi Devenny 2013 the AdaLou Blog.

Wallpaper 1800 x 1125 || Phone 427 x 640

DANNY ISKAK PHOTOGRAPHY

2013-11-21T10:44:00.000-06:00

So this is the first year I actually jumped upon the opportunity to have the kiddos photos professionally taken. I was offered a deal I couldn't resist and was able to work with the talented Danny Iskak, locally, here in Kansas City. To say Danny is talented would be an understatement, he's beyond amazing!!! I am so happy with how he captured all of these photos of my kiddos, exactly how I see them. My kids are happy kids, but sure they have their moments too, but all in all, Danny specializes in children's photography and it really shows thru his work. He's ability to catch their personalities really shines thru in these images, and he had such passion and excitement working with my kids that the overall energy of the photo shot was wonderful. Though staged photos can be wonderful too, catching life in the moment really speaks more to me than that silly school portrait my kiddo cringes to have taken. And though I only selected a few images to share here on the blog, they all are equally as fabulous, you should really go check out Danny's work. If you are locally I would suggest booking him for a shoot yourself and I guarantee you'll be pleased. I'm attaching Danny's Facebook feed, plus his contact info if you're locally below so you can find him, but he'll also have a new snazzy site up (which someone may have helped with, wink wink) and running soonish where you'll be able to follow along thru his photography journey.

"Thanks again Danny for our photo's, the kiddos and I couldn't be more please! :) "

DANNY ISKAK PHOTOGRAPHY
FACEBOOK || 913.206.3101 || diskak@gmail.com
(Danny Iskak is locally serving the Kansas City area)

WEEKEND HIGHLIGHTS

2013-11-18T13:08:00.001-06:00

This weekend was a busy whirlwind for sure. It was filled with ups and downs but all in all it went by to fast like they always do. Highlights from this weekend past… Macaroon shopping for a friends birthday (Happy Birthday Rachel!) an everything looked so pretty it was so hard deciding on just a few. A thrift stop where this lovely kitty planter made it's way into my cart. Now I am horrible with plants, I think I over-love them (aka water them way to much) an sadly they don't survive to long, so I'm going to find another use for this purrfect planter, maybe a trinket dish or pencil holder instead. There was a slumber movie sleepover plus an game of sonic blasters, which the kiddos really seemed to enjoy. We camped out in the living room on sleeping bags, doodles pictures, P covered herself in temporary tattoos, stayed up watching a few new movies, and snacked on goodies. There was a tasty weekend breakfasts, which is my favorite meal by far. We joined a dinner out with our friends. An I found these amazing shoewings in neon yellow, so now my chucks can serve a second purpose as magical flying shoes. Hope your weekend was amazing! :)

COLOR PALETTE 47 : FALL LEAVES

2013-11-14T12:47:00.004-06:00

A bit of Fall color inspiration by artist Emily Isabella. To see more of her illustrative and textile works link on over to her site.
Enjoy and Happy Fall!

RESOURCE

ARTIST : CLAERWEN JAMES

2013-11-13T10:24:00.000-06:00

Loving these children's portraits by the talented British painter, CLAERWEN JAMES. Her work is so beautiful, yet I don't know to much about her as the artist other than she paints from photographs and focuses her subject on children as she see's them. Sometimes happy or sometimes confused or sad but all in all I just love the brush strokes and simple detailing in her work. Her use of colors also plays a big part to set the mood for each of these pieces. These few I've shared here are among my favorite but she is represented by the Flower Gallery and you may view more of her work there. Enjoy & Happy Wednesday!

RESOURCES 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5

LOOKS FOR FALL FASHION

2013-11-10T11:41:00.003-06:00

Fall brings scarf weather, hats, long sleeves, coats, boots and more. I find fall one of the more enjoyable times to get dressed up because layering items is such an easy thing to do. Sometimes, however, I'm overwhelmed by how much to layer I should do, but here's a few looks for Fall which I'm lovin'. I have a thing for stripes, mustard yellows and denim an though I try to alternate it out some I still find it as my go to look and palette. I did just add overalls to the mix which I'm excited about this look too. So what looks for Fall do you enjoy? Hope you've had a happy weekend sweet friends.

RESOURCES 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9

DOODLES : THIS IS THE BEGINNING OF ANYTHING YOU WANT

2013-11-08T00:33:00.001-06:00

Long story made short... Every business, both big an small, has to go thru change to grow as a company. Last week it became more apparent that this change was now. And this week, my creative department was hit pretty hard. In shock of disbelief an pure sadness, tears were shed. An though I'm happy what seemed like the longest week of my life is now over, an I'm grateful to still have a job, I also can't help but feel extremely sad over it all. Many talent people were asked to say goodbye. Now, they all start a new chapter of life. An I have no doubts that these people will be successful, because they will be! But it's hard to except that things will be a little different. So with my best friend in mind, because she's been thru it all and still a strong fighter, I doodled this especially for her, so she'd know "this is the beginning of anything you want". Love you sweet friend, you're amazing and beyond talented and I hope you know it! :)

MUSIC : MATT & KIM

2013-11-07T10:43:00.000-06:00

Do you know of Matt & Kim? Well if you don't, today is your lucky day. I was introduced to them a few months back. I heard one song and knew they would be a my new favorite. I instantly loved them and did what I do best, which is put a song on repeat and drown myself in the music. I had heard a few of their other songs on the radio but really didn't know who they were. But now, I own a few of their cd's and cant seem to stop listening to them. Even the kiddos love their songs and the beat to the music is super catchy that I find W humming music nonchalantly. I was going to share this video below that I really loved the song and choreography though it's a bit more risque I guess (you've been warned, ha!), I also did a little lettering doodle based off of this song which you can see here… and I really enjoy this video and song too… ok their all good songs, I can't really pick a favorite. But I hope you like them. :)

MATT & KIM
WEBSITE // TWITTER // FACEBOOK // YOUTUBE

RESOURCES IMAGE 1 (Edited by me) // IMAGE 2

I WILL NOT COMPARE MYSELF TO STRANGERS ON THE INTERNET... WHY COMPARE?

2013-11-05T16:00:00.000-06:00

WOW! Now that speaks volume to me and I'm sure to a bunch of you out there too. It's funny how we compare ourselves to others, isn't it? I mean, let's really think about things for a second. You are you. And I am me… an I almost broke into a Beatles song for a second… but we have different talents, different goals, different ways of life. Our own unique upbringings. We work different jobs, we live in different states, we enjoy different things… and when it comes down to it, everything about us sets us apart from the next person. So why would we ever compare? Really? Why would we?

I understand people compare because they want what they don't have. Sure you could have what they have, but you're gonna have to work a hell of a lot harder to get to it because you aren't suppose to have it. But it really isn't that logical to compare. My view on the matter - is that it only makes your (an mine too) life that much more stressful when you compare. An then there is comparing to people out there on the internet (like it says above, which mine you, I LOVE this print) which we only see pieces of their life that they wish to share with us. In the retrospect of things people blog the happy, the positives in their lives, the inspiration which keeps them going. I do the same. Now I don't go lying about things in my life, but I choose not to share the negatives which have affected me because they are my business and why should you worry about them. Why would you want to hear negatives. I'm not a pity party person so I just brush that stuff aside and choose not to share it. But more so lately, I've had a share of ups and downs which has shaped me to be who I am today...

My blog, if you've been following me for a while, well it's been sparse. That's the best word I can find for it. I blog when I feel comfortable with things. When I'm in a good place, when something makes me smile or when I feel the need to address something of importance. It's hard not to be here daily. It really is. It's a place which I love, but find it hard to sit down and reflect what this space holds in itself. This print above speaks volumes to me, like I mentioned above, because though I don't compare myself to others, or at least try not to do so, I can't help but wonder if people do the same to me. Do you compare yourself to me, or to others? Please don't compare to me by any means. You'd need the whole picture to do so…

I've been looking for the right words to start a post like this for a long while, an these words above have helped me some to find a bit of peace to collect my thoughts. My life isn't perfect. I know this. And this is going to come to a shocker as a few of you have been following me for a while, and those who do know me on a more personal level (some even family/cousins I have not spoken to directly) but for the others out there… I have two beautiful, smart and beyond amazing kids which are horrible eaters, we struggle with mealtime daily and I'm a horrible cook (baking cookies, I'm golden with but cooking a meal not so much) but I'm sure this doesn't help. I live far from my family (my parents, brothers, cousins), 1000's of miles away which makes life rough. Family bonds are best when you are closer, I know this, so I miss my immediate family dearly. I just had to explain to someone that I am horrible with gadgets, electronics, tools, things of this such, that really overwhelm me. I try to be ok with it all but I have no clue how to even program my tv. It's daunting to me so if you can do that, get your tv to work right, well high fives for you, cause I can't do it, hahaha! If you know me, you'd probably realize I loath carpet, it grosses me out, and if you follow me on IG you'd see I now live in a carpeted apartment and my cat is having a grand old time tearing it up to bits. Now it's hard to write this next part, cause it's not something I've chosen to publicly announce till now, but I had been in a long relationship, which ended a while ago with my now ex-husband. An well, life always goes on, and things happen for a reason, sometimes which we don't always understand at first but it all works out in the end like it's suppose to be. I work hard to make sure my kiddos are the center of my attention and main focus. I juggle a lot more than people see. I work a great job but also freelance when I can to bring in a little extra for my kiddos (cause I like treating them to ice cream when I can) an I. I have stepped away from my personal art (drawing) for far to long to focus on my new life and how to manage it all. As I start to dabble back into art, when the time allots for such, it makes me so happy! If we're friends via IG, you may know I have a different guy in my life. I choose not to share my love life with people because it's my business but he holds a special place in my heart and that's all you need to know. So there you have it, my life isn't what you may see, and far from perfect…

An thank you Emily McDowell for reminding us (an me) "I WILL NOT compare myself to strangers on the internet".

RESOURCE : PRINT BY EMILY MCDOWELL ($26)

COLOR PALETTE 46 : HAPPY HALLOWEEN

2013-10-31T15:33:00.000-05:00

Happy Halloweenie friends! I hope you are having a spooky holiday so far. Are you dressed up this year? My kiddo was donated a costume this year but needless to say it won't be fitting him anytime soon so I decided to take it upon myself to wear it to work for the day. I hope you have a safe and enjoyable evening, filled with lots of trick or treats (candy - lots o candy!) And a little color inspiration for today. Enjoy :)

PHOTO RESOURCE

SHABBY APPLE : GUINEA A MINUTE DRESS

2013-10-24T10:28:00.005-05:00

Every now and again I have the honor of being asked to review a product. I won't lie, it feels a bit like Christmas when this happens and I get all giddy inside. On top of it all, when I'm contacted by the companies I'm very passionate about like SHABBY APPLE it makes my smile that much larger. I recently received the "Guinea A Minute" dress and I honestly couldn't be more pleased with it. The yellow color & stripes, the cut, the overall style of this dress is fabulous! I don't own any pencil skirts though I love that look, and this dress offered not only the look of a top and skirt but it's stylish and comfortable to say the least.

If you don't know of Shabby Apple they specializes in women's ware and offer a large array of items for every occasions. Each piece in their shop is carefully constructed with a feminine touch, an the details an care they put into their product maintains an overall high quality look an feel I'm sure you're going to enjoy. Their vintage clothing collection is by far my favorite! These looks are beyond some of my top picks every day styles and if I could, I'd take one of every piece for my wardrobe.

I hope you'll pop on over to visit Shabby Apple, I know you'll be impressed and to see what their up to you on a day to day basis you can easily follow them thru their social media feeds (listed below). And if you're on Facebook, which I'm sure you all are, make sure you link on over and like their page as they generously offer discount codes, new products photos, reviews and link to free giveaways!

SHABBY APPLE
SITE // FACEBOOK // INSTAGRAM // PINTEREST // TWITTER

An a HUGE thank you to Shabby Apple for my new dress. I just love it!

Oh and some bats, because did you realize Halloween is in a WEEK!!! Craziness!

- - - - - - - - - O U T F I T D E T A I L S - - - - - - - - -

Guinea A Minute Dress, Gifted c/o SHABBY APPLE.

Tights, Target. Timex Watch, Kohls. Shoes, Target.

EXTRAS : Bat Clip Art

ARTIST : HANNA ALBREKTSON

2013-10-17T00:01:00.000-05:00

Loving these mixed media illustrations by artist HANNA ALBREKTSON. The graphic shapes an limited color palette are really a strong suit in all of her works. I especially love the lemons on the scale below. To see more of her work please link on over to her personal portfolio. Enjoy!

( VIEW MORE OF HANNA ALBREKTSON'S PORTFOLIO )

COLOR PALETTE 45

2013-10-16T00:01:00.000-05:00

A little color inspiration for your mid week. Hope you're having a wonderful day.

IMAGE SOURCE

FICKLE TEMPORARY TATTOOS

2013-10-14T23:01:00.000-05:00

Have you heard of Fickle? Well if you haven't yet, lemme share them with you. This temporary tattoo company has quite a collection of fabulous tattoo's which have been created by an array of European artists. They are adding new designs all the time and each tattoo comes as a set of 2, so not only will you score one for yourself, but you'll have one to gift for a friend. So make sure to link on over to Fickle to check out all of the other designs and get yourself all inked up.

WHAT I WORE : BLACK AND WHITE KITTY SCARF

2013-10-10T23:54:00.003-05:00

So how awesome is this kitty scarf?! Totally amazing, right?! Last week I was on vacation in Fort Wayne, an while visiting one of my most dearest friends (as she celebrated her wedding weekend), she was oh so sweet and graciously gifted me with this cute black and white kitty scarf. I couldn't be more thrilled to be wearing it, but then to top it all off, her son was sweet and handmade me that roped bracelet (pictured below, which also matched the scarf) and I found a cheap pair of two dollar boots at an Indy thrift store to complete this look. Hope your weeks been wonderful, happy Friday dear friends :)

- - - - - - - - - O U T F I T D E T A I L S - - - - - - - - -

Cardigan, Target. Black Tee, Target. Scarf, Gifted thanks to Nicole.

Vintage Belt, Thrifted.Vintage Boots, Thrifted. Shorts, Forever XXI.
Watch, Timex, Kohls. Rope Bracelet Handmade thanks to Logan. Tights, Target.

DIY : HOMEMADE PLAY DOUGH

2013-10-09T22:01:00.001-05:00

My kiddos love play dough, and though the store bought stuff is nice, it seems to dry up or get's gross and sticky quickly, so it's just not worth the extra pennies in my opinion. So I choose to make my own from basic ingredients you probably already have in your cabinets. I bet you didn't know it's simpler than you think and if you'd like a little extra salt in your diet it's 100% edible too. Enjoy!

HOMEMADE PLAY DOUGH

Approx. 15 Minutes

Ingredients

1 Cup Salt

1 Cup Flour

1 Cup Water

1 Tbsp Vegetable Oil

3 tsp Cream of Tartar (powder)

Food Dye (optional)

Directions

Boil water and oil over medium-high heat. Add dry ingredients and remove from stove. Continue mixing till it lumps together, an knead mixture till smooth. Divide in section and add dye. Store in air tight container or ziplock bags. Good for one month or until dough texture crystalizes.

WHAT I WORE : BROWNHARE RAINBOOTS BY JOULES

2013-09-17T00:01:00.000-05:00

With Fall on it's way and the weather beginning to change, it calls for long sleeves, knits and that's right new boots!!! An I just love, love, LOVE these Brownhare printed rain boots from over on Joules. Aren't they simply amazing, I think so. The forecast had called for rain, and though I didn't get to puddle jump an splash all about, they are still the comfiest an cutest boot around. If you haven't been to Joules before make sure to pop on over thru the links below to see their site and to check out all the other fabulous selection, I really loved these ones too! Hope you're weeks off to a great start. Happy Tuesday!

JOULES
RAINBOOT COLLECTION // TWITTER // FACEBOOK // PINTEREST // INSTAGRAM

- - - - - - - - - WARDROBE ATTIRE - - - - - - - - -

Dress, Libertine for Target (Thrifted). Watch, Timex, Kohls.

Leggings, Target. Cream Knee Highs, Target. Brownhare Rainboots c/o Joules.

COLOR PALETTE 44

2013-09-16T01:00:00.000-05:00

Lovin' this illustration by Valentina Ferioli. The graphic clean shapes and minimalistic color palette I'm really gravitate towards. To see more of Valentina's work please click the source link below. Enjoy and happy new week!

IMAGE SOURCE

HAPPY LAZY SUNDAY

2013-09-15T12:32:00.001-05:00

Hope you're having a relaxing weekend, I know I am. We took a trip to the Circus, which the kiddos enjoyed, an lemme tell you, the 9 people motorcycling in the steel ball was highly entertaining to watch an also make you worry a bit too... Miss P was also pretty sure we could swing from a trapeze at home, or own/borrow one of the trained animals, hahaha. I found a few choice records on an afternoon outing, ate a couple of tasty meals (and plenty of sweets too). A lovely pair of boots arrived in the mail which I will share later this week. I got to meet and spend some time with a coworkers sweet little pup, an I may now want another dog, but that's not about to happen any time soon, ha!, And I may be spending the rest of my lazy Sunday vegging out an relaxin' with a sketch pad in hand. Hope your weekends going great and you're getting a bit of r&r in there too.

IMAGE SOURCE

WHAT I WORE : DENIM AND POLKA DOTS

2013-09-05T00:27:00.000-05:00

It's been like a heatwave here lately as the Summer comes to an end, so skirts and tee's are still a must. I decided to be brave and venture out in thicker knee highs and a vest too, an needless to say it was hot out but still tolerable. I hope you're keeping cool these last days of Summer, an so who's excited and ready for Fall? Hats, scarves and boots, oh my! I'm ready!

- - - - - - - - - WARDROBE ATTIRE - - - - - - - - -

Vintage Vest, Thrifted. Tan Tee (Gap), Thrifted.

Skirt (Merona), Target. Knee Highs, Target

Vintage Shoes (Sacs), Thrifted. Vintage Horse Brooch, Thrifted.

MUSIC : BEASTIE BOYS

2013-09-03T14:16:00.000-05:00

Tell me you know of the Beastie Boys? Of course you do! We've all listened to them at one point or another, I'm sure. It's been a while though since I've listened to them. I really enjoyed them in the 80's (my childhood) an can even still rap about 95% of the lyrics, ha! An as the music was shuffled about for car rides, the cd went in, the kiddos heard one song, and wamooo... they were instantly hooked! "Girls" seemed to be a catch song an especially the line about "in the bathroom" which if you have kiddos yourself I'm sure you'd realize anything potty related as jokes go seems to be hysterical to say the least. They both highly took to the song below, which is an oldie, and surely favorite of my own. An please keep in mind, there weren't much for music videos back in the day, so live music it is. Hope you enjoy reliving the 80's today ;)

Photo 1 (Edited by me) / Photo 2