KV's Confessions

Simple Summer Style

2013-05-22T06:00:00.000-06:00

Dress, ROSS // Shoes, ROSS // Earrings, c/o Bluebird Bride

Summer dresses are my favorite.

If you're thinking about doing some shopping soon, I suggest picking up the following...

a flowy knee-length dress
some neutral sandals
a pair of bold earrings

Preferably in multiple combinations. It's got to be the easiest summer outfit EVER!

Add some bright lipgloss, a pedicure to match, a little self tanning gel, and you're set for the spring to summer transition.

Some of my favorite beauty picks...

Lips // Maybelline's Baby Lips Moisturing Lip Balm in Coral Crush
Nails // O.P.I. Bright Lights - Big Color
Skin // L'Oreal Sublime Bronze One-Day Tinted Gel

You can find me combining the above on repeat until September ;)

What's your favorite go-to summer look?

linking up with The Pleated Poppy + Style Elixir

That Time I Went to Zumba

2013-05-21T06:00:00.000-06:00

Whoa guys.

I actually worked out this past weekend.

I ZUMBA'D... and almost died 10 minutes into it.

But that's only because of my smoker lungs, and also the fact that I've been extremely inactive for quite some time now. I went into it confident I could handle the moves, but then 40 squats later I started panicking... so. many. effing. squats.

image via

My whole body has been paying for it these past two days and I'm pretty sure I pulled something in my left lower back... BUT! I'm proud of myself for actually going through with it and surviving an entire hour without passing out, crying, or leaving.

I didn't know any of the routines, but I did have a friend with me who I tried to follow the whole time. I probably caught on 62% of the time. The other 38% I was half-shimmying in circles of confusion and trying not to bump into anyone.

Why did I randomly decide to go to a Zumba class?

Good question, because if you know me you know I don't actually work out. I don't even remember the last time I was in a gym, or doing any kind of exercise for that matter. I wanna say... maybe 2 years ago? I was doing Namaste yoga pretty regularly for about a month. But then I stopped, just like I stop eating healthy as soon as I run out of Greek yogurt.

But the real reason I went to the gym is because I realized something...

I realized I had successfully squeezed past my early twenties without my weight fluctuating more than 5 pounds. But today, a whole month away from my 26th birthday, I have indefinitely hit my metabolism wall.

In other words... I'm getting FAT. Like, 20 pounds heavier, can't fit into any of my work pants, permanent food baby, fat.

Honestly, I was fully aware this day would come. I don't exercise, I don't care about nutrition, I eat out wayyy too often, and drink. A lot. Oh and I never cut calories at Starbucks or feel bad for drinking soda or over indulging on chocolate. Ever. And I pretty much live off bread and cheese.

I LIKE FOOD, OKAY?!

Apparently the food does not love me back because the pounds have been adding up since Thanksgiving, probably around the time I gorged myself and my body stopped handing out mulligans.

I'm freaking out, and mourning a little, because it means I have to stop being lazy. It's time for me to act like an adult and take care of myself already. Thus the reason why I forced myself to try Zumba.

I really liked the class, and I'm trying to get motivated about losing weight, but it all just seems so daunting. Mostly because I have to change. I know "little by little" is the name of the game here - trust - I've seen so many Pinterest quotes and photos from fitness bloggers to understand what I have to do... I just need to find it in myself to want to do it and then actually do it.

...but then I find myself wanting bacon. And burritos. And McDonald's fries.

*sigh*

Lord have mercy on me.

When did you start becoming health conscious?

Back Burner Blogger

2013-05-17T09:04:00.000-06:00

Lately I feel like I haven't been as creatively attached to the blog as I used to be.

I've been keeping myself pretty busy managing my design services and adding prints to the shop, and when I'm not working on that I'm also working my day job and trying to have a life.

Consequently I've noticed myself putting blogging on the back burner, mostly because I need that time away from my computer to connect with the outside world!

This blog is never far from my mind, however. I still have so many ideas and things I want to write about, places I want to go with it, and yet they remain inside my mind waiting for the opportunity to come forward.

Though, if I've learned anything about blogging over the past couple years, I know that the inspiration and time tends to ebb and flow, and so I'm not too worried about it, but I do miss it!

One topic I probably won't run out of content for is design. I've always got something to share in that corner of my mind, I just hope you don't get tired of it ;)

So here's a wrap up of my most recent work (Apologies to everyone who already got spammed on Instagram/Twitter/Facebook... love youuuu!)

Below are two of my latest prints added to the shop...

(Pssst... I just ordered a bunch of mugs with the happiness quote - more on that later!)

"Happiness Is" Print // "I Love My Dachshund" Print

(these also come as iPhone covers, pillows, stationary cards... etc.)

And here are THREE recent blog design projects... *phew!*

Chelsea at Red Velvet Rooster wanted a face lift from her previous DIY design. She loved the chalkboard trend and wanted in! I'm loving the simplicity, fonts, and cleaned up layout - I think my favorite part are the sidebar titles. Aren't they pretty?

Fonts used: Petit Formal Script, HandyGeorge, Georgia

I had helped Brin from Bold Butter Baby design her business cards to take to Blissdom a couple months ago, and she wanted that same look translated on her blog design. The chevron background was toned down, the layout more structured, and fonts more streamlined. I love how her new and improved look stays loyal to the brand her readers are already familiar with!

Fonts Used: Sacramento, Open Sans Condensed Bold, Open Sans

I just can't get enough of this one! Holly from The Oklahoma Peppler's was super easy to work with and trusted me completely. She gave me a few basic ideas of what she liked but admitted she was not too keen on design speak, that's why she hired me! :) So she gave me a color scheme idea and let me off my leash. I came back to her giddy with a great representation of my favorite design aesthetic, and I was so glad she liked it! Modern, clean, and bold - I'm head over heels.

Fonts used: Oswald, Meddon, Questrial

...and onward, I go!

What have you been working on lately?

What I Wore to Work

2013-05-15T00:01:00.000-06:00

Dress, ROSS (Beige by ECI) // Shoes, Payless // Earrings, F21 // Sunglasses: Gifted

Summer has definitely arrived early here in Utah. It's been around ninety degrees these past few days. As my mother would say, "It is WICKED!"

Consequently I've been looking for ways to stay cool during the work week, mainly with trying updo's and finding summer work dresses so I can worry less about the temperature and more on my concentration.

I'm pretty modest in general when it comes to my wardrobe, so summer always pushes me to the edge of what skin I'm comfortable showing.

For example, I felt a little risqué in this dress at work because it's so above the knee, and I wasn't wearing leggings or nylons (I blame this awareness on my religious upbringing!), but after running errands in the heat all day I knew it was a good choice.

Guess I'll just have to adjust!

Has summer hit your state yet?

How do you beat the heat with your style?

A Beautiful Storm

2013-05-13T06:00:00.000-06:00

Just as the sun was setting last Friday, I went to take the dogs outside and was greeted by my usual surroundings, but this time it was as if the world had a gorgeous yellow filter on it.

A storm was on its way and I could see the rain coming down in the distance, but above me the skies were painted with these deep shades of amber. I watched as the planes flew by and the clouds shifted to a gorgeous pink, casually snapping picture after picture until I saw it from every angle.

It was so surreal, and too stunning not to admire with a proper stare. I'm glad I caught it during for those short twenty minutes while others were inside, not even aware of the beauty just outside their door.

Am I the only weirdo who gets caught in trances staring at the sky?

Miss you, Mom!

2013-05-12T12:18:00.001-06:00

Happy Mother's Day... I miss you so much, Mom!

My "Oh, Shit!!!" Moment

2013-05-09T06:00:00.000-06:00

Blazer, H&M // Top, F21 // Jeans, LC for Kohl's

Shoes, Payless // Earrings c/o Maya Brenner // Watch, GUESS

Things started out so optimistic on Monday morning. I was on time, in a cute outfit, having a great hair day, and enjoying my favorite Starbucks... for about a half hour when I realized I had royally screwed up at work.

I had forgotten to send a very important addendum to our client's mortgage lender. We were supposed to close that afternoon but because of my mistake, we had to delay it another three days... which is kind of a big deal.

I was numb with shock, furiously searching through emails to prove them wrong, blame someone else - when I realized my mistake was, in fact, real.

"Oh, shit..." I repeated over and over in my head for the next hour.

I watched as my boss tried to save the deal with the lender, flipped through the contract in paranoia, and called to apologize to everyone involved in the transaction. After listening to the rehashing of my less than stellar performance, my embarrassment had reached its peak and I had to excuse myself to calm down.

As I tried some deep breathing exercises and let a few hot tears escape my eyes, I couldn't shake the shame in my mistake. Sure, it was "just a mistake," "we all make them," "shit happens," or whatever... but I don't make these kind of mistakes. Not when it comes to work, anyway. I take it seriously and personally, so those couple times a year I drop the ball... it's heart wrenching.

More than my own humiliation, the worst part was feeling like I disappointed my team. I let everyone down. Would I no longer be trusted to perform my job well? Maybe I would need to be checked on and monitored repeatedly, and I know I can't stand to be micromanaged...

And while I had several vague excuses of why I made the mistake, (too much on my plate, busy time of year, that day was crazy, etc. etc.) it still boiled down to... me. Screwing up. Period.

I came back to see how my boss had handled it, and after I apologized countless times and let the flood gates open, all he said was,

"Kristen... it was a mistake. We all make mistakes. You're still an awesome f***ing assistant and the fact that you're reacting this way is a good thing. It means you give a shit about your work performance."

#ilovemyboss

I figured if he could fight to keep going, react logically, work it out, and move on with his day, I owed it to him to do the same.

So I fought my desire to wallow in pity, and instead I accepted my error, started working harder, and began to feel better as the day progressed, especially when the lender came down with a Diet Coke and chocolate... chocolate always saves the day.

After reflecting for a couple days, I concluded something. Maybe you saw me tweet it yesterday?

It's true. We all suck sometimes, but it's best to admit it, accept it, and just try harder next time. That's all it takes, and that's all anyone should expect... including ourselves.

Livin' and learnin', folks... livin' and learnin'...

Have you ever screwed up big time at work?

What I Do & What I Fear Most

2013-05-07T00:01:00.000-06:00

I'm killing two birds with one stone today and catching up on both Monday + Tuesday's "Blog Every Day in May Challenge" with Jenni @ Story of my Life... mostly because I was too tipsy from margaritas on Sunday night to even compose a post... so yeah... here we go!

If you couldn't answer with your job,

how would you answer the question, 'What do you do'?

I'm a full time wifey and furmom with a passion for art and design.
I run a blog where I share my love for writing, design, and style.
I run my own graphic design service, "KV's Design Studio" where I specialize in creating blog design as well as logo and brand identity.
I also run a shop where I sell hand-drawn art and printables.
On my down time I like to photograph, explore my love for food, travel whenever necessary, watch TV series, spend time with family and friends... oh and binge on social media.

The thing you're most afraid of...

My two little ones dying... the tears start to form as soon as I think about it! For some reason it's easier for me to accept the fact that the people I love most have expiration dates, but there's something about an animal's life that is too special and too innocent to accept their ultimate end. Even in the movies, when people die I'm sad about it, but I move on... but when an animal dies I am an absolute wreck, like that episode in the beginning of Game of Thrones? I was in tears for 20 minutes and couldn't stop! But alas, death is part of life... I just hope there is a doggy heaven!

Things That Make Me Uncomfortable

2013-05-03T00:01:00.000-06:00

So the other day I came across Jenni at Story of My Life's "Blog Every Day in May" Challenge.

What is it, exactly? Well, more importantly is when she explained why...

"I think when you force yourself to blog every day, you stop feeling so much pressure for every post to be perfect. I do that (the pressure thing) BIG TIME, and lately I've been so frustrated by the fact that I'm not enjoying the experience of blogging as much anymore. I want to get back to the basics. You know, the writing stuff. We bloggers feel a lot of pressure to write something "cool" and funny and relatable and enjoyable, and that's GREAT, but sometimes the pressure can be too much and so we don't write at all."

I've been feeling like this a lot lately. I won't put pressure on myself to complete it, (because who really needs more pressure in life? Not to mention I'm already a day late...) but I'm looking forward to being inspired from this challenge and just getting back to writing in general.

So what's today's prompt?

"Things that make you uncomfortable."

So without further adieu, and in extremely random order... here we go:

When people touch my hair/face
Kisses on the mouth with parents and/or uncles
When the doorbell rings and I'm home alone
Driving with the window rolled down a little too much
Wind
Leggings that don't go up high enough
Walking into a store without makeup
Wool sweaters
Children who stare
Insanely drunk people
Having a political debate with someone who only watches Fox news
Sneezing without a tissue around
Loud motorcycles
Waiting for a stall in a public restroom
Awkward silences
Being in an elevator with someone else
...forced chit chat in general
Airport security
Enormous dogs
Whales
Spiders
Cats
People talking to me when they have a booger in their nose
Girls showing wayyyy too much cleavage
People walking slowly in front of me
Hard nipples
TICKLING.
Public speaking
Large crowds of people
When there's too much eye contact in a conversation
When people whisper in my ear
Cop cars behind me on the freeway
Being the passenger with someone who sucks at driving
Stiletto heels
Overly cheerful people
People who overshare about their sex life
Sleeping in my makeup
When my bangs need a trim
When I run out of hairspray
Crackheads

...soooo apparently I'm uncomfortable a lot of times. The sad thing is I could probably add a lot more to this list.

What makes you uncomfortable?

May Calendar & Playlist

2013-05-01T00:01:00.000-06:00

YAY FOR MAY!

Because it's the month when we celebrate mothers, when spring is in full effect, when flowers are EVERYWHERE, and when we get closer to my birthday :)

Good feelings all around for this girl over here.

Know what happens when I've got good vibes? I post your freebie calendar download on time!

Download links: 1200x800 // 1280x1024 // 1600x1200

Here's to decorating your desktop for the next 31 days with a splash of Emerson wisdom alongside some pretty hand drawn peony blossoms.

On the music end I've been loving whenever my Macklemore Pandora station comes on... pretty obsessed over it. Turn it up when you're needing a pick me up at work or while sipping on some lemonade in the sunshine this month!

MAY PLAYLIST

1. Macklemore & Ryan Lewis ft. Evan Roman - "A Wake"

2. Atmosphere - "The Best Day"

3. Chiddy Bang - "All Things Go"

4. Gyft - "They Just Don't Know"

5. Macklemore & Ryan Lewis ft. Mary Lambert - "Same Love"

6. Kid Kudi - "The Prayer"

7. B.O.B. - "So Good"

8. Atmosphere - "Sunshine"
9. Dyme Def - "Let It Be"
10. Lupe Fiasco - "Battle Scars"

Here's to a happy May!!!

*cheers*

Golf Day

2013-04-30T00:01:00.000-06:00

I actually really like golfing. We went with a couple of friends on Sunday and it was so relaxing to get outside and hang in the sun for a while.

I skipped the actual playing part but put on my spectator hat and photographed instead. It was one of the most beautiful golf courses I've been to, and the spring timing couldn't have been better. Everything was blooming and full of life - I spotted birds, geese, squirrels, horses, and even a deer wandering in the woods!

I would strongly suggest, even if you don't golf, to at least hop on a friend's cart and watch one time. It's quiet, peaceful, and a good place to collect your thoughts for a day. Especially with a case of beer ;)

Have you ever been golfing before?

Designing Lipgloss on my Latté

2013-04-26T09:33:00.000-06:00

Happy Friday, kids!

Today I wanted to share a blog design project I recently finished...

I've been working with Gina from Lipgloss on my Latté who came to me wanting to rebrand her blog design. She previously had a very girly look going on with light pinks, polka dots, and digital graphics. We kept the girly vibes but added custom hand-drawn graphics, a broader color scheme, and a cleaned up layout.

I love how it turned out, especially because I got to spend time sketching and working on my Illustrator skills :)

Come give Gina a visit sometime and see her in live mode!

Decor Envy: Eclectic

2013-04-24T09:24:00.000-06:00

Isn't it funny how our styles change over time?

That sage green was the perfect paint color to go with five years ago. Now it seems dated.
I only wore flared jeans for the longest time... until skinnies came along.
My wedding flowers were hot pink gerber daisies. If I had to choose now, I'd go with peonies.

I guess that's what happens when some time goes by.

I've been thinking a lot about my home lately, the decor, and how much it reflects our style. When I was 19 I wanted a simplistic, traditional feel, and that's what we've had for a long time now.

But that was also almost seven years ago.

I haven't redecorated in a very, very long time. I look around and don't see "us". I'd honestly love to sell it all and start over, but for now I just want to share some inspiration on what style I'm most drawn to... eclectic!

image via

Mismatched. Funky. Worldly. Thrifted. Original. Bright. Weird. Awesome.

#LOVEIT

What words describe your decor style?

Introducing...

2013-04-22T00:01:00.000-06:00

...that would be my BRAND NEW Society6 shop!

AKA... my new baby :)

If you've ever wanted one of my hand-drawn designs professionally printed, framed, stretched on canvas, or even on an iPhone cover, I've finally launched a way to offer it to you guys. I'd love for you to take a look when you get a chance - there's some art that I've never shared on the blog before!

It's obviously still a work in progress - I wanted more inventory in there when it launched, but like I said in this previous post, "If you don't do it NOW, when will you?"

Anyway - this is super exciting and I can't thank you enough for your support - I honestly would have never does this if it wasn't for my readers and this amazing, talented, and inspiring blog world.

P.S. If you have any suggestions on what you'd like to see, whether it be your favorite quote or a certain illustration, I'd love to design one with you in mind! Email me or leave your ideas in the comments :)

Happy Birthday to my Hubby

2013-04-19T10:08:00.004-06:00

Happy Birthday to my Hubby:

the giving, loyal, and loving man you are.

I'm so happy I have you in my life, and so thankful to call you mine.

Quitter No More

2013-04-17T06:00:00.000-06:00

Pants, Scarf, Earrings: Charlotte Rousse // Top: H&M // Flats: Payless

So, I had a moment yesterday that really nipped my poopy mood in the butt...

During the day I work at a top real estate office for one of the top selling agents. I hate to say it but I've been pretty pessimistic about it from the start. I've had this attitude that it's just a job to help pay the bills and that I would move on as soon as I found something better.

I've resisted going to the office luncheons, I avoid meetings at all costs, and I purposely sequester myself in my little corner office so I don't have to mingle with people. I do this because I want to stay focused on keeping full-time design as my goal and this job as a transition, and I don't want to allow anyone to distract me from where I dream to be.

Then yesterday I learned my boss was being given a pretty prestigious award at this month's office luncheon, and because he was out of town, he asked me to go and accept it on his behalf.

Good riddance...

With this task I was also accepting the fact that I would have to sit through a heavy round of real estate motivational mumbo jumbo. I was initially planning on peacing out early and skipping the speeches all together... but I got sucked in, you guys.

I watched. I listened. I pondered. I applied what he was saying to my own life. I let go of my doubt and judgement, and for once I just sat there and allowed my broker to inspire me.

And he was right... so right it almost brought me to tears.

He talked about how people will say you can't do it.
But to stay determined to prove them wrong.
Strive to be better than average.
Embrace your failures.
Learn from losing in order to know how to win.
Try your very best at all times.
Don't compare your best to anyone else.
Focus on yourself and what you're made of.
Don't quit, and never give up.

What really stood out to me was when he said, "Anyone can have the talent, anyone can learn the skills, but the difference between being average and exceptional is how hard you're willing to work."

It's all stuff I've heard before, but this time it was exactly what I needed to hear.

I've come really close to giving up, quitting, and walking away from it all - blogging included - like I have so many times in the past...

I quit the softball team.
I quit my school's dance team.
I quit school the first time around.
I quit friendships.
I quit jobs along the way.
I almost quit on my marriage once or twice.

But no more, you guys. Quitting is no longer an option... I can't afford to.

Thanks to my broker's insight, I've let go of this nagging pessimism and stress, and I'm just going to work on doing my very best.

Where can you try a little harder?

Inspired By Paper Acrobat

2013-04-16T06:00:00.000-06:00

When I'm in a mind-slump, I find the best way to pull myself out of it is by creating something. It's the only thing that has the power to let me forget about everything else going on and just focus on something outside of my own world for a while.

And I'm not talking about working on someone's design project, because that can be another expectation to reach or criticism to take.

I'm talking about general creation without the worry of someone's approval. It's a beautiful thing, really, and a shame I don't find the time to practice it as much anymore.

I've been following a blog by a man I only know as "Paper Acrobat" for a long time now, and he comes to mind when I think of those who just create to their own soul's satisfaction.

He is a fantastic graphic designer and illustrator with a day job, but he also works on developing personal projects on his own time and often shares them on his blog.

I find them fascinating, clever, and inspiring - especially his paper art.

"Idea" // source

"Pipe Dream" // source

"Paint the Town Red" // source

"One Step..." // source

"Rain" // source

"TV" // source

"Time Flies" // source

So simple, fun, and imaginative! I find myself not only inspired by his talent, aesthetic, and message, but also by his genuine love of art and creativity.

I must get back to that place.

Find more Paper Acrobat:

blog // instagram // pinterest // twitter // facebook

One of those days

2013-04-15T06:00:00.000-06:00

Welp, I'll be honest...

I'm not off to a great start this week.

I could go into a long string of scattered, random, emo thoughts,

but instead I'm going to blame it on the rain and say,

"It's just one of those days."

True Life: I Removed GFC

2013-04-12T06:00:00.000-06:00

Maybe you've noticed, maybe not, but last week I decided to axe my GFC widget...

...and I've never felt better.

It was a number I proudly displayed for a long time...

I watched it grow.
I sought approval from it.
I listened to it.
I compared with it.
I allowed it to judge me.
I allowed it to judge others.
I let it control me.
Control my content,
Control my confidence,
Control my motivation.
To a point where I couldn't imagine my blog without it.

Then it was announced that Google Reader was going away, and after a little rage and disappointment... I embraced it.

Because why was I letting a number have such a hold on me?

Did it mean I was important? No.
Did it mean I was successful because of it? No.
Did it mean I was better than others? No.
Did it mean other bloggers were better than me? No.
Was it even accurate? No.

Even though it meant close to nothing, I still kept it up as a way to show others what I had formerly accomplished. When I realized how ridiculous that was, I just didn't want to look at it anymore. I didn't want it greeting me in the morning or setting the tone for that day... I just wanted it gone.

When I finally decided to hit OK and watch it disappear... all I felt was relief.

Relief of pressure, relief of judgement, relief of caring so much.

While it feels good to know a number of you keep up with what I publish on this blog, I can't let that number define me. Instead I try to keep my goals in sight and let reaching them be the motivation and meaning behind my success.

It's made me think... we let numbers define us all the time.

The amount of money in our bank account, how many things we own, the price tag on our shirt, our age, the number of friends we have, the amount of trips we've taken, the number we see on the scale... it's pretty crazy.

Maybe for some people the numbers are motivating, and sure I understand that to some degree, but I think if we could just try to focus on the bigger picture more often than we focus on the statistics, then we might actually end up being right where we've always wanted.

What numbers control you?

Twirl Like Nobody's Watching

2013-04-10T06:00:00.000-06:00

Maxi Skirt c/o HONEY & LACE
Jacket, Top: FOREVER 21 // Sandals: OLD NAVY // Earrings c/o MAYA BRENNER

Yes, I was twirling around in my backyard like a hippie that day (I'm sure by now at least one of my neighbors have taken notice to my crazy antics and picture taking, but I try not to think about it). Then again, it's pretty much mandatory to twirl around when you're wearing a skirt, especially when combined with a good hair day.

And while I'm pretty much obsessed with my new jean jacket (and surprisingly on time for this trend... kinda?) I'm even more in love with my new Honey & Lace polka dot skirt! The color, the pattern, the fit - it's perfect for a casual spring look when you just want to feel a little breeze on your knees and sunshine on your toes - plus it's totally unique!

If you're not familiar, Honey & Lace is a cute little apparel shop based in the LA area - I heard about them recently through a friend at work and I'm so glad I did! They sell custom maxi skirts and jeans by hosting parties in Utah, California, and Vegas.

Since their inventory is always changing you can check out the latest fabrics on their blog, and if you live close and want to host a party of your own you can contact Dianne for more information.

Orrr you could enter below for a chance to win a free maxi skirt of your choice :)

*Open to US residents only - winner's choice based on current inventory availability.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck my fellow skirt lovers!

Tea-Time!

2013-04-08T06:00:00.000-06:00

I've always considered myself a full-time coffee drinker, but lately I've been warming up to tea!

"love tea" by Hi-deer via Society6

It began about a month ago when I started having a cup of green tea a couple hours before bed; not too much caffeine to keep me up all night, but enough to give me some pep for answering emails while also leaving me cozy and ready for bed.

Then I started having them in the mornings - bringing my mug and honey bottle to work - then filling up again after work. So light and perfect, I now believe anytime is tea-time! My favorites right now are Green and Black, but since I ran out of honey I'm planning on picking up a few more to try this week.

Maybe it's the spring and rainy days, but I'm ready for a full on tea party! Who wants in?

{see where to purchase all items above on my polyvore board}

Do you drink tea? What are your favorites?

$400 Beach & Bikini Giveaway

2013-04-05T06:00:00.000-06:00

Spring is finally here! You know what that means... summer is just around the corner.

Sunshine, bikinis, and the beach... but if you're in Utah like me, a lake or pool. And if you've got none of the above, a spray bottle, some suntan lotion, and a beach chair always work out great. Either way, warm weather is on the way!

To help you kick off the summer season, Jessah @Dreaming of Dimples, myself, and a bunch of other bloggers would like to give you a head start on planning for your next beach getaway in a new bikini... or tankini if you're still working on those abs like me ;)

Don't forget to check these lovely ladies' blogs. They are fab!

21 Amazing Bloggers

1 Winner: $300 Travelocity Hotel Gift Card + $100 Victoria's Secret Gift Card

1 Mandatory Entry + lots of bonus entries

There is just one mandatory entry and that is to leave a comment below telling us "where you would go on your beach vacay". The rest are bonus entries and totally up to you!

Dreaming of Dimples | So Shay | This Won't Hurt A Bit

Saturated Canary | Glitter and Gloss | KV's Confessions

Jessica Who? | Gentri Lee | Her Late Night Cravings

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"NOW, Kristen Victoria!!!"

2013-04-03T00:00:00.003-06:00

Top, Pants, Bow: Forever 21 // Earrings c/o Maya Brenner // Heels: Steve Madden

Growing up my parents would always ask me to do my chores and then expect me to start on them that very second.

"I'll do it later, Ma!!" I would yell as I continued reading CosmoGirl and blasting N'Sync.

And she would always respond with, "NOW, Kristen Victoria!!!"
(You know how moms always say the first and middle name together when wanting to sound serious? Or was is just mine?)

She knew if she allowed me to push it off I would either A) not get done or, B) end up doing it herself.

Now I understand why she did that...

Because, if you don't do it NOW, when will you do it?

I've been meaning to give my design services its own website, get a print shop launched, work on selling my artwork, etc. The ideas are all there and the intentions are good - I've just been pushing it off because I seem to find a dozen other things I need to do first. Time passes, and before I know it the goals I had a year ago still haven't happened.

It's not that I'm not willing to do the work, because I am. I guess when my confidence is high and I'm really close to making a move, all those little voices from my head come out to play and start to mess with me, and I choose to be distracted because it's more comfortable.

Head games, man. They suck.

But seriously, this month I'm ready. I have been working on something special to show off very soon, and even if it's not perfect and everything ideal I imagined, at least it's a start. I have to remind myself that a small start is better than staying in the same place.

What's something you can do NOW?

April Calendar & Playlist

2013-04-01T00:01:00.000-06:00

Happy April! The month of spring in the air, rainy mornings, and florals in bloom.

(It's also the month of my husband's birthday - the hard working, loving, sweetheart of a man I'm so glad to call mine ♥)

I'm just getting really excited for everything to start blooming this month, and I'm looking for ways to be inspired, grow, and transform along with the nature around me.

So enjoy the month ahead, work hard, and don't forget to celebrate the new month with a new desktop calendar and April playlist from yours truly!

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April Playlist

1. "Let's Go" Matt & Kim

2. "Fluorescent Adolescent" Arctic Monkeys

3. "Heart It Races" Dr. Dog

4. "So Insane" Discovery

5. "The Girl" City And Colour

6. "Daylight" Maroon 5

7. "Diplomat's Son" Vampire Weekend

8. "Blackbird" The Beatles

9. "You Are The Only One I Love" Jaymay

10. "Close To You" The Carpenters

Girl Crush

2013-03-28T06:00:00.000-06:00

I've got big old girl crushes on several women, and I'm happy to share them today.

MARILYN MONROE // image source

EMMA STONE // image source

LIV TYLER // image source

JENNIFER LAWRENCE // image source

ZOOEY DESCHANEL // image source

EMMA WATSON // image source

EMILIA CLARKE // image source

EMMY ROSSUM // image source

LENA DUNHAM // image source

All gorgeous, talented, and amazing women.

But, what if I was sexually attracted to these women? Would it bother you?

With gay rights being a big issue in today's society, and becoming more in the spotlight as of late, I can't help but think about this in depth.

It was just last year we talked about gay rights in my Ethics class. Some guy actually still thought being gay was a disease, and I pretty much seared his face off with my glaring eyes. I mean, seriously? That's not even an opinion; it's stupidity.

Needless to say, I have a strong ongoing support for the gay and lesbian community. I believe people are born homosexual, just as I was born heterosexual. It's scientifically proven. I don't understand why people and churches are fighting this.

We have those who are completely disgusted, think it's an abomination, and spread hate in Jesus's name, and to those I just say one thing, and that's f*** you.

Then we have those who think it's OK to be gay and all, but they just shouldn't get married. Because marriage is so sacred and all... meanwhile around half of heterosexual marriages end in bitter divorce. My question is, how can we be OK with Kim Kardashian being married for 72 days, but two men devoted to each other for life can't have the same right or the same benefits?

"But OH MY GOD what about the CHILDREN!? They can't possibly be raising children!" OK, this is the one that drives me nuts. The last time I checked, everyone's childhood was pretty screwed up, even with heterosexual parents. Didn't some woman put her baby in a microwave not too long ago? Pretty sure gay isn't the problem. UNCONDITIONAL LOVE is what matters most to a child, not their parent's sexual orientation.

And I don't care what an ancient book, politician, or church leader has to say about it. I believe gay people should be able to love openly, get married, and raise children if they want to.

They are only human after all.