Pretty {much} Art

a {pretty} weekly wrap-up

2012-05-25T09:00:00.000-05:00

Pretty neat things I discovered this week:

Yes, there are only two things I found neat this week. That's probably because ever since The Great Gatsby trailer was released I've become completely consumed with it. I'm obsessed.

Even if I weren't a fan of the book, {in all honesty, I haven't read the book since it was required reading in high school, but I do remember that I liked it! It's being added to my summer reading list immediately!} I'd still be extremely excited for this movie. Leonard DiCaprio has become a much debated Mr. Gatsby. But I love him, so I'm all for it. Plus, it's a Baz Luhrmann movie. It's Baz Luhrmann and Leonardo DiCaprio. It's Baz and Leo. It's Romeo + Juliet {circa 1996}.

This trailer is exceptional, even with the Jay Z/Kanye West soundtrack {it's Baz Luhrmann}. Lavish. Stunning. And, if you're anything like me, you'll download it in HD and watch it excessively. And after your heartbeat returns to its natural rhythm, you'll watch it again.

In case you're still with me and are wondering what that second thing I discovered this week was, Sara Bareilles released an EP on Tuesday and... you just need to listen to this song. Please. Right now. Quiet the room, put on your headphones, and listen to this haunting melody all the way through. Repeat.
Once Upon Another Time by Sara Bareilles on Grooveshark

{image via : I don't know. The internet. Google that.}

pretty pics {May week 3}

2012-05-24T10:00:00.000-05:00

Hey, hey, it's time for Photo A Day! A week. Photos of the week, 'cause that's how roll. May 13th through the 19th.

5/13/12: mom.

5/14/12: grass.

5/15/12: love.

5/16/12: what you're reading. Although I believe I finished this later that day. Currently reading Entwined.

5/17/12: snack. I don't think I actually ate this apple. It was simply a prop in what we in the art biz call a "still life".

5/18/12: something you made. Sooo, when I started this Photo A Day Challenge, I knew it would be just that... a challenge. Sure enough, half way through the month and I start slacking. I missed this one. And can you believe it? Because I make things for a living! C'est la vie.

5/19/12: a favorite place. A magical land.

{images via : my instagram}

pretty read'n {summer edition}

2012-05-23T09:00:00.000-05:00

Hi dears. No Wednesday wish list today because... I got nothing. Lets just say, I've been supporting the economy lately. I just made a big Sephora purchase; a haul, if you will {I've been watching a lot of beauty gurus on YouTube lately. I think you knew that already}. I'm starting to cross things off this list. And this past weekend I bought a few summer dresses including a striped, belted dress that reminded me a bit of this one, and an {almost} cobalt blue maxi dress.

So, I'm kind of set right now. I can hold off on wishing for things, which I will especially be thankful for once my credit card bill comes. It won't need to be any bigger.

I also picked up a couple of books this weekend, which led me to want to share with you all my summer reading list:

Entwined by Heather Dixon – I picked this up this weekend and immediately started reading it. I don't mean immediately, there in the store. I mean when I got home. Anyway, this book is based off the Grimm fairy tale The Twelve Dancing Princesses. Now, there is something you need to know about me. I grew up mildly obsessed with this fairy tale. I used to dream about the three forests; one forest of silver, one of gold, and one of diamonds. Magical. This book is proving to be fun... I wish I were reading it right now. Wish list!

Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver – I finished Pandemonium the other day. And all I can say is CLIFFHANGER. Like, are you kidding me? But, since its followup, Requiem isn't coming out until 2013, I will definitely make due with reading Oliver's debut novel.

Sarah Dessen's This Lullaby, Dreamland, and That Summer. – There's something so summery about Dessen. I read three of her books last summer and have been holding onto these three since then. I was determined to wait until summer to read these. Something seems right about that.

Into The Wild by Jon Krakauer – I love this movie. It's time I give this book a try.

A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett – Another movie I love. Reading Entwined especially makes me want to break this book out. Note, I also bought The Secret Garden. Let the summer reading begin!

That should get me through the summer. Unless you have any recommendations? I'd love to hear. You can also find me on Goodreads!

{image via : my instagram}

a {pretty} weekly wrap-up

2012-05-18T09:00:00.000-05:00

Pretty things that were neat that were discovered by myself this week {I changed that up}:

How to make your house smell like a home. – Yum! You can bet I'll be trying this once I move into my new apartment.

Lemon water with fresh mint. – Speaking of lemon... I've been hearing more and more about the benefits of drinking lemon water. It's supposedly good for your skin, your hair, your energy and a myriad of other things. I started drinking it about a week ago and I do think my hair seems healthier and I've been feeling a boost in my energy. That could just be the placebo effect, but it tastes good anyway. I'd love to try this recipe and add a kick of mint.

DIY icing colors: a chart. – Who knew you could make so many different frosting colors {and more} using just a basic box of food coloring? Handy dandy if you're a baker.

This outfit. – It's cute.

This necklace. – I'm digging it.

Daily Grace – is hilarious. This is SO ME when I try to clean! "Ew, ew, ew,ew,ew,eel,eel,eel, electric eel, electric eel, electriquitos, taquitos, I like taquitos, I like taquitos, I like tequila, I like tequila, elliptical elliptical, elliptical. I'm out."

Lifehacks: 10 Tips to Make Life Easier. – Because life is hard you guuuuyyysss! These are clever though.

Lastly, can we talk about The Vampire Dairies finale from last week? Because I can't. I just can't. It's been over a week and my emotions... oh, my emotions! But, this is cute.

I'm out.

pretty pics {May week 2}

2012-05-17T11:00:00.000-05:00

Let's dive right into this post, shall we? Here's May's Photo A Day – May 7th through the 12th.

5/7/12: someone that inspires you. Don't actually know who this Victoria's Secret model is, but her body is sure inspiring me. Thinspiration. I hate that word. Anyway...

5/8/12: a smell you adore. I played around with this one, taking pictures of coffee beans, grass, cinnamon ... it started raining later that day and I ended up going with rain. I like smells. A lots a smells.

5/9/12: something you do everyday. Shouldn't that be every day? Every as in "each", not everyday as in something that's common? An everyday occurrence, I guess. It said "everyday" on my list. Anyhoo, I drink coffee every day. COFFEE. Coffeecoffeecoffee. I could use some right now.

5/10/12: a favorite word. Bliss. Fawning... huh, that's nice too.

5/11/12: kitchen.

5/12/12: something that makes you happy. Balloooooooons! As a bonus, these randomly brightly colored truck trailer storage unit things also make me happy. They're these neon pops color in the middle of nowhere. Awesomeness.

{images via : my instagram}

pretty wishin' {vacation edition}

2012-05-16T09:00:00.000-05:00

I can't believe Memorial Day is almost upon us. Memorial Day weekend marks the beginning of summer travel for many people. I'll probably be heading to Madison for the weekend, but no matter where I end up traveling this summer, here's what I want to be packing.

This dress. – I feel like preppy will be big this summer. Girly, demure dresses are this year's boho maxi dress. Not that I don't still love that look, but this dress is adorable. Plus, stripes!

A light wash and lightweight denim jacket. – In case of chilly evenings.

The DVF Mini Harper Leather Combo Bag in Bright Mellon. – Just because this is a dream wish list. Although I do want a more reasonably priced small purse for summer.

Low wedge sandals or flats. – For comfortable walking {in style}.

Color Club nail polish in Chelsea Girl. – Remember how I wanted a cobalt blue dress for summer? Cobalt blue nails seems like less of an investment. P.S. I got a Color Club nail polish in my first Birchbox {this month} and I love it! Color Club polish is also vegan and cruelty free.

Tinted self tan body spray from Victoria's Secret. – I actually need this now in order to tone down the Casper-ish whiteness of my skin before Memorial Day.

Speaking of ridding myself of my pale skin this Royal Oil Coconut Oil Body Bronzer from Too Faced sounds kind of amazing.

A good dry shampoo is also a must for summer. I've been using TRESemmé.

Pick Me Up face tonic. – I think this is like $30 water that you spray on your face, but it sounds nice.

A tinted lip balm with SPF. Also, can't forget the sunscreen!

A 27oz Klean Kanteen. – I drink a lot of water in the summer. I think I want my Kanteen in white, though.

I'll probably throw 50 Shades of Gray in my bag. – I suppose it's about time I jump on that bandwagon.

By the way, I'm willing to blast this song on repeat during my summer road-trips.
Some Nights by fun. on Grooveshark

a {pretty} weekly wrap-up

2012-05-11T09:30:00.000-05:00

Pretty neat things I discovered this week:

Pretty pretty table still lifes. – Do you think I could ever get my table to look like that?

Easy DIY summer dress. – All you need is a maxi skirt and a belt. I'm sure I've heard of this idea before, but I've never seen it pulled off so perfectly. Yet another reason I need to invest in a maxi skirt for summer.

DIY geometric trinket holders. – I love the idea of a couple of these sitting on a desk, holding paperclips and whatnot. Or, how cute would these be to gift jewelry in? Like...

This "Love is Blind" braille ring. – Simple and stunning. And if you're into HauteLook.com {I've never purchased anything through that site, but I check it obsessively} it's 70% off right now! Ends 8AM Pacific time Saturday.

Yet another simple DIY; doily shorts. –Their doilyadorable. Adoilyable, if you will. I crack myself up. Anyhoo...

I love sleeping porches.

This flour-less zucchini brownie recipe. – Am I crazy to think these sound good? They're the healthiest brownies you'll ever eat anyway.

Speaking of health, who wants to tackle Lauren Conrad's bikini boot camp with me? Just in time for, well, bikini season.

Lastly, I love this – 29 of fashions biggest mysteries, solved!

And, hey kids, don't forget where to find us this weekend! Pretty {much} Art selling pretty art, pretty much. Don't miss it!

pretty wishin' {apartment edition} pt. 1

2012-05-09T09:30:00.000-05:00

It's official. I just got the text from my soon-to-be roommate that she's making the down-payment on our apartment! After the initial excitement wore off, I obviously got to thinking about decorating. I think the graphic design world is closely related to the interior design world. That is, I like to think of myself as something of an expert in interior design.*

* sarcasm

My taste in decor is constantly changing, which is absolutely fine with me. Because there is one thing in my decorating style that doesn't change. I love eclectic. To me a room that doesn't quite match; a mix of classic contemporary, modern, retro, art-deco, traditional, girly, uptown, all of which I've fallen for at one point or another, feels lived in. I've recently discovered the Swedish Style, which I think pretty much sums up my sense of style.

So, let's move on to a piece of my apartment wish list.

This hanging bed. – Would this bed actually swing when you first lay on it? 'Cause I get pretty severe motion-sickness, which means this bed could be a disaster ~~when I'm drunk~~. I don't care. This bed looks awesome.

A classic white sofa. – I understand that white sofas aren't the most practical when it comes to keeping them clean. But this is my dream wish list, and in my mind white sofas aren't meant to be practical. They're meant to be adorned with many {and by "many" I mean a sofa-full} of colorful, printed pillows.

Colorful printed pillows. – A sofa-full of them. Note my making "sofa-full" a new form of measurement.

A white, ruffled bed spread. – In much the same way the white sofa of my dreams is meant to be adorned with pillows, I've had a white bed spread for years... adorned with a sofa-full of pillows. My new form of measurement doesn't always work. I'm ready to up the ante with ruffles. I like ruffles.

A patterned accent chair. – This one's a little crazy and I like.

An ottoman in a pop of color.

This boldly striped rug.

Elephant lamp. – ELEPHANT LAMP!

A cool bookshelf.

Marquee light decor. – In an "S" for sure.

If anyone's feeling so inclined to get me a house warming gift, that elephant lamp is $395.00. That'd be totally cool with me.

pretty {candy colored} pins

2012-05-08T09:00:00.000-05:00

Hey peeps. It's almost summer so let's break out some color. Here are a few pops of pretty to brighten up your day. I love how unexpected peeks of color can take anything from boring to bold. You can bet I'll be buying a candy-colored pretty skinny belt this season.

{images via : Pinterest 1, 2, 3, 4, & 5}

pretty pics {May week 1}

2012-05-07T10:00:00.000-05:00

Hi friends! I hope you all had a great weekend. So I finally decided to try the Photo Of The Day challenge. Instead of blogging my POTD's daily {'cause let's face it, blogging daily is just too much pressure for me} I'll be sharing my daily photos once a week. If you really want to see my pics daily, feel free to follow me on Instagram {@prettymuchart}. Here are my May's Photo A Day from May 1st through the 6th:

5/1/12: peace. Ok, so I cheated on this one. I actually took this picture last weekend, but it screamed "peaceful" to me. Screamed peaceful? Oxymoron? Anyway...

5/2/12: skyline. I saw so many opportunities to take a sweet skyline picture that day, but I just didn't have time to stop and snap a pic until the end of the day... in my backyard.

5/3/12: something you wore today. I wore my Madden Girl pumps to work that day.

5/4/12: fun! First of all, I thought my new neon nails were super fun. Plus, my dad surprised me with a pair of shoes he bought for me that day! Also, Madden Girl, they are a pair of nude wedges. How ~~crazy~~ cool is my dad? He said he had the 20-something sales girl help him. Which is super sweet and not creeper-ish at all, because trust me he just loves to make me happy.

5/5/12: bird. I got this painting off a street artist for like $10 in New York City. I kind of love those cute little chicks.

5/6/12: you.

{images via : my instagram}

a {pretty} weekly wrap-up

2012-05-04T09:00:00.000-05:00

Pretty neat things I discovered this week:

This color block terra cotta pot DIY. – This is one of those, "Duh! Why didn't I think of that adorableness?" situations. I want a collection of these.

The Dainty Gardener Hose in pink. – I don't garden, but I want to start. Just so I can buy this – the cutest garden hose ever. This ain't your grandma's garden hose. Maybe it is. I don't know. Oh! Oh! I can get this to water the plants I plant in my terra cotta pots! Gardening is fun!

90's T-shirt inspired nails. – Did you know they made nail stamps? I've never heard of them. I must investigate this aweseomness.

10 DIY furniture makeovers. – And I like all of them.

DIY macrame bracelets. – I know with the DIYs already! But how pretty are these bracelets? Sooo pretty. That's how. Plus I dabbled in macrame in junior high, so I could probably handle this. In fact, I taught my 8th grade class how to macrame a plant hanger for my demonstration speech. I'm sure they all went home and made many plant hangers.

This. – That's all.

Finally, on the subject of going "cruelty free" with my makeup and household products; this video does a great job of explaining the term.

I'd like to point out that I'm not necessarily against animal testing when it comes to medical research. That's a whole different ball of wax {whatever that means}. After doing much research, I simply think animal testing on cosmetic, beauty, and household products is completely unnecessary in this day and age, not to mention inhumane. If you'd me to further elaborate this topic on my blog, please let me know or send me an email if you'd like me to tell you a bit more.

pretty wishin' {makeup edition}

2012-05-02T09:00:00.000-05:00

You guys, I don't know what it is; the effects of spring awakening, or maybe my impending move to Madison is making me want a makeover. Whatever the case, I've been completely obsessing over makeup. I bought my first high-end makeup product a couple of weeks ago – the Smashbox photo finish foundation primer, and I fell in love with it. Since then I've been practically stalking YouTube beauty gurus assembling my makeup wish list.

While I find the prices of high-end cosmetics a bit ridiculous, I've also found that many high-end brands do not test on animals – something rarely found in drugstore brands. I'm trying to weed-out the cosmetic and household products that I use that test on animals, a surprisingly {and sadly} difficult task. To my knowledge, none of the following products {in their final form} have been tested on animals. Also, high-end cosmetics are probably priced so for a reason: they generally work better.

So without further ado, here's my ultimate {though narrowed down to the essentials} makeup wish list:

Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer – in porcelain
Laura Mercier foundation – in porcelain ivory
Laura Mercier setting powder
Smashbox's Photo Op Under Eye Brightener
Benefit's Boi-ing Industrial Strength Concealer – in light
M.A.C. Mineralize Skin Finish Natural – in light. Also, a M.A.C. brush set.
M.A.C. powder blush – a pallet
Tarte Amazonian Clay Bronzer – in hotel heiress
Laura Geller Baked Body Frosting – in sugar glow/honey glow
BareMinerals Faux Tan – in Matte or All-Over Face Color
Urban Decay's Naked pallet – original
Tarte's Lights, Camera, Lashes! Clinically Proven Mascara
I'd love to try a lash growth serum if anyone knows of any that really work.
NYX Slide On eye pencil – in jet black
I'm also in need of a good eyebrow pencil.
Revlon Colorbust lip butter – in Sugar Frosting and Cotton Candy
Revlon Super Lustrous lipgloss – in Pink Pop. I'm loving a bight pink lip for spring.

P.S. I signed up for my first Birchbox subscription and am SO excited to receive my box next month. Does anyone else subscribe to Birchbox? I'll be sure to tell you what I think of it!

pretty pretties {for mom}

2012-05-01T11:12:00.000-05:00

Hi friends. Mother's Day is less than two weeks away. Are you still looking for a pretty gift for your mom? Lucky for you, moms love Pretty {much} Art! We have plenty of pretties; from original art prints to pretty pendants; art blocks, an easy and affordable alternative to traditional art; and note card, magnet, and coaster sets. With so many goods to choose from, it's easy to mix and match your favorites to make a unique and gorgeous gift-set for mom. Order today to get that gift for mom {these make great gifts for graduates too!}. Shop here.

P.S. If you'd rather shop P{m}A in person, visit us at our Mother's Day weekend craft shows. More info can be found here.

{via : Pretty {much} Art}

{pretty} anxious

2012-04-26T10:42:00.000-05:00

My favorite part of my brother's new apartment is the view of the cat in the window next door. I'm kind of a dork like that.

This past weekend I helped my younger brother paint his new apartment. His first "real" apartment, not one of the "Oh, what a lovely shade of beer-stain carpet" college hole-in-the-walls. It didn't make me jealous per se... it made me feel anxious.

The college I went to was an hour away from home. I came home most weekends, and after graduation I moved back home. I got a job in the same small town and have been living at home ever since. At 26 I'm finally ready accept the fact that "home" should actually be called "my parents house". Don't get me wrong, I love living with my parents. I'm comfortable, and completely myself when I'm there. But I'm getting anxious to move on.

One of my best friends lives in a suburb of Madison {Wisconsin – for those of you who didn't know which state I live in}. She's recently decided to move back into the city, or at least closer to it. She started scouting two bedroom apartments this week. Two bedrooms, as in one bedroom for herself and one for me.

I debated writing this post lest one of my co-workers come across it {I'm not yet ready to tell them I'm leaving}. But that fact is, I'm moving to Madison in August with or without a job. The thought slightly terrifies me, but I can't wait anymore. I can't wait.

That said, if anyone knows of anyone looking to hire a graphic designer in the Madison area, please let me know!

{image via: my instagram}

pretty wishin' {spring clothing edition}

2012-04-25T09:00:00.000-05:00

Spring is a time for renewal, so it's no surprise that I always choose this time of year to want to revamp my wardrobe. Here are some of my wardrobe wishes for Spring/Summer 2012.

White jeans. – When exactly is the appropriate time to wear white? Can it be before Memorial Day? Who cares? I'm ready for white.

A cobalt blue dress. – I don't know where this wish came from exactly. I was just thinking about the ways I want to amp up my wardrobe for summer and "I really want a blue dress" popped into my head. Plus I love comfy maxi dresses in warmish weather. P.S. I've never boughten anything from this site before {actually I'm leery about buying clothing online} but it has some really reasonable prices.

Patterned/colorful blouses. – The couple of flowy blouses that I own are perfect for this time of year. I'm definitely keeping my eye out for more, especially in the bold color/fun pattern variety.

Gold jewelry. – I own very little gold jewelry. I'm more of a silver girl, but lately gold has been growing on me {not literally... that would be cool}.

Nude wedges. – I've never found a pair of wedges that really fit me right, but I've been hearing more and more that a good fitting platform wedge can be super comfortable. Plus, have I ever mentioned that I'm only 5'2"? I could use that extra boost! And, as usual, nude shoes go with just about everything... and make your legs look even longer.

What are you looking for in spring/summer apparel? I'd love to hear!

a {pretty} weekly wrap-up

2012-04-20T09:00:00.000-05:00

Pretty neat things I discovered this week:

DIY mini envelopes made from magazines. – I don't know what I'd use these for, but ahh! Cute!

These shoes. – I don't know what I'd wear these with, but ahh! Fun!

No Bake Raspberry-Lemon Cheesecake. – I have no words.

A wavy hair tutorial from Sydney. – Gorgeous right?

I neeeed these! – I know with the shoes already. But, I've been seeing these shoes everywhere. And I neeeeed them!

Painted peony "wallpaper". – That's right. Painted. How talented is Katie?

The Tupac hologram performance at Coachella. – Freaking amazing.

Speaking of Coachella, here's The 60 Coachella-est Coachella Photos That Ever Coachella'd. – I'm going to Coachella someday! And I'm making it my personal mission to be the craziest looking mofo there. Bring it. I'm talkin to you, ~~lady in the feathered bra~~ ~~guy in the penguin suite~~ ~~guy in the dog hat~~ ~~couple dressed like it's the 1920's~~... aw, forget it.

this {pretty} weekend

2012-04-16T09:30:00.000-05:00

This weekend I became a pirate... at my four year old cousin's birthday party. Dressed in knee-high leather boots, a distressed jean jacket, and kid's pirate hat, one little boy came up to me and said, "Wow! You're a real pirate!" Thanks, kid.

This weekend I re-connected with old friends... finally seeing my best friend after 4 months. After the hugs and the multiple exclaims of "I missed you!", I remembered why it is she is {and always will be} my best friend.

That night, I went out with a different group of friends, some of whom I haven't seen in at least a year. Ahh friends, it was good to see you. On a side note, have I mentioned that you never quite get used to the sight of seeing your little brother doing shots at the bar? Because you don't.

This weekend I did my favorite thing... reading on book in my parent's backyard on a lovely day, followed by laying in the grass with my cat. We lay under the clothesline, because the smell of grass and freshly-washed sheets drying on the line is what I imagine heaven to smell like. We watch the sheets flap in the breeze and squint at the sun filtering through the newly budding tree branches. And it is perfection.

{images via : my instagram}

a {pretty} weekly wrap-up

2012-04-13T09:00:00.000-05:00

Pretty neat things I discovered this week...

A grapefruit soda recipe. – Umm, yum! I love grapefruit in the summer {and really only in the summer}. So refreshing!

Neon shoes DIY. – I'm loving pops of neon on footwear. Of course, it takes a much craftier person than myself to realize that you can make these amazing neon shoes yourself. Using nail-polish no less!

DIY nail stickers. – Another fun neon DIY. I've always wanted to try nail strips {or at least since last week's weekly wrap-up} and this is kind a "oh, duh! I could do that!" way of making them yourself. Weekend project!

Photography by Jonathan Marsh. – How pretty are these pictures?

Diet Coke brownies. – I must try these! After the cupcakes are gone, that is.

"Water drop lenses" photography by Light❖'s. – Marco-marvelous.

I've finally found the meaning of life! – And have mastered it, by the way.

This is a TRUE Titanic love story. – Wow. Such love.

Lastly, the most beautiful Barbie I've ever seen.

Have a great weekend!

pretty weekend {chillin'}

2012-04-10T09:05:00.000-05:00

Friends, lately I've been at a loss for what to blog about. So now that I've ~~become addicted to~~ joined Instagram, you'll probably be seeing many more pictures of my super fascinating life.

Other than going to church and over-indulging on candy, my family doesn't do much to celebrate Easter. My weekend was spent mostly making cupcakes and catching cat-naps. Days spent solely sleeping and eating really appeal to me. In fact, this picture pretty perfectly describes my life as of late. How was your weekend?

a {pretty} weekly wrap-up

2012-04-06T09:00:00.000-05:00

Pretty neat things I discovered this week... {I'm feeling crafty}

These DIY fabric peonies. – Perfect for spring weddings and gift embellishments.

An Easter egg DIY. – These are just the prettiest Easter eggs I ever did see.

Rainbow striped nails. – How cool?? P.S. This website was translated from French, so that's why the blogger sounds little cray – I'm sure she's not actually a "self-respecting big ball".

This gumball iPhone case. – is adorable. Of course, if I had an iPhone, I'd probably get this Tangled case.

DIY screen printing.

This bracelet. – I'm a little obsessed with string bracelets for summer.

Lastly, tips and tricks to breaking in heels. – Good to know!

Have you discovered anything interesting lately? I wanna know about it!

instagram {prettiness}

2012-04-04T10:00:00.000-05:00

If you're an Android user, like myself, you undoubtedly know that Instagram for Android launched yesterday! If you'd like to some see pretty pictures {mostly of my cats, I'm sure} and follow the spectacular happenings of my totally awesome everyday life {and why wouldn't you?} you can follow me, @prettymuchart, here.

Or, just click the link:

pretty April {already}

2012-04-03T09:00:00.000-05:00

Oh, hey April. How you doin'? For those of you who need a little April inspiration, {like me, apparently. Where did March go?! I only had five shamrock shakes!} here's a pretty background to spruce up your desktop. Hope you like it, lovelies!

2560 x 1440 • 1920 x 1280 • 1680 x 1050 • 1600 x 1200 • 1280 x 800 • ipad • iphone

{via : Pretty {much} Art}

pretty {things}

2012-03-29T15:30:00.001-05:00

So, you may have noticed my recent blogging hiatus. I haven't even been reading blogs lately. Here's a short list of things I've been doing instead (incase you're interested):

Got a hair cut.
Got sick.
Updated my portfolio.
Started looking for jobs in Madison.
Reported for jury duty. (Before you cringe, it was actually facinating. Being a part of our judicial system; hearing the evidence, deliberating, deciding on a verdict, was honestly a rewarding experience.)
Went to a magic show.
Went to Hunger Games. (It was awesome, no?)
Read reviews on what other people thought of Hunger Games. ('Cause I'm a dork like that.)
Found The Hunger Games Things tumblr. (Slightly spoilery for those of your who haven't read the books.)
Started teaching myself how to play guitar. (Thank you Youtube!)
Started reading a lot more.
Started going for walks/bike rides around town.
Started playing tennis in the evenings.
Got addicted to crack. Cracked! I mean cracked.com. It's crazy interesting. (Huh, maybe I should have read this before jury duty.)

So, in part, that's what I've been up to. I hope to get back to your somewhat regularly scheduled blog posts someday. For now I'm just having fun doing some other things. What have you all been up to?

{images via : the hunger games things}

pretty {peachy} pins

2012-03-19T08:00:00.000-05:00

How about a little eye candy for breakfast? You guys, I don't know what happened this weekend. Yes, I was excited for warmer weather, but I was excited for spring! Mother Nature seemed to skip spring and spring right into summer. It was hot out.

I needed spring to refresh and renew. I needed winter to melt away gradually, giving me time to reflect. Winter just vanished. Not that I'm not grateful for gorgeous weather, I'm just hoping Mother N. will sneak in a few more refreshingly chilly days to breath deeply in, before the suffocating summer humidity strikes. Before we overripe.

{images via : Pinterest 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, & 7}

pretty swallows {for spring}

2012-03-13T12:36:00.000-05:00

You know what I've noticed lately? The birds are back! Nothing quite says "spring" like the singing of swallows. I'm not sure if swallows sing. They might be one of those birds that just chirps annoyingly. Really, it won't be long before the bird chirping begins to irk me. I'm not a big fan of birds... unless they're pretty. Shop our swallows {and all of our other pretty birds} here.

{via : Pretty {much} Art}