a life inspired.

>> rockin' wall

2012-02-07T05:14:00.000-08:00

>> love is in the air

2012-02-06T20:54:00.000-08:00

>> card . pins . bag detail . arrow . cookie . fabric wrap .

>> four happy photos

2012-01-23T18:22:00.000-08:00

These four images are sitting next to my desk at work, and make me smile every time I look at them. Isn't it amazing how a simple arrangement of pictures can bring so much happiness?

{arrows / geometric / awesome / floral}

>> a perfect day

2012-01-19T21:00:00.000-08:00

Spent the day with my best bud Gina, and we hit up the town with some of my favorite activities:

Breakfast at Patrick's bakery. It's located in a garden/plant store, and feels like you're outside even though you're not (which was probably good since it was - 2 degrees today). Chocolate croissants were the BEST! I had to go back for more! I'm pretty sure all we talked about the whole time we were eating was how good the croissants were. Seriously, go get one.
Thrift shopping at the Cottage House. I had heard tons about it and never been. It's only open 5 days a month, and this was the perfect time to check it out. So many awesome pieces, but only took home a little gold shelf (probably the smallest thing in the store!).
Shopping at Southdale.
Lunch at California Pizza Kitchen. BBQ Chicken pizza was delicious.

Perfect day with one of my favorite people. What more could I ask for?

>> Cheers

2012-01-01T21:36:00.000-08:00

Hard to believe it's already 2012! Here's hoping for a year full of laughter, new adventures, love, surprises, dreams, and creativity. I know for me, my wish is that this year I stop being afraid and making excuses, and go after my dreams full force. Who's with me?

{image via harpy}

>> happy new year!

2011-12-30T15:07:00.001-08:00

>> looks like winter

2011-12-07T21:40:00.001-08:00

{image via j.crew}

>> #6 : Cozy Weekends

2011-11-20T18:36:00.001-08:00

Especially when the first snowfall of the season hits, there's nothing better than cozying up indoors for a few days. And no, this is not my living room, but I'm pretty sure if it was I would never leave. Ever.

>> #5 : Autumn Sunsets

2011-11-16T18:21:00.001-08:00

>> #4 : This guy

2011-11-14T21:01:00.001-08:00

Undoubtedly the best thing that has happened since moving back to MN has been re-connecting with this guy right here. We were friends in high school but didn't really talk while I was in Seattle and he was out of state/country in the Air Force. Anyways, long story short we danced the night away at a friends wedding in May and it has just gotten better and better since then. He's totally awesome, extremely motivated, smart, has a big heart, and makes me laugh which is a definite plus. Oh, and did I mention we share the same brain? Freaky, but true. Last January when I took a leap of faith and moved back to MN, I had no idea what to expect, but I'm so thankful for everything I've been blessed with so far, and can't wait to see what the future has in store.

>> #3 : Family

2011-11-08T12:56:00.000-08:00

Aren't vintage photos the best? And yes, that's me. Me and my brother, me and my mom, and me and my dad. The whole family in all their 80s glory. I'm so happy to have each of them in my life, and obviously I wouldn't even be here if it weren't for two of them. They are the best of the best, and have loved and supported me every single day of my life. I'm so thankful to finally be back in the state and spend more time with each of them. Total rockstars.

>> #2 : Pinterest

2011-11-06T18:25:00.000-08:00

(Read on with caution that you're about to be introduced to a website that may become highly addicting)

Okay so I know it's kind of weird to be thankful for a website, but seriously, Pinterest is the most amazing thing ever. If it was a kid in school, it would be the cool popular one that's always dressed just right. So what is it? It's basically a visual database of everything you like. You can "pin" images from the web onto your boards and categorize how you wish to create a file of images that uniquely you. Neat huh? So why am I thankful for it? Well, for starters, whenever I am uninspired or in need of a project, I just hop on the site and BAM! I have about 100 projects I could entertain myself with. Also, it allows me to connect with others that admire similar things, and share project ideas, interior design thoughts, fashion tips, and inspirational quotes, creating a little community that can inspire each other for hours on end. Oh, and you can collaborate on boards too! Right now I'm helping a few friends plan their weddings, so I can view their boards and add images to them as well. What's better than that?

Want to see what I love? Check out my Pinterest boards right here.

{all images via pinterest}

>> #1 : thankfulness

2011-11-02T05:53:00.000-07:00

Because Thanksgiving is only a few weeks away, I thought I would try something different this month. Last year I created a list of things that I was thankful for, and this year I want to bring that here. So, for the month of November, every post is going to feature something that I'm thankful for in my life.

Lately I have been overwhelmed looking at blogs that feature products that are thousands of dollars, or homes that are nicer than most would ever own. I want to keep things simple around here and recall everything that's good. I challenge you to do the same. Whether it's on a computer, a piece of paper, or just a list in your mind, think about what you're thankful for this month. Oh, and please don't hesitate to share in the comments. I am always thankful for comments.

So what am I thankful for today? If you couldn't guess it from the giant photo you just viewed, it's my job! Even though it's short-term, I'm thankful that I get to work so close to home, be out of the house, and meet some awesome people. It seems like every time I think I won't be able to find work, something pops up for me, and makes me believe that little surprises will always be right around the corner if you just keep your chin up.

{happy halloween}

2011-10-31T05:14:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween! Even though I've already celebrated over the weekend, today I will be be wearing a different costume for our work party (love any excuse not to wear work clothes!). Here's to soaking up the last day of October ... where is the time going?

Oh, and p.s. - I LOVE this pumpkin. Just saying...

{image via Country Living)

{brrr}

2011-10-27T20:51:00.000-07:00

I think it's safe to say that winter is on its way ... it's getting cold outside!

{image source unknown}

{sifter turned lamp}

2011-10-23T06:55:00.000-07:00

Last week my friend Erin sent me an e-mail with this picture attached. Some of you may know what it is, but if you don't, it's a vintage flour sifter turned lamp. She scored it for a mere $6 at a flea market! The idea came from Flea Market Style magazine, which I would recommend checking out if you haven't already. So many great ideas you can do with vintage finds!

Oh, and I also highly suggest checking out Erin's art on her website. She's super talented, and many of her pieces are for sale so you can score a little something to brighten up your space!

{don't give up}

2011-10-11T11:24:00.000-07:00

{for a cause : tea collection}

2011-09-28T14:24:00.000-07:00

I love the feeling of buying something knowing that the money you spent is going to a good cause, which is probably why I love this little group of items by Tea Collection. 100% of the proceeds go towards the Global Fund for Children. Got a baby shower coming up or a little one at home? Snatch one of these right up!

{crazy}

2011-09-26T12:06:00.000-07:00

I just made this crazy mess of lines and I kinda like it.

{enough}

2011-09-26T06:32:00.000-07:00

Yes you are. Don't ever forget it.

{pattern source}

{i think i have a problem}

2011-09-20T05:20:00.000-07:00

A striped bedding obsession has been happening lately. I know I have a stripe problem to begin with, but it's seeping from apparel into the home ... at least I stay consistent, right?

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

{perfection}

2011-09-19T17:09:00.001-07:00

{source}

{crewcuts rocks my socks off}

2011-09-19T16:04:00.001-07:00

{junk bonanza}

2011-09-19T13:10:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I volunteered at Junk Bonanza, a 3 day event featuring over 130 vendors selling flea market finds, vintage items, and re-purposed goods. The event was hopping with people the entire time, and was so well organized and packed with giveaways and fun! It was so inspiring to be in the company of so many wonderful people, and see what can be created with a little resourcefulness and a lot of creativity. I will definitely be back next year with shopping list in hand!

Want to see more? Check out the blog right here!

{dots, dresses, and dazzle}

2011-09-13T18:19:00.000-07:00

1. 2.