Wednesday Wishes

As another week of this summer is firmly under our belts, I hope you find yourself in a ravishing state of health, both in body and mind. There’s a few little bugs going around right now, and I unluckily got one. So, I spent this weekend bed ridden: my pillow and TV remote by my side. I kind of enjoy being sick though, as twisted as that sounds. It forces you to slow down and just rest—something that is nearly impossible for us to do on our own. For today, I just thought I would share a few words of inspiration that will hopefully stir good feelings in you. I saw these words on a beautiful table plate at Anthropologie the other day. If I had a larger budget, these plates would be mine!

“We will meet and talk with friends and speak of everything and nothing… We will laugh reminisce and no matter how light the conversation may seem—we will remember that day fondly… … forever”

If you have a free minute, indulge your tasteful, decorative side by checking out the abundant supply of other to-die-for dinnerware from Anthro’s line.

Have a wonderful Wednesday; smile extra today!

XO.

Count Your Blessings

Oh, sweet freedom.

Hello Lovelies,

This week has been one of the most relaxing, lovely, and special weeks I have had in 2011 thus far. You may ask why or how or what I did differently, but I have nothing extraordinary to report. I didn’t travel anywhere significant, get any awards or medals, get a raise, or win the lottery. I didn’t even get a winning hair cut (although, I do need one asap!). But, one thing I did do was take time to soak up the beauty and blessings in the life with which I’ve been blessed.

This past ’10-’11 school year was chaos. I felt like I was on a lightning-speed train that never took stops. My year looked like classes, homework, hall events, work, RA duty and meetings, friend time when possible, and bits of interrupted sleep whenever I could. It was a whirlwind of a year, and I am confident in saying that it stretched me to the brink and back again. But I’m thankful for every piece of it, every moment, every tear, every laugh. I would like to get in the habit of thanking Jesus in the midst of confusion and turmoil—not just when everything is going my way, and I am standing on a mountain instead of in a valley. Barrie (aka Daddy) challenged me to do this one day when I was a bit down. His words were, “Punkin, thank the Lord for his hand in your life, even if you can’t see or experience the good in it yet.” Barrie is one of the wisest I know. How blessed I am to be his daughter! Sorry, that was a little bunny trail.

Reverting back to the subject at hand. Since school and finals ended and summer has seemingly crept up on us, I have this new time on my hands to relax. Unfortunately, in all the crazy business of the year, I found it hard to notice the finer things in life—the little things that normally would have brought a smile to my face or stirred my affection. But better later than never! I’m not about to waste anymore time. This summer, I am determined to intentionally take time for the roses. I look forward to all the beauty, obvious and hidden, that this summer has for us all. Here are a few bits of summer that I am especially looking forward to:



 

summer perks: bare feet & long skirts

 

sweet summer treats: ice cream & fruit salad

 

ocean waves: to experience & to look at

 

running: for the love of it & in races

 

books: old & new to read for pleasure

 

fashion endeavours: vintage & more

 

family trips to Seattle: endless barbeques & horseback riding

 

road trips: winding roads & great friends

 

summer sun: sunglasses & squinty eyes

 

beach time: beach swings & beach hair

 

summer days: afternoon meadows & afternoon naps

 I hope that this summer looks like a clean slate for you. I know it does for me. Make friends, trips- both imaginary and real, conversation, splashes, memories.
XO. 



Creative Sparks!

Happy Tuesday!

As this beautiful day progresses, I encourage you to try something different and let your creative juices flow. A few days ago, a woman in my office showed me how to make the most precious, little fabric flowers. I’m sure there is a specific, technical name for these fun creations, but I am not familiar with it. So! For the time being, I’m calling them fabric flowers. They are unbelievably easy and have the potential to decorate countless items. I suggest attaching them to headbands, hair clips, shirt collars, and/or key chains as floral appliqués. You won’t regret it.

Please marvel at how cute they are:



How to

Supplies you will need: fabric, scissors, needle, thread, glue, and objects to decorate

1. Cut fabric in a rough circle

2. Thread the needle

3. Weave it in and out along the edge of the circle of fabric until the entire circle is threaded

4. Scrunch the fabric together so it naturally creates a petal-like appearance and push the center down flat

5. Apply to anything and enjoy!

XO.

Flavorful Neutrals

Flavorful neutrals.

This may seem like a paradox, but I am here to propose otherwise. During the sunny summer months, bright floral patterns seem to be the way to go. It seems natural that bright flowers would go hand in hand with summer. However, as I was browsing my favorite stores’ websites during some down time at work, I noticed different kind of theme.

It seems as though neutrals are in the spotlight this season. The light browns, blues and

grays seem to highlight summer in a different way. These easy-on-the-eyes colors are reminiscent of wheat meadows, white sand, sun-kissed skin, crystal water, and bluish-gray rocks. It just seems so natural. In my eyes, it's almost like another side of summer—a different persona.

Also, one of the advantages of neutrals is that they allow for bright jewelry and accessories to be utilized as a means of balancing out the look. No colors need to be sacrificed!

So, here are some of the inspiring neutral dresses that caught my eye, and some pretty, bright jewelry to go along with it.

Accersories: Necklaces

 

Bracelets/Bangles

(I think these are just lovely!)

Hand bags

I found the above items on the following online websites: Gap, H&M, Forever 21, Nordstrom, Express, and J. Crew. These are a few of the best. This new look at summer clothing makes me so happy. I hope it inspires you in some small way, too.

XO.