{ a love note: Jess LC }

I've mentioned  Makeunder My Life on here before but I feel the need to put the spotlight on this blog/bloggess/business owner of Jess LC, again. 

(from MML's About Page)

If you don't read Makeunder My Life you should start now. Jess is a young, successful entrepreneur and she offers great insight to running  a business and designing a life with "intention." But rather than listen to me explain this all half as well as she does, you should just go check out her blog. But I did want to mention a little tidbit that I think sets Jess apart from a lot of other people in the blogosphere and the business world.

Months and months ago, when Jess' jewelry/accessories business launched a new collection of necklaces, I happened to feature a few on a blog post. Later, I was pleasantly surprised when she commented on my blog to thank me for featuring them. It made my day. I've been following her for a while now, and I consider her to be a big cheese, so I thought it was so sweet of her to take the time to thank little ol' me for talking about her collection, that I just happened to really love. I wasn't expecting her to see it or trying to attract any attention to my blog. Right about then is when I started reading MML on a daily basis.

Fast forward. A few days ago, Jess blogged about how she is going to be holding a "Business in the City" event this upcoming Tuesday in Chicago. Basically, she's inviting people to come meet in a low key atmosphere to talk back and forth about business and blogs, get questions answered, etc. (People want to pick apart her brain. She's a smart lady.)

Before she had set a date, I was optimistic that maybe I could take a bus to Chicago for a quick getaway (I'm about 4.5/5 hours away) to attend the little get together. Unfortunately, I can't really get away in the middle of the week due to school, so I left a comment on her post that announced the date asking if she had any plans to schedule one for a weekend because I'd really love to attend. Honestly, I wasn't really expecting a reply because I find that often on more established blogs your questions or comments just kind of fly into the abyss of questions never answered. Which is totally fine. People are busy. But then I later checked my email, and to my surprise:

"Hi Caitlin,

Thanks so much for mentioning that you'd be happy to come up all the way from Cincinnati! It is incredibly kind of you to offer to do, and please keep a look out for any Business in the City meet ups that will happen over a weekend. Right now I don't have any major "plan" for this group, but I do think it will evolve over time and may even involve a weekend day at some point in the future. : )

Have a great day,
Jess!"

I don't know y'all. Call me crazy, but I think this speaks volumes about why she is so successful. Sometimes, it's the littlest things that will take you the farthest. 

Be sure to visit Jess LC for gift ideas, or to pick up a little treat for yourself. She just launched the new "Quincy" and "Belmont" collections and they are to die for. I never cared about having an Ipad until I saw her Ipad cases. Perhaps I'll get one and just pretend there's something in it. My little secret.


P.s.: I love how the collections are named after different stops on the El. It makes my heart miss Chicago. 

All photos from Jess LC. Photos taken by Danielle Moss from Breakfast at Toast, styling by Alaina Kaczmarski from Live Creating Yourself, and adorable/fabulous modeling also by Alaina and Liz Schneider from Sequins and Stripes.


See you all back here tomorrow. I'm going to tinker with my camera tonight to try and finally get it ready for some new house tour pictures. lovelovelove to all of you.




-C


P.S. Love notes are fun. Doesn't it feel good to tell someone you appreciate their work? Let's do it more often.

{ Almost the weekend...}

This picture just seems to include the ingredients of a really great day.
 (+ a cup of coffee and a laptop for the blogosphere, of course!) 

How is everyone doing? Can we make it to Friday? I'm not so sure. I woke up extra early today to finish up some work before my 9:30 am class, and afterwards I'll head straight to work until 5. I'm glad to be busy, but there is so much I want to do with my time that I have trouble distributing it. Sometimes I think I do so much mentally that at the end of the day I've tricked myself into thinking that I've been physically accomplishing things. How strange.

I know that I promised apartment pictures yesterday, and I really did attempt to keep that promise, but I was having all kinds of issues with my camera, and finally I just threw my hands up and poured a glass of wine. It was one of those days. Hopefully today will be different when I arrive home from work because I really do want to give you guys an update. Especially since you have yet to see my kitchen or bedroom yet, and both of those have come a little way in the last couple of weeks. 

(Confession: I have blue tape on my floor from mapping out where possible future furniture go. That's not so photo ready, now is it?)

Okay darlings, I'm off to get dressed and make breakfast.

 I hope today treats you all well, keep checking back in case some pictures creep up on here :)

-C

{ source 1}

{ Lately }

1. I purchased this little gold rimmed bowl from Anthropologie to set my keys in each day. At $8.00, it was a little pricey for something so teeny, but it's a small price to pay for such a simple thrill every time I walk in and out the door.

2. I also purchased two "Latte" mugs by Pottery Barn from the thrift store this past weekend for about a dollar each. I know I'm drinking tea out of them this morning, but I was too excited about using them to wait for a latte. 

3. The mug is also perched upon an end of the bed throw I bought from the same thrift store for a little less than $4.00. It was on sale, and something about it jumped out to me. Now I have a nice pop of color in my boudoir and it's lovely.

4. I bought two of these brass curtain holders from the thrift store, too. I know they won't be everyone's cup of tea, but I just really enjoy them. They add a fancy schmancy element, and truth be told, I've been a little gold obsessed lately. Anyway, I'm using them as hooks by my door to hold my purse, coats, scarves, etc. I only have one hanging up at the moment because I had technical difficulties hanging the other (that was fun) but either way, it's nice to come home to :).

That's what's been happening over here at Casa De Caitlin, lately. Sadly, I have to go get dressed and ready for class, but I'll be back later with some updated apartment pictures. Is anyone else just feeling plum exhausted lately? Waking up has been so difficult this week. I must start going to bed earlier. 

Happy Hump Day :)

-C

{quick post: courtesy of my iphone}

1. excited to be wearing scarf and boots on my way out to the thrift store (although truth be told, I was quite warm during the whole walk and ended up having to take the scarf off. fooey)

2. Kate Spade shoes at TJ Maxx that I wanted to snatch up.

3. Rows of apples and cider. I almost bought one of those sacks of apples just because of the adorable totes.

4. More apples (because who sees enough of those in the fall?)

5. Hard Cider at Whole Foods

6. Pumpkin Ale! I will try this before the season is over.

I've got an early morning and a long day ahead so I better get crack a lackin. Hope you all had a wonderful weekend. I'll see you back here soon! I have a camera charger again (yipee!) so updated apartment pictures are coming your way. Stay tuned.

lovelovelove.

-C

{ undecorated }

Ameila's home from A Beautiful Living is one of my all time favorite spaces.

Where do I begin?

The wood floors. The molding. That rug. The dark, chesterfield couch. the collection of books. that dress on the door. the airy, white curtains. the coffee table on wheels. the soft, feminine use of color against the dark leather. But mostly, I love how undecorated it feels. This room feels like a space full of things thoughtfully collected over time, and each piece works together to create a home. 

Exhibit B: Let's revisit Carrie Bradshaw's apartment because I'm a SATC addict.

the collection of magazines that cover the wall and the paper sacks that sit underneath the entry table. 

The picture frames that lean on the credenza instead of being hung.

The chair as a nightstand (something I'm planning on taking into my own bedroom) the different patterns and tones in the fabrics. The simple, white fluffy pillows. The stacks of magazines and books. And even the crooked frames.

All of these things, imperfect and off kilter, are what set these homes apart from others, in my humble opinion. Decorate a room, and at the end, throw in one mixed element or subtract something. It keeps things layered and interesting and never looking too "done". I feel the same way when it comes to getting dressed. If I'm wearing an outfit that's more put together, I always feel better if my hair is a little messier, or if I'm not wearing as much makeup.  Tell me I'm not weird?

I haven't read this yet, but now I think I must:

have any of you read it?

I'm off to get (un)dressed for class (har, har, just kidding, do you see what I did there?)

I hope you all have a splendid day and an even better weekend!

-C

all photos of Ameila's home , all photos of Carrie Bradshaw's apartment

{Truth be told...}

I've always dreamt of a winter wedding.

I can feel the cozy fire, taste the hot cocoa, see the strings of white lights, smell the Christmas trees, and envision the toasty color palette of browns, grays and whites. Wouldn't it be loverly?

And don't even get me started on that wedding dress. It's so elegant and perfect that I'm about to buy it just to wear to school. I love the way the lace echos the shape of a snowflake, and the way the back dips down into a V.

Would any of you consider a winter wedding? I think there are lots of ways to make holiday weddings classy and timeless instead of tacky or cheesy. What do you all think?

source 1, 2

{ Back to school }

Time to go back to school today, my friends. I know this is old news for most college students but since my school is currently on the quarter system, today marks the first day of Fall quarter. And it has just started to rain cats and dogs. Should make for a lovely first day of walking to and from classes. Here's a confession: I have bought about four umbrellas in the last year and I can't find a single one of them. So I refuse to buy another. Which means I perpetually look like a wet rat. 

In a dream world I would be walking to school today in nice, fresh, crisp autumn air. Ya never know :).

I'm off to get dressed. I knew I should have laid my clothes out the night before. I just never seem to learn that lesson. But if I had it my way I'd be wearing this:

{Jcrew}

Also, this picture is making me sad that I didn't think to throw a back to school party just like this one:

Although, truth be told,  I think my friends would laugh at me.

Okay darlings, I'm off to scrounge up an outfit, pack my lunch and sharpen my pencils.

I hope you all have a wonderful day.

-C

source 1 & 2

{ a breath of fresh air }

A couple of weeks ago I posted photos of my blog/desk nook. Perhaps you guys remember...

Le sigh. I do love that nook.

Howeverrr, a few things have been switched around here at Casa de Caitlin, which I promise to post pictures of as soon as my camera charger arrives in the mail. Sadly, that blog nook is no more. I have designated a different blog nook in the living room with a different table which is currently chair-less. Poor thing. The bentwood chair will eventually become my desk chair again I believe, its just currently residing in my living room to pretend like it belongs there because if I see any more gaps where furniture is supposed to be I'll climb the wall. I'm getting a wee bit impatient, can you tell? 

So currently, I'm blogging from my couch and coffee table. And let's be honest, that's probably where I'll land 80% of the time anyway.

(taken with my iphone)

But this morning I came across this photo in my Pinterest, which led to a little bit of daydreaming...

I imagine this is in New York City, and I'm hangin' out on that little balcony with a pumpkin spice latte contemplating a few blog ideas before returning to my perfectly styled desk. Wouldn't it be wonderful to have a little outside space by your desk to escape and refresh every so often?

Is this anyone's reality out there? If it is, consider me extremely jealous of you.

Hope you all have a splendid Tuesday.

-C

source for today's daydream. 

{ Rainy day... }

This rainy day makes me want to curl on my comfy couch with some soup and tea and watch a happy movie whilst daydreaming and planning for the future (my favorite past time). Which is exactly what I plan on doing. 

However, how lovely would it be to be in Chicago (where I used to live for a short but wonderful while) on a day like this, where you can  hop on the El and take the train to a museum, grab a latte and stomp around the city in your Hunter rain boots while perusing flea markets and boutiques? Le sigh.

source: 1, 2, 3

Hope you are all starting your week off right. Thanks for stopping by!

-C

{ Morning, Sunshine }

These photos from Anne Sage's blog totally charmed me. Such a sweet little reminder that life doesn't need to be glamourous all the time to be completely lovely.

I've been waking up extra early lately to make sure I have plenty of time to drink my coffee, make my breakfast, catch up on blogs, and unwind. Waking up in a rushed frenzy is no way to start your day, am I right?

Today I'll go to work, get some laundry done, and hopefully stop and pick up some fresh flowers. 

That doesn't sound too shabby huh?

Hope you all have a splendid day. See you all later for a second post!

-C

{ My reality }

As someone who spends tons of time in the blog world, I can easily admit that sometimes reading blogs written by incredibly successful, creative people who live in the most fantastic cities and wear the most beautiful clothes and live in the most perfect homes, it's easy to get overwhelmed by how far behind I feel. 

My current reality is that I'm a college student, on a shoestring budget, living in Cincinnati, OH. Sometimes I get dressed in gym clothes every morning for a week. I love my apartment but there are plenty of gaps where furniture should go that I haven't been able to fill yet. I don't currently have enough money for an SLR camera or photoshop and I don't have a custom blog design or thousands of readers. (All in due time.)

But in the moments when I think about all of that, I try to remember that everyone starts somewhere. And instead of letting reality discourage me, I'll just dream through it and work hard and wait until I get on the other side. Sometimes my favorite thing in the world is to look back at some of the most successful bloggers very first post that they ever wrote. It's so interesting to see how they grow and progress over time.

There was a long period of my life where I felt utterly uninspired and lost. And it's interesting, because looking back, I'm not sure I realized how uninspired I really was. Getting involved in blogging and interior design (a word that always makes me nervous, because I've never been educated in design whatsoever) has made me excited again. It terrifies me because it's not where I'm comfortable. I don't always know what I'm talking about. I just know that I  rearrange my furniture 3 times a week because I want to see all the different ways I can utilize the space and I am never completely satisfied with it. When I was an actor, I remember teachers always talking about the complete dissatisfaction of being an artist. In a good way. How artists and actors always feel like there could be more to discover. I loved acting. And I miss it, still. And I get nervous and scared the further it gets from my life. But I don't think I ever felt that same dissatisfaction with acting. I've had a lot of experiences in my life that have led to me being a really compassionate, emotional person. And I think that's what made acting come really naturally to me. Don't get me wrong, y'all, I'm not saying I'm Meryl Streep. I just mean that on the most basic level, things came very organically to me. And then when I got to college, I could feel myself hitting a wall  and feeling uncomfortable and tense in my training, because I had already taken it as far as I was meant to. I just didn't know it at the time. And even though the ease that I used to feel with it is part of what I miss so much, it's also part of what I think makes me want to go another direction.  

 For the first time in a long time, I feel overwhelmed by my goals instead of the lack of them. Next summer, I want to intern/work or formally educate myself in this field that I'm getting more and more immersed in everyday. And I want to do that somewhere inspiring. Which means it will cost money. Which means I need to work my buttewski off to make this reverie a reality. 

 Thank you if you hung in there and read all of that. I was not anticipating making this post a short story but sometimes these things happen, eh?

I hope you all have a fantastic weekend. Oh, and my camera charger was located! I left it at home in Texas but it should be mailed to me any day now, so keep your eyes peeled for new pictures. Lovelovelove to all of you!

-C

source: 1, 2, 3, 4

{ Perfection }

I am dreaming about getting dressed for work this morning in any of those Fall ensembles. The perfect amount of chic (I'm really not cool enough to use that word) and effortlessness. Don't you agree?

Alas, I am still in my pj's sipping my coffee and I have thirty minutes to get dressed, so the likely hood of me looking like the ladies above when I head to work is looking slimmer by the minute. But hey, sometimes a girl needs a few extra minutes with her coffee and blogs before she starts her day. Am I right? 

By the way, if you are near an Ikea, go pick up the TINDRA Apple Cinnamon Candle. They are only $1.99 each and they smell like fall in a cup. I bought two at my last visit but I wish I would have stocked up even more because I burn them just about every night. I love.

It's almost the weekend y'all! Happy Thursday :)

-C

source: 1, 2, 3

{ When you wake up on the wrong side of the bed...}

just take a moment to daydream...

Le sigh. 

I can envision myself with camera in hand and smile on my face exploring each and every one of those places. One day that will be a reality :).

I was in the middle of taking pictures of my apartment yesterday for my blog post when my camera died. No big deal, right? Except then I couldn't find my camera charger. It must have gotten mixed up somewhere random in the move, but I looked everywhere! Oy. I'll try and remedy that ASAP so I can finish the post. I was so darn excited to show you guys what's been happenin'. Fooey. 

 To try and get my self out of my funk I'm going to take a shower, turn on some tunes, finish touching up the paint in my apartment (I know, what a procrastinator) and try to r-e-l-a-x. This evening I have an interview for a second job, so keep your fingers crossed pretty please! 

I hope today is a good one for all of you.

-C

source 1, source 2, source 3, source 4, source 5, source 6

{ A Warm Welcome}

I was browsing inspiration for my entryway yesterday, and these images had me drooling. 

I think if I walked into any of these homes I would never want to leave.  The styling in all of them is to die for. So simple. I believe my kitchen rug is the same one in the last photo (or at least, extremely similar). How exciting :).

Speaking of which, I'm off of work until Thursday so I'm going to be doing some apartment sprucing so I'll have a few new pictures to show you guys tomorrow. For now, I'm going to get my breakfast on. Does anyone out there look forward to breakfast as much as I do? When I was younger I never cared for it, and now it's one of my favorite parts of the day. 

Happy Tuesday, everyone!

-C

P.S. I added links to my twitter and pinterest accounts on the sidebar, please follow me!

source 1, source 2, source 3, source 4, source 5