{ Life Lately }

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1. I saw this gold bow bracelet cuff in a boutique shop the other weekend and fell in love. My bank account didn't agree with me, but I was sure we were soul mates.

2. This grey and white striped pullover from Lululemon is on my wishlist. It's perfect for running during the chillier days of the year, and it's a little more fun than basic black. 

3. I can't for the life of me remember who this dress was by, but it was in this adorable shop in Hyde Park and i.wanted.it. Normally I'm a neutral girl, but something about this transported me to a fun summer day, walking around with a mojito in hand. Don't mind if I do. 

4. I saw this bench at an antique/consignment store and really wanted to snatch it up to recover it and put in my entry way (it was only $40!) I think it would be a really precious dining bench too. Ah, what fabric would I use?

5. These velvet tufted ottoman/stools were at Homegoods yesterday and they would look amaze in my living room. I can't remember exactly how much they were but I just love them. Actually. I'm still thinking about them. Maybe I'll check back in a few weeks and see if they're still there? How do we feel about them, everyone?

6. Floofy rug at Homegoods. I don't need this, so it makes no sense to buy it, but I love it in this lighter, ivory color. Definitely feminine, but hey, I am a girl.

So? What do y'all think? See anything you like? Done any shopping lately?
 (By shopping, I clearly mean window shopping. Le sigh.)

Alright, lovelies. As per usual, I'm off to class. Afterwards I'm going to spend some time getting my apartment together and taking new pictures for a House Tour page. Stay tuned.

Thanks so much for stopping by today.


lovelovelove.

-C

{ Styling Inspiration }

Sometimes the trickiest part of putting a space together is the part that comes at the very end, when you deal with the little chochskies and details.The tabletop in your entry, your bedside table, the books on the coffee table or the right throw blanket for your couch.

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Notes:

- I think the simplest thing to take away from all of these inspiration photos is the varying heights, textures and shapes of all the objects. I love the way the camera in that first photo is sitting perched upright to give it extra height. (By the way, if you haven't seen Danielle's Apartment Tour yet, you must go now-styled by the lovely Alaina)

-Conversely, one item in mass is typically much more beautiful than one all alone. Dozens of soap bars displayed together suddenly becomes something sculptural and beautiful as opposed to one lonesome guy perched on a bathroom vanity. A cup filled with number two pencils serves a greater impact than one lazily laying on the table. Ya catch my drift?

-Observing how we naturally use things is a great way to find inspiration for styling those tricky tables, desks, and kitchen counters. The second photo looks like an effortless collection of items strewn together that creates a lovely vignette. It doesn't have to look incredibly "design-y" or intentional. Isn't it interesting how that electrical cord from the lamp in photo three actually adds something to that photo instead of detracting from it?

-Groupings of odd numbers are your friend. If something on your bedside table or coffee table or any other surface area doesn't look quite right, you probably have an even number of items on it.

Okay lovelies, I'm off to work. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend. Thank you so much for stopping by!


lovelovelove.

-C

{ Is it Spring yet? }

Yes, Spring might bring some showers, but who would care with that precious polka dot umbrella? I love when the weather is just right to wear shorts and a sweater. You're not bundled up so much you can't move the way you are in Winter, but you also don't feel like a naked baby the way that {I} do in summer. And who wouldn't love the opportunity to open up the windows and get some fresh air while enjoying a good book? Ah, yes. Spring, I'm excited for you. If only you were just a weee bit closer.

On the other hand, I'm getting ready to get dressed to begin my day of class, work, and spinning. I've got  plenty on my to-do list to keep me busy for the next couple of weeks, but nevertheless, I'm staying optimistic that today will be productive and eventful. Isn't it kind of thrilling knowing that you have no idea what the day will bring? 

Oh! P.S. Feel free to follow me on bloglovin' now because I finally hopped on the bandwagon. I can't believe it took me so long. It's such a fun way to find new blogs that I've yet to discover!

Thanks so much for stopping in everyone. lovelovelove.

-C

photos via 1, 2, 3

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{ French }

After getting some homework done last night, I took the rest of the night off to watch Midnight in Paris with a glass of vino, and the most amazing chocolate bar ever (hazelnuts in chocolate, people. its a godsend) 

If I wasn't entirely obsessed with going to Paris before, I certainly am now. This movie had me dreaming of the winding roads, cafes, shops, lines of gorgeous trees. So beautiful. I was so thrilled that Woody Allen spent the first 3 or 4 minutes just giving the audience a tour of Paris. It was such a treat. If you haven't seen it yet, you absolutely should.

Alas, I am not being whisked off to Paris. I am finishing up my coffee and getting ready to head to class and work. But I hope you all have a wonderful day. Thank you so very much for stopping in.

lovelovelove.

-C

photos via: 1,2,3,4,5

{ Favorite Budget Buys }

I'm definitely not one to believe that price is directly proportional to quality. I don't consider myself cheap necessarily, but I am frugal. Here are a few of my favorite deals as of late:

One Kings Lane-$49.00

This large wool basket would look delightful in a living room to house extra blankets. Cozy in a basket.

Overstock-$151.99

This is almost too good to be true. 150 bucks for an 8x10 rug?! They also have it in blue and black, and on Overstock, shipping is only $2.95. 

Ikea-$179

A crisp, white tulip table for under $200. Ohhh, the possibilities. Pair this with some bistro chairs and pretty blooms and I'm the happiest lady around.

World Market-$99

I've been wanting a tripod lamp for many moons. I can just picture it perched next to my sofa. Ah, yes.

World Market-$329

I love this daybed for an office that doubles as a space for guests, a place to curl up and read a book, or a studio apartment. So pretty and cozy, and for something that doubles as a sofa and a bed, it wont break the bank.

Urban Outfitters-$119

Urban Outfitters-$39

Urban Outfitters-$64

Urban Outfitters is killin' it in the lighting department. I want all of these.

Thoughts? See anything you like? Scored any budget buys of your own lately?

Thanks for stopping in everyone. Hope you're having a wonderful week. lovelovelove.

-C

Lets talk about: staying inspired and happy despite your circumstances

**I want to start a new series called "Let's talk about: {insert topic here}"

While I mostly like keeping posts short and sweet, sometimes I'm just too much of a blabbermouth for my own good and I wanna chit chat. Enjoy.**

I'm finishing up some lunch, browsing blogs and taking in some HGTV, and entirely ignoring the list of things I'm supposed to be doing. Namely, homework assignments that make me want to gouge my eyeballs out.

It's particularly difficult to keep inspired when you're knee deep in geology homework or work stress that if you're being entirely honest, you just don't really give a hoot about. Last night and this morning, as I was making a list of all the things I need to try to accomplish this week, I sat for a moment and daydreamed about what it would be like to be writing things on my to-do list that I want to do. 

It's easy to look at other peoples lives and think to yourself "How do they do that? How are they so lucky that they can spend the day shopping around for the perfect night stands or fabric swatches, or hop around Europe for a month?" Sometimes it just seems plum unfair. And while it's true that this might be easier for some people then others, I know that it ultimately boils down to the decisions you make, daily. It boils down to the elements of your life that you allow to rule the choices you make. 

So truthfully, I'm struggling with figuring out how to navigate my decisions. Between feeling stuck in certain ones, overwhelmed at the idea of others, it's hard to find a soft place to land. 

All this thinkin' allowed me to boil down my goals and aspirations to one thing: to spend my life with more things that I want to do on my to do list. 

The last 2 years of my life have felt like a test of discipline. Yes, I do believe it's important to learn to function and be happy under circumstances that aren't ideal and doing things that you aren't thrilled about. Sometimes, that's just life and we all must do things we don't want to do. But I also feel like so many of us learn this lesson longer than we need to. Can I force myself to do this homework assignment that I have absolutely zero passion for? Can I make myself absorb this lecture that feels so completely irrelevant to what I want to learn? Yes. I've done it. But ultimately, we are here to live. Let's be happy while we do it. 

When I talk like this to people, I feel like they look at me like I have five heads. My assumption is that I probably sound lazy, spoiled, or naive. But I'm none of those things. I'm actually so incredibly motivated that it has me wanting to rip my hair out. I spend so much time mentally preparing myself for all of these amazing things that I want to do that I'm rarely able to make a priority or execute, because I have to do the other things first. The things that I'm "supposed" to do. Like learn about geology. and press releases. and read that book The Prince for the thousandth time. 

I feel like I'm training for a marathon but I never get a chance to run the damn thing. 

I want to wake up and make my own schedule. I want to fill my life with things that I love, that inspire me and others and that I feel have the ability to make life a little happier. Life is so short. I don't want to just go through the motions. I want to live it. That doesn't mean that I want things to be easy or that I want to just float through life like I'm on a vacation. It means I want to work hard and bust my ass working on things that matter to me. I want to spend my time on the things that I find worthwhile.

I am so inspired by so many people. Blogging, especially, has opened my eyes to so many people's lives that I admire. But I also want to be proud of my own. 

Not to be redundant, BUT, I leave you with this:

“Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of other's opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.” -Steve Jobs

Thanks for stopping by. lovelovelove.

-C

{ Happy Weekend! }

Morning, everyone! Hows the day going? Glad that Friday has finally arrived? Even though it was technically a short week it seemed to drag on for.ev.er.

Currently, I'm enjoying some breakfast and watching re-runs of The OC. Judge me if you must, but I'm wishing I could do this all day instead of heading into work soon. So many deadlines, so little time. 

This weekend, I plan to relax, catch up with laundry (as per usual, it is my nemesis) and generally enjoy some time off, because if all goes well I'll be starting a second job soon which means my days off will go down to zero. I'll share the deets of it next week, when I'm sure its all going to happen! 

Okay lovelies, time to go get dressed. 

Hope you all have a wonderful day.

-C

Photos 1, 2

{ Inspiring Interiors }

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1. I would love to wake up and enjoy a leisurely morning of coffee and breakfast here. The simple, casual styling in this photo is a job well done. 

2. Gold & Mint. Everything I'm in love with right now is gold, pretty much. For serious. I want everything I touch to turn to GOLD. gold shoes. gold drinks. gold hats. gold cars. ANYWAYS. Throw this fun "mint" in the combo and I'm a happy camper. Plus, I've been pining over that pillow for months. Wunna these days it will be mine.

3. Simplicity. I love the beautiful towels that echo the light grey and crisp white on the walls, the subtle pop of deep maroon in the pretty blooms, the little silver/pewter-ish dish perched upon the soap bar, the mini gallery wall. Perfection.  

4. Adore this color palette. Soft peaches and pinks keep it light and feminine, yet the dark wood and cozy grey keep it down to earth. 

5. White subway tile from floor to the ceiling, and mismatched his&hers bathroom mirrors. So simple, yet so clever. What a fun touch.

Sadly, my cough/cold has only worsened since the last time I blogged. I fear it is here to stay forever. But that's probably pretty irrational. 

I'm headed to a long day of class and work, but thank you all so very much for stopping by today. I hope  today treats you well. 

lovelovelove.

-C

photos via : 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

{California Dreaming}

These frigid temperatures are sure making me yearn for a little fun in the sun on the West Coast. I'd love a day in some cut offs, sunglasses, iced coffee, walks on sandy beaches, maybe a trip to Santa Monica Pier? Ah yes, I think that sounds just about perfect. In fact, the second to the last picture even has me imagining living there. Just look at that sun streamed kitchen, and the pretty lady with her cozy blanket, and cute yet casual ensemble. 

 I haven't been to California in about 3 and a half years, but all this talk makes me hope to go back veerrryyy soon. 

But! I suppose we have to work with what we've got. So perhaps I'll stay cozy with some cocoa until further notice. Sadly, I'm still feeling sick and was up all night coughing (whomp whomp) but hopefully this weekend will still bring some good times (with the help of some dayquil, tea and plenty of tissues)

Thank you all so much for stopping by today. lovelovelove.

-C

All photos via 

{Wanderlusting}

1. Rome

2. Ireland

3. The original Starbucks in Seattle

4. Madrid

5. Savannah, GA

I would just squeel with delight if I was on a plane en route to any of the above locations. I'm in a jetsettin' kind of mood. Maybe it's because Treasure and I are hoping to take a little trip to Louisville, KY for the night tomorrow, but we aren't quite sure if the weather will be on our side. I'll keep ya posted, but either way, my heart and mind belongs to a plane right now.

In reality, I'm also having a pretty lovely morning of a yummy breakfast, good coffee (I tried that Starbucks Instant Coffee for the first time this morning, and it's surprisingly delish!), Trevor is snoozing  for a bit longer while I get my daily fill of Live with Regis and Kelly and prepare for a day of class, loooots of work, and loooots of homework. Let's hope it's a productive day :).

I hope you all have a marvelous Thursday. Tell me, if you were to hop on a plane today, where would you go?

Thanks so much for stopping by. lovelovelove. 

-C

{ What I hope for in 2012 }

This looks like an amazing day. Working hard in a beautiful, light filled room surrounded by inspiring projects. In 2012, thats what I will strive for. Inspiration AND Action.

I'm feeling a bit under the weather today...I started to feel a sore throat coming on last night and this morning it has definitely arrived.

Luckily, my dear boyfriend is going to make me breakfast this morning...

Hopefully some hot tea will soothe whatever is happening over here. 

How is 2012 going for everyone else? Any big goals or aspirations? I love the feeling of a new year. So many possibilities.

 Thank you so much for stopping by. lovelovelove.

-C

Photos 1,3&4. Photo 2.

Apartment Tweaks

It's amazing what a little styling and a few extra details will do. My little entry table has been switched up a few times over the past 4 months. First, it was spruced up for fall, and then it transformed into Christmas, though I didn't snap any pictures of that (doh!), so for now, we'll just go with Fall:

Not terrible, but pretty sparse and boring if ya ask me. 

Thanks to a few new Christmas goodies and a little elbow grease, the entry table now looks a little somethin' like this:

Firstly, the little painted ee cummings quote was created based off of this beauty (created by the lovely woman in the picture):

See the process and her blog  here.

I saw this picture several months ago and fell in love with it. I've always loved this poem, and I thought this creative idea was a perfect blend between a painting and a print. I obviously did mine on a much smaller scale, but its perfect for my little table. I also added a page of colorful, graphic paper behind it in the frame to give it a little more interest. For the actual words, I just bought a little black bottle of acrylic paint from Walmart, and used a spongy eyeshadow applicator to write out the words. Easy as pie. I know it might not be everyone's cup of tea, and I admit that the larger scale painting packs a little more punch, but for my personal space, this fits perfectly. 

Other new additions: 

*The smaller lamp that lived on the table before is now living in my bedroom, and this new one was a hand me down from my mom, who probably got it from a thrift store. I love that it's all shiny and glossy and is a bit bigger in size. In person, the lamp shade is more off white and linen-y than it appears in the photo. 

*The awesome silver candle holder was gifted to me by my dear best friend Beth for Christmas, and I believe she picked it up at homegoods. I love it because even though it's a candle holder, it's also sculptural and shapely, so it adds a little something extra than a regular ol' candle. The yankee candle "Jack Frost" is currently burning in it right now, and it smells mm mm good.

*The Design Sponge book was also a generous Christmas gift from Trevor's parents, and I'm officially obsessed with it, as is the rest of the blogosphere (and for good reason!) I love sifting through it over and over again. Next to it is the Nate Berkus Home Rules book with the cover taken off (so it looks a little fancier :))

*Next to that is just a stack of magazines (mostly House Beautiful, Elle Decor, and Lucky) and a cute little bowl that I picked up a few months ago from Anthropologie for 8 bucks. I use it to throw my keys in mostly, but also my watch or a bracelet from time to time.

Lastly, I added a bedside table to my room! Hallelujah. The last time you all saw it, it was lookin a little something like this:

I actually really liked the little chair as the bedside table, but I really needed to use it elsewhere on a daily basis. Luckily, my mom was sweet enough to pick up this little guy for me at a resale shop, and painted it a glossy white with a little gold on it's feetsies at the bottom:

Sorry for the weird lighting and styling on the table. It seems a little awkward to have two candles on one table but I didn't realize it until after the photo was snapped! However, how lovely are those blooms? $3.99 at Trader Joes and they just make the whole room a little happier. Plus, I got to use my new copper vase from The Guild Shop. 

Anyway, that's all that's happening over here. It's amazing how the little things can make such a big difference. 

Now I'm off to get dressed and head to lunch with Trevor and a couple of friends. It's going to be a wonderful day :) Happy weekend, everyone! Thanks so much for stopping by. lovelovelove.

-C