{ Let there be light }

I woke up this morning to a rainy, moody sky. While there are some times that I welcome a rainy day, today is one of those days that I MUST be productive and some sunlight would really be more encouraging than the pitter patter of rain hitting my window, urging me to curl up on the couch with a cup of tea for the rest of the day. 

Despite the gloom, I've rounded up some of my favorite light and bright spaces to get myself inspired for the day. Take a look:

{ beautiful blue and white tiles, not to mention those gold sconces }

{ Light streaming in from gorgeous windows. Colorful chairs and tufted sofa. }

{ A happy kitchen. I love how bright it feels with the painted white wood flooring and the cheerful green chairs. There is light bouncin' all over this joint. }

{ can you imagine those windows in your own home? }

{ Stunning black window panes }

Ah, that's better. Feeling a little more ready for the day. And hey, it stopped raining :).

Thank you all so much for coming by the blog today. lovelovelove to each of you.

-C

photo 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

{ a day off }

After my 11:00 class ends at 12:15 on Tuesdays, I have the rest of the day off. It's glorious. But what should I do today? 

I need to go to the grocery store and do laundry. My white slipcovered couch has definitely seen better days and is in dire need of a wash. And I'm officially out of clean gym clothes.

But what I want to do is go browse the outlet shops, grab some coffee, and explore. Ah geez. What will win? Maybe I can try and do a little of both. 

Can I just take a moment to say that when the day comes that I have a washer and dryer IN my apartment, I will be the happiest girl in the world? Coin laundry can be such a bummer. I never have enough quarters! That's probably a sign that I wait way too long in between my laundry days. Woops. 

 Aren't days off the best? Endless possibilities.

Thanks so much for stopping by today. lovelovelove.

-C

photo 1, 2

{ Words for Your Week & an Upcoming Project }

"It's always darkest before the dawn,
shake it out...and it's hard to dance with a devil on your back, so shake him off."

I was having sort of a crummy last couple of days last week, mostly just feeling frustrated with work and school and wishing opportunities would blossom just a little faster. As I was driving to work on Saturday, "Shake it off" by Florence and the Machine came on and lifted my spirits. So this week, instead of being anxious, I'm just gonna do the best I can and shake it off. Who's with me?


In other news...
The Everygirl posted a new feature today sharing the art of styling an entryway and left me feeling all sorts of inspired. My entry is an area that is always a work in progress. Currently, I'm on the hunt for a good coat rack, and as The Everygirl confirmed, a large mirror. Here's how it's looking now:

Here's whats on the agenda:

-find a large mirror
-a coat rack
-spruce up the plain jane white lamp shade


Sounds like fun!


Thanks for stopping by today, everyone :)

lovelovelove.

-C

photo 1 via, photo 2 from my own camera

{ Happy Weekend! }

via

Every Monday  I treat myself to a croissant with my coffee to make the start of the week a little happier, but I skipped that little tradition this week due to a croissant outage at Starbucks. I think I'll make up for it today ;). Someday, I will enjoy this little tradition with a croissant in Paris. Just saying it brings a smile to my face. 

I don't currently have any grand plans for the weekend, other than to hang out with my boy, run some errands, and work, but I'm definitely looking forward to it nevertheless. Hopefully the weather will stay warm and lovely.

Thank you all so much for coming by the blog this week. It makes my day. Wishing each of you a fantastic weekend!

lovelovelove.

-C

P.S. My friend Justine that I met a few years ago doing an acting summer intensive program in LA (isn't it funny where life takes you)  is now an amazing make up artist and you should visit her new blog!

It's full of beauty inspiration, fashion, interiors, and other good stuff, and currently, she's taking requests for makeup tutorials, so if you have any, go leave her a comment! 

{ A Colorful Welcome }

via overstock

via overstock

via urbanoutfitters

Something is happening in my old age. Im normally so drawn to neutrals (and while I still consider them my number one boyfriend) I've been eyeing up lots of color lately. I think this whole "neon" trend might be getting to me. Im considering switching out my current entryway rug, and these were calling to me as I was perusing the interwebs this morning. Nevermind that most of them won't work in my home. Just notice how lovely they are. 

Thoughts?

Also, did you all check out The Everygirl yesterday? It's more than I imagined it would be! I love the features so far, and I'm also a big fan of the Handbook PDFs that they're providing! I printed both the budget and the kitchen essentials one yesterday. Truth be told I haven't filled the "budget" one out yet because I'm not sure I want to face reality just yet ;). In due time, in due time.

Thanks for stopping by today, y'all. I hope you have a wonderful day. 

lovelovelove.

-C

{ Pieces of Happiness }

The last couple of days have been happy days around these parts. I bought some fresh blooms from the grocery store and they've been making my day.

In other news:

I need more green in my life. Pronto. So fresh and unexpectedly feminine. 

In other, other news:

I'm watching Step Up as I blog and after seeing The Vow, I think Channing Tatum and I might be in love. 

Thank you all so much for stopping by today :) All of your love here on the blog is definitely contributing to my happiness this week. 

lovelovelove.

-C

Photo 1 is my own.

Photo sources for 2, 3, 4

{ how I spend my days off }

Tuesday's aren't entirely a day off because I do have morning classes, but it's the only day of the week that I no longer have to go into work, so I get to spend my afternoons with uninterrupted errand/homework/happy time.  Today I spent my free time restyling my kitchen, going through old issues of House Beautiful and burning a vanilla scented candle. Even though I'm definitely ready for Spring (though most days it barely feels like Winter has come) I can still appreciate these cozy days at home. Isn't that Pear picture just the cutest thing you've ever seen? My mom found it at a garage sale (or thrift store, I can't remember which) and I snuck it home with me when I drove back after Christmas. It makes my heart happy.

How do you guys like to spend your days off?

Thanks so much for stopping by y'all. 

lovelovelove.

-C

P.S. Don't forget that The Everygirl LAUNCHES tomorrow. I will be springing out of bed the moment my alarm goes off. No snoozing for me! Check out Alaina and Danielle's blogs for the links to all of the sneak peeks that hit the blogosphere today!

{ Words & Inspiration for your week }

{Dream Big}

{ Dress Well }

{ Live Beautifully}

Well, hello there Monday. There is much to be done today but I'm hoping to accomplish a lot this week so I'm optimistic about getting back to the daily grind. Even so, everyone needs a little inspiration on a Monday. I've been so in love with that outfit in photo numero two since I laid eyes on it forever ago. So simple, and so beautiful. I have a thing for shorts paired with sweaters. Swoon.

And even though it's been a pretty mild winter, I can't help but wish I had a roaring fire happening in my own abode. Especially in the kitchen. I love fireplaces in the kitchen. It just seems appropriate since that's where the gang always ends up hanging out anyway. One day I'll have one. One day. 

Okay lovelies. I'm heading out to get my day started. I'm thinking of scouting out a good coffee shop that will inspire me to get some work done. Let's hope :).

Thanks so much for stopping by, everyone. 

lovelovelove.

-C

Photos via Pinterest- 1, 2, 3, 4

{ Happy Weekend! }

TGIF.

While I do still have to report to my second job this weekend, I'm looking forward to spending my nights in, being low key, reading, and catching up with my homework and to do list. I know. Party Animal. ;).

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend. Thanks for stopping in this week. I'll see you all on Monday. 

lovelovelove.

-C

{ Summer Thornton Design }

Ah. Summer Thornton. Many of you have probably already seen this home, but for those of you who haven't, I couldn't resist sharing. Summer is a Chicago based interior designer, and this is her amazing Lincoln Park home. As someone who normally gravitates towards neutrals, this is definitely a welcome departure from the eye candy I'm used to indulging in. All of the patterns and colors feel so fresh and feminine. A few of my favorite things: The file cabinet side table in the living room, the bold wallpaper backdrop behind the sofa, the way that the TV blends effortlessly into the black shelves so you don't even notice that it's there, and the white and gold color palette in the bedroom (wallpaper done right). It's all pretty much incredible. Do yourself a favor and stop by her website for more inspiration. Her portfolio has so much range, no project feels like the next, but they are all outstanding.

I'm off to get dressed, grab a latte and head to class, followed by work. I hope today treats you all very well. Thank you so much for stopping by. lovelovelove.

-C

*all photos via Apartment Therapy*

{ overwhelmed }

Oh my heavens, y'all. I'm a little overwhelmed. 

I have much to get done school wise and life wise, so I'm going to take the day off of blogging to try to catch up and hopefully start tomorrow off on a better foot. I'll be back tomorrow to catch up with all of you :). I hope you all have a wonderful day. Thanks so much for stopping by.

lovelovelove.

-C

source: unknown

{ Happy Valentines Day to my Treasure }

Wishing everyone, but especially Trevor Treasure a Happy Valentines Day.

For those of you who don't know me or are new to the blog, this is my studly boyfriend, Trevor (who I will often refer to as Tims or Treasure, thanks to the idea of my sweet little cousin Bella)

Trevor and I met when we were 14 years old, and after brief stint of "dating" for a couple months after we met, we became a "real couple" about 2 years later, when we were 16. We've learned a lot together, and I feel blessed that we've been able to grow stronger through each stage of our lives so far. I am so thankful and proud to be his girlfriend, and I wish for each girl to find her very own Treasure. I look forward to celebrating our relationship tonight with Filet Mignon, Rosemary Roasted Potatoes, Asparagus, and some Montepulciano. I'm a lucky girl.

Happy Valentines Day, Tims.

(and thank you all so much for stopping by. sending EXTRA lovelovelove your way today :))

-C

{ words for your week }

"What happens when we lose the things that anchor us? What if, instead of grasping at something to hold on to, we pull up our roots and walk away? Instead of trying to find the way back, we walk deeper and deeper into the woods, willing ourselves to get lost. In this place where nothing is recognizable, not the people or the language or the food, we are truly on our own. Eventually, we find ourselves encumbered by the past or the future. Here is a fleeting glimpse of our truest self, our self in the present moment. After that, maybe we can finally go home--or maybe not."

"What I found on the road was a tiny piece of myself, the one I kept unknowingly shuttered for so long in order to play the many roles I thought were mine. It was no cyclone, but these past few years I had survived my own personal disasters and realized I was strong enough. I was on the other side. In this new place, I could hear the whispering voice inside my head growing louder, my voice--not those of my parents or teachers or Carly or Muriel, even--telling me to live my life without fear or worry or doubt that nothing was going according to plan, as though such a plan ever existed in the first place."

I've been reading a memoir by Rachel Friedman called The Good Girl's Guide to Getting Lost, and when I read these passages I knew I had to share them with you. They tugged at my heart strings, as I'm sure they will yours. It's a really inspirational story and I'm glad I picked it from the book store.

For now, I'm off to get dressed, grab some coffee and a croissant (sometimes I treat myself to a croissant on Mondays because it makes me feel French and puts me in a happy mood) and will be heading into work for a little bit. Monday's are supposed to be my day off, I'm not sure how I ended up going back into work during them. Le sigh.


Thank you all so much for stopping by today. I hope these words help start your week off right. lovelovelove.

-C

{ Happy Weekend! }

Hey lovelies. Happy Friday! Ever since I got a second job the weekends are a little bittersweet for me, but either way, Friday always feels good, doesn't it? 

I'm hoping to get some work done around the apartment (namely cleaning and laundry) and to get in some good relaxation time. Tonight I'm headed to a wine tasting with some lovely ladies, which I'm very excited about! I've never been to one before, so it should be a fun experience.

Doesn't that last photo look absolutely remarkable? A gorgeous view, coffee, and delicious food? Just a little piece of heaven.

Hope you all have an amazing weekend. Thank you so much for stopping by.

lovelovelove.

-C

P.S. Did you check out my dream Valentines Day outfit that I posted yesterday? What are y'all wearing on the big day?

P.S.S.I dont have a proper source for either of these photos. Anyone, anyone? Help a blogga out?

{ L-O-V-E }

1.Oasis dress//2.Steve madden shoes//3.Sahani clear crystal earrings//4.Chanel quilted handbag//5.Nars Lip Gloss In Super Orgasm//6. N5//7.M·A·C, Naturally Mineralize Skinfinish//8.Michael Kors crystal jewelry

If I had an endless budget to get gussied up for Valentines Day, I have a hutch this is what I'd wear out to a fancy dinner. Alas, Trev and I plan on hanging in and making dinner together, so I'll probably be a wee bit more casual. Or maybe not. Valentines Day only happens once a year, right?

What about you guys? Any Valentines Day plans this year?

{ White & Gold }

When I was browsing through my Pinterest boards, I couldn't help but notice some similarities in color palette between these three photos. I've been lusting after a gold french press for many moons. One of these days I'm going to bite the bullet. In fact, I woke up this morning to a broken coffee maker (that was fun, by the way) so it looks like I'll be needing to purchase a new coffee making apparatus soon. Does anyone else out there use a french press on a daily basis? I would definitely like to have one, but I don't know if I'm ready to give up the coffee maker. 

Also, it's snowing here in Cincinnati. So I'm just crossing my fingers that I'll be getting an email any moment from my teachers canceling class :) Wouldn't that be amazing? I think I might just be dreaming, but all I want to do is cozy up on the couch and read my new book. I settled on "The Good Girl's Guide to Getting Lost" at the book store yesterday. I've only read the first chapter, but I love it so far! I'll keep you all posted.

Thanks so much for stopping by today, everyone. lovelovelove.

-C

photo 1, 2, 3

{ Let's get situated }

Yesterday it dawned on me how unorganized and stressed I felt. I was on edge about deadlines and to do lists and realized my current planner situation was not working. See, I had this monthly planner that I really enjoy, except its bound with those little prong/ring things and I've grown to really despise them because my pages always unhinge. When this happens, I stop using my planner. When I stop using my planner, chaos ensues.

So.

I did what any stressed out, desperate, smart lady would do. I hauled myself to Target. 

I got one large notebook (no prongs!) for $3.99, and then a pack of 3 small notebooks for the same price. I love the small notepads. They have illustrations of Paris, NYC, and London on them. Perfect for a wanderluster like myself.

 Anywho.

I'm using the large notebook as my overall to-do lists for the week. The small notebooks are labeled with either Blog, School, or Life, and each have notes or lists related to those subjects. So for the blog notebook I'll scribble down post ideas, in school's notebook I keep track of deadlines and assignments, and in life I write budget information, new workouts I want to try, goals, etc.  

I also picked up this little accordian file in the dollar bin section at Target (who else loves that area? they have the best stuff to make little V-day packages right now) which is perfect for helping me stick with my budget. I put labels in each little file folder (groceries, spending, gas, etc) and the money I put in each file is the amount I allow myself to spend in that area for the week. I find it really helpful to do this when it comes to the little things, because if I don't keep track I'll completely lose sight of all my little trips to Starbucks or magazine purchases and wonder where all my money went. 

Ah. much better.

I've got some homework to tend to (I can't wait until the day that I never have to write another paper again) and then hopefully I'll get to do some leisurely reading. I realized today that as much as I love social media and blogging, I am just consumed with the internet, and I miss the feeling of curling up with something other than my laptop. So I'm hoping to pick up a good read. Any suggestions? I like things that are light and fun, and a little travel inspired never hurts :).

Hope you all have a wonderful day! Thanks so much for stopping by. 

lovelovelove.

-C

{ Hold the phone }

Good Morning, lovelies! I'd love to stay and chat but I'm currently drowning in a paper thats due in a matter of hours (nothing like working under pressure!)

Be back later today with a real post. 

wish me luck!

lovelovelove.

-C

photo via

{ Words for your week }

via

Hey everyone. Just wanted to share some words of wisdom as you begin a brand new week. I, for one, am hoping to find some focus today and get some big things accomplished. While completing my to do list doesn't sound all that exciting at the moment, I know it will feel nice when everything is finished. I think I'll send myself to a coffee shop today until I finish everything that must be done. 

In other news, I am looking for internships for the summer! I'm so very excited and hopeful for the journey. Ideally, I'll be spending my summer time in the lovely city of Chicago. I'll keep you posted as I begin to sift through internship opportunities and cross my fingers as I wait for responses.

I'm off to get some coffee and a crossaint (delish) and begin to tackle my to do list before I head to a meeting at work. I hope you all have a wonderful day and start this week off right <3

Thanks so much for stopping by.

lovelovelove.

-C

{ Tour my Home + Happy Friday! }

Good morning, everyone!

Since I've picked up a few new readers recently who may have missed my apartment pictures in the past, I added a new page to the navigation bar titled "Tour My Space" with a few new (and some old) sneak peaks. I'll keep you posted as I update with more pictures. I think I have FINALLY figured out what bar stools I'm going to get for my kitchen area, but I'm not sure when I'll be getting them. I'm putting myself on a bit of a spending freeze right now to save more money for upcoming ventures. I'll give you details Monday ;).

via

By the way, are you following me on pinterest and twitter? If not, you should. Let's stay in touch :)

Thanks for stopping in, everyone. I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

lovelovelove.

-C

{ Blue & White }

I've been kind of enamored with these blue toile patterns lately. Something about it feels so feminine, yet clean and fresh, not too fussy.  I saw a ceramic stool with a similar pattern in HomeGoods the other day for $39 and was { } <---that close to purchasing it, but then I got cold feet. Thoughts? Should I get it?

I hope you all have a wonderful day. Thanks SO much for stopping by. 

lovelovelove.

-C

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