{ 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!