{ Treasure Hunting: Cincinnati }

Guys. I have so much to do before I leave for Chicago tomorrow that it's a little insane. I have no business being on the computer at the moment. I also had no business taking a few extra moments to browse my favorite furniture consignment shop in Cincinnati, but hey. It happened. And despite my current stress level, I have no regrets. Here were a few of my favorite finds (pardon the iphone photos):

Holy. Tufted. Goodness. This was sold for $995, which isn't dirt cheap obviously, but also not unreasonable for this piece. It was in incredible shape, and made beautifully. Drool.

These would normally be a little too glam for my taste (not that I don't enjoy them, they're just not necessarily my typical schtick), but I found them rather unique, and I'm a total sucker for a good vase. I love the unexpected pop of color inside. 

There is nothing like a good windsor bench in an entryway. I have the perfect spot for one in my own apartment, but I don't have much motivation to make any large purchases at the moment seeing as I'm leaving this place for three months tomorrow. Would love to see this painted black (and sans the fruit bowl pillow).

pretty sea of gold rimmed glasses.

Location Change: These coasters were not found in the consignment shop, but I stumbled across them in Anthropologie and couldn't resist sharing. I loooove them. Especially in Milk and Honey, Seafoam, Pink Panther, and Green. Oh who am I kidding? I love all the colors. A set of these would instantly add a serious dose of interest to your coffee table. Pretty, pretty, pretty.

Well folks, it's off to work I go, and then back here to pack/do laundry/clean/more work etc. etc.

Wish me luck! Talk to you all tomorrow. Thanks so much for stopping in. lovelovelove.

-C

{ a letter to myself }

I leave for Chicago in just three more sleeps. I cannot even fathom how much I have to do before I leave, but aside from that, I keep reflecting on how different this journey in Chicago will be than my last one. My career direction has entirely shifted, and I've grown so much over the last few years. When I lived in Chicago before, I was just 18 years old. 18 and clueless. 

Don't get me wrong, I still consider myself clueless on many subjects, but I am beginning to finally figure myself out.

As a reminder to make this summer the best that it can possibly be, no matter what else is going on in life, I wrote a letter to my 18 year old self living in Chicago

Dear little Caitlin, 
Stop spending so much time with that eyeliner.  You look better without it anyway. Don't try to control every detail of your life because things change constantly and soon enough those plans won’t matter. Go to the auditions that you look at every morning. You’re good enough. Go for a run, but not because you need to be any thinner or to impress anyone else, but because it will help you get out and see the beautiful city you live in,  and that will make you feel alive again. Do not live life for anyone else. Stop sitting in your teeny apartment listening to sad love songs, because those dont fix anything. I know it hurts, but I promise it will get better. Maybe not tonight, but sooner than you think, if you just let it.

I want to tell you that you. are. beautiful. No matter how inadequate you feel. And not because of the way you look, but because of who you are.  I want to tell you that it’s a good thing to love with your whole heart, but make sure you save room for yourself. Make decisions that will bring you happiness. Follow your instincts. I know you think that’s what you’re doing, but you aren’t. Oh Caitlin, you aren’t.

Stop after the fourth cocktail, and leave the camera at home. Those pictures shouldn’t make Facebook.

Above all, wherever you go in life, take the good with you and leave the rest behind. You are young. And you have the world at your feet.

The good news is that I am only just beginning on my journey. I am nervous and sad to leave Trevor, my friends, and my cozy apartment for three months, but also so excited to see all the ways in which a summer that I used to only dream about will help me grow in the direction of so many of my goals. 

So here's to summer, white wine, taking chances, and living life to the fullest. Cheers.

-C 

photo via Vern Kellie's Iphoneography

{ get your floral on }

1. Thayer Wild One Floral Maxi Dress 2. Jeunesse Francoise Floral Blouse 3. ASOS Wrap Dress With Pretty Floral

This warm weather has me swooning over these flirty florals. I love how breezy and lady-like all of these feel while still being relaxed and unfussy. 

Who wants to go shopping? :) 

Thanks for stopping in, all! lovelovelove.

-C

{ Inspirational Spaces: Small Space Living }

One.

Two.

Three.

Four

There is something that I've always appreciated and adored about small spaces. Even given the opportunity to have a large, extravagant home, I'm not sure I'd choose it over having my own little cozy cottage. I love the way these compact spaces are utilized. I mean, can you believe that balcony? It feels like a complete oasis in just a few square feet.

What's been inspiring you lately?

Thanks so much for stopping in. lovelovelove.

-C

{ on to the next... }

Today is my 22nd birthday, and though I am so excited for what this 22nd year will bring, I can't help but reflect on all the wonderful things that my 21st year brought. 

I went to Disneyworld for the first time with Trevor and his family (Trev is on the far left)

Yes. I'm wearing a first-timer button.

Drank too much wine.

Got to decorate my apartment for Christmas and organized a holiday fundraiser to raise money for Women Helping Women!

Became an editorial assistant on The Everygirl, and talked my way into a summer internship with Jess Constable!

Attended the BHLDN + The Everygirl Event in Chicago (photo courtesy of the lovely Alaina)

Was thrown the SWEETEST (literally and figuratively) surprise birthday bash on Saturday, thanks to my absolutely wonderful friend, Miss Kate Daugherty. She put so much work into making the little details extra special for me, right down to the thin mint truffles she homemade and the sugar rimmed cosmopolitans she served. I am so, so lucky to have such beautiful friends.

Honestly, there were so many wonderful moments from this past year. More than I can write about. I have the most incredible family, friends, and boyfriend a girl could ask for, and as long as they're around, I have no doubt that year 22 will be even more amazing.

And last but not least, thank you to my wonderful readers (I have READERS! yay!) for checking in on this little blog, leaving sweet comments, tweeting kind thoughts, and generally making my day. I appreciate it so much. 

Cheers!

-C

{ Monday Morning }

I have about a milion and one things on my to-do list for this week. However, I'm taking a chunk of time out this morning to heat up some hot cocoa and relax in bed with a good book. No matter how much you have on your plate, you can't be very productive if you lose your sanity, now can you?

Hope you all have a wonderful start to your week. Thank you for stopping in!

-C

image 1 & 2

{ Love Note: Dabble Magazine }

Do you guys read Dabble Mag? It is decidely my perfect cup of tea. Travel, Design and Food.

My three most favorite things in all the world.

I browsed their gallery this morning and couldn't click fast enough on just about each and every photo. So much inspiration. I simeltaneously want to leave town and travel the world, redesign my entire apartment, and eat something delectable.

Sounds plausible, right? Do yourself a favor and go check it out if you  haven't yet.

Thanks for stopping in, everyone. Have a wonderful weekend!

-C

*all photos from Dabble Mag's Gallery via their website*