insta.

Here are our favorite instagram photos as of late. 

Have a fabulous weekend!

 

neature!

Maddie and I ventured out around my neighborhood for a bit of a "neature" walk today. We went a whole four blocks. IT WAS INTENSE.

I love fall so much, but hate that winter comes after it. We've been spoiled with a very mild winter this year and have only had a couple of snow storms worth batting an eye over. The most recent one dumped a good eight inches of powder, which would maybe be cool if we had mountains and I knew how to snowboard. Anyway, that snow is finally starting to melt and the grass is peaking through. 

And then Maddie forced her love upon an unsuspecting Douglas.

The end.

these are a few of my favorite things...

Before Pinterest came along, my internet perusing involved a favorites folder that contained hundreds of DIY and fashion blogs.  I quickly found a few favorites that I return to almost daily. 

Here are a few of those that I love so much:

Bleubird Vintage - Could this little family be any cuter?  I don't think it's possible. 

Kendi Everyday - oh, Kendi.  I love this woman and I have copied a large majority of my outfits around stylish ideas posted on her blog.  She may or may not be my hero. 

The Doe or the Deer - She has recently stopped blogging, but I hope she returns.  Another adorable family and a lover for vintage pretties.

Cupcakes and Cashmere - Kelly and I recently discovered C&C worked at Teen Vogue during the time Lauren Conrad was an intern. (The Hills marathons are always welcome in our house.) Not only does C&C have incredible style, but she comes up with the prettiest food recipes & DIY home-decor ideas.

Moss in the Fur - so many great ideas.  I have been wanting to make this ladder shelving and these pallet shelves for a while now.

A Beautiful Mess - I envy just about everything in Elsie's life.... from her own dress line to her boutique to her adorable home.  Oh, and she has inspired a huge portion of my own DIY decor.

Smile and Wave - A co-owner of Elsie's boutique, Red Velvet.  I am extremely envious of her home and all of its adorable aesthetics.  A couple items from her blog that I'd like to make myself:  fabric covered suitcase and record cabinet (my record player currently sits atop a very unstable side table that will likely come crashing down any day now.)

Knock-Off Decor - I love that this site showcases reinvented items that DIY'ers made themselves, instead of spending way too much cash at Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, etc.

And... I could do this all day.  I have two more folders to sift through but that must wait for another date.

Enjoy!

what a bangin' Tuesday.

Happy Valentine's Day, to all of the weirdos who celebrate this holiday! 

If you don't... Happy Tuesday, February 14th! 

I don't *think* I need to worry about any friends joining the flood of engagement announcements on Facebook, so that's a plus.

Boys, never propose on Valentine's Day.  Just... don't.  Choose a unique, unpredictable day.  Don't make us talk about you behind your back.

Anyway... today, I cut my own bangs.  My friends are probably cringing as they read this because they have vivid memories of the last time I cut my own hair.

1.) What is this face?  No seductive pose could have made this haircut look any better.
2.) Short bangs and black hair.  I was trying to emulate Shannyn Sossamon's hair in "Wristcutters."  It clearly did not work.
3.) Let's not talk about this time in my life ever again.  

I had an appointment to get my bangs cut by a professional this time.  However, I wasn't feeling well so I decided to skip and cut my own.  It turned out much better than the last attempt. (I think?) 

I really am this pale.  No illusion. 

On to the projects.... 

A co-worker really liked this print that Kelly posted a few days ago- 

via happydeliveries on Etsy

He asked if I could make something similar for his girlfriend, so I worked on my idea last night & this morning.  

It's nowhere near the quality or perfection of the above print, but I think it turned out just fine.

I painted the canvas a dark red.

I used 2" vinyl letters and positioned the quote.  I then painted over the entire  canvas with white paint.

After the paint had dried, I peeled off the letters using my  X-Acto knife.  Some letters required a little tracing of the knife to avoid peeling paint.

Touch-ups were definitely necessary. 

The final product! 

I've made a couple of these in the past:

a romantic, personalized note to a stranger I found in an old book 

I love the imperfections and I actually prefer them that way.
My friend found something similar in Hobby Lobby, so I told her I would make it instead.  She actually doesn't know I made this back in December.  I have yet to see her to hand it over!

Remember this necklace from a few posts back?  I made one for Kelly today!  I think I might just make one for myself, too. 

I ordered the copper-plated steel pieces from Etsy.  I purchased the chain, jump rings (regular & heavy gauge,) and lobster clasps at Hobby Lobby. 

Finished! 

 I actually ordered several different pieces of steel from the same site, so I plan on making additional necklaces & earrings.  I'll let everyone know when those are complete. I'm sure I wouldn't mind selling a few :) 

Now... some Valentine's Day love for all my single ladies & gentlemen out there -- 

And I will end with this link- "10 Awful Valentine's Day Cards" 

Ok, bye 

be mine, or something.

Stuck in a Valentine's Day slump? Need a last-minute gift for your sweety? Single and trying to avoid eating your weight in chocolate?

Look no further.

I believe that the best gift you could possibly give someone is something that comes from the heart. I may not speak for the majority of women when I say this, but I would much rather receive a mix tape of sweet love songs accompanied by a DIY valentine instead of a fancy ring or necklace that required zero thought and cost an arm and leg. Am I alone in this? Probably. Am I also single? Yes. 

Regardless, here are some adorable ideas for gifts for your special someone.

1) "Things I Love About You"

Via Crafster

I once made something similar for a previous boyfriend. I wrote "I love..." followed by 30+ bulleted things that I loved about our love. Accompanied by a faded picture of us in the background, it looked pretty good in a frame and made for a cheap and thoughtful gift.

2) Personalized Wall Art

Via Tumblr

Who wouldn't love to come home to something like this? Personalize it by writing meaningful things on each of the hearts, perhaps memories or inside jokes or the little things that they do that make you smile. Everyone likes to know that their efforts are noticed and appreciated. This is a perfect way of showing them. If you're an overachiever, cover an entire wall in post its. (Also a really cute way to propose, but let's save that for a less cliché day, please.)

3) Pillow Case Update

Via Creature Comforts

Okay, this might make someone like me gag, but I feel like the majority of people would think it was pretty cute. Click the link and follow the directions for the free iron-on transfers.

4) Heart Art

Via Houzz

Heart vomit! Adorable! Am I sounding bitter now? I think I'm sounding bitter now.

5) MAKE A FORT!

Via Pinterest

I can't stress this one enough. Instead of fighting the crowd at Applebee's - order a heart-shaped pizza, build a fort, light candles, drink copious amounts of wine, and watch lovey-dovey chick flicks all night. (Guys, "The Notebook" isn't that bad.)

6) Make a Donation

Via Nebraska Humane Society

Make a donation in your sweety's name to the Humane Society and help fund the care for sweet pups like this one.

7) Free Printable Valentines

Via Sweet Muffin Suite

Via Walnut Paperie

These websites have super cute printable cards that you can add your own personal touch to. Great for family and friends, too.

Or... just tell it how it is.

Via Pinterest

Oh, right - the single people. I forgot to talk about how to avoid eating your weight in chocolate. If you figure that one out, let me know... before tomorrow.

Grow your own boyfriend for $1.95! Via Neatoshop

Happy Valentine's Day, guys.