Favorite Spaces

These few spaces look incredibly darling and cozy. What a dream it would be to incorporate these rooms into a single house. This living room is so cheerful and colorful. I love the use of patterns used in this space.

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Love the rug in this office space:

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How about this chic and clean office space?

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I love the details in these bedrooms. 

                         






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Studio bedroom with a brick accent wall.

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Inspirational reading nook... Love the branch curtain rod.

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Garden party: Entertaining space

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Check out Prudent Baby's blog! This is her backyard. She shares where she found all of these lovelies. She also provides a tutorial for the pallet couch she made.

What would you do like to do in these lovely spaces?

Saturday Motivation

On this cloudy winter morning I am going to share something that will give you a boost of motivation to be productive this Saturday. I know I need it! I woke up when Travis went to work and saw that it was cloudy. I wanted to close my eyes and drift back into dreamland. However, I knew that I had things I needed to accomplish today. So, I forced myself out of the heated blanket and decided to start the day.

Today I will share how to make my favorite vanilla latte. Just the perfect dash of energy you need to accomplish whatever it is that you have to do this morning. I will preface this recipe by stating that I am a high-maintenance coffee drinker. I cannot stomach black coffee and, therefore, require "the fixins'" in order to make mine just right. Here it goes:

You will need:

For the coffee*:
1 c. boiling water
1 French Press
2 TBSP course ground coffee (I prefer Starbucks Blonde Roast -Willow Blend)

*you can use your coffee pot if you don't own a French Press

For the cream:
a Latte Maker (such as this Back to Basics Cocoa Latte Maker) or a milk frother**
1 cup (or a little less) of your preferred milk (I use skim. It froths well)
2 packets or 4 tsp of your preferred sugar (I prefer Truvia)
1 creamer single cup
Desired amount of your favorite coffee syrup flavor (In this case, I used French Vanilla)

**If you don't own a Latte Maker try heating the creamer ingredients on the stove top.

1. Boil Water // 2. Add coffee to French Press // 3. Pour water into French Press and let set for 5-7 minutes with the handle UP (Don't press down until the time is up!)

In the meantime...prepare the cream portion:

1. Add milk // 2. Add Truvia // 3. Add creamer // 4. Add syrup // Turn it ON to blend and heat it up

Choose your favorite mug...

Press lever on French Press down. Turn "ON" Froth/Dispenser button. Add your coffee to your mug. (I usually add half coffee half cream) Then top with your cream! ...Nice and frothy!

Then cozy up with a good book for a bit, or, in my case, a nice long "To-Do" list....

I like to reward myself with something fun at the end of my lists... a little bonus motivation :)

On a side note... I made this collage of Travis and I this past weekend. It includes some of my favorite engagement, wedding, and 2nd year pictures. It is also the inspiration for the photo grid wall I will be adding to our bedroom (I'll add pictures when it's complete!).

Photo credits to LinneaLiz Photography and Carrie Whalin Photography

Now go accomplish something to cross of your list!

Friday Finds

This has been a long week. Not a stressful week- just looooong. Most likely because the anticipation of a 3 day weekend was looming in my mind. Well, I made it. The weekend is finally here. I spent the entire 30 minute commute home dreaming of what we might do tonight. Drinks and a show? Dinner and a movie? Poker and pizza? When I got home Travis announced that he had plans with a friend, and I was left to hang out at home...alone. Kind of a boring way to celebrate the arrival of the weekend. I decided to use this spare time to sneak in a last minute shopping trip. I headed over to one of my favorite stores to find deals, Gabriel Brothers. If you have one of these stores nearby, check it out! You definitely have to do a bit of hunting. It's one of those stores that has hidden treasures amidst some tackier options. However, when you find those treasure, they are super cheap! Word to the wise, make sure to check the items over before purchasing. Sometimes they will have damages. Last night I found some great stuff. Take a look:

Gap striped boat neck top $5.99

Beaded woven necklace $5.99

Blue and gold earrings $2.99

New Balance running shoes- originally $90. I paid $35!

After leaving Gabe's I headed next door to my personal favorite, Target. Everyone knows that it is nearly impossible to go to Target just to browse. I intended to go in, buy some dish soap, and get out. I walked in and caved.  I found this little bucket and put a chalkboard label on it! Perfect little touch for my craft room!

Okay, on to buying the dish soap. I took the long route over to the housekeeping section. I just had to pass by the shoes, where I found these beauties. I thought I might just place them in my cart to think about for awhile. Mistake.

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 My favorite find of the night: Little bow earrings on clearance for $5 and a $17 rose gold bangle watch:

1. 2. 3. 4.

I've never been one to fein over a name. Especially when it costs me $248. I spent $22 and am completely content. I don't need my watch to read "Michael Kors" in order to be happy. I do admire his lovely pieces. However, I would prefer more money in my bank account than his name on a more expensive watch and pair of Kate Spade stud earrings that cost more than my water bill. All in all a successful night... just don't tell Travis. Men don't seem to understand shopping successes. 

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Warm + Cozy

Cozy sweater, dress, + tights

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Plaid + boots

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boots + socks

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leopard print + slub sweater

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colorful coats

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Sock bun

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