7 Ways to Have a Great Day

Last week, I'll be honest, it was a rough week for me. Between some personal things and just the overwhelming amount of work to get done before leaving on vacation on Thursday, and oh-- taxes! -- it was a week I would love to forget. It got me thinking of some ways to start off your day well, and I'm here to share them with you today. Today, being a Monday, seemed like the perfect day to post this one.

Andrea Pesce Photography 

1. Make your bed. I bet you knew that was coming :) I'm not sure what it is about this small task that actually improves my mood...but it works!

2. Start the day off with a healthy breakfast. I have toast with peanut butter (it's organic!) and some fruit each morning. This, surprisingly, ties me over for quite a few hours so I'm not hungry on errands, client appointments, etc. Around noon I'll make a green smoothie for a quick pick me up, before I have lunch about an hour later. This helps get me my greens, keeping me healthy (which also totally helps you have a good day)!

3. Take breaks. Whether you're working in an office or from home, breaks are so important. Typically, after a break, my brain can think a little clearer and help me come back to the project I was working on with more creativity.

Ashley Slater Photography for The Bloom Workshop

4. Speaking of, do something to spark your creativity! Sketch, paint, practice calligraphy, cook a new recipe. Anything like this will help you have a little fun and get your mind doing something different; something you love.

5. Get yourself some fresh flowers. This is a total given, I know! I've been picking up a bouquet of $3.99 tulips each week at the grocery store. They are doing wonders for my dining table and my soul ;)

6. Listen to some new beats. Some of my favorites are Lennon & Maisy, Kari Jobe, Mumford. If I'm working while listening to music, I love Explosions in the Sky. 

7. Do something for someone else. Plain and simple!


Can you think of anything else?! Would love to hear!

Here's to the start of a great week!
xoxo

interior design website / services / portfolio

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Inspiration Board for My Bedroom

one / two / three  

Do you ever decorate rooms in your house only to walk by something one day and say to yourself "I think it's time for a change"?! Don't worry, so do I. Making little changes here and there is always fun {and keeps me busy} so my new project is creating an inspiration board for this wall in my room:

*image by Em the Gem for Michaela Noelle Designs

I love the painting I made here, and love the verse even more, but I think this is actually a great little spot to collect some of my favorite design inspirations, fabrics, quotes and more.  What do you think?! I'll find another spot for my painting.

The pictures above are the images I'll be using to help me create my own inspiration board. I'll definitely share it with you here when I'm done!

Do you have an inspiration board and if so, where does it hang?
Happy Tuesday! We're heading up to Tahoe today to enjoy the 4th of July with family. I can't wait!
xoxo

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{Loving} Color

{via- complete home tour here}

How's that for some Tuesday inspiration? {I think we all needed that after last night's horribly upsetting episode of the Bachelor! Are you with me?!}
While surfing none other than House Beautiful, I found some delightful images I knew I needed to share. What was it about these interiors that I loved oh-so-much? The color and textures! I also love that I'm not normally drawn to spaces with the least bit of clutter, and yet I adore both the bookcases and desk space. I'd call that stylish-clutter {now you're all asking yourself if you can justify your desk area ;) }...and any bulletin board with that much inspiration pinned up is a winner if you ask me!


What's your favorite element in these spaces?!
Love,

PS. The winner of the Twirl headband giveaway is #16, Jessica of A Day in the Life of the Crimella's. Hooray! I will email you today to get you your prize :)

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Spread the Love

Hi friends! I'm very excited today because me and a few of my favorite blog pals are hoping to start a movement of kindness.  Since the month of love is just around the corner, I'm teaming up with Anna of In Honor of Design and Megan of Mackey Madness to hopefully encourage our readers to find fun and creative ways to spread the love this week! You may remember we did this last year, too. It was so encouraging and inspiring to read about all the different ways people showed kindness to others. Because the blogosphere is such an awesome, supportive community, what better place to start a movement?! If each of us do something intentionally kind this week, just think of how many people we could touch.

via

Here are a few ways to join in...

-Strike up a conversation with someone and ask how their day is.  They'll feel important!

-Go through a drive-thru and pay for the person's food behind you.

-Give a homeless person a gift card to get food.

-Leave a sweet note on someone's car in a parking lot.

-Mail your old a friend an encouraging letter.

-By flowers for your neighbor or friend.

-Send out a text telling your friends and family how much you love and appreciate them.

-Pay for the person's starbucks' behind you. (I just put 5 dollars on a gift card and give it to the cashier and tell them to let the person a few folks behind me use it.)

-Simply smile at the person who you pass in the mall. They'll be caught off guard.

-Offer to get groceries for your mom.

-Let that person pull out from the parking lot and get in front of you on the road.

-Call your grandma!

-Buy something simple for a friend or loved one...just because. 

-Do a random act of kindness that you get no recognition for, but brighten someone else's day.

via

Be creative! And we want to hear about it :) Next Monday {February 6th} Megan, over at Mackey Madness, will be holding a link up party where we are able to write a post about what we did and link it up for others to read. Let's see how many people can spread kindness this week. 

Ready.Set.Go.

We hope you'll join us in spreading the love. Leave your ideas of what to do in the comments!

Happy Monday

Love,

PS. Only one more day to enter the Twirl Headband giveaway! The giveaway ends tonight and winner will be announced tomorrow!!

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Story of Grace & Call to Live Fully

Two years ago today was a day that has since, changed my life. I was a freshman in college, living in another state completely foreign to what I was used to. My family were miles away. I woke up to my roommate's irregular breath. Still tired and in a fog, I thought she was having a bad dream. Then it clicked. Something was not right and my sweet roommate needed help.  After quickly running to grab my suit-mates and my RA, we called for help. My beautiful, kind, and talented roommate was suffering from a cardiac arrest in our very dorm room. Our dorm room that we'd spent the whole summer preparing for--the entire first week of school decorating.  It was the dorm room that the girls on our floor loved to come visit.  It was the cutest room I'd ever seen, and one I'd dreamt about my whole life.  Our room was now invaded with EMT's trying to save her life.  The girls and I joined hands and prayed our little hearts out. God, protect her. Keep her safe. May people see your hand in this circumstance.  And by the grace of God, He did. After three days in a coma, my roommate woke up with not a problem to be seen or a cause to be diagnosed.


Two years ago today, I witnessed a precious miracle. A life being spared, a life being saved and a life that still had a lot more to be lived. What a blessing and a relief it was to know she was okay....perfectly okay! If nothing else, what caught me off guard was that I was there. It was me who was in that room with her, it was me who isn't a sound sleeper and who woke up to the tiniest gasp for air.  Why? Words can't explain what a humbling, terrifying, and miraculous event this was. 
This was grace at its finest.


Two years ago today I realized that things don't go as planned.  I learned I needed to live fully. Fully live. Life is a gift and you never know when it could be taken. I realized I needed to continually be thankful each and every day I woke up healthy.  I realized I needed to be a better friend, daughter, sister, and person all together.


Two years ago today I was thrown a curve ball, a life-altering one at that.  I was reminded to hold dear what you love.  Cherish your family {and remember to thank my mama profusely for flying up to be with me}. Love with no bounds. Chase hard after your passion. And always listen to and trust where God wants you. Because the funny thing is, when I decided to come to Seattle for school I was nervous and hesitant, but knew this is where the Lord wanted me. I was homesick most of my freshman year and wanted to quit, trust me, I wanted to. But I stayed. And if for nothing else, I was here in this rainy little town to be used for this purpose.  For His purpose.


Two years ago today a fire was ignited in me to follow my heart and to inspire others to follow theirs, too. Do with your life what you know is good and lovely. Be an inspiration to others while you have the gift of breath.


Two years ago today was a day I can vaguely remember in its entirety and for that, I'm thankful. But what I do remember was a life was saved and I felt a clear calling and passion to live mine, too.

photo credit

I hope this inspires you to live fully! Do you have an experience like this that was a wake up call in your own life? Sorry it was so heavy for a Friday, but it was on my heart :)
May your weekend be filled with many blessings and smiles!
Love,

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Perfect Pattern & Palette

House Beautiful magazine is probably my favorite magazine to pick up. I love their stories, their home tours, and new design trends that they bring to life for their readers! I also love that they have the images online so I can share them with you today :) This last issue of HB was one of my very favorites! I found myself swooning "Oh, I love that!" upon every page I would turn.  I spent way too much time on the website yesterday looking through all the home tours, and you better believe I saved a bunch of little goodies to my computer to share with you another time! Today I want to share some of my favorite images from the latest issue of House Beautiful. Believe me, you will leave wanting more fabulousness. Don't tell me I didn't warn you!

all images via

So beautiful, right?! I love the mix of pattern. And that yellow in the kitchen-the perfect palette!
What's your favorite room?


I'm flying back to Seattle today and had to leave the pup behind :( Next time I see her she'll be such a big girl! 
Hope you all have a lovely Tuesday!
Love,

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Fill in the Blank Friday

Right now, I am: Sitting in Starbucks writing this blog post, sipping on my Zebra {black & white} hot chocolate. Not a coffee girl, remember?!

Outside is: Cold. Reallll cold. Like see-your-breath-freezing. It's also very blueish white outside...the color of pure coldness.


I'm excited to: See my pup this weekend! I'm told she's going to go nuts. Probably because she knows I come armed with a camera and there will be many photo shoots.

I'm a little nervous about: Starting my life over again in Los Angeles next year to attend FIDM {but also so excited...I'm doing a direct transfer program with them...2 degrees in 4 years, yes!}


I'm dreaming about: This:

via

When I was really little: I was the biggest accident waiting to happen. Like my dad would actually call me that. I'd spill things, break things, misplace things, and never own up to it. Even though my mom new me laughing nervously and claiming "It wasn't me!" meant it was. Clearly, it was.


When I was in middle school: I was awkward. Let's face it, we all were. And I'm pretty sure I thought my high-top sneakers and sweatshirt around my waist were awesome.


In high school: I met some awesome friends and teachers {some of which are still some of my favorite people in the whole world}. I also stopped wearing high-tops and developed a better sense of fashion. Thankfully. My friends and I wore heels to school sometimes...only on Friday's. Wow, now I'm embarrassed.


In college: I learned how precious life is, and how much my family means to me! And how much I love interior design.


My dream job would be: To be on Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. But because they just cancelled the show {so sad}, I'd love to work for a big-name designer {oh hey, Mary McDonald or Emily Henderson?!} in Los Angeles or San Francisco.  After that, I want to start my own residential design firm, reaching all types of people. I wouldn't be opposed to having my own TV show on HGTV or writing a book, either. Dream big, right?!

Mary McDonald, me and Cristin over the summer at her book signing!

I'm really scared of: Throwing up. Number one fear in the entire world. I have a record going here...haven't done it since I was 5 or 6.  Except two summers ago when I was allergic to a medication I took for strep throat, but I don't count that one, because 15 years without throwing up sounds much better! Don't tell anyone.


Something not a lot of people know: Is that when I don't like a certain food, I just tell people I'm allergic to it, so I don't sound impolite or picky. I'm am seriously allergic to walnuts, though. Promise.


My favorite type of room is: One that is light, airy, inviting, visually stimulating and creative. One that fills your heart.  A room that says something about the person who lives or works there. One like this:

{via one of my favorite photographer's blogs, Katelyn James Photography. Also seen on House of Turquoise.}

My favorite TV Show is: The Bachelor {guilty pleasure}, Modern Family, all HGTV, and Parenthood. 




That does it.
Now it's your turn. Pick a one {or a few} of these and fill in the blank with your own answer in the comments!
Happy weekend!
Love,

PS. Look! I got cute new buttons under my profile picture to make finding me on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Email much easier!  Thanks to Jessica at Hello Monday! She's the best there is.

Whatcha waitin' for? Go find me so we can be friends :)

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Friday Lovin'

Happy Friday, friends! I've seen a lot of juicy, colorful, luxurious, and awe-inspiring pins up on Pinterest lately, so today I'm sharing my faves. All of the images can be found in my boards on my Pinterest account! #bestinventionever


Holy Fabulous Gallery Wall!

I'm helping one of my good friends redo her daughter's room and this is our inspiration! Butterflies galore:

Go big bold or go home! 

Soft, sweet & lots of pattern!

 Favorite bouquet of all time, done by my talented friend Rhiannon!

 Perfect Lighting!

***

Since it's the weekend, I'm going to leave you with a few fun links to visit from around the world wide web:


~The ever-talented Rhi from Hey Gorgeous styled this amazing New Year's Inspiration shoot
~Christina at Carolina Charm created the most adorable DIY Headboard
~My sweet friend Katy at Twenty Three Oh One came up with the perfect solution for a small office space
~Anna from In Honor of Design is helping us make the most of each day by creating a great {free printable} To-Do List!
~Courtney from a Thoughtful Place showed us how just four new additions to a room can make a huge difference
~The Dear Lillie team created a sweet January Free Printable




That should do it (: Have a fabulous weekend! I'm off to a Young Life Retreat for the weekend, but hopefully I'll have a little {hint: furry} announcement to make next week! (:
What are your plans?
Love,

PS. Feel free to take the poll on my siderbar ------->>> letting me know what you want to see more of on the blog! Thanks for any & all input! I definitely want my readers to enjoy coming back here (:

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Holiday Loves

Happy Saturday! I couldn't help but share a few stunning images I found over at Style at Home.  Simply lovely inspiration for the Holidays, these table settings, wreath and Christmas tree left me swooning...

How amazing is that peacock wreath?! I think I stared at it for 5 whole minutes!
Speaking of wreaths, my mom and I picked up picked up 2 yesterday and I can't wait to share it soon. {hint: white, glitter, feathers. LOVE}


Have a wonderful and relaxing weekend (:
Love,

13

Ocean's Whisper

Yesterday we went to my very favorite beach, Carmel.  It's our favorite thing to do- shop, eat delicious food, and lay on the famous white sand of Carmel, basking in the loveliness of God's creation.  My mom and I laid on the beach, even though the fog never quite burned off, and we fell asleep to the sound of ocean waves folding over onto one another. Crashing, moving in and out again and again.  Sometimes gentle and sometimes more fierce.  There's something about that sound that soothes my soul.


It reminds me that life is quite similar; crashing, moving in and out, up and down.  But through all the waves life brings, it is beautiful still.  And just like waves never stop moving and continue pressing on... we, too, will keep going and will continue finding beauty and joy in every word, every circumstance, and every moment.  Even when you can't seem to find it- look again- it's there, it just may be in a whisper voice.


That's my challenge to myself and anyone who's with me.  Choose to find joy and beauty amongst the waves of life!
Happy Sunday!
Love,

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