new year.

big day.

I am so very excited to vote on Tuesday! First Presidential election that I truly did my research, and first election that I get to enjoy the "old school" voting booth. None of that mail-in voting, now that I am in Mass. Woohoo!

martha would be proud.

The DIY continues...

Ever since I moved, all of my jewelry has been place in one cereal bowl, un-happily tangled together. I was in desperate need of some organization that didn't take up the counter space, that I don't have. I found this little gem on Pinterest and decided to work my magic. One trip to Michaels later and voila. 

supplies. 

-styrofoam

-needlepoint cloth

-embroidery hoop

-acrylic paint

-t pins

Paint, clear coat, or go au natural with the embroidery hoops. I chose a fun orange that will hopefully "fun" up my white white walls. 

Trace the styrofoam with the hoop you will be using for necklaces and cut it with a knife so it fits snuggly inside the hoop. For those of you that struggle to cut in a straight line, don't worry, no one sees the back. 

Add the fabric to each hoop making it as tight as possible. Then add the styrofoam to the back of the necklace hoop. The earrings do not need foam as they can simply hang from the fabric. You may want to hot glue the edge of the fabric to the foam or insides of hoop. 

So simple! And as you can tell from the pictures above....it won't be too long until I will need a third hoop. 

the lady has a desk.

I am now a proud owner of what I would call a "big girl desk". I was lucky enough to receive an old kitchen table for free a few years ago that had been stored away ever since. I knew it would come in handy some day. My pops volunteered to paint it just days before I headed out to the East Coast, although he had some doubts about my color choice. I on the other hand LOVE it. And on top of all that it fit perfectly in the back of my Volv - meant to be. Anywho after almost two months of a desk with no chair I finally broke down and bought one from IKEA. Not the style I had imagined at first, but it is the most comfortable and sweet little chair. Makes working from home a little more fun? Now that I have a complete desk, I need a little something to help de-clutter and provide a bit of inspiration. 

My happy little turquoise desk.

What to do, what to do.... 

Not sure how this would work over a desk, but I love a sweet string of lights. 

Help me choose!

illustrate.

Stanley Chow illustrations are so fun! Love the vibrancy and cleverness of his prints. Now who can I give one to...

I want.

happy branding.

Just discovered the LA based online lifestyle magazine, Collected. One word: awesomesauce. I am so in awe of their simple and beautifully styled magazine. I wish I could keep a copy on my coffee table. Anywho, one article caught my attention in particular. The Official Manufacturing Company, conveniently based in Portland, was featured in their first issue! I have constantly been impressed with OMFG's work (yes, clever coincidence), they have done projects such as the branding of the Ace Hotels (which I have promised myself would be a staycation spot before I go off to grad school) and Stumptown Coffee Roasters. Hit two birds with one stone ladies and gents, check out Collected's sweet style and OMFG!

My favorite excerpt from Collected's interview: 

There is a vibe and DIY ethos that seems to radiate from Portland. What do you think makes it such a creative hub? There is a sense of community in Portland that you don't find everywhere. Lots of young and broke creatives trying to make something of themselves, set on a rainy backdrop of some of the most beautiful places in the country. We have amazing food, an incredible music scene and an affordable standard of living...Or maybe it's just in the water. 

true that OMFG, true that.

 Collected

pitter pattern.

Good golly, I wish I could paint with water colors...well I wish I could paint in general but that is not going to happen any time soon. Anywho, Leanne Shapton is an illustrator, and author based out of the big apple with major talent. Just check out her website, loads and loads of prettiness. These little watercolor gems are for a series titled "A Month of..." for The New York Times. 

Dear Leanne, Can I have them? Please?

Leanne Shapton

bano.

In my experience bathrooms tend to be the forgotten room. Not for lack of trying, most people just do not have enough space or desire to dress up the bathroom. Usually they end up being a place for the clutter, or maybe that is just mine. My bathroom counter can be found under my hair brush, toothpaste, make up, lotion, etc. If only I had a tiny bit more space, or were more creative with it. Maybe my bathroom would look like this....

I love it when bathrooms become a little more personal. 

All you need is a simple photograph and voila! Your stark bathroom is now a cozy space.

Plants are also a great decorative touch.

This is not a good storage example by any means...I just really really like it.

tgif.

After a terrible week at work all I can think about is how much I want a nap

 right in this spot. Of course I will also require a warm breeze, a good read and someone to bring me a cool drink.

handmade.

I love any and all paper goods, Felt and Wire Shop seems to have it all. All I can say is...come to mama.  

If only I had a permanent address I would buy this in a heartbeat.

Felt and Wire Shop

pretty pictures.

PINTEREST.

I love you.

check out heirloom on pinterest.

folklore.

Sanna Annukka is a Finnish illustrator and print maker with crazy talent. Absolutely love the simplicity and creativity of these prints. Especially being a Swed myself...it's almost like they are calling to be purchased by moi.

Sanna Annukka