How's it gonna be?

Ever feel like you're drowning?

{Take a look at yourself. It's important to remember who you are. And who you want to be.}

Life's tough. I know. And we all make our own choices. But it doesn't always feel like it. Sometimes it feels like you make one choice and from then on you're at the mercy of someone else.

{I live here. It's beautiful. I need to remember that sometimes.}

Love is like that. You love. And then you're at the mercy of someone else.
You just have to hope that it's worth it.

{I love this place. In Chicago. I hope it's still there. There's just something hopeful about it. It means nothing and yet, everything.}

Hope. What an interesting concept.

{It is beautiful. Even if vertigo-inducing. Maybe the best things in life are those that make you feel just a little bit sick to your stomach. Maybe.}

 ...Naive?

City Livin'

I live in a studio loft. It's small but it's mine. And, having lived with a boy before, and likely my next move will be in with a boy again, I wanted to satisfy all my girly decor urges.

A mix of vintage, frilly and DIY, my place is slowing becoming what I want it to be. Here's a glimpse...

{Cabinets previously had those ugly off-white doors--and some, the lower, mainly--still do. This is much more fun. But requires much greater organization.}

{This awesome clock was a gift. I just need to (re)hang it. And in a way that it doesn't fall and scare me to death again...}

As you can see, there are a few things awaiting my attention...

• big clock and lamp to be hung
• a rug... I'm wanting to do this but haven't jumped into it, as of yet
• my bathroom...it needs paint. But what color?!
• The unfinished book page wall as seen here
• So many more little ideas as seen here, on my pinterest page.

It's unfinished, but it's home. And it's mine.

Sunburns and Bomb Pops

Hi there. It's Sunday once again. The weeks go by way too fast, no?

I promised a Fourth of July recap so here it is.

What's more American than America's Favorite Pastime? We had lovely suite seats and cold beer. Can't ask for much more.

Parker needed a "cool" treat on the 4th, too.

I had a domestic moment. And I must say, these chocolate-dipped strawberries were rather tasty.

All-American. Sunburns and Bomb Pops.

Veggie burgers on the grill.

I'm including a bit of Farmers' Market Treasures as well.

Have I mentioned how much I love living in the River Market? Oh, I have? Well, it's true. And here's a few reasons why...

I don't think anything smells better than fresh basil.

Italian loaf from the best little Italian grocery in the City Market. I was this.close to getting gelatto. I don't think I've missed Italy as much as I did walking around the little shop. Everything is so fresh and so good.

The fresh food was just begging to be turned into a caprese lunch. So good. Did I mention I missed Italy?

Beautiful, fresh cut flowers. And $6!

Go out and eat some local produce, drink some wine and enjoy what's so great about summer [hint: it's not the 100 degree afternoons].



And if you're really bored, stuck inside where it's air conditioned, check out my Pinterest page here It's where I post all the things I fall in love with on a daily basis. What can I say, I'm a hopeless romantic.



PS- stay tuned for a house loft tour, coming soon!

Antiques and cowboy boots

Alas, the long weekend has drawn to a close and it's back to real life. I did have a fantastic weekend though; I am so happy I got to catch up with one of my very best friends, Emilie, whom I hadn't seen since her wedding in May. We did some vintage shopping to outfit the cute new house she and her husband just moved into.

While helping Emilie shop, I just so happened to find a few great pieces for myself...

Adorable milk glass vases (and only $5!)

A great medicine cabinet that was just what my bathroom needed (ie: more storage!)

What was once a milkglass ashtray has become a tray for my jewelry in the bathroom.

And the piece de resistance, the perfect pair of worn-in, vintage cowboy girl boots. Can you believe I grew up in Kansas and this is my first pair?!  And at $28, they couldn't be more perfect.

By the way, you can see all the cool stuff I love [and can't afford] here, on my pinterest page.

Hope everyone had a fabulous holiday weekend. More stuff about my Americana-filled Monday later.

Hidden [talents and changes]

Like I said yesterday, I've been trying my hand at more DIY projects. I'm living in my own place, a studio loft in Kansas City's charming River Market area, for the first time alone and I really want to make it mine. I love it here. But it is constantly evolving, I'm far from done with it.


My favorite and most successful project so far (though it does remain unfinished...) is my book page wallpaper.

I've always been an avid reader, I love books and when I saw this idea here and here, I knew I had to try it.

It just took some vintage books

Some Mod Podge (obsessed), and a bit of patience.

It is, obviously, unfinished. Mainly because I decided I wanted to use books I love for the areas of the wall that will be readable. So far, The most prominent page is from The Great Gatsby, and has my favorite passage from that--and maybe any--book.



Next, I really want to try this. I think it's awesome!

Anyway, we shall see. But for now, I'm leaving the improvements up to professionals. Alas, there's some things I just can't do myself. 

Before...

After. Sigh.

Lists of Lists

It's Monday and I'm avoiding preparations for our Executive Board Retreat this coming Thursday so, instead, I'm gathering inspiration for the party I'm planning--my mom's 50th! So that means lists. Lots of lists.

It's a period party, August 1961, and I'm trying to get it as accurate as possible (think Matthew Weiner, producer of "Mad Men").

I've been trying hard to become more of a DIY-er and I think I want to attempt a DIY photobooth (as seen here and here).

I like the idea of props like this

[thanks to kinsereventcompany.blogspot.com for the photo]

 And this

[thanks to oh happy day! blog's Jordan Ferney for the photo]

 Or maybe a more structured "booth" like this

[thanks to celebrationsathomeblog.com for the photo]

I'd want 60s themed ones-- so an astronaut helmet, a pillbox hat, etc.

What do we think? Cheesy? Too much work? Lots of fun?

Hello, world

So I guess this is it. I'm trying it. "Blogging." Still a bit of a strange concept for me but I've been inspired by so many interesting people out there who can share their ideas, thoughts and reflections of beauty and, well, I guess I have some of those worth sharing from time to time.

I have a lot to be thankful for in my life but I'm going to start by sharing a few of the things I'm loving most right now.

Fresh hydrangeas. There's something about fresh flowers that make even a boring corner cheerful.

The new "bar" I'm slowly but surely assembling on my alternative use dresser (more on the apartment and its furnishings later). Having this just makes me want to entertain.

A new, bright pedicure. "The Tasmanian Devil Made Me Do It"--That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

My new Amazon Kindle (!), sparkly blue nail polish that makes me feel like a mermaid and my little buddy Parker.  [Currently reading: "Room" by Emma Donoghue. Amazing.]

The sparkly little heart that hangs from my neck, reminding me that even though the person who gave it to me is currently half way around the world, I carry his heart. And who doesn't love a little sparkle?

Alright, hard part's over. Thanks for joining me. Here we go...