read between the lines

I'll admit. I am a bit of a romantic. As such, I've adorned a few select walls in our home with love-inspired artwork. It's true.

A few years ago, I received a really sweet pin at a local arts event. The pin read, "this is beautiful." While I wasn't sure exactly what the pin or phrase was advertising, I was inspired. The simple phrase, this is beautiful, reminds me to appreciate the beauty around me and really enjoy the present moment. Ben even surprised me by wearing the pin beside of his boutonniere on our wedding day. I liked the statement so much that I painted a 16x20 canvas with these words in black paint, well except for the "S" and "B" - which I painted gray and represent the first initials of both our names.

Lately I've been interested in art that allows me to see the world differently and elicits happiness. Below is one of my recent favorites, created by Read Between the Lines. Aside from the fun sayings these ladies dream up, I really love the simplicity of the black and white type. We were fortunate enough to add one of their prints to our art collection. We love it! These ladies are great. Our package arrived safely with a handwritten note and gold washi tape.

boutonniere photo | life exposed photos by lindsey

summer favorites | attire

It's tough to believe that we're already half way into the summer season. During these warm summer days I really love wearing skirts and dresses. While I don't claim to be a fashion expert, once in a while I'm motivated to step up my game. In this case, a pair of sandals I found on the internet inspired me to select outfits for different activities throughout the day.

1 vneck via jcrew  |  2 heart skirt via jcrew  |  3 earrings by amy tavern  |  4  sunnies via kate spade saturday featured on fab  |  5 yellow pieces carla sandals via asos

6 astral peplum top via anthropologie  |  7 chino shorts via jcrew  |  8 large arc earrings by amy tavern  |  9 orange fizz jasper shades via warby parker  |  10 mint pieces carla sandals via asos

11 scoopback dress via kate spade saturday featured on fab  |  12 donut earrings by spark metal studio  |  13 blast clutch by holly aiken  |  14 nude pieces carla sandals via asos

What are your favorite items to wear in the summer?

artwork

This afternoon I had the opportunity to check out the newest collection at Furbish Studio, a local shop specializing in unique home decor.  While there, I discovered these amazing prints by Brittany Bass and considering I am into perfectly paired color combinations right now, these intriguing compositions caught my eye.

Moss Growth Print   /   Rock Party Print

how can you not like it with a name like "rock party"?

workspace inspiration

As I mentioned in my last post, I've wanted to make over my workspace for some time now, years even.  For one reason or another, I have managed to push it to the bottom of my lengthy to-do list.  Honestly, I think it was easier to overlook this makeover as a priority since my current workspace is functional.  However, functional and okay are not words that creatives typically use to describe their workspaces.  Sure having a workspace that is functional is important, and even necessary most days, but it shouldn't decide the overall look and feel of the space.  I really want my new workspace to be simple, clean, inspiring and one that facilitates creativity.  After all, that's what it's meant for, right? Below are a couple of inspiration boards that I have compiled to help me create the kind of workspace that I have envisioned for carrying out my creative endeavors.  I started this process with a few staple items that I wanted to incorporate into the design of the space. Somewhat unintentionally, I ended up with two different design options, both of which incorporate these staple items.

option 1 / clean, subtle, and a bit romantic

01  knobs via anthropologie / 02  filing cabinet via cb2 / 03  blush peonies by karen buckle photography via the lane / 04  awesome mouse pad via freshly picked / 05  lindsay letters' be true canvas / 06  white desk via west elm / 07  eames eiffel chair via dwr / 08 scootin' print via minted / 09  capri candle via anthropologie

option 2 / clean with a little more spunk and bold pops of color

01 knobs via anthropologie / 02  filing cabinet via cb2 / 03  succulents + neon planters via wind and willow / 04  awesome mouse pad via freshly picked / 05  lindsay letters' be true print / 06  white desk via west elm / 07  bellini chair via dwr / 08 ampersand print via ampersand design studio / 09  capri candle via anthropologie

I'm curious.  Which one is your favorite?

organized or chaotic?

One of my personal goals for 2013 is to complete the process of transforming our house into a home.  We have made lots of progress over the last couple of years by tackling one room at a time, piece by piece.  Several times I have become overwhelmed, wanting the entire house to be magazine-worthy in an instant.  I am sure that you can relate to some extent, right?  The truth is, it takes both time and money to create a home that is authentically you. The room that has been toughest for me to complete has been our guest room/office.  Since this room is really two spaces in one, I have had lots of big ideas. Even though I still do not have every detail figured out, I finally decided to take action.  I am most excited to makeover my creative workspace (the office) and so naturally, I have been thinking more and more about my ideal work environment and what it looks like.  I have been culling through tons of images on design blogs and pinterest to really hone in on the style of work spaces that inspire me.

Below are two distinctly different spaces.  However, I find both of these creative spaces exciting for totally different reasons.

A clean, white desk inspires me to create big dreams on its blank slate.  An organized desktop helps me to stay focused with all of the bare essentials at my fingertips.

via decor8 /  image by trendenser

On the other hand, this excessively long, crazy "messy" table is pretty awesome!  This image, in particular, reminds me of the excitement that ensues when I am knee deep in a creative project.  It's good stuff.

oneighty creative / photography by Adrian Ray

What about you?  What kind of space sparks your creativity?