Handcut Type

I have always considered myself to be an artist of sorts. I mean, I can draw and paint and all that jazz, and I can do pretty sick stuff with yarn. But when I saw the handcut type done by Antonius Bui I decided to just turn in my artist card because it is that amazing. 

Talk about dedication to your work, can you imagine how long that took?

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Workout Style

Working out is a great way to get your blood flowing and your heart pumping. While your body may look great when working out, usually your outfit leaves much to be desired. (I don't have that problem, I use the Nike Training Club app at home!) If you're a gym girl, you can easily snazz up the usual workout wear with a cute pair of sneakers (I love these or these) or a great bag. I would also suggest investing in a nice workout outfit. Ditch the whole "shorts and a t-shirt" look and get a cute pair of yoga pants with a stretchy racerback tank. Happy workout!
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Becca Stadtlander

I completely fell in love with Becca Stadtlander's beautiful illustrations. They are so colorful and whimsical. I think my favorite must be the bicylce one. I wish I could actually do that...then I could go anywhere but keep my house. (A handy skill, I'll be speaking to the people at the patent office about this one.)

Which is your favorite?

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Calligraphy

I love calligraphy. I've always secretly wished that I could do it, but I never have gotten around to learning. Oh well, just one more thing for the bucket list. 
It's so loopy and beautiful. Perfect for a wedding invitation or something special like that.
Have a great weekend!
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Five Loves

1) Yay for funfetti!

2) This is my favorite kind of firework. 

3) Love this. (Excuse the pun.)

4) This is why I love being a girl.

5) Sparkly hearts! (Image source)
Have I mentioned that I love glitter?

Confetti Nails

I love doing my nails. I have a larger collection of polishes and lacquers than I care to admit and I honestly do my nails at least once a week. (I do know of people who do theirs almost every day so that makes me feel less obsessed.) My current favorite polish is Essie's "The Girls Are Out". It's a nice purple with only a hint of shimmer so you don't look like you just walked out of the Bippity Boppity Boutique.
A fun way to jazz up a typical mani is to add sequins, confetti, or glitter. It makes it a bit harder in the coming off process (I usually swear that I will never use glitter again once it comes to taking it off, but I always do) but it's perfect for a special occasion. There are also tutorials on how to take it off much easier.
Will you be trying the confetti nails?
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Glitter & Sparkle

I love sparkly things. I think I have talked about this before...but still. Glitter just makes me so happy. I really think that it was included in the Garden of Eden. One of those trees was sparkly. (I'm joking, no angry comments please.) But in all seriousness, (like that ever actually happens with me!) glitter is a really great way to punch up an outfit. Try a glittery hair accessory and some jeans. You'll be way more popular.

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What You Might Have Been

There's always a missed chance in your life. You'll look back through the years and do a mental "facepalm" because you really wish that you had done something different. Maybe it's moving to a new state, getting a new job, or listening to God's call in your life.

Missing out is no fun because you always wonder what could have happened. You probably think about the possibility of having a better life had you taken that opportunity. But you know what? There is always a second chance with our God. If you miss one door, He'll give you a second. His unfailing love for you will always provide you with good things if you acknowledge and repent for a wrongdoing and get back on track.

Don't miss any more chances. Let God speak to you about the choices in your life and I promise you it will never lead you down a path of destruction. Your welfare is in God's best interest. Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome." (Bolded emphasis added) That's pretty clear, my friends. God has a plan for you! Don't let human stubbornness make you miss any of it. 

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The Right Way to Bronze

I see so many people bronzing the wrong way. It doesn't look natural and you can end up just looking like your face is dirty. In order for your bronzer to make you look like you spent hours in the California sunshine (without the skin cancer risk) you need to put it on the areas the sun would really hit. Imagine yourself standing under the sun. What areas would the sun touch? Working down from your forehead, dust your forehead, the bridge of your nose, your cheekbones, and your neck. Then, like the drawing (which is super handy!) says, blend all over so you don't look fake.
Benefit Cosmetics has an awesome bronzer, as does L'Oreal. (I actually like the L'Oreal stuff better because it's a blush/bronzer duo and looks more natural on my super fair skin.)
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Five Loves: Blue and White Gingham

1. HOMAKO necklace | 2. Crewcuts one piece | 3. Modcloth dress | 4. Kate Spade wedge | 5. Gap shirt
I love gingham. I think that love affair started when I watched The Wizard of Oz when I was a kid and instantly fell in love with Dorothy's dress. It was epic. I've actually talked about how much I love that movie before. What a fangirl I'm shaping out to be.
Lions and tigers and bears, oh my.

Ribbon Chanel

Ingenuity is probably the most important thing in design. If you do exactly what everyone else is, you'll always be mediocre. What a great idea; to take ribbon and style it into a bottle of Chanel No. 5. It leaves every designer saying "Now why didn't I think of that?" (Including this one.)   (Image source)

Jewelry Storage

I have so much jewelry that it gets embarrassing at times. Storage for all that booty is very important, because if something is hidden I won't wear it and end up buying something just like it. 
I love the idea of using little bowls and trays for jewelry storage. It's not only a beautiful addition to your decor, it also keeps everything in plain sight so that you remember you have that perfect pair of earrings.

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Designer Loves

I decided to do a special version of my usual Five Loves post. I picked my top five favorite designers (hard choice!) to share with you today.
1. Elie Saab is genius. Everything that he designs is absolutely beautiful and so feminine. (Image source)

2. I love what Oscar de la Renta does. His designs are so classic and chic. (Image source)

3. Nina Ricci does beautiful work. I love her color choices. (Image source)  
4. Lanvin. I have no words. (Image source)

5. Valentino makes beautiful dresses with girly details. I would get married in this. (Image source) 
Who is your favorite designer?

Let Your Light Shine

Have you ever been in a dark room? I'm just going to take a wild guess here and suppose that you couldn't really see much. What if someone lit a match? Your eyes would instantly be drawn to that light in the nothingness. That is what a Christian's life should be like. I want more than anything for my life to shine in a dark world. It's hard for Christians, because that stark difference is very apparent sometimes. But the truth is that unless you feel that divide between yourself and the world, you're probably doing something wrong.

Let's let our lights shine today!

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Metallic Nails

I'm kind of obsessed with metallic nail polish. Usually I'm sporting a red or pink of some sort (on short nails, long red nails kind of freak me out) but when I want something special I'll go with a metallic. Nicole by OPI has a really nice one. Super shiny and pretty, metallics are perfect for any occasion. Try them out!
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Hump Day

Yeah. So you know what they say about Wednesday? It's all true. For real. It's all true. Hence why I am now writing a post about humorous vintage figurines. But you know what, sometimes things like that can get you over any humply feelings. I think the second one is my favorite. Too funny.
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Office Spaces

 

I've always kind of wanted a dedicated office space. Having a place where I could literally have glitter and magazine clippings everywhere would be great. I'm completely in love with Kelly Wearstler's office (the middle one) because of those hand chairs. You can have your clients in the palm of your hand. Sorry, I just couldn't resist.
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Barcelona

One place that I have always wanted to go is Barcelona, Spain. (Other than Capri) It is such a beautiful place. That fabulously designed 3D map is making my design love heart go pitter patter. The sharks were a nice touch. 
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July Wishlist

1. Drybar curling iron | 2. Bardot peplum top | 3. ASOS ballet flats | 4. Les Nouvelles pouch | 5. IIIBeCa crossbody bag | 6. Topshop skirt | 7. Net-a-Porter swimsuit | 8. Target headphones | 9. Max & Chloe necklace | 10. Nordstrom watch

I have loved yellow for as long as I can remember. It is one of the happiest colors you could get. July feels yellow to me. I don't know why. It just is warm and sunshiney, like yellow. (And sunshiney is a word.)

Let's have a great July!

Happy 4th of July

It's that time of year again, when fireworks light the sky and the weather is warm, unless you live in Barrow, Alaska. (The coldest place on earth, and I did my research.) I think I can safely say that other than Christmas, the 4th of July is my favorite holiday. Nothing better than popsicles and sparklers. (Preferably not held in the same hand.)
Have fun tomorrow, and stay safe! 

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If I Don't Love it Enough

Sometimes it's hard to just pause and enjoy life. I mean, we as human beings are crazy busy. Everything that constitutes your "life" can stress you out. I would hazard a guess that if you took a good look at all the stuff you do you might find that a sizeable portion of it is unnecessary.
God said in Matthew 11:30 that "my yoke is easy and my burden is light". When you feel weighed down by life's problems, you can pretty much be sure that you are carrying way too much. Cast your cares upon our loving Father, because you were not designed to be stressed. You will love your life so much more, I promise you that.
Have a peace-filled day!

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Five Loves

1) Let's go to the Chanel flower stall please!

2) Just take one. Repeat until empty.

3) Because every girl needs a Cinderella slipper.

4) Kind of impractical, but when you are looking at glitter lips all sensible thought goes out the window.

5) That is my kind of rock! (Diamonds are too, as are any precious stones.)
I'm obviously attracted to shiny things. Seriously. Keep your jewels and mirrors away from me unless you aren't that attached to them. Draw your own conclusions.