DIY

On my to do list...make a french quote tee, get creative with some japanese washi tape, and take a stripey pic with just me and my gal.

IMAGES from clockwise | neena creates | the haystack needle | hei astrid

Monday Mantra

Wise words from the father of Taoism.  

IMAGE | {pinned} by Joslyn

I Spy Friday

I spy with my little eye...

divine illustrations on old text pages, a southwestern handbag, fantastic nails, and this whimsical mushroom print.

IMAGES from clockwise | miss indie | rebyc | {pinned} by kelsey | miss capricho

These Days

It's been rainy and contemplative around here as of late.  I'm eager for change and itching for a challenge.  I feel as though something awaits just around the corner and yet I'm too afraid to peek.  Perhaps I can muster up the courage one of these days...

IMAGE | {whimsicalities}

Gold

IMAGES from clockwise | simple lovely | mixed metals | what do I wear? | dinosaur designs 

5 Things | Love Yourself & Dream Big

IMAGES | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

Monday Mantra

After last week's Mommy & Me workout, my muscles were so sore from all of the lunges we did. I was crippled for days.  It just goes to show how out of shape I am.  Eventually, I recovered though so I know there's light at the end of the tunnel.  Today's workout was much smoother. We're already getting somewhere! Lucia was such a doll the entire time and I truly owe her for that.  Thank you sweet girl for helping me keep going.    

IMAGE | vineet kaur      

Epitome

When I saw this room, I knew I had to see more.  The brilliant blue pom pom trim on the curtains next to that vibrant end table with the vintage art hanging above all add up to perfection.  This house is the epitome of cool.     

Modern...

with nifty dining chairs, glossy cement floors,...

bright white, fancy island, a bright pop of color,...

vintage art, comfy chair, more white, amazing wood floors,...

cutest twin beds, simple & clean details, and a unique tapestry...

all add up to perfection.  Love everything about it!  Just one thing missing.....ME!!!  

When can I move in?

See more of Sam & Anne's house tour here.

IMAGES | {via} Apartment Therapy

I Spy Friday

I spy with my little eye...

a pretty in pink journal entry, stunning art, l-o-v-e, and hand-dyed goodness.

I wish I could pull off the turban look.  Would you try this trend?

Have a great weekend!

IMAGES | Joanna & Simone | Caroline Wright {via} Art Hound | Tara Slogget {via} Decor8 | Scout & Catalogue silk turban

Chili Time!

An easy go-to chili recipe that's hearty and healthy.  Even my meat-eating men love this vegan chili.   

1 sweet potato, peeled and cubed

1 cup white onion, diced

1 cup green pepper, diced

3 large carrots, peeled and diced

1 can black beans

1 can kidney beans

1 bag of frozen sweet corn

2 can diced tomatoes with chiles and onions

4 cups V8 juice

1 cup TVP (textured vegetable protein)

2 T chili powder (more or less to taste)

1 T cumin (more or less to taste)

Add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on high for 4 hours.  You could also cook on low for 6-8 hours.  

Top with Daiya and serve with cornbread muffins.  Enjoy!

Rue | January Issue

Have you read the latest issue of Rue?  I was pleasantly surprised this go around.  There was a nice mix of styles and I was especially drawn to Danielle Moss's Chicago home {pages 69-81}. Here are some highlights... 

Cute, right?!  Plus, there was plenty to covet on the shopping cart pages {12-19}.

I had to add that Raj candle holder to my shopping cart.  Loooove the mixing of metals!    

This piece will definitely remain a classic and is an easy way to add elegance to your decor AND..... it's ONLY $4.95 plus FREE shipping!  So nice, you gotta get it twice.  At least, I did.

Anyway, there's so much to read in this January issue -- read it here.    

IMAGES | {via} Rue January 2012 Issue | Raj candle holder from Crate & Barrel

To My Children

I've decided that instead of keeping my own journal this year that I'm going to start journals for my children.  I'm writing highlights of Lulu's daily activities in the pink Valise journal.  In the coral Every Thought journal, I'm collecting my random thoughts, favorite quotes, and hopes for both of them.  As I write each word, I can't help but be transported to the future and imagine the significance that my words may play in their lives.  I pray that I can emphasize the beauty in the world,  shed some light on the mysteries, and perhaps help them make sense of the chaos.  Maybe, I can learn a thing or two along the way, too.     

** UPDATE **  I just leave these journals lying around, mainly for easy access when I need to jot a fleeting thought down.  Last night, my son fessed up to reading the little orange journal when I was out of the room.  I said, "That's okay, do you know it's meant for you?" and he said, "Yeah, I read that.  I read everything.  I know that's it's meant for me after you're gone."  "Oh honey," I replied, "Not really, it's meant for you whenever you need it.  I didn't mean for it to be for when I pass."  "Oh," he said, "I really loved everything you wrote.  It made me cry a little bit".  Sigh... melt my heart.  All of this from my mature 7-year old.  What a sweetie.  Anyway, I thought it was amazing that the conversation came up since I had already scheduled this post for today.  Synchronicity!

Do you keep a journal?

IMAGES | Every Thought & Valise Journals from Anthropologie

Monday Mantra

Miss Lulu and I finally got a workout in!  I wasn't able to workout at home, because there was always something else that I could get done.... really any excuse I could come up with or just that Lu wanted to nurse constantly.  So, I signed us up for a Mommy & Me class at the YMCA.  My legs already feel like Jello so I know I must have done something right.  Lu was pretty good for me... a few complaints here and there, but we made it through.  I think she's more tired than I am.  I'm so proud of us though... WE DID IT!    

IMAGE | Glitter Guide

I Spy Friday

I spy with my little eye...

the beautiful Sofia at home, pretty little neon packages, a fabulous vignette, and this room.  

So, I'm totally smitten with the neon trend.  I'm trying to sneak as much of it into my house, wardrobe, and shop as I can {more to come on that}.  Plus, be still my heart... this is my kind of room... an art wall, exquisite chandelier, a vintage desk re-purposed as a dining table, and a Louis ghost chair.  Yes, please.  
 
I hope you enjoy your 3-day weekend!  We have the best kind of weekend ahead of us... NO PLANS!!  Can you tell I'm excited?  Relaxation station.  See you on Monday!

xxo Kate


IMAGES from clockwise | Notorious Mag | Martha Stewart | Sacramento Street | coco + kelley

Something about these...

...horse photographs intrigues me.  I appreciate how these photographs capture their magical and powerful nature.      

Do you love horses?  

Equinox Photo | vineet kaur | gingerella | Diem Design

This for That | Grecian Goddess Goodness

IMAGES | Nicole's home {via} Made by Girl | Grecian Goddess Bust - Urban Outfitters

DIY | Gold Jars

Save your jars!  Behold a new fab way to turn your old mayo and dressing jars into haute decor. Gold spray paint has got to be my fave, but imagine the endless possibilities with your color of choice.  I am looooving this simple, lovely DIY idea.  This one is definitely a keeper.  

IMAGES| Pretty Mommy's pinterest {via} here + here

Monday Mantra | Toward the Sunshine

IMAGE | Apartment 34

I Spy Friday

I'm starting a new series on Fridays called I Spy which will showcase fabulous finds that have caught my eye.  

For the first post, I spy with my little eye....

 large numbers used in decor, this artsy scarf, her chicness, and that watch.

We're off to visit my parents this weekend.  I'm looking forward to a nice relaxing time with them enjoying this fabulous winter weather we've been blessed with lately.  It feels like Spring is just around the corner... if only it was!  Well, I hope your weekend is everything you hope for and more.  See you on Monday! 

IMAGES from Clockwise | Petit Elefant | Kirsten | Pretty Mommy | Absolutely Beautiful Things

365

So I'm four days late on this, but I wanted to start my own 365 project for 2012.  I'll just have to go into 2013 a bit or back date some photos.  I'm really excited about doing this because I need a little challenge each day to keep me inspired.  It's something I've wanted to do for a long time so.... here we go!!  Yaaaay! 

My photo for today...

Up until now, she's refused to sleep in her swing and prefers my arms only... easy access I suppose.  Two months and one day old though and she's suddenly matured enough to take a nap in it this morning!! 

Mommy had free time which was quite the luxury.  Honestly, I spent most of the time hovering over her waiting for her to wake up so I could snuggle her.  I missed her.  After all this time wishing for a free moment, all I want is for her to wake up and need me.  Funny the way it is... 

By the way, here are some helpful tips and techniques for taking a picture a day.  Enjoy!    

IMAGE | {via} Poppytalk | Hive Sweet Hive 365

2 months old!!

Lucia has grown so much in the last month.  Most days, after Kameron goes to school and Joe's off to work, we just sit together nursing in my our yellow chair.  She eats a lot.  She's "talking" to us now and getting better at recognizing us more each day.  Her smiles light up her whole face and if you're lucky you might just get a giggle, too.  She's a magical wonder and changing every day.  We're so very, very lucky.  This month, Emily {from Santa} joined Lucia and Eleanor for her photos.  I also snapped a few with just Eleanor like last month to show how much she's grown.  My oh my, what a difference a month makes!      

My love.  

Your SELF

SELF : an acronym for serenity, exercise, love, and food.  

Taking care of your SELF is all you need to stay focused on to stay centered and balanced. Find out more about the four pillars of happiness  here.     

IMAGE | Emily McDowell

Food is Fuel

As most of us re-examine our eating habits in the New Year, I thought this friendly reminder would be quite helpful.  I am guilty of using food for pleasure, comfort, and distraction.  Just admitting this makes me ever so much aware that I know better.  Food is meant to be fuel. I need to be honest with myself and get back to basics. 

What about you?

IMAGE | {via} pinterest

Monday Mantra

"Most people are copies of someone else, imitating what others do.  They have no independent thinking.  You should be a different individual, expressing the very best of your own unique nature."

- Paramahansa Yogananda

IMAGES | That Kind of Woman | Happy Deliveries