Rad New Design

I've finally decided on a permanent (hopefully) design for the blog and I couldn't be more pleased. My extremely talented twin sister came up with this for me, with different formats for other branding and media. I was looking for something with personality, but also versatility and thematically similar to my interests, so we decided on an amazingly gender-neutral font in one of my favorite colors. She then surprised me with the ink splash, which I think is just so sweet. I hope you like it as much as I do!

Three cheers for having a finished blog––let's hope this inspires me to be more consistent with blogging now!

Moving Cards!

Yesterday we talked about friends moving, and how it is difficult to stay in touch. When my old friend David moved to Texas, I wanted to show him how much we would miss him, since he left when things were a little hectic and we didn't have a full out goodbye. Instead of buying a generic card (which are great if you need a quick card!), I decided to put my free time to some use and make a moving card. This way, when he got to his new apartment, there would be mail waiting for him. And who doesn't love getting mail?!

YOU WILL NEED:

1 pad water-color paper (8 X 12 in)

Set of watercolors

Package of greeting card envelopes (approx. 4 X 5 in)

Sharpie Fine Point permanent marker in black

Pencil

Extra strong eraser

Ruler

I traced a square that was 4 inches by 5 inches. Within the bottom left section, I free-handed a generously rough outline of a U.S. map. (By no means is this exact!) Using a black fine point Sharpie, I retraced lightly to ensure no bleed-through, and then erased over the entire square to get rid of any lurking pencil marks.

 I then watercolored Texas (the state to which David is moving) and also watercolored Wisconsin (the state he is leaving). David has always said he is going to live all over the place; he wants to see more. This way, as he travels, he can fill in every state. Kind of a color by number of where he has lived.

 The final product is pretty cute, with Hawaii and Alaska on the back. Now, I won't be doing this every week, but it's a great little gift that shows you care. Bonus, it's pretty low on time commitment, and you'll have plenty of leftover materials for future cards!

Dream Sun Room

Lately, I've been dreaming of a summery sun room. After our family trip to Florida last year, beach houses have been on my mind, and since I'm nowhere near the beach, I'm longing to turn our sun room into a chic, calming oasis. I would, of course, need Abby's blessing, but I don't want anything literally nautical. Here's how I would incorporate the beachy scene, while keeping a little city chic. 

Instead of navy and white stripes that scream sail-boating, I'd choose a beautiful light turquoise couch that has a wavy back and arms. P.S It's from Target––how awesome! It's the color of the ocean, and would be beautiful with the white wood work we have in the house. 

To pick up the white wood work, I'd introduce white accents, like this furry stool (so glamorous!) and tall white floor lamp. (It's stand reminds me of a seagulls foot.)

We have a lot of windows in the room (three out of four walls!), so I'd bring in gorgeous bronze and gold that mimic the sunshine glow of the beach. It's sophisticated and fun, but still warm. The bar cart is beautiful, because of the glass shelving, which keeps it light. 

Finishing everything off, I bring in woven baskets and stools that recall a more nautical theme, but are much more modern. Mixing traditional braided woven baskets, with brightly colored stools help keep it interesting. 

With a base of sea-foamy turquoise, gold, and white, I can introduce any accent colors I would like. The stool has a beautiful lime, and I would also bring in a papaya pink, both of which remind me of summery drinks.

New Smyrna Beach

Do you have any dream rooms? When you travel, do you prefer hotels, or do you like to stay in rental homes and apartments like a beach house or city flat? Are you ever inspired to change your house after your travels?

P.S. The perfect beach towel, a killer swimsuit, my summer playlists.