{Inspired}

What inspires you? Is it a person? A place? A song? A book?

Surprisingly, I draw much of my inspiration from the internet. Don't get me wrong, I have my fair share of brilliant and supportive friends and family who challenge and love on me. But let's face it, life is busy and some days I just don't have the opportunity to engage with those people as much as I would like. And that's where the internet comes in. It provides this seemingly limitless source of new information, ideas, and invitations that feed my brain, demand my creativity, and trigger new goals. Today I wanted to share some of those sources of inspiration, on the off chance that perhaps you might be inspired too...

Design

Young House Love - www.younghouselove.com

The couple at Young House Love share stories, advice, and DIY projects as they settle into their first home and raise their precious daughter Clara. From mood boards to roof repair to environmentally-friendly cleaning supplies, they've got it all (and with weekly giveaways how can you resist a visit?).

How About Orange - howaboutorange.blogspot.com

Graphics, prints, and fabrics, oh my! Jessica is a textile designer that introduces us to eye-catching designs in prints, fashion, and housewares.

Ohdeedoh - www.ohdeedoh.com

Okay, maybe I'm a little biased, but what could be more entertaining than browsing nurseries put together by design-savvy parents?! Baby books, wall art, strollers, and toys all hand-picked by our friends with impeccable taste over at Apartment Therapy.

Food

Smitten Kitchen - www.smittenkitchen.com

The recipes Deb shares from her New York kitchen are anything but ordinary, and her photos can only be categorized as food porn. As if that weren't enough, she also shares pictures of her sweet son, who is quite possibly the cutest little boy I've ever seen.

Pioneer Woman - www.thepioneerwoman.com

Dieters beware, Ree's recipes aren't exactly butter free. What she lacks in health-consciousness she makes up with charisma. Her website includes several sections aside from Cooking that document her life as an accidental country girl.

Tastespotting - www.tastespotting.com

This site is full of eye candy, quite literally in some cases. Tastespotting is a visual recipe book. It's also a great way to find other food blogs whose tastes appeal to your own.

Photography

Jasmine Star - www.jasminestarblog.com

Jasmine's blog features a sweet mix of personal and professional posts, with photos from her most recent jobs, advice for aspiring photographers, and quips from life behind the lens.

Jessica Claire - www.jessicaclaire.net

Voted one of the top wedding photographers in the world, Jessica shares a glimpse into her life through images from her work.

Misc

Big Mama - thebigmamablog.com

Big Mama somehow manages to interest you in the mundane (and not so mundane) happenings of her life as the wife of P, landscape company owner and avid hunter, and mother of Caroline, a precious, saucy, energetic second grader. She's witty, she loves the Lord, and she's an Aggie. And her daily posts always manage to make me smile.

Jen Wilkin - jenwilkinblogspot.com

This is a newer addition to my blogroll, but don't let that deter you from checking it out. Jen's writing is God-centered and thought-provoking.

The Middle Man

I haven't been blogging as much as I would like. Believe me, I have a laundry list of excuses (weak as they may be). We are busy. Everyone is busy. This is the nature of the American culture. Also, early winter sunsets make taking pictures difficult. Well, more accurately they make taking good pictures difficult, and I just don't like posting ugly pictures if I can help it. Thirdly, Andreas and I have been occupying a lot of our time with what I consider to be pretty mundane tasks that aren't blog-worthy in the least. Do you want to read about us filing our taxes? Didn't think so. With so much cold weather, Andreas and I haven't been venturing outside much lately either. Sure, we've been hanging out and having fun, but things like taking pictures during movies are widely frowned upon. Mostly though, I haven't been blogging as much because so many of the things I want to blog about aren't complete. I'm in the middle of so many projects!

I'm in the middle of making this paper tree...

I'm in the middle of a few other art projects and a book (that I started before Christmas!)...

I'm in the middle of this felting project...

(Don't worry, no pandas were harmed in the production of this blog.)

Heck, I'm in the middle of watching the Grammy Awards right now. As I finish up some of these things, I'll be sure to keep you all updated. I'm also hoping to get a few recipe and gift ideas in as Valentine's Day approaches!

Sneak Preview

Over the last couple of weeks, Andreas and I have been working on our guest room. Essentially it was a plain room with a bed in it, and it completely lacked personality. I am loving the progress so far. It's modern and inviting, just like we had in mind.

In light of the New Moon release this week, I thought I would have my own preview on the blog. It is still a work in progress, but here are a few sneak peeks at what is going on in the new guest room.

We've painted...

And accessorized...

And updated the bedding...

What do you think the final product looks like?! I'll post real pictures as soon as we get a few more key elements in place. The biggest missing item is coming in the mail today!

Happy Halloween!

Our pumpkin is polka-dotted. Isn't it fantastic?!

I saw this idea in a magazine and really wanted to make it happen this year. Jack-o-lanterns are fun, but sometimes that gets old!

We are going to be out of town on Saturday, but to all our family and friends that will be trick or treating - Have a fun and safe Halloween!

It's All in the Details

Troels and Karina's wedding was absolutely beautiful. Weddings are always a special time to celebrate, bringing together family and friends from different places and phases in our lives. It is an amazing opportunity to see two people you love start their new life together as one.

Something I particularly enjoy at weddings is seeing how the small details reflect the personalities of the bride and groom, making things unique and adding a personal touch. Here are a few tidbits from the wedding this weekend.

Programs on the chairs at church, adorned with the same Polaroid-esque picture as the invitations.


Gorgeous small bouquets, put together by Karina, friends, and family, marked the end of each pew adding a fresh touch.


The stage was decorated with candles and flowers, totally perfect for the couple. It was elegant and classic, but not overstated. Everything looked fantastic without trying too hard.



The cake was a work of art...and a work of love because it was baked and decorated by Karina and some of her friends.


I loved loved loved all the tiny roses.

The venue for the banquet dinner was a contrast to the old church and natural decorations seen at the ceremony. It was sleek and modern and reflected a different facet of the couple's style. It's simplicity and similar flower arrangements as centerpieces seamed the two events together flawlessly.

Check out the great bar. Metal and industrial with natural stones.

And just like that it was night. Candlelight created a warm, cozy atmosphere that was a great setting for speeches, skits, and songs full of love and laughter.

We are so happy for you both. Congratulations Troels and Karina!

Shadow

This is a photo I took just before the garage project. I love it, and I'm not exactly sure why. The fact that a simple picture of my shadow on our dirty garage floor can look like a piece of artwork excites me. I love the potential of isolating something so normal and presenting it in an unexpected way. Who would look at this picture and guess a greasy oil stain created the corner shadow? Perspective is a powerful thing.