I’m a sucker for a good monogram. I love it in jewelry, the home, and photo props. I may even one day like the whole monogrammed towels look (that’s pushing it, though).

Here are some of my favorite web finds:

1. Frame, wire, pretty letter, clothespin: presto!
   
   found here.
2. helloooo cool old chair. come to, mama.
   
   found here.
3.  Map monograms – perfect to do with the cheap-o JoAnn cardboard letters.
   
   found here.
4. Bold and beautiful. Oh, and totally DIY-able.
   
   found here.
5. Collage + monograms = love.
   
   found here.
6. Another great use of the cardboard letters: yarn-wrapped!
   
   found here.
7. Urban seems to ALWAYS have some great letters. Anthropologie, too.
   
   found here.
   
   found here.
8. An adorable idea for a little boy’s room. My brother use to have hundreds of micro machines! What a clever use.
   
   found here.
9. I’m definitely thinking of doing some hoop art in our dining room. But I don’t know what I love more in this photo: the simple monogram or the aqua owl!
   
   found here.
10. One of my absolute favorite etsy shop is Mon Cadeau. Simple monogrammed lovelies. I liked her work so much that I got all my bridesmaids little initialed necklaces like this one:
    
    
    I’d like to think all the girls liked them. They’re simple but pretty. And the shop owner gave me a great discount for ordering four necklaces! I was so envious of my sister’s cute little “L” that a few months after the wedding I ordered one for me. And I recently ordered this necklace from her, too:
    
    Only an M hearts T, of course. :) Troy actually told me to get it. I think he just wants everyone to know I’m his girl. What, no letterman jacket? Check out her other pretty jewelry here.

Happy initialing! Have a great week. :)

I’m a big fan of typography and art. I’m also a big fan of words (obviously). Here are some fun finds that combine words and art – a beautiful thing!

1. True statement:
   
   (via pintrest.com – my newest obsession and collector of all things inspiring to me!)
2. We are NOT expecting any little Current bambinos but…I LOVE this idea for a nursery, especially considering my fascination and constant use of old Scrabble tiles.
   
   (via style-files.com)
3. Love this illustration from a favorite song of our’s, “Home” by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros:
   
   (via miss-miss.tumblr.com)
4. In the Keep Calm Shop, you can find ANY activity to do while staying calm…drinking tea, snapping photos, and reading books were some of my favorite but I especially love this crafty one:
   
   (via KeepCalmShop on etsy.com)
5. Not really something I’d hang on my wall…but I know Troy thinks this all the time. Poor guy.
   
   (via polyvore.com)
6. Birds. I love paintings, drawings, and figurines of birds. Too bad the real things creep me out a bit.
   
   (via freya-art.com)
7. Good to remember:
   
   (via frenchbydesign.blogspot.com)
8. Love. Going to make one day.
   
   (via FifiduVie shop on etsy.com)
9. So, so, so true. I’ll make something with this quote, too. My handsome bearded man and puppies – those are the reasons why I love my home.
   
   (via designspongeonline.com)
10. I try this every morning with Troy. Mmm, if only we could live on just cinnamon wheat pancakes.
    
    (via acottageinthewoods.tumblr.com)
11. Mostly true, too:
    
    (via ache.tumblr.com)
12. The following lovely art pieces are my most recent purchases from Etsy. By Katie Daisy at The Wheatfield shop on Etsy.com. I love, love, love them. The Emerson piece will be for the new living room and the Breathe & Smile will be for the newly-painted bathroom (a good reminder in the morning):
    
    

(via thewheatfield shop on etsy.com)

Have a fantastic week!
P.S. Rain, rain, go away. And don’t come back for awhile…or until my flowers need more water.

Ever have one of those terrible-horrible-no-good-very-bad type of days? Like Alexander? I remember reading that book all the time as a kid. Well, today has been one of those days for me. Mini-disasters throughout the day followed by the grand finale of me dropping our new (old really, a hand-me-down from my parents) dog cage that weighs a TON on my cell phone. My poor little phone – the only semi-cool, non-smartphone still in existence – got STABBED. In a surreal, movie-like fashion, the tray of the cage fell from the top step all the way to the second-to-last stabbed where the corner landed (stabbed, knifed, punctured, pierced, shanked, wounded) my unknowingly innocent phone. The phone flew up in the air – after being injured – and landed on the cement floor in three pieces. Needless to say, there was a bit of mourning. But there’s always a silver lining. Hello, new iPhone, come to mama. It’s bittersweet because my phone was doing just fine before I stabbed it to death (like couldn’t even get my contacts out of it!).

Here’s the damage:

(photo taken with the new iPhone! The picture doesn’t do it justice – seriously stabbed through the glass/plastic.)

Anywho, here’s a rainy edition for miscellaneous Monday!

(All finds are from Etsy.com – you know how I roll…and apparently shank.)

1. “Taking Photos with Rain” by yaelfran.

2. “Every Cloud” by candidate (adorable prints in her shop!)

3. Cloud Mobile by leptitpapillon.

4. “Surf n Clouds” Raindrop Vinyl Decal by 3rdAveShore.

5. Raindrop by Edor.

6. Teeny Nimbus Earrings by JoannaRutter.

7. Kids’ Wellies Shirt by charlieandsarah. (Don’t worry, Drea. When you have a kid, I’ll buy this for him/her.)

8. Eco-Friedly Raglan with Umbrellas by keetchie.

9. “New York Love” Gocco Art Print by artsharkdesigns.

10. Dog Raincoat Slicker Pink Dandy by treeparlor. Tilly and Lola would NOT be cool with a doggy raincoat – I just thought it was too funny not to share.

Stay dry! :)

This little post is dedicated to my dearest, closest friend, Laurie. My sister. Keeper of secrets. Support beam in storms. Inducer of laughter. And my very best friend.

Today is the day she came into our lives and changed everything!

Happy birthday, dear seester. What would I do without you? I can’t even try to do the imagining for that one. Despite the ridiculous amount of bickering we used to do and my ever annoyance and paranoia that you were copying my every move…you are the best sister a girl could have.

10 Reasons Why Laurie is the Greatest:

1. Today is her birthday! 22 years! And it’s Pi Day!
2. She has the MOST compassionate heart ever. Her caring knows no bounds and she will be the greatest teacher.
3. She is a fellow car-dancer. In fact, I learned most of my mad dancing-in-the-car skills from her.
4. She is definitely the looker of the Clark girls. And waaaay sweeter, too. She does, however, share the same smarmy sarcasm as me. It’s in the genes.
5. She has a nail polish addiction (like me – we actually are enablers for the other by constantly gifting one another new colors.) And jeans. The girl has a TON of jeans and t-shirts. Staples to her.
6. She has a wandering heart and the ever-present itch to see the world.
7. I took her to get her nose pierced. Yeah, I’m a bad influence but she rocks the nose ring SO WELL. (Sorry, Dad.)
8. We used to call her “Puddles” when she was younger, like around her potty-training days. You put two-and-two together. Too bad the nickname stuck.
9. I’m fiercely protective of her. Ask any of her ex-boyfriends. Don’t mess with her or I’ll mess with your face! (ha.)
10. Her patience to work with others, particularly the disabled, is inspiring. Like makes-me-want-to-be-a-better-person inspiration.

Love you, Laur.
Happy Birthday!
xoxo.

1. Joy Ride Locket by Wiyomu.
   
2. Owl of Minerva Locket by ForevermoreCreations.
   
3. Square Locket by roundabout.
   
4. Ornate Patina Locket by TwoLittleDoves.
   
5. “Keeping Time” – antique pocket watch necklace by Ohhellofriend.
   
   
6. Pirate Ship Locket by mylavaliere. (This is for Drea!)
   
7. Once Upon a Time locket by birdzNbeez.
   
8. Custom Initial Sterling Locket by tyrahandmadejewelry.
   
9. Tiny locket with pearl and brass by maiautumn.
   
10. The Color Study II Locket by  VerabelFOX. (Be still my little heart…I swoon over this one!)
    

Gotta love Etsy. :)
Happy week to you!
xoxo.

Luckily, I had this post waiting to be published because I’m SWAMPED with studying for a big exam on Wednesday. (Who said I could juggle grad school, teaching and life? What do I look like…superwoman?!). Anywho, West Elm is a favorite store of mine (there’s one at Easton!) and lots of items in our home come from this lovely unique store. Modern meets comfy with lots of organic options. So, I thought I’d share the love. :) Anyone want to share my studying responsibilities?

1. Jason Polan Quartz Pillow Cover

2. Branches Floor Lamp (mucho dinero – but super cool looking, right?!)

3. Mercury Votive Holders

4. Large Curved Basket

5. Spine Wall Shelf

6. Organic Bloom Duvet Set (on sale! They have super rad duvets – we have two of their designs from them but not this whimsy one.)

7. Hearts for Haiti ornaments (some of the proceeds go to the HAND/EYE fund)

8. Hives Vases (my absolute favorite new item of W.E. – itchin’ to get a few!)

9. Iznik Bath Mat

10. The Oliver Chair (also, major bucks!)

Now, back to studying. Happy week to you all!
xoxo.

Listening to: “Talking in Code” by Margot and the Nuclear So and So’s
Reading: Moon Over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool (book review on it soon!)

Anthropologie, how I love thee.

Now, if only my favorite clothing store was a store I could actually afford – at least regularly. I sported my favorite Anthro dress for our engagement photos.

So, for a quick list of some current loves, I’ve compiled a little Anthropologie list. If I had a limitless gift card to this very store, here are some of the purchases I’d be making as soon as possible:

1. Bordered Bolts Skirt: $128

2. Garvey Chair: $998.00

3. Farmer’s Egg Crate (in Sky): $14.00
(I actually ordered this with a real gift card – I’m using it to hold earrings on my dresser!)

4. Metallic Falls Earrings: $58.00

5. Analiese Taper Holder in Citrine and Turquoise: $24.00 each

6. Savannah Story Bust, Gazelle: $68.00
“Layers of repurposed cement bags are covered with vintage French book pages to create this handmade, papier mache animal head.” (Insert “I could make that” with a hint of “Really, $68 for a gazelle head?!)

7. Fruit Cooler Necklace: $38.00

8. Mechanic’s Beacon Light: $148.00
(Again, “I could make that!”)

9. Filigree Leaf Sheet Set: $48.00

10. Seaside Fields Dress: $138.00

I love this last pretty dress. Lovely. :)

Stay warm! (*I recommend the puppy method: surround yourself with adorable furry friends like Lola and Tilly. That approach is working mighty fine for me!)

Now, it’s no secret I love me a good find on Etsy. It’s also no secret that I love the combination of yellow and gray (see: our wedding photos). Therefore, without further ado, here are some of my favorite yellow and gray finds for your viewing pleasure:

1. “We Belong Together” Stig Lindberg (who I love!) inspired print by Handz:

2. Gray and yellow quartz bracelet by BlueRoomGems:

3. Yellow and white flower clutch by Atomique47:

4. “Rain or Shine” fabric rosette necklace by SweetApple30:

5. Yellow sunshine “Birds on a Wire” throw pillow by WickedMint:

(I’m actually really crazy about the chair in this photo, too. Hey, wanna sell it to me?!)

6. Minnie’s Yellow and Grey crocheted hat by BobbinsandBeagles:

(This is where my mom would say, “I could make that.” And she could. She can make ANYTHING.)

7. Judy Jetson chair by Sprucehome:

(I LOVE that it’s called the Judy Jetson chair – though Rosie was definitely my favorite on the show.)

8. Vintage yellow messenger bag from GetReadySetGO:

(Listen, people: you can get custom vinyl artwork added to her bags. Love.)

9. Vintage 60s Audrey cocktail dress by Nerdybird:

10. Glass polaroid necklace “Onion Blooms” by jerseymaids:

(I had never even heard of polaroid jewelry and there’s a huge following for it!).

Have a wonderful week. Stay warm, friends!
xoxo.

Obviously, I’m officially the WORST blogger in the world. But, hey, life gets busy. Can I get an “AMEN?” I would love to tell you that “being a better blogger” was on my resolution list but it wasn’t. Oh, I do have some goals but I’d like to think of them as more of newly instated daily aspirations. Sound kinda lame? Yeah, well, I’m looking to have a year of growth not just a bunch of accomplishments (not to say your resolutions are silly or trite!).

For example, some areas for improvement…

1. BALANCE. Find more balance in my life – as a follower, a wife, a teacher, a friend, a photographer…
2. PRIORITIZE. And quit over-committing. Troy occasionally has me practice this word: “No.” I’m yearning for my time to be spent in high-quality ways. In the Bible and with Him. Time with Troy and family. Being healthy. Challenging myself as a teacher and photographer.
3. DE-STRESS. Less worrying in general. Enough said.

NOW, without further adieu, a brand spankin’ new “miscellaneous monday.” YEA, let’s celebrate!

1. Pretty cupcake crayons! Though coloring in the lines might prove to be difficult…

2. It’s all relative and that’s all I have to say about beauty today.

3. I’ve fallen for it. Yup. And it’s all my own fault because I purchased Netflix as a gift to Troy for his birthday. Now I can watch all the Mad Men I want! Really, it’s an addictive commentary of the 60′s including fabulous clothes and style, degrading acts/words toward women, and plenty of drinking/smoking.

4. Heck, yes, I would dye pieces of my hair blue and purple hues to obtain this very hairstyle.

5. Thanks to Travis Keller, I can’t get enough of this. I’m even hooked to the loose-leaf version. Really, just try it. Pepperminty goodness.

6. Signage. I’ll always love it.

7. We received this movie as a gift. A-dorable. Now, every time we see a stuffed unicorn (more often than you think for some reason), we say, “It’s so fluffy!!” in our best Agnes voice.

8. My biggest weakness and guilty food pleasure: sweet potato fries.

9. My Christmas and birthday presents. I made out like a bandit. Geesh – my hubster did a FANTASTIC JOB.

Crosley AV Portable Turntable. AHHHH! And thanks to my fabulous family and Half-Price Books, my collection of vinyls is vast and superb. My favorite finds are my Cat Stevens and The Shins albums. Everything sounds better on vinyl. Hands down.

Suunto Heart Rate Monitor. I’ve been drooling over it for a while after spotting it in a running magazine. It’s like a personal trainer – telling me when to step it up and how many calories are burned during my run. AND I can record workouts. An inspiration to finish my second half-marathon.

A NOOK!! And lots of matching Nook gift cards. With the 3G feature, I downloaded a book on the drive back from Fairfield to Columbus. I love it!!

10. Always a favorite on EVERY list of mine until the day I die:

Happy 2011 to you!

P.S. Pssst, stop by in February to see my DIY Valentine’s gift for the above stud-muffin. I’m so, so, so excited about it that I’ve decided to capture it all in a little how-to. :)

Today marks the beginning of a very, very busy week for me. Lots of school events outside the normal 7am-3pm window and THREE photo sessions (two precious baby sessions and a big wedding – so excited for all of them!)

I love fall because it means it’s time to pull out the cute knit hats and such! These photos are dedicated to Drea. :) She recently bought me a mint green straw fedora…basically, it’s amazing.

Some favorite hat photos that I found…

(courtesy of Target.com)

(courtesy of Urbanoutfitters.com)

(slouchy cuteness courtesy of Modcloth.com – my fav!)

(courtesy of Anthropologie.com -another fav!)

(courtesy of Weheartit.com – who wouldn’t want a Daisy Duck hat?! I think my dad had the Goofy version of this hat…)

(courtesy of Weheartit.com)

(courtesy of Weheartit.com)

AND for Madison, my fellow owl fan…

(courtesy of Weheartit.com)

My new Gray Door blog launches in TWO WEEKS. Working like crazy on it. :)

Have a great week!