a day in the life

dont you just love little glimpses into other people's lives? i happen to find it fascinating. especially as of late, as i wade through the murky waters of finding balance between my day job, my passion, the hubby, friends and family, etc. - it is so curious to me how other creatives seem to find time for it all!
so, for those of you like me, here is the chance to see what my life looks like daily.

the alarm rings bright and early at 6am. always have been a morning person.
karl makes a fresh pot of (strong) coffee while i get lunches together (the best mornings are when we have left overs!).

we try to share at least a cup before he rushes off to work.

after i get myself ready for work, i usually have a hour, in which time i try to paint or at least get the creative juices going! my studio partner loves to perch here. he's the best little guy. (that is, when he's not trying to drink paint water or play in my paints).

i feel like i can conquer the world in anything from boden. and the bracelet? love!

it takes me about an hour to drive from mill city into salem each morning. and this is where you will find me from 8:45-5:15 monday through friday.

this is my favorite splurge during lunch. and i am already counting down the days until pumpkin spice lattes return. heaven.

these are my wildflowers! yes, i am proud of them. they get watered every evening after work.

then there is dinner. exersise (sometimes - im getting better!). housekeeping. and more painting.
my head hits the pillow around 11pm - and i am usually asleep before my head hits the pillow.

xxo

at moms house

to be fair, my dad lives there too. 

but since mom is in charge of all things beautiful and charming, 'at moms house' is a fine title for these pictures i want to share with you!

the last time i was home, the sun was shining, the breeze was blowing, and the peace i felt was almost tangible.

i longed to be a kid again. playing outside until dark, watching the stars until falling asleep under a cozy blanket on the deck.

here is a quick visual tour my parent's outdoor spaces -

these cute little guys flank the steps leading to the front door. love the little knome! (i have a twin. mine is sitting in an indoor plant. if you dont have one, you should.)

 

love this view.  especially on a hot summer evening when the crickets are singing.

 when the sun goes down, these babies light up.

do you have a favorite summertime spot?

xxo.

dresser make-over!

 i painted this dresser in sixth grade. makes me smile to think back to the day i created it...i had just watching the movie 'she's all that'; where lanie boggs, artist and high-school outcast, totally and completely inspired me to paint.

for quite some time i had wanted to give this bad boy a make-over...and then, i saw this! - a project by kelly rae roberts. i fell in love. so i created one of my own.

i am still a little surprised every time i  walk into our bedroom. loving the burst of color and energy! (and those vintage-y knobs - can you stand them?!)

beautiful washington

last weekend, an all girls road trip landed us in forks, washington (yes, we are twilight fans!).

i was in awe of the beauty that surrounded us during this trip. the olympic peninsula is some of the most beautiful country i have ever seen!

we drank coffee. laughed. played. looked for treasures. ate delicious food. relaxed on the beach.

we found this gem at a local junk shop! i made her pose here. she wasn't sure about it.

we went for a lovely little hike.

and had lunch for $1.00!

 we found out that people from all over the country (and the world!) come to forks to visit the setting of twilight.

this is la push. gorgeous beach.

this is port angeles. love this town.

i am already planning my return <3
have you been to forks? c'mon...i know you secretly love twilight. but even if you dont! you wont be sorry.

24 years

today was a lovely day for a birthday celebration. my parents came up to mill city with wine, cake and lots of other treats in tow! they really know how to make a girl feel special.

this was a little birthday treat i got for myself. loving turquoise so much right now! after cake and gift opening we set off for the lake. whenever we visit here, i always feel that it is one of the most beautiful and peaceful places in the world.

goodbye 23! here's to an amazing #24.

birthday week giveaway!

hello friends!
in honor of my birthday week, i want to share with YOU one of my favorite prints!
how do you win?
it's easy!
"like" me on facebook here, and tag yourself in this photo.

one lucky and random winner will be chosen on (my birthday!) august 6.

xxo