Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Customizable Arrows + Fletcher and Fox



I love arrows! After looking at vintage arrows on eBay and Amazon, I stumbled upon the Etsy store Fletcher and Fox. Not only has she created beautiful arrows, but you can create them by your own design as well. I decided to design two to put over our entertainment center. The arrows that I designed look similar to these. You can customize the arrow color, the ban color and design, and the feather. I just thought I would share with you something that I have been over the moon about.

♥ Do you have a favorite Etsy store?

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Random Topic Tuesday + Radiant Cosmetics

+un: I tried the portrait setting on my camera for the first time.

+deux: It's a really bright, happy color.

+trois: I always take a goofy shot because I feel so awkward in front of the camera.

Wearing//Radiant Cosmetics lipstick in "Daphne". It's a really great company that gives part of their proceeds to fight human-trafficking. If you have a minute, you can read about this company, and the wonderful woman who started it, here.


Reading//Soul Pancake by Rainn Wilson (yes, Dwight K. Shrute). This is the coolest book ever. It's a compilation of art, quotes, philosophy, and religion. I feel like I will grow more as an individual from reading this book, and I highly recommend picking it up.

Image found here.

Thinking about//Wooden marble machines. My grandmother had a very intricate one that I played with when I was little. Jason and I are going to attempt to make one in the near future (he is an engineer after all). We just have to find a kit, or at least good instructions and the required tools. It should be interesting!

Image found here.

Wanting to try//Ladyfingers. I saw them in a magazine, and thought they would be a cute little snack with afternoon tea. Yes, I've gone nuts for tea.


Next movie I'm going to watch//Paperman. It won for best short film at the Academy Awards. The clip they showed looked adorable, so Jason and I are going to find some time to watch it together this week.

♥ What randomness is occurring in your life on this tuesday afternoon?

Monday, February 25, 2013

Hello + Other Words

1//I love my new Hello Apparel sweatshirt. It is super comfy, and it always feels good to support a local company.

2//Playing with Joker.

3//Awkward shot, but candid photos are always great to have. 

4//Man of my dreams.

5//I have been on such a tea craze lately! This was a yummy pick from World Market.

+++weekend
Long walk
Lord of The Rings
Luci's Healthy Marketplace
Frozen hot chocolate
World Market
Craft store galore
Invisible ink
Washi tape
British tea schedule
Caramel apple spice
Omelets for dinner
Red Carpet

♥ I'm excited to work on some DIY projects this week! I got a whole bunch of supplies from various craft stores, so now I just need to start craftin' :) What did you do this weekend? Did you watch the Academy Awards?

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

~ING + Dreaming DIY

Image found here.

Making. This weekend I want to make a constellation scarf I saw on A Beautiful Mess. This seems like a fun, little project that is totally doable. They have a step-by-step instructions, so I'm ready to give it a go.

Believing. Patience really is a virtue. Some things in life are going to take longer than expected, and as long as you realize that everything works out in time, you'll be just fine.

Loving. Kendra Scott makes the most beautiful earrings. I'm in love with her "Danielle" turquoise ones. I saw that she has a new store open in Scottsdale Quarter. I can't wait to check it out.

Anticipating. I know this is way off, but this summer we are planning a trip to San Francisco, California. I have always wanted to visit, and I can't wait to see everything the city has to offer. If anyone has any suggestions of what to do there, let me know :)

Watching. This weekend Jason and I watched The Lord of The Rings. I haven't seen the these movies in forever! It was really fun, and I fell in love with Merry & Pippin all over again. I'm a bit of a nerdy birdie. 

Tasting. There is this cute little place in Scottsdale called d'lish that Jason and I have been eating at on the regular. It's a healthy-on-the-go kitchen and coffee house. Their salads and protein shakes are amazing. If you live in the valley check this place out.

Doing. Lately Jason, Joker, and I have been walking 5-6 miles a day. We have the best talks on our walks, and I'm already ready for next weekend because then we have more time for longer walks.

Thinking. I ordered a Hello Apparel sweatshirt, and some Radiant Cosmetics lipstick online and I can't wait until it comes in the mail. It's always fun to get a package.

Wanting. Jason and I have been talking about how we have never had a kitchen table together. We eat our meals on our coffee table. We picked out a nice white round table from IKEA, and some Eiffel chairs from Amazon. Hopefully we will be ordering that next week.

Laughing. I absolutely love 2 Broke Girls. Kat Dennings is amazing, and I think we would make good friends.

Absorbing. I feel like my blog roll is so inspiring, and I can't help but grow a little with every word, project, or a simple outfit. 

Daring. I've never really worn red lipstick. I never thought I could pull it off until I tried on Bare Minerals "Red Zin". I haven't changed up my lipstick in years, so it was fun to try something new.

♥ What ~ING is going on in your life?

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Random Topic Tuesday + Coffee Shop Talk

An evening latte on our honeymoon in London, 2011.

Let’s start with a little coffee-shop talk. If we were out at a coffee shop right now, what would you order? 

Iced vanilla soy latte

Do you have a favorite magazine currently?

InStyle

Name three bands/singers you’ve got on repeat right now.

Of Monsters & Men, Bruno Mars, Mumford & Sons

Milk chocolate or dark chocolate?

When I was younger I only liked milk chocolate, but now I prefer dark.

Where do you most love to shop?

West Elm

Favorite pattern?

Color blocking

Favorite instrument(s)?

Piano, acoustic guitar

Hobbies?

Painting, hiking, yoga, blogging

If you were a quote, what would it be?

"Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished" -Lao Tzu

Do you have a favorite blog-reading routine?

In the morning with a cup of coffee or tea

What’s your biggest hope/dream for 2013?

To stay positive and take more adventures

And, finally, if you had to describe yourself in only three words, which three would you choose?

Wife, artist, blossoming

♥ I got the inspiration for this post was from Undecided Answer. What three words would you use to describe yourself?

Saturday, February 16, 2013

Senses + Unorthodox Jukebox


Sight. I'm so happy that The Walking Dead is back on! They took such a long winter break, but it was totally worth the wait. I'm just happy that Daryl is alive. That was a close one.

Scent. I am in love with my new candle from West Elm. The flavor is so strange, and the name can be off putting: Tobacco + Caramel. It smells really good, I swear!

Sound. On Valentine's Day, we picked up Bruno Mars' album Unorthodox Jukebox. We listened to it in the car, on top of a mountain looking at all of the city lights of Phoenix. I pretty much fell in love with the song "Treasure". It's so upbeat and happy.

Taste. Chocolate covered strawberries are the most delicious thing ever. I swear, it is a better combination than peanut butter + jelly, and I love a good pb + j.

Touch. It was really fun to make a handmade card for Jason. He loved it so much, and he asked me to never buy one again. That was the highlight of my week.

♥ What is your favorite sense of the week?

Friday, February 15, 2013

Valentine's Day + Applesauce Chocolate Chip Cookies

1//I woke up to the smell of yummy pancakes yesterday morning. He cut them in the shape of hearts, and also cut up some bananas and strawberries in the shape of hearts! I'm one lucky girl.

2//At the end my Valentine's Day card was a little pink heart marked with a 1. It was a scavenger hunt!

3//This was at the end of my scavenger hunt! It's so beautiful!

5//I love these sunglasses. Apparently they were good luck too, because they got me a free Starbucks!

6//Red roses are classic.

7//I made Jason some applesauce chocolate chip cookies, and a homemade card that read, "whale you be my valentine?" He loved it.

+++applesauce chocolate chip cookies

you will need:

1 1/3 cup flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
3/4 tsp. salt
1/2 cup applesauce, drained
1 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup butter
1 Tbsp. vanilla
1 egg
1 cup chocolate chips

directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees
Drain applesauce using a fine mesh sieve over a bowl
Combine the ingredients into a mixing bowl
Add chips to batter, mix until well combined
Place spoonfuls of batter evenly apart on a greased cookie sheet and bake for about 10 minutes

*I always let cookies cool on a cut and flattened paper bag. It's something my mom always did, and it brings back great memories of baking sugar cookies with her when I was a kid.

♥ What did you do for Valentine's Day?

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Random Topic Tuesday + Can't Find My Czechbook

1//Jason and I had Starbucks perfect oatmeal, and you know what? It is perfect.

2//Iced vanilla soy latte. We shared :)

3//I've been on a tea craze lately. This morning it was all about peppermint.


4//Chrysanthemum blossoms are so bright and cheerful! 

5//I'm obsessed with this nail color by OPI called Can't Find My Czechbook

6//After reading one of my posts about "slow and steady wins the race," Jason bought me this ceramic turtle from West Elm.

7//My new additions.

8//Mindy Kaling is hands down the coolest girl ever.

9//My newest painting. 

10//A friendly "hello".

♥ What's new with you on this lovely Tuesday afternoon?

Thursday, February 7, 2013

Sweet Potato Fries Attempt 1 + 2


you will need:

2 large sweet potatoes, peeled
2 tsp olive oil
1 tsp cayenne pepper
2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp salt

directions:

Preheat an oven to 400°F
Slice the potatoes in half lengthwise and then cut each half
Toss the wedges with the oil, cayenne pepper, paprika, and salt
Lay the pieces on a baking sheet, and bake for 35 to 45 minutes

Instagram :: naomigeorge



As soon as they finished cooking Jason and I snacked on them hot off the tray. These are what was left over, and they are just as good the next day.

So, I've never cooked sweet potatoes before, and I saw this recipe in Women's Health magazine and I thought I'd give it a go. In attempt 1: they turned out great, but they were way too spicy for me. After one bite I couldn't handle anymore. In attempt 2: I tried it again with just a pinch of cayenne pepper, and 1 tsp of the smoked paprika instead of 2, and they were perfecto! Let me know if you give this a try.

♥ Have you tried a new recipe lately? Please share in the comments :)

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Currently + Namaste


The Tortoise and the Hare in Copley Square in Boston, Massachusetts. The 2-piece larger than life bronze sculptures depicting the popular Aesop's Fable. Image found here.

Loving. Yoga. I've always come back to it at one time or another. It really feels good to incorporate it in my daily routine.

Reading.
 I have probably mentioned this once a million times, but I love Mindy Kaling. I am finally going to read her book Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? She's awesome, and I have no doubt that her book is going to deliver.

Watching.
 I'm on the second season of Breaking Bad. I'm still not completely hooked on it, but I think it's a good show. I almost feel like you are either a Walking Dead person, or a Breaking Bad person. I prefer zombies. I'm excited for the zombie apocalypse to start back up again Sunday night.

Thinking about. It's really important to take time for yourself. I know it sounds silly, but I keep telling myself that in this fast paced world, "slow and steady wins the race".

Tasting. I love lavender tea! Not only is it relaxing, but it also tastes really good. I've been playing around with the idea of cooking or baking something with it.

Anticipating. I can't wait to go to Los Angeles for President's Day weekend. A bunch of us are going to The Getty museum in Malibu. I've always wanted to go, and not to mention it is on my list of "25 before 25". My brother described it as a little Roman villa.

Listening to. 
Honestly, I can't believe I'm saying this, but I have fallen hard on the Taylor Swift bandwagon. "I Knew You Were Trouble" is constantly running through my head. The girl's got style.

Wishing.
 I love getting new flowers that I have never had before. Next time I go to Trader Joe's I'm picking up some irises. Also, there is a perfect vase for them at West Elm that I've been thinking about for a while now.

Making me happy.
 I painted, and it's been a long time since I've put a paintbrush to canvas. It's so therapeutic, and love that it's a representation of what I'm feeling through color.

Thank you to Danielle at Sometimes Sweet for the idea for this post. What are you currently into? ♥