A Career Change | When the Universe Speaks, Listen

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I finally feel at a point where I'm ready to take the plunge, and make a career change. I've been dabbling in Graphic Design for the past year and a half, but with out structure and projects, I feel like my growth and skillset has flatlined. I am officially enrolled in a Graphic Design program. Cue the happy dance.

I had a wonderful conversation with my aunt who is an incredible teacher and a life mentor. She told me, when the universe is speaking to you, listen to it! You have to put out into the universe what you want, and the universe will give it to you. But if you never put it out there, it's never going to come. I felt like randomly shouting AMEN! Because her words resonated so deeply. I feel like it's my time to give myself a chance. Let go of all my fears, and just run with it. I might fall flat on my face, hit some struggles, but you know what? I'll get back up because face planking is stupid. Here I come, UNIVERSE!

4th of July in Boonville, CA

My brother was recently visiting nearby with his girlfriend and her family. They stayed in this teeny tiny town and kindly invited me to spend the 4th of July with them in Boonville (aka, the boonies!) I spent the weekend eating delicious BBQ, sipping on spirits, and enjoying some truly kind and genuine company. When they asked if I could spend the night, I was like ohhh I hope its not an imposition. Don't mind the fact that my overnight bag is already resting on an extra bed, I'll take that vacancy! It was a fun filled weekend. I do miss living in the same city as my brother, he's such a funny and inspiring person. 

The house they were staying was built in the 1890's. It has been updated inside, so it didn't have too much of an old feel in the interior, but it did have its quirks. 

 My brother's girlfriend, Kalli, came equipped with a backpack full of explosive fireworks for the fourth. She's a keeper. 

On Friday, we decided to venture out and head to a river close by. I wouldn't exactly call it a river. It was more of a giant pond. I didn't dip in, I'm not a big fan of swimming, especially in still waters. But my brother, his girlfriend, his gf's sister Veronica, and their dad couldn't resist. 

 I put together this gif of my brother and his girlfriend and her family diving into the water. Seeing other people so happy, well shoot, it just warms your soul. 

And this old man swimming with his two old dogs, was so stinking adorable. 

Patterned Throw Pillows

When I first saw the above image, my first thought was, now THAT'S a party. A pillow party to be completely cheesy and dorky. Who says a couch has to be donned in a sea of solids? No one. That's who.

Society 6, CB2

Joss & Main, West Elm, Urban Outfitters

Living Room Love! Bri Emery's Living Room Make Over

Oh my goodness. I've become absolutely captivated and entranced with Bri Emery's living room. I mean, when I'm out and about browsing I'm running through my mental notes of what key features from the room inspire me. I've lost count of how many times I've Googled "Bri Emery's living room.." just to look at the pictures again. The gold accents, the tribal patterns, the mix of mod, feminine and masculine. Sometimes I get stuck on making things too matchy-matchy and what I love about the room is that yes, things match, but not because theres two of everything. Things connect and compliment eachother in a quirky way. My favorite colors are gold, magenta, white, yellow, and teal and I see all of those incorporated. That makes me a giddy girl. Like dorky giddy. I also love all the plants. I decided that some day (not soon) I'm going to invest in beautiful plants and NOT kill them. Emily Henderson, will you style my home? Pleaaaaase?

The before and after is so dramatic.



Bri Emery's Living Room on Design Love Fest | Emily Henderson | Apartment Therapy | LA Times

Places for Home Shopping | Low, Mid, and High Price Ranges

In college I never intently considered styling my home because I was so busy and focused all my energy into school and work. But now that I'm older, my palate is a bit more refined, and my bank account isn't as pathetic, I am ready to bring some chic and cozy style into my living space. I'm a bargain hunter by nature (thanks for that mom). Though I am a firm believer in splurging and investing in items that are instant love, one of a kinds (hello, vintage!), or that have long-term functionality.

I don't know why home decorating has always been such a conundrum for me. I find myself scouring Pinterest, picking apart pictures, circling what I like, digging through design blogs, etc. I hit walls and then I become obsessed with breaking through them. I'm a mad woman! That's the only way to put it.

Through this crazy quest of hunting, I've found some places where I've bought a few things from, and other places that fit my style, but their offerings are currently on the dream list.

Low Price Range List: 

• Bed Bath & Beyond
• Ikea
• Home Goods (basically the home section of Marshall's/TJ MAXX, but on CRACK)
• Marshalls
• T.J.Maxx
• Target
• Overstock
• Craigslist - I love to search "West Elm, Ikea, Crate and Barrel, Pottery Barn, etc" to see if any awesome deals on stylish or quality furniture turn up.
• Local furniture stores
• Thrift stores

Mid - High Price Range List:

• Anthropologie
• Crate and Barrel (hah, a girl can dream)
• Pier1 Imports
• Pottery Barn
• Urban Outfitters (tons of fun quirky furniture, wall art, pillows, etc)
• West Elm
• World Market
• Z Gallerie (lots of glitz & glamour, shiny one-of-a-kind items here)

My quest still continues, as I discover more cool places I'll be sure to add them to the list.

Photo credits: 
Photo 1: Bay Area Craigslist offering
Photo 2: Z Gallerie, via Google

Beautiful and Affordable Rugs

Rugs are so fun and versatile. They can easily transform a dull living area into a chic and stylish home. It's fun to buy about 2-3 favorites and change them out through out the seasons. They breathe new life into a room and its an affordable way to update an area with out breaking the bank. 

From left to right: 1, 2, 3, 4

Cute Vintage Trash Cans

The other day I was at Target looking to snag the cheapest most decent trash can available and get the heck out. Ok, one part of that sentence is a lie. I'm usually never in a hurry to get the heck out of Target. Target always sucks me into a rabbit hole of endless wandering and exploring. I spotted this cute small vintage trash can. Not only was it aesthetically pleasing but the little sucker was sturdy, which was a plus because step cans that kick the bucket on you are no bueno.  I like to use small cans for perishables so I can dispose of anything that might get smelly more often. Simple Human has a larger trash can that's significantly more pricey but well made.


I spotted these cute cans at Ikea too.