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Note to self: When moving into future new home, must must absolutely must find a similar rug. Brown tones and all. And if the paint color and end-of-the-bed bench were included, I wouldn't be upset.

Unusual Layering

One thing I'd love to master is this thrown-together-yet-oh-so-chic look, like the outfit I adore below.

(source)

I really appreciate people who can sport the "Oh this old thing? I really just threw it together this morning" look. Right now, my personality is just a little too OCD to layer unusual pieces together for maximum effect. Typically, I'd rather my pieces flow together, but the idea of pairing lots of contrasting pieces is something that sounds creative and fun.  I'm all about self-improvement, so it sounds like something to work on.

(source)

Speaking of working on something, what do you think of the two models' hair above? I'm all for the slightly tousled look (seeing as it's sometimes hard to tame these long locks of mine). But their's almost seems a little "smooth it down or brush it girl". Would you sport their frazzled 'dos for the day?

Pretty Pastels

... craving an excuse for soft pastels, flowy chiffon, and all that sparkles to tip my hat to Spring this Tuesday...

Wonder

photo source

Mood-Lifters

Occasionally, one of those days will take place in which meetings run into other meetings, there's no time for a breather, you can't find a parking spot that doesn't prompt you to walk a mile, and you lose your absolute favorite sunglasses in the entire world (the ones with the Jackie O-ish frames and the super dark lenses).
Alright, maybe that day was today.
It was.
When days like today happen, and I momentarily lose my mind or am not quite sure how three hours have passed and I'm still discussing the same topic, I find myself scrolling endlessly through photography blogs. Photography does that for me- it's like an exhale, an instant mood-lifter that can take me to a new place, point to a new focus, give me a new direction. It also tells me a lot about my mood or how I'm feeling. And it seems, today, I was drawn to things a bit quirky and utterly feminine in nature (big surprise there huh?):

all via my Pinterest boards

Monday Mantra

Let's get this week started already...

Happy (Lazy Day) Friday

And Friday has finally arrived, the ring leader to a weekend filled with sweet sunshine and sentimental reunion. Not a thing on the to-do list today except curl up in my crisp sheets a little longer, listen to the birds outside, and mentally prepare for a few days of relaxing and well-deserved fun. (Oh wait, the rod in my closet collapsed last night, sending all my hang-ups toppling into a monster heap on the ground. Oh, handyman where are you?) Wishing you all a fabulous weekend as well to be spent with smiles, laughter, and a little excitement. 

Recipe for A Girly-Just-For-You Afternoon

Substitutions can be made. Serves one.
Step One: Jam to this song on repeat.

Step Two: Primp. Paint your nails this color.

(I promise it doesn't look quite as pink on your nails)

Step 3: Workout. Outside, if it's as gorgeous as it is here. You'll feel better (especially if you listen to this with it)

Step 4: Put on a bold outfit with this much confidence.

Step 5: Plan a girlfriend get together for the weekend (reunion tomorrow heywhatsup).

Step 6: Bake up something light and springy and delicious, just for you. Like, maybe this fruit pizza I'm about to start drooling over (and leave for the grocery to buy the ingredients)

Step 7: Buy something for yourself. I'm thinking peonies...

Step 8: Be thankful. Be grateful.

Step 9: Tell yourself this.

Mix together and enjoy. For best results, serve with a positive attitude and a few friends. 

Crystal Light

While laying in my bed this morning, watching the sunlight dance around my room and trying to muster the energy to begin my day, I began browsing through my Pinterest boards (an inspiration website that I'm ridiculously obsessed with) for a few little Thursday morning mood-lifters. I began thinking of how I'll be moving, for good, from Oxford this summer, starting a brand new permanent beginning, a brand new job, and a brand new life. So, of course, I"ll have to decorate a brand new home. Cue my "Future Homes" inspiration board. Then, I laughed to myself as I saw that it seems I'll be hanging a chandelier in every single room of my dream home.

I love crystal chandeliers. I love the elegance they exude, how chic and classic they can be both at the same time. They can make a dining room formal, a living room stylish, or a bathroom quirky. Overhead lighting can often be harsh and too bright, and a chandelier can emit the perfect soft light for a large room.  To say the least, deciding which room will be my chandelier room will be quite the undertaking. A few of my favorites:

Picking Peony

Remember how Meg Ryan deemed daisies the happiest flower in You've Got Mail (No? Ok, maybe I'm just overly-obsessed with that movie). Nonetheless, for me, a peony is by far the happiest flower, the epitome of spring. So on the to-do list for today? "Pick up some peonies" may just be the new addition.

(one day)

And while we're thinking peony, I'll take any one of these spring frocks inspired by the hues of the sweetly feminine flower:

Oscar the Third

Tibi

Marc by Marc Jacobs

1 Tim 1:14

"I don't want to live. I want to love first, and live incidentally."

-Zelda Fitzgerald

she brings goodness and peace

When my words can't say it, her's do (or when my thoughts can't think it, her's do). Please click right here to head over to Mary Catherine's blog to read of the beautiful intentions of Proverbs 31 He desires to wrap each of us up in. It will make your day, night, week, month, year, life.

plagued

Hey there little lovelies, guess who's back? After a week of sand and sun, I'm feeling a bit more refreshed (and looking it as well, thank you tan) and ready for action.There's just one slight problem I'm dealing with right now, and it comes in the form of spring fever.

Any others out there plagued with the disease? Mine hit me hard as soon as I arrived back in Mississippi greeted by cherry blossoms, 80 degree temps, and so much sunshine a girl can't help but smile. It's taking every ounce of willpower I've got to remind myself that I'm a (somewhat) grownup, and no Ainsley you can not throw out your to-do lists to go lay in the sun the rest of the day.

So here's to spring finally having arrived, with its warm familiarity and fresh attitude. Happy Spring!

Pardon, Pardon

Jetting around town in blustery winds and cold temps preparing for my spring escape down to the white sand beaches and crystal clear waters of Sanddestin, Florida. Not wanting to leave you without a daily dose of inspiration, I'm gently nudging you to go read the quirky thoughts of my soul-sister Mary Catherine today. Go ahead, click right here.

My Miller

My black patent Tory Burch Miller sandals have been through the ringer.
I may or may not have worn them every single day this summer. So simple, basic, and classy, they have the unique ability to dress up or down any outfit (or so I seem to think). They are comfy and they are trendy and they are my favorite sandal. Period. That's all you need to know.
So, for obvious reasons, I'm in the market for a new pair. Nude or camel this time, just because. And I am lusting ever so hard for this pair, the Miller 2 sandal (isn't the 2.0 version always better?)

I'm also seriously considering this Miller square sandal, while simultaneously trying to decide if they would make my feet look fat (oh the joys of being a girl):

But just in case you aren't a sandals type of gal and you want a bit more height, we can talk about this wedge. Because, oh, it's pretty:

Well, Tory, you've done it to me again...

Little Miss

Sometimes Ashlyn over at Miss Magnolia just hits the nail on the head. This song courtesy of her:

The most beautiful words

"The undiminished radiance, which is the result of abundant joy, is not built on anything passing, but on the love of God that nothing can change. And the experiences of life, whether they are everyday events or terrifying ones, are powerless to "separate us from the love of God... (Romans 8:39)"

- Oswald Chambers

Contrary to popular belief, little things get me down. I'm subject to self-conscious thoughts, making the wrong decisions, and insecurities galore. But, as a special friend told me yesterday, being openly aware to that is the first step in fixing them. The rock solid foundation of His love for we His children, so much so that not one thing can separate the two, is enough to make all the dissatisfactions and turmoil that sneaks into life bearable, fixable, and overcome-able.

I'll admit, I'm currently on a long journey to accept the incredibly self-conscious fact that I can't be perfect or have it all together, all the time. And while in the past that thought has been as terrifying as staring down the barrel of a shot gun, it's being reveled to me that it has hindered me in the past, served as a stumbling block that I'm currently attempting to learn how to step over or kick out of the way.

"Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for Him. Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. (Romans 12:1-2, The Message)"

And in accepting that, the radiance that is only achieved by the joy His love provides and can not be taken away will shine through.

Now, after those words, go try not to have a good day. Dare ya.