Free Mason

chandelier, plant, cafe lights, invite, labels, flowers

A collection of all things pretty, with mason jars being the guest of honor.  The way I see it, mason jars are everywhere around us, so why not make the most of them?  With so many unique ways to do so, the options are endless!

Thursday's Randoms

How cute is this? I can't bear it.  It's too cute for words.  As is pretty much everything from this awesome Etsy shop, Red Red Completely Red.

Hello, yumminess!  Even though the mister and I are on a bit of a detox (yeah, how could we not be after Sunday's events?), I think this cocktail might be a nice treat once it's over.  I mean, could it be any more apt?  This honey badger don't care!  

I recently ordered myself a Christmas coat from Anthropologie.  It was on major sale but was also on backorder.  I have been waiting and waiting for it to ship but was saddened to receive an email saying the item was cancelled.  I guess it wasn't meant to be after all.  So I got to thinking about how I've been carrying the same purse around for well over a year and a half (who knew an Aldo bag would stay in perfect condition with every day wear for this long?).  While this scalloped clutch from Topshop isn't exactly ideal for every day use, it is pretty irresistible.  `

I could really use a little r n' r in this spot right now.  It looks so calming, relaxing and breezy.  Le sigh. Via 

We have decided to name her Stevie!  After both my stepdad and our friend Daniel suggested we name it Steve in two entirely separate emails, we figured why not go with Stevie?  I like the idea of a boys name used for a girl and it has a feminine ending, so why not?  Lil' Stevie Nicks, Lil' Stevie McQueen, etc.  She even slept through the night on her bed and only made a couple of accidents.  She is getting bigger already and smarter by the second!

Thursday's Randoms

I think I might have to copy this.  If the candles really do make the house smell like coffee, well then I am 100% sold.

Isn't this garland + red house combo just delightful? I love how cozy it feels and how rustic it looks.  Surely they painted that red just to achieve perfection during the holiday season!

It's time to get a new calendar for the coming year, and this simple but sweet one from Anthropologie is looking like the new front runner.

This artwork is so stunning.  That's all I can say.

It's that time of the year again.  Time to make sugar cookies and put those cookie cutters to use.  To ice and decorate - of which I am no good at.  But I will still try.  I've got one batch of crinkle cookies made and ate, I guess it's time to start making more.  If only I could do half as good as the Flourishing Foodie.

What's inspiring you today?

Thursday's Randoms

Apple + Smoked Mozzarella Calzones? YES, PLEASE! These sound like the most delicious things ever. You probably don't even need desssert after snarfing down a meal like this.  That might be a lie though, you always need dessert.  Via here via Sprouted Kitchen

Today might be the perfect day to actually sit down and start learning how to embroider.  I have all the supplies but have not had the patience.  It's a cold, rainy day and I am not at work - so why not?  Via My Different Strokes

I love Pinterest for so many different reasons.  Seeing genius wrapping ideas such as this is just one of the many things that Pinterest does to spark my creativity.  Via here via Design Sponge

I am lusting over this dress hardcore, people.  With all its shine and beauty, what's not to love?  The color may not be that flattering on me, but that's ok. They have it in navy, too.  Oh Free People, I love you.

Can you imagine spotting a bearded fellow wearing this and not swooning?  That's just me?  Okay, whatevs.  But I would love to see my man walking around in this Mt. Rainier Design Inyo Jacket.  Too bad it'll never happen - the price tag is $685! And I thought North Face was pricey!

This is all my heart yearns to do - but alas, it is cold and rainy.  No autumn picnic in the works for me.  But perhaps this weekend I could make it happen.  I mean, afterall...a very sweet lady recently gifted me with a vintage picnic basket and a perfect plaid blanket.  It needs to happen!  Via

What's inspiring you today? And how have your weeks been?   I've got a free day today, so ready or not...here I come!

Ring Leader

1 / 2 / 3 / 4

I'm loving the idea of stacking giant cocktail rings on multiple fingers these days - mainly because I can't get enough of all the gorgeous options out there these days.  I know many of you have been sporting beauties on your fingers in clusters for quite some time, and I totally adore you for it.  I just think it's time I jump on board as well.

1 / 2 / 3 / 4

PS - I love you all.  I'm sorry my comments have been light so far this week.  That'll change come Thursday ;)

Welcome, Summer

Today is officially the first day of summer and I couldn't be happier.  I love summer, and summer's in Chicago feel like something I can't quite pinpoint.  It kind of feels like if you blink it will be gone.  You can't take these summers for granted because they don't seem to last.  They're like pure gold.  Anyway, I'm glad summer is officially here because I love so many things about it.  Camping (especially with dogs who drink whiskey), watermelon, ice cream, the lake, long walks and summer drinks - just to name a few.

I'm so ready to go camping, too!  As soon as we get settled in, I'm begging people to go camping with us.  We got a new-to-us tent (thanks, brother), a lantern and other camping accessories while I was home last time (Wichita is home to Coleman so prices are dirt cheap) so we're ready to go.  Just seeing the tent and fire below has me giddy!

Camping by Meaganpie featuring floral denim shorts

Vintage top, $17
Old Navy long sleeve top, $6.97
Old Navy floral denim shorts, $23
Keds wedge sneaker, $30
Progressive Microwave Smores Maker, $9.99
Festival chairs - music festival seats - chairs for festivals -..., £9.99
Cabela's: The North Face® Base Camp Duffle Bag, $100
Camping Equipment Sticker - Embellishments, $4.59

Summer, I'm so glad you're here!

* Top photos first row l to r = 1, 2, 3
second row = 1, 2, 3

Laura Evans Photography

This weekend, I spent a great portion of my time browsing through Laura Evans' Flickr account.  Her photos are absolutely breathtaking and provoke a dream-like quality.  The tones in the photos are so unreal - I could stare at them for hours and hours.  I can't even decide which one is my favorite, which is why you can find all of these on my Pinterest.  I'm so in love.

Pink and Yellow

It's in the 80s here today (and yesterday), which has now got me in full-fledged summer mode.  One of the best parts of dressing for summer is all the bold and bright color choices you can wear.  The pink and yellow color combination has been a favorite of mine since childhood.  I remember an outfit that consisted of a matching shirt and shorts that were magenta with a yellow border and flower on the shirt.  It was kind of dorky, but I really loved the color combo.  I also had a really cute tank top that was hot pink with a big pineapple in the center.  Ahh, memories.  This whole board definitely reminds me of summer.

All images via Pinterest

Great Bedrooms

The people who are lucky enough to get to sleep in these wonderful bedrooms night after night must be the most relaxed, creative and interesting people.  To open your eyes every morning to a room so beautiful must feel so amazing!  Especially in that first photo, to open your eyes to see that lovely green door morning after morning - I can only imagine how nice that must be.  Or to awake to find yourself snuggled up in what appears to be a cave (last image).  Or to have so much light, so much serenity in your sleeping space...aaah.  Our current bedroom is nice, we have a bay window (in which the windowsill is completely filled with plants) and yellow curtains that cast a golden glow into the room every morning.  But it's definitely not "put together" like these rooms.  So I searched for inspiration for our next bedroom.  I can't wait!

PS - do you lovelies have any suggestions of where to find affordable but awesome bedding?  I'd greatly appreciate any tips!

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Color Inspiration :: Orange and Turquoise

The color combination of orange and turquoise is popping up everywhere it seems, especially for spring/summer.  Mixing the two makes me happy and definitely ready for long summer evenings with wild sunsets that light up the sky.  It also makes me long for the caribbean!  What are your favorite color combos?

 * 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13

Brrr!

The temps have taken a plummet here in Chicago so I'm doing my best to stay warm.  Luckily I'm not forced to go outside every day unlike most of you (sorry) so I can sit inside under a blanket with the warmth of my Christmas tree to help.  But I thought I would share some pictures that keep me warm and make me happy.  Here's to a delightfully warm Tuesday!

twinkle!; yarn; knit star;  hot buttered rum