February in an Instant

Possible new feature? Here's my February Instagrams thus far, with little captions of what each picture means to me!

Well that was fun! Follow me on Instagram here :)

Don't worry- I'm alive!

Hey guys,

I know it has been so so long. But I've been super busy! (I know, excuses excuses). I really have had a lull in the creativity department, but I'm ready to share some Valentine's Day images that totally inspire me. Sorry to all ya'll VDay Haters out there. Single or not, I love the sentiment of this day. And I've never spent money on it either! I simply craft and bake away while thinking of all my favouriteeee people that I would like to spread some love to.

Plus all the soft reds and hot pinks make me super happy.

All images found via Pinterest

Have a good day tomorrow!

XO

Doodles and Jasmine Star Conference

Hello lovely people!

I am currently doodling and creating in Photoshop (see above) and listening to a Jasmine Star conference on CreativeLIVE. If you're currently at a computer and are interested in improving your photography, give this a listen! And if not... give it a listen anyone, she's super entertaining haha.

And make sure you doodle! An absolute must for relaxing. I'm considering making a painting based on the colour scheme of the above image. I also would like to make a simple painting tonight to hang in my room. I shall share the results when I'm done- if it turns out well that is ;)

Adventures in Organization

Hello All! I am currently waist-deep in organizing my room right now... (maybe shoulders deep, I just glanced around the room). It's been fun. Austin has been helping me repaint and encouraging me to throw away old things that I don't need anymore. He gave me a hoarder score of 3/5. My goal is to get that down to at least a 2/5 ;)

Here are a few peeks at what I've been working on. It's been fun creating a new space! My goal is to tie everything together with the grey paint and have this area function as my mini creative/editing space.

Yay for getting organized and fun new colours!

2013

I love New Years- probably because I love fresh starts and new goals. Who doesn't? I know it's something you can do at any time, but I think there's something beautiful about everyone trying to work towards something all at once. A mass of people striving for something better for themselves. It's a wonderful thing!

I haven't written a list yet of what I want to accomplish this year, but me and Austin have already chosen a theme for 2013. It's called "Let's do what we want". He was the one who named it and verbalized the idea a few hours ago. Coincidentally, it was something I had been thinking about while driving home from work earlier. I was thinking about what I want, and what's stopping me.

Whenever I work at my photography job, I always leave feeling refreshed and inspired. I feel encouraged to do something creative with my life. I feel like maybe I can start a business, even though it's a little bit scary. And as I was driving home, I was thinking about how there's really nothing stopping me (besides myself).



So in this year of  "Let's do what we want" I am going to resolve myself to taking more risks and maybe chasing after my dreams. Even though it's scary, and I might fail (which also terrifies me), I'm going to do my best to try and see what it evolves into.

Something really encouraging that Elsie wrote on A Beautiful Mess:

"You need to guard your dreams in their early stages. When you do share them with other people, don't expect a positive response 100% of the time. Some people need to see things to believe them. It's good to get advice from people you care about, but don't ever let someone else talk you out of trying something that you're dreaming of."

Is there anything you feel like chasing in 2013?

Amanda's Holiday Playlist

My awesome friend Amanda made a great holiday playlist for you to listen to. Enjoy, and have a great Christmas! XO

I'm Dreaming Of A Green Christmas from alulu27 on 8tracks Radio.

Wishlist: Christmas Edition

Guys, I hate to admit it, but I just wrote my Christmas list. Somehow, it went from something fun, to a chore that went on my giant "To-Do" list. I've been randomly jotting things down for a while now but haven't actually gotten around to making one... so I thought I would make one to share. Hopefully this helps those of you who are also having trouble making lists, or just buying for others in general!

1. I think these red headphones would look cute on just about anyone's head... just sayin'

2. A really cute pair of oxfords... preferably heels!

3. A toy camera indulgence

4. Is anyone else as in love with this shade of yellow as I am?

5. An iPod case for the camera-obsessed

6. Loving the zipper on this purse

7. You can't go wrong with a fun pair of sunnies!

Happy Holidays :)

The Story of Stephanie and Max

Say hello again to this gorgeous couple! They met in their first year of college, and have been crazy about each other ever since. You can tell. I've always been impressed by how lovingly Max treats Stephanie.

Although long distance is currently their biggest challenge, they are dedicated to making it work. Max calls Stephanie every night to catch up and say goodnight. 

I was so happy to have the opportunity to capture the love that these two share - and I don't like admitting it, but I'm totally jealous of their height compatibility *sigghh*

My life lately

1. Forgot my phone at East Side Mario's in Barrie, had to have it mailed to me

2. Took funny Christmas pictures with Austin

3. Got pictures printed

4. Made shortbread cookies (tasted like Christmas in my mouth)

5. Worked on my cute little scrapbook

6. My new tablet arrived in the mail

7. Had many cuddles on my bed with my panda bear

8. Decorated my mini-tree

9. Started a new job. This was my "first day of work" outfit - :)

10. Started wearing my hair like this all.the.time. So cute. Makes me wish I had more hair.

And that's my life lately! :) (besides working - I have worked 47 hours this week and I am e-x-h-a-u-s-t-e-d but so thankful for hours!)

Christmas Tree: Mix of old and new

I've always loved that Christmas trees generally become a good mixture of old and new ornaments. More often than not, your grade 3 macaroni stocking (which is totally boss, by the way) is hanging next to the glass angel you bought for your mom last year. It's just how it usually goes.

This year, I wanted to use my grandma's old light fixtures with some of my own new ornaments to create a fun quirky Christmas tree. Have a look!

Pretty New Tablet

My new Bamboo Capture Tablet came in the mail today and I was basically beyond excited. My last tablet was from 1998... kinda old! I will admit, I've been doing nothing else besides playing around in Photoshop all evening. Even now, I'm supposed to be grabbing my webcam so that Austin and I can do a Dexter-Skype-Date. But am I doing it? Nope. I just want to play with my pretty new tablet. *Sighhh* :)