new layout

I'm really excited to share with you guys my new layout by Oana Befort. She was a real pleasure to work with, and made the whole process really fun and simple. Here are a few images from the Pinterest mood board I made to gather inspiration.

new couch

A week ago I splurged on this beautiful tufted sofa from Urban Outfitters. I'm so, so excited for it to arrive in a few weeks! I'm already dreaming up a whole new living room. 

1. Couch // 2. Lamp // 3 Print by Cathy McMurray // 4. Rug // 5. Bookcase 

hair chop

I went for the big chop! Five inches according to my hairdresser, although friends think it was much more than that. So I'm guessing it around 6 to 7. It feels so light and bouncy and when I washed it, I used such a small amount of shampoo...yay!

I needed the change, and I'm really glad I went to Lisa at Honey Salon, she was so sweet and easy to talk to. Oh, and I love my haircut!

lazy monday

  The picture above pretty much summarizes my day. And although it's not over yet, I think it's safe to say today has been awesome. Spring break, please never leave me. I have spent nearly the entire day (save a quick trip to the supply store for hair dye) in my pajamas, reading Game of Thrones. I am so close to being done, and can't wait to start the next book!

    Adding to today's awesomeness was a Birchbox! I have been receiving them for about four months now, and they have gotten increasingly better. You can read about the first one I got here. I was pretty bummed with the service at that point, but decided to give it another month. I'm glad I did, because I have gotten to try some great products. If you are thinking about trying Birchbox, I would recommend doing so. Keep in mind that some months are better than others!

   Here are a few highlights from the box I received today:

Two Kusmi green tea bags. I gave this tea a try today and really loved it. Green tea is one of my favorites, and it was the perfect addition to my lounging party.

 A generous amount of Miss Jessie's Quick Curls. I have wavy hair, so I am always looking for a product to add definition, but not weigh my hair down. Can't wait to give this a try!

 A sample of three eye shadows from Stila. I have never tried Stila eyeshadows before, and these colors are right up my alley. 

 Tomorrow I need to be productive, but I only have a few more days to read this book! Gotta finish it tomorrow, so I can start on the next. I don't work for the next three days, which is pretty amazing. When school is in session I feel like I go nonstop, so these next few days are much needed.

  Also, Kate from Katelyn Brooke Designs featured my new layout made by Hannah! It was a really fun process creating the layout, so hearing such nice things about the end result feels pretty amazing. Kate is a designer herself, and has created some really lovely layouts! You can head over to the post here, and then hop over to Kate's other blog, Stripes and Polka Dots. 

  Oh, and for all you fellow Pacific Northwest bloggers, the Pacific Northwest Blogger Meetup was announced! I did not go last year (cause you know...I wasn't a blogger then), and I would really love to make it this year.Trouble is it's down in Portland, and I won't be done with the quarter so I don't really see it happening. Maybe though! Anybody planning on attending?

Blog Layout Inspiration

 When I first started talking with Hannah about my ideas for my blog layout, I was a bit all over the place. There are so many things to consider, it felt a little overwhelming at first. I knew what inspired me, and I knew the overall feel I wanted.

So, to convey my many ideas and give her a starting point, I made her a board on Pinterest. I think she would agree that it came in really handy! Here are some of the pins that inspired this new layout.
 

Source: etsy.com via Amanda on Pinterest

Source: design-seeds.com via Amanda on Pinterest

Source: society6.com via Amanda on Pinterest

Source: society6.com via Amanda on Pinterest

Source: design-seeds.com via Amanda on Pinterest

Source: ohhellofriendblog.com via Amanda on Pinterest

Source: society6.com via Amanda on Pinterest

Source: society6.com via Amanda on Pinterest

New Blog Design!

I'm so excited to show you guys my new blog design by Hannah, from A Cup of Subtle Tea! I love the end result, and the process with Hannah was awesome. If you are thinking about redesigning your blog but don't have the html skills, contact Hannah! She was so amazing throughout the process; I knew exactly what I wanted and at the same time had no idea. She was so patient, flexible and understanding...not to mention a total bargain!

Thanks Hannah! You are amazing!

There are still some things to finalize, but I couldn't wait any longer to put it up! I am also accepting free sponsors, so let me know if you're interested!

Claw Foot Tubs

 All images via pinterest.

     If you follow me on Pinterest, you may have noticed I have gone a little claw foot tub crazy. I just love 'em! In my future dream house (We all have one of those...right? Not just me?) a claw foot tub will be my first request. I'm not a huge bath person, but the thought of a huge claw foot tub filled with bubbles is pretty dang inviting. Whoever took the last picture, with a little table for a drink and a fireplace nearby had the right idea.

Another excuse to drink coffee

   I love me some coffee. Does not mater if it's a latte or drip, hot or cold, soy or 1%. If it has coffee in it, I will probably drink it and ask for more. What makes coffee better? Drinking it out of a cute mug of course. Things just taste better when they come in a good lookin' package. It's science. Here are some of my favorite handmade mugs from Etsy!

Ship mug from Pieces by Joanna.

 Chickadee mug by Kristen k. Swanson.

Textured stem mugs by Kim Westad.

 Rabbit mugs by Tania Julian Ceramics.

 Turquoise mugs by Reviving Design.

 Whale in a bell jar mug by Mud Stuffing.

Birch tree mug by Josies Pot Shop.

Umbrella mug and tray by Zuppa Atelier.

   I'm thinking about putting one of them on my Christmas wish list. Do you have a favorite? I am leaning towards the tree mug, or the ship mug.

  While perusing Etsy's mugs, I found several handmade mugs with Starbucks written on them. Does anybody else find this as hilarious and ironic as I do? I mean...what's the point of making something that you could go and buy at a coffee chain? That's the power of a branding I suppose.

Uncommon Handmade

 How awesome are these pieces from Uncommon Handmade? I especially love the doily inspired coasters and clock! Check out the rest of their work, here.

Cynthia Vardhan ceramics

I love the unusual shapes and delicate details of Cynthia Vardhan's ceramic work. Visit her etsy shop here.

Svenskt Tenn

I would love to wrap my entire home in textiles and design from Svenskt Tenn, an interior design shop in Sweden. Just being able to visit the shop would be pretty rad too. Visit their website here.