GRAPHIC WORKOUT

My desktop wallpaper needed to be refreshed (it's been at least a month!). and I promise to work on more than just wallpapers!  Very graphic and lovely colors, this wallpaper graphic workout was inspired by an embroidery pattern I spotted on Pinterest and loved everything about it. Enjoy the free wallpaper for your desktop or iPhone!

RECENTLY

It's been one of those weeks that went by in a blur. Been settling into my new house - finding the right places for my favorite paintings (such as this amazing find) and stocking up my grown up bar.

The biggest news this week is my poster design for my local Halloween Parade debuted. I had such a blast working with the people of 10/31 Consortium and I even got invited to design next year's as well!

On a more blog-gy note I am planning on returning my Tuesday Tunes and Thrifty Thursdays to my line-up. Please let me know if there are any posts that you'd like to see more of! I'm still defining my blog so any feedback is appreciated. 

MY LITTLE BANJO

After a few weeks of searching I struck gold. I stumbled across this sweet little pea about 2 hours north. Now, listen to this amazing story. If you remember, my childhood dog recently died the day after his 14th birthday. The dachshund I found was born the exact day Oscar passed away, April 7th 2013. Both me and his former owner were shocked at the coincidence, and it let me know he was the perfect dog for me.

 It was a beautiful drive through Lafayette and inspired by the country scenery and a little folk music I couldn't help but name him Banjo.

I couldn't ask for a sweeter, well behaved puppy. At first he was shy, but quickly warmed up to us, never leaving our sides. He plays well with our Australian Shepherd and I can't wait to see how he plays with my toddler. I'm so excited and feel so blessed to have found him. 

WORD

This weekend is full of getting out of my comfort zone. Today it's planned to officially move into Ryan's house! I've been pseudo living with him for a while, but today it's the real deal. 

On top of all that, I've been on a dog hunt. Ever since my beloved weenie dog, Oscar, died in April there's been a huge hole in my heart. I miss him so much, he was a mainstay of my life for 14 years. Moving on has been difficult - many random outbursts of crying (I'm a sap) and looking for him in my mind before remembering. I've decided that I wanted a new dog to grow with, but finding a dog has proven way harder than I anticipated. I'm extremely picky, this is a huge commitment. Shelters are extremely picky, it's a huge commitment. We've just haven't met on the same page yet - but I keep trying. It's my comfort zone to try a little and then if it doesn't work, give up. But honestly that's such a dumb way of thinking. So I will keep trying and the right pup will come into my life. 

I'm reminded of when I was dating, and how I met Ryan. I went on date after date, nothing would spark. I felt defeated and wanted to give up on dating for a long time. Ryan had asked me out, I cancelled one date so I felt compelled to go. I met him and I was just smitten. It happens when you least expect it but when you most need it. 

{photo by Ryan McCauley, words by Laniebird}

EASY HAIR TUTORIAL

Tuesday night is Girl's Night, which usually revolves around my twin sister Ann showing us the how -to's in makeup and hair (she's self taught and always stunning). She decided this night was dedicated to something easy to do but not everyone knows how. She loves this ceramic curling wand and I swear by it too. My hair never keeps curl for long without being freeze dried with hairspray - and without product this curl from this iron will LAST. The wand does take some getting used to if you've grown up around regular curling irons, but it's worth it. So here's my sister's Hair Curling Tutorial: 

STEP ONE      »––> Section hair in an upper and lower half

STEP TWO     »––> Wrap hair in 2-3" wide sections - adjust depending on hair thickness. Curl hair downward

STEP THREE »––> Finish across lower section

STEP FOUR   »––> Repeat steps 1-3 on upper half. Curl away from face 

STEP FIVE     »––> Once hair is cool, brush out with comb to loosen up waves 

And lastly, don't burn your twin's hair.

J'ADORE

Quaint + Whim is the brainchild of my bestest friend, Tah Jah. We've known each other since we were in third grade and she always continues to amaze and astound me with her talent. She's an impressive photographer, dancer, and artist. Check her out and maybe you can "j'adore" her too!

GRAPHIC WORKOUT

I like to keep my graphic design skills limber - a few calisthenic stretches here or there to make sure I don't get too rusty. Here's a little freebie wallpaper for your desktop and iphone! 

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!

I love holidays and what it does for people. Somehow a day on the calendar, which in essence is just like any other day, can just excite ho-hum moods and make people cheer. Of course we have our reasons to cheer, especially on a day like today which commemorates the day of our nation's start.

This Fourth I plan on hanging out with friends, eating rum soaked watermelon, and going to watch some beautiful fireworks off the river. How will you enjoy your Independence Day? However it is, be smart, safe and kind to everyone around you!