Let's Daydream for a Minute

It seems that everyone is in crazy mode these past few weeks. Even my blogging friends seem to be as busy as bees. Is everyone moving and/or pregnant this month? It seems so. With all the busy-crazy-never-have-a-moment-to-stop-and-breathe weeks many of you are having, I propose a daydream. Take a minute to imagine yourself in that place that allows yourself to feel set free. Breathe in the wild air, if only in your imagination. Let your feet sink in the sand, if only while closing your eyes amidst doing dishes. Feel the sun warm your shoulders and kiss the nape of your neck, even if its while driving to your next meeting. Even if you can't slow down this weekend, take a moment to imagine the simple things that make even quiet & solitude overwhelm. 

Darling Magazine | In My Toolbox Series . Part II

Below is Part II of a series I wrote fort Darling Magazine this past month, In My Toolbox: Must Haves for the DIY Girl. I wrote it in collaboration with Matt, incorporating his wealth of tool knowledge and my diy experience. You can catch up on Part I--over here. Scroll down to read Part II in full, and check out the original on Darling Magazine's Website. (Speaking of, you can now order the digital version of Darling Magazine for only $5. Skip that latte, buy Darling Mag! You won't regret it, promise.) 

Thoughts By Natalie | Keeping it Natural . & No Makeup Makeup

This past week, I went make-up free for most of my California vacation. I was swimming nearly twice a day, so I found it a bit silly to put on blush or mascara. Let alone dry my hair. Coming back to a Colorado summer, I want to continue to embrace the make-up free, freshly tousled look that I adopted while soaking in suds and sun. The truth is, I feel most beautiful and myself this way. And haven't always felt that way, but I can honestly say I am more and more as I grow to learn and love my true beauty.

Gardening in the City

I have never had a vegetable garden. I waiver in my ability to care for plants. I tend to over water. And I am still learning how to navigate through soil (and what exactly are annuals?) But deep down in me there is this voice that wants to be a self-proclaimed gardner. I want to learn how to grow juicy tomatoes, know plant pairings at the drop of a dime, and name the varieties at City Floral (only THE BEST nursery in Denver). I am supposed to garden. I know it. Its in my bones. My grandparents were farmers, my grandma a plant whisperer (seriously, she was amazing), and Matt's family are all from farming roots. I'm having high hopes that genes will kick in.

And so, how is this amateur gardner fairing the sea? I'm reading a lot, asking too much, and being taught even more by those whose green thumbs are like emeralds. I cannot wait to share the progress of our garden, our built from scratch raised bed, and what I'm soaking in from my new read Farm City: The Education of an Urban Farmer. I may not have chickens quite yet (someday!), yet still, I dream of the time my entire refrigerator's veggie and fruit drawers are filled only with produce that started as seeds, planted in the soil by my very two hands. What are your thoughts on urban farming? Any city dwellers milking goats, harvesting crop, and raising chickens out there?

On Jewelry & Recovery

Coming to California this past week was in part to be here while my mom had knee surgery--spending quality pre-op time poolside and post-op time supporting her through the first days of recovery. My mom is one of those people that makes those around her feel so loved and comfortable. She literally lights up a room. You know what I mean if you've met her. She is a rock star with her knee replacement already. And although nobody can really prepare for the pain and recovery that a surgery brings, this week being one of the more challenging life hurdles to date, my mom continues to light up a room, bum knee, walker, and all. 

My Net | Happy Weekend !

Happy Memorial Day Weekend! I hope you enjoy three days off, weekending with the ones who make you smile so much your cheeks hurt. I don't even want to think about leaving these women, my besties no matter the distance, who do just that for me (the cheek hurting bit). I've already cried about leaving them. But that's inevitable. I'm a softy. They are my net. (Also, a really great article on finding yours, by Anne Taylor. Read it.)

Two more days left in California before I head back to Denver. I'm going to pack up as much California in my heart and suitcase that I can possibly manage (and as much Trader Joe's loot as I can fit in a carry on. Suggestions?). See you back in Colorado!

(The Winner of the Feature Giveaway is Kristen and her team at A Woman Inspired! Congrats, email coming soon! And thanks to all who entered!)

Little Hot Pink Seahorses

How fun it is to mix pattern and print, and how easy it is to pair bright colors when the sun is beaming. Lately, that is everyday--especially so while I've been in California this past week. I have always been drawn to prints on sweaters and button ups, whether its polkadots or a horse pattern, so while in Target with my friend Kara, I couldn't resist this summery button up with its (hot pink!) seahorses. 

Darling Magazine | In My Toolbox Series . Part I

Below is Part I of a series I wrote for Darling Magazine, In My Toolbox: Must Haves for the DIY Girl. Matt collaborated with me on the piece, and I am so thankful for his tool guidance! Even better,  the tools photographed for the series are a combination of tools passed down to us from our grandfathers. Scroll down to read it in full, and check out the original on Darling Magazine's Website. 

With warm weather and longer days finally here, visions of projects dance in our heads. The itch to get deep into DIY abounds—“But wait!,” you say, “ I don't have all those fancy tools! I wouldn't even know where to start.” Three words. You are mistaken. To complete the most simple to moderately involved DIY projects you only need a few basic tools. Having the right tool for any job keeps the task from becoming frustrating, taking more time than it should, and possibly ending up with something ruined. Think of an artist, a gardener, a cook—their craft requires the right tools, and the most basic if that, to be enjoyable and successful. In this series, we'll explore those basic tools that any diy girl would need—novice or expert—so that you can have a most successful handmade, make it from scratch, paint-the-town type of season.

Hammer

Everybody has to have one (emphasis on essential). The most well-rounded choice would be a 12” curved claw nail hammer. One of these in your toolbox, and you are good to go! For the more rustic, you can choose a hammer with a wooden handle. For the more modern, you may opt for a metal handled hammer.

Pliers

When asking a turned city dweller: “Why didn't you stay on the farm and be a farmer?” Their response makes case and point: “Every good farmer can fix anything with bailing wire and a pliers. I couldn't.” That statement couldn't be more true. For a lot of wood working projects pliers won't be used much, but having a standard and needle-nose pliers will get you places in life. The Craftsman set of both types from Sears, for example, are a great option.

Adjustable wrench

Yet, another very handy tool. Get a 10” and never look back. This choice fits nearly any size nut or bolt with its adjustable spinning parts. And darling, you won't regret it when you've mastered fixing your leaky sink sans plumber thanks to your handy wrench.

Screwdrivers

There are an abundance of types and sizes of screwdrivers, Philips and Flathead being the most common. A good alternative to getting a full set of different screwdrivers is going with a ratcheting style screwdriver along with a set of interchangeable bits. A set like this can be found at any hardware store, like Harbor Freight. Along with a standard set, you may also need to get a set of very small screwdrivers separately for smaller screws.

Hex Keys

These are not as common and many times come with “build-it-yourself” furniture, eh-em Ikea. However, have you bought something preassembled or already built off Craigslist or thrifted and now it is loose and falling over? Tighten it up with the marvelous hex key. Many bit sets come with these included with them. If you purchase a bit set with a ratcheting style screwdriver, check to make sure it includes hex keys.

*Don't forget, you can still enter the giveaway that's happening for a feature ad spot through Friday afternoon--go HERE. 

An Announcement from Shelby

Shelby is right. You can still enter! The winner gets a feature spot for 30 days, a feature post here on Pearls Poppies Pinkies Up, social media promotion, and other fun details. Go enter! HERE is more about the giveaway--all that's needed is at least one comment on the original giveaway post. There are additional ways to enter, but a simple comment is all thats needed. Giveaway closes 12:00 p.m. Friday (pacific time). Winner announced Friday afternoon, May 24!

Lace and Doilies

Of course when I come to California, and have my mom and two best friends around, its inevitable we  stop in at a few of our favorite stores. I had yet to find the perfect lace pieces for Spring, that exude femininity, so I was delighted when I found some quality pieces on the sale racks at Anthropologie and Aerie. From Aerie, a linen and lace combo beach cover up, and from Anthro a bright cobalt lace skirt. 

Dear Future 80 Year Old Me

I am writing today as part of the Love Yourself Linkup--an ongoing series that will focus on topics such as self image and body image. Writers, bloggers, and women alike will talk about our thoughts on these subjects, tell stories of our personal experience, share what has inspired us, challenged us, and more. Learn more over at Ann the Adventurer. You can read my thoughts from the past weeks here and here. 

With wrinkle ointments, botox, plastic surgery, and a world that very much cringes at the thought of inevitable aging, it is crucial to plunge in against this group think rip current, swim upstream, and embrace the beauty of being older. We must internalize that with each wrinkle, each freckle, each grey hair, that we are even more beautiful from the inside out. As woman, we must focus on our character as the true source of beauty--choosing beauty over vanity. Below is a letter I wrote last year to a future 80 year old me. I hope it encourages you to reflect on what an older you would want to hear from herself, and what you would want an older you to instill in her heart about beauty. And perhaps, you too, will want to write to a future you.

Dear older me,

Your years have made you wiser, with a  wise soul that is discerning. 

Discernment has made your speech sweet like a honeycomb, with gracious words that are sweetness to the soul. Your words carry like a tune throughout your your family. Your young, their young, and generations after. May your words and their words be ever filled with harmonies of kindness.  

Your years have caused wear on your face, your hands, your heart. Wrinkles of joy from laughing and kisses from the sun. Rough hands from the work and love you have poured out through touch, and craft, and thoughtfulness. From a lamp that never goes out. A worn in heart secure in what you know is rock, and what you know is passing like the wind.

Your years have made you lovelier. The way you sip your tea, relish in frienships, and still wear pearls, just because. More precious than the jewels that adorn you, your beloved trusts in you, and has no lack of gain. Your years have made you independent and strong. Continue to dress yourself with strength and dignity, and laugh at the time to come.

Your years have made you fear the Lord. Love the Lord. Know the Lord.

Your years have made you just the way you are.

Embrace it, every bit. And know I am learning how to be more like you.

Love,

A younger you

Beautiful Woman Photo via Lee Jeffries | Portions of this letter referenced from Proverbs 29 & 31, ESV

Love for Oklahoma

My heart is breaking for the people of Moore, Oklahoma. Tragedy has struck our nation, and our world, on such a large scale these past few months. I am praying for the people of Oklahoma, near and far, and for the healing of that community. Remember, you can help bring aid even if you live across the country by donating to the Red Cross Disaster Relief. Visit their website at redcross.org for the simple ways you can help. You can also text to REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

Print via Etsy | Stamp via Etsy

Cacti Blooms and Belonging

The cactus tells me that Spring is here, as I hike the trails right outside the door of my parents' Southern California home. After standing alone with its prickly parts all winter, blooms of yellow and pink are gracing the tops of the warding cacti.  I love how Spring looks so different here. So different than the Colorado Spring I now know. And as I'm reminded of California Spring, the once ever familiar desert terrain and the dusty trails fill my heart with a sense of belonging. 

Everything Else is Secondary

My best friend of 25 years graduated with her Master's degree yesterday. Miranda's hard work and sacrifice will now get her to that dream she has had growing in her heart for so many years : to be a school guidance counselor.

Quite often, we wander from our dreams. Quite often, we forget to follow our intuition. We drown in the noise of others, unable to hear our inner voice. I look at my best friend and see an individual who has continued toward her dream, not trapped by the burden of "what ifs", freed from stifling words of others, following her heart and intuition--setting out ahead and taking risks.

Obviously, attending graduations spurs on a feeling or optimism and excitement. And I can say that sitting there yesterday, and celebrating this weekend, gives me a renewed spark to keep on pushing, keep on following my heart, my intuition, and listening to my inner voice.

Yesterday I was reminded of all of this as a speaker quoted the words of Steve Jobs. He said, “Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma – which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.”

So, I ask you, just as I continue to ask myself : Do you hear your inner voice or is the noise of others stifling it?

Be an Opener of Doors.

Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote “Be an opener of doors." What is it about old doors that are so intriguing? The mystery behind them. The color and pop that many add to and otherwise dull wall. The geometric carved out details. The tiny key hole with all power to unlock a world behind. The protection and security they bring. The history and stories they could tell. We want to open them. We want the sense of unknown and the adventure that comes with each new door opened.

A few weekends ago we meandered through the Valverde Bazaar Outdoor Market in South Denver. I shared about the scrap metal and rusty letters we stumbled on at the market already (specifically that metal ampersand that was just so tempting!). There were so many more amazing finds at the market and within the huge warehouse-- the most ornate and eye catching were the lofty doors and windows all around the exterior of the warehouse. There was a sense of history and wonder as I took in the beauty of these doors. And although no longer hinged to an entrance, I still longed to know the story these doors could tell. 

The Do It Yourself Simple Guide to Paint

Below is an article I wrote for Darling Magazine this week--a simple guide on all things paint. Scroll down to read it in full, and check out the original on Darling Magazine's Website.

There was once a time when paint was nothing more than plant and flower pigments mixed with egg yolk, or milk mixed with colored pigments, then dried and left ready to be applied. Now, wander down the paint aisle in any hardware store when planning your next do-it-yourself project and be surrounded by the endless paint choices. Glossy, latex, enamels, oil based, water based, primers, cans of spray paint, and an equally large assortment of paint brushes hanging from ceiling to floor. And the colors! Hundreds of shades representing every inch of the color wheel, like simple white paint, are coined with clever names—navajo white, ancient ivory, frosting, cream fleece, ashwood, white heron, moonshine, linen, bone white. Where does one even begin?

When it comes to paint, one size does not fit all. Matching paint with material is essential—so before you hit the paint aisle, and lay out your drop cloth, ready to dip your brush and make a color transformation, here are a few simple things to consider about the endless options out there…

Sunny Style (Without The Sunburn!)

Tomorrow I'll be on a plane to California. Hurray! And while trips to the beach, hiking, and sitting poolside are at the top of my to-do list, having a fair complexion makes me ever so prone to sunburn (and sun damage). It seems with each new summer, I feel a little bit wiser and thoughtful about how I spend my time under the sun--or how I protect myself under the sun.

Bathing suits with a bit more coverage, light weight cover-ups with high necklines and longer sleeves, wide brimmed floppy hats, UV protected sunnies, helioplex sunscreen & beauty balm with spf, and button or zip ups to throw on while sitting pool-side--these are all what I am currently living in when soaking up Vitamin D. The items in this round up I own (or something similar) and use personally, and can confidently say that I feel stylish while being smart about protecting myself from the sun :)

1 // Target | Lakitia Flip Flop
2 // Anthropologie | Dots and Dahlias Chambray Button Down
3 // Neutragena | Ultra Sheer Sunscreen with Helioplex
4 // Stila | Stay All Day 10-in 1 BB SPF 30
5 // Aeire | Soft & Cozy Hoody
6 // Von Zipper | Elmore Sunglasses in Tortoise
7 // Target | Rugby Shirt Dress
8 // Gap | Metallic Floppy Hat
9 // Aerie | Solid One Piece Swimsuit

Love Yourself Linkup | Gossip

I am writing today as part of the Love Yourself Linkup--an ongoing series that will focus on topics such as self image and body image. Writers, bloggers, and women alike will talk about our thoughts on these subjects, tell stories of our personal experience, share what has inspired us, challenged us, and more. Learn more over at Ann the Adventurer. You can read my thoughts from last week here. And join the conversation by clicking "click to enter" below.

As a woman, its no mystery that I've been where gossip made itself known. Both as the gossiper and the gossipee. "Here I am! Idle talk!" I wish it screamed. "Words that break, and hurt, and slander," I wish it hummed. What is it about gossip? Why does it, in the moment, seem to make women feel so connected and 'important' and 'lofty' when they talk about someone, or share something personal about 'her' that has nothing to do with them personally. And why is it that many of us have become so passive in holding others above reproach? Why don't we make a stance against this idle talk, this breaking speech, this hurtful and terrible thing called gossip.

Giveaway | Featured Spot!

A giveaway, friends! I am so excited about this giveaway because it signifies something big for Pearls Poppies Pinkies Up. It is not only a fun way to connect through ad partnerships, but a way to grow community through blogging. Just this week, I've implemented Passionfruit Ads as a way for advertisers to partner with Pearls Poppies Pinkies Up. I am excited even more so because adding on the advertisement piece reflects the commitment I am able to give to this blog (more than I ever have before)--just freshly a year old, and ever changing and growing as I find myself as a creative, Pearls Poppies Pinkies Up is beginning to fit a niche, and maybe that is your niche too!

To kick things off for advertising, I would love to feature one of you! The winner of this giveaway will get a 30 day Featured Spot! If you feel Pearls Poppies Pinkies Up and its readers are a fit for your blog, brand, shop, or cause, this giveaway is just for you! 

New to this blog and want to know more about readership and style? You can read more on the about page and advertising page. You can also view additional online publications on the portfolio page, my Instagram, and Pinterest, to get a better sense of what I write on, my style, and who I am.

The "Featured Spot" includes: 

>>Side Bar Advertisement under the "Featured" section

>>30 days alternated alongside two additional "Featured" partners 

>>A post on PPP (either written by me, or a guest post about your blog, brand, or shop)

>>Shout outs and positive promotion through social media 

>>A dedicated new fan (me!) so that I can authentically promote your content with my readers

TO ENTER: Leave a comment below with your first name and email address.

ADDITIONAL ENTRIES: You can do any or all of the following--just be sure to leave an extra comment for each extra entry so it's counted!

• Like Pearls Poppies Pinkies Up on Facebook.
• Share about the giveaway via Facebook (Include a link to your post below in your comment).
• Tweet about the giveaway, mentioning @lauren_tien.

You can enter up to 12:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time!

WINNER ANNOUNCED ON: Friday, May 24th!

Happy entering, friends!

Mother's Day Weekend

Happy Mother's Day to all of the mommas, grandmas (and even aunties and sisters) out there who have stepped into the often thankless yet most rewarding job in existence. Enjoy your day! And for me, even though Colorado makes me miles apart from both my mom and Matt's mom this Sunday, I'll be California bound next Thursday and staying for TEN DAYS! Plenty of time for mother and mother-in-lawquality time, and post Mother's Day celebrating. I'm seeing beaches, patio lounging, and wine.

In this photo: my mom, aunt Alice and Matt's mom (my mama-in-law). All women in my life to celebrate today (and who all love a delicious beverage)! Thanks for for the unconditional love, for me and Matt both, and for "getting us" before we often can ourselves. And also to the handful of women not pictured, who have cared for us just so with a mothering spirit, you know who you are, thank you. You are all truly the best, and we are who we are today because of you.

{From the Archives} DIY Baubles

Last summer I found these amazing geometric wooden napkin rings at Goodwill (read: $1.50).  Obsessed with the look of color blocking at the time (and possibly still), I wanted to pull off a similar vibe in the form of a chunky necklace. A container of sample paint and a few steps later (you can read about the how-to here), and voila! How pleased I was (and am) with the resulting statement bauble necklace! 

Terrariums, Succulents, & Soil, oh my!

Photo taken at the Valverde Bazaar in Denver. (Note to Self: Make a vertical planter.)

Ever since our trip to Buenos Aires, and stumbling upon the table overflowing with succulents at the open air market (see: here), I cannot help but feel enchanted by these little plants. Add terrariums into the mix, and I am just a goner! Just in case you too can't get enough of succulents and terrariums, both outdoors and in, here are some favorites I've bookmarked from around the interwebs:

More On That "Joy Stealing" Business

One way I've shared that I am living more simply, is by taking time in my otherwise brimming day to read.  (You can read more about that here). When I first set out to do this, novels and fiction were mostly on my mind. Its interesting though, that now as I've taken time in my day to read, I find myself enjoying the newspaper, magazines, my devotional, and authentic conversation on blogs more than I ever have. Its quite possible that the goal of reading actually has taken a cultivating in my heart, to teach me how to slow down. Something, that if you ask Matt, I have a hard time with.

I say I have a difficult time with slowing down. In that same sentence I could add, "a lack of understanding true solitude". Can you relate? Time and time again, I measure the success of my day by the length and completion of my to-do list. I find myself feeling rushed, pressured, all by my own doing, to have every box checked neatly. Then, repeat the following day. As I just wrote on how words and comparison often robs us of our joy in the realm of body and self image, I have also experienced my to-do list robbing me of that very same life-giving joy. The joy that comes with taking in the simple things. The joy that comes with slowing down. The joy that comes with being available to those around us. The joy that's left waiting while we finish our "to-dos".

I by no means am writing that a to-do list is a negative thing. In fact, being organized and on top of the daily tasks can leave more room to take time and enjoy those simple things. But there is a difference that can be seen in the heart of the person, the task completer. Where I can often find my heart, and my mind, is caught up with everything that I have on my plate that day, and I forget to smell the roses--as cliché as this sounds. I miss out on moments of simplicity.

This 'joy-stealing' business, I am done with. And thankfully, God is teaching me how to be more mindful and prayerful, in turn cultivating my heart to seek solitude rather than cringe at the thought of how it might make it challenging to check of my boxes for the day. Reading has helped with that. Books have become a place of recovery for my otherwise task-minded default. I am learning how to find joy and happiness in the simple small moments, rather than joy solely from how I've measured up to my tasks for the day (although, how satisfying it does feel to check scrubbing the bathtub off that list!).

Photograph taken along the California Coast, by me, when taking a moment to find joy in the simplest of things.

________________________________________________________________________

Below are a few articles on being still, taking time, and simplicity--to start your day this Thursday:

• Thoughts By Natalie | Just Breathe
• Darling Magazine | What You See is What You Get
• Anne the Adventurer | My Self Care Bag
• Going Home To Roost | Simple Living Inspiration
• On Books And Taking Time | Pearls Poppies Pinkies Up

What will I remember?

I am writing today as part of the Love Yourself Linkup--an ongoing series that will focus on topics such as self image and body image. Writers, bloggers, and women alike will talk about our thoughts on these subjects, tell stories of our personal experience, share what has inspired us, challenged us, and more. Learn more over at Ann the Adventurer. You can join the conversation by clicking "click to enter" below.

I remember always being the taller one. The one with knocked knees. The girl with oily skin and a temperamental complexion. The girl with a smaller bust and broader shoulders. I never wanted to be the girl who looked in the mirror and noticed these things. But I was, and I did notice.

When I look back at photos of myself, as a teenager and younger woman, I see beauty. The knocked knees, blemishes, and athletic body aren't what stand out-- I see a younger me, with big blue eyes, a swimmers physic, and the world in front of her. So why is it that my memory of myself during that time in my life, is far different from what I see in photographs?

Words said once, that tear a part with their sting, stick with us. Yet words sweet as honey, said over and over that build up, we often forget. I clinged to what others said about me. As an insecure younger girl, words made lasting impressions. But unfortunately, words that broke me down are what I remember most. Comments I heard about myself, often in the context of comparison and often unrealized by the person saying them, are what I began to internalize, and believe as truth in my heart. 

I can remember going to Macy's with a friend in high school. We went to one of the cosmetic counters and the sales woman wanted to try every type of lotion, powder, and rouge on my friend. "You have model skin!" she said. But what the saleswoman did not know, nor my friend, was that as I stood there, with a blemish concealed, nothing was said about my skin. Nothing was tried on my complexion. In my heart, I was not desired in that moment. And that stuck with me, mistaken as truth--that my skin was not pretty enough. (And yes, the fact that I still remember this IS crazy!)

When I look at photographs of myself from that time of growth as a young woman, when I was beginning to make sense of the world and who I am in it, I cannot help but ask myself: What comparison, lies, and words still hold me back from feeling beautiful today? Right now? When I think of being 15, 16, 17 years old, I remember feeling flat chested, face spotted, and not pretty to the standards of the world. But in reality, I was beautiful. How sad my heart feels for that younger me who was robbed of joy at times because of words and comparison.

And now, at 27, my skin is clearer but not perfect. I still have broad shoulders, but I am a darn fast swimmer. Yes I am small chested, but hey I like that about me. I am tall, but my husband is 6'3". And I will always have knock knees, but so did my grandmother, so I am reminded that she is a part of me. And yes I still have insecurities about all of this, but I know that how I felt about myself as a younger girl masks truth and spotlights lies--something that still continues to be broken down even now. So yes, it is a process.

Ten years from now, when I look at a photo of myself in my mid-twenties and I think about who I was  and what I believed to be true about myself--what will I remember? Will I remember feeling confident, creative, healthy, kind, and pretty when I look and see my big blue eyes looking back at me in a photograph? Will I remember feeling beautifully me, free of joy stealing comparisons and words that tear and break? The reality: probably not completely. Like I said, it is a process. But I make a vow to dwell on the words that build up. A vow to seek truth from Scripture and to strive to see myself as my God sees me. And to internalize truth, throwing lies to the wayside.

Photo taken in Evergreen, Colorado last summer on one of the hottest days ever. 

Darling Magazine | Mi Querido, Mon Cher, My Beloved Buenos Aires

 "From its metropolitan streets and epicenter of trade, politics, and business, to its quaint neighborhoods filled with Parisian architecture, cafes and cobblestone streets, to its vibrantly colored 'caminitos' echoing accordion notes, tango twirls, and artisan flare—Buenos Aires is a city so full of diversity and life that it cannot be missed as a destination perfect for any so-desiring world traveler." read more at Darling Magazine...

You can read my latest travel article Mi Querido, Mon Cher, My Beloved Buenos Aires over at Darling Magazine Online (and enjoy more photographs from the trip, below!). If you are in need of travel and adventure today, explore Rome, Machu Pichu, Amsterdam, or Playa Del Carmen --a few more travel pieces for your heart full of wanderlust. 

Rusty Metal ABCs

I felt like Mike and Frank from American Pickers as I came across this vendor at the Outdoor Pop Up Market on Saturday. A serious pot of gold, in the form of rusty metal and peeling paint. Some old signage letters, and others vintage scrap metal reclaimed and upcycled--oh the ways they could be incorporated into the home! Are't they a junkyard dream?

Minty Sea-foam Little Bathroom

I've been moving around a few pieces of art in the house to change things up a bit. I am so glad I moved the thrifted Van Gogh print, because the Irises' seem to fit perfectly in the void space above the storage shelf, pulling everything together in this teeny tiny bathroom of ours.

Chevron Kitchen Mat

Is it not the best when an unfortunate event turns into a wonderful mishap? In English class, a wonderful mishap would be an oxymoron, but when playing around with paint it can turn into the perfect accident. 

When I was painting our barstools paint dripped onto the kitchen floor mat, and it was not cleanable by the time I noticed. Ooops! I hadn't jumped on the chevron bandwagon in any design sense, so to please Jonathan Adler I decided to seize the opportunity and give the paint dripping rug a chevron pattern. Since this diy chevron rug has been all over Pinterest for the past year, I don't need to give you the detail how to. So, here is it in a nutshell: