I am pretty sure I let out an audible “Awww!” when I saw the new illustration that Kris Atomic made for her website. The colors! The clothes! And, most importantly, the cat on a leash! The cat also resembles my Atlas. Although, he’d never be caught dead on a leash. I’ve actually tried it. He just rolled onto his back & refused to move. But, I can live in a fantasy world when I look at this illustration! So cute.

P.S. Thanks so much for all your feedback on the last entry. I’m going to try adding a belt to my tucked ensemble next time.

I’ve been wanting a cute vintage chalkboard to put in my kitchen for a while now. I could write sweet messages on it to the boy or things I need to get from the grocery store or little “to do” reminders; the possibilities are endless! Naturally, the first place I decided to look was the ever-faithful Etsy.

After browsing for a bit, I stumbled upon Mary Kate McDevitt’s Etsy shop & let out a gasp of delight. It’s exactly what I’ve been in the market for! My only problem? Choosing my favorite, of course!

Oh my gosh! This installation by French artist Céleste Boursier-Mougenot is too effing adorable for words. Cute little birds playing guitars? SHUT UP. I can hardly handle it.

Here’s an excerpt taken from its Youtube page:

French artist Céleste Boursier-Mougenot creates works by drawing on the rhythms of daily life to produce sound in unexpected ways. For his installation in The Curve, Boursier-Mougenot creates a walk-though aviary for a flock of zebra finches, furnished with electric guitars and other musical instruments. As the birds go about their routine activities, perching on or feeding from the various pieces of equipment, they create a captivating, live soundscape.

{found via brightlywound}

Kate Wilson’s Little Doodles are unbelievably charming!
I simply cannot get enough of her adorable little birds with their over-the-top personalities.
Visit Kate’s Etsy as well as her portfolio website for more.

I start a new job tomorrow! For those of you that weren’t already aware, I’m a recently graduated education major with an emphasis in Secondary Education English/ Language Arts. In other words, I went to school to be a high school English teacher. I finished up my teaching internship right before Christmas & have been actively seeking a position ever since. Well, good news! I just got a job as a middle school (!!) English teacher at a local charter school. I start tomorrow & I’m terrified beyond belief. I don’t know what to expect which is what scares me most of all. I can only go into it “expecting the unexpected.” That’s essentially the best advice I’ve received on the subject thus far.

As a result of these recent events, I’ve decided to compile a list of things I tend to do when I’m stressed. Perhaps, if nothing else, it will help keep my mind off of tomorrow for a few minutes & maybe be something pretty for you all to look at. So, without any further ado…

Things I tend to do to avoid freaking out:

1. Watch cute Youtube videos. Some of my favorites at the moment include…

Kitty Maru is so determined to get in that dang box! It inspires me to keep trying! Hah.

I love this video because the little boy is just too cute for words. I love how he starts to nod his head & get into the music before … raging. Hahaha.

I love this video because it’s cute too but in a different way. There’s also that added supsense — are they going to make it? Watch & find out

Continue reading Things I tend to do to avoid freaking out.

Why is it that adding balloons to any photograph seems to create instant magic?

{Credit: 1. Untitled, 2. untitled, 3. Day 98 – balloon happiness?, 4. love balloon, 5. serenity, 6. learn to fly, 7. you stole my heart away, 8. Returning to the same ocean., 9. I’ll Give You All I Can…}

The buttons! The ruffles! I’m tempted. Oh so tempted. What say you?
[Dogwood Ruffle bag from SweetgumHandbags for $55]

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Clockwise from left:

(1) Bamboo Mobile Bird Trio: $68; (2) Don’t Panic Print: $20; (3) Little Bunny FuFu Rabbit Womens Destroyed Tshirt: $20; (4) Brass Forest Necklace: $20.

Hello! So, next Wednesday (July 8 to be exact) I’m turning 23. I guess I’m rather “meh” about the whole thing. After you turn 21, I feel like there’s not really anything to look forward to. I mean, I’m not one of those people that feels depressed about getting “old” & I realize 23 is still considered pretty dang young. Regardless, I’m not overwhelmingly excited about my actual birthday. However, I am excited about a little get-together I’ve decided to host in honor of my birthday next Friday. It’s going to be a wine/cheese/bread/etc themed party! I’ve actually never hosted a proper party at my apartment before, so it should be interesting. It’s not going to be anything extravagant– just a small gathering of good friends & (hopefully) good conversation. I’ve been spending the majority of the day making the playlist for my party. I plan on posting it here for you to download when it’s finished! Should be pretty great by the time it’s finished.

Anyway, all of this “party planning” business has inspired me to look for some interesting & lovely party decorating ideas out there in the black hole that is the internet. Here are just a few of my favorites:

These little nightlights are so freaking cute & would give the perfect ambiance to an evening party. (via marthastewart.com)

These are awesome because (a)I love cupcakes & (b) I love putting faces on inanimate objects.
So, combining those two things = DOUBLE WIN. (via aashdown)

Polka dots everywhere! My dream come true! (via camillestyles’ photostream)

The morning of my birthday, I’d like to wake up to this. Just sayin’. (via 20×200)

What about you? Have any inspiring birthday images/links/decor ideas/etc. to share with me?

Teacher Outfits by Chriztine featuring J Crew

There were so many amazing contributions to my Teacher Outfit contest! It was extremely difficult for me to choose just one winner. But, since I don’t have enough Polaroid film to go around, it had to be done. SO, I chose Christine’s set ( shown above) because I thought they were absolutely teacher-appropriate and showed a wide range of options. Also, I think that they all are just my style & I could easily see myself wearing each one of them in the classroom. Plus, I absolutely need that navy blue blazer on the right. So, congratulations Christine! And, thank you all for participating. I am including some of my favorites in this post because they were just too good not to share.

Teacher by kate rose featuring Paul Smith shoes

emily abigail by alyson210 featuring Marni accessories

Emily Abigail Teacher Outfit by janiep featuring CHANEL earrings

For Emily Abigail by queenmelike featuring Dorothy Perkins