Take a closer look

I've been home from New York for almost three weeks now and, sadly, still haven't uploaded my pictures yet.  I'm really horrible with things like that.  But, when that day finally comes, I've got some rad pictures from the greatest museums in New York that I think you'll like.  Until then, here are some art photos that I didn't take, but they're amazing and pretty trippy nonetheless.  

Letting go

How do you let things go?  Is there anything you do or say that helps push negative energy away?  That's something I'm struggling with right now, and I don't know what to do.  

So, in honor of letting go, I want to share with you a very interesting photography series.  It captures a moment right before people are about to say goodbye to the greatest gift they've ever received - their very own life.  These pictures document their last wish - their last meals before execution.

I love collages

I have been feeling so unmotivated and uninspired lately.  I'm in one those funks.  Those frustrating funks that you know you'll snap out of soon, but it's still getting to me.  I need a project.  Something to will me out of bed in the morning.  Something to get excited about.  But, until then, I'll just peruse through the blog Record the Day.  It makes me happy.  The collages are simple, yet beautiful.  They remind me of all the magazine collages I'd make as a kid.  Only these are more elegant looking.  

Dorm done right

It's that time of year again: back-to-school.  It feels so weird to not be making runs to Staples or Office Depot, buying up all their Ballpoint pens and decorative notebooks.  It feels weird to not be registering for classes and praying I get the schedule I want.  And, it feels weird to not be planning my first-day-of-school outfit (yes, I did that even as a senior).  

As students at my alma mater moved into the dorms yesterday, I'm sure many of them were facing one of the biggest challenges in their life to date: decorating and organizing their sardine can-sized room.  If you never had to experience such joy, let me tell you - making use of such a small space and making it feel like home is a tough task.  But, this guy below sure knows how to do it right.  I must say - I'm quite impressed.

Chalk makes a comeback

Hi everyone!  I'm so so sorry for the long run of postless days and even more sorry that I did not give you forewarning.  I just moved back down to Southern California and into a new apartment with my best friend.  It feels good to be back, but I still miss New York from time to time.  Back to the real world though!  

Although my main focus right now is looking for a job, a lot of my attention, of course, is being hogged with thoughts of furniture arrangement, color schemes and wall decor ideas.  With so much interior design on the brain, I thought I'd share with you my latest obsession: chalk.  

Indeed, that thing I'd doodle on sidewalks with has circled back around.  Only this time I want to paint on more than just the ground.  Here are some fun ways to use chalkboard paint:  

Chalkboard walls:

Doors:

Cabinets:

Refrigerator:

Wine glasses:

Planters:

Storage:

Calendars to keep schedule:

To remember recipes:

To create pieces of art:

To record inspirational quotes:

Ruffles galore

I'm not usually a belt person, but lately, I find myself eyeing belts like I do bracelets.  They can really pull together an outfit that's lacking something.  I think this ruffle belt would look especially great with a simple one-color dress.  The even better part is that you can make it yourself.  And, I do love a good craft project.

If a belt is not enough for you, try these DIY ruffled purse and heels.  They're adorable, but, for some reason, I feel like my own handmade ones wouldn't turn out quite the same.  

Replacements

I absolutely love photography, and it excites me when I see artists doing something fresh and interesting with their photographs.  Wonderfully-captured pictures are a joy to look at and admire, but these photographic experiments really inspire me. 


Michael Hughes replaces famous landmarks with their souvenir counterparts, and Jason Powell uses old photographs in place of the current-day structures.  I love this out-of-the-box thinking.  These pictures are so fun and unique.